Back in the bar

Popo, at that moment was talking to Ms Rounds in her office.

‘Well, I’ve fired Jovelisi and we shouldn’t have to see his ugly face around here anymore,’ Ms Rounds said to her. ‘And really Popo, the next time you have any problems with the staff, just let me know immediately and I’ll take care of them. That is what you employ me for you know.’

‘Ah yes yes. Well, I tried to give that lazy boy a second chance. But I guess it was wasted. Anyway, I’m happy for the woman who dumped him online. She was very smart to see through him,’ Popo said.

‘I’ve never seen someone of your age work as hard as you do. Surely you should be retired and not working in a bar?’ Ms Rounds said in a mixture of admiration and disbelief. ‘You must be the only person I know who insists on working at seventy!’

‘Well some people don’t like not doing anything,’ Popo replied glibly. ‘Besides, its boring at home. I don’t want to sit down and watch tv all day or potter in the garden. I’m not meant for that!’

‘You nearly gave me a heart attack when I saw you trying to shift those boxes! Don’t ever do that again!’

Popo nodded. Then she smiled. ‘Oh well, it’s over now. I’m going to have my tea with the boy.’ She got up and left the office.

Ms Rounds watched her leave with a smile on her face. She’d never ever seen an old woman move as spritely as she did.

As Popo walked towards Jonathan, a muffled voice reached her ears.

‘You heard the boss. Don’t ever try and shift boxes again old woman! Or you’ll be responsible for murder if she gets a heart attack!’

‘Found your way under the floor boards did you?’ Popo muttered under her breath.

‘Well of course. What else would you expect of a rat? I wouldn’t be a very good one if I couldn’t get underground would I?’

‘And by the way, I hope you feel guilty about leaving me in the rain last night. I could have drowned out there!’

‘Well, if you truly are the rat you say you are, then you would have found a dry spot to sleep,’ Popo told him flatly. ‘Now, disappear.’

‘Hmph. As if you can see me!’ Rat replied indignantly. However, he remained quiet after that.

‘Hello Jonathan,’ Popo said when she reached him. ‘I hear you’ve no school today. Isn’t that nice?’

For the first time that day, Jonathan grinned. It was a toothy one.

‘Popo!’ he went. ‘Did you hear about Jovelisi as well? Your boss finally fired him!’

‘Hmmm. Yes, I heard he said some very bad things to you. I hope you didn’t take it to heart. He’s just a mindless gorilla who has no idea of what he’s saying,’ Popo said, giving him a concerned look.

‘Nah. I just ignored him. Mum said that I shouldn’t pay attention to people who say things like that,’ Jonathan told her.

‘Your mum’s right. It causes unnecessary aggravation and brings to light the birth of another idiot into this world,’ Popo said, giving a little cackle. ‘You are a very intelligent boy Jonathan. Your mum would be very proud to know that you did not react to stupid comments like those. Sometimes even the oldest and mature of us allow words to hurt us when they shouldn’t have to.’

‘Jovelisi’s a very bitter person isn’t he?’ Jonathan asked.

‘The lazy usually are Jonathan. They see the riches but not the sacrifices. Anyway, enough about that brainless oaf. How come your parents didn’t pick you up from school?’

Popo sat down and sipped her tea appreciatively. ‘Well?’ she asked when Jonathan didn’t reply immediately.

‘Well, my mum’s had an accident and will make her way down here soon. Dad’s stuck in a meeting,’ Jonathan answered.

‘I see. Well, I’m glad your mother is all right. Still, it might take a while before she gets here so perhaps if you like, I can tell you a chapter or two. What say?’ Popo said.

Jonathan nodded enthusiastically. ‘Great. I can’t wait to know more about the scarecrow. He’s so cool. He just blows Rat away!’

Popo nearly spat out her tea and instead, decided to choke.

‘Popo are you okay?’ Jonathan asked in a worried voice. He even got up and went to her side.

From somewhere in the background, a voice reached out.

‘Blows me? Blows me? Just what do you think I am you moron?’

Popo had another coughing fit and stamped the floor really hard. Jonathan was thoroughly concerned now and started hitting her on the back to unclog her pipes. After a few minutes, Popo calmed down and waved Jonathan aside.

‘I’m all right now. Thank you Jonathan.’

‘Geesh. I thought you were going to die there Popo. What happened?’

‘Tea went down the wrong pipe. Happens sometimes. Don’t worry, I can’t die like that,’ Popo answered.

From somewhere in the background, it could have even been the walls, a voice echoed out.

‘Really. Could have had me fooled there. I thought I’d have to crawl down your throat for a-’

Popo banged the wall really hard. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at her.

‘Cockroach, cockroach that’s all. Nothing to worry about!’ Popo said, cackling cheerfully.

‘Now Jonathan,’ she said with slightly teary eyes. ‘Shall we get on with that story then?’