Things Only Musician Understand

Part 21: JJ

She was quitting her job

at the library?

I could see her quitting at frieda's

but the library?

She loves it there.

"I suppose we should talk about this

on our own

now."

I suggested

and

she nodded her head

in a silent response

"I think,

Eliza,

that quitting the library is a mistake.

You love it there

and you love it with such a passion

that I feel

about art.

It makes you glow

and smile

when you talk

or think about it.

Please reconsider.

If it makes you happy,

I'll take care of the boys

while you're at work,

I'll change my schedule

to weekends only."

"You see,

that's why I'm quitting!"

She yelled

"Because,

you would give up your passion

to take on my issue.

It doesn't pay enough

and frieda's does.

You can't quit your job

because that is your chance at college.

I can go whether I work at the library

or at frieda's.

It's my decision

and it's made.

I'm quitting tomorrow."

"You know,

I never asked for this either."

I said

thinking

of what I felt.

"I didn't ask

to find my dream girl

and for her to be hurt

and scarred

beyond belief.

I didn't ask

for one of her best friends

to die

and leave her with her child.

I didn't ask

the universe

to hand her another child

and for her

to have to quit her job.

I didn't ask for any of this.

And

I know you didn't either.

So you don't pretend

that you're on your own

because no matter

how much you think that

I'm always right here

by your side

for you

and for your children

as it so happens.

So,

for the love of god,

even though

you're an atheist,

don't push me away right now

because you need me"