by Tim Sabados
The dockmaster sighed. “The joys of being in business for yourself.”
Charlie circled his finger around his ear. “Whoever said that running your own is rewarding had to have been a little crazy.”
“There’s something about the service industry that can drive even the most stable person mad.”
“You got that right,” Charlie agreed. “Always having to be the professional one. Play nice so you don’t ruffle anyone’s feathers.”
The nozzle clicked off. “Cash or credit?”
Charlie pulled several bills from his wallet. “Keep it.”
“I appreciate it,” the dockmaster replied. “Umm, I hope things pick up for you.”
“Me too.” Charlie started the motors, pulled away from the dock and aimed for his slip.
He yawned, ran his hand across the small lump of coins in his pocket and then sighed. Why had business been so slow? He scratched his chin with reassurance. At least he had a guaranteed customer later on. But one wasn’t enough. He needed several more. Something was off, but what? If things didn’t pick up soon, how much longer would he be able to hold it all together?
4
The door creaked open like an old man’s arthritic joint struggling to straighten. Aryssa stopped, worried that she might wake someone. Everything stayed silent, so she slowly pushed the dilapidated door even farther. She cautiously glanced down the hallway, along the scuffed and dented walls and up to the ceiling, where a few of the working lights labored to regurgitate a gritty glare over the cracked tiled floor.
She slid inside her apartment building and braced herself against the wall. Giggled. Why had she been so worried? No one cared who came and went. They didn’t care who was awake or sleeping. What could possibly happen? Get grounded to her apartment? She giggled again.
Aryssa clutched the purple Crown Royal bag that was filled with a few new rocks. Her replenished stash. She braced her free hand on the wall and used it to guide her down the hallway. A faint mist hung on the edges of her vision. Her mind blissfully numb. She bit her lip only to discover that it was numb too. Another giggle.
She somehow found the stairway at the end of the corridor, placed her foot on the step, grabbed the railing and hoisted herself up. Repeated the movement over and over until she reached the first landing.
Aryssa gripped the handrail and spun a half circle, stopping a few inches short of the next flight of steps. A contented sigh. Just like being on stage and spinning around the pole.
Again she snagged the railing, placed her foot on the step and hoisted herself up. Again and again. A sharp exhale. Why couldn’t this place have a working elevator?
She contemplated the thought as she became lost in the mountainous ascent. Time passed. The echo of a heavy stomp somewhere below broke her concentration. She smiled ever so slightly, having made it to the fourth floor. Her floor.
The pounding boots grew louder. Drew nearer. She glanced over her shoulder to see someone approaching with a gaze focused on his own feet. A silent giggle. She waited for him to get closer.
“Hey Charlie,” Aryssa said abruptly.
Charlie twitched in surprise. His eyes narrowed with alarm. Jaw tensed with irritation. Shoulders postured. It all softened the moment he realized it was Aryssa. “You just scared the hell out of me.”
Aryssa laughed playfully. “Sorry.” Bit her lower lip. “Thought you knew I was standing here.”
“Wasn’t…I guess I wasn’t paying attention.” Charlie’s voice cracked with shyness. The way it usually did when she made it a point to talk with him. “My mind was elsewhere.”
“Where was it?” Aryssa tapped her temple teasingly. “It’s not missing, is it?”
“No, I still have…” Charlie flustered. “I mean I…” His brow scrunched with exasperation. “I was…I was thinking about work. Just work.”
“Work is work,” Aryssa commented sarcastically. “Everything okay?”
Charlie scratched his scalp as he leaned against the railing. “Can’t figure it out,” he said, looking toward the ceiling. “It’s been slow. Unusually slow.” Rubbed his chin. “Not in all my years have I seen…” Charlie stopped. His voice hung apologetically. “Didn’t mean to dwell on…” absently motioned his hand, “I’m sure you find this boring.”
“Not at all,” Aryssa said. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to know.” She braced herself against the wall to stop from swaying.
Charlie didn’t say a word for several seconds, allowing his awkwardness to paint itself on the walls and evaporate into the surroundings. “You’re um…” a pause, “kind of out late, aren’t you?”
Aryssa tucked the purple bag behind her back. “Couldn’t sleep,” she answered. Leaned harder against the wall. “One of those nights I couldn’t sit still.”
Charlie slowly nodded. “I know the feeling.” Another pause. “You have a good night dancing?” His face crumpled with embarrassment. “I mean at work?”
Aryssa silently giggled. “Yeah, decent.” She gripped the purple bag more firmly. “It’s never as good as you want it to be.”
Charlie smiled. “No matter how much you make.”
“It’s never enough.” Aryssa finished. “I can’t believe we still say that.”
“Neither do I.” Charlie chuckled. He let a couple of seconds drift by. “You didn’t walk past,” he thumbed over his shoulder, “that factory, did you?”
Anxiety shook Aryssa’s head. “No way.” She shuddered. “I try to stay clear of it.”
“Place gives me the creeps,” Charlie added. “Always cross to the other side of the street.”
Aryssa folded her free arm over her waist, hoping to find a sense of comfort. “Do you really think that it’s haunted?”
“As in ghosts?”
“Yeah.” Aryssa cocked her hip. Raised her eyebrows incredulously. “What else could there be?”
Charlie hunched ever so slightly. “I have no idea.” His voice grew sharper. “Have no desire to find out.”
Aryssa reeled backward. Her tone must’ve been harsher than she realized. This wasn’t Sammy she was talking to. She softened her tone. “Me too.” Flipped a stand of her hair behind her shoulder. “You back to work tonight?”
“Yeah.” Charlie shifted his weight. “You?”
“Unfortunately,” Aryssa answered. “No rest for the weary.”
Charlie wiped his palms over his thighs. Leaned forward. “Um, I was wondering if you would…” He paused as if to collect his thoughts. “I was wanting to know if…” Something snared his attention. He spun to gaze down the steps and appeared to wave something away. “Not now,” he muttered.
Was Charlie talking to someone? Aryssa blinked. Tried to use her lashes to slice the haze that covered her periphery. “Is everything okay?”
Charlie’s shoulders stiffened. He turned back around to face Aryssa. “Yeah, um…just fine.” Clasped his hand behind his back.
Was Aryssa hearing things? She shook her head. There was no one on the landing below. “What did you want to ask me?”
* * * * *
Charlie’s heart thumped against his chest. The nervous sheen of sweat glazing his palms wasn’t going away. He desperately wanted to ask Aryssa out. Had wanted to for a long time. For some reason he had chosen this moment to do it. What was he thinking? Reason had somehow abandoned his thoughts and there was no going back. He rubbed his hands over his thighs again. “Um…yeah.” That was a great choice of words. He winced. Cleared his throat. “I was wondering if you would like to…?”
“You ARE the person I’m supposed to talk to, aren’t you?” the woman interrupted.
Charlie’s thoughts derailed. He desperately tried to wave the woman away.
“If I would like to…?” Aryssa’s tone was brimming with curiosity.
“Why are you waving me away?” the woman questioned. “A simple yes or no would suffice.”
“I’m kind of busy,” Charlie whispered out of the corner of his mout
h.
Aryssa scratched her head. “You wanted to ask me if I’m busy?”
“No, that’s not it,” Charlie said uneasily.
“So, you’re not the one?” the woman stated.
“I am the one,” Charlie mumbled, desperately trying to project his voice behind him.
“You’re the one?” Aryssa cocked her head. Squinted uneasily as if trying to adjust her vision. “Are you talking to someone else?”
Charlie cleared his throat and did his best to appear nonchalant. “Only to you. Why do you ask?”
“If you’re talking to me, then why is your back turned?” the woman asked callously. “This would go a lot easier if you…”
Aryssa halfheartedly pointed down the steps. “It looks like you’re trying to…” She flicked her wrist to dismiss the thought. “Um, never mind.” A sigh. “It’s been a long night.”
“It has,” Charlie agreed.
Aryssa motioned down the hallway. “I think I’m going to turn in.”
“It has?” the woman questioned. “What are you talking about?” She paused. “That’s all you can say? You still haven’t…”
Charlie couldn’t let Aryssa leave. Couldn’t let this opportunity pass. “Not yet,” he blurted a little louder than he meant to.
Aryssa’s eyes widened.
“I mean…” Charlie tempered his tone in order to keep Aryssa close. “I mean…before you go I wanted to know if…”
“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me what I’m supposed to do.”
Charlie ran his hand over his head. Tensed his jaw. Tightened his gut in order to prevent the ball of stress from exploding out of him. “Will you excuse me a minute?” Held up his forefinger. “Please. I’ll be right back.”
Aryssa appeared hesitant, but nodded her acceptance.
Charlie tiptoed down the steps as quietly as he could. He grabbed the woman by the elbow and led her around the landing, away from Aryssa’s view.
“Yes, I’m the one you’re supposed to meet,” Charlie said with a growl.
The woman folded her arms. “Why couldn’t you have just told me that?”
“I’m kind of busy.”
The woman leaned back, looked up the flight of steps and shrugged with indifference. “All I know is that I’m supposed to find you and give you this.” She pulled a gold coin from her pocket and thrust it forward.
Charlie held up his hands defensively. “Put that away.”
“I was told to give it to you,” the woman advised. “Do you want it or not?”
Charlie nodded. “Yes, you give it to me. Just not right now.” He exhaled slowly. “Meet me at the marina at sundown.” Gestured toward the coin. “Give that to me when you get on my boat.”
“Tonight? That’s a long time from now.” The woman swiped her lower lid then sniffled. “What am I supposed to do in the meantime?”
Charlie’s insides recoiled. Gut quivered. Couldn’t handle a crying woman, especially right at this very moment. “Do what it is you like to do. Grab a coffee. Read a book. Walk around a store.” He paused “Trust me; it’ll go by fast.”
Another sniffle. “I don’t see why you can’t take care of this…”
Charlie glanced up toward Aryssa. He couldn’t keep her waiting much longer. “What is with you people today?” he mumbled so only he could hear. “I’m not a twenty-four-seven service.” Rubbed his eye to try to blunt his frustration. “I’ve got to go.” Spun away from the woman. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“But…but I don’t think I can wait until…”
Charlie refused to listen to the woman any longer. He had a more pressing issue to take care of. He marched up the steps to once and for all confront Aryssa.
Aryssa was standing on the landing, right where he had left her. She looked down on him and smiled. “Is everything okay?”
He opened his mouth, but no words came out. His throat seemed to have swollen shut. Heart bashed against his ribs. Thoughts began to unravel and became jumbled. His momentary confidence started to disintegrate and blow apart like sand in the wind. Palms once again glazed themselves with sweat. “All’s fine,” he struggled to say.
Charlie took a deep breath and let it out. Hoped the very act would calm his shaking nerves. How could this one person mess him up so much? Would he finally have enough guts to ask Aryssa out?
5
Marjorie walked out of the apartment building into the bright morning sunshine. She sniffled, then wiped away the last remnants of the tear that had crawled over her lid. Purposefully squeezed the coin to try to quell her swelling annoyance. Why wouldn’t that man just take the coin? She had done what she was told. Why did she have to wait until tonight to give it to him? Didn’t he realize that she had things to do?
Never mind work. There were letters that had to be mailed. The grocery store for brownie mix. Laundry that was piled high. Kids that would have to be picked up from school. Dinner that would need to be started. Marjorie didn’t have the time to wait around.
She glanced up and down the quiet street. Readjusted her jacket as a way to steady her frustration. There was that café near the marina. The thought nestled into the folds of her mind. A cup of coffee would be nice, especially before she had to deal with the stress of work and then all those damn errands.
It was settled. Marjorie took off down the sidewalk toward the river. The abandoned factory loomed in the immediate distance. A car pitted with rust rolled by. She rarely made it to this part of the city because, well, she never really had a reason to. Still, there was something strange about being here. She scratched her cheek with uncertainty. Shouldn’t she be on her way to work right about now? An image of herself driving on the freeway zoomed across her vision. Fiddling with the radio. Cell phone ringing. A sea of red taillights suddenly illuminating. She slammed the brakes and…
“A pass up the side of the field,” a male voice rang out. “Blows by the first defender. Then another.” Something solid bound across the cement. “He passes toward the center.”
The image in Marjorie’s memory disintegrated. She looked up to see a man dressed in dirt-stained jeans and an overstretched shirt. He chased a tumbling rock along the side of the road.
The homeless man kicked the rock forward. Passed it from one foot to the other. “The evil number six tries to slide into his ankles.” The man sprang upward. “But no! His dirty play didn’t work!”
Marjorie leaned against a cinder-block building and waited for the man to pass.
“All that stands between him and destiny is one thing. One gigantic thing…the goalie!” The vagrant spun. Edged the rock onward. “The crowd’s going crazy!” The rock bounced along the street as the make-believe screams of thousands of people echoed from his throat. “Time’s running out.”
The homeless man jammed his foot into the ground, causing the rock to shoot forward. It bound relentlessly over the cement. “Goal! It’s a goal!” He raised his arms in triumph. “Unbelievable!” Jumped up and down. Started to sing. “We are the champions.” Spun in a circle. “We are the…” Stopped right where he was standing when he spotted Marjorie. Arms fell. Mouth hung open.
Marjorie smiled. Waved sheepishly. “Don’t mind me.” She pointed in the direction of the marina. “Just passing by.”
The vagrant clasped his hands together. “Tough game, but we managed to pull it out.”
“I see that,” Marjorie said as she shuffled sideways.
“This game…well, it suddenly came around on my way to work.” The man ran his hand over his hair. “Well…it’s kind of like work. I get paid to help.” Gestured down the road. “You ever been to Differ and Sons Hardware?”
“Can’t say that I have,” Marjorie answered cautiously.
“You got to go. Mister Differ is a great boss.” The homeless man tapped his chest. “Tell him I sent you. The name’s Johnny. Tell him that. He’ll know.” Johnny tapped his chin inquisitively, then cocked his head as he looked hard at Marjorie. “You’ve co
me a long way.”
Marjorie hesitated. “Like I said, I’m just passing through.”
Thankfully Johnny kept his distance. “You know this isn’t a good place to be.” Shook his head. “Not at all.”
Small waves of panic rippled from Marjorie’s core. “Noted.” She turned away from Johnny. “I really should be going.”
“Make sure you stay away from that place.” Johnny pointed toward the abandoned factory. “No one should ever go there.”
“Okay,” Marjorie said in an appeasing tone as she walked a little faster.
“No, really,” Johnny stated. “And make sure you give that coin to the right person.”
How’d he know? Marjorie had it cupped in her hand and out of sight. She clutched it even tighter. Looked over her shoulder at Johnny, but kept her mouth shut.
Johnny had his hands on his hips. “It goes to one person and one person only.” He paused. “Very important. Very, very important. Very, very, very…”
“I get it,” Marjorie said in a way to block Johnny’s repetitiveness. “I’ll make sure.”
“Hope so,” Johnny said. “Mostly good people get ’em. Not always, but most of the time.” He coughed. “Certain people want them and some of them are no good. Just make sure you give it to the right one.”
“I’ll make sure,” Marjorie said reassuringly. Was Johnny spewing a bunch of nonsense? Sure sounded like it. That factory. The coin. It wasn’t like that guy she was supposed to give it to was willing to take it. At least not until tonight. She scoffed. What’s wrong with everyone?
Marjorie kept walking, causing Johnny to fade into the distance. The factory loomed larger. The marina and that café had to be close. A few cars passed by. Two men in business suits were walking toward her. Well-dressed. Clean-shaven. In fact, they were both decent-looking. They appeared deeply engrossed in a conversation. Maybe this side of town wasn’t so bad after all.
She tried to keep her attention forward, but she couldn’t help but smile as the men approached. The taller of the two, the one in the light gray suit, smiled back. “Hello.” His voice was smooth. “How are you today?”