Oh Mandy
Episode 2: Voluntary Work
Geoff was helping Bridgette with her beach cleanup duties. She did this every weekend, as part of her volunteer work. However, Geoff had other things in mind. Mainly, he wanted to swim in the water, make a sand castle, that sort of thing. The fun things one did on the beach. Bridgette noticed that Geoff was NOT enjoying helping her in her duties. "Look Geoff- she said- I know that you like to party, but sometimes we gotta do some hard work. People throw their trash on the beach and someone has to clean it up!" Geoff raises his arms, and says-"All right, all right. Geesh!"
It took all morning, but the two eventually managed to clean up the beach. "Okay, we finally cleaned up the beach! Now, we can have some fun!"- exclaimed Geoff. Bridgette looks at him, annoyed, and says-"If by 'fun', you mean we can finish some other volunteer work, and then yes Geoff, now we can have fun!" Geoff throws his arms, and says- "Oh man! What now?" She says- "We gotta go to the animal shelter! They need some help taking care of those homeless puppies and kitties." And he responds- "Can we get some lunch first?" "Ugh! You go eat, while I do all the work!"- Bridgette left in a huff. Geoff was simply glad he could take a break.
Geoff plopped down on a table at the local burger joint. He sat outside, at the terrace. He bought a cheeseburger, with fries and a soda. He looked at his food rather hungrily, eager to partake at the meal laid before him.
Mandy had been running an errand all day, when she noticed Geoff eating by himself. "Hey Jonesy! Or was your name Jude? Was it Wyatt?"- Said Mandy with a chuckle-"Hey Geoff, Nice to see you again." Geoff replied-"Hey ma'am." "Please, Geoff, call me Mandy. Ma'am makes me feel old."-Said Mandy, smiling brightly, blushing only slightly. "Uh, but you're not old!!"-said Geoff. Mandy burst out laughing upon hearing that. "Oh, Geoff, you're such a funny guy. Hey, gotta go. I have to help Bridgette clean up the beach." Geoff then said- "But Mandy, Bridge and I already cleaned the beach!" This surprised Mandy. "Wow, it usually takes Bridgette the whole day to clean the beach! You must have been quite a helper!" Geoff suddenly looked downtrodden. He helped Bridge in the morning, but he left her when she STILL needed him. And all because he wanted to have some fun. Mandy noticed his downed mood.
"Geoff, is something wrong?"- She asked. He thought for a moment. He knew what he had to do. "Ma'- I mean, Mandy, Bridge still needs my help. I was just taking a small lunch break. She should be at the animal shelter by now."- He says to her. She gasps, and says- "That girl never takes a break! Oh, I have to bring her some lunch!" Geoff says- "I'll just order her something to go, and bring it to her!" Mandy looks at him, gleaming at him, and says-"Oh, thank you Geoff!" He orders a salad to go, with a carrot juice and some mandarin oranges. It was Mandy's suggestion he bring her that order. He rushed towards the animal shelter.
Bridgette was brushing a young puppy's fur, when Geoff walked up to her. She asks- "How was lunch?" He says- "Pretty good. I brought you something, in case you were hungry." Bridge stops, and looks at Geoff, and says- "Thank you. I was getting hungry." Geoff hands her the food, and says- "Still need some help?" Bridgette lowers her gaze, and says- "Blaise is helping me out." Blaise was a young man, aged 19, with long hair, lanky appendages, and a pointed face. He had a flame tattoo that covered half his face. He wore light blue swim shorts with a light pink t-shirt that read 'Hot Stuff' on the front. He looked at Geoff, and said- "Oh, Bungie, I see what you were talking about. This boy is gorgeous!!!" Geoff looked confused, and all he could say was- "Bungie???" Bridgette replied- "My nickname around here. Hey Geoff, maybe there is something you can help me with. My mom is doing some errands, can you help her out??" Geoff did not even think it over when he said- "Sure!!!" Blaise simply looked at Bridgette, and said- "Woo hoo hoo, sending your boy to accompany a young, sexy lady? Bold, girl, VERY bold!!" Bridgette looked at Blaise, rather amused, and said- "No, I sent my boy to accompany my MOM!" She laughed, and Blaise went to the closet to get some doggie shampoo, all whilst singing 'Stacy's Mom'.
Mandy was at the corner store when Geoff caught up to her. He says- "Hey Mandy! Bridge asked me to help you out." Mandy beamed at him, and smiling broadly, she says- "What a kind gesture. I'm shopping for groceries now. Want to help?" Geoff nodded his head eagerly.
Geoff and Mandy were chatting up a storm. They talked about surfing, parties, the ocean, and Bridgette. They were both smiling broadly as they talked, looking like a pair of fresh lovers. Neither noticed the small puddle of pickle juice on the floor, until Mandy slipped on it. Geoff was quick enough to catch her before she fell. He held her in his arms for a few seconds. Something clicked on those seconds. Mandy had never felt safer than she did at that moment. His arms were strong, assuring…she loved that. Her body was light, supple; good to the touch…he loved that. They faced each other…blushing like mad. She straightened up, he let her go. It was awkward now, indescribably so. She uttered-"Thanks." He stammered while saying- "You are welcome."
Blaise had left the shelter to get some doggie shampoo, because the shelter had run out. He happened to have seen Geoff and Mandy walking along, both blushing like mad. The smile he had worn all day had faded. He was always a boy who could read between the lines.
To be continued…