Second Chances: The Return of Gollum

Chapter 12

"Hey," said Hayley, "have you ever had a job?"

"Nope," said Jamal. "I wasn't even allowed to have a job."

"Jeez," I scoffed, "your parents sound more like prison guards than radical Christians."

Jamal scoffed, completely agreeing. "You can say that again."

"Would you like a job?" asked Hayley.

"I mean, yeah, but nobody would hire me. I mean, look at me. Besides, I ain't got nowhere to live."

"Oh, we takes care of that," said Sméagol.

"You would?"

"Absolutely," said Hayley. "Now, what kinds of things can you do?"

Jamal thought for a moment. "Well... um... I like music."

"Okay. What do you like to do in that department?"

"I like mixin' beats and stuff, and I always wanted to be a DJ."

"Oh, that's perfect. See, I work at Stages here in the mall. It's a music store, but we also offer different kinds of music-related lessons. We're currently looking for someone who can teach people how to use the DJ equipment. The pay is great, $20 an hour, and you'd be working from 9 to 5 with an hour-long lunch break. How does that sound?"

"Y'all just hire some homeless kid off the streets?"

"Well, we'll need you to show us you can do it, but I'm not worried about that."

Jamal looked down at his ragged clothes. "But... what about––"

"Don't worry about it. We'll help you."

So, we spent the rest of the afternoon helping Jamal. We bought him new clothes, toiletries, and food to tide him over. Hayley brought him into the store to see if he could operate the equipment and software. He breezed through it like a pro. Sméagol even volunteered to be a guinea pig to see if Jamal could also teach people properly. Again, he did a great job, and Sméagol, of course, picked up on it very quickly.

As for a home for Jamal, there was a very nice apartment building across the street with a few vacancies well within Jamal's price range. The building even included recreational areas, such as a basketball court, exercise room, and a swimming pool. There were even soundproof music rooms, so Jamal could practice DJing whenever he wanted without having to worry about pissing off the neighbors. The landlord, Sean, was very accommodating, friendly, and polite, and the residents seemed so warm and welcoming.

"Wow," Jamal said happily, "this is awesome. You guys are the best."

"Awww, it was our pleasure," said Hayley, giving him a big hug. "I'll see you Monday morning, okay?"

"Alright. See you then."

"Sméagol has something for you, Precious," said Sméagol, reaching in his pocket, and handing Jamal one of his heart shaped cards with his message, "Never forget you are precious, and I loves you very, very much," written on it.

Jamal read the message to himself, and flashed a huge smile. "Thanks, man."

"Keep it with you, Jamal. Whenever you feels depressed and worthless, read it, and remembers that you are truly precious. Sméagol be your friend forever, and Sméagol loves you very, very much. You will never be alone."

Jamal didn't say anything else. He just hugged Sméagol with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.

Sméagol returned the hug, and smiled warmly at him. "Bless you," he said kindly. "Bless you forever."