Taking Charge

by Bridgitte Lesley

“Nothing said my side. Which is a good thing.” Jordan nodded. Joy got up.

  “Shopping.” Jordan smiled as they kissed and she walked out the door.

  Tanya almost bounced through the doors of the pub.

  “Civvies Day on Friday! And I have my uniform sorted!” Jordan shook his head.

  “But you wear civvies every day!” Tanya grinned.

  “Role change see. The teachers are going to school in uniform!” Jordan roared with laughter.

  “And you have got your uniform?” Tanya nodded.

  “Oh definitely! What an awesome day. I have my own classroom. I have my own everything! And I even have my own little friend!” Tanya took out her pen.

  “See!” Jordan roared with laughter and took the pen.

  “Now where on earth did you get this creature? Who is this? It looks like Thelma Flintstone.”

  “Exactly her!” Jordan smiled and shook his head.

  “So where did you get this?”

  “Aah now if you were in our school you would have one too. There are all sorts of pens. The Flintstones and the Simpsons. Superman and Spiderman. Batman and Robyn. And a whole host of other funnies.” Jordan looked at the pen.

  “Is that what was in those boxes?” Tanya nodded.

  “And each of us got a nice thick hard cover book.” Jordan smiled as he sat down and looked at the pen.

  “These aren’t cheapies.” Tanya nodded.

  “We have a stationery cupboard now. With all sorts. Things have changed Jordan. For the better. Did you see that comes off of the pen?” Jordan smiled as he took the figurine off of the pen.

  “This is a nice pen.” Tanya nodded and took the pen and the little figurine and put it back on the pen.

  “And it is mine.” Jordan grinned as she put it in her bag.

  “Now. Where do we find Miss Sheridan?”

  “Miss Sheridan is out scouring for specials.” Tanya got up.

  “Business to discuss. See you later.” Jordan grinned as Tanya walked out. He shook his head. A pen was such a little thing but it was so important and made such an impact.

  Tanya headed to the grocer. Joy smiled as she looked up.

  “And now?”

  “Coming to see what you have found on special.” Joy chuckled.

  “Jordan sent you.” Tanya smiled and shook her head.

  “No. I actually have something to discuss with you. Business. School business.” Joy chuckled.

  “Let me pay for these and we can go and have a proper business meeting.” Tanya chuckled.

  “What did we buy?”

  “We bought chicken breasts for our chicken casserole this evening.” Tanya grinned.

  “Yum!” They both walked out of the shop and headed for the pub.

  Joy and Tanya sat down. Craig brought their coffee.

  “Right young lady. Let’s have it.” Tanya smiled.

  “It might cost. But maybe not. If we can scrounge and beg borrow and steal it could work.” Joy nodded and smiled.

  “What are we scrounging?” Tanya smiled.

  “Now. The first bit. We have no extra mural activities. We have nothing. We don’t have sports days or anything. So.” Joy smiled and nodded.

  “So. I was thinking. Drum majorettes. There is one competition which is held about two hours from here. If we get a squad together we could compete. At the end of the year.” Joy nodded and smiled.

  “Now who would be getting this squad together?”

  “Me.” Joy smiled.

  “Are you going to do all of this?” Tanya nodded.

  “I am organized. I have my years lessons sorted out. I am still tweaking because Thomas is a bit of a numbskull.” Joy chuckled.

  “Okay. Put your plans on paper. But this would mean uniforms. A bit of a cost involved. And boots. And one of those sticks.” Joy nodded.

  “Would you look at it?” Joy nodded.

  “I definitely would. But.” Tanya looked at her.

  “I need everything by Friday. Every detail. Times of practices. Costs of uniforms. Boots. The works.” Tanya grinned and nodded.

  Joy smiled.

  “And the next item on our agenda?”

  “Oh right. Clive Baker would like to get a school band together. We have loads of instruments packed away. They haven’t been out for years. But they are there. And Clive offered.” Joy nodded.

  “And who are we competing against?” Tanya roared with laughter.

  “Only an hour away. Also end of the year.” Joy nodded.

  “Tell Clive to get into action. I need to know what we have by Friday. We have an empty classroom that he can use. But I want to see the paperwork.” Tanya beamed. She got up.

  “See you at six.” Joy smiled and nodded as Tanya almost flew through the door.

  Jordan sat down.

  “What is in the packet?” Joy giggled.

  “Supper. And I am on my way home. I fancy a nice casserole. Chicken. What is your fancy?” Jordan smiled and nodded.

  “Chicken casserole sounds just dandy.” Joy smiled as she got up. Jordan kissed her and she smiled.

  “I far prefer this. Being out in the open. Like this. Not having to hide our feelings.” Jordan nodded.

  “Yes.” Joy smiled as she walked to his office and walked upstairs. She got busy with their supper and put it in the oven. Joy sat and made her notes for the newsletter. It was all coming together.

  CHAPTER 15

  Jordan smiled and looked up as Garth walked in with a little envelope.

  “How may I help?” Garth smiled.

  “Can you give this to Miss Sheridan please. This is our advertisement. With our money. And this pen is for her.” Jordan smiled as he took the pen.

  “Now this is neat!” Garth smiled.

  “I bought a few boxes. They were on special. So I thought I would do something different for a change. Put an ad in her newspaper.”

  “Newsletter.” Garth nodded.

  “We don’t have a newspaper you know.” Jordan grinned.

  “Well I think that is a good idea. Let’s take a peek.” Garth took out his sheet of paper. Jordan smiled. He had written it out. Jordan nodded.

  “Good idea!” Garth smiled.

  “Did you read that bit that if you want news put in the paper you pay a little bit and they will put it in.” Jordan nodded.

  “I saw that. A good idea.” Garth nodded.

  “But this is for my advert. Just a little one for now.” Jordan smiled and took the envelope and the pen.

  “I will give it to her.” Garth smiled and nodded as he walked out the door. Jordan smiled and shook his head. Joy had caused a stir.

  He walked upstairs.

  “Sweetheart.”

  “In the kitchen.” Jordan chuckled.

  “Yes I thought you might be.” Joy smiled.

  “Now how can I help?” Jordan waved the pen in the air.

  “Oh that is a nice pen!” Jordan grinned.

  “Yes well. Seeing as I am the bearer of the news I have decided to claim all gifts!” Joy chuckled.

  “Which means that pen is a gift.” Jordan grinned. He gave her the envelope.

  “This is your first advertisement. From Garth. He has created an awesome advert!” Joy looked at Jordan and he grinned. He took the sheet of paper from the envelope and opened it up. Joy smiled and looked at Jordan.

  “And this is his money.” Joy smiled.

  “Oh my goodness!” Jordan chuckled.

  “Now. I do need to warn you. He mentioned the word newspaper.” Joy looked at Jordan.

  “Newsletter.”

  “Yes well. See. That is the problem. We don’t have a newspaper.” Joy held her hand in front of her mouth and giggled.

  “Oh my word!” Jordan nodded. He grinned.

  “And who will be doing your artwork for this newsletter of yours?” Joy smiled.

  “You are looking at the creative director.” Jordan smiled.

  “Would you like me to do his advert?” Joy sm
iled.

  “Would you?” Jordan nodded.

  “A small fee is involved.” He waved the pen in the air. Joy chuckled.

  “Find out exactly what you call that pen. Then we can hitch a pic from the internet and do something arty.” Jordan kissed Joy and smiled.

  “Heading over there right now.” Jordan ran down the stairs and ran out of the pub.

  He walked into the wholesalers and walked over to Garth.

  “Garth!” Garth grinned.

  “Did she say it is okay?” Jordan nodded.

  “Absolutely! Now I need to know what you call this pen. The full details.” Garth took out the brochure and handed it to Jordan. Jordan took the brochure.

  “Going to loan this for a while.” Garth smiled as Jordan walked out.

  Alfonso ran out.

  “Jordan!” Jordan grinned as he walked over.

  “Can I give you my advert please?” Jordan nodded. Alfonso handed him the envelope with the cash and his advert and a huge slab of chocolate. Jordan smiled.

  “Advertising?”

  “Our special for the week.” Jordan smiled and nodded.

  “Now give the little lady the chocolate.” Jordan smiled.

  “Certainly!” He headed back to the pub. He flew up the stairs.

  “Advertisement number two.” Joy grinned.

  “Oh and unfortunately there was a gift.”

  “Unfortunately?”

  “Yes well! How come you get given chocolates?” Joy roared with laughter. He smiled and put the envelope and the chocolate on the counter.

  “Oh heck! I need a photograph of his barber shop.” Jordan flew down the stairs and out of the door. He went and took a few photographs of the barber shop. He walked inside and Alfonso grinned. Holding his comb and snipping away. Jordan took the photograph. Alfonso stared.

  “Why the photograph?” Jordan smiled and walked out. He headed back to the pub.

  Frank shook his head.

  “And what are you doing flying in and out like that?” Jordan grinned.

  “Not going to believe this.” Frank nodded.

  “And what is it that I am not going to believe?”

  “Garth and Alfonso have already given their adverts. For the newsletter.” Frank grinned.

  “And you are doing what with them?” Jordan grinned.

  “Going to put them on paper.” Frank chuckled.

  “You realize that is the only form of advertising there is?” Jordan nodded.

  “I am in my office for a little while.”

  “Doing the advertising spread?” Jordan grinned.

  “If it helps Joy then definitely. I can just imagine how long it is going to take. If it starts like this the newsletter is going to have to be published!” Frank grinned and nodded.

  Jordan walked upstairs. He had the newsletter in his hand.

  “Am I reading right?”

  “Good day Mister Inn Keeper. And what are you doing in my abode?” Jordan grinned.

  “I am on business.” Joy chuckled.

  “So the advert is a quarter of the page. So there are going to be four advertisements per page.” Joy nodded.

  “Yes. Correct. And we already have two.” Jordan smiled.

  “Three with mine.” Joy smiled and nodded. Jordan smiled.

  “I am going to take my laptop and sit in the pub. Get creative and let those creative juices flow.” Joy smiled.

  “Don’t let this interfere with the Inn.” Jordan grinned.

  “The pub.” Joy chuckled as he walked downstairs.

  Jordan took his laptop and sat in the pub. He had constant company. He did the first two advertisements and started with his. He did it exactly as Craig and Frank had told him. It was nice to have their input. He walked over to the till and took out the money for the advert. He put it into a little bank bag. He was very creative with the advertisements. He downloaded a photograph of the pens on special. He added the photograph of Alfonso. He smiled as he added the photograph of the barber shop with the name displayed on top. Jordan smiled and nodded. It hadn’t taken too long.

  Douglas walked through and smiled.

  “Jordan!” He walked over and took a seat.

  “Now I believe we can leave things here for Miss Sheridan.”

  “You certainly can.” Douglas nodded.

  “We are putting in four advertisements to see how this works.” He handed him the sheet.

  “This is our advertisement for the grocer. The specials for the week. Now if this boosts my sales we will have an ad every single week.” Jordan smiled and nodded and looked at the ad.

  “What an awesome idea!” Douglas nodded. He handed him the envelope of cash.

  “And this is for the little lady.” He handed him a box of chocolates.

  “I will be sure to pass this on.” Douglas smiled.

  “I am glad for you Jordan. And what a lovely lady. She shops with us every single day you know.” Jordan smiled and nodded. Douglas got up and smiled.

  “I am glad she took the job. What a difference she has made to this town.” Jordan smiled and nodded.

  “She sure has.” Douglas smiled and walked out.

  Jordan chuckled. He did the four little adverts with photographs of the products. It looked so good. He saved everything and took the laptop upstairs.

  “Mister Inn keeper.” Jordan grinned.

  “Tell me what you think.” Joy looked at all the adverts. She stared at Jordan.

  “That many already? And it is only Monday!” Jordan grinned. Joy looked at the adverts.

  “I have got my advertising man!” Jordan smiled.

  “Do you like?” Joy smiled and nodded.

  “That is a nice photograph of Alfonso!” Jordan grinned.

  “Oh we need a photograph of the grocer. From the outside.” Joy looked at the specials.

  “Ooh you snoop!” Joy giggled.

  “Jordan this is going to work!” Jordan nodded.

  “Are you sure you like?”

  “I think you are doing the perfect job. You even have contact names and phone numbers. Oh this is so good Jordan!” Jordan grinned and picked up the laptop and kissed Joy.

  “Later.” She smiled.

  “Oh by the way we have a box of chocolates from Douglas.”

  “We do?” Jordan chuckled.

  “Black Magic!”

  “Oh Jordan! Do me a favor. Hide them!” Jordan roared with laughter.

  Jordan sat down. Frank walked over.

  “Need a photograph of the grocer. From the outside.” Jordan smiled and handed Frank his keys. Frank grinned and headed out the door. He came back and they downloaded a few photographs. They both nodded as they looked at the four adverts.

  “I hope he has a lot of stock.”

  “This is confidential.” Frank grinned.

  “We are going to know what is coming up a week before anyone else.” Jordan grinned and nodded. He saved the document.

  “This town is coming alive Jordan. It always used to be so dead. Even this place. Fridays and Saturdays are hectic. And we are even getting more clients during the day. We need her.” Jordan smiled and nodded.

  “We do. Sometimes I get the feeling that people are excited.” Frank nodded.

  “Oh they are. Those kids that were made Prefects. Their parents are so proud. It is the talk of the town. Civvies day. Everyone is excited. It impacts on the entire town.” Jordan nodded and smiled.

  “It sure does.”

  It was a busy week. Jordan sat for hours creating more and more advertisements. He had taken quite a bit of money and had found a tin to put the takings in to. Tanya was hard at work with her drum majorettes proposal. Clive Baker was busy with his proposal to get the band together.

  It was Wednesday. Joy smiled as she hopped out of bed and made their coffee. Jordan smiled and held Joy in his arms. They cuddled in bed for a while and they both got out of bed. Joy got dressed and Jordan opened the back door and took her van out and reversed and parked i
t ready for Joy. Joy smiled as he ran up the stairs. She smiled and kissed Jordan.

  “Have a super day!” He smiled.

  “We are going to.” Joy headed for school. She sat in her office for a while and Penny walked through with a huge smile.

  “There is a delivery for you Miss Sheridan.” Joy got up and walked through. She signed for the delivery and smiled.

  “Penny. I know they are busy with their lessons. But I want you to take a pair through to every teacher. Take a look at the list and see which pair goes where.” Penny stared at the boxes.

  “Sneakers?” Joy nodded and smiled.

  “Sneakers!” Penny roared with laughter. She swung in to action.

  Penny walked through to Tanya’s class and knocked. She walked in and put the box on Tanya’s desk.

  “Our examples have arrived.” Tanya smiled as Penny walked out again. Tanya walked over to the box and opened it. She took out the pair of sneakers and there was suddenly a hush in the room. Tanya held the sneakers up. She walked to her pupils.

  “Now this is what each of you are going to get.” The pupils stared. There was chatting for a few minutes. Tanya smiled.

  “Worth working for?” They all nodded. Tanya took the sneakers and put them on a shelf. She smiled as she looked at them.

  Penny walked through to Clive Baker’s classroom. She knocked and walked in.

  “Clive size nine?” Clive nodded. She handed him the box.

  “Our samples have arrived.” Clive took the box and looked at his class. He opened the box and gasped. The pupils got up and looked in the box. The girls giggled. The boys grinned. Clive took a sneaker out.

  “Hell! These are them. This is what you are going to get!” Clive sighed.

  “Oh this is the best school in the world!” He took the sneakers out and put them on the chair in front of the class. He turned the chair so that everyone could see the sneakers.

  “Mister Baker I think those might be for you.” He smiled.

  “Well then we better achieve! No way am I missing out!” They roared with laughter. Clive smiled and carried on with his lesson.

  Penny walked through.

  “That is everyone and there is one pair left over.” Joy smiled.

  “Now those must be your size. Or not?” Penny smiled and nodded.

  “Those go in your office. On display.” Penny sighed.

  “And then?”

  “And then you better make sure you achieve your grades!” Penny shrieked.