5Ive Aitch: In the Meeting of Manikin Ann!

By Howard Billy Burl McDaniel

5ive Aitch, In the meeting of Manikin Ann, is about a quest to help
save these thirteen princesses who in their life time had gotten
taken advantage of right at the moment when their lives were truly
crumbling apart by this unknown stranger who was a true sweet talker
and who told them he could set everything right back in their lives that
was only if they took up his offer and would be able to keep a promise
which they would have to fulfill and keep or if not their souls he would
take just as their troubles would never rest a days sleep. While by this
poor boy named Podgy who moved to a new town named FallenForHer,
it wasnt too long after until he quickly fell in love with this gorgeous girl
named 5ive, the older sister of Doodlebug the first friend he made and
who was willing to help him win her sisters heart by getting her the one
thing that surely would the Book of Hearts . . . the book which held all
of the secrets and was the key factor in how to help save each one of the
thirteen princesses, while by the love Podgy had and with Doodlebugs
help it quickly put 5ive in the spotlight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462039197

Howard Billy Burl McDaniel

I've always enjoyed writing stories as much as I've always enjoyed fishing. Just as I've been fishing as long as I've been writing. For me the two works together somehow and for me that's a good thing. While fishing is relaxing and fun it always gives me the opportunity to come up with ideas for stories to write about.

Book preview

5ive Aitch

In the Meeting of Manikin Ann!

HOWARD BILLY BURL MCDANIEL

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

5ive Aitch

In the Meeting of Manikin Ann!

Copyright © 2011 by Howard Billy Burl McDaniel.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

iUniverse

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4620-3920-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4620-3919-7 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

iUniverse rev. date: 07/23/2011

Contents

Chapter

One

A Birthday Gift

Why They call it Window Pane!

A Birthday Card or the Impossible the Book of Hearts?

Racing Against So Many Angry Misses

Happy Early Birthday 5ive

Chapter

Two

Does the Devil Have a Daughter Bugz?

The Opening of the Book of Hearts

The Ruby Heart Shaped Gem and Crown of Princess Bethany

The Next Morning

24 now 25, 5ive’s Birthday Party was Sure a Surprise!

Chapter

Three

Packing up for a Long Journey

I can’t Meet your Family Doodlebug you come from a Wheel Race!

Bellinzona, Switzerland

The Infinity 8, Three Legged Race

A Blank Page that has Writing on the Back

Chapter

Four

It’s like a Nine Eyed Cat

Manikin Ann

Once Known as No Man’s Land

Dabbling with a Devil’s Tale!

The Amethyst Heart shaped Gem and Crown of Princess Antoinette

Chapter

Five

Wheel Stuck on the Gas Pedal

Don’t complain if I can’t fly this Plane!

What Drives One’s Mind Insane!

Anarchy Ann!

Freefalling to a Watery Hell!

Chapter

Six

Beach bound Bandits

Final Battle between 5ive and Manikin Ann

A Time to Heal

Like Chasing After the Shadow on a Sundial

The Amethyst Heart shaped Gem and Crown of Princess Antoinette

5ive Aitch, In the meeting of Manikin Ann, is about a quest to help save these thirteen princesses who in their life time had gotten taken advantage of right at the moment when their lives were truly crumbling apart by this unknown stranger who was a true sweet talker and who told them he could set everything right back in their lives that was only if they took up his offer and would be able to keep a promise which they would have to fulfill and keep or if not their soul’s he would take just as their troubles would never rest a day’s sleep. While by this poor boy named Podgy who moved to a new town named FallenForHer, it wasn’t too long after until he quickly fell in love with this gorgeous girl named 5ive, the older sister of Doodlebug the first friend he made and who was willing to help him win her sister’s heart by getting her the one thing that surely would the ‘Book of Hearts’ . . . the book which held all of the secrets and was the key factor in how to help save each one of the thirteen princesses, while by the love Podgy had and with Doodlebug’s help it quickly put 5ive in the spotlight.

I’m in the process of working on the second book titled, 5ive Aitch, In Twins of Two Friends & The Revenge of Identical Twin Jenn . . . there’s thirteen chapters and five subchapters to each making this book little over eight hundred pages long just as it picks up pretty much where the first book left off at and soon starts out who the last two Princesses will be just as the last book will be ‘5ive Aitch, In the lost City of Christine, Beneath the Sapphire Sea there You’ll find Me’

5ive Aitch

In

Twins of Two Friends

&

The Revenge of Identical Twin Jenn

Chapter

One

A Birthday Gift

Podg if you’re trying to win my sister’s heart, if that’s what you were actually trying to do I’m telling you right now ‘Little Red Cheeky Chief’ you sure were going about it the wrong way ha, ha… not to be laughing in a humorous way no not at all but if you think by scaring her half silly by tossing small rocks at her bedroom window and then not on purpose busting it out just as she had fallen asleep was going to put Miss Juliet in Mr. Romeos arms Mr. Romeo was far beyond crazy to even think so. What you done I know was in good intentions but it absolutely wasn’t the best way to win her heart nor any other girls heart by that means (Doodlebug takes a hold of Podgy’s arms firmly while looking into his teary eyes trying to put him straight just as he had gotten slapped by her older sister 5ive who he had a huge crush for). Podg, Podg, Podg what am I going to do with you? I’m the only friend you have and you should be thankful that you at least have me as your friend because if not… uhh let’s just stop there because I really don’t want to think about it if you get the picture ok. (Doodlebug lets go of Podgy’s arms and looks down at the ground just as she shakes her head before looking back at him) Podg the best thing for you to do as of right now is to go home and go to bed and see what morning brings… hope for good things ok.

Bugz, I won’t be able to sleep if I do that is not after what I’ve done. Going to bed with a guilty conscious isn’t a good idea for me to do. I really need to at least apologize to 5ive and make sure she’s alright first before I consider doing anything else.

Not a good idea Podg because it’ll only make matters a whole lot worse between you and her and if you would happen to have a slight chance to win her heart and you try to smooth things out right now believe me it would quickly see it’s end faster than that (Doodlebug replied just as she snapped her fingers).

I understand Bugz, but is there any way for me to be able make things right with your sister and possibly win her heart before any other guy wins it? Because if you don’t know I’m willing to do anything for her even walk to Hell and back.

You might just have to Podg, you just might have too (Doodlebug’s eyes gets big as silver dollars) that is if you truly mean what you say, that is if you love 5ive that much to be willing to do anything for her but, but… nahh I don’t see it happening anytime soon sorry to have to be the one to tell you because for one thing you’re on her most hated list as of right now and lastly and this is a true heart breaker but Podg her ex boy friend called her prior to this incident and sadly enough they’re getting back together I’m sure of.

Just as Podgy’s spirit gets broken and his heart becomes shattered he drops his head down and slowly walks away from Doodlebug with tears drizzling down his face just as he walks on home feeling like a worthless loser once again like he felt before he moved to the town of FallenForHer.

Podgy was a very shy man, thirty five years of age just as he was skinny as a race horse and was the type who was always known to be backwards around other people while being unable to make any head way in life to move forward on his own. With hazelish brown eyes; a frown which could be seen literally a million miles away at anytime; Podgy also had short black hair too; just as he stood five foot six while having one tattoo on his right upper arm of a culverin and one tattoo on his lower left arm ‘Reject of 1976’; just as he merely had one friend he called Bugz the younger sister of the girl he fell so hard for as of whom he would do anything for.

While Doodlebug waited till she could no longer see Podgy she headed back in her house and run up stairs to make sure her sister was ok plus to do a little bit of nibbling into her personal life just to make for sure if or if not she and Ted were getting back together after their month and a half long split up.

Knock, knock are you still up sis? (Doodlebug vocally knocked on her sister’s bedroom door just as she turned the door knob and slowly pushed opened the door)

I’m up… no thanks to your boy friend Podgy though. (5ive replied just as she threw a pillow at her little sister)

Ackk… (Doodlebug steps back behind the door just as the pillow misses her) he’s not my boy friend sis, his just a friend who needs a few others who’ll stand by him so he’ll feel more welcome in our town besides getting picked on by everybody including yourself I hate to say.

Whoa . . . hold up for just a minute Doodlebug I never picked on your friend Podgy. But he sure has been pestering me and all I ever done to him was all I could do which was simply to ignore him that’s all I’m no bully you know that besides look at us, we got picked on by the four tormenting T’s practically every day when we lived right in town on Grim Street the four T’s as of Trish, Tina, Tiffany, that wanna be she Tutu Terry who has an eighty seven year old witch girl friend named Allis and the small s’ at the end Miss Stephanie and that never was a picnic either if you can think back two months ago when we lived there before I finally saved up just enough money from work to get us out of that hell hole which was a sad reality called real life that two sisters as of us had to live in while struggling to live from day in and day out having to face many challenges that came about.

You’re right sis it wasn’t a picnic that’s the reason why Podg is pestering you like he done to me as you had put it. You see all he’s doing is crying out for help, he’s trying to make friends in a new town and he simply doesn’t know how to, that’s it. Now I could see you shying away from him if for say he had a thing for you which he doesn’t but just crying out for a friendship come on now you’re not one to say no to somebody who gets bullied around like we do now are you? Or has Ted changed your heart with his fat stinky wallet and his fake smile?

Bug, there’s no Ted in my life anymore nor will there ever be I’m not falling for his deceitful games any longer. I made it very clear to him a few hours ago over the phone that he and I were through with one another ever since he cheated on me with that priss Mellissa.

So that means you’re still single right? (Doodlebug gets a grin on her face just as she crosses her fingers)

Looks that why Bug, looks that way.

Are you looking for a boy friend? (Doodlebug starts to get more excited)

No… no I’m not! That is if you’re trying to worm Podgy into my life just as I know you’re trying to do my sweet little sister. He’s very lucky our neighbor Mark wasn’t home because I’m sure he would have called the police on him and Podgy would have been in a little bit of trouble, trouble he more likely couldn’t get out of.

I wasn’t doing anything of the sort sis, all I was wondering was if you had plans anytime soon in finding one seeing that your birthday is coming up soon that’s all. (Doodlebug plays dumb just as her excitement quickly becomes erased) And for as Mark goes Mr. Yappity Mouth if he were home and would had called the police on Podg I simply would have told the police I busted the window out. Anyway you and me can fix it before the landlord finds out about it.

Either way if you were or weren’t the answer still is no I just want to be left alone for awhile before committing to any other lamebrain boy. But for as the window goes yes I agree with you Bug we’re smart enough to fix it ourselves.

I can’t blame you sis, I can’t blame you one bit but other than boys have you given it any thought about what you want for your birthday? I saved up a few dollars to spend on you not a million but enough to get you something nice this year.

You don’t have to buy me anything Bug, having you as a sister is a true gift to me so save your money for a rainy day or something but promise me you won’t blow it on me ok.

Yeah, but I’ll feel bad if I don’t get you anything sis, there has to be something you want? Something maybe money wouldn’t be a factor.

Bug, having you as a sister is priceless it really is, it cost no money so there’s your birthday gift to me case closed.

Ok I’ll respect your wish sis but what should your new friend get you? Podg!

Oh good one Bug ha, ha… he can ‘GET’ . . . by giving me the gift of leaving me alone and our friendship will forever stay truly beautiful.

All come on now that was really harsh sis, harsh even for you to say.

Ok my new friend Podgy Wodgy can get me this one book called the ‘Book of Hearts’ which belongs to that girl club the one we got humiliate by, what was it called… oh yes the ‘Thirteen Hearts’ who only haves eleven members still, so yeah that’s what he can get me for my birthday so if you see him tomorrow or whenever don’t forget to tell him ok.

Yeah, I won’t forget… (Doodlebug gets a displeased look on her face) what if he can’t get you the impossible gift can he get you something else sis? (Doodlebug asked as her eye’s started to become watery)

Put it this way Bug if he gets me that book he surely will win my heart for life without a doubt. But as unfortunate as it is for me to know that he’ll be unable to get the Book of Hearts I suppose without hurting your feelings Bug Brain you can tell my new friend Podgy just to get me a simple birthday card that’s it, that’ll be good enough for me. Anyway you don’t buy your way to friendships no matter who it is you know that besides we already found that out the hard way not too long ago and it wasn’t worth it either.

Just a card and then you and Podg will be friends; is that what you said sis?

That’s what I said Bug, just friends and nothing else but I’m going to warn you beforehand if he goes out and buys me any flowers or anything which is romantic even a romantic card all deals are off so make sure you’re clear with him about the meaning of a friendship ok.

I’ll be sure to make everything clear with him when I see him tomorrow. I’m glad he’ll have you as a friend too along with me because two friends are better than just having one to lean on.

You got to look at it this way Bug, one friend is a whole lot better than no friend so think about that and let him know that tomorrow too. Anyway I’m going to call it a night so I’ll see you in the morning little Bug Brain, goodnight and sweet dreams.

Goodnight sis, sweet dreams as well. "Oh hold onto that thought for just one moment because there’s still glass laying everywhere and if you forget about it and get up from the wrong side of the bed not saying you’ll be in a bad mood or anything no but you’ll get your feet cut and then you be heading straight to the hospital afterwards so why don’t we go ahead and clean up the glassy mess that’s on the floor and near your bed first before calling it a night because I don’t want to see you getting hurt anymore than what you already are.

Now there’s a bright idea… I’m thankful that I have you as a sister Bug because like you said if I would had went on to bed and forget about it my feet would have gotten shredded to pieces and then they would have gotten stitch up at the hospital and I’m quite sure I would have received a tetanus shot in the arm too (5ive rubs her right arm while thinking about it) so I own you one remember that ok and don’t let me forget it neither.

You don’t own me anything sis because you already said Podg is now a friend of yours so let’s just say we’re even now ok.

Ok, it sounds good to me Bug.

Let me run down stares real quick and get the broom and dustpan.

Get the mop bucket too while you’re at it Bug.

Yeah, sure thing sis, just give me a few minutes and I’ll be right back.

While Doodlebug done like she said and quickly returned 5ive was out of bed just as she had already started gathering up all of the big pieces of glass while putting them in a pile to make things a little easier for them to sweep up the rest. Just as Doodlebug sat down the mop bucket beside of her sister so she could go ahead and put the big pieces of glass into it Doodlebug took the broom and swept up all of the tiny sheared pieces into the dustpan and then dumped them on into the bucket. Just as soon as the floor became clean both of the sisters headed on off to bed just as the time was 1:03AM while soon thereafter they both fell off to sleep.

Why They call it Window Pane!

With the morning sunlight now setting it’s warm blanketed hand across 5ive and Doodlebug’s faces while letting them both know that it was time for them to get up so they could start their morning off hopeful on the right foot and stay on the right track throughout the rest of the day the two sisters simultaneously opened up their eyes; rolled out of bed; opened up their bedroom doors and then greeted each other good morning while right afterwards they both headed on down stares for their morning breakfast.

Well I have to say I slept pretty darn good last night after what happen. What about you Bug? How was your night?

Ok I guess, I tossed and turned up until two thirty three then I must have finally fallen off to sleep. I was concerned about Podg if he was ok when he got home last night.

I’m sure he was ok Bug; I bet anything when you see him today last night will be all forgotten about you’ll see.

Yeah, I sure hope so sis, but if not he soon will be once he finds out you’re his new friend though.

I’m sure he will too Bug, but just don’t you forget to tell him we’re only friends and nothing else ok.

I will sis; by the way you wouldn’t happen to know when the landlord will be coming do you?

I figure in a couple of days to collect this month’s rent. Why you ask Bug?

I just wanted to make sure they weren’t going to be here today to collect rent or do a surprise inspection since we have a window that needs repair that’s the only reason sis.

Oh yeah the window dang, I almost forgot about it, hey before you go out and find Podgy will you help me fix it right after we eat our breakfast so we’ll have that accomplished early and we won’t be tied down for the rest of the day waiting for the other to have time to help the other to fix it.

Yeah, that’s a good idea sis, the hardware store will be open by then anyway but before we do go we’re going to have to measure the inside of the window frame so we can get the correct size of glass for it so we won’t look like a couple of numskulls asking for a piece of glass to be cut for a window we wouldn’t know the size of.

Let’s eat first so we can feed our minds and then get the correct measurements Bug. So what would you like to have for breakfast I’m fixing for us both so all you have to do is tell me what you would like and I’ll fix it and server it for you.

Ok, I’ll have an omelet and a glass of milk oh yeah and two pieces of buttered toast too.

Hey, that sounds pretty darn good I believe I’ll have the same after I fix yours.

While 5ive fixed breakfast for her little sister and for herself they both jabbered on jabbering a little bit about anything and everything from love, life, friendship and what is life all about anyway while happily enjoying one another’s company. Just as soon as breakfast was served and they both said their grace it didn’t take either of the two very long to scarf down everything that was on their plate or drink their glass of milk on the count of being excited to get started on fixing the broken window.

Well sis I have to say you’re a better cook than me, breakfast was very good.

Thanks, you’re not a bad cook either Bug. I suppose after I get everything clean up you and I can move on to the measuring processes and then onwards to the hardware store.

Sounds like a game plan sis.

Here let me take your dirty plate and glass so I can go ahead and get them washed and put away.

Do you need my help sis?

Nahh, just sit tight and I’ll be done in a few minutes. Thanks for asking though I appreciate it.

With the clattering and clinging of dishes soapsuds bubbling sky high the kitchen sink counter top had gotten cleaned as well just as 5ive’s hands quickly started to wrinkle up as if she were ninety years old in the likeness of time.

Done . . . ha, ha, are you ready for a little home improvement work now Bug? I know I am.

I’m ready to roll sis.

Once I get done drying my poor wrinkly hands we can begin but in the mean time if you don’t mind little Bug would you look through the junk drawer here beside of me and see if there’s a tape measure in it because that’s usually where it’s always at.

Yeah!

While Doodlebug got up from the kitchen table and moseyed on over where her sister was standing at she pulled out the drawer that her sister had asked her to look through just as it didn’t take very long for Doodlebug to find the tape measure for as she found it right off the bat.

Doodlebug, she was the younger sister of 5ive who was twenty four years old, four years older than herself. While having long black hair; July emerald green eyes; she also had a beautiful bright smile that rarely was ever seen as a frown; with a gorgeous face only filled full of kindness as to what she held well within her very own heart it was where her inner beauty could always be found. Doodlebug stood a tad taller than her sister, while standing five foot three six inches taller than 5ive, she also had a half of a left leg which was equipped with a twelve inch pink heart treaded white spoke wheel for as she was born without the lower part of her left leg right below her knee just as she was given a wheel to use to help her get around.

Found it sis . . . (Doodlebug’s right hand pops straight up as she shows her sister) so is your hands all dry now or will I have to dry them for you?

There’s no need for that Bug because they’re dry. So here you go, here’s you a towel to hide your hideous face behind ha, ha, thanks for the tape measure and I’ll see you on the flipside bye, bye.

Just as 5ive dropped the wet towel over top of Doodlebug’s head and snatched the tape measure from her hand she then hightailed it afterwards out of the kitchen, into the front room, up the stairs and on into her bedroom just as she began measuring the inside of the window frame of the broken window.

Darn you brat, you think you’re going to have all of the fun all to yourself and leave me out, you better think again sis because I sure don’t think you’re going to.

While flinging the wet towel off of her head Doodlebug made tracks out of the kitchen, through the front room and up the stairs just as she headed straight for 5ive’s bedroom.

All ready measuring away are we? (Doodlebug loudly said as she entered in her sister’s bedroom)

Ha, ha, what took you so long Bug? Did you fall asleep like a bird in a cage when I dropped the towel over your head or did you get lost in the dark instead?

Oh you’re quite the joker this morning I wonder why? Could it possibly a bit of the love bug working on you and Podg? Because I haven’t seen you in this type of a mood not since you first met Ted. (Doodlebug wondrously asked as she moved her eyes from side to side)

You mean our friend Podgy?

He’s the only Podg I know sis.

Umm no Bug I’m not! But I am in a good mood about somebody else though and if it wasn’t for Podgy busting my window out I wouldn’t have a reason to go to the hardware store and see Rollin. My girl friend told me awhile back that that’s where he works at and it just came to me just a few minutes ago that’s where we’ll be going so with all hope maybe he’s single.

Yeah… maybe, that’ll be good news. (Doodlebug down heartedly replied)

You don’t want me to be with Rollin do you Bug? I can tell by the way you said your words and by the expression on your face as you look at me.

You’re right I don’t want to see you and Rollin getting together because what I heard about him and how he treated his previous girl friend or should I say friends never was a pleasant story to hear, he’s not a nice type of a guy if you get my drift sis. I can’t tell you what to do or not to do but the only thing is I don’t want to see you getting hurt by a true jerk like him.

Never listen to or believe hearsay Bug, because allot of innocent people’s names gets ruined by lies. I met Rollin once before he was courteous and very polite, more well mannered than Ted ever was I can honestly say, so what I saw that day in Rollin was what I’ve always been looking for.

Just be careful sis, that’s all I’m asking of you. (Doodlebug said with a worried look on her face)

Doodlebug, I will but if we keep on talking like we are right now it’ll be midnight again and we won’t be going to the hardware store anytime soon so let’s measure all four sides to make sure we get a correct measurement ok.

Ok, but which one of us gets to hold the snail shell and which one of us gets to pull the snail out of his shell sis?

I’ll hold the snail shell as you like to call it Bug and you can pull the flat numbered snail out ok. So if you’re ready let’s start from left to right and then from top to bottom.

Sounds good to me sis, as long as Mr. Snail don’t bite me I’ll be alright.

Just measure ok Doodlebug, GEESH. (5ive shakes her head while looking at her little sister)

While the two sisters measured the top of the window from left to right then the bottom from left to right those two measurements were the same thirty two inches; just as they measured the left side from top to bottom and then the right side from top to bottom getting an equal measurement of forty inches.

Ok, now that that’s done there’s something I need to ask you to do Bug, I hope you don’t mind.

What sis?

For us to get this project done a whole lot faster one of us has to go to the hardware store without a doubt but if we both go once we come back we’re going to have to clean out the remaining glass plus remove the molding from the window frame so we can put in the replacement glass…

So what you want me to do is… stay here and clean out the frame while you go to the ‘Loveware Store’ am I right sis.

Please Bug? (5ive replied with a I don’t ask much from you look)

Yeah, sure why not but remember watch yourself with Rollin because I care about you sis, you know that.

I will Bug, anyway he might not even be working there anymore I was only told that he was so having to go there and if he is working there’s no harm in me asking if he’s single or not.

Don’t take too long ok sis, because it’s not going to take me very long to clean the frame out and ditch the glass into the trash.

I’ll be back very shortly little Bug.

Hold up for a minute sis, besides the glass get a pack of finishing nails and some type of glass glue too, plus new window molding.

I’ll be sure and do that.

While 5ive left out of the house and got into her car to go to the hardware store she had high hopes that she would for sure get to see Rollin and that he would tell her he was single just as everything thereafter would fall right into place. While starting up her car then pulling out of the driveway 5ive headed happily to the hardware store to get the glass, nails, glass glue and molding plus something a little more. With the hardware store being less than twenty minutes away it took 5ive under fifteen minutes to get there.

~The Hardware Store~

"Yay . . . I made it! Being that it’s early yet and seeing that the parking lot is empty that’s a plus for me especially if Rollin is working this morning. Well there’s only one way in finding out if he is or isn’t and that is for me to stop talking to myself and venture on in.

5ive, she was an outgoing young lady who wasn’t affair to go after what she wants in life whether win or lose as long as she tried and gave her very best she always know that she never went wrong. While being only four years old… older than her sister Doodlebug who’s twenty; 5ive stood six inches shorter than her little sister for as she stood only four foot nine. Just as She has a face of an angel with a patch of freckles on both sides of her nose right along with two K cheeks that brought out her gorgeous smile that she loves to show; 5ive also had sparkling emerald green eyes like her younger sister Doodlebug with long black hair just like her too.

Just as 5ive opened up the door and walked on into the hardware store she saw nobody… nobody anywhere around to wait on her so not being much of a concern at the moment she went ahead and walked around a few of the aisles searching for the finishing nails, glass glue and molding. While finding the finishing nails and the molding, 5ive couldn’t find any type of glass glue anywhere but what she did find was a five pound bucket of window putty just as she lugged one bucket, a pack of finishing nails and a few pieces of molding to the checkout counter.

Still nobody around! Dang this is just great! What a way to be running a business I could rob them blind and they wouldn’t even know it. (5ive told herself)

Go for it sweetie I won’t try to stop you. (A male voice from behind said)

5ive’s face turns red as she gets startled by this elderly man who was standing right behind her just as he overheard what she unknowingly said so openly and blurred right out loud.

I’m sorry; I didn’t know anybody was standing behind me or for that matter if there was anybody else even in this store other than myself. Do you own this hardware store Mr. or do you work here?

Neither sweetie, I’m just a customer like yourself but finding somebody to wait on you most generally can take up to an hour or more so if what you have is so important to you take off with it I won’t rat you out besides I done it quite a few times myself no big deal, really. (The elderly man replied with a smile)

That’s quite alright Mr. I’m in no hurry, I’ll wait.

Suit yourself sweetie.

With a few minutes slowly passing by a sells clerk appeared, a middle age scruffy looking man while Rollin was nowhere in sight.

How are you today Miss? (The sells clerk asked 5ive)

Not too bad, how about yourself are you doing well? (5ive replied back)

I have no complaints thanks for asking. (The sells clerk replied) Will that be all for you?

I have a complaint (The elderly man shots out) I have a complaint about why I and other customers always have to wait so long to get waited on? Your store isn’t over flowing with customers to cause any delays.

Mr. I’m sorry to keep you waiting, I’ll be right with you after I ring up the Misses items ok. (The sells clerk replied while looking around 5ive at the elderly man)

I’m in no hurry; I need something else besides what I have here so why don’t you go ahead and run his stuff through first then you can wait on me. (5ive said just as she moved aside and politely was willing to let the elderly man go ahead and be taken care of first)

Sound fine with me Miss. (The sells clerk replied) Hey Mr., let me go ahead and ring up your items first since the Misses here isn’t finished with her shopping yet, ok.

Are you trying to get rid of me? (The elderly man bellower out)

Mr., I’m simply trying to run a business here that’s all so if you don’t want to wait I’d advise you to let me go ahead and run your items up right now because if not depending on what else the Misses here needs you’ll be waiting a little longer and I don’t want to hear you complaining about it either so if you would please sit your items up on the counter and I’ll ring them up for you.

I’m not the type that’s rude! One who goes before a lady, so I’ll wait!

Fine! (The sells clerk loudly replied to the elderly man) So Miss, what else do you need? (The sells clerk asked 5ive as he turned his attention to her)

I only need one other thing and that is a piece of glass cut thirty two inches by forty inches and then I’ll be through shopping. By the way I found window putty but besides that you wouldn’t happen to have any glass glue would you?

You mean for an aquarium? (The sells clerk asked)

No, no I need glass glue that you put around windows.

Sorry Miss, I don’t believe I ever heard of it and if you couldn’t find any here then more likely I don’t have it.

That’s ok. (5ive replied)

Just give me a couple of minutes and I’ll have you your glass ok.

Ok. (5iver replied)

While the clerk went in the back so he could cut a piece of glass for 5ive, the elderly man said something that quickly caught her attention.

My grandson use to work here but the owner or whoever hired him never paid him for his two week eight hour shifts he worked.

I hope you don’t mind me asking you this but what’s your grandson’s name who worked here? (5ive asked the elderly man)

Rollin! (The elderly man said)

Oh, is he working anywhere else now?

No, he’s living with his girl friend Miranda right now she works at the health department so other than being jobless he’s doing alright. Why you ask?

No reason, mostly curious that’s all.

Here’s your glass Miss and with the finishing nails, molding and the window putty your total is $37.97.

Ouch, ha, ha, all well the window needs replace anyway (5ive replied just as she dug in her purse for her money) here’s forty dollars keep the change.

Thanks Miss, have a nice day and don’t forget to comeback soon. (The sells clerk replied)

Are you crazy Miss tipping him after you had to wait as long as you did? (The elderly man said as he grabbed 5ive’s right arm)

No not crazy Mr., I’m just a courteous person that’s all so I hope you have a good day too.

Thanks! (The elderly man replied)

While 5ive left the hardware store and loaded everything up in her car she was more eager to get back home and fix the window more than she ever was before. Just as her mind was now at ease about Rollin; knowing that he was already spoken for it didn’t faze her too much on the count of knowing that there were plenty of other guys out there for her to date. While taking approximately the same amount of time to get back home as it took for her to get to the hardware store 5ive was relieved to see her house just as she pulled up into the drive way.

~Home~

I’m wondering if Bug will have the frame all clean and ready to go for me. I sure hope she does anyway because if not it’ll put a damper on both of our days on the count it’ll mean that cleaning the frame was more of a bothersome job than either of us had first thought but who knows maybe she’s waiting for me to return I hope so anyway.

Just as soon as 5ive unfasten her seatbelt she heard a picking on the window while look to her left she saw her little sister trying to tell her something that seemed to be really