Prompt: The Main Character gets Rejected

Words: office, popcorn, genial, rhyme, shampoo, vote, yawn, baboon, freak, hag

Story

“Oh, this is going to be fun. Someone pass the popcorn.” Rose rubbed her hands gleefully.

“Why are you so invested in this, Rose?” Liz shook her head. “Jim is a genial guy. Maybe he’ll surprise you, or maybe Clara will.”

“Really? He’s approaching like an awkward baboon, besides what other entertainment do we have in this office?”

“Do I get a vote?” Liz asked. “You know you’re up for Office Hag, right?”

“Shhh!” Rose nodded, stifling a yawn. “Old news. Now watch, the freak show’s about to start.”

Jim stumbled through some compliment about the smell of Clara’s shampoo followed by a weird rhyme that ended with an invitation to the most recent blockbuster movie. Clara hesitated a moment, shot Liz and Rose a shadowed glance, then accepted the offer. Rose chocked on a kernel of popcorn.

After Jim floated away on a cloud of bliss, Clara sauntered over to her co-workers. “But…but…why?” Rose sputtered.

“You didn’t think I didn’t know you were over here gossiping, did you? I know what you all think of Jim and even me. I was not about to give you or anyone else the satisfaction of hurting that nice guy. So get your jollies someplace else. I’m not playing.”

Clara flounced off, leaving Liz sputtering with laughter and Rose speechless.

Word Count: 217

Written: 4.3.2020