Odd Living

Thirteen

I am surprised that he didn't try to cover himself and the fact that he winked at me, made it so much more... shocking. I wonder what he is thinking right now.

"What do you want to do today, Mackenzie? We can do anything." He is stretching like he is trying to show off.

"I'd kinda like to go look for a job. I know I'm disabled or whatever, but I've been here over a month and I feel bad that you guys are always paying for stuff. I can be a big girl too." I tell Ian.

"No no. I understand. Where do you want to look?" He asks.

"First, I'd like to look somewhat presentable before we go anywhere." I'm still sitting in his bed and Ian is now leaning against his door. I can't stop looking at his body.

"You look perfect to me." Now he tries to cover himself.

He blushes and goes to his closet. He puts on a nice pair of maroon jeans and a black t-shirt. He offers to help me to my room, but I deny.

I pull my crutches off the ground and attempt to stand up but I fall. Ian rushes towards me. He caught me before I hit the ground. When we lock eye contact we both lean in for a kiss but the door busts open. It was Chad.

"Yo Ian... oh shit sorry... Ian, have you seen Max? I about to...uhh... beat his ass. He took my phone and I can't... I can't find him." Chad says all awkward.

"No you cunt. I haven't seen Max since last night. Dumbass." He mumbles dumbass to himself but I hear him clearly. Chad leaves just as fast as he came barging in.

"That's why I locked the door."

Ian looked beyond pissed. So upset that he didn't even look mad.

Ian helps me up. He walks me right across the hall to my room. "I'll see you shortly m'lady."

"Yes sir." I say back.

I put on a simple black dress and one of my converse. I don't even bother putting on makeup or doing anything fancy with my hair, I just brushed it.

Ian must have been standing outside my door because as soon as I opened the door, he was standing outside with his perfect posture and a huge grin.

"You look... wow." He says after a few seconds.

I could tell he was at a loss for words. I personally don't think I look that great, but I do hate everything about myself. I think he would totally flip his shit if I put effort into what I look like. That will be a good day.

When we get to the car, Ian being a gentleman, opens the door for me. Then he tries to act smooth and slides across the hood of his car. He successfully made it across. Quite impressive.

"Where too, miss?" He asks.

"Where ever is hiring I guess." I tell him not knowing where.

"How about we start at drug stores or restaurants. What did you go to college for?"

"I majored in toxicology." I say. "I know not many people major in that, but I've always been fascinated by chemical effects on humans."

"That's really cool actually. I don't know anyone else who does stuff like that. So I think drug store would be better than McDonalds."

I nod, agreeing.

We pull into the parking lot of Ludwig's Drug Store. This might be perfect. It's not too far from the house and Ian says the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is about a block away. We park the car a few blocks away because there was absolutely no parking anywhere near the drug store. I wouldn't mind walking if my leg wasn't broken.

It took us about 20 minutes to get to the drug store. We go up to the window and see that they are hiring. Ian and I went inside and I rang the little bell on the desk. An older gentleman came from the back of the store.

"What can I help you two with?" He asks kindly.

"I am here looking for the job opportunity." I tell him.

I am assuming the man I am talking to is the owner of the store. There is no other workers in sight, a few customers though.

"Oh. Of course. My name is Mr. Ludwig. You are?"

I reach my hand out to meet his. "My name is Mackenzie."

"My pleasure, dear. I love your accent. Are you from Western Australian?"

"I am. Is it that obvious?" I ask him.

"Not really. I'm just an excellent at guessing. You're hired!"

I am shocked. Ian seems surprised too.

"You don't need to ask her any question?" Ian jumps in. "I am Ian by the way." Mr. Ludwig shakes Ian's hand.

"Oh... I suppose I should. When can you start?"

"Umm... next Thursday. "Is there a specific uniform, sir? As you can see I have a cast." I bring that up just in case.

"Just a black t-shirt. I don't mind if you have a cast. Any help will do. It pays $9 an hour. I will see you next Thursday unless you need anything else." Mr. Ludwig says.

"No. I think that will be all. Thank you so much." I say as Ian holds the door open for me.

That was too easy I think to myself. As we are leaving the store, someone yells my name.