I'm also writing up all those Challenges I missed in the last 6 months, I now have only 8 (only!) to go...here's the latest one...:-)
Iron Writer Challenge 114
Elements: 2015 Miss Gypsy Universe Pageant, A pick pocket
contest, Hand Cymbals (the tiny ones, used between fingers), A red nose
“Come on, this has got to be better than selling socks
from a bin liner,” smirked Tomi, nudging Virag in her exposed ribs.
“Not by much,” she scalded. “To think I won Miss Gypsy
Universe Pageant 2015 for this. Working on the street, prancing around to the
applause of Japanese tourists.” She wiped the sweat from under her arms and got
ready for another dance.
“A lot of girls would’ve given their right arm for
this gig!” he shouted. “But if they did, it wouldn’t’ve made such a good show.
Get out there and make some money! I’m doing my bit.”
“Yeah, you’re mostly hanging around on the corner,
smoking it all away,” she spat.
“What do you mean? Me and Csaba have got a contest
on today!”
“What, a loping around and doing nothing competition?”
They hadn’t pick pocketed anybody all day. The Boss wouldn’t be happy.
“You know the big stuff only comes out at night.
Meagre pickings in the morning,” he said.
“Excuses. You wait until the Boss pops over, I bet you
start working then,” she retorted.
“You watch your mouth! Now get going!”
She put on her headdress and hand cymbals and stepped
out in front of the small portable display. Clicking a button, she started the
music and began dancing, making sure she smiled and gave a glimpse of her
alluring charms for every passer-by, whether a local or tourist. After about
fifteen minutes, she took a breather and checked the ‘donations’ box. A few coins
and a mint. Whoever gave a mint? She checked her breathe and ate it.
“What are you doing? Keep dancing,” said the fat man
as he came closer. It was the Boss. She gave him a quick nod of her head in
respect and tried not to laugh at his ludicrous red nose. He drank too much and
it all concentrated into his big honker.
“Sorry, but I need a five minute break, I’ve been at
it all morning,” she said.
“If you don’t start dancing right this instant, I’ll
find you another place on the street, and it won’t be so classy, I can tell
ya!” he grimaced.
Pushing herself up from her make-shift stool, she
wiped her brow and started the music again. The Boss watched her for a while, a
big smile on his face. A few tourists went by and gave a little offering. The
Boss came a little closer.
“When you’re done for the day, come over, I’ve got
something else for ya,” he said, grinning from ear to ear and holding his nuts.
She almost puked on the spot. “Where’s that Tomi? And Csaba. They should be
around here, working.”
“They’re around,” she said, enjoying the reprieve. She
glanced across the square and spotted them together. Tomi didn’t look so happy.
Maybe he’d already lost the pick pocket contest. He came over.
“Hey, Tomi!” The Boss gave him a strong handshake, and
was surprised when Tomi stabbed him in the gut.
