Comfortable Chaos

Chapter 18

Brandi
Brandi? It's your father.

I feel the car moving and it rocks me out of my sleep. I finally look around to see that we are on the move again. I sit up and start to stretch. We arrive at the same labor place we went to yesterday. Andre goes in to check on a job. When he comes out, he almost sprints to the car.

"I got a ticket. They'll be picking us up shortly."

"Oh, okay." If I sounded surprised, it's because I was. After so many letdowns, I didn't think he would get anything but I'm definitely glad he did.

"Take the car but go easy on the gas. And make sure you drive carefully so you don't get stopped. Pick me back up at five thirty," he said.

While he went back inside, I crawl into the driver's seat and drive off. I find a hotel down the street. I pull in the parking lot, grab my bag and head into the bathroom to clean up. I'm already tired of this whole homeless thing. As I brush my hair looking through the mirror, I think about my plans. I guess since Andre had a job, I should be looking for one, too. Maybe it would be temporary until I figure out what I'm going to do. At least, I would be doing something.

So, I figured the best place for a soon-to-be sixteen year old to find a job is retail or restaurant. I might get a job faster at a restaurant as a server. They were usually young anyway. I finish up and I go back to the car. One block up, I see a clothing store. I'll go in and see if I can apply. Walking into the shop, I spot a girl folding clothes.

"Excuse me? Is the manager available?" I asked.

"Um. She's in a conference call right now. Can I help you with something?" she asked.

"Possibly. I wanted to know if you all were hiring."

"I don't know that she's looking for anyone right now."

"Well, is it possible for me to apply in case she is looking for someone?"

"Yeah. Hold on a second." The sales girl goes to the cash register and picks up a card. She returns back to me and places it in my hand. "Go to this website. Apply using this store number. She will get your application."

I take the card and thank her but I'm really disappointed. I don't have a computer. I left that at home. I don't know where the nearest library is and I can't afford to ride all the gas out. Andre will have money when he finishes his job today but I don't have any. I walk back to the car. Maybe I can apply on my phone.

I turn on my phone and I get startled at the voicemail ringtone. I reluctantly check it. Daddy's voice comes through the receiver.

Brandi? It's your father. I don't know where you are but I want you to call home. It's important that you call. We want to know where you are. Okay? Bye.

I'm overcome by a bunch of emotions after hearing Daddy's voice. I didn't expect to miss him. I haven't even thought about it but I really do miss him. Yet, I'm not sure if I should call or not. I close the voicemail on my phone and open the Internet browser to search for the application. It lets me put my name in but stops me from going any further. This is so frustrating. I want to throw the phone out the window. Instead, I search the Internet for the nearest restaurant. As it turns out, there is a small one around the corner.

When I pull into that parking lot, I take a quick look at the gas gage. I have to be careful. I'm almost at the quarter mark. This will be my last stop before I wait to pick Andre up. I walk into the restaurant and march up to the counter. The cashier greets me.

"Hello, may I take your order?"

"No, actually I wanted to see if I could talk to your manager," I said.

The girl leaves the cash register and goes back into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she comes out with a tall, slender man wearing glasses. He wipes his hand on a dish towel.

"Yes?" he asked.

"My name is Brandi. I wanted to know if you're hiring." I'm trying hard not to fidget but I think I'm still doing it.

"What kind of experience do you have?" he asked.

I glance down. "I've never had a job before but I'm a very quick learner."

"Eh. I'm not really needing anyone right now."

"Please. If you give me a chance, I know that I can do the job. I'll do whatever you need me to do. Serve, cashier, clean, whatever. I'll be here on time, ready to work, every day. No excuses."

He rubs his chin. "I would only have a few hours."

"That's okay. I'll work any time you need me."

"Can you be here tomorrow at ten o'clock?" he asked.

"Yes!"

My mind feels with thoughts of making money, getting a place, finishing school. I can even see enrolling in a college. For a moment, the possibilities aren't so bleak. I still see a potential for things to work out. Maybe I don't have to go home. I do miss Daddy and Teresa but I don't know if I can handle Mama now. She was so wrong for hitting me. I'm certain she'll never admit it and I can't be constrained by her stupid rules anymore. This might be exactly what I needed.

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