Post by StoryGirl83 on Dec 13, 2008 21:34:08 GMT -5
Chapter Five – “And So It Begins”
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Leo walked down the sidewalk in front of the big department store where his son worked. He stopped and looked up at the sign that said “Centennial” in big letters. Who ever thought the first time I actually entered Chris’ work is would be pretending to be him. He sighed. I really hope I can do this. He entered the building through the double glass doors.
Inside the Centennial break room, Rose Laughlin was sitting with her head in her hands as Jody Powell paced the room. “Oh, Jody. I just don’t know what to do. David means well, I think, but I don’t know what to tell him.”
“It was foolish of him is what,” Jody scoffed. “You’d think he’d know better than to ask such a thing.”
“Surely it’s not that bad,” Rose protested.
“It could cost him his job, company policy about employee fraternization.”
“It’s not as if either of us is in management,” Rose reminded her. “He . . .” Her voice trailed off as the door opened, letting Leo in. She closed her mouth and looked at Jody before sighing.
“Good morning, Chris,” Jody greeted, nothing in her voice indicating the previous conversation. “Ready for the day?”
I will be when I figure out what Chris does at work, Leo thought as the door opened a second time.
David Vandemark entered the room and looked around. The girls looked at each other and Rose gave him a warm grin, “Good morning, David.”
Leo turned to look at David startled. So that’s the young man Chris warned me about.
David’s eyes narrowed as he noticed Chris’ eyes on him and he groaned. “Jody, Rose, would you mind getting on the clock and setting up for work. I need to talk to Chris.”
Jody scowled at him. “You aren’t our boss and you aren’t on the clock either.”
David gave Leo a slightly pleading look. “Chris, you’re second in command her. Some help please.”
Great. Leo considered his options and decided that he’d best talk to the boy, see what was up. “Actually, why don’t we go to my office to talk?” Hopefully he’ll lead the way because I don’t know where that is, only that he has one.
David nodded. “If that’s how you want to do this, fine. If that will get you to talk.”
They reached Chris’ empty office a minute or so later. David entered before Leo and stood in front of Chris’ desk. Leo walked around the desk and sat down. Both of them stood in silence until Leo needed to know what the boy was thinking, why he wanted to talk to him and what he thought he knew. “Well?”
David sighed. “What is up with you, Chris? First, it’s amnesia. Then, you remember again, but you’re different. Now . . .” His voice trailed off, not sure what was wrong.
“What makes you believe something is wrong?” Leo asked, wondering if David really did know something, or if he was bluffing. “I said nothing, did nothing to make you believe that.”
“It’s there all the same,” David replied, his voice uncertain. “Will you tell me?”
No, Leo thought, I don’t think Chris would thank me for doing that, but if he’s willing to help, perhaps I can use that somehow. “There is something up, but I don’t think it is something you should worry about.”
David frowned. “How long? How long do I have to cover for you?”
Leo looked at him surprised. “I’m not asking you to cover for me.” And I sincerely hope Chris hasn’t been either.
“I know,” David sighed, wearily. “I just keep hoping this is a temporary lapse and you will soon be back to normal.”
But Chris would never be back to what he was before. The second set of memories had taken care of that. Why does Chris think this boy plans to bring him trouble?
“I guess I’ll be stocking in the back if you need some help,” David told him, giving up. “Just stay out Mr. Hollis’ way. He’ll know something’s up, too.” When Leo nodded, David continued. “I’m going to go clock in. I’ll see you later.”
Leo nodded, again. And so it begins. He pushed his chair back and stood as David left the room.