Year 1 to Year 2

Part 1: Bottom of the list

Manny swept his mop across the floor as he began his daily routine. Manny searched through his pockets to find a list, weeks in age, which he had used to catalouge his routine. The list read:

1) Mop floor

2) Lay tables

3) Find Glottis so he can make food

Manny laughed. Usually he had to find Glottis so he could cook, something that Glottis was acctualy good at (or at least better than Manny). Manny continued reading the list.

4) Lay around until closing time

5) Clean up

6) Close everything down

Manny threw the piece of paper into the bin. He thought about his first week in the 'All-Day Cafe'. His boss, Celos Fernandez, a short, chubby man, who wasn't seen much, and never really comended Manny about his good work. Manny had only seen Fernandez smile at customers, and regularly asked everybody about their meal.

Another partner in work was a girl called Carla, who was closer to Fernandez than anyone. She had been hired for what Fernandez called, 'security'. He said that she was there to make sure customers pay for everything, and do not avoid the bill. Manny thought the whole idea of security was ironic, but Manny enjoyed working with Carla.

Glottis had found a flight of stairs that led to an elevator, and he used it regularly to go into the centre of Rubacava. He had already befriended Maxamino, the owner of the Kitty Kat race track. Max let Glottis drive around the race track on Saturdays, giving him a few hours to quench his thirst for driving.

Manny had gone into the centre once, and found a place called the 'Blue Casket'. Inside he met Olivia, the owner of the 'Casket. Manny also visited

Velasco, the sailor that fished Manny out of the water during his first day at Rubacava.

Manny was now pulling into his second month at the 'All-Day', and on Tuesday the 1st of July he was greeted by Fernandez shouting at the top of his voice, "MEETING, MEETING!!!"

Manny ran into the main parlour and saw Carla and Glottis in a line. Manny joined the line and listened to Fernandez speak.

"Okay. Today we introduce a new member to our team. Her name is Lupe, and she will replace Manny."

Manny moaned. This could mean one of two things: He was fired and Lupe was going to continue the legacy of the worst job of the house. OR He was promoted to some kind of new, better job. Manny listened on.

"I hope you will all make her feel welcome. Calavera, in my room." Manny gasped. Manny had never been in Fernandez' room. This must be big. Manny climbed up the first row of stairs and then the second, which he had never been up before. Manny opened the door of Fernandez' room and walked up the the desk at the end of the room.

"Manny," Fernandez said. "Please take a seat. Now, Manny. You have worked well for the past month." Manny gasped again. Fernandez made a coment to Manny.

"And I am now going to give you..." Manny knew it. He was getting promoted.

"Yes," Manny croaked, his mouth dry.

"...your severence pay. Manny, your fired."

Manny was speechless. He watched Fernandez take an envelope out of his desk and wave it a Manny.

"Go on, take it." Manny reached out his hand and took the envelope. He walked out the room, down the stairs and out the door. He looked back at the All-Day Cafe and walked away.

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