The Absence

I would like to take the time today to tell you not of a night working at Chic-Fil-A, but rather a night I spent away from it. I apologize if this isn't what you came to this page looking for, but I feel like it's important.

It started at the beginning of the week, Monday I believe, when I first realized I was scheduled to work on the Apollo vs. Daviess County regional basketball game. This was such an unfortunate occurrence that I contemplated sulking in my room for a couple days, but nay, my instincts quickly and bravely sprang into action. I was not to miss going my last Apollo DC basketball game! My eyes scurried across the employee list as I repeatedly called phone numbers and crossed out names. At the time it seemed like every other worker had a personal vendetta against me, and I caught myself seriously thinking about what I had previously done to make so many people angry. I got to the very bottom the line of names, and cringed at the result. There was one to go, but this guy was weird. I tried to recall all the times I had worked with this boy, and if I had ever directed anything mean towards him. I just remembered him as 'the guy who took out the trash and had poor hygiene'. I attempted to call him, but no answer. Several other tries got the same result. The next day I stopped by Chic-Fil-A after school, hoping to catch him working, but I failed. I did end up checking what times everyone worked though, and he was scheduled to work with me on Thursday night. My last chance.

I slowly approached this boy, knowing that on false step could cause him to spook and skitter off, potentially ruining my life. I said "Hey man, I was wondering if you could grab my shift tomorrow night from four till nine? I've got something I have to do and it can't be missed." He looked at me for a couple seconds, and then looked towards the floor, thinking. "I would rather not, my mom said she wanted to watch some movies with me tomorrow night." This idea made me furious. I was going to be forced to come to work and miss an action-packed basketball game just so this fool could go home and watch movies with his mother who he sees every night. Suddenly an idea sparked in my head. I remembered our discussion over "Freakanomics" during this class and how Chaz had talked about the exchange of money at his workplace. "Dude, I'll give you ten dollars if you come in for me, and I'll get one of your shifts next week." I said desperately as he began to walk away. As he turned back around to look at me, I saw a difference in his eyes. "In that case, I guess I will."

I have to say, that may have been the best ten dollars I've ever spent in my entire lifetime. The game was greatness. Yeah, it was a little rough watching him take it from my hand, but after I took some time to reflect later that night, I came up with a justifying conclusion. Money is great, but freedom and senior year memories are much more valuable. And yes, you can quote me on that.

I just can't help but to wonder what the kid spent that ten dollars on though. I have no idea and can only guess what his interests are, but maybe, just maybe, he bought some soap. :)