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Jasmine
"That will be $48.97, " I said to the elderly gray-haired lady at the register. The sunlight filtered through the large grimy windows of Ace Grocery Market, making the floors look dingier than normal.
"Did you remember my senior discount? It's Wednesday, that's Senior day."
"Yes, Mrs. Jenkins" It's not like I could forget. Every customer in line this morning had been well over sixty-five. I was pretty sure Mrs. Jenkins was pushing eighty. I didn't mind, though. They were nicer than most of the other customers, even if they moved a little slower.
She slowly counted out her bills, then began rummaging through her change purse. I watched as she counted out ninety-seven cents exactly.
"Thank you," I said, ringing the sale and bagging her groceries. I put her purchases into two bags so they wouldn't be too heavy.
"Oh, you can use one bag today. My grandson is waiting for me outside."
I smiled and rearranged the groceries as she chatted about her grandson. "He's such a good boy, always helping his old nana out." She paused and looked me in the eye. "You know, my grandson is about your age. He's single and looking for a nice girl."
"I have a boyfriend." I lied. I'm sure Mrs. Jenkins thought her grandson was perfect. Maybe he was, but nobody stuck around forever, and I'd been left enough. I was alone, and it was going to stay that way.
"Oh." Her face fell slightly. "Well, you can't blame a grandmother for trying."
I laughed, "Have a great day, Mrs. Jenkins."
"You too, dear."
As it reached noon, I could see the parking lot slowly emptying. The senior rush had passed, leaving only a few stragglers. Soon the midday regulars would trickle in. Mostly moms getting the shopping done before they went to work. I wondered if their kids knew how lucky they were to have a mom that tried. Mine couldn't be bothered. She only had me to trap my father. Once he went to jail, I was nothing but a burden. She'd leave me home alone for days at a time, while she shacked up with her newest man.
My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar face. "Hey, Jas, how's it going?"
It was Sarah, a regular customer. She came in almost every day, sometimes with her kids. Sarah was a single mom, working two jobs to support them. She was always friendly, making small talk and asking how I was doing. I was always happy to see her.
"Jasmine," Mr. Henderson entered the store, heading straight for his office in the back. "When you're finished, see me in my office."
I swallowed hard. What did he want? I quickly finished scanning Sarah's items and handed her the receipt.
"I hope everything's okay."
"Thanks." I turned off my lane light and closed my register before heading to the office As I walked towards the office, Maya, the only other cashier working, gave me a worried look. Mr. Henderson was sitting behind his desk, his face grim. "Take a seat, Jasmine."
I sat down, my fingers played with the frayed edges of a hole in the knee of my jeans. "What is this about?"
"Jasmine, I'm sorry, but we're going to have to let you go."
I felt the blood drain from my face. "What? Why?"
"The company has decided to downsize, and unfortunately, you're on the chopping block."
I bit the inside of my cheek. "You can't do this. You don't understand. I need this job."
"I'm sorry, Jasmine, but the decision has already been made." He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Look, if you need help finding another job, I can make some calls."
I shook my head. "No, it's fine. I'll figure it out." I always did. It was stupid to depend on anyone or expect anyone to look out for you.
I stood up and silently removed my vest and name tag, placing them on the edge of the desk. I could feel my heart racing.
"I'll deposit your final check early if you like," Mr. Henderson said, tapping at the keyboard of his laptop, still not looking at me.
"Thank you." My voice sounded hollow as I turned and left the office.
I grabbed my bag and jacket from the break room, grateful that it was empty and I didn't have to say goodbye to anyone. Goodbyes always sucked. Outside, the once sunny sky was now cloudy and grey. Perfect. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I blinked hard and swallowed. Nope, we will not be out here crying in the street. Not today, not ever, again.
