Girl in a Hoodie: Where the Future Lies

Chapter 7

James's POV:

As I walked through the large building, we passed many, many rooms where people were inside making phone calls and typing on their computers. To be honest, I'm sure if I get the job, I'll understand what to do. I've been through a lot and I know about everything Riley's been through too. I'm sure I'll be able to help young children who are going through similar situations.

I'm lead into a room by the girl I had spoken to downstairs, Desirée, where I'm met with my Uncle Carlos. He was strictly professional even though I'm his nephew, so professional that it's very rare to see him smile.

"Ah James, there you are, I've been expecting you," he states. Desirée smiles at me and then walks off as she leaves the room. I take that as the opportunity to walk over to my Uncle and then shake his hand before sitting in the chair opposite him, across the table. "So your mother tells me you've recently been looking for a job, is that correct?" I'm asked. I nod, but then realize I have to actually talk since he hates when people use gestures rather than actual words.

"Yes, that's right." If I want this job, I have to try and seem not as laid-back as I usually am. That includes avoiding the use of 'slang' words.

"Good, good. So tell me about yourself," he says. What did I tell you? Strictly professional. He already knows pretty much everything about me but I guess we do have to take this seriously either way.

"Uhm, well," I begin and he raises an eyebrow. I clear my throat before rephrasing those 'nonsense' words. "I'm engaged to my girlfriend, Riley, she's pregnant, five months. We're hoping I get this job so that we can move out and get our own place. I've graduated from high school and have A+ stars in media studies as well as in business, psychology, and social studies." He nods, seemingly impressed. I decide not to mention my grades in other areas though- they've risen but not by enough to please my Uncle.

"Interesting, those are incredibly good grades, I must say. So were you always interested in social working?" he asks. Contemplating this question, I sum that time up by slowly nodding my head and putting words together in my head beforehand.

"Yes... I believe that people should be able to come to us through anything their suffering at home, whether it be children, teenagers or adults, even elderly and that we should give each and every one of them our full attention, making sure to make people's lives at home far from a living misery." Great answer if I do say so myself. He seems to agree as he nods. Even though this job isn't exactly what I planned to get into, I think I'll be happy with it, especially after everything that's happened with me as a child. For some reason, I think I'd work well with helping kids between the ages of being a toddler to a tween. I just think I'd be able to relate.

"Good answer. And would you prefer working in the social worker part of this job or someone who works here, in the business answering calls day in, day out?"

"I think I'd prefer being a social worker aimed at younger children, working in schools and at homes. And if it's possible, I'd also like to work from home some days so that I am able to spend time with Riley as well."

"That would definitely be versatile, don't even worry about it," he says.

"Awesome."

"And for the final thing before I can assign you, I'm just going to ask you to take a test on the computer in front of you, it was pre set-up and is just filled with questions I should have been asking you, except I have somewhere to be right now. I'll go through it afterwards and then you should receive an email from me, latest tomorrow night," he tells me.

"Okay, thank you," I say. He nods and then sets up the computer for me before leaving.

"I'll be in the room next door if you need me, you shouldn't though and I really hope you won't since I'll be in the middle of a meeting."