Next Chapter (917 Words)

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I've had a heavy migraine that's lasted for about three hours now, the ice cream truck blared its horn louder than usual when it passed by, the kids were both throwing tantrums because they spilled their cone after fighting over the one scoop I could afford them. I thought the customer had broken the coffee machine when his dog ran up to tackle me during the demonstration, and this was on a good day!
         I'm not sure why I thought pursuing a career as a traveling salesman in 2024 was a solid life decision but life was certainly all too eager to correct my optimism. College didn't work out once I realized I had spent all my money on alcohol as a distraction from the fact that my professor's lectures were slowly shortening my lifespan.
         Can't really blame my parents for kicking me out, when your son who is given the world but can't even bother to even get out of bed most days then he isn't really entitled to a lifetime supply of room & board. Still, being given the choice between community college or a Camry with half a tank of gas is a better endgame than what most people get.
         "It's mine, jerk!" said my youngest, Charlie. Always had a good backbone, I'm proud of that.
         "No! Mine!," Sam, my oldest. Such a fire in him when he wants to let it out, I love them both so much. I found them while I was traveling, they were digging in a garbage behind some Chinese restaurant.
         Funny story, the day I took my parents up on their offer and hit the road, I stopped by at a Denny's, and for the first time in my life I could actually taste the food. I'm not sure if it's because it was a good location (I know, kinda like finding a unicorn), or because I wasn't stoned. I remember when I used to hit a vape until it stopped working on me, I haven't touched weed in years.
         We stopped by at a beach deli, California's expensive but at least San Diego keeps a moderate temperature in its back pocket just in case you're having a bad day.
         "I wanna turkey sandwich with extra pickles please!" asked Charlie, just the right combination of cuteness and eagerness to get away with the hint of frankness in his voice.
         "Can I have a BLT, please?" Sam asked next, he genuinely surprises me when he stands up straight and keeps his arm back like a general, I'm not big on formalities so I really don't know where he got that from.
         The cashier turned his head to me after hearing both of my sons loudly announcing to me what they would like as every adjacent customer was giggling at us. I made eye-contact with the cashier for a moment, expecting a tumbleweed to pass by:
         "Could you make that two BLT's, Richard?"
         "No problem, Rex" the cashier smiled as they entered our orders.
         As much as it hurts my soul everytime time I have to pull out my wallet, the experience that comes afterwards usually outweighs the literal cost. This time was no exception.
         We usually got first-pick of the best tables since we could always eat during slower hours. This time luck was really in our favor because the table with an ocean-view was open. I heard the waves moving slowly back and forth by the time we each sat down, opening up the bags and not hesitating for a moment to take advantage of the fruits of our labor. Moments like these are all it takes to reignite any fire dimming inside you, the poor sandwiches never stood a chance.
         I got back on the grind as soon as we were all finished washing our hands, there was still about 4 hours of daylight left and going based off my sales history I should be overdue for one. Coffee machines just don't net as much profit as they used to, I think it may be time to move on to greener pastures. I just can't think-
         "OOOH PLEASE! PLEASE DAD!"
         Right as my doubts started creeping in, Charlie began jumping up and down, turning my attention to the chocolate store right across the street.
         "CAN WE DAD!? CAN WE!? CAN WE!?!"
         "Yes! Just calm down please, son!" I softly yelled back, not wanting to attract too much attention out of embarrassment.
         After crossing the street, I opened the door for Charlie and Sam, we wandered into a place that should have a warning sign outside that tells parents to keep a firm stance so their children don't bankrupt them.
         "One chocolate bar each! No begging or we're leaving!" I stated, both silently nodded, not wanting to push their luck.
         After nearly fainting from seeing the cash leave my wallet, we all walked out with our chocolate. They barely waiting two seconds before eating their chocolate, they looked so happy.
         We kept walking down the road we always do, I checked my bank account on my phone and knew I had to figure out a way to make the next $400 I have into more money. I should pick pretty good, I usually do, well until I don't.
         "Can we have more please?" asked Charlie.
         "I think you had more than enough today, happy birthday Charlie!" I gave them both a hug.
         "You know..." I said with a perplexed look.
         "Do you think there's a good market for chocolate bars?"