JC-1CollaborativeShortStory-2

 *

 "That clock is behind by ten minutes."  Mira was sitting there, legs tucked in neatly underneath her, plucking lightly at her braid and at the pleather of the couch. "Since this morning, when I replaced the batteries, you know." She regarded her roommate simply, gazing up at her over the rim of her coffee cup. "Stella, you listening?" She touched the warm clay rim. "You're going to be--"  "Sorry, what?" With a light grimace Stella pivoted around, plucking earbuds from her ears and shaking her hair loosely. "I didn't hear you."  Unimpressed, Mira pointed up to the wall clock and mouthed "late."



 "I'm looking for Mike."  "'Mike' the repair man Mike?"  "You know which Mike I mean, old man, he's supposed to have some double As."

 Slowly, he blinked, the wrinkles along his forehead thickening. "Mike's out to lunch."  "I need some double As."  "There's a convenience store just down the street."  "I'm not new here,Ted. I know where Ronda's is."

 "She's thinking of changing her hours, you know."  Shortly, "Yes, Ted, I know." Everybody knew. She pursed her lips. "Repair fees are supposed to be inclusive."  Shrugging, Ted lazily slid open a drawer, rummaged around, held out his hand for her to take something. Cool batteries dropped into her open palm.  "Thanks Ted. Hey, do you have the time?" The old man squinted at his watch, lip wobbling, eyebrows raised indecisively. "Ten-thirty-four." Mira began to shuffle out of the room.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 150%;"> "Thanks again." she muttered. "Have a nice afternoon. Give Janice my best." <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 150%;"> "Any time, Mira." he called after her. "And hey, wish Betty a good one. You know it's her birthday, right?" <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 150%;"> Shutting the door smartly behind her, Mira allowed herself a brief moment of irritation. Of course she knew it was Betty's birthday. Everybody knew.