The Teej
The Times, They are a-Changing
She’s sweating bullets, doing her best to keep calm; slowly shifting in her seat, trying to look professional. He’s talking and she’s making an effort to understand, but all he uses are five dollar words in an elaborate attempt to make it sound like he’s important. Just smile, nod, and wait for it to end.
Interviewing for a job at a local bookstore, Silvia sat opposite of the weary owner, who, for the third time since he sat down, removed a handkerchief from his shirt pocket to polish his glasses. He continuously stared at her résumé as if it was written in hieroglyphics or a map to some sunken treasure had been encrypted on the page. It was a wonder how he kept the place standing, let alone in continued business. After a few questions and his personal soapbox, he asked if she had any questions of her own. “We’ll call you” brought the interview to a close leaving Silvia unsure on the status of her employment. She thanked him and made for the door, then paused.
“Do you have an idea as to when you will have made a decision?”
The bookkeeper popped his head from a large stack of books. “Being the only applicant for some time now, I suppose we can skip the formalities. So long as you think you’re up for it. Can you start tomorrow?”
A giant weight off her chest, Silvia happily agreed. The job wasn’t much, but it was a step in the right direction.
Stepping out into the street, she was forced to squint in the sunlight. The contrast from the gloomy shop and her return to reality started a slight stagger. The light was one thing, but the muggy natured afternoon kicked like a mule. It was a ten minute train ride to meet Jenna for lunch. Had she been more adapted to her surroundings, Silvia would’ve arrived on time. Twenty three minutes passed before she appeared, out of breath and patients.
“Did the train have another delay?” Jenna greeted her friend with half-assed concern.
“I got on the train and I guess I missed my stop or something. I dunno. It’s nice to finally meet up with you.”
“Too long girl. Starting to think you might’ve forgotten about me.”
Silvia gave a shy half smile. “I’ve just been busy, still getting used to everything; a fresh start and all.”
“Looks like you’ve got some work to do if you’re going to take the train. Can we go in? I’m starving.”
Filing into the small café, the interiour felt calm and cool in comparison. They caught the eye of the man behind the bar, “any place you like girls”; they took the closest available booth.
Jenna swung her handbag dramatically so Silvia might take notice; she also felt it necessary to shake back her long blond locks in the process.
“How much did that cost you?” she muttered behind a menu.
“Oh, this? It was a gift from my last boyfriend.”
“Looks expensive”
“I was so going to take it back, but he was all, ‘I lost the receipt, I can’t take it back.’ Some people just don’t pay attention to colour I guess. So ends that chapter of my life. Say, are you seeing someone? We could double date.”
Silvia piped up, “I haven’t really met anyone yet.”
“Right… Well, you so need to go clubbing with me! Seriously, I was at this place, Terminal; get this, totally an old-train-station-creepy vibe. Anyway, so we’re all at this table and this group of guys came over, orders us drinks and completely danced the night away. We got so wasted and—“
It was unnerving how quickly she stopped; like a deer in headlights. Silvia worried about looking over her shoulder, later replaced by the theory of her overwhelming ADD. Like sliding from a holster, Jenna drew her phone, the vibration overheard once it surfaced.
“I need to take this.” She rose to get up, “order me the Caesar, low-fat dressing on the side and a glass of white?”
She phrased it like a question, but before Silvia could muster a reply, Jenna was halfway across the room. She answered with the cutesiest greeting she could put forth.
They weren’t the best of friends, but they had enough history which had to count for something. Jenna served as the outgoing, ‘pretty face’ and Silvia was the voice of reason and intelligence; a semi-functional relationship. The waiter came and by the time the food had arrived Jenna returned from the restroom. A smug expression decorated her face as she waltz back to the table.
“So, that was Sid.”
“Sid?”
“This guy; so he and his friend Derek are looking to go out tonight and I totally set us up. A few drinks, some dancing, and whatever happens later,” she winked.
“You know I would if I could Jen—“
“Bullshit, you need to get out. I mean look at you, all pale, and what happened to your hair?” Jenna was referring to the length removed in order to rid it of the streaks of blue and pink, barely making a bob. “Weren’t you going to an interview today?”
She started feel bad, “I did. That’s sort of the problem—“
“Oh sweetheart, if you need to borrow something to wear until you have time to unpack I completely understand. I’m sure we can get you another interview. You know, those cute shoes detract from the top, you wanna keep them looking up, not that far down.” Jenna smiled and pantomimed adjustment, it didn’t feel sincere. Her dress practically had a price tag on it; who knows where it came from. She always needed the best and usually had some way of getting it. ‘Gifts,’ she says.
“What? No, I got the job and that’s the thing—,” she pawed at her blue cardigan.
“Really? That’s great. C’mon out and celebrate Silvi!”
No matter how many times Silvia reminded her she hated that name, Jenna never caught on. “I can’t—“
“C’mon Silvi! You need to get out. From the looks of it you’re in need of a good ride.” She giggled, but Silvia didn’t join in.
“I wish I could, but I got my first day tomorrow morning, I just want to be ready. We can go out another night,” forcing a smile.
“Alright, alright. You don’t know what you’re missing though. So the bookstore? I guess it works for a bookworm like you. Do I get to see your place soon?”
“It’s nothing to see…I’ll have you over soon, don’t worry. It’s not as nice as yours and Melanie’s. Not a lot of furniture either. I like it though.”
Jenna’s bitchiness worked like a light switch, and it’d seem she was completely oblivious to it. She could backhand compliment or completely insult you and immediately shift to being the most caring friend at the drop of a dime. She pleaded Silvia once more before they parted.
“Not a chance, not tonight. I’ll be over after work tomorrow; you can tell me all about it.”
“You better Silvi. You need to learn how to have some fun. How early can you possibly have to wake up?”
Four thirty arrives like a punch in the kidneys; it doesn’t matter who you are. No rational person gets up at four thirty. It’s one of the most ungodly times you can possibly imagine. The Alarm clock was punctual as ever, stirring Silvia from a deep slumber. She crawled from her sheets, slipping and stumbling to the ground. It remained quite the battle but by half past five she was out the door; a piece of toast carried in her mouth and a poorly constructed travel mug filled with tea, leaking in her hand. Having planned out her route ahead it was a straight-shot to the bookshop.
She tried the handle before knocking. He must’ve been waiting at the door for it opened instantly, inviting Silvia into the musty store.
“Silvia, right on time”
“Morning Mr. Stamine,” she did her best to appear rested. She went to shake his hand but halted.
“No, no, none of that. Mr. Stamine was my father and that miserable old prick is long gone. Call me Steve; we’ll work on the handshake later.”
It was all rather puzzling. Steve was far livelier now than in the interview. He led her to the front desk.
“Now it’s all fairly simple. In my age, as you can imagine, I don’t have the energy that I once had, and owning and operating this fine store, it’s a little much.”
“That does seem pretty simple, especially for what you’re offering.”
“It’s hard to find good workers these days and I need someone I can trust. I’d like to think I still have a sense of character. And that’s why you’re here,” he beamed.
He was only about Silvia’s height, but it could’ve been his posture. His black trousers were fairly worn and the green coat looked military issue.
“So, shelving and selling books,” she smiled, “I think I can handle it.”
“Do you smoke Silvia?”
“Umm…no.”
Behind the counter stood three large bookshelves cowering behind an impressive spiral-staircase, which Steve continued to; waving Silvia on.
“Silvia, when you get old you begin to grow bored. Over the years I’ve collected several hobbies and some have grown quite successful in practice. I simply ask that you manage my little bookstore, being a ‘bookkeeper’ if you will. Now I’m not one to promote lies and deceit in a business arrangement, so, in an act of respect and honesty am I showing you any of this. Understand?”
“That’s quite a lot for a first day. What exactly are we talking about?” By this time, she was cursing herself for not getting more sleep.
“I began gardening, an unfortunate cliché for the aging man, but as I began, I rapidly improved.”
She stared blankly.
“You can’t tell from the front, but I converted the second floor to a greenhouse.” He patted the sturdy stairway. “I made a considerable amount of money from vegetables and spices, awards and such, but then my interest took a bit of a turn. I suppose I should just show you.” He approached the center bookcase and removed two titles, unleashing a series of gears, clicking within the walls. “After a while, I felt that I needed something a bit flashy.”
The shelf slid to the side reviling another set of stairs leading down. Passing through a wall of air left them in a sizable chamber with a distinct odour. It was another greenhouse and after recognizing the crop she turned to Steve.
“Is this…Are you some sort of drug lord?” Steve laughed. “You’re going to have to explain…”
“I fell in love, stared a business, and became a botanist.”
“And grow cannabis.”
“It’s no different than Mendel growing peas. It’s science.”
“And if you happen to make a buck here and there—“
“I fund my research and produce in the cleanest way possible. Obviously it’s a bit much for personal use, and I’m providing a service.”
“I don’t—“
“I’m only asking you to run the bookstore. You never have to know another thing on this end. I leave it to you whether you want to or not.”
Silvia slowly made for the stairs. There was no chance in finding a place paying better and after four interviews having gone south, was there much of a choice?
“What do I need to know about the bookshop?”
Around noon Silvia was getting a hand of things, making the work day progressively easier. It wasn’t a hard job and business wasn’t nearly what it used to be. The bell fastened to the front door rang and below stood a familiar figure in the frame. He browsed around before taking notice that it was Silvia that resided behind the counter. She felt a bit uneasy once their eyes made contact.
“Didn’t expect to run in to you here; you workin’ here now?”
“And you seem to have a bad habit of showing up.”
“Glad to know you’re doing well. Sure enough, you certainly clean up nice.” He flashed a grin which was not reciprocated.
“One could easily grow suspicious with all of these ‘coincidental’ run-ins.”
“Fine, fine. Guess I should get on about what brought me here. I’m looking for a translated publication of Fredrick Nietzsche. Think you can point me in the right direction luv?”
An antique of a computer was tucked in the corner. There were a number of desperate modifications needed to return the shop to the twenty first century; the desktop was no exception. The clunky device complained and whined as it preformed the search.
“I can get on to you by Friday.”
“Not in hurry. I don’t suppose the same greeting will await me if I happened to show my face then?”
“I suppose I’ll see you then.”
“Aye, no sense in waiting around and being much more of a burden.” As he exited, a group of guys happened to enter simultaneously. She would’ve stopped the stranger, but through the exchange he slipped out. As the gang approached the counter, a sinking feeling crawled up Silvia’s spine.
“We’re here to see the owner,” one of them declared. Like clockwork, Steve emerged from the backroom, a confused look sprawled across his face.
“What can I do for you gentlemen?”
“We represent Mr. Boris,” another jetted.
“Mr. Boris has placed interest in opening his protection to this neighbourhood.”
“Out of the kindness of his heart, right?”
“All we’re here for is to collect a small ‘favour’ for Mr. Boris’ generosity.”
Steve frowned. “I don’t quite understand. We seem fairly self-sufficient without any protection. Where I have nothing but gratitude for this ‘Mr. Boris’’ offer, I think I’ll respectfully decline.”
Two of the members began examining some of the titles, tossing them individually. Their perceived leader became sterner.
“It isn’t wise to take such an offer lightly.” Subtly, the hand of a revolver peeked from under his shirt.
“Ah, so this is a robbery that we’re wanting. Allow me to see what we have in the till; Silvia?”
Reluctantly, she complied with her employer’s wishes and emptied the drawer. She managed a glare as she handed over the money.
“Pretty girls like you should smile more,” the thief smirked. “Mr. Boris appreciates your compliance. You can consider yourself under his guard. C’mon boys, we’ve taken enough of their time.”
Steve waited until they’d departed before saying anything.
“Best thing to do is to do what they ask. If they knew what sort of operation I was really up to, we’d be much, much worse off. Last thing I need is them poking their noses around.”
Silvia understood, but prior to being able to vocalize a response, a commotion was heard from outside. The two scurried to the window, throwing back the curtain in order to get a glimpse at what was happening. What must have started as a mild confrontation had snowballed to something much greater. A five on one frenzy was breaking out in front of the store and Steve and Silvia had priority seating.
Silvia’s stalker ducked a right hook and grabbed the thugs arm. Using leverage from the assailants shoulder, he promptly dislocated it, sending him summersaulting to the ground. The second solicitour sent a kick, which was caught and used to flip him backwards. A kick of his own was implemented by the vigilante and the foe skidded across the pavement.
Silvia was foiled in her attempt to offer her assistance. Steve just shook his head and called her attention to the man approaching the fighter, revolver drawn.
The distraction provided by Silvia banging on the window was all he needed to get the drop on the armed criminal. Sneaking from behind an attempted grapple caused the mobster to spin, attacking with an elbow to the side. He recoiled and jumped back into action. The aloof combatant gained control over the crook’s arm, forcing friendly fire; two shots in the leg and another asshole down. Fancy footwork created a bizarre dance movement, disorienting their leader and facilitating his fall.
While others struggled to return, only one resided on his feet. Exchanging a few jabs, a stray fist resulted in a stunned opponent. Planting a foot on the hoodlum’s thigh, he managed a full range of motion, executing a well-placed elbow on the back of his head. With a tap of his toe, his rival tumbled forward on top of his disarmed ally.
Snatching the stolen stash, their knight in shining armour reverted to the interiour of the shop. Awaiting him was a stone faced Silvia and an applauding Steve, whom he reimbursed.
“Magnificent. Truly magnificent.” Steve was beside himself, “Those punks have been bugging me for a while now.”
“Bit of a rodent problem here, yeah? Can’t stand people like that.”
“Anything in the Shop son. I really owe you one, especially with such finesse. Even in my day, I could never—“
“It’s nothing. Though I’ll be back for that book, Friday?” They both turned to Silvia.
“We’ll have Nietzsche by then.”
Nietzsche? And a scholar. On the house, it’s on the house. Tell me, where’d you learn to move like that?”
“You pick up things here and there; not much to it. Appreciate the help princess.”
“Silvia shrugged, “It’s the least I could do, I suppose.”
“She’s a fiery one. Had to hold her back to keep her from leaping out the door,” Steve added.
“I think I’ve gathered that much by now. See ya Friday then.” Hand on the door, he paused before exiting. “Like what you’ve done with your hair Sil.” With a grin, he left.
Whether standard protocol or perhaps given the abnormal circumstances, regardless, Silvia was let off early. As promised, after deserting the bookshop, she made for Jenna and Melanie’s.
A quarter to one put Silvia knocking at their door. Without an answer, she allowed herself in with the spare key. High pitch moaning echoed from Melanie’s door as she took a seat in the kitchen; sending a message to her friend.
Melanie was a downright tramp who stood more Jenna’s friend; not Silvia’s. In the few years they’d been living together, Silvia and Jenna kept a running joke that she was some sort of pornstar. They weren’t quite sure what she did, but a unique webcam set-up she kept stashed away in her room gave them a few ideas.
Ten minutes pass without a word when Melanie emerged wearing a T-shirt she persistently declared a nightgown. As she entered the kitchen, she was startled only slightly by Silvia, which was replied with a nod.
“You seen Jen?”
“Nah, we got separated at like…midnight?” She lit a cigarette and offered to Silvia who refused. “Should’ve been with us last night, it got pretty crazy. That Derek had it going on.” She smirked.
“He’s not in there now?” Silvia gestured to Melanie’s bedroom.
“I wasn’t expecting any company,” she exhaled
“Wish she’d answer her mobile.” Silvia began to dial, but it only brought a call service. “Not like her to disappear like this.”
“She’s probably with Sid. She didn’t have the least concern.
“Sid?”
“This guy she’s been ‘seeing’. Sid Benton”
“Well she told me to meet her here.”
“Silvi, we got so fucked up last night, it’s no surprise that she might’ve….forgotten?”
Melanie left Silvia thinking at the kitchen table. She wasn’t particularly interested in waiting around to see whatever Melanie was going to do next. Returning to the hall, she tried Jenna’s phone again.
“Jenna, it’s Silvia again. Listen, I don’t know where you are, but I hope you’re alright. I’m just leaving your place now. Give me a call as soon you can. It’s been a weird day.”
Silvia made her way downstairs and out for the station two blocks down. She’d just taken a seat when her phone began to vibrate. The number wasn’t recognized, but quickly accepted it.
“Hel—“
“Silvia? Oh thank god you’re alright.” You could tell she’d been crying. “It’s Judy, Jenna’s mom.”
“Judy! Have you heard from—“
“I’m at Rams Ridge General, Jenna’s here. She’s…She—“ The tears were back again and it became impossible to understand what she was saying.
“Judy! What happened?! What do you m—“
“You…You need to rush down here…Jenna…”
“I’m on the train now, I’ll be right there.”
Judy began crying harder before she hung up, forcing Silvia to deal with the unsettling feeling growing within her. She began swearing to herself. What had Jenna gotten herself into this time? Silvia couldn’t help shake the feeling that, had she been there, things might’ve been different, whatever was going on. The train screeched down the tunnel, meanwhile, all she could do was wait.
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