Topic: A Simple Transaction

Sadie Jenkins

Date: 2008-03-10 02:18 EST
Sadie had settled into the chaotic schedule of running the day to day business of the Deli. From organizing work schedules, to baking and preparing for each and every breakfast, lunch and dinner service. She had learned and done it all.

However, her devotion and dedication to the deli had caused her personal life to be put on hold. She hadn't been to see her parents in nearly a year and a half. So when the letter came that her father had passed away, it tore her heart to tiny pieces. Taking a few days of bereavement leave, the store was in the hands of Dirk while she was away.

She didn't know what made her more sick to her stomach. Going home to a funeral or leaving Dirk in charge. But she had to go comfort her mother. Being an only child, she and her mother were all each other had left in this world. It had been a long trip and by the time she got home, she was simply put, exhausted.

The days flew by in a blur and once the funeral was over, came the reading of the last will and testament. Her father had bequeathed to her half of his estate. She was shocked beyond belief to find out just how much her father had left to her. But she knew exactly what she wanted to do with that money.

She thought long and hard about it on the trip back to Rhydin. Once she returned, she penned a letter to Dean. He hoped she understood.

"Dear Dean,

Due to recent events, I have come up with enough money to buy the house and the Deli. I'd like to discuss this with you further. Please meet with me at the fountain in the market so we can talk.

Sadie"

She sent the letter with Dirk to the Pi house to be delivered to Dean. She hoped that he would be willing to sell the house and business.

Sadie Jenkins

Date: 2008-03-10 09:29 EST
Dean had agreed to meet with her in the Market. Never had Sadie been so nervous in all of her life. She wasn't sure exactly why butterflies swirled in her stomach, but they did. She tried to laugh it off, but as the time had come closer to the meeting, she felt herself on edge more and more.

The note Sadie received was short and to the point. He would meet her. Nothing was indicated about a price or anything. Sadie had the cash with her, she was sure it was plenty. But what if he wanted more than she had? The mere thought had her wringing her hands and barking out orders to the cooks and wait staff at the Deli that morning.

Noon came and it was time to go. She hated leaving yet another lunch service, but this had to be taken care of. Leaving the head chef in charge, she walked out into the Market, carrying a briefcase. And, as promised, there was Dean, waiting for her.

Sadie walked straight up to him, a smile on her face. "Good afternoon, Dean. You're looking well. It's been a while. How are Daniel and your brothers doing?"

Dean smiled right back to her. Always the quiet one, he simply said his hello and responded that Daniel and the brothers were doing fine. He asked how she and the deli were doing as he took a seat on that fountain.

Sadie followed suit and told him things were going very well at the Deli. Her hands fidgeted with the handle of the briefcase as she sat. "Dean, thank you for meeting with me, you are going to sell the Deli and the house, right?" She wanted to get right down to it.

"Yes, I have been interested in selling both for some time now. I'm just glad that it's somebody who has been with the Deli and a friend of Rosie's that wants to buy the business." He had certain sadness in his eyes, but it was short lived as he smiled when he looked at her.

"That's good." she nods and wrings her hand. "I've brought cash with me. How much, for, you know everything?" She smiles nervously and looks up into his face, searching.

Dean reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and withdrew some papers. "Actually, Sadie, I'm giving you the house and the Deli. I had the papers drawn up as soon as I got your note. Congratulations." He smiles and holds out the paperwork to her. "You are now the proud owner of the Deli and the house."

Sadie was stunned, to say the least. He was giving it away? "Th.. thank you!" she sputtered out and took the papers from him. She wanted to hug him, but thought twice about it. Instead, she simply unfolded the paperwork and looked down at it, then back up at him. "Thank you so much Dean!"

Dean watched her reaction with a smile on his face. "I know that if anybody will take care of the Deli and the house, it'd be you, Sadie. And you're quite welcome."

Sadie held out her hand, never a transaction completed without the shake of a hand. Dean took her hand and shook it, as he stood. "Good luck, Sadie." He smiled and was ready to walk away. "I have things to do. Take care." And he took his leave.

"Thank you, again, Dean. This means so much to me!" she looks down at the paper, then back up at him. "Take care, Dean. Any time you're in this neck of the woods, feel free to stop by!" she called out to his retreating back.

Hugging the papers to her chest, she quickly gets up and grabs the briefcase. Running back to the Deli, she gets inside and goes to the office. It was hers now, and as she sat down at the desk, she cried. "I won't change a thing, Rosie, I promise." She whispers and looks up at the ceiling. "Not a thing."