Punz stares down at the papers Sam has given him.
"Plumber?" He scoffs.
"It's either an apprenticeship or re-take your exams to go to a college. Besides, plumber isn't the only one on there, look." He points to the other occupations that Punz would rather not do.
Although, one catches his eye.
"Locksmith? That's when you break into houses right?"
Sam rolls his eyes. "No, you'll be repairing locks, copying keys, fitting locks and doorhandles. There is no breaking into any houses."
Punz used to pick locks as a kid. It started when he had a bike stealing streak. Number combination locks were easy. Key locks were slightly more difficult, but Punz loved the thrill. There was more to it than a hair pin and patience. There were also a few unfortunate incidences when Punz was in his early teen years; being locked in the basement was one such occasion. He broke out during the night using a wire he'd found. He also remembers being grounded in one home. That apparently meant he was to stay in his room for the duration of his punishment. It didn't last long since Punz always found a way out. That, and he couldn't stand to hear Purpled cry outside of his door.
"Is it something to consider?" Sam asks, he pulls out his phone and opens the website. "They're taking in anyone over the age of sixteen, and by the looks of it, are a year-round offer."
"What does that mean?"
"You can apply at any time. It's a three year course, but the basic skills are completed within only a few days. You just have to submit your application though the email."
They are sat in Sam's living room since school has started back up, and Puffy had to take the three boys. She felt bad leaving Punz on his own but mentioned that Sam wanted to talk to him about something anyway.
Sam, however, only has the morning free, and Punz dreads Puffy picking him back up.
"Do you want to apply?" Sam asks, snapping Punz out of his trance.
"Yeah, why not."
Sam looks through other apprenticeships on his phone whilst Punz glares at the application screen on his own phone.
It's easy enough to fill out his name and date of birth, but the other questions suddenly feel more daunting.
"Sam, what should I put for my address?"
"You can put Puffy's." Sam says idly but looks over at Punz. He must notice the slight panic written over his face. "Or you could put ours, neither of us really mind Punz, it's whatever you're comfortable with."
He decides to write Sam's as he know it by heart.
"Sam? What experiences do I have...besides the truth?" There it is again, the vulnerability.
"There's nothing wrong with twisting the truth. Everyone does on a C.V or an application like this. So long as you don't blatantly lie. Experience is experience."
"So what should I write?"
"Maybe you had a relative of a friend show you the ropes. They won't ask questions, they just want to know if you've done this before."
Punz hesitantly writes in a lie. He makes it sound fun and innocent but hates how his own words hide the truth.
"Sam?" Punz is beginning to get quite tired of asking Sam questions. "What is a person of reference?"
"It's someone who knows you. Sometimes it's a former boss, or a family friend. If you were to get employed someone else they can talk about your qualities. Do you need one?"
YOU ARE READING
Reputation
Fanfic"Dream legs it down the alleyway, bag gripped tightly in his hand. His cheeks are already red and angry from the bitter cold wind and his feet numb inside his shoes. He can hear rasped shouts from behind him, and forces his legs to move faster." Or:...
