Ting couldn't help but look at her old watch and give a yawn. After all, it was only Tuesday. Not the best thrift day of the week. She looked at the rows of sweaters and winter hats for kids. She knew she should be in the back, past the plastic curtains, sorting through donations, but she was the best cashier. She could manage any problem. Naturally, she'd had years of experience in customer service. Before this, she used to work at the motel out in the outskirts of town. Oh, she didn't want to think about this time. This was heaven compared to motel hell.
Back then, there was no one call, she had to do it on her own. Even now, she felt that way about a lot of things. Only, it wasn't about broken pipes or dysfunctional air coolers. It was just her so-called friends. She hugged herself tight as her wire-rimmed glasses slid on her nose. No, she didn't bother to fix it. She was being patient. It had been an ongoing process since preschool. Needless to say, she was always reprimanded by her grandmother about her temper, which had made Ting all the more lathargic. Life wasn't moving very fast, nor were her studies. Waiting for classes was like a chess game these days. And it seemed she was the last to know when it was even her turn.
"FUCK THIS!" She heard someone shout from the TOY section. Ting sighed. She knew it wasn't a customer. It had to be Ali.
Ting left her station since no one was waiting to see what Ali's problem was. Soon enough, she saw the bits of play items on the floor. Ali hadn't stapled it right when hanging the bags for sale.
Naturally, Ali made a face of disgust, ready to hang it up for the day, but Ting talked her down. "I know you'd never do an eight-hour shift." Sometimes, Ting might be here as long as twelve, but it was noted. You have just two more hours."
Ali nashed her teeth. One would think she came from the sticks and had never been around humans, especially toys.
"I hate being in the back," she snapped.
"You hate being in the front, too."
Ting's smirk was sly as she leaned on one foot with her hands in the back pockets of her jeans as if she could do a little exercise while Ali finished her tantrum.
"You know, I'm no good at this," Ali whined.
"But here you are," Ting gave back an impish smile. "Remember, you said I was cute."
Ali looked away as if she didn't want to remember. She didn't want to think about how they had a few drinks at the bar three weeks ago when she was down and out when her girl left her, and the only thing Ting could help her with was getting her a job.
"Now, go back and have Tanner show you again about bagging and stapling."
"I'm not even good at sorting." Ali snarled.
"You'll be fine. It takes time. Practice makes better." Ting shrugged and gave her a pat on the shoulder.
"Oh, look, it's a small world after all," someone said rather gingerly, all rosy and pink. It was Ting's ex. A Tuesday surprise no less.
