Page 17 of Love's Harvest
“Thank you,” said April.“I liked doing this work.It was fun.”
“I’m glad because we’re going to need your help.Fall and the holidays are busy times for us.”
They went to the check-in area in the receiving dock.
After she checked out, April’s gaze remained on Sarah even as she spoke shyly.“Thank you very much.”
“See you tomorrow,” said Sarah, seeing April off and then going to check on her father, who was handling the cash register.“I’m going home.Anything else you need?”
He shook his head.“No, you go ahead to those girls.I’ll take care of the late crowd and then close up.”
Sighing with relief, Sarah headed back to her desk to gather her things.
On the way to pick up the twins, Sarah wondered how she should approach April’s appearance.Working behind the scenes, opening boxes, and moving things around, a skirt and blouse were not appropriate choices for her.In addition, they made April look as if she was wearing someone’s cast off clothing.A cause for bullying.
She felt maternal juices flowing through her just thinking of it.She’d have April wear one of the store’s blue polo shirts and tell her to wear jeans.That would be practical and give her an updated look.
On the spur of the moment, she decided to drop the polo shirt off at April’s house.She lived in a neighborhood not too far from the cabin complex where Sarah lived.She’d go there first and then pick up Mia and Emily.
She got a shirt, wrapped it in tissue, and stuffed it into her purse.She didn’t want to overstep any boundaries with April’s family, but she couldn’t bear the thought of April being teased.The young girl was so eager to please, so smart with numbers.
As she left the store, she felt satisfied about the day.Hopefully, the rest of the week would prove to be as pleasant.
When she approached the small house, she noticed the leaves in the yard, the need for paint on the old gray clapboards.Sarah knew that April lived with her father and grandmother but had very little knowledge about either of them.
She knocked on the front door.
It was opened by a woman with gray, almost white hair, wearing a long black dress.
Startled, Sarah said, “I hope I have the right address.I’m looking for April Loomis.”
“Wait just a minute.”The older woman left her standing on the porch, but Sarah could hear her call April’s name inside.
April came running to the door, her cheeks flushed.“Hi, Sarah.Is something wrong?”
“No, I just wanted to tell you that you did an excellent job today, and as a new staff member, you get to wear one of our shirts with your jeans to work.It’s a uniform of sorts.”
Sarah handed the tissue-wrapped package to April, who took it eagerly and opened it.
“I love it!”she cried, holding it to her chest.“I’ll wear it tomorrow.”
“What’s this?”asked the older woman.
April turned to her.“It’s my new uniform for work, Grandma.A shirt that I’ll wear with jeans.”
Her grandmother studied it.“I guess it’s okay.It’s not one of those shirts that show a girl’s belly.And no tight jeans and makeup for you.”
April rolled her eyes.“I wouldn’t wear them anyway.Sarah, this is my grandmother Priscilla Loomis.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”Sarah held out her hand and after some confusion, Priscilla shook it.
“Thank you for stopping by,” said April.“See you tomorrow.”
Sarah hesitated then decided to ask, “Where’s your father?I was hoping to tell him what a helpful job you’ll be doing for us.”
“He’s a long-distance truck driver and is away.That’s why my grandmother lives with us.”
“Oh, I see.Maybe later I’ll have the chance to meet him.”Sarah was aware April’s grandmother was listening to everything being said.
