Corner Drugstore

Jerry, Amy, Wanda, and Toni stood at the corner staring over into the drug store where they went every day for cherry cokes and burgers. The four friends had made this their place to go after school when they first met in ninth grade. Now they were seniors and still going to Goolrich’s Drug Store to hang out.

Today they were worried. Jerry had had words with Larry Wilson in the hallway. Larry had pushed Jerry and told him he would see him after school. Everyone knew the four friends went to Goolrich’s Drug Store every evening after school so they were afraid that Larry was coming to cause trouble.

Mr. Goolrich didn’t allow any trouble in his store. He knew how to effectively deter the young people from fighting. Most of all, he knew how to be a friend to the kids. Many a kid had talked to Mr. Goolrich when they had problems. But, if you caused trouble at the drug store, you were thrown out and couldn’t return the rest of the school year. It had been an effective deterrent against the usual high school arguments and fights. No one wanted to be thrown out of Goolrich’s. It was the place to be at 3:30 p.m. on weekdays.

“OK, we aren’t accomplishing anything here,” Wanda stated and took a step into the brick crosswalk. Jerry and Amy followed with Toni pushing her bike behind them. They were not walking as jauntily as they usually did to get to drug store.

Toni laid her bike against the side of the building to prop it up. Her kickstand had been gone for a while now. Jerry opened the door and held it for the three girls. As they entered the store, other kids from school spoke to them as the jukebox played songs that they danced to in the middle of the floor. Mr. Goolrich allowed the kids to dance as long as they kept the dances clean and they kept a distance during the slow dances.

Suddenly Amy stopped. Larry was seated at the back of the store with a couple of his friends. When Larry saw the four friends, he stopped playing with his straw and laid his arm across the back of the red leather seat. His friend, Arnie was just getting ready to put more coins into the juke box when he turned to ask if anyone wanted a favorite when he saw the look on Larry’s face.

“Jerry,” said Larry and nodded his head.

“Larry,” said Jerry and stuck his hands in his pockets.

Larry scooted out of the booth and stood. He walked towards Jerry as Jerry stood there waiting. Just those two words spoken made the kids around them quit what they were doing. Mr. Goolrich realized that trouble was brewing and came out from behind the counter.

“OK Boys, I have lots of work to do and I need some of you to do it. Larry, get behind the counter and start washing those dishes. Jerry, grab that broom and sweep up this place.”

Larry and Jerry stood there not moving.

“I said NOW!” Mr. Goolrich’s voice rang out.

The boys started when they heard Mr. Goolrich raise his voice and went to their assigned work. Jerry swept the black and white tile and Larry washed coke glasses and dishes. Mr. Goolrich often defused problems left over from school by having the kids work together. Once again, he had succeeded.