Figured it out! So its 3 chapters, unfinished and unpolished. I don't know what ima do with it. Have fun...hopefully... Oh and p.s. I guess the spaces didn't come out so everythings bunched, weak. Maybe I'll space it tomorrow. One of you should though haha. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Delivery Boy *1* I’m a delivery boy. I deliver things. I’m paid to deliver. The most ironic statement I could have ever made. I, John, am a man who has never been given a break, a chance, or a choice. Since I can remember, my life has been a clutter of worthless victories. Since I was young I was assigned tasks, expected to be completed without a hum, without a single question. I was the mindless soldier, being commanded by some war torn general. I was the masked man, killed three minutes into the picture show. After so many of these films I became dull, numb to the opportunities to escape this world of repetition. I did what I was told, I didn’t ask questions, which was good for a bicycle messenger, being handed jobs from complete strangers, being rewarded with no complements or gratitude, just a dollar or two. I hopped on my bicycle a peddled away. I dodged cabs, people, and children, all blank faces, also plagued by life. I finally arrive at my last stop, a bank, the biggest building I’d ever been sent to. As I get back on my feet, a light post flickers on a few yards off. I started my walk up the stairs, legs aching from the miles covered today, I see a familiar face, an unusual affair nowadays, considering I live thousands of miles from any sort of familiarity. I must be mistaken. “John?” a voice says, with a hint of artificial surprise. I can see a person, but I see no one I would know. “It’s me, Jenny” It starts to come back to me. I knew a Jenny in college, where I became, like most failures, bored and dropped out, but this bared no resemblance to the chubby, cluttered mess of a woman I knew. This was a goddess, a divine being of beauty. As I dazed into her being I was abruptly ripped away from my memories. “You don’t remember me do you?” she snickered with a bit of frustration. I quickly recovered my stature and answered in a calm, presentable voice, “Je-Jenny? Jenny Frasier?” Her face seemed to brighten up a bit. “What are you doing here?” I tack on, trying to keep her close, so the twenty or so people still out in New York might notice who I’m talking with. “I’m visiting for a while. My cousin Marie lives here with her husband you know.” I didn’t know but I pretended like it was common knowledge. “Of course, how could I have forgotten? How is she?” Her face suddenly lost any trace of happiness, as her attention drew from me to the floor. How had I forgotten? A few months before I had a talk with my mother about Marie. Apparently she had contracted some kind of unknown disease, and had been rather ill for a while now. “Oh no! I’d forgotten what I was doing! I really have to go!” She gathered up her bag and apologized for leaving so abruptly. “I really do need to go, it was good seeing you.” Realizing that the most beautiful woman I had talked to since junior high was walking away; I pounced on the opportunity to arrange a second meeting. “Do you think that maybe we could see each other again?” I said quite meagerly. “Maybe have some coffee sometime?” “I wish I could” she replied, “but I don’t have much time to spare, I’ve used up more than I should have already,” hailing a cab midsentence. “Well how long will you be here for?” I asked in a hurry, looking for any chance at seeing her again. “For a few weeks at least!” she yelled from the inside of the cab. “If you want to visit me, you can come to my sisters for a little while.” “Where does she live?” I yelled as the taxi pulled away. “443 Ma….” Voice, scattering as the distance between us grew. I sat back on the step, punishing myself for letting her get away. I was never good with women; I lacked the courage to get close to any woman, any person for that matter. I sat on that step for a few more moments, and then I realize that my last delivery was late! As I rush up the steps, legs burning, I curse myself. Mr. Mercer promised me that if I deliver one more package late I would lose my job! As I reach for the door handle a few businessmen emerge, dressed in suits that cost more than my dreary apartment’s rent for a year. I just nearly avoid crashing into them, catching eyes with the youngest of the group. “Mr. Harrison?” barely managing to speak, I pull out the well sealed envelope. “Ahh, the letter from Hubert. I was beginning to lose hope young man.” “Yes sir, sorry sir.” “Don’t apologize young man. Do I need to sign for this?” He seemed to know the ropes, he must be delivered things often. Then I remember I left my papers on my bike. I begin a dash to my bike, hearing Mr. Harrison behind me saying, “Come now I don’t have all day,” still somehow maintaining his patience. I fumble through my bag, throwing aside and apple core, my lunch, and a few old papers and such. I finally come upon the correct papers and a suitable pen. “If you could sign here sir…” I said, finally regaining my breath and professionalism. “Of course of course.” He signed the page with the most eloquent signature I had ever seen. I began to see the faces of the others, some glancing at their watches, others judging, others staring with malcontent for wasting their precious time. I began to feel weak. Once he was done with all the proper signatures I thanked him again, and apologized pathetically one last time. “Son, I told you there’s no need to apologize, just try to be less forgetful next time.” As he spoke I noticed how much softer his face was than the others. He was clearly a several years younger than the other men, but commanded so much respect. He had an aura of dignity and passion. I couldn’t help but be affected by it, and I must have stood there staring for twenty seconds, before one of his ill tempered coworkers snapped me out of it with some foreboding remark about me wasting their time. I quickly to the side, once again feeling lower than a fellow human. As I stared at the ground, I heard something I hadn’t heard in ages. A ‘thank you’ danced in my ears for a moment. In a hurry I responded with a “No problem sir!” or a “Your welcome sir!” but it didn’t matter. What mattered that I was thanked for something, for the first time in nearly two years. It was almost enough to make me forget about the reparation I was to receive from Mr. Mercer. I slowly walked back to my bicycle, preparing for the ride back. On the ride back, all that occupied my mind, was Jenny. She was in New York, and I happened to meet her. I began to wonder what she was doing at the bank, as I arrived back at the office of Mr. Mercer. *2* I slowly turned the knob that was attacked to the door of hell. I knew the second that door creaked open I would hear a chorus of snarls and insults sent from Mr. Mercer and his number two, Dwight. Mercer was a large man, a has-been athlete. He was quarterback in high school, and I don’t believe he ever moved on, and never let anyone forget. Standing next to him, he towered at least a whole foot above my scrawny little body. He always did intimidate me. He knew how to use his large physique to his advantage, and no one ever seemed to question him. He truly was a sight to behold. Hairy chest and shoulders, just a tank top, and loose blue jeans. As I talked him back into his chair, his assistant had to remind me of how many times I had been late to a delivery, or failed to deliver a package at all. Dwight was much less of a man than Mercer. Dwight tried to imitate Mercer’s hairstyle, but he lacked the head of hair. Mercer had a come over of bright red hair, burning like the candle on the desk that his wife Susan and bought him to help relax. Dwight also had the red hair attribute, but his come over had to cover a vast sea of skin, because he began losing his hair very young. “I’m sorry sir it won’t happen again I swear it!” “I told you that you were on thin ice kid!” he bellowed. “Sir if I can just have one more ch—“ “Boss, he has had more chances than any other delivery boy you employ. You should terminate him now, hire a new one and save the trouble.” He always had a way of upsetting Mercer, and he knew I hated being called a delivery boy. In any other situation with any other boss of any other company I would have lost my job, but Dwight had saved me again. “Well I didn’t ask you, did I? I make the decisions around here and I say he stays! You won’t mess up another delivery will you, boy?” With a face on that made me shrink down a few inches. “N-no sir, you can count on me, I won’t mess up again sir.” Then in a dismissive tone he pushed out, “Good, now get out its past closing time.” I rose from my chair in a hurry and hastily exited the room, shutting the door behind me. It was a huge relief to be out of Mercer’s line of vision. As I rested my back against the shut door, I heard Mercer put down Dwight for some reason, which lifted my spirits before the long ride home to my apartment. I opened the front door and greeted Doris with a friendly good afternoon, and received the usual “You’re late on your rent John.” “I know Doris, I know! You’ll have it soon, I swear it.” “I want it by the end of the week John, or I’m going to have you kicked out.” This was a dance we did every month, but it didn’t change the fact that she was serious. If I kept up my deliveries I should have the rent by Friday, it being merely Monday. I seemed to skid by every month, which left me with nearly no money for the luxuries. This would bother a normal person, but I had no friends and no one to impress. I opened my pathetic excuse for a door, dropped my bag and bicycle, and collapsed on the bed. I take of my dirty clothes, throwing them next to the closet. Then I performed the same ritual I perform every night, collapsing onto my bed, staring at the ceiling until I fall asleep. Something was different though. I didn’t fall asleep. I found myself thinking of Jenny. I see fancy women every day, not necessarily as gorgeous as Jenny, but pretty none the less. Why am I laying here dreaming of her? I glanced out my window to see a flickering light, the last thing I would see before succumbing to sleep. *3* I awake to a beautiful day, sunshine breaking through my tattered shades, bird chirping on the oak tree by my window, and of course the honks of cars and the chatter of hundreds of people. I yawn and stretch, then snap awake, realizing what had happened. I had slept in. “This is the last thing I need! How could this have happened? The day after I nearly lose my job I wake up late!” I yell as I scramble to get my bag together while putting on my left sock. I burst out the door, ignoring Doris’ cries for rent, hop on my bike and jet down the busy streets. I need to hurry, I need to pick up my packages and addresses as quickly as possible or my I’d lose my job. A mile from the office I start to realize that I forgot to put a sock on my right foot in the hurry, and am developing a blister. I continue down the street, weaving in between cars, dodging people and vehicles alike. I finally reach the office, and break in through the door panting and close to death. I see the look on Mercer’s face though his office window, then notice his hand sticking out the door with a handful of letters on top of a single small package. I snatch the bundle from his hand and head for the door. As I exit I hear him behind me, “If one of those is late, let alone undelivered, you’re history!” The pressure once again sinks in. I need to hustle to get around this city in time to deliver all these. One package and eleven letters, and only had three hours to get them all delivered. I throw them in my bag and head off, reading the first address off the long list. “1825 North Cherry Street”. Only three blocks away, I seemed to be off to a good start. I peddle away, dashing down the street at 100 miles an hour! I have to dodge an old woman selling flowers, nearly knocking her over. I yell an apology of sorts, but quickly began to focus on the task at hand. I near Cherry Street, only a little farther. I see the address, a small bakery, and quickly rip the papers and envelope out of my bag and burst through he door. I saw an elderly man kneading some dough and put the two items down in front of him. I had him sign so quickly and exited with the same enthusiasm, so nearly no words were exchanged. Before I knew it I was back on the bicycle. The next stop, 1452 Anderson, was very close, just around the corner. I arrive in a matter of seconds, to a home loan business and repeat the same hurried cycle. This time it was a man who, under normal circumstances, would have been a nice gentleman. Due to my constant interaction with different people, I’ve become good at spotting what type of person I’m dealing with just by looking. I bustle towards the door, until he remarks, “don’t you want your tip?” I was too close to the door and in too much of a hurry to backtrack, even if only for a few seconds. “Sorry sir but I’m in a real hurry!” I yell behind me as the door shuts. The next three were real doozies. Parakeet Street, Dorothy, and 53rd. I was surrounded by them, so I pick the closest and head West. It was a long ride, nearly half an hour, until I spotted the Women’s Fashion building. I’d delivered here before. It’s a nice place, and the owner is a lovely woman, but not if you’re in a hurry. I barrel down the aisles, dodging women holding coats and dresses of the newest fashion. I meet Phillis, the owner, in record time. She quickly realizes that I’m in a hurry and does the worst thing possible, stops signing the papers and asking questions. “Why are you so sweaty?” she asks. “Are you in some kinda hurry? You know it’s really unbecoming to perspire so much in the company of a woman.” The last remark, sounding very cynical upset my already ill mood. “Ma’am just sign the papers I’m in a hurry.” “Well I was just being curious. Why are you in such a hurry?” “I’m running late will you just sign the damn papers!?” I roar at her. The look on her face made me realize that I had cursed at a woman. I immediately apologize, regretting every word. She signs the paper and throws the paper back at me. I look down and head for the door, ashamed of what had happened. The next two stops were of the same sort, a curious employee or owner who stalled me for too long. The following three, however, went as smooth as they could have. I ran in, had them sign it, and ran out. “Two more” I whisper to myself. I had only about an hour before the town seemed to die. The next delivery was the package. It was supposed to go to 204 Weather Way, apartment 24. “A home?” I wonder, as start working my way in that direction. It wasn’t too far of a ride, but enough to make me worry a bit. I start gaining distance, when I come upon traffic, due to an accident. I look around, and make my way through the fastest route. I nearly get decked by a man opening his door. “Watch it buddy!” he yells at me, but I pay no attention. Suddenly I skid to a stop, inches from an officer. He seems upset that I nearly knocked him over, and remarks with “Just where do you think you’re going eh?” “Sir I’m in a big hurry could you let me through?” Turns out it wasn’t an accident at all, but some kind of robbery. An accident I can ride straight through, but this might be a hassle. If I can’t get through here it’ll be a ten minute detour. “Sorry but you are gonna have to go around.” “Sir it is very important that I get through” I saw with a little desperation in my voice. “I’m sorry but you are gonna have to find another way through son” he says with anger in his voice. I decide to save the trouble and double time it around. I arrive at the building, and after frantically searching the posting for the location of the specific apartment, I make my way down a hall. I come to the door and place three fierce knocks on the chipped blue painted door. No answer. I try knocking again. No answer. I think to myself “If he isn’t here, its not my fault, right?” as I begin to pace the hallway, contemplating leaving. Just as I decide to head for my bike the door creeks open. “Hello?” whispers an ancient voice from a poorly lit room. “Ma’am I have a package for you. I need you to sign here.” The old woman, at least seventy years old, turns her back on me and makes her way back into the house, saying “come on in” on the way. “Ma’am I really need to keep moving,” but even with my sense of urgency being thrust upon her she kept moving into the apartment. “Ma’am I really am in a hurry,” I say, trying one last stand. “Would you like some peppermint?” she asks innocently. In my head I’m saying “I haven’t been offered peppermint since I was a kid,” but on the outside I ignore her and place the package on the antique coffee table with the papers in front of her. “If you could please just sign right here…” She then says, in a much smaller tone, “Sure sweetie…” and signs the paper. I’ll never forget the look on her face, a face yearning for attention and love, mixed with wrinkles. On any other day, I would have stayed and chatted, all while munching on peppermints. Instead, I exit immediately after she’s done signing the paper. As I exit the apartment, I look over the shoulder, and see for a second time, the face of a sad old lonely woman, opening a box to find old photographs. I jump back on the bike, feeling awful about leaving that poor old woman alone, wishing that I COULD stay, and talk about her possibly interesting past. Last stop. I look at the address, and realize it’s the same bank from before. I should make it just in time. I get there in the nick of time, ramming my bicycle up the first stair, obliterating the front tire, but it was of no concern at the moment. Noticing the same blinking street light I run up the stairs and reach for the door, when it is opened by the same man, Mr. Harrisson. I whip out the paper and envelope at lightning speed, along with a pen, and thrust it into his hands. “Sir I have a delivery for you,” I say once again, with the same out of breath voice. Then he remarks, “Wow son, you must have been moving quick. You nearly missed me I’m on the way to the car.” “Yes Sir. I was in a real hurry to deliver my things on time.” “I see. Well bravo young man. I’m very impressed. Here you go,” he says as he hands me the papers, “you take it easy now.” “Yes Sir I will.” After our exchange of words he gets in the car, door opened by the driver and all. It amazed me that someone could have such luxury, when I was struggling just to get by. As I gazed at the car driving off, I came to a terrible discovery; I still had one envelope left. “Blast it! It must have fallen to the bottom of the bag!” I scream. “I can’t lose this job, I need to get this delivered or I’ll be in for it!” I hustle back down the stairs, only to grasp the fact that in my rush, I rendered my bicycle unusable. “I must get this done!” I say, trying to get myself ready to run. I run down the street, sweat running into my eyes, my hair flailing wildly. “If only I had put both socks on” I moan in pain. I make a right, then a left, and then it’s a straight run for the building. I’d never been there before, I had no idea what to expect. I burst into a full sprint, eyes set on the big red doors, which were staring back at me angrily. I sprint up to the door, and twist the handle. *click* “OH NO!” *click* *click* *click* “Oh God no...it’s locked…” I say, all hope disappearing. “I was so close…” As I realize what has happened, I start walking back to the office. “The bikes probably gone. I’ll probably lose my job. I won’t make rent. What am I gonna do?” I reach the office, walk in to Mercer’s office, and take a seat. The first thing I notice is Dwight’s expression of glee, along with his big read comb over. I finally look up at Mercer, and meet eyes with him. He didn’t look happy, nor sad. He had no expression at all. If it wasn’t for what he said next, I would have thought him faux. “I’m sorry John.” I get up, leave the office, and start the blistering walk home.