Fiction.

Chapter 1: Summer Job Hunting.

Chapter 1: Summer Job Hunting.

My eyes opened slightly as the sun came into my room through the blanket that I used as a curtain. I used a piece of rope to keep it up, I tied it onto the two hooks I hammered into the wall. The early sunlight burned my gaze as I hung off the edge of my bed. I sighed heavily and sank into the bed. My eyes flew open when I remembered I had a job interview today. My gaze ran up from the carpeted floors that were covered in dirty clothes and other shit to the wood nightstand that held a bunch of pick-a-pop bottles, my meds and my clock. The clock read ‘8:15am’ in big red letters. My stomach jerked as I fell out of bed. I have the job interview at nine.

I ran around my room quickly getting ready, combing my hair. Getting dressed instead of riding my bike in my underwear, the navy blue boxers easily slid under the black dress pants. I threw on a top and quickly brushed my teeth and gathered my things up into the back pack.

My gaze ran back to the clock, it read ‘8:30am’. It took me fifteen minutes to get ready and now I only have fifteen minutes to get to the store for my interview.

“Shit.” I cursed as I tucked the shirt into my pants and did them up. I slid my shoes on and booked it to the front door with the bag in my hands.

“Bye mom!” I called out as I ran out the front door. I heard her fall back to me with a cheerful voice. I jumped off the porch and into the grass with my back pack loosely hanging off my shoulders. I picked my bike up off the grass and jumped onto it, my legs peddled quickly.

I rode my bike down the streets in the summer sun. Instead of sitting on the beach in shorts and a tee shirt I was riding my bike to a job interview in a dress shirt, a thin black tie and dress pants. The short sleeved shirt was cooling and nice but the heat made me die in the sun. I slicked my hair back so it was out of my face. I had to wear my glasses too. My back pack was sitting on my back loosely.

I had to go for this job interview at the local Safeway so I can start to support my family. Rosie has a doctor’s appointment today and I can’t be there. It sucks because I want to be there so badly. I hated the fact that its summer time and I can’t go do my normal Jimmy stuff. I can’t get into trouble and be a little misfit; I have to get a job and work. I guess that’s what I get for impregnating a girl at thirteen. I bet Matt, Brian and Zack are at the beach relaxing. I want to be there so badly. I don’t know where I want to be today but there is one place I need to be and that’s at that interview.

I liked the fact that it was close but no within walking distance; I’d have to ride my bike to work if I get the job. Hopefully I do. I don’t want to spend my summer feeling like an adult without a job. I’m also really excited for next week’s ultra sound. I haven’t actually gotten to see the baby yet. By the beginning of September we’ll know what we’re having. I’m super excited to find out what we’re having. I pray for a girl but every dad secretly prays for a boy. I’m no different. I want a girl but I also want a boy. I’ve started writing it letters. I started the day I found out. I basically said I was in shock that I was going to be a dad. I said that even under the circumstances I loved them. I just want that kid to have a piece of me when it’s born.

My heart was beating inside my chest as I locked my bike up on the bike rack. I cleared my throat when I walked into the chilly building; I adjusted my tie and walked up to an employee. The tall blonde haired lady was a bit taller than me; her brown eyes were framed behind a pair of green glasses. She wore the red and black tee shirt with a white name tag reading ‘Linda’ on it. She smiled at me sweetly.

“How can I help you, dear?” She asked with a lively tone. I stared at her blankly for a moment. ‘Smile Jimmy.’ I reminded myself. I smiled softly at her with a shy but mature grin. I nodded cheerfully.

“I’m here to see Barry, the manager.” I replied calmly. Her smile widened as she led me from the main shopping area to the back rooms where there were offices and a storage areas. A few workers gaze me strange expressions as we walked through the staff room. I was the youngest person here by far. She went into an office and came back out and told me Barry will be a minute. Linda looked at me with a gentle smile as we waited.

“So what brings to here to see Barry?” Linda asked softly. My gut wrenched violently. I swallowed hard and hung my head down. I knew people would find out sooner or later but I’d rather later. For my ego’s sake, but I had to swallow my pride and face the music. I looked up at Linda with a small smile.

“I just need to some cash to help support my family.” I technically didn’t lie. I just avoided the painful truth. She frowned slightly as she waited with me. It seemed to take forever for the office door to open and a really young guy stood in the door way, he couldn’t be more than thirty. His blue eyes wandered me up and down carefully. His short chestnut brown hair messy. He looked really relaxed and cool. He smiled slightly at me.

“James Sullivan?” He asked me. I nodded carefully.

 He motioned me into his office and closed the door behind me. The dull room had papers stapled up on the walls with names and information. Barry told me to take a seat in the bar stool. I did so, he sat in the bar stool beside me. I opened my bag and pulled out the file I had of school records and grades. I handed it to him and watched as he sat with my file open in front of him. My stomach was knotting while my heart was racing. I didn’t want to be here. I really didn’t want to have to get a job. Barry looked from the file to me with a small smile.

“Why do you want to work here?”He asked sullenly. I didn’t want to dodge the facts but I didn’t want to be frank. I just wanted this to be over. I inhaled deeply and forced a smile.

“To be perfectly frank with you, I was irresponsible and got my girlfriend pregnant and now I need to get a job to help support us.” I bellowed out with a jerking voice. Barry sat there with wide eyes. ‘Oh great Jimmy, look what you’ve done.’ I thought. Shit I just blew it. I’m not getting the job and now I’m labelled as that dude who got that chick knocked up. Barry shut the file and smiled at me carefully.

“You start next week, be here Monday morning at seven.” He instructed. I smiled widely and sighed a breath of relief. But my victory was short lived by the mere question, why? Why did he want me to work for him at such a young age? I furrowed my eye brows and tilted my head as he gave me back the file work. I shoved it back into my back pack.

“Can I ask you a question?” I asked sullenly. Barry nodded slowly.

“Why did you hire me just like that?” I questioned with the intentions of finding out why he hired me just like that. I mean he didn’t even ask me that many questions. Only one. Barry smiled at me and sighed as he leaned back in his seat. His hands folded on top of his head, he raised his eye brows.

“You’re responsible, you take fault for your actions and you handle them like an adult. You’re academically intelligent; you’re physically fit and ready to work. I think you’ll get on fine here.” He said softly. I got out of the seat and shook his hand happily. I felt happy about walking out with the job. I was all grown up and that’s amazing. I am finally taking responsibility for my actions.

I walked back to my bike, it was unbearably hot today and I was wearing a dress shirt and black dress pants. I straddled the bike calmly and ran my fingers through my hair. I sighed heavily and began to peddle back to my house to spread the good news. I was really proud of myself for getting the job. I can’t wait to tell Rosie the good news. I really do like her alot and that’s a fact. It maybe only young love but I can see it lasting for a very long time. Sometimes after I get off the phone with her I feel like climbing on top of my house and screaming ‘I love Rosie Jones’ at the top of my lungs. She inspires me to drum and she makes my heart beat faster. She’s all my inspiration I have. She’s my everything; I love her with all my heart and every ounce of my existence.