the package
I have plenty of time before work starts, but the heat is really kicking in, and I already feel myself slowing down. I put myself together and try to rush my legs a bit. Just as I start to walk faster, something unexpectedly falls on my feet. I look down. It’s a big, white envelope. I look surprised at it but still pick it up. No point in littering. I look at the name and the address on it.
They all belong to me.
I hear someone clear their throat. I look up and see a young girl, maybe in her mid-twenties. She’s slim, wearing a white t-shirt, black short, and dirty yellow snickers. The soles of her shoes are pink. I look at her shining blonde her. It’s wavy and reaches her shoulders. It seems to jump around when she moves her head. She stares at me irritated.
Freddy Marks?
Yes, that’s me. But how did you...
It’s a part of my job to know.
She crosses her arms and starts to chew a pink gum. She seems to be annoyed to even be here, let alone answer any stupid questions.
But I don’t understand. Who is this from?
I look at the envelope but there is no information on the back. I stare at my watch and notice that I am going to be late for work if I won’t stop talking to this girl. My mind is unmade as I stare at her snickers. I notice a purple skull drawing on her left shoe - it sparkles. I hear her clear her throat again, it seems to be a habit of hers.
Listen now, buddy. I was just supposed to deliver this to Freddy. So once again. Are you Freddy Marks? 55 Sherman Street, Bakersfield, California?
I feel unsettled when she bores those deep blue eyes at me.
Yes, that’s me, but...
No, that’s all I needed to know. Sign this.
She takes a piece of paper from the pocket of her black shorts, unfoldes it and hands it to me. She takes a white pen from the other pocket. I stare at the completely blank piece of paper, but I don’t move for a moment and notice her agitation grow. I feel my cheeks blush, even more, this time not just from the heat outside. I slowly take the paper and she turns around, pointing to her back. I furrow my eyebrows, not understanding for a moment.
Just put the paper on my back and sign the damn thing already. The pen doesn’t work otherwise, and apparently, I’m too “unreliable” to own a hard-pad. Whatever that means.
I do as I’m told and sign it. She turns around, grabs the paper and pen from my hand, and finally smiles. I’m so surprised by the sudden change in her attitude that I stumble back. She catches my hand before I can fall - and I take a deep breath, as I feel this strange electricity when her fingers touch mine.
You alright there?
Her smile turns into a smirk but she doesn’t let go. I force myself to be the one to do it.
Yeah, I think I will survive. It’s not like I got hit by the bus or anything.
She laughs out and my heart does an unexpected summersault. The heat must be getting to me more than I thought. This was a really weird day, and it started as such a boring one. I look at her and she starts to back away, already on her way. Then she decides to give me one more, long stare.
Pleasure doing business with you, Freddy. And make sure to do all the instruction as they are written there. Word by word.
What? What instruction? I don’t understand. Can you please tell me... wait, what is your name, and the company you’re working for?
She stops and gazes at me for a second. I start to sweat again.
Everything you have to know is in the envelope, stranger. All you need to know... and I’m Allison. Also, I don’t have a “company” or an office. I only have rules to follow - and those state: deliver the package. Done, finished.
Then who do you work for?
People, Freddy. I work for people. Now follow the instructions sweety pie, and everything will be alright.
She walks away quickly and I flinch as I stare at her hand. There is another envelope in there. It’s big and white. Just like mine. How did she do that? She doesn’t even have a bag. Just a t-shirt, shorts and a ridiculous pair of snickers.
I stare at the watch and freeze for a second. Then I break into almost a run and hope I won’t get fired. I feel the sweat on my forehead as my feet move faster and faster. My mind almost forgetting the envelope that is in my hand. Almost.
to be continued...
and here is part 2 from @tooldtocare