Harmless
16th street, 201C
“This is the last penny we have left,” Mother sat on the wooden floor, examining the silver coin. Our house isn't in the best shape. Water leaked from the cracked roof. It usually rains in Pearson. Many villagers of ofis, grew crops indoors to protect them from rotting.
“Can’t you ask Sir Montgomery for a slight increase?” I ask her.
“I’ve already tried. He refuses to increase it further.” She sighs while pulling her thin gray hair into a bun. “Nora, have you asked your friend’s mother for a job?”
“Kim said she’ll let me know.” Mother stands up and goes to the end of the room where Milo, my young sister rests by the fireplace. Her miniature body is wrapped in a shabby clothing- it’s almost towards its end. I walk to the mirror and stare at myself. Kim says my eyes went on my father, deep brown in color so has his facial features. My hair are more like my mother, thin and fine.
“How about you have a look on our tomato crops? See if it did us any good.”
“I shall go see.” I put on my grey coat which now smells like Milo’s poo. I open the door to the village. Bright sunlight shines across the land. Even in Winters, it's not very cold here that's why all of us prefer living here. Serpents cannot move much during Winters. I walk behind our shack toward our crops. It’s just a tiny piece of land we managed to purchase. We have to wait for the crops to stop growing so we can pluck them out and plant new ones. I examine the tomato crop. One round fleshy tomato hangs by the stem. I bring my palm forward to pluck it when I feel a sharp pin like pain shoot up. I retreat, shaking my hand abruptly. I look down to see a green, scaly snake looking at me.
“You have to be kidding me, Warren!” I curse.
“This prank never gets old, does it?” He emerges from behind a tree on my left. He’s wearing a loose-fitted brown coat in which there’s a light fabric shirt underneath, with him, I notice Kim laughing along.
“Get it out.” I demand, starting to feel weird.
“I’d love to.” He smirks. He takes my palm in his and brings it near his mouth. He gently sucks in the poison from the bite. He has a slightly round jawline and his eyes are a light brown in color. Kim and Warren are my childhood friends. They both look so similar to each other. More like twins if you ask me.
As the poison is all drawn out, I sigh of relief.
“Plan on killing me do you?” I grumble.
“Nah, you aren't dying just yet.” Warren mocks.
“C’mon Nora! Why do you have to spoil the fun.” Kim says while tucking her golden locks behind her ears. Her snake, Roselyn is wrapped around her delicate wrist who's the same color as Lander. "By the way, still haven't met your familiar?" Everyone in Pearson possessed snakes. I don't know where's mine. I once came across a red spotted one but ended up being poisoned for about a week.
"If I had, would I be affected by Warren's poison?" I sigh. "Kim, have you asked your mother about the job in her farm?”
“Oh that, yes, I did. In fact we were coming here to tell you just that.” She smiles. “She’s agreed upon hiring your mother. The pay is not quite high but it should earn you a living.”
“That’s a relief!” I pull her into a hug. “I must go inform mother regarding this.”
“Go on, come out soon. We’re heading over to the boathouse. Some drama’s up.” Warren runs a hand through his black hair. His skin is slightly tanned like a tomato. Lander, the green colored snake wraps itself around his neck.
“I’ll be right back.” I pick up the tomato and rush inside. I tell mother everything and the delight in her face has lightened up my entire soul. Finally things are going right. Father must also know about this.
“He must be at the boathouse,” mother informed.
“I’m heading there with Warren and Kim.” I let her know.
“Be home by supper. I shall make tomato soup along with custard for you all to celebrate this news.”
“Love you, mother.”
“Love you more, sweetie.”
