The Candy Shop by Kiki Swinson Page A

and stood there as if I owed her something, I let her have it.
    “First of all, why in the hell are you standing there like you’re a victim?”
    “Because I am. Remember? I’m the one who just got fired!”
    “But, you did that shit to yourself,” I lashed back. “I told you not to do that shit her at work, but you did it again, anyway. So, what the hell am I supposed to do when someone goes and rats you out to Steve? The shit was out of my hands.”
    “Well, the least you could’ve done was take up for me. I mean, you didn’t say one damn word the whole entire time!”
    “What in the hell could I have possibly said in your defense?”
    “You could’ve argued the idea of them drug testing me.”
    “I did.”
    “When?”
    “Right before Steve called your ass into his office,” I began to explain. “As a matter of fact, we were going toe-to-toe behind your silly ass, if you want to know the truth. But they weren’t trying to hear shit I had to say, especially after Mrs. Early had already been sitting in his office for about thirty minutes prior to my arrival. But, what gets me is the fact that you didn’t even tell me that you had the run-in with Mrs. Early this morning. So, how the hell do you think I feel, when I’m the last person to find out about it?”
    “I didn’t say anything to you because I didn’t think that she realized what I was doing.”
    “Well, she did.”
    “Well, do you think I can appeal their decision?”
    “You can try. But, I don’t think it’s going to work.”
    “So, when do they expect me to be out of here?”
    “As soon as possible.”
    Teresa shook her head in disbelief and started carrying on like her life was about to come to an end. “Faith, what the fuck am I going to do? I’ve got bills!”
    “Don’t we all?” I commented nonchalantly.
    “But you ain’t got shit to worry about because you still have a job.”
    “Well, after that stunt you pulled earlier in Steve’s office, I’m surprised that I still have a damn job!”
    “Whatcha talking about?”
    “I’m talking about that statement you made to Steve and Katherine, about how they needed to test everybody who works here. I mean, what part of the game was that? Shit, you know I would’ve been dead meat if they had decided to test me.”
    “Believe me, I wasn’t thinking about you when I made that comment. I was just grasping at straws and trying to get them to see that they were discriminating against me. That’s all.”
    “Well, I’m sorry your plan didn’t work. But, do me a favor.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Don’t you ever put me on the spot like that again.”
    “Well, I told you I didn’t mean for it to come out the way that it did. And so that you know, it won’t happen again.”
    “Thank you very much,” I replied, literally about to bite my bottom lip off from being so frustrated with the whole ordeal.
    Minutes after our discussion ended, I helped her pack up her things and walked her out to her car. But, before she left, I assured her that I would be stopping by her place a little later to check up on her.
    Later that day rumors started circulating rapidly about Teresa being terminated. A few of the teachers—with whom I had become very close with over the years—approached me, wanting to know the details. So, I told them in so many words that Teresa elected to quit. I only said this to save her the embarrassment.

Taking No Shorts
    When I made it to work the next morning, I found out from a memo placed on my desk that I was going to go through some of the same events that had happened the day before. This didn’t sit right with me at all. And I began to feel sick to my stomach. But, before I started overreacting, I made a call to Steve’s office. He answered on the first ring.
    “Good morning, Steve. How are you?”
    “I’m okay. What about yourself?”
    “I’m fine. But, I have a quick question.”
    “Shoot,” he replied giving me the go-ahead.
    “Well, I got this