Opposites Attract

Chapter 23~Identity Crisis

~Judy's POV~

The morning of putting on a uniform for a job that isn't at the ZPD was depressing to say the least.

"It's for the money..." I mutter as I walked out of the door, trying to remind myself. Something I thought I'd never say. Not once have I ever felt the need to work purely for a pay check, I worked hard to make sure I'd get a job that I'd love to do, that I'm passionate about. Something that gets me up in the morning. That way I'd never have to work a day in my life. It's why I'm always so enthusiastic with a preppy attitude when going to work.

Except right now, I'm sluggish, walking with droopy ears and a sunken expression. Being dragged down from my dream job to this is enough to kill the smallest amount of joy I have left. I'm hoping it's still in there, buried within all of the discouragement. I hope it's still shining. This isn't who I am... A sigh escapes my mouth as I see Jenny's Carrot Café emerging into my peripheral in the far distance. I emailed Joe about getting me contacted with the manager, only to be replied with him saying that he forgot. I still don't feel like a real employee yet. Maybe I'll talk to him about it today.

The empty café was silent and peaceful, and the rays of early sunlight lit up certain tables like spotlights, giving a cozy atmosphere. I walk in, thinking I'm the first employee that arrived. After shutting the doors behind me, I walk downstairs to the staff room in order to put my bag away and begin setting up the equipment for the day. Once I enter in however I'm suddenly startled by the sound of loud weeping. I thought I was alone? Perhaps not...and my company doesn't seem to be in the best of moods.

With caution, I continue to walk into the empty staff room, no one in sight but the sound of weeping still remains. Confused, I make my way over to the lockers, which was against a wall, to stuff in my belongings. However once I'm done, I notice a big rabbit foot peeking from a corner of the lockers, as if someone was sat leaning against the side of it. The weeping also suddenly came to a stop, probably with the knowledge that they're no longer alone. I wince, feeling bad that I have alerted them with my presence. I've now clearly discovered where the noise was coming from, especially since they've demoted it down to stifled sniffles.

My first instinct was to ask if they were okay, despite the embarrassment they'd feel of being found, considering they were clearly in hiding to avoid judgement. I slowly walk towards them, crouching a little bit to reach their level. Although, as soon as I get close enough to face the bunny, their identity was revealed to be... Joseph?!

From the looks of his startled face, it seems he's as embarrased as I am. His face turns red, matching the redness of his bloodshot-teary eyes. I don't think he expected me to be the one to find him in this state, and I certainly didn't expect this outcome either.

I decide to be the first one to break the silence. "Oh I'm sorry...I didn't mean to impede, I just heard someone was upset and wanted to know if they-you-are okay...?"

He lowers his head, as if in shame, and aggressively wipes his eyes and nose. "Well clearly I'm not okay." He states, along with an extra loud sniff as if to add to his statement.

"Do you...want to talk about it?" I ask slowly, as well as slowly sitting down onto the cold hard floor, next to him, with an attempt to comfort.

He seems reluctant at first, but then suddenly started speaking.

"I got stood up on a date last night."

"Oh..."

"This isn't the first time I've had a failed attempt. Maybe my mom's right...she always tells me I'll never find love."

"Well that's not very nice..."

"Eh, I'm kinda used to her criticism at this point. Everytime I come home I'm faced with it."