Work It Up

“Beep Beep Beep,” The alarm clock rings quietly. “Beep Beep Beep.”

“Nicholas Anthony,  are you going to get up for school?” Nicholas’ father screamed from the downstairs kitchen.

“I would get up if you actually got me a decent alarm clock or a phone,” I holler back at my father as I look for a shirt without a stain.

“I said your mother and I are thinking about it,” my father told me. “Why don’t you get a job so you can get a phone.”

“Dad that's too much work.”

“Your sister got one,” My Dad shot back

“Yeah but Julia has no life,” I protested

“Well then you are not getting a phone anytime soon,” my Dad says while making his tea.

“Also I need the money for the basketball team,” I asked my Dad

“Sorry Nicholas, I don’t think you can play basketball this year.”

“But the deadline is next week!” I screamed as my heart started racing. “Can’t we

save up some money?”

“You can if you get a job,” my dad suggested.

“Nah, too much work,” I said. “Oh my god look at the time.”

“Nicholas you have to go,” My father screams at me.

“Fine,” I scream back while running out the door. As I made my way onto the bus I thanked bus driver Joe, and I look for my group of friends.

“Yooo, Nick over here,” Andrew screams at me. “Open seat right here.” I sit down slowly next to Andrew hoping that he does not bring up the basketball team. “Yoooo Nick, the basketball team is going to be stacked, you, me, Zack, Rob, Chris, and Matthew,” Oh no, I spoke too soon. “Nick the team’s gonna be so stacked, right.” Andrew pointed out.

“Umm. . . Andrew, I don’t think I can play basketball this year, ” I said quoting my Dad.

“What why? You’re  one of the best kids in the school,” Andrew protested

“My dad said that my mom doesn't want me to play,” I told him with guilt in my voice, hoping he doesn't pick up on my lie.

“That doesn't really sound like your Mom.” Oh, shoot I think to myself, he’s on to me, I should just tell him the truth.

“I actually can’t play bec-.”

“Wait,  nevermind” Andrew interrupted. “ I was thinking about Matt’s Mom, your Mom would probably say that she's always been a little uptight,” Andrew said making me a little offended, but I had to stay to my lie so I couldn't say anything. “I know my Mom is so uptight,” I said feeling sorry for my Mom. Throughout the day I thought about what my dad told me and I thought, if I get a job I could maybe play basketball. Also maybe I could even get a Phone, I could get anything I want if I get a job. Maybe after school I will look along the main street and see if there are any help wanted sign. I will get off at the main street stop on the bus. When I get on the bus I see Andrew.

“Yo Nick over here,” Andrew screams “The team’s gonna be so bad without you.”

“Nick I have a plan to convince my Mom,” I say still lying to Andrew.

“This plan of yours better work,” Andrew told me.  

“It’s gonna,” I responded. So I got off the bus at the main street stop and looked for any store that even looked like it need help. I could not find anything then bamb a thrift store that had a help wanted sign right in the window.

“Ding a ling,” the bell on the door rang.

“Excuse me Mr,” I said to the man behind the counter. “Do you need any more employees?” He looked up from his book very slowly and said, “Yes, yes I do.”