I took a bite out of my popsicle before I winced at the cold. After a couple of seconds, it passed and I swallowed the delicacy with bliss. Timothy, the convenience store owner's son spoke.
"You're going to have to pay for those you know," he stated pointing at the empty wrappers sitting on the countertop. I snorted and waved him off.
"I know, I know," I sucked on the flavorful treat, "Put it on my tab."
"We don't have tabs here, Naomi," he crossed his arms, "You know that."
"You could start one," I took another bite, "I'm here practically every day."
"Yeah, so you can flirt with me."
I choked on my popsicle before staring at Timothy. I gave a quick scan of his being and scoffed, "No. It's so I can steal your job one day."
This time, it was his turn to laugh, "You know he'd love to have you on board."
I beamed, "Of course. I'm just so lovable that I could easily infiltrate the store."
"And steal all of our popsicles?"
I waved my finger at him, denying his assumption, "Now listen here Timothy, I am a woman of benevolent morals." I briefly scanned the joke on the stick, gave a small chuckle and then began to rip open a new pack.
"She says as she eats another popsicle without paying," he muttered as he took out a rag and began cleaning the counter. He grabbed the wrappers and threw them away, "Come on, Naomi, please. You're making a mess."
"Sorry," I shoved my newest piece of trash into my pocket, "I'll just let my pockets get sticky then."
"Thank you," he sighed. I watched as he ran his hand through his hair. I ate my ice lolly in the silence while I gave him another look over.
I found solace in Timothy four years ago before I found comfort in the depths of my room. In the time that we've known each other, I've never known of him ever having feelings for me, however, we've been great friends and I have always been appreciative of that fact.
"Naomi?" He shouted into my ear. I reared back and dropped the popsicle on the ground. I tsked before putting my hand out for the paper towel. He disappeared behind the countertop and reappeared, placing the roll in my hand, "You're a mess."
"Mmm," was my irritated response, "That was my last one too."
"Good. Now you can pay for them."
"No, not for the last one. Deduct that from my payment."
"Naomi..."
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," I reached into my back pocket and pulled out my wallet, "There's some money in there. Take what you need."
He reached over the counter and snagged my wallet, "I'm gonna take extra just because you're a nuisance."
"Don't you dare!" I exclaimed. He laughed as he opened the register and then he handed my wallet back to me. I checked my change.
"I didn't take anything," he crossed his arms.
"Just checking," I eyed him before shoving my wallet back into my pocket, "I never know with you."
His eyes narrowed, "Don't you have somewhere to be?"
My eyes flickered to the clock behind him, "Yes. Yes, I do."
"Then shouldn't you be going?"
"No, I'm too busy flirting with you apparently," I quipped.
Timothy rolled his eyes and nudged my shoulder towards the exit, "I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow," I responded as I walked to the door. I pushed it open and turned to face him, "Till next time." I saluted enthusiastically.
The instant I walked out those doors, someone was shouting in my face.
"Help! Someone, please help!" The frantic woman was pointing at a hooded man, bumping past passers-bys, "Please! He stole my purse!"
I stood in my place, watching as the hooded figure got further and further from my sight. The woman stared at me and the pressure from her gaze caused me to burst into a sprint.
"Stop! Thief!" I exclaimed as I raced after him. I don't know why I even decided to bother. I wasn't very athletic and I've never been able to run for any more than seven seconds but as I dipped and dodged between the citizens I caught a second wind.
The thief finally noticed my pursuit and threw a hotdog cart onto the ground. I jumped over the metal, stalling a bit on my landing and continued forward. My breathing became frantic as my unseasoned lungs fought to bring me more air. I was losing him and I needed to find a way to catch him. I took a glance at my surroundings; a quick look left, a quick look right and I found my answer.
"Excuse me, sir!" I panted to the man hopping off his bike, "Can I please use this! I'll promise I'll give it right back!"
He glared at me, unbelieving.
"That man stole someone's purse I need to get it! Please let me use your bike!" Before he could answer, I pushed him away and hopped on, "Stay here! I'll give it right back! I promise!"
My balance wobbled as a picked up speed. The man came back into view. I reached out, clawing the air for the back of his shirt when finally I caught him. I fell off the bike and both me and the thief tumbled to the ground. The purse went flying across the sidewalk.
The thief shot up and attempted to grab it and run when I hugged his legs. He fell back to the ground, turned around and kicked me in the face. I reared back, holding my now bleeding nose before jumping on top of him. I snatched the purse from his grasp and he reached upwards. I pulled my arm higher into the air. With a dissatisfied grunt, he transformed into a liquid before standing in front of me. He pulled the purse towards him and soon, a round of tug of war ensued. Now, a curious crowd began forming around us.
I aimed a kick towards his stomach and he dodged, doing the same only this time he was successful. I let out a breath of air and dropped the purse. He fell back into the crowd and knocked his head against the concrete. He was out like a light.
"H-hold him!" I shouted, "Call the police!"
After a brief pause, two men obliged in holding him while a woman called the police. After I had regained my composure. I stood and seized the bag before limping over to the bike and riding it back to its owner. He had been actively yelling at two police officers about my theft. When he noticed me, he pointed. I apologized and explained to the officers of the situation before pointing in the direction of the thief. They let me off with a warning before heading over to the sight. Finally, I returned to the front of the store where the woman was anxiously waiting.
"Oh thank you so much!" She declared.
"No problem, " I scratched the back of my head, "I'm sure you had some important things in there."
"Here, let me pay you for your troubles," she began digging in her bag before I placed a gentle hand on hers.
"It's okay. Just be more careful in the future."
She watched me with a careful eye as I smiled. She thanked me again before heading off on her way. I sighed and walked back into the convenience store.
"And yet, she returns," He blinked, "What happened to you?"
"Obviously, I found the ho my boo thang was hanging with," I joked.
"Seriously Naomi, what happened? Are you okay? Did you get into a fight?" Timothy asked as he left his post, disappearing behind an aisle.
"If you know the answer why are you asking?"
"You got into a fight? You only left the store for five seconds." He quickly reappeared and walked over to me first-aid kit in hand. He held my face and observed it for any scars. I swatted his hand away, "And you're gonna miss your interview."
"I didn't want the job anyway."
"A job is a job, Naomi."
"Then give me yours, Timothy."
He sighed as I shook my head, "I don't know how you did it."
"Did what?"
"Fight," I paused a moment, "And win."
Timothy gave a disappointed scowl before reaching into the kit and pulling out some alcohol and a cotton swab, "Well, first of all, I didn't go looking for fights."
"I didn't either dumbass," I snapped. He huffed and pressed the cotton swab to the corner of my mouth. I winced.
"Well if you didn't look for a fight what happened?"
"Would you believe that I was fighting off CIA agents?" I rose a hopeful eye to his annoyed appearance, "Right. Some guy stole some chick's purse and went to go get it."
"Naomi," his disgruntled voice said it all.
"Okay listen 'dad', " I retorted, "First off, I did think about not going but she was standing right there. And staring at me. What was I supposed to do?"
"Not chase after a criminal. That seems like the obvious choice."
"Petty theft isn't something to call someone a criminal."
"He committed a crime, therefore, he's a criminal." He threw the swab in the trash before leaning on the counter, "And you chased a criminal."
I remained silent at the knowledgeable response. In return, I crossed my arms. He sighed.
"Did you at least get the purse?" He handed me a paper towel.
"Of course," I rolled the towel and thrust it in my nose, "I may have lost the battle but I won the war."
He smirked and placed a hand on my head, "Atta girl."
The door jingled as a small child entered the shop. Timothy's hand dropped quickly and he went back to his place behind the register.
"Welcome."
The child held a scowl as he scrutinized the store. His frown showed the obvious disapproval of the place. After a moments time, his eyes landed on me. His glower slowly changed into that of an ominous grin. The look was eerie enough to cause chills to run up my body. I looked away and leaned forward on the countertop. I peeked at Timothy who also refused to face the child.
Suddenly, I felt a tug on my pants leg.
"Excuse me," his tiny voice squeaked, "Can I talk to you a moment."
My mouth opened with a 'no' teasing an exit but once I saw his face, the malicious feeling disturbed my stomach.
"Sure," I gave a nervous grin.
"Outside?" He asked.
"Sure," I repeated. Timothy gave me a critical glance as I followed the boy outdoors. I gave an unknowing shrug. The kid walked past a few buildings before suddenly turning in an alley. The feeling in my gut returned tenfold as I steadily trailed. He abruptly stopped before facing me, the eerie grin returning to his features.
"You've been forsakened by many in life haven't you?" He questioned.
I took a step back in surprise, "What do you mean?"
"And it's all because you haven't been blessed with any abilities." He continued.
"What?" I laughed," I do have powers. I just don't use them." The child gave a vexing glance.
"Do not play games with me," he threatened. He slowly levitated off the ground, "I'm here to give you a gift and I can easily take it away from you."
"I..." I trailed, "How did you figure it out?"
"Simple," he responded, "You got your ass kicked." He cackled as he spoke, flipping upside down while doing so.
"That's not a good enough reason," I defended, "Anyone can get their ass kicked even with powers."
"True," he held his hands on his knees, "But most have had the training to use their abilities in a fight. It's kindergarten, my dear. Tell me, have you had that training?"
"I-"
"Don't lie to me," he spoke in a sing-song voice. I hesitated a moment at his tone carefully picking my words.
"No."
"As I thought," he laid on his back, "So tell me, what is a powerless person, such as yourself, doing chasing people around and getting beat up for a purse?"
"I just did it cause she was asking me for help," I replied.
"But you could have ignored her."
"She was staring straight at me."
"But you could have ignored her," he repeated sitting back up.
"I suppose I could have," I spoke slow and cautious, "But why are you talking to me about this?"
"Ah, now you ask," he responded. He let his answer echo throughout the alley, purposefully letting the suspense eat at me, "It's simply because you're a candidate."
"I'm...a candidate?" I asked crossing my arms, "So you're going to make me compete for something?"
"Oh no. Not at all," he tapped his chin as he thought of a way to explain, "Think of it as a trial run. I'm picking you to have a chance of unlimited power."
I gave an unbelieving glance, "People can't do that."
"Yes, the majority of the world can't," he beamed, "But I can."
"You're lying."
"On the contrary, I never lie," he scanned my body, "Something I'm sure you're tired of doing."
He was right, I was tired of living in this weak exterior. Tired of pretending to be something I wasn't. This courageous persona I've put on has become tiring, the facade of being powerful, tiring. I hadn't even told Timothy that I didn't have any abilities out of fear of losing the one true friend I had left.
And even that was tiring.
"Can you really do that?" I asked meekly.
The boy giggled at my response, "I can give you all the power you desire, Naomi. All you have to do is say please."