Every Year

I was never more terrified than the moment I stepped out of the front door that evening and turned to face the world. I had the necessities, purse with money, keys, cigarettes and a cheap gold lighter, makeup items, everything a girl might need. I set off down the street. This time I met no-one until I arrived just outside the shop. As I approached from about 20 yards two young men came out and began to walk my way. As they passed I could feel the tension, they had obviously seen me. And they didn't 'read' me at all! They both smiled widely, they liked what they saw. Behind me, from about ten yards, I heard my very first wolf whistle!

I went into the shop again, this time I knew what to expect - to some extent. I had just checked the time on my mother's second best gold (plated) watch. I was late, it was very nearly ten o'clock. As I went in I could see the owner leave the counter and set off towards the door. He was going to close the shop!

"I am just closing, darling, but I'll serve you first of course."

'Darling!' he said 'darling!'

As he reached towards the door he turned the card round. It now said 'OPEN' - it must be 'CLOSED' on the other side. He came back to the counter and looked closely at me.

"Oh. Hello, I didn't recognise you," he said.

Help! Was I discovered? How?

"You were in last night weren't you? What can I do for you?"

And he said that in a sort-of mock sexy way, having a joke with a customer. I smiled widely at him and asked for a pack of cigarettes, a brand of very long thin cigarettes I imagined a girl like me would like. He got them and put them on the counter. Again, just like the previous night, he made sure he achieved bodily contact as he took the note from my fingers. And again when he gave me my change. I slipped the coins in my purse and headed for the door. He rushed to be there before me, making sure he was partly in the way. I would have to push past him to get out.

But I had other plans. I had not been sure how to do this, but the two young men had given me a chance.