Firefly

Fired

Everyone has a reason to play Panic. Some for the money, some for the thrill, some because it was the only way out... but Heather and Ember had always been the practical friends. The ones whose feet were planted firmly on the ground, heads firmly out of the clouds.

Even if Ember's heart sometimes wondered what it would be like to fly... She would not risk her life playing a game like that. Not when she had money to make, rent to pay, a sister to care for, and a twin to support through college. She made a promise to herself after all.

☀︎☀︎

"GIRLS! It's eight o'clock! You're going to be late for work!" Sheri yelled across the trailer.

Ember quickly pulled up her work boots while her sister yelled out an affirmation. Heather walks to her dresser and opens the bottom drawer. Pulling clothes out of the way, she finds the shoebox hidden underneath. "What's the total?" Ember whispered. Heather pulled out a twenty and, writing out the new amount, replied, "$5,460." That wasn't a bad amount all things considering. In fact, Heather would say she was right on track to having the full amount for Longhorn State by orientation.

"See you at lunch!" Ember rushed out, making sure to grab Bo's truck keys on the way to the door.

☀︎☀︎

Entering Main Street Wireless, Heather was surprised to see Danny already waiting for her by the counter. "Hey Danny, what's up?" she asked.

"Could we talk in my office?" Nodding, she followed him into the back and took a seat in front of his desk. He looks away from her and tells her, "I really hate to tell you this, but we have to let you go. I know you've been with us for a long time, but I don't have enough spots on the schedule."

Heather froze. That was not where she was expecting this conversation to go. Trying to keep the panic from settling in, Heather awkwardly cleared her throat. "But you know I'm, like... I'm the only one who really does anything around here, and..." she stuttered, "And I-I've technically been here longer than you."

Heather tried her best not to huff in frustration as he interrupted her, "Look. Smart girl like you, you're gonna have no trouble finding another gig. There's nothing I can do."

She runs a hand through her hair, feeling a tear roll down her face as her whole body tenses. "Starting when?"

"I can get you all squared up for last week. Pay you for last week and today." He hands her a check.

☀︎☀︎

Ember huffed as she dumped the last bag of chicken feed into the bed of the truck. Closing the gate, she gathered her breath and looked at the time on her watch.

Eleven thirty.

Heather should be getting out for lunch soon. Taking a quick glance around, Ember grabbed her keys, making sure she had her phone on her before locking the truck.

☀︎☀︎

"HE FIRED YOU!??!!?? How could he fire you?!" she questioned. "You're the only one who ever actually does anything!"

"That's what I said," Heather sulked. She had been wondering down Main Street with Bishop for a few minutes before Ember found them. After telling her sister the news, she could understand why she would be shocked, still feeling the shock quite clearly herself.

"I'm sorry, Heather," said Bishop, "You'll find something else."

Ember wrapped an arm around Heather's shoulders, "Yeah. What dingus said." Bishop rolled his eyes as the trio began to walk down the side street on their way to find Natalie.