Cause and Effect, A Fictional Short, Part 5

Chapter 5

June, 1979

I managed to make it through my first year of high school wearing the clothes my parents provided for me, but I desperately wanted to create my own style. I needed a job. Although all of my sisters had previously spent their summers working at the community pool, I didn’t want the income stream to end in August, so I sought something different. With no car available to me, I had to find employment within walking distance of my house. One of my classmates, Janet, worked at Fullmer’s grocery store and had mentioned that Mrs. Fullmer was looking for more part-time help. A week before the end of the school year, I stopped by the store on my way home. My plan: Get the job first. Convince Mom and Dad to let me work there second.

It wasn’t much of an interview. Mrs. Fullmer knew my family and since I knew Janet, she pretty much asked me when I could start, how many hours I could work and how I would get home after dark.

As it turned out, convincing Mom and Dad was much easier than I’d anticipated. They’d seemed pleased I wanted to work and that I’d taken the initiative to find employment at a location other than the public pool. They said they had a lot of respect for Mrs. Fullmer. Dad even offered to pick me up on those nights when I would have to close the store, eliminating any concern for my safety.

I know what you’re thinking. No way. Why would she do that? Why would she put herself in this situation knowing what she knows?

Two answers: 1. There were no other jobs within walking distance of my house. 2. I was drawn there. You decide which one you like better.

My first day. I arrived at the store 15 minutes early as instructed and was greeted at the cash register by a bustling Mrs. Fullmer. “Good morning Tess, come on back here, I’ve got some paperwork for you to complete and a smock for you to try on.”

I followed Mrs. Fullmer to the back of the store where we entered a cramped closet she called her office. The space, just large enough for a desk and two chairs, was so cluttered that I didn’t immediately notice the framed picture of her son, Freddie, hanging above her desk. But when it did catch my eye, an involuntary gasp escaped me.

She noticed of course. “He was a handsome one, that boy of mine.” She said matter-of-fact. “Did you know my Freddie?” She asked.

“No.” I replied awkwardly. “I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Fullmer.”

“Rule #1 around here Tess: call me June. Everyone calls me June.” She instructed. “And, thank you. My Freddie was a good boy. He’s in a good place now.” Then, handing me a W-4 form, she was back in business mode, “You’ll have to fill this out and return it to me tomorrow.”

As I reached out for the form June noticed my trembling hands. “Oh my, honey, don’t be nervous. We have a lot of fun here. Janet’s coming in this morning and she’ll show you the ropes. You’re a smart girl, so I’m sure you’ll catch on quickly.” She said reassuring me – utterly unaware of the true cause of my jitters.

“Mrs. Fullmer – June, I – –“ I began, but was interrupted by the tinkling of bells. Janet had just come through the front door and was making her way back to June’s office. What was I going to say anyway, I wondered later.