Mac Oberschelp October 27, 2009 Language Arts 8 Period 3
Chapter 4
The Job
Tuesday was coming to an end. Austin walked home by himself in an attempt to avoid Brie. As she caught up to him, he averted his attention away from her and kept walking. She said nothing. They were best friends who were like complete strangers. As they reached their houses, Austin did not hug her. Nor did he even bother to wave. He just walked into his house with his head down. Once inside, the first thing Austin did was ask his Dad if he could go on the Spanish Trip. “Is it a field trip?” His father asked. “No, it’s a trip to Costa Rica, and Brie, Justin, and Alexa are going, too.” Alex replied. “I don’t see why not.” “Well, actually it’s 2,000 dollars.” “Come on Austin, you know we can’t afford that. Austin we can barely afford our monthly mortgage payment for this house, dude, my answer is no!” “Please, Dad!” Austin begged. “My answer is no!” shouted Austin’s dad. “Dad I have 400 dollars, you’d only have to pay $1,600.” “That’s only a trifle of the cost, when is this trip anyway?” “About a month from now, but just forget it.” said Austin, teary eyed. “Get a job. You could come up with the money in time if you really worked hard.” suggested his Dad. “All right, I’ll search around this weekend. But I gotta go. I have a lot of homework.” “Ok, son.” That night Brie called Austin on his cell phone. “Hello.” answered Austin. “Hey Austin,” replied Brie, “Listen, what was with you today? Were you mad at me?” “No, I wasn’t mad, but I know my family can’t afford that Costa Rica trip, so I’m going to go looking for a job this weekend and I could probably make enough money in time. But don’t repeat that, it’s kind of embarrassing.” “Oh, I’m sorry, yeah, but good idea. I’ll even help you get the interviews.” “Thanks, but no thanks, I’m gonna be okay.” “Are you sure?” questioned Brie. “Positive,” replied Austin, “so what’s up?” Austin and Brie had a short conversation. Mainly about the Spanish trip, what happened at school, and so on. Austin was in a way better mood, but was still a little dubious about being able to afford the trip. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday passed quickly. Austin aced his math test, got an A on his science exam, and even set a track record. But he was especially excited for this weekend to find himself a job. Austin jumped out of bed Saturday morning, threw on some nice clothes, and he was off. The first place he went to was called Jay’s Diner. They did not pay well so Austin rejected it. Later, Austin’s eyes spotted a help wanted sign at a place called Al’s Deli. Austin walked in and saw a handsome, but older Italian man standing behind the counter. In broken English, the man asked, “Whata can I getta for you?” “Uhm, I’d like a job please. I am an honor student, no criminal record and I’m very flexible!” replied Alex. “Pearfect, just pearfect,, and whata is your name, son?” “Austin, sir.” “Nicea to meet a you, Austin, my name is a Mr. Alorenzo, I pay 12 dollars an hour…Is that alright for you?” Austin’s mouth watered when he heard that. “That’s great, Mr. Alorenzo” “You’re hired, Austin. You going to worka as a bagger and start ona Monday whenever your school dismisses and than you’ll worka for three hours.” “Thank you, Mr. Alorenzo.” said Alex cheerfully. “No problem, Austin.” The weekend flew by and so did Monday at school. All Austin could think about was his new job. When it was finally time for dismissal, Alex hurried to work. Once he got the hang of the whole bagging thing, he really liked working at the Deli and he even got a little tip now and then. By Thursday, he was exhausted. He had been working only three days and could not believe how hard earning money was. Thursday, after school, Mr. Alorenzo told him that from now on, everyday he would run errands for him. Austin was disappointed because he thought he would not be able to make any tips, but he assented to do it anyway. Austin made his deliveries for the day and was done. Friday was a fun day at school and Austin, Alexa, Brie, and Justin made plans to see a movie once Austin got off work. When Austin arrived at work, Mr. Alorenzo said that he had a very unusual delivery in a bad neighborhood, and that he trusted Austin to take every precaution to protect himself and the delivery. The delivery was in a box, Alex wondered what was in it, he took a look inside. There was cash. Tons of it. Austin could not believe his eyes. There was at least $30,000 dollars in it he thought. There was also a note that read, “Dear Mr. Corelone, I am so grateful to you and the rest of the mob for taking care of my problem. Here’s the 50 grand just like you asked. Thanks again, J. Alorenzo”
Austin closed the box and gasped, “I think I am about to make a delivery to the mafia.” When he arrived at the address, he sat in the car for a few minutes until he got the courage to knock on the door. When the door opened, Austin could not believe who was standing in front of him. The man who answered the door was… His Father!