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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: Life Experience
- Published: 03/17/2020
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
Born 1944, F, from Melbourne, FL, United StatesA Good Thing on a Bad Day
by
Valerie Allen
“Dear God, what else can go wrong?” Lila asked, her voice strained. She glanced impatiently at the line of co-workers all waiting their turn in the security check out line.
Rachelle widened her eyes. “Now that, my friend, is one question you should never ask!”
Lila offered a knowing glance. She rummaged in her handbag and felt around for her keys. She pulled them out and then slid them into her pocket. She jerked her handbag onto her shoulder but it eased its way down, and dangled from her arm. “You got that right. Today has been a nightmare.” Lila exhaled deeply. “I can't wait to get through security. I just want to go home.”
Rachelle looked at her friend. “So, what set your day off in the wrong direction this morning?”
“Where to begin!” Lila raised both hands into the air palms up. “First, that birdbrain kid of mine left not one drop of gas in the car. I'm lucky I got here at all today. I had to hold my breath the whole way while I watched that red light flicker on the dashboard.”
“Oh, the joy of raising a teenager,” Rachelle said. “They figure the Good Fairy puts gas into the tank somehow. They think that E on the dashboard means enough.”
“So true.” Lila rolled her eyes. “I'll have to stop on the way home—after I pick up Josie and her friend, Abby. As if I don't have enough to do, I have to make an extra stop tonight to drop off someone else's kid.”
Rachelle nodded. “Car pools can be a wonderful thing—until it's your turn.”
The two women inched along toward the security check point.
“It's the way my whole day has been. I got up late, it was raining, no time for coffee. . .”
Rachelle came to an abrupt halt. She waved both hands out in front of her. “Okay, you can stop right there. No way I could make a move without my morning coffee.”
“Well, you gotta do what you gotta do,” Lila said. “I packed the two girls in the car and then I noticed the empty light on the dashboard. I took the baby to daycare—she felt a little warm. I worried all day they'd call and ask me to pick her up. Then I drove Josie to her school and that's when she remembered she left her field-trip permission slip at home.”
Rachelle raised her eyebrows. “Now why do kids do that? They always leave it to the last minute!”
“So, I couldn't just drop her off, I had to park, and go in—another trip through the rain, my shoes were soaked.” She looked down at her feet. “They're still not dry. My feet have been damp and cold all day.”
Rachelle shook her head. “It's still raining.”
“I had to stand in a long line of parents, fill out the field-trip form, and pay the fee. They wouldn't take a credit card. I had to pay $5.00 cash for her lunch, write a check for the registration and hope for the best.” Lila rubbed her temples in small circles. “I really should run by the bank on the way home.” She shook her head. “Never enough hours in the day—especially on a bad day.”
“You better not let that gas tank run down,” Rachelle said. “My husband says that's how you get dirt in the engine.”
“Great, one more thing to worry about,” Lila said.
Rachelle shrugged. “I'm just sayin'.”
Lila shook her head. “When I got in late this morning with my wet feet, no gas in the car, a baby with a fever, and a check ready to bounce, Her Royal Highness, comes over to greet me.”
“Oh, no. Just what you didn't need. What did she have to say?”
“She wanted to know when I planned to turn in the third-quarter report. She asked if I could stay late and get it done today since I came in late and all.”
Rachelle let out a short laugh. “She never misses an opportunity to put the knife in and give it a twist does she?”
“Never! I can't say I handled it well. I told her—more like I barked at her—there was no way I could stay tonight.”
“Bet that didn't go over well,” Rachelle said.
“I don't think I'll win any points with her, that's for sure.”
Rachelle looked at Lila out of the corner of her eye. “Well, you may have barked a little too loud. I noticed she wasn't smiling when she walked away from your desk.”
“She's such a pain! I can't stand her and today I really couldn't stand her!” Lila said.
As they headed toward the security checkpoint, they joined the weary line of first shifters, making way for the incoming crew. One by one employees placed their keys and pocket change in the small tray provided and handed it to the guard. They hoisted their handbags, wallets, sweaters, and jackets onto the conveyor belt and passed through the body scanner, arms held high above their head. Meeting the guard on the other side, they stood expectantly as he examined their tray of loose items. He poked his fingers into a swirl of keys and coins and handed them back with a nod of his head.
Lila shifted her gaze from the wall clock to the slow moving conveyor belt. The massive pile of clothing disappeared into the darkened interior of the scanner. As the crowd shuffled along, there was a jolt and the conveyor belt ground to a halt. A high pitched alarm squealed and red lights flashed. Everyone stopped in place, an eerie quiet enveloped them. Four blue-uniformed, foot-ball sized security members took up their positions quickly and quietly. Their precise movements reflected well-practiced rituals.
The locks on the exit doors slammed into place with a loud clang as steel crashed into steel. One guard stationed himself at the exit, two surveyed those waiting inline, and a lone member investigated the conveyor belt malfunction. Hyper alert coworkers glanced from the guards, to the jumble of items sprawled on the conveyor belt. They spoke in whispers and watched as the guard worked his hands through the assorted collection. One by one he pulled items out and across the black rubber of the conveyor belt. He yanked at something soft and clingy from the left side bumper pad. He gave a forceful tug and a silk scarf, one end frayed, pulled loose and dangled from his hand. Those waiting shook their heads, first in relief and then in annoyance.
The guard tossed the scarf to one side. “Okay everyone, no cause for worry.” He motioned toward the guard near the door. “It'll only take us a few minutes to reset the security codes.” He moved toward a metal cabinet on the wall, worked a key into the lock, flipped switches, and tapped in a series of codes.
“Jeeze, another delay.” Lila threw her head back and ground her teeth. “You'd think they would upgrade this security system.”
“Tell me about it,” Rachelle said. “Cheap is high praise for this place.”
The shrill sound of a buzzer interrupted their conversation. The conveyor belt hummed and jerked back to life. The cluster of workers began to move forward. Their personal belongings once again commenced a bumpy ride through the scanner. With a collective sigh of relief people moved toward the collection point, snatched their belongings, and headed out into the rainy evening.
“See you tomorrow, Rachelle. I gotta run,” Lila said. She grabbed her jacket, pushed her way through the crowd, and dashed toward the parking area. She pulled the keys from her pocket, opened the car door and slid in behind the wheel. While she waited her turn to ease into the traffic flow she searched in the car for napkins to dry her face and neck. She glanced at the insistent red light reminding her of the diminishing gas and the disastrous possibilities that go with it.
She arrived at the daycare center and pulled into the car loop. She thanked Miss Jenna for shielding her with an umbrella as she secured the baby in the car seat.
Miss Jenna tossed the diaper bag on the floor of the back seat and looked at Lila. “You might want to take her temperature when you get home. She feels a little warm and she slept most of the day. Likely she won't sleep too much tonight. The director said to remind you we don't accept kids who are feverish.”
Lila smiled weakly. “Thanks for letting me know. I'll be sure to check her when I get home.” She rubbed the back of her hand across the baby's rosy cheek. I can't miss another day of work. I wonder if Mom can keep her tomorrow. She waved to Miss Jenna as she pulled away from the curb.
Lila glanced at the time and headed to the after school program to pick up Josie and Abby. The girls were standing in a long line of kids, jostling and wiggling. Miss Fay kept a sharp eye on them for signs of mischief. “Sorry I'm late girls. We had a security delay just when I was about to leave work.”
With a sour look, but no words of complaint, Josie got in the front passenger seat of the car. Abby slid in next to the baby in the back seat. “Can we stop for pizza on the way home?” Josie asked.
“No, Sweetie, not tonight. After we drop off Abby, I have to get gas. I just hope we make it that far.”
Josie crossed her arms high on her chest. “I'm starving,” she whined.
“Well, so am I,” Lila said, voice raised a little too high. “I've had a bad day. Don't you think I'd love to have pizza and not have to cook when we get home?” She took a deep breath and spoke more calmly. “Look Josie, another night we'll do pizza, but right now we just need to keep going.”
The traffic was heavy and Lila slowed to accommodate the rain and puddles along the roadway. She pulled up to Abby's house and the girl hopped out of the car, calling her thanks over her shoulder as she sprinted through the rain toward her front porch. Josie waved to her friend and sat without smiling as Lila headed toward the gas station.
“Mom, can I go in and get some chips?” Josie asked.
“No. Don't you get it?” Annoyance caused her voice to strain. “We're not buying anything on the way home, so don't ask me again!”
“Okay, okay,” Josie said. She turned her lips into a pout and looked away from her mother. The baby offered a low moaning cry.
Lila pulled up to the gas pump with a sigh of relief. Before she got out of the car she reached back to soothe the baby's forehead. Definitely warm. I hope Mom's free to babysit. “It's okay Baby Girl, we'll be home soon.” She looked at Josie. “Sweetie, would you comfort the baby while I pump the gas?”
Josie got out of the front seat, slammed the door and plopped herself down in the back seat next to the baby. “Sure. At least I care about the people in my family.”
Lila sucked in her cheeks in an attempt to quell the anger boiling up inside her. “So do I,” she said and gave Josie a hard stare. “Thanks for helping with your sister.”
Lila got out of the car and opened the trunk to get her pocketbook. She wondered if a full tank of gas would bring her credit card over the limit. She groped around, but didn't make contact with her handbag. Frantically, she tossed aside toys, books, and a blanket. Where in the world is my pocketbook? A sense of dread began to creep over her. Please, please don't tell me I left it at work. Defeated, she realized it wasn't in the trunk. Mentally, she retraced her steps. I remember taking my keys out and putting them in my pocket, and then I put them in the tray at the conveyor belt. I remember the guard handing them back to me. She buried her face in her hands. She dug her thumbs into her cheeks and pushed her fingers back and forth along her forehead and onto her temples. I must have left my pocketbook in that pile of stuff when I grabbed my jacket. Oh please, let it be there. I'm sure the security guys will put it in storage until the morning. She glanced around the parking lot. Jeeze, no wallet, no driver's license, no proof of insurance, no money, no credit cards, no ATM card, no phone. She closed the trunk and leaned against it.
Josie opened the car door and yelled over the sound of the wind and rain. “What's taking you so long Mom? The baby won't stop crying.”
Lila walked around the car. “I know Sweetie, I know.” Her voice cracked. “I can't find my pocketbook. I must have left it at work.”
Josie stared at her mother. “What are we going to do? How will we get home?”
“I'll go inside the gas station and see if they can help. We can't drive any further without gas. Please, just do your best with the baby. I'll be right back.”
Lila held her jacket over her head and dashed through the rain into the convenience store. People milled around waiting for a break in the weather to make a run for their cars. Several customers were in line at the cash register.
Lila saw her reflection in the glass by the cooler which held the beer and soda. Her clothing clung to her body and hung in odd shapes on her arms and legs. Her hair was matted against her scalp. She was wet and cold. The smell of coffee and hot dogs on the grill reminded her she was hungry and it would be hours until she could eat. She had to get the children home and fix their food. She had to tend to the baby. She had to call her mother. She felt pressure building in her chest and took several deep breaths. She waited for her turn to approach the counter.
“Ma'am?” the young boy at the register asked.
She hesitated to speak. How could she explain the dilemma she was in. She stared blankly at the young man.
“Ma'am, do you need something?” He gestured to the line forming behind her.
She leaned toward him and spoke quietly. “I need money.”
He jerked back and stepped sideways. “Is this a robbery?” He lifted both hands in the air palms out. All eyes focused on her.
“No, no, of course not.” She offered a weak smile and looked at the other patrons. She tried to calm herself. “No. I mean I need gas, just a few dollars so I can get home.”
He eyed her suspiciously and slowly brought his arms to his sides. “Well, we don't give out money or free gas. Sorry.”
“I don't live too far. Three dollars would probably be enough to get me there,” she begged. “I'll come back tomorrow and bring you the money.”
A heavyset man made his way from where he was stocking chips and candy. He walked behind the counter and nudged the boy aside.
He glared at Lila. “What's the problem here?”
The boy took a deep breath. “She's panhandling. I told her we don't allow that.”
Lila appealed to the older man. “I'm not panhandling. I left my pocketbook at work and my car is out of gas. I don't have any cash or credit cards or my ID. I just need a few dollars so I can take my children home. I promise I'm good for it. I'll bring cash back in the morning.”
He squinted his eyes and leaned toward her. “Sounds like you're driving without a license,” he said with a slight sound of intimation in his voice.
She bit her lower lip. “Well, it's in my purse, which I must have left at work.”
He straightened and pushed back from the counter. “We hear a lot of stories here about those kind of problems,” he said without any hint of empathy. “Isn't there someone you can call?” he asked.
“I don't have my phone. It's in my handbag.”
He pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “Tell me a number and I'll dial it.”
She hesitated and frowned. “This may sound foolish, but I don't know anyone's number. They're all programmed into my cell. Besides, I don't really have anyone to call.”
“Well, I can't help you. We ain't no bank. I can't open the cash drawer unless there's a transaction. It'll set off the alarm. Everything is monitored—cameras, electronics and all.” He gestured toward the ceiling. “You sure there's no one you can call? No phone number you can remember?” He spoke to her as if she was a young child caught in a lie.
She blinked back tears. “I'm sure.” She shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “I need to go out and check on my kids. I'll try to think of someone.” She plodded back to the car, not bothering to run as the rain pelted her head and ran down her neck.
“Mom, what's the matter?” Alarm sounded in Josie's voice.
Lila sat in the car and rested her forehead on the steering wheel. Tears of humiliation and exhaustion ran freely down her cheeks. Weariness overcame her. She lifted her face and stared at the sheets of rain glistening on the sign above the gas station. Josie started to whimper. The baby had finally cried herself to sleep.
“Mom? Mom what's happening?” Josie asked. “Mom you're scaring me.”
Lila struggled to speak. “Do you have your phone? Do you know anyone's phone number? Anyone we could call?”
“No. I don't have my phone. We went on a field trip. They wouldn't let us bring our phones to school today.”
Lila balled her hands into tight fists. “Of course, today would be the day you don't have your phone.”
“Where's your phone?”
“I don't have it.”
Josie leaned forward and shook her mother's shoulder. “Mom.” Her voice was high pitched and tinny. “Mom? What are we gonna to do?”
Lila's shoulders sagged. Her head fell forward, her chin nearly touched her chest. “I don't know.” She listened to her own breathing as the rain pinged onto the car.
“What's the matter Mom?”
Lila rested her forehead against the top of the steering wheel and sighed. She struggled to hold back the sob in her throat. “What's the matter?” She sniffed, tears spilled from her eyes. “Everything's the matter.” Her voice was thick and muffled. “It's raining. Your sister is sick. My boss is too bossy. I left my pocketbook at work. I'm driving on fumes and I have no money to buy gas.”
“You need money to buy gas?”
“Of course!” Lila snapped.
Josie looked carefully at her mother and lowered her voice. “I never saw you give real money to anyone. I thought you always used a credit card.”
“I do use a credit card, but today, right now, I need cash.” Frazzled, Lila said, “You know nothing's free in this world.”
“Did you ask them if you could have some gas?”
“Yes, I did and they said 'no.' I asked for a loan and promised to bring the money back tomorrow.”
“They wouldn't let you do that?”
“No. No, they would not. The store clerk thought I wanted to rob him. He's probably called the cops.” She lifted her head from the steering wheel and propped it up with her hand, knuckles under her chin, tears of frustration coursed down her cheeks.
“The cops?” Josie asked. “Are you goin' to be arrested?” She began to weep.
“No, Sweetie. We'll be alright. I'll think of something.”
“I can give you some money,” Josie said.
Lila frowned, deep furrows formed between her eyebrows. She gave a short laugh. “You're such a good kid, but I need money right now.”
“I can give you money right now,” Josie said.
Puzzled, Lila turned to the back seat and looked at Josie. “You have money?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn't you tell me?” Her voice raised in disbelief.
“You didn't ask me if I had money. You asked me if I had my phone.”
Lila let out a deep breath. “You're right. I didn't ask if you had money.” She swallowed hard. “How much money do you have?”
“Five dollars.” Josie reached into her pocket and handed her mother the crumpled five dollar bill.
“Where did you get five dollars?”
“You gave it to me this morning.”
“I did?”
“Yep. You said it was to buy lunch on the field trip.”
“Didn't you buy lunch?”
“I didn't have to. The teacher said our lunch was included in the payment for the field trip. She told me to take the five dollars home and give it to you.”
Lila let out a deep breath and shook her head. “I love you Josie.”
Lila closed her eyes, relief easing the tension in her face and neck. “Amen, Dear God, thank you, thank you,” she whispered.
# # #
Thank you for taking the time to read
A Good Thing on a Bad Day.
If you enjoyed it,
please consider telling your friends
and posting a review on
Amazon.com or other online sites.
Word-of-mouth referrals are
an author's best friend
and much appreciated.
~ ~ ~
Copyright 2017 by Valerie Allen
ValerieAllenWriter.com
VAllenWriter@gmail.com
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
~ ~ ~
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
by
Valerie Allen
Amazon.com/dp/B071K3128L
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
~ ~ ~
About the Author
Valerie Allen is a psychologist, educator, and author. She writes fiction, non-fiction, short stories, and children's books. She previously wrote a newspaper column, Family Matters. Her parenting articles have been published online and in magazines nationwide.
She is a popular speaker at book fairs, writers' conferences, and libraries, using her book, Write, Publish, Sell! 2nd Edition.
She also conducts seminars for medical and mental health professionals using her self-help book, Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony.
Her fiction includes: 'Tis Herself: Short Story Collection, Volumes One, Two, and Three, Suffer the Little Children, Sins of the Father, Amazing Grace, The Prodigal Son, and My Father's Business.
She has served as a member of the Space Coast Writers' Guild, The National League of American Pen Women, Cape Canaveral Branch, and is the co-founder of Authors for Authors.
She lives in warm and sunny Florida and enjoys reading and writing. Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
~ ~ ~
Short Stories by Valerie Allen
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
A License to Practice
A Marriage of Convenience
A Mother's Love
A Tooth for a Tooth
A True Miracle
Ad Hoc Committee
Best Wishes
Brotherly Love
Conditional Love
Doggie Tales
Father's Day
Fire Engine Red
Fireworks on the 4th
First Love
Fit for Life
Future Plans
Holiday Traditions
Home for the Holidays
Holiday House Rules
I Remember Momma
Just Be Cos
Ladies in Waiting
Leisureville
Love is in the Air
Match-maker
Mother Knows Best
Potty Talk
Puppy Love
No Goin' Home
Second Chance
Small Steps
Split Second Timing
Thank You, Mr. Jackson!
The Garden of Love
The Lonely Life of Amanda Miller
The Penalty Box
Words of Wisdom
Valentine's Day
Visiting Day
A Good Thing on a Bad Day(Valerie Allen)
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
by
Valerie Allen
“Dear God, what else can go wrong?” Lila asked, her voice strained. She glanced impatiently at the line of co-workers all waiting their turn in the security check out line.
Rachelle widened her eyes. “Now that, my friend, is one question you should never ask!”
Lila offered a knowing glance. She rummaged in her handbag and felt around for her keys. She pulled them out and then slid them into her pocket. She jerked her handbag onto her shoulder but it eased its way down, and dangled from her arm. “You got that right. Today has been a nightmare.” Lila exhaled deeply. “I can't wait to get through security. I just want to go home.”
Rachelle looked at her friend. “So, what set your day off in the wrong direction this morning?”
“Where to begin!” Lila raised both hands into the air palms up. “First, that birdbrain kid of mine left not one drop of gas in the car. I'm lucky I got here at all today. I had to hold my breath the whole way while I watched that red light flicker on the dashboard.”
“Oh, the joy of raising a teenager,” Rachelle said. “They figure the Good Fairy puts gas into the tank somehow. They think that E on the dashboard means enough.”
“So true.” Lila rolled her eyes. “I'll have to stop on the way home—after I pick up Josie and her friend, Abby. As if I don't have enough to do, I have to make an extra stop tonight to drop off someone else's kid.”
Rachelle nodded. “Car pools can be a wonderful thing—until it's your turn.”
The two women inched along toward the security check point.
“It's the way my whole day has been. I got up late, it was raining, no time for coffee. . .”
Rachelle came to an abrupt halt. She waved both hands out in front of her. “Okay, you can stop right there. No way I could make a move without my morning coffee.”
“Well, you gotta do what you gotta do,” Lila said. “I packed the two girls in the car and then I noticed the empty light on the dashboard. I took the baby to daycare—she felt a little warm. I worried all day they'd call and ask me to pick her up. Then I drove Josie to her school and that's when she remembered she left her field-trip permission slip at home.”
Rachelle raised her eyebrows. “Now why do kids do that? They always leave it to the last minute!”
“So, I couldn't just drop her off, I had to park, and go in—another trip through the rain, my shoes were soaked.” She looked down at her feet. “They're still not dry. My feet have been damp and cold all day.”
Rachelle shook her head. “It's still raining.”
“I had to stand in a long line of parents, fill out the field-trip form, and pay the fee. They wouldn't take a credit card. I had to pay $5.00 cash for her lunch, write a check for the registration and hope for the best.” Lila rubbed her temples in small circles. “I really should run by the bank on the way home.” She shook her head. “Never enough hours in the day—especially on a bad day.”
“You better not let that gas tank run down,” Rachelle said. “My husband says that's how you get dirt in the engine.”
“Great, one more thing to worry about,” Lila said.
Rachelle shrugged. “I'm just sayin'.”
Lila shook her head. “When I got in late this morning with my wet feet, no gas in the car, a baby with a fever, and a check ready to bounce, Her Royal Highness, comes over to greet me.”
“Oh, no. Just what you didn't need. What did she have to say?”
“She wanted to know when I planned to turn in the third-quarter report. She asked if I could stay late and get it done today since I came in late and all.”
Rachelle let out a short laugh. “She never misses an opportunity to put the knife in and give it a twist does she?”
“Never! I can't say I handled it well. I told her—more like I barked at her—there was no way I could stay tonight.”
“Bet that didn't go over well,” Rachelle said.
“I don't think I'll win any points with her, that's for sure.”
Rachelle looked at Lila out of the corner of her eye. “Well, you may have barked a little too loud. I noticed she wasn't smiling when she walked away from your desk.”
“She's such a pain! I can't stand her and today I really couldn't stand her!” Lila said.
As they headed toward the security checkpoint, they joined the weary line of first shifters, making way for the incoming crew. One by one employees placed their keys and pocket change in the small tray provided and handed it to the guard. They hoisted their handbags, wallets, sweaters, and jackets onto the conveyor belt and passed through the body scanner, arms held high above their head. Meeting the guard on the other side, they stood expectantly as he examined their tray of loose items. He poked his fingers into a swirl of keys and coins and handed them back with a nod of his head.
Lila shifted her gaze from the wall clock to the slow moving conveyor belt. The massive pile of clothing disappeared into the darkened interior of the scanner. As the crowd shuffled along, there was a jolt and the conveyor belt ground to a halt. A high pitched alarm squealed and red lights flashed. Everyone stopped in place, an eerie quiet enveloped them. Four blue-uniformed, foot-ball sized security members took up their positions quickly and quietly. Their precise movements reflected well-practiced rituals.
The locks on the exit doors slammed into place with a loud clang as steel crashed into steel. One guard stationed himself at the exit, two surveyed those waiting inline, and a lone member investigated the conveyor belt malfunction. Hyper alert coworkers glanced from the guards, to the jumble of items sprawled on the conveyor belt. They spoke in whispers and watched as the guard worked his hands through the assorted collection. One by one he pulled items out and across the black rubber of the conveyor belt. He yanked at something soft and clingy from the left side bumper pad. He gave a forceful tug and a silk scarf, one end frayed, pulled loose and dangled from his hand. Those waiting shook their heads, first in relief and then in annoyance.
The guard tossed the scarf to one side. “Okay everyone, no cause for worry.” He motioned toward the guard near the door. “It'll only take us a few minutes to reset the security codes.” He moved toward a metal cabinet on the wall, worked a key into the lock, flipped switches, and tapped in a series of codes.
“Jeeze, another delay.” Lila threw her head back and ground her teeth. “You'd think they would upgrade this security system.”
“Tell me about it,” Rachelle said. “Cheap is high praise for this place.”
The shrill sound of a buzzer interrupted their conversation. The conveyor belt hummed and jerked back to life. The cluster of workers began to move forward. Their personal belongings once again commenced a bumpy ride through the scanner. With a collective sigh of relief people moved toward the collection point, snatched their belongings, and headed out into the rainy evening.
“See you tomorrow, Rachelle. I gotta run,” Lila said. She grabbed her jacket, pushed her way through the crowd, and dashed toward the parking area. She pulled the keys from her pocket, opened the car door and slid in behind the wheel. While she waited her turn to ease into the traffic flow she searched in the car for napkins to dry her face and neck. She glanced at the insistent red light reminding her of the diminishing gas and the disastrous possibilities that go with it.
She arrived at the daycare center and pulled into the car loop. She thanked Miss Jenna for shielding her with an umbrella as she secured the baby in the car seat.
Miss Jenna tossed the diaper bag on the floor of the back seat and looked at Lila. “You might want to take her temperature when you get home. She feels a little warm and she slept most of the day. Likely she won't sleep too much tonight. The director said to remind you we don't accept kids who are feverish.”
Lila smiled weakly. “Thanks for letting me know. I'll be sure to check her when I get home.” She rubbed the back of her hand across the baby's rosy cheek. I can't miss another day of work. I wonder if Mom can keep her tomorrow. She waved to Miss Jenna as she pulled away from the curb.
Lila glanced at the time and headed to the after school program to pick up Josie and Abby. The girls were standing in a long line of kids, jostling and wiggling. Miss Fay kept a sharp eye on them for signs of mischief. “Sorry I'm late girls. We had a security delay just when I was about to leave work.”
With a sour look, but no words of complaint, Josie got in the front passenger seat of the car. Abby slid in next to the baby in the back seat. “Can we stop for pizza on the way home?” Josie asked.
“No, Sweetie, not tonight. After we drop off Abby, I have to get gas. I just hope we make it that far.”
Josie crossed her arms high on her chest. “I'm starving,” she whined.
“Well, so am I,” Lila said, voice raised a little too high. “I've had a bad day. Don't you think I'd love to have pizza and not have to cook when we get home?” She took a deep breath and spoke more calmly. “Look Josie, another night we'll do pizza, but right now we just need to keep going.”
The traffic was heavy and Lila slowed to accommodate the rain and puddles along the roadway. She pulled up to Abby's house and the girl hopped out of the car, calling her thanks over her shoulder as she sprinted through the rain toward her front porch. Josie waved to her friend and sat without smiling as Lila headed toward the gas station.
“Mom, can I go in and get some chips?” Josie asked.
“No. Don't you get it?” Annoyance caused her voice to strain. “We're not buying anything on the way home, so don't ask me again!”
“Okay, okay,” Josie said. She turned her lips into a pout and looked away from her mother. The baby offered a low moaning cry.
Lila pulled up to the gas pump with a sigh of relief. Before she got out of the car she reached back to soothe the baby's forehead. Definitely warm. I hope Mom's free to babysit. “It's okay Baby Girl, we'll be home soon.” She looked at Josie. “Sweetie, would you comfort the baby while I pump the gas?”
Josie got out of the front seat, slammed the door and plopped herself down in the back seat next to the baby. “Sure. At least I care about the people in my family.”
Lila sucked in her cheeks in an attempt to quell the anger boiling up inside her. “So do I,” she said and gave Josie a hard stare. “Thanks for helping with your sister.”
Lila got out of the car and opened the trunk to get her pocketbook. She wondered if a full tank of gas would bring her credit card over the limit. She groped around, but didn't make contact with her handbag. Frantically, she tossed aside toys, books, and a blanket. Where in the world is my pocketbook? A sense of dread began to creep over her. Please, please don't tell me I left it at work. Defeated, she realized it wasn't in the trunk. Mentally, she retraced her steps. I remember taking my keys out and putting them in my pocket, and then I put them in the tray at the conveyor belt. I remember the guard handing them back to me. She buried her face in her hands. She dug her thumbs into her cheeks and pushed her fingers back and forth along her forehead and onto her temples. I must have left my pocketbook in that pile of stuff when I grabbed my jacket. Oh please, let it be there. I'm sure the security guys will put it in storage until the morning. She glanced around the parking lot. Jeeze, no wallet, no driver's license, no proof of insurance, no money, no credit cards, no ATM card, no phone. She closed the trunk and leaned against it.
Josie opened the car door and yelled over the sound of the wind and rain. “What's taking you so long Mom? The baby won't stop crying.”
Lila walked around the car. “I know Sweetie, I know.” Her voice cracked. “I can't find my pocketbook. I must have left it at work.”
Josie stared at her mother. “What are we going to do? How will we get home?”
“I'll go inside the gas station and see if they can help. We can't drive any further without gas. Please, just do your best with the baby. I'll be right back.”
Lila held her jacket over her head and dashed through the rain into the convenience store. People milled around waiting for a break in the weather to make a run for their cars. Several customers were in line at the cash register.
Lila saw her reflection in the glass by the cooler which held the beer and soda. Her clothing clung to her body and hung in odd shapes on her arms and legs. Her hair was matted against her scalp. She was wet and cold. The smell of coffee and hot dogs on the grill reminded her she was hungry and it would be hours until she could eat. She had to get the children home and fix their food. She had to tend to the baby. She had to call her mother. She felt pressure building in her chest and took several deep breaths. She waited for her turn to approach the counter.
“Ma'am?” the young boy at the register asked.
She hesitated to speak. How could she explain the dilemma she was in. She stared blankly at the young man.
“Ma'am, do you need something?” He gestured to the line forming behind her.
She leaned toward him and spoke quietly. “I need money.”
He jerked back and stepped sideways. “Is this a robbery?” He lifted both hands in the air palms out. All eyes focused on her.
“No, no, of course not.” She offered a weak smile and looked at the other patrons. She tried to calm herself. “No. I mean I need gas, just a few dollars so I can get home.”
He eyed her suspiciously and slowly brought his arms to his sides. “Well, we don't give out money or free gas. Sorry.”
“I don't live too far. Three dollars would probably be enough to get me there,” she begged. “I'll come back tomorrow and bring you the money.”
A heavyset man made his way from where he was stocking chips and candy. He walked behind the counter and nudged the boy aside.
He glared at Lila. “What's the problem here?”
The boy took a deep breath. “She's panhandling. I told her we don't allow that.”
Lila appealed to the older man. “I'm not panhandling. I left my pocketbook at work and my car is out of gas. I don't have any cash or credit cards or my ID. I just need a few dollars so I can take my children home. I promise I'm good for it. I'll bring cash back in the morning.”
He squinted his eyes and leaned toward her. “Sounds like you're driving without a license,” he said with a slight sound of intimation in his voice.
She bit her lower lip. “Well, it's in my purse, which I must have left at work.”
He straightened and pushed back from the counter. “We hear a lot of stories here about those kind of problems,” he said without any hint of empathy. “Isn't there someone you can call?” he asked.
“I don't have my phone. It's in my handbag.”
He pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “Tell me a number and I'll dial it.”
She hesitated and frowned. “This may sound foolish, but I don't know anyone's number. They're all programmed into my cell. Besides, I don't really have anyone to call.”
“Well, I can't help you. We ain't no bank. I can't open the cash drawer unless there's a transaction. It'll set off the alarm. Everything is monitored—cameras, electronics and all.” He gestured toward the ceiling. “You sure there's no one you can call? No phone number you can remember?” He spoke to her as if she was a young child caught in a lie.
She blinked back tears. “I'm sure.” She shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “I need to go out and check on my kids. I'll try to think of someone.” She plodded back to the car, not bothering to run as the rain pelted her head and ran down her neck.
“Mom, what's the matter?” Alarm sounded in Josie's voice.
Lila sat in the car and rested her forehead on the steering wheel. Tears of humiliation and exhaustion ran freely down her cheeks. Weariness overcame her. She lifted her face and stared at the sheets of rain glistening on the sign above the gas station. Josie started to whimper. The baby had finally cried herself to sleep.
“Mom? Mom what's happening?” Josie asked. “Mom you're scaring me.”
Lila struggled to speak. “Do you have your phone? Do you know anyone's phone number? Anyone we could call?”
“No. I don't have my phone. We went on a field trip. They wouldn't let us bring our phones to school today.”
Lila balled her hands into tight fists. “Of course, today would be the day you don't have your phone.”
“Where's your phone?”
“I don't have it.”
Josie leaned forward and shook her mother's shoulder. “Mom.” Her voice was high pitched and tinny. “Mom? What are we gonna to do?”
Lila's shoulders sagged. Her head fell forward, her chin nearly touched her chest. “I don't know.” She listened to her own breathing as the rain pinged onto the car.
“What's the matter Mom?”
Lila rested her forehead against the top of the steering wheel and sighed. She struggled to hold back the sob in her throat. “What's the matter?” She sniffed, tears spilled from her eyes. “Everything's the matter.” Her voice was thick and muffled. “It's raining. Your sister is sick. My boss is too bossy. I left my pocketbook at work. I'm driving on fumes and I have no money to buy gas.”
“You need money to buy gas?”
“Of course!” Lila snapped.
Josie looked carefully at her mother and lowered her voice. “I never saw you give real money to anyone. I thought you always used a credit card.”
“I do use a credit card, but today, right now, I need cash.” Frazzled, Lila said, “You know nothing's free in this world.”
“Did you ask them if you could have some gas?”
“Yes, I did and they said 'no.' I asked for a loan and promised to bring the money back tomorrow.”
“They wouldn't let you do that?”
“No. No, they would not. The store clerk thought I wanted to rob him. He's probably called the cops.” She lifted her head from the steering wheel and propped it up with her hand, knuckles under her chin, tears of frustration coursed down her cheeks.
“The cops?” Josie asked. “Are you goin' to be arrested?” She began to weep.
“No, Sweetie. We'll be alright. I'll think of something.”
“I can give you some money,” Josie said.
Lila frowned, deep furrows formed between her eyebrows. She gave a short laugh. “You're such a good kid, but I need money right now.”
“I can give you money right now,” Josie said.
Puzzled, Lila turned to the back seat and looked at Josie. “You have money?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn't you tell me?” Her voice raised in disbelief.
“You didn't ask me if I had money. You asked me if I had my phone.”
Lila let out a deep breath. “You're right. I didn't ask if you had money.” She swallowed hard. “How much money do you have?”
“Five dollars.” Josie reached into her pocket and handed her mother the crumpled five dollar bill.
“Where did you get five dollars?”
“You gave it to me this morning.”
“I did?”
“Yep. You said it was to buy lunch on the field trip.”
“Didn't you buy lunch?”
“I didn't have to. The teacher said our lunch was included in the payment for the field trip. She told me to take the five dollars home and give it to you.”
Lila let out a deep breath and shook her head. “I love you Josie.”
Lila closed her eyes, relief easing the tension in her face and neck. “Amen, Dear God, thank you, thank you,” she whispered.
# # #
Thank you for taking the time to read
A Good Thing on a Bad Day.
If you enjoyed it,
please consider telling your friends
and posting a review on
Amazon.com or other online sites.
Word-of-mouth referrals are
an author's best friend
and much appreciated.
~ ~ ~
Copyright 2017 by Valerie Allen
ValerieAllenWriter.com
VAllenWriter@gmail.com
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
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A Good Thing on a Bad Day
by
Valerie Allen
Amazon.com/dp/B071K3128L
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
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About the Author
Valerie Allen is a psychologist, educator, and author. She writes fiction, non-fiction, short stories, and children's books. She previously wrote a newspaper column, Family Matters. Her parenting articles have been published online and in magazines nationwide.
She is a popular speaker at book fairs, writers' conferences, and libraries, using her book, Write, Publish, Sell! 2nd Edition.
She also conducts seminars for medical and mental health professionals using her self-help book, Beyond the Inkblots: Confusion to Harmony.
Her fiction includes: 'Tis Herself: Short Story Collection, Volumes One, Two, and Three, Suffer the Little Children, Sins of the Father, Amazing Grace, The Prodigal Son, and My Father's Business.
She has served as a member of the Space Coast Writers' Guild, The National League of American Pen Women, Cape Canaveral Branch, and is the co-founder of Authors for Authors.
She lives in warm and sunny Florida and enjoys reading and writing. Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
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Short Stories by Valerie Allen
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
A License to Practice
A Marriage of Convenience
A Mother's Love
A Tooth for a Tooth
A True Miracle
Ad Hoc Committee
Best Wishes
Brotherly Love
Conditional Love
Doggie Tales
Father's Day
Fire Engine Red
Fireworks on the 4th
First Love
Fit for Life
Future Plans
Holiday Traditions
Home for the Holidays
Holiday House Rules
I Remember Momma
Just Be Cos
Ladies in Waiting
Leisureville
Love is in the Air
Match-maker
Mother Knows Best
Potty Talk
Puppy Love
No Goin' Home
Second Chance
Small Steps
Split Second Timing
Thank You, Mr. Jackson!
The Garden of Love
The Lonely Life of Amanda Miller
The Penalty Box
Words of Wisdom
Valentine's Day
Visiting Day
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JD
03/17/2020Good one! Thank heaven for the good small things that come along just when we need a ray of hope in the midst of darkness. I hope that we all are blessed with those good things in our lives that keep us going just when we feel hopeless. Thanks for sharing your outstanding short stories on Storystar, Valerie.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
JD
03/18/2020Wouldn't it be nice if we could all create our own 'self-fulfilling prophesy' by thinking positive thoughts about the GOOD things we wish the future would bring....
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Valerie Allen
03/18/2020JD - thanks for reading and commenting on my story-always enjoy feedback from readers. Whenever things are going in the wrong direction I always decide there must be something good on the way to balance things out. I begin to make a mental list of what that might be and it seems to become the "self fulfilling prophecy." Thank you for your efforts to make StoryStar available for readers and writers ~
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