Yes
652 Words
Abitha had just been called to see the manager of the department store she worked at. She was about a half an hour from finishing her shift. She could not wait to get home. She was so tired. What could Mr. Searle possibly want? She couldn’t be getting fired because she did her job, was bringing great customers, and was always on time. She was hardly ever absent. The only time she would be at home was when they’d send her home so what could he possibly want?
Abitha knocked on Mr. Searle’s door.
“Enter,” the raspy voice ordered.
She walked in and closed the door behind her.
“You are Tabitha Smyth, correct?”
“Abitha Smith, sir.”
“That’s what I said. Leah Bach is unable to come in for her night shift. We need someone to cover for her and by the look of things, you seem to be the right person for the job,” Mr. Searle informed.
“Is everythin’ okay with Leah?” Abitha questioned.
“How is that your concern?”
Stunned by his coldness, Abitha managed, “I was just ...”
“Look, it was suggested that you work this shift. I already have you on schedule. Is there a problem?”
“No. Not at all, sir. No problem. I can work double.”
Mr. Searle’s phone rang. As he picked up the phone to take his call, he waved his hand motioning for Abitha to leave. When she walked out, she ran into her fellow employee, Kayla.
“Abby, what did he want?”
“For me to cover for Leah this week.”
“What did you say?”
“I said yes, Kayla. I need the extra money. You know that.”
“Did he tell you why he needed you to cover?”
“No. I tried asking but ... you know Mr. Searle. I hope everything’s alright. She’s probably sick.”
“She’s not sick. She got fired.”
“Fired?” Abitha asked shocked. “Fired?”
“Mmm hmm. She told me that he called her in one day and said that she was costin’ him money and she was fired,” Kayla informed.
“Are you serious? How was she costing him money?”
“You think he broke it down for her? You just tried finding out why her shift was empty and he ain’t even tell you she was fired!”
“Have you talked to her?”
“Yes, I have. She’s down and out right now. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do. You know she’s behind on rent and might get evicted. She can’t pay the majority of her bills and she has no idea how she’s going to keep paying her college tuition. I mean, she’s freaking out.”
“Here I am taking her job. I feel like a jerk.”
“Don’t. They’re going to find another person for the job anyway. It’s not your fault. The most we can do right now is be there for her.”
“I know but that doesn’t change the way I feel. I don’t want to hear it isn’t my fault she’s out of a job. I want to hear she’s going to be okay.”
“Hey! This isn’t a coffee break. Get back to work!” Mr. Searle ordered stopping out of his office.
“That man has no heart,” Kayla said to a worried Abitha. “She’ll be alright.”
“I hope so.”
- Writer
