Whoopie

Flash Fiction

Whoopie!

“Could you do me a favor?”

It was my neighbor, Angela. I’d been out front raking, something I put off as much as possible. It’s not that I hate raking; I rake the rest of the yards. I just don’t like being out front where everyone who passes always want to talk…

I’m not a talker. I don’t mind the “Hello!” a wave, even a “How ya doing?” from the back yard to the sidewalk. It’s quick, friendly and people rarely walk back to the fence to chat. Matter of fact they only walk back if it’s really juicy stuff (which I actually want to hear…) But when you’re in the front yard it’s like you have a note hanging on your body “Talk to me, I’m free!” They babble on, even when it’s gibber gabber. You are required to listen, or you become known as ‘unfriendly.’ My husband is the talker, it doesn’t bother him at all!

Well, there was Angela from two houses down, I was caught! I’ve known her to talk for a good hour about absolutely nothing! I try like crazy to think of a “can’t talk” excuse, but nothing comes to mind as she steps on the lawn and hurries over. I’m caught. I take a breath and give in, “Oh, Angela! How are you?”

“Stranded! I have a dentist appointment and my car won’t start! Can you give me a lift?” Wonders never cease!

I drove her downtown, did some lovely shopping while waiting, and drove her home where she had to rest, and call the garage!

In the meantime, guess who finished raking out front! Well, started finishing… as I got home, there was my hubby, holding the rake, talking to Ed from three houses down. Still, I was done! Whoopie!