Until You

Anthony

A month. That's how long I've been gone. It was the best thing I ever did. I accomplished a lot in that month. 

After wallowing in my pity for a few days I got up and started looking for work. And as I was checking out of the line at the supermarket, I saw a construction dude. He had a hard hat on and was dirty from a day's work. He was probably purchasing stuff for his family. He'll have a beautiful wife to go home to and kids to feed. 

As he was leaving, I walked up to him. "Excuse me I was just wondering if your job was hiring?" The dirty construction dude turned around and looked me up and down. I've been wearing the same clothes since I left.

"Do you got any experience?" He asked.

"I don't, but I am a fast learner and I really need a job." I answered. He continued to study me with his eyes. 

"As a matter of fact, we do need a groundmen on the job." He motioned his hands, "You know to clean up scrap off the job and to help out with the cranes men." He nodded. "Tell you what, meet me tomorrow morning at 1343 Woodward Drive. That's where the corporation is. We'll sit and talk a bit and Ill introduce you to my guys." So he was the supervisor I assume? I was off to a good start if he is giving me a chance.

During the first few days I got the hang of it. I cleaned up heavy pieces of metal and scraps left over from the jobs. The guys helped me learn how to operate a crane and I was doing good fitting in with their pack. Everyone worked, there was no stopping and by the time I got back to the hotel from an Uber, I was tired. And so I crashed. 

I worked hard to keep my mind busy. I worked hard to help me stay stable. Many nights I thought of turning to drugs. But every time I saw her face in my mind, it was enough to not go back to it. She was my high. And she was just the right amount of dose to fix the problem. 

By the end of the week on the job, I received my first paycheck. And I thought it was pretty good for a new guy. "Good week! You did a good job the guys really like you." The boss patted me on the back. "I decided to raise your pay $2.00 more because I think you got this."

Man! Two dollars raise the first week? I'm doing better than I thought. And I couldn't wait to go back the next day. It was something to be proud of. 

I called my brother once a week but I always seemed to miss him. I called the bar and they said he was working hard. Good! He's doing the right thing and I was proud of him. The money I had stashed away for rent was hiding underneath the floorboard and going back home would be worth it. My brother and I were working good jobs - We were grown responsible men now. 

The following week I had enough to get a phone. Since mine was in the trash shattered. I often wondered if she tried to call me? I didn't think so. I was going to really have to work hard to get her back. I'd do whatever it took.

I was getting content with my new job. And I was saving up for a used car. I had a new phone and things were looking up. I decided to try my brother again. Since I knew he was working hard and probably crashed when he got home just like me. He picked up on the third ring.

"Hey there stranger!" He laughed. I laughed too. Finally, I got in touch with him. 

"How you been? How'd you know it was me?" I asked.

"Because I knew. Weird instinct. Not many weird numbers call me." He laughed.

"My new number is weird? " I laughed. "How are things?"

"They're good bud I've been working around the clock over here but I am making great money." He was proud of himself. And I was proud of him.

"That's excellent because I got a job too." I replied.