There's Only One Way Out.

Janitor's life

I was in the middle of cleaning hallway B on the 14th floor. There was a smudge on a sign by the elevators. I couldn't get the smudge off. It was almost gone and the lights shut off.

"Really?" I said out loud, "They forgot me again?".

Dumb. That's what it is. I was one of 47 janitors at Bigworth's and everybody forgets about me. It's alright though because after the lights go out I can leave. I'm supposed to be here for another 30 minutes, but who can work in the dark? Also, Alex meets me in the coffee shop down the street every day at 5pm. I'd better hurry up because it's already 4:42.

"Hey Jacklyn!" Alex yelled from across the street. He was just as far away from the coffee shop as I was, but in the opposite direction.

"Stop," I said as soon as we were close enough to talk, "It's just Jack dude, you know that."

"Alright, fine" Alex replied.

You should neverever take your date to your parent's house. Your parents will always tell your family nickname.

We sat down in the coffee shop and ordered. We were regulars in the building and they knew just what we wanted. One black tea and one soft pretzel. It was our favorite combination.

"How was work today?" asked Alex.

"Same as usual, I guess." I replied

"The lights again?"

"Always"

"Well at least it's better than your old job."

"Ya, that's true."

I used to be in the mob. It was a lot of danger and stress, but I was ok with it before. I didn't see any point in trying to get out at the time, but then I met Alex. When we started dating, I realized that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life worrying the person I was with whether I was dead or just late getting home. It took a lot money to get out and a lot of work. My mob buddies were very understanding and they helped a ton. It's funny how criminals are way more accepting than most of society. They were ok with the fact that I was gay and I really liked that about them, but if I was going to get out of the mob, then I had to completely cut them out of my life.

"Jake! Hey, buddy!"

"Wha~ oh hey, sorry Alex, I guess I dazed out for a bit there."

"Ya, just a bit there." Alex said, along with a rolling of eyes and a smile, "Come on, I finished our tea, let's just go home."