Episode 11 Kathy from health

Robert meets a pretty, but eccentric girl from one of his college classes.

Entering his sophomore year of college,  Robert decides to leave Target and take a job at CVN Companies.  CVN is a growing catalog order company which sells retail products through a monthly mailing.  Robert gets hired as a TSR (telephone sales rep.)  He likes his new job. The pay is good, he's learning a lot about sales, and he's making friends. The best part is that his work schedule is flexible around his being a fulltime college student.  

The first week of the school year Robert meets a pretty blonde by the name of Kathy.  He sits next to her in health class and Robert finds her to be odd, yet interesting. Kathy is eccentric, but she enjoys the attention her free spirited nature gets her.  

The first conversation between Robert and Kathy consists of Kathy talking about all the men she has been stalked by- including her step father. Although Robert believes these stories are exaggerated, he does think Kathy is fresh and interesting, with a great body. He hopes things will progress.  

The next week Robert asks Kathy if she wants to 'hang out'. She immediately responds positively by pointing out that she needs help getting something back to her apartment. Robert and Kathy decide to meet later that day to go to Rob's Sporting Goods Store in Bloomington. Kathy needs to have her newly purchased 12 speed bike hauled to her small apartment. While Kathy pays for her new bike at the cash register Robert is surprised at her attitude toward the male sales clerk. She is upset that the seat was never adjusted to what she had asked for, and she complains the tires aren't adequately inflated.

On Saturday of that week Robert asks Kathy out for pizza. He tells her of a great little place in Richfield called Great American Pizza.  Robert has been there many times and loves the atmosphere and service. Robert realizes that this date might get a little uncomfortable based on Kathy's attitude, but he wants to give it a try.  Kathy agrees to the date and Robert tells her he'll pick her up at 6pm.  

When Robert arrives at Kathy's place he discovers she's not home. He knocks several times until finally giving up. He's disappointed but reasons, she's kinda crazy. Maybe she spaced it out. 

As Robert starts to pull his Ford Ranger out of his parking space Kathy arrives on her bike with another girl. Robert assumes Kathy will be a little embarrassed and apologetic for her being so late, but that's not the case. Kathy gets off her bike and doesn't pay any notice to Robert standing there waiting. Kathy and her friend just walk quickly toward the apartment building.   

"Hey Kathy. What's up?"  Robert asks loud enough to be heard.  

"Whatever dude. I'm not into it tonight."  Kathy and her friend share a laugh as they walk toward the building entrance. As the girls open the apartment door Robert hears Kathy tell her friend, "Yeah. That's the guy who wanted to drag me to that s****y restaurant in Richfield tonight. Oh my God!"

After feeling some embarrassment and a little anger, Robert walks toward Kathy's apartment.  His mouth has gone dry, his walk is more resolute, and his breathing pattern is strong.  I need to make this right.  I'm gonna fix this.

Robert knocks on Kathy's door. He notices she is alone. Her friend must have gone back to her own apartment.  

"What?  Dude. What do you want? Get a clue man. I'm not going anywhere."

"Kathy, we had a date."

Amidst Kathy's objections and mocking Robert explains the fact that an agreed upon date means just that.  

"Robert, you look different.  And you're even acting differently. "  After a pause in the conversation, Kathy continues, "You seem so intense. Your face looks different.  Are you really that pissed off?"

"You know Kathy, I was back at the sporting goods store where we got your bike. I was shopping for a few things. While I was there the same salesman who sold you your bike told me you were overcharged."

"What?   I was ripped off?   How?"

"Your bike was a display model.  He told me you should have paid about $50 less."

Kathy is speechless for a moment,  but then responds with, "You mean I can go back and get money from them?   $50?"

Robert just grins.  

"Well let's go get my money!"   Kathy already starts for the door.

Author's Note

Robert is starting to move to a place where he can't return.

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Hi Frankie,

I read this chapter with a lot of interest. Robert is a sensible guy. I wonder why he's pursuing it with Kathy? She certainly doesn't seem worth the time and effort and there'll be many girls out there with great bodies and a better head on their shoulders. Your author's note seemed a bit ominous and I hope Robert isn't embarking on anything risky. I love this character. But hey! It's a story and you're the author! Kudos for making it so engrossing!

[Ballpark Frank]

Thank you dear. Robert is a bit un hinged though. He's had trauma so he's in emotional pain.

[AYVID N]

Yes, having read of his journey, I kind of understand it now. You're most welcome.

[Ballpark Frank]

I appreciate you Divya very much. I think your insights and thoughts are excellent.

[AYVID N]

You're most welcome Frankie. Please keep sharing.

[emmajoygreen]

Interesting.. is this a different Robert or is he taking adventage of both his new working life, apparent new girlfriend OR, sort things to suit himself or gradually slipping into something.. at present - invisible. Your story has now changed its mood is more a mystery than was. A side step away from Mel.. wondering why

[Ballpark Frank]

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Mel has gotten better now, hes recovering nicely so the story moves on.

[Samuel Dickens]

I can't figure Robert out. After being stood up like that, I think he should've given her the finger, walked away, and forgotten about her. Screw her and her bicycle. It sounds like she has ADHD, plus incredibly bad manners. Ah, but men can be fools.

[Ballpark Frank]

Thank you Sam for reading and for your thoughts. I am trying to picture Robert as a victim of bullying and abuse.

[Sara Mercury]

He's got a dual personality, and he's manipulating others. My guess is, he has a mental illness of some kind.