…continuation…
With each passing day and no hope for a job, Adi grew more and more despondent. A chill was in the air announcing that fall had arrived, and winter would soon be following. Panic gripped her mind as she stepped out of Birches hamburger restaurant. Once more the manager had laughed at her, “A job? You seriously think that I would give you a job? You’re a felon!”
“No, I’m not! I was never convicted! I was pardoned!” Adi retorted.
“Pardoned? That’s not what I heard; it was more like a temporary suspended sentence. If the Prince wants out of his promise or you reject his offer, then you’re in the slammer paying for your crimes. Why don’t you go back to your father?” The manager sneered.
“Step-father,” Adi corrected him through clenched teeth. Desperation took hold, “Look, I know I messed up, but doesn’t everybody? All I need is a second chance!”
The tall man leaned over the counter and looked her in the eyes, “I don’t need no daughter of Rasha’s working for me. Now get out of here, you’re disturbing the customers!” The manager turned away indicating that the conversation was over.
Angrily, Adi stormed out of the restaurant fully aware of the people watching her. Tears streaked down her cheeks as the chilled wind whipped through her thin coat. Her stomach cramped, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten in two days. The tantalizing smell of hamburgers grilling was more than she could bear. I‘ve got to go back to Ze’ev. She thought.
Arman gave Michael a triumphant smile. He had succeeded in convincing Adi to return to Ze’ev. Non-plussed, Michael held out his clenched hand toward Arman. Unclenching his fingers, Arman leaned forward to see what Michael was holding. A fifty dollar bill materialized in his hand. The two locked eyes in a challenge. A small smile slowly spread across Michael’s angelic face as he dropped the bill at Adi’s feet. Arman lunged toward it before Adi could notice, but Michael whipped out his sword holding it up in front of the creature’s face.
Adi stood there, defeated. As she looked at the bustle of people along the sidewalks, something floated on the air before her. Adi ignored it assuming that it was a leaf. She shuffled out onto the sidewalk oblivious to the help that had just been provided.
Arman chuckled with delight. Spotting a cat skulking near the entry way of the restaurant, Michael flared his wings. The cat froze. Exasperated, Michael pulled out his sword and gave the terrified cat a gentle prod. Jumping and screeching, the cat tore out of her shocked state and ran for cover.
A loud screech caused Adi to jump. Turning to see what the commotion was, she saw a fluffy, white cat take off on a dead run down an alley. What was that all about? Adi wondered. Staring at the ground where the cat had been, a movement caught her eye. Slowly walking toward the green fluttering object, hope welled up within her. Could it be? She couldn’t believe her eyes! Fifty dollars? Quickly picking it up, she shoved it in her pocket before anyone could claim it. The tantalizing smell of food captured her attention. With resolve, she marched back into Birches.
“I would like to order the bacon cheeseburger deluxe sandwich, curly fries, and a large cherry soda.” Adi looked smuggly at the cashier.
Turning at the sound of her voice, the manager stormed over to Adi. “You can’t order food here!”
“Why not, I’ve got money!” Adi pulled out the bill from her pocket.
“You probably stole it.” The manager yanked the bill from her hand, holding it up to the light to check for counterfeit.
“No, I didn’t steal it. Now I’m a paying customer, so I shouldn’t be denied food.”
The manager stared at her with distaste. “Give her the food and get her out of here!” He stormed away as he handed the money to the cashier.
….to be continued….
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