SandScript 2020

FICTION
together, I couldn’t stop. The thoughts
drowned out the sound of meat sizzling, I
couldn’t pay attention to chopping onions,
all I could think about was her.
It was like this every shift I worked
with her. She would stroll into the kitchen,
excitedly wave at Tony and me, and clock
in. Then I would spend the whole shift
watching her work.
When Tony caught me staring, he
would laugh and punch me in the shoulder.
“You should make a move, Carmen.
You never know what could happen.”
The more he said it, the more I
thought he might be right, but I was worried
it would change everything, so I just stared
at her from across the restaurant.
*
On Wednesday, a little while after I
clocked in, Kelly glided in through the back
door, her tennis shoes squeaking on the wet
tile.
Tony, I did it! She squealed. I got the
job! You were right. They said I would be a
great fit for the team. I think I’m going to
take it.
“Congratulations, Kelly,” he said,
lifting her into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of
you. You work so hard. You deserve this.”
I looked back and forth between
the two of them. My chest felt tight, and I
couldn’t see straight. I dropped the knife
I was using to slice thick strips of cooked
pork.
“Oh, Carmen, I didn’t notice you.”
Kelly spun around. “I applied for a job at
the pizza place opening downtown. They
pay five over minimum. Anyway, I just got
a call back from them this morning, and
they said that I got the job if I still want it.
And of course I want it, not that I don’t love
my job here, it’s just, I’m trying to move out,
and I could use the extra cash. It’s an extra
five dollars an hour. I mean, come on.” She
walked over and punched in her time card.
“Who wouldn’t take that opportunity,” she
continued, but I stopped listening. I felt like
I was slipping and couldn’t hear her over the
rushing sound in my head.
“That’s really exciting,
Kelly,” I sputtered. I smiled tightly.
“Congratulations.”
As she pranced out into the dining
room, Tony put his arm around me.
“Are you okay, Mija?” he asked.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I
whispered.
“I promised her I wouldn’t tell
anyone in case she didn’t get the job. She
needs the money, Carmen. Don’t be selfish.”
I pulled away from him and leaned
against the peeling wallpaper.
“I’m going out for a cigarette.”
He shouted something at me, but I
was already out the door. I slumped against
the wall and sharply inhaled the cold
night air. I was breathing like I had run a
marathon. I clutched my chest, desperately
trying to catch my breath. It felt like
someone was grabbing my heart and ringing
it out. I thought about never seeing her
again, and I closed my eyes, fighting back
the tightness in my chest and the prickling
sensation behind my eyes.
I sat out there for a while longer,
not bothering to pull the lighter out of my
pocket, tugging at the fraying edge of my
baggy uniform. I thought about what to do.
Maybe I should shoot my shot, ask Kelly
to hang out. What’s the worst that could
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