The Candy Man chapter 12
Christina had been walking home from work when she saw Charlie running down the road back to the house, she had tried shouting to him by he was in his own little world, she could see Bill looking at his TV and then watching Charlie as he ran, then he turned away from the window and went back to tidying up. Christina decided to go into the store as it smelled of chocolate and right now she needed something to cheer her up as she has just lost her job at the toothpaste factory. Also she wanted to properly thank Bill for looking out for Charlie.
As she opened the door to the shop the bell rang which made Bill look as she came in.
" Ah, Miss Bucket, has your brother already told you about the first winner? " He asked kindly as he tidied up, the shop was a complete mess, with wrappers all over the floor, Bill himself looked completely worn out.
She smiled at him, "No not yet, I heard some people talking about it at work though. I just wanted to thank you properly for looking out for Charlie. I mean I do my best but it's not the same as having parents and I think Charlie sometimes hates me for going on about them because he sees it as I had parents at his age and doesn't and it doesn't seem fair, and I know the world isn't fair but Charlie is only a kid. And now he has his heart set on winning a golden ticket and I don't want to spoil his dreams and I don't want to get his hopes up just to watch them crumble. Sorry I'm rambling." She looked around blushing.
"It's alright Miss Bucket… "
" Please call me Christina, or Chrissy."
" Alright but I insist you call me Bill in return." They both smiled at each other.
" Alright then,... Bill." He just smiled brighter.
He then started to pick up a couple of wrappers off one of the shelves beside Christina, " Oh let me help. " She bent down and started to pick the wrappers off the floor.
" Thank you most kindly." Bill said making eye contact with Christina.
" Your most kindly welcome." She turned away to continue to pick wrappers Bill just stared at her and smiled and then continued to pick wrappers up as well. " So what was it like today? " Christina asked as she stood up and grabbed the broom.
" I have been rushed off my feet all day, honestly I've never known anything like it."
" At least business is doing well. " Christina countered.
" Tell me about it the till hasn't stopped ringing all day, I can still hear it in my head as well children shouting and even worse adults fighting. At this rate I won't have any stock left to last the week. "
Christina smiled sympathetically, " I imagine now that one has been found and people know it's not some hoax it will only get busier. "
"Please don't say that, today was bad enough. "
" Maybe you should go and get some rest ready for tomorrow." Christina suggested.
Bill simply rolled his eyes and this caused Christina to laugh, " What? "
" Your so like Charlie sometimes, it's unreal. " He looked almost thoughtful for a second before moving the conversation on.
" Well, how was your day? "
Christina suddenly looked broken and "To tell the truth, it's not been great. The factory has decided to mechanise and no longer need me, so I need to find a new job as soon as I can. "
" I'm sorry " Bill said, looking thoughtful once more.
" It's alright, it's not your fault. "
" I have an idea! " He announced with more excitement than she thought possible for an adult to possess.
" Oh? " Was all she said in reply, a little worried.
" Come and work here with me, I could do with some help around the store and you and your brother are the nicest people in this town by far and what's the point in advertising by the time I find someone he contest will be over. And if your half as passionate as your brother you will be fine. So what do you say?"
Christina just looked as though she was about to cry.
"What's the matter?" Bill asked confused.
She suddenly was smiling and nodding and laughing and launched herself at him, he caught her balanced himself and span her round room the force, smiling and laughing as well.
" I'll take that as a yes. "