Slow fade

21

I needed a job and fast. I had no money to my name and knew I couldn't rely on the boys the rest of my life or however long I planned to stay here. I was walking around the town looking for a job that fit me best.

I had passed so many places and found a few hiring. Every time I went to ask About applying the would look at me weird and say they had meant to take the sign down and that they weren't hiring.

I knew this was a lie because they didn't approve of my appearance and how I dressed. I was so frustrated at this point how was I suppose to find somewhere that would accept me for my appearance.

I walked into a Music Store to see if I could find any good music. I loved old vinyls. They had a lot of old bands that I've loved my whole life. I didn't see anyone in the store so I walked over to a guitar they had on display for sale.

I knew I shouldn't but I touched the strings of it and let my fingers run over them letting out a noise.

" if you want to play it you're more than welcome to that's what it's there for."

A older man was standing behind the counter looking at me. He looked to be in his mid 50s but he looked so cool. His arms were covered in tattoos and he had his ears pierced. I picked the guitar up and held it close to my body.

" if you want I can play some music on the speakers so you can play to it."

" I'd like that can you play American idiot?"

He put the music on the speaker and I placed my hands on it. I wasn't sure at first since I hadn't played in a while. Once I felt comfortable I played it almost perfectly. It felt amazing to play.

" that was amazing are you in need of a job?"

" yea I've gone to so many places today but none of them would hire me because they didn't like my appearance."

" that's a shame I think you look pretty cool. You can work behind the counter but we also do music lessons what instruments can you play?"

" Anything really"

" awesome so you'll work the counter and lessons are on Wednesdays if that's ok with you. Also you'd have the weekends off."

" I'd love to when do you want me to start?"

" does tomorrow work for you?"

" yea thank you so much and does it matter what I wear?"

" not really your outfit choice is just fine we love the rocker look."

" ok I'll be here when y'all open."

I walked out of the store excited. For once I had done something for myself without the help of someone else.

The place wasn't far at all from bills house so I got back pretty fast. I opened the door to see Bill and Tom eating breakfast.

" where did you go and why are you so happy?" Bill said looking at me with a questioning face.

" I got a job"

" where?" Tom said now giving me his attention.

" the Music Store down the street from yalls house. I'll be selling but on Wednesdays they said I could give lessons."

" you'll be giving piano lessons?" Bill asked me.

" actually whatever they need me to I can play a lot of things."

" I never knew that." Tom said.

" there's lots of things y'all don't know about me. I start tomorrow when the open."

" I'm proud of you." Bill said giving me a hug. No one had ever said those words to me before so I was taken back hearing someone say that.

" you're proud of me? It's just a job."

" yea but you did it yourself. You didn't ask for help and that makes me proud of you."

" thanks bill."

" so how did you get it?"tom asked

" we'll I went to a lot of places but they didn't like how I dressed so they turned me away. I walked to the Music Store out of curiosity since I had never been there. I saw a guitar for sell and picked it up when he said I could play it. I played American idol and he was so surprised that he hired me on the spot."

" so you're coming for my gig here with the guitar."

" lots of people play the guitar Tom you're not the only special one here."

He laughed at me joke knowing I was right. I went to the fridge and pulled out some fruit and started eating it.

" plus I don't like to perform for people I just like to do it for fun so you can keep your day job."

" we will have to hear you sometime." Bill said

" not going to happen you'll only hear me play piano and that's because you walked in on me when I was playing."

" oh come on we want to see your talent!" Tom said.

" not going to happen."

I had finished my food and walked to my room to take a shower. I was so excited for tomorrow. I guess bill and tom are helping get me out of my shell.