"Differential Diagnosis"

[Part 1 of this story]

[Part 2 of this story]

Word spread quickly of my continued business, and soon I was receiving orders out in the hall from students I had never even met!? They would casually call me over to their lockers where the exchange was made.? For large purchases, I’d ask them to step into the restroom to keep from prying eyes. My initial stock, which I thought would have lasted months, was transformed into a wad of cash in just under two weeks.? People were hungry for candy, and I was hungry for cash.

To facilitate my larger inventory I had chosen to carry my textbooks by hand, but with the constant solicitation in the hallways, the books quickly became a hindrance. I needed a bigger backpack with more pockets.? So with my wad of cash secured in my pocket, I asked my parents to take me to K-Mart where I browsed through their selection of backpacks. The search went on for about an hour, but I left empty handed and asked to be taken to Wal-Mart.? There, I finally found the perfect bag with just enough room and plenty of pockets! This was the first time I ever bought anything with my own hard earned cash, it was quite the historic moment for me!

I returned to school that Monday with a fresh supply of inventory and a brand new backpack to carry it in. Each pocket on the bag contained a different type of candy, leaving the main compartment free for my books to fit in.? Books, candy, and money, that’s what this seventh grader carried in his bag!

The monthly afterschool bake sales were my biggest competition, and my sales would be notably lower on a bake sale day, despite the increase in cash the students carried for the event.? So like any good businessman and socialite, I made it a point to stick around afterschool to observe.

Cupcakes, pizza slices, and soft drinks were always the main attraction at these bake sales, but one never before seen item in particular began selling fast on its debut day. A mango flavored & shaped lollipop coated in tangy Chile powder. This magical piece of Mexican candy was money in the bank, and I had to get in on this action fast!

1. unbreakable says:

   June 16, 2009 at 12:06 pm

   I see the business has taken off, good vision man.

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2. Dani says:

   June 16, 2009 at 3:11 pm

   Didn’t your parent’s wonder where you got the money to buy a bigger backpack? Or why you would want to spend your own money on that?

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3. Andhari says:

   June 17, 2009 at 12:02 am

   You’re so inspiring even in such early age, JJ. LOL. That mexican candy looks intriguing.

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4. ChinkyGirLMeL says:

   June 18, 2009 at 6:52 am

   I’d have to agree with Andhari…that’s mexican candy does look interesting. I thought it was some sort of chocolate powder, but then you mentioned that it was coated in Chile powder? hmm… interesting.
   Maybe you should open up a Candy Shop. Lols…I’ll franchise from you. =)

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5. OmegaRadium says:

   June 18, 2009 at 11:15 am

   @unbreakable Thanks, a booming business is a happy business.

   @Dani at this point my parents already knew all about my candy sales and cared very little if it was against the rules. They were just happy I was in business and making my own money.

   @Andhari & @ChinkyGirLMeL Those Mexican candies are some of the best!! If you haven’t tried one, and you like spicies/chilepowder, you’re missing out! The one pictured above is called “Vero Mango.” Look for it!

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6. ella says:

   June 20, 2009 at 6:28 am

   I’ve followed this story just now. I remember my sister making calling cards when she was in grade school as well.. You were very wise businessman/boy

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7. TOPolk says:

   June 21, 2009 at 10:29 pm

   Didn’t your parents find it odd that you wanted to go backpack shopping in the middle of the school year?

   As far as that Mexican candy goes, you had me until you mentioned that it was coated in chile powder. I can’t knock it without trying it, but I can’t imagine this spicy tasting candy going over too well.

   And not to backtrack, but that broad who sold you out… There would have been no shame in throat chopping her.

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8. stephanie says:

   June 28, 2009 at 8:01 am

   this makes me think of the scene from willy wonka & the choco factory, when they visit the candy store after school

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9. elli says:

   July 3, 2009 at 5:59 pm

   wow thats stupid!!!!

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