in for the ride

graduation - chpt ten

He leaned down and raised my chin, kissing me one final time before he walked away, leaving me to cry to myself behind my shitty job.

———

Days passed before it turned into weeks that had passed. Graduation came, and then it went. I don't think my brain fully wrapped around the fact that I'm no longer a student. Graduation had to be the happiest moment of my life, knowing that i was closing out the biggest chapter of my life. But, seeing Jon all happy during graduation felt terrible. It wasn't like i wanted him to be sad, it was just kinda crazy to see how happy he looked, while i still felt miserable.

Ever since that day, I've kinda been in a trance. I haven't spoken to him at all. We've exchanged glances at each other, mine longing and sad. His were empty, almost like i meant nothing to him. Which is the way it should be, of course. Plus, he moved on anyway. He got a girlfriend and is very clearly happy with her. I mean, the last day of school i walked past his locker and he was practically sucking the soul out of her. I've never felt more disgusted at something in my life. I don't necessarily enjoy seeing people making out at eight in the morning.

But what do I know?

With the money i saved up in the past year, i bought myself a car. I was still crashing at Jessie's place, but her mom didn't mind. Jessie left for college, going to some preppy college that was far away. I missed her, but we would talk on the phone every once in a while. She said she's met some new friends there and that everyone has such similar passions as her. She wants to be a fashion designer.

I'm not sure what i want to be. I haven't really thought about it. The only hobbies i remember having are drawing when i was like ten, and eating dirt at the play ground. I was kind of a stupid kid. My grades were usually terrible during school, but i managed to pull them up just in time for graduation. I would've failed otherwise.

I work two jobs so i can get money to move out. I still work at the gas station, but i also work at a Walmart as a cashier. I haven't heard much about my mom and joey. All i know is that my mom found another guy. Joey called me again around two weeks ago, telling me everything that's happened. He said that mom seems to be getting better. I don't believe that. He thinks i was finally able to knock some sense into her. He also told me that mom misses me. I couldn't care less. Joey is also staying with my aunt for a while. She found out about everything that was happening because of a call my school made to her, and she took Joey out of the home, threatening to go to court if my mom didn't change her ways. I think that is what knocked some sense into my mom. Her poor baby being taken away.

But she couldn't care less about me.

Last I heard, Jon was starting a band or something like that. I could've sworn he was in one prior, but maybe he left it. Just another reminder that i have nothing going for my life.

———

I came home from work, eating some dinner with Jessie's mom.

She was reading the weekly newspaper. "There's some pretty good paying jobs in here, Kim." She looked up at me.

"I have two jobs already, i can't fit another into the schedule." I replied back, picking at the noodles. I wasn't that hungry today, more so tired. I felt my appetite go away more and more everyday.

Mary (that's what I'm gonna call her, suck it.) hummed in reply.

I picked some more at my noodles. "There's a job for being a photographer. You're pretty good at cameras. It pays a hundred for the photo shoot. If you do good, you could get your name out there and get paid more for each gig."

I looked up at her, my eyebrow raised. "Since when was I good at taking photos?" I asked her curiously.

Mary shrugged. "The photos you've taken for me have always turned out great in my opinion. I've seen you work a professional camera for some sort of photography class in school, you know what you're doing, Kim." Her gaze turned serious.

"I mean, i guess. But this is actual professional stuff, not some lousy school assignment." I stretched my arms out.

"The gig is this Friday. If you call now to see if you can do it, you have five days to get better at photography." Mary suggested.

I looked away. "I dunno."

"Cmon, it's more money. I don't care if you stay here, but I know you want to move on with your life, sweetheart." Mary frowned at me.

"What time is it on Friday? I have work that day."

"It's from three pm to six pm with dinner included, it says."

I thought for a moment. The only job i had that day was Walmart, and it was from six am to one pm. I could make it if i wanted to.

"Why don't you just call, yeah?"

I sighed and got up, grabbing the paper and heading to the phone. I dialed the number in and heard it ring.

Ring, ring, ring, ring-

"Hello?" A voice sounded from the other side. I paused, not knowing what to say.

Mary gestured with her hand to keep going.

"Uhm, hello? I uh, saw an ad in the newspaper for a professional photographer this Friday? Is it still open?" A moment of silence endured and i felt my heart drop.

A few papers rustled on the other side. "Uhmmmm..." the voice dragged out as they looked through some other papers. "Yesssss. Yeah, it is open still." He finally said.

I sighed out of relief. "Okay, that's good."

"Do you have prior knowledge to photography?"

"Yeah, i took classes in highschool and i own cameras that i use."

It's not that far fetched of a lie.

"Alright, see you on Friday then!" The phone hung up.

I put the phone on the wall and turned to Mary. "I got it." She smiled at me.

I wonder if this job will lead me anywhere.

———

Skibidi toilet. This has been in my drafts for a hot minute!1!2!2!

- Jenny 😉

Word count - 1110