Hunterdon County, New Jersey (3 April 2025) – A first job means many things. New responsibilities, emerging maturity, or being away from home on a regular basis.
A junior high schooler’s first job likely means all of those. And more.
For the Unnamed Eighth Grader in William E. Spear, Jr.’s short story “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner” it’s all about money for Christmas gifts.
Quoting the student, “In previous years, my aunt and uncle loaned me the money and I repaid them by doing chores around the house. Raked leaves. Washed, dried, and put away dishes.”
But a new school year will start in a couple of months and the Eighth Grader wants to earn “mature money.” Wants “‘I’ll-be-a-high-school-freshman-in-the-fall’ money.”
With the aunt and uncle’s help, the student gets a job washing dishes at the Stack’em Up. Free uniforms, free meals during each shift, and close to home make it sound terrific. Except for one thing.
Which will be included in the next post.
By the way, what was less than perfect at your first job?
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“Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner” is one of eight short stories being written and developed for publication in “Unexpected Moments” later this year. Other titles in the collection include:
-“Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms,
-“Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed, and
-“Plastered”: A husband and wife argue over her fatal automobile accident from seven years ago.
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About the author:
William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Clay Track Press 