Teach Me How to Be Bad

Chapter 3

About a couple months into my freshman year, I decided I wanted to do volunteer work. I had always wanted to help out the community in any way that I could. With my mom and dad's crazy hectic and unpredictable schedule, I know I couldn't depend on them for a ride any where. I did some research and found out there was a soup kitchen/ women's shelter about 2 miles from my house. I live in a very safe area of town, so I knew walking wouldn't be an issue. One day, I walked to the soup kitchen, called Betty's Food and Home for Women, and signed up to help. Since then, I have devoted my Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings there.

I met a bunch of nice people, who I consider some of my closest friends, and even family.

The original Betty opened the shelter 9 years ago. Unfortunately, after only running the place for 4 years, she passed away in a car accident. Her daughter, Wendy, now runs the place, and continues in her mother's legacy. I would say Wendy is in her late 30s, early 40s. She is a super sweet woman and is great with children. Over the years, she has grown to be a second mom to me, and for that I'm grateful. If I am ever having any problems or troubles in my life, she is there for me.

Wendy's son works with me on Wednesday evenings. He is fourteen and like the little brother I never had. He isn't the most "cool" or "hip" kid, but his heart is larger than life. I have fended off bullies more than a few times, and he knows I am like a protective momma bear.

Jennet works with me on Sundays, and she is a sophomore in college. She is super sassy, but also a very fun person to be around. It took a while to get used to her sarcasm and sense of humor, but once I did, we became very close friends. She takes classes at a local community college, which I am very proud of her for. She didn't take high school seriously and hung out with the wrong people. After a near drug over dose, she decided it was time to get her life together. She is now majoring in Graphic Design which is perfect for her genius, creative mind.

It was now Wednesday, and almost time for me to start work. For some reason, my teachers decided it should be 'National Give Jane a Ridiculous Amount of Homework Day'. Not literally, but I'm sure you understand what I am getting at.

I look at the clock and see that it is 5:17. I need to leave now if I want to make it in time to the shelter for my 5:30 shift.

I zip up my bag and pray that I finished everything I needed to. I quickly grab a protein bar and a bottle of water, and run out the door to my car.

For the first year of volunteering, I had to walk. But ever since I turned 16, I could just drive there which was better for time management.

I arrive at Betty's at 5:26, with just enough to time to put on my uniform and eat before the kitchen opened for dinner.

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By the time I get home at 11:30, I am exhausted to put it lightly. My back and feet are sore from standing, and I can barely keep my eyes open. The kitchen can get pretty chaotic, but it's beyond worth it when I see the smiles on everyone's face when they know they are going to go to bed full tonight.

I jump in the shower, slip on some pjs, and fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

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The next morning, I wake up feeling more tired then when I fell asleep. I feel like a zombie straight out of the Walking Dead, and I don't doubt that I look like one too.

I do my usual morning routine, eat breakfast, and before I know it, it's time to leave for school. I grab my keys and head out the door.

For some unknown reason, the traffic is horrendous this morning. It takes me almost 15 extra minutes to get to school, which is a lot considering it usually only take 10 minutes.