It was a cold, grim Saturday afternoon with a hint of an overcast settling in, when we set up the root beer float stands.

I was unhappy. For starters, I didn't  want to go out on a cloudy day and  sell root beer floats! Found it to be ridiculous! But I did it because I needed to boost up my grade. That was all that I kept thinking about to keep me preoccupied.

Even though the weatherman mentioned on the radio that there wouldn't be a chance of rain or hail; I voted to cancel this event due to the hazy clouds in the sky. I was afraid that would be a sign of showers heading toward us.

But the team did not want to listen to me, as I was outnumbered by the class majority. The Coach even voted against me, stating that it was all in my head. It wasn't quite a surprise to me, as I had a feeling he'd go against my wishes since in his eyes, I was always wrong. So it was their fault on why we didn't make much of a sale, not mine. 

However, Coach said that in case if it did rain, we would be able to bring our merchandise indoors and continue planning our event, which caused me to finally accept our agreement.

We had seven liters of two different kinds of root beers and a huge bucket of mint - green ice cream as it was chosen as a flavor due to the St. Patrick's Day theme, which was the upcoming holiday that week.

I wore a purple woolen sweater over a t-shirt and a tank top with a pair of dark blue jeans, yet I was still chilly!

I hugged myself tightly, while walking back and forth before each table.

Many customers opted not to stop by our stands and we only made four sales within the last hour.

So I figured this would be another boring task, until ... Owen grabbed my hand.

"Are you cold, Marlene?"

Um, yeah. What does it look like? As if I'm just hugging myself because I want to look good. I looked up and frowned at him.

"I take that as a yes. Come with me Mae. We need some exercise; it would be fun."

I was not exactly sure of what type of "fun" he was talking about.

I observed his attire as it made me smirk. A navy blue sweater and a pair of denim shorts. Equipped with white socks and sandals; it made me think of a beach setup on a tropical island, rather than being here out in the cold.

Um, who wears shorts on a cloudy day? Answer: only the playboy next door.

Perhaps that was his intention; to make me grin.

Owen eyed me as he chuckled. He probably knew what I was thinking.

He responded back by saying, "It's my metabolism, baby."

What a sarcastic reply! Metabolism my butt! Kept telling myself that he was just teasing me.

I wanted to hide my facial expression, so I placed the palm of my hand up to my face to express dismay.

"Aren't you even cold in that get-up?" I asked.

"Nope, and they're a a lot more comfortable than pants, Mae. Plus, if it does rain as you said, I won't have wet pant legs like you,".

I batted my eyes as I was suprised by his snarky response. Well, got to admit that was a logical answer, but seeing him in Bermuda shorts still made me cringe. I mean it's Spring, not Summer time.

Owen also told me that even though he always receives weird looks from girls like me, it's his way of starting a great conversation starter.

Got to smile at that answer. It got me talking, and at least I'm moving now, so I was beginning to feel warm again.

Someone ran to catch up to us and tried to speak, despite the fact that he was out of breath.

"Hey, I want to come too!

Turning to my backside, I noticed Robin trying to hold my other hand. 

 "Yes, Mae ... let's go out there and attract more customers. Someone's gotta give us something."

I don't know what the guys were up too, but I couldn't say no to them. It's a little too late to say anything else as  we were headed right in front of the parked cars.

Hmph!

I really don't want to be here. Why did I ever listen to them?

Then I felt a sudden push. It irritated me, as that was not what a proper gentleman would do. They do not push ladies around, even if it's just for a joke.

"Hey, watch it will ya!" I shouted at the guys behind me.

"Come on Mae. You know, we're only giving you a push to go out there and make us proud! We're rooting for you to attract customers!" Owen replied.

"Yes, you can do it. Don't be afraid my 'Maiden Marian'!"

Both boys were annoying me now.

Wait, did Robin just say that in front of Owen? Um, I thought that was just between the both of us. Wonder if someone else was going to be jealous.

To avoid a fight, I pulled in my stomach and decided to face the customers right in front of me. I can do it, I can be a successful sales lady if I wanted to.

The first person I saw sitting on a bench nearby was Mrs. Peterson. She was the nice gray-haired librarian that took a breather once in a while, when somebody else covered for her.

She was reading a book called "Wide Sargasso Sea" by Jean Rhys. My sixth grade class was assigned to read that same tragic book years ago and somehow it's still fresh in my mind.

That story was about the life of the mentally ill woman who lived in the attic of her rich husband. That was originally described in the novel, "Jane Eyre" and I suppose the author wanted to give a background for this mysterious woman who was locked in a bedroom since she could not control her madness. 

Now I could sort of relate to that, because the guys were definitely making me crazy!

But to put all things aside, I approached Mrs. Peterson as she might be the answer to my prayers.

I walked towards her as she put her book down.

"Hi, Mrs. Peterson. How are you?"

She turned around and faced me.

"Well, hello Marlene. I'm doing fine dear. Have you read this book before?

I nodded in agreement.

"I'm reading it since I might make it a required textbook for my class next year."

Mrs.Peterson wasn't only the librarian at this school, but she was also a part-time English teacher. When the full time instructor, Mr. Prada, had his classes filled up to capacity - an extra one, taught by Mrs. Peterson, would be added.

Again, I nodded to assure her I was listening, but I was itching to change the subject.

"It's not the greatest romance book of all times, but it makes you feel what the main character might have felt once she found out that the man she married used her, just because she was rich."

I thought about what I just said and remembered that was one of the reasons I vowed not to fall for a boy's charm. I felt sorry for Antoinette, the female lead in that novel. Even if she was a fictional character; in real life there must be some 'Antoinettes' out there whose husbands only marry them for their money.

But to keep my mind focused towards today's goal, I  brushed the idea away, but likewise, the librarian beat me to it.

"I see you guys are selling root beer floats."

I nodded to assure Mrs. Peterson  that.

"But its bad weather ... no offense my dear ... but it's not the right time of month to sell that."

Tell the same thing to the Coach, he didn't listen to me. But, he'll surely listen to an adult's advice.

"I know, Mrs. Peterson. I tried to warn the others, but they wouldn't listen. It's actually for our Spring Break. We are going to Sunny California."

"I see. So how can I help you Marlene?"

Isn't it obvious Mrs. Peterson?

This was pitiful, so I looked back at the boys for some moral support, but they kept waving their hands, signaling to me that I was doing well on my own. I had to think of something fast before she rejected my offer.

Looking down at my shoes, I muttered to myself ... Okay, here goes nothing.

"W-would you like to buy a float, Mrs. Peterson, or if not ... um ... can you please donate some money ... to help us?

Mrs. Peterson smiled at me. She reached inside her Gucci purse and handed me a twenty dollar bill.

"Sure, Sweetie. Here ... I hope this will help you on your trip. I'm sorry, but I won't buy a float right now. My stomach just doesn't feel like it."

I was so excited! I hugged her, and actually made a sale ... well actually a few dollars. But I made it myself. If my parents were here, they would be proud of their daughter.

"Thank you Mrs. Peterson, you are a life savior!"

She smiled and winked at me again.

"My pleasure, Marlene. And I'm sure those boys over on the other side of the parking lot are also happy for you."

I blushed as she mentioned that.

"Have fun and hope you can send me a postcard!"

I shook my head yes before leaving her, and ran toward the guys like a little girl who just won a prize from the fair.

"Look! Mrs. Peterson gave me a twenty dollar bill!"

They both smiled, but kept their mouths shut. They looked a bit agitated, like they were hiding something from me, and somehow I felt that it was about the girl who just made a sale!

But I felt happier, but not in the way I actually anticipated since the two men in front of me were no longer speaking.

***************

In the garage sale situation, it was easier to bargain with people because it was held in the class gymnasium, so anyone who followed our arrows to the event, became our customers.

We sold items we no longer needed: from childhood toys to unwanted clothes that were either out of style or no longer in our size.

I also brought some extra hand made materials my mother, sister and I used to make on rainy days. I debated for days on selling half of our creations, for all were my mementos of my loved ones. Yet there were too many knick knacks that we're placed in my room, some old hats in my closets, bean bags next to my bed and others hidden in my chest drawers that Joshua was thrilled when he heard that I decided to give some of my hand made creations away. I saved the most dearest to me like the crotched blanket my sister and I made  during a snowstorm and a doll my mom made that I named Clover as it represented as my lucky four leaf  clover! My brother also gave me his old baseball card collection he didn't want anymore.

Thus, I decided to sell all of the items  at a fair price and to my astonishment a couple of parents came in and purchased them.

And it was quite a bargain, since everything the class sold was bought. From old books, clothing to toys and small furniture; nothing remained in the gym by the end of the day.

In the end, we accumulated $500, and decided that the profits would help us book a hotel in California for the week stay.

It would be an adventurous trip where we would engage in activities based on trust, teamwork and loyalty, but I had trouble concentrating because of the two boys.

Sometimes the only way to resolve a problem is by letting time pass. But to be patient was difficult, as even though I tried to be a good friend, arguments started even before we got on the airport.