Paralyzed (ON HIATUS)

Helping Hand

With a heavy grunt, I manage to set the box down before wiping the sweat from my brow. I turn around to see Chloe struggling with the last one and chuckle before helping her. 

"Thanks again for helping me with the inventory," I say as she takes a squat on the kitchen floor. She slides her back against the wall and dramatically plops to the ground.  

"Oh you know me, I love labor work." She puffs out some air and I chuckle at her flat tone. She wipes the sweat from her brow and makes an 'ew' face. 

"I told you, I could have done it myself." 

Chloe had just clocked in when she found me running around the kitchen. Mary and Kendall had other pressing matters, therefore I was the only one left to do inventory. However, Chloe being the kind person she is, volunteered to help.  

"Yeah yeah. If I hadn't offered to help you, you'd probably be at it for hours. I just helped so you could get back to doing the paperwork I know you love so dearly. " I laugh at her comment and shake my head. It's true, paperwork was something that I found so boring and tedious. I'd ask Kendall to help but he was busy showing around the new volunteers. 

"I mean, you're not wrong." She laughs at my comment as a small smile appears on my face. 

Chloe and I had grown closer recently, for these last couple of days we had been working together. I would help her with some of the new patients we had and in her free time, she would help me with paperwork. We ended up relying on each other with how understaffed we were.

Thankfully Kendall had managed to get eight new volunteers, but they wouldn't start till next week though, with the exception of one being trained today. Nevertheless, things were finally starting to lighten up and I was grateful for Chloe's help these last couple of days. 

My mind goes back to the first time we met and I internally scold myself for thinking badly of her. The first impression I got was far from the person I know now. Initially, I thought Chloe was childish, egotistical, and impulsive. But I know see how wrong I was, she was determined, outgoing, and always eager to help someone. Though she was a couple of years younger than I was, I could tell she had a steady mind and a good head on her shoulders. 

"Hey, what are you doing this weekend?" Chloe's voice breaks me through my thoughts and I look to her. She stands up and wipes her hands against her jeans. 

"Mmmm, I'll probably be here to look at some applications." I grab the clipboard that I had left on top of a box. 

"Lame," She snorts as she takes the clipboard for me. I scoff at her actions and watch as she marks off the checklist. She smiles before putting the clipboard to the side, clearly wanting my full attention. 

"What's up?" I lift an eyebrow.

"Well, I kinda wanted to see if you wanted to hang out." She stays silent for a second and looks to my face, most likely seeing if there was any sign of rejection. "Like go out for drinks or maybe a bite." A sudden memory of Felix pops into my head, his first day working where he asked me out on a date. I ignored the sudden pang in my chest and nodded my head. 

"I think I'll have time to go out and socialize a bit. Do you mind if I invite Kendall?" I ask with a smile. Chloe doesn't say anything but nods her head before giving me a tight smile. "Cool, just text me when and where." I excuse myself as I see that my zoom meeting would be starting soon. I think I hear her mumble something but I ignore it. 

I needed to make sure I had everything prepared for this meeting with the city council. With an all-time high occupancy in The Center, I went over our expenses. Although we have donations from generous people, it wouldn't be enough and we'd have to start cutting back on costs. I had to do everything in my power to convince the council in getting HUD to agree to the new budget.