Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: PHONE (11/10/16)
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TITLE: New Man in Town | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sherry Brock
11/17/16 -
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Hearing the bell, Henry Brighton also turns to the door, but doesn't recognize the young man sheepishly making his way up the main aisle of his general store.
“Can I help you?” Henry quickly steps into the main aisle.
The man grins and moves in Henry's direction while shoving out his hand.
“Hello...Christopher Jenkins. I'm new in town, sir. I hear you have a telephone I might use.”
“Use of the telephone is for emergencies only. Do you have an emergency?” Gretchen Brighton, moving from behind the counter, wipes her hands on her apron then places them firmly on her hips. She glances at her husband, and then stares directly at Christopher Jenkins.
“Uh oh.” Doris clenches Mrs. Ollie's change in her hand mid air, but the older lady doesn't seem to notice because her attention is now squarely on Gretchen Brighton and the Jenkins fellow.
“No, Ma'am...I reckon it's not... just wanted to let our folks back in Logantown know...”
Gretchen's head moves side to side. “Well, then, we must...”
“We must be good neighbors and help you out.” Henry shakes Christopher's outstretched hand while moving to block the sight line between the newcomer and his wife.
Mrs. Ollie takes her change as the two men move toward the rotary telephone, but she's too nosy to leave.
Gretchen slams her hands on the counter, muttering, “We're not runnin' a charity here.”
Gretchen runs her hands down the sides of her apron and gathers the rising bubbles of rage bursting inside. She will not give Mrs. Ollie the satisfaction of seeing her publicly chastise her husband.
“So nice to see you, Mrs. Ollie.” Gretchen turns in her direction. “Can Doris help you home with your purchases?”
Visibly rattled, Mrs. Ollie bolts as fast as her chubby legs will move, and with a wave of her hand is gone.
“Thank you, sir. I will not forget this kindness…” is heard as the two men emerge from the back room. Christopher tips his hat on his way out the door.
Before the bell on the door could even ring, Gretchen squares toe to toe with Henry.
Doris mumbles and heads for the back room.
“That is the fifth time today someone in this town has taken advantage of you by making a call on our telephone.”
“Now, Gretchen...I'm not getting into it with you about this again. People don't ask unless there's a need. Telephones are becoming very popular. Why, they say half the people over in Logantown now have them.”
“I...don't...care.” Her nostrils flare as she puts both hands on Henry's shoulders, and stands on her toes to get nose to nose with her bleeding heart husband. “It cost a lot of money, and besides, it's ours. Let them get their own.”
Gentle hands wrap around Gretchen's as Henry pulls them from his shoulders and momentarily holds them before kissing her.
Doris emerges from the back, sees the kiss and turns to retreat, but Henry winks at her from over Gretchen's shoulder.
“Oh, you...that's not fair,” Gretchen laughs and playfully jerks away.
Once again, the bell on the door catches their attention as Christopher Jenkins pokes his head around the frame.
“Pardon, but I failed to mention I'm the new doctor in town.”
Doris claps her hands together then raises them skyward. “Praise Jesus, it's about time this little town had one.”
“Yes...how wonderful Christopher...what can Gretchen and I do to help?”
“Honestly, you can help us...”
“We don't extend credit...”
“Actually we do.” Henry interrupted Gretchen with an are-you-kidding-me look.
“You have been so gracious Henry, ...I've decided to order all my supplies through your store, not just for my practice here, but for two other offices my brothers and I own in nearby towns. I'll stop by tomorrow and we can discuss it. If that's alright?”
“Of, course, Christopher. We would love nothing more, and, of course, you can use our telephone anytime,” Gretchen oozes sweetly, as Doris' hand covers her mouth in utter surprise.
“Thanks, but I shouldn't need to bother you again. Our own telephone is going in on Friday, and you can try it if you like... it's the new push button model… in case you want to replace that old rotary one.
Gretchen is speechless as her cheeks turn rosy, while a giggle seeps from Doris' finger blocked lips.
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