Odyssey of the City of Lights

Odyssey of the City of Lights - Book 1 - Chapter 12

We arrived at Aaron's workplace about fifteen minutes earlier than he needed to be there. Aaron was fulfilling his promise to talk to his boss about getting me a job.

I clutched my documentation tightly, just as I was instructed to. This was one thing that Dad and Aaron agreed about: documents lost meant identity stolen.

Aaron led me from the garage with trucks and cars to a door leading into an office section, where a few people were already at work. He knocked on a door with an air of familiarity, and a gruff voice barked, "What do you want on this Monday morning?"

I felt a lump in my throat, but Aaron pushed the door open without hesitation. "Hey, boss, I got a favor to ask." He pointed at me, adding, "I want to ask you to hire him."

The grumpy man scoffed.

I glanced around the small yet tidy space. Framed certificates hung on the walls alongside pictures of various mechanical parts. A cluttered desk piled high with papers occupied the center of the room, while a bulletin board crammed with notes and schedules took up the wall behind it. It was chaotic, but there was a sense of organization to it all.

Aaron pressed on. "I'm serious. He's a strong worker."

The grumpy man eyed me up and down. "He's a big fellow, I'll give you that... Kid, what can you do?" Aaron nodded encouragingly.

I swallowed hard, then said, "I know how to farm, but I'm willing to work hard on anything you want me to do. I'm willing and ready to learn."

Aaron slapped his forehead with a snap, and the grumpy man's mouth dropped open. After a few seconds, he laughed, a deep rumbling belly laugh. "Oh man, kid. You really are a hoot, but I don't have apples or grains for you to sow." He looked at Aaron, eyes narrowed. "Kid, where did you pick up this kid?"

Aaron smiled. "He's a friend, and he's an Old Worlder. He wants to experience the bigger world."

The grumpy man's expression softened just slightly. "Oh." I felt naked as he scrutinized me head to toe.

"Fine," the grumpy man sighed, relenting. "I'll risk it. I need a gofer in the warehouse anyway." He looked at me, eyes narrowing. "Please tell me you have your ID."

I nodded and pulled it out, handing it to him. He waved his hand dismissively. "I don't need it right now."

With a sigh, he got up and looked me over one more time.

"Get to work, Aaron," he grumbled, pointing at my friend. "I'll give your stray a chance for the week." Turning to me, he added, "Don't make me regret this."

"I won't, sir," I promised, feeling a mix of gratitude and nerves.

The grumpy man cracked a smile. "Well, at least you got manners, unlike these modern kids..."

Aaron gave me an encouraging grin. "I'll pick you up after my shift. Depends on your schedule. I'll show you public transit or something."

"Git!" The grumpy man barked suddenly, making me jump.

"Cheeky bastard," he muttered, shaking his head as Aaron rolled his eyes and walked away slowly. He then turned back to me. "The first thing you're going to need to do is register for a work permit. I'll set you up with an assistant. Please tell me you can read and write at least."

"Yes, sir," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"With a keyboard? Like typing?"

I nodded again. "Yes, sir. I'm not very fast, but I can."