Linked In Time

Chapter II Daily Routine

7:45 am

Jeeeeeeesus I don't wanna be here!! I honestly don't understand why I come to work every day. Sure I might get paid a bit extra from all of the quote on quote 'customers' I bring in, but they should know by now that they only come to gawk at me like I'm a showpiece. Yes yes I know I'm gorgeous but honestly, I'd like to have a day when people just came, shopped, rung up their shit and left. But nooo, they come, eye me down while they shop, and take five minutes PER ITEM to get rung up cause they are too busy secretly taking pictures or staring. Of course, I'm only referring to the women. The only stairs I get from men are either dirty because their girls are sizing me up, or hungry if they're gay. 

"Logan, are you listening?!"

The old woman's raspy voice causes my shoulders to reflexively tense. What does this old bat want now? I slightly tilt my head in the direction of the voice, while still keeping it propped up on my hand as I lean over the counter.

"Forgive me Mrs. Shenzi, I had a rough night. What did you say?"

I sense her aura relax a bit after hearing the soft monotone of my voice.When I first started working here, she was like the rest, distant but curious, and transfixed. But after having my constant presence for about three months, she started to act more her age. So some things I can still get away with, but not everything. As my boss, she is entitled to most of my attention. At least, that's what I let her believe. 

"As I was saying, Lillian and Michael had to leave early today, so I trust you can take in their stations in the perfume area for today right?"

Mmmmmm should I do it?...mmmmm....

"Yeah, leave it to me."

Dammit you idiot why didn't you say no?! I slowly sit up with a stretch as I turn to the perfume and cologne stations. A group of young girls is swarmed around one of the stations facing away from me. The sight of their firm skin makes my mouth water and my stomach growl. Ok, now I know why I said yes. Mental note Logan, make sure to eat everything so you don't go to work hungry again.

12:30 pm

It's already been thirty minutes out of that wretched mall, and I still smell like a fruity chemical cocktail from all that crap those girls tested on me. Sadly their chaperone was there so I couldn't reap the fruits of my labor, literally. I had decided to take a side trail near the back of the mall, which I know leads to a nearby park that I frequent. As much as I hate playing for my food, I usually walk home with more money to spend after playing for the neighborhood children who live by the park. I refuse to play for them until they pay me, but knowing they are only children, I only charge 5 dollars per song. I'll admit seeing the smiles on their faces is nice, and sometimes some of them will sing along to songs they know, which actually helps me practice toning my voice. But the fuss they make when I am about to leave...makes me wish I took a longer shift at work.

The sound of laughter and screaming reaches my ears just in time for me to look up and realize I reached my destination. A little girl who I know by the name of Kayla sees me, and she smiles brightly before darting to me. A few other kids follow suit behind her, causing some of the parents to turn as well to see what all the commotion is about. I allow myself to be tackled down by the little devils and laugh lightly as they all shout "Hi Mr. Romeo!". The name Romeo was really just something they came up with, and I never cared enough to correct them. That, and the name fits me all too well, so why change it. I chuckle at the thought as I look up to see some of the parents come over to greet me as well. Well, time to put on a show.

4:00 pm

"What took you so long Lolo?!" 

My friend Jer shouts as he bobs up and down out of the water. I smile down at him as I start removing my clothes.

"Had to take in some more shifts at work, and the kids at the park got a bit clingier today so-"

Before I can finish my sentence I am suddenly assaulted by a splash of pain followed by a burst of laughter. I feel the hard slick tile hit my chest after slamming on to the ground. What I now realize to be ice causes me to shiver and clench my teeth. I feel my blood practically freeze from the sudden attack, and I groan from the pain.

"Aw Logan don't be a lizard, it wasn't even that bad!"