Short stories: Another new year

2 of 6

by Stephen Knapp

Created on: April 21, 2008

The Playful Adventures of

PARSLEY and RAPINI

THE CANDY STORE

"Come on. I'll race you to the candy store."

Rapini shook his head. "No way, Parsley. Last time you almost got us caught."

Parsley loved to visit the candy store. She couldn't eat the candy because it

was all stored in big, glass jars with big, glass lids, placed neatly on big,

glass shelves. The pixies were only two inches tall, and not nearly strong

enough to lift off the lids. But just smelling the candy was heavenly and

that is usually what they did. Except the last time.

"I know, Rapini. But it wasn't my fault that old cat came along

and knocked me into the cash drawer."

"Yes, and almost ate me. Besides, it was your fault. You take too

many chances. "

"Hah! I take too many chances. And you give too much advice. Come on.

I promise I'll be careful. And think about it. Today is Wednesday. "

"Fudge Day." Even Rapini couldn't resist that lovely, chocolaty aroma that

fills the air everywhere in the store on Fudge day.

"Ready. Set Go!" and they were off floating through the air. Even

at floating speed the two pixies could not be seen by a human eye, they were

just too small and too fast. Only when they landed did the 2 inch tall pixies

have to be careful and stay out of sight so that they wouldn't be seen by humans.

They flew side by side, hovering over treetops, brushing past the post

office, and swooping down to the end of Maple Street to Big Ben's Candy and

Ice Cream Store. Just as a customer opened the door, they flew into their

dreamland and hid behind an old green lamp in the back of the store.

"Whew! Tied you again, Parsley." They caught their breath and gazed around.

Mmmm. There was the chocolate section There was the jellybean section. There was

the licorice section. There was the gum section, the lollypop section, the taffy

section and so many more. Parsley could spend the whole day there just sniffing

the jars. Then she saw something unusual.

"Look, Rapini!" "They have samples! See those little cups right by the blue

candle." Parsley pointed toward the checkout counter. I'll bet there are jellybeans

in them. Let's go see."

"No way, Parsley. ARE YOU KIDDING? It's right by the cashier. He'll see us."

"But, I've never tasted a jelly bean," whined Parsley. "This is my only chance.

There just has got to be a way." Parsley tapped her forehead with her thumb,

thinking as hard as she knew how. "I've got a plan. See the American flag hanging