TREVOR

Trevor was an alter ego that quickly developed a life of his own. When I used to work in a bookstore, I was amazed at the number of people who mistook my name for Trevor when I answered the phone . I thought I was enunciating clearly. Even so, at least once per week, and usually more often, a customer on the other end of the line heard "Trevor." I even had a few customers in the store refer to me as Trevor.

Soon, "Trevor" was being used by me and a few other employees to deal with problem customers. Trevor was usually the one who was blamed when a customer didn't pick up their held book within the three days they were allowed and the book was returned to the shelf, but now they desperately had to have it—where was it? Trevor shelved it! Trevor was blamed when a special order could not be found. And, if a customer was being rude or obnoxious on the telephone? Yes, Trevor was the name used to "cover" for myself or another employee. Conveniently, Trevor had a lot of days off and was frequently sick. No, I'm sorry, Trevor is unavailable today. No, I'm sorry, Trevor is on vacation this week.

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When it came time for me to move into a different line of work, and leave the world of book retail behind, I was asked what I was going to do on my last day in the bookstore. I hadn't thought about it. I needed a quick response. I threatened my coworkers that I was going to come to work in combat boots, a pink Speedo, and a tie. On my final day, I arrived to a farewell cake and my very own Trevor doll—wearing "my" outfit. He had actually come to life.

After a few weeks, Trevor "got lost" at home amongst stacks of books and magazines. I recently discovered Trevor again. He has said that he wants to go outside wandering. We shall see...