Jasmine looked up at the shop window and saw a beautiful
soft wedding dress fanned out like a white peacock.Putting her hand up to the
window she became a little girl,dreaming of love and prince charming.However,
she was there for a job interview and took a deep breathe before entering the
premises.
A member of staff told her where to sit and she began
waiting for her name to be called out,glancing at the nondescript cream door every time it
opened. She was currently a volunteer at a charity shop and worked five days a
week.It wasn’t the career she had hoped for but after being made redundant
following the closure of a major chain store, retail jobs had proved to be thin
on the ground. The woman at the Job Club had told her volunteering would look
good on her CV. Then she saw this – a full time sales job in a different
branch. Jasmine realised that this would be ideal. She loved the atmosphere in
the shop; unpacking and discovering all sorts of different items.
The manager of the shop invited her in and introduced
herself.Her name was Lily,a pleasant looking woman who was obviously devoted to
her job and helping people.Jasmine introduced herself and passed her CV across
the table.Lily began to ask questions about Jasmine’s suitability for the role
and if she had any experience in retail and customer service.
Jasmine answered the questions with spirit and compassion
and thought maybe the last four years of volunteering had at last paid off.She was
an honest young woman and came across as both trustworthy and genuine.
She said
“I believe in the safety of all people,children,the elderly
and the vunlerable.I am a hard worker,organised and I would love the opportunity
to become assistant manager at your shop.I would love to feel like I was making
a difference.
Lily asked
“Do you have any particular knowledge or interests?”
‘Yes I am a musician and I play
the piano.I also read and write poetry a lot so I’m always on the lookout for
poetry books!Infact, one of my hobbies is looking round charity shops!I have
experience in dressing windows and displaying items throughout the shop floor.I
like to feature certain items to catch the eye of the customer and I do love a
good ornament!!!
Monday morning soon came round and Jasmine found herself
starting a new job.She was excited.She thanked Lily for giving her this chance
and began with making her a coffee.Lily explained to Jasmine that she wanted
her to watch and learn,and even take notes if needs be.
Quite promptly at 9 o clock the back door rang.It was
someone with a donation.However,Lily needed Jasmine to nip to the post office
before they went through it.
She handed her a badge and Jasmine printed and signed her
name.
On return from the post office Lily showed Jasmine how to
use the till.It was touch screen with a keyboard.Jasmine was feeling a little
nervous but she put on a big smile and listened very carefully.
‘Let’s have a practice run’
She explained methods of payment,by cash or card and showed
her the keys to open the jewellery cabinet.
‘So beware of little hands’!
She then explained to Jasmine the shops return policy and
told her to check that CD’s and DVD’s were in their covers.
A customer came in with another donation.They seemed to be
mounting up!Lily showed Jasmine how to use the clothes steamer and left her to
sort things by herself.
‘Wow’!He was nice!Jasmine thought.
Lily smiled and said
‘Anything we can’t sell goes in the ragbag’
Then Jasmine started looking through the bag,she smelled the
clothes and checked for labels.
She picked up an old flying jacket and searched the pockets.She
felt something inside.Realising it was a letter she slipped under the counter.
Jasmine worried what to do
Should she tell Lily?
Who wrote the letter?
Who was it for?
While Jasmine was day dreaming a customer donated 100 pairs
of designer shoes but her mind was elsewhere.Even the ‘Owl Lady’ a customer
that collected anything ‘owl related’ couldn’t get her full attention.
Lily explained
‘There’s lots of people out there,some come in to just
talk.’Oh and keep the mannequins dressed we don’t want them naked in the
window’!It’s nice to see a smile on someone’s face when they are thrilled with
what they have found’
The door bell rang again
It was another customer with a donation.Lots and lots of
books,novels,children’s books,and cookery manuals.
‘We had a bereavement in the family’ said a sad looking
woman of around 40.
‘Sorry for your loss’
said Jasmine genuinely and took them to be sorted.
There were some old and new photo frames that Jasmine put on
the shelf but Lily suggested she wipe over them as they looked a bit dusty.
‘Save anything special for the window’
Two days later she eventually decided to open the letter
It read
Dear Jean
I only have minutes to write to you but it feels so long
since we last spoke.
To be with you is like being wrapped in the warm ocean,a
warm breathing ocean.
But without you I have lost my reason and it feels like I am
drowning.
I want to kiss you and I keep wishing you were near.
To have your affection is perfect.
I am dying for your
touch,your sweet hair.
You are a part of nature.
You are everywhere.
Your heart is my only treasure.
I know that fate has plans for us and I will always be
faithful.
I love you.
It’s my first thought when I wake.
Meet me by the Lake,Friday,6pm.
Forever
David…….
The letter dated May 12th 1955 and Jasmine was left feeling
utterly emotional.She was an honest person and had to show the letter to
Lily.Lily read the letter and also began to cry.
“It’s beautiful,no wonder you read it over and over.
I wish someone would send me a letter like that”
“Me too’
“Romance is’nt dead afterall ”!
Both Jasmine and Lily smiled at each other.
The next day Jasmine made the coffee and went to the post
office as usual.Lily told her to save anything yellow for the front window for
the upcoming summer festival.
Jasmine was still learning on the job.She priced up each
item using the price chart and printed off the barcodes.
Two weeks after they discovered the letter Jasmine decided
after much soul searching to visit the address on the envelope.
She felt it was important to find the lady it was addressed
to.And also she remembered the man who brought in the jacket was quite a
looker!
When Jasmine was on the bus on route to the address on the
letter she re-read the letter and burst into tears.She thought you stupid old
romantic!
Walking down the street there were pink blossoms falling softly
to the ground in a slight breeze.When she arrived she took a deep breath and
rang the doorbell.
Who should answer the door?
‘THAT’ ‘guy’!
She asked for Mrs Clarke.
The young man said
‘Yes,that’s my grandma’
Jasmine asked him if she could speak to her a moment and
recognising her from the charity shop he let her in.His name was Tom.He
introduced Jasmine to his grandma and wondered why she had come to see her.Jasmine
asked the lady if her name was Mrs Jean Richards,
She answered
‘Yes but Richards was my maiden name,my married name is
Rodgers”
‘I found this in a flying jacket’ said Jasmine holding out
the letter.
Mrs Rodgers read the letter and to Jasmines horror began to
cry.
“He was killed in a freak accident on a practice flight,you
see.
I never got this letter,
He must have thought I stood him up”
Mrs Rodgers continued to sob and Jasmine was feeling very
guilty.She told the old lady that she was sorry to hear that and left.
“I’m sorry it isn’t
better news but I must get back to the shop”she said awkwardly.
Back at the charity shop Lily asked how it went?
“I think it was a mistake
The man who wrote her the letter was killed in a flying
accident and I feel terrible”
Lily then told her not to blame herself.It was a lovely
letter and at least Mrs Rodgers knew he didn’t forget her.
About a month later.Jasmine was serving customers in the
shop when Tom called in.
She hide.She felt like she couldn’t face him.She felt
breathless and totally embarrassed.
She came out when the coast was clear and despite his
handsome looks she prayed she would not see him again.
A few months later she ran upstairs when she saw Tom walking
past outside.
However,Lily called her from upstairs and she came down
reluctantly.
“Thomas and Jean are here to see you’
Jasmine asked what could she do for them but Jean then went
on to say
“I need to tell you,you did the right thing giving me that
letter.So please don’t feel bad
The only thing I feel bad about is that his accident stopped
us from being together.
And I don’t want anything like that to happen to you two”
Mrs Rodgers looked at Tom and Jasmine and gave him a nudge
to ask her out!
Jasmine said yes and smiled.She was getting butterflies and
began to feel excited!
Where can I take her?Thought Tom.Grandma made a suggestion
and whispered it in his ear.
On the Friday evening Jasmine was getting ready for her
date!
Lippy,mascara and a prayer!
Tom picked her up but wouldn’t tell her where they were going,’Somewhere
special’
Tom drove up to a Lake ,it was the Lake his Grandma all
those years ago was meant to meet her young love!
They parked at a little summerhouse.It was enchanting and
Jasmine couldn’t believe he had brought her there.Both of them were besotted.The
trees were fern,magical,trustworthy.
He unpacked a beautiful picnic by the light of a soft
candle.
The air smelled of burning wood and the birds were in song
At last,they were happy peaceful,fond
