INTERFERENCE (A Short Novel)

V. The Options

            Several minutes later, Cliff set the phone on the desk.

            “Still not working. I’ll be damned.”

            “No. I’ll be,” Jeremy sighed. “Boss said return that to him fixed or it’s my ass.”

            “Well, considering he’s gay, maybe you should take the ‘ass’ part literally,” Cliff said with a grin.

            “Shut up. So what shall I do now?”

            Cliff tapped the side of his glasses. “You don’t have to do anything, Jer. You see, the phone’s just fine. If there’s something wrong with the connection, then it’s not anybody’s fault.”

            “I don’t have a choice.”

            “Yes you do,” Cliff said sternly. “We never ran out of options. You could just say ‘I can’t fix this boos. Screw you’.”

            “I could lose my job that way, Cliff.”

            “Meh. Jobs are always available. But the times where you can assert your dignity aren’t. In times like that, you should step up,” Cliff said, fisting his palm for emphasis.

            “Okay. But the thing is, he’s still my boss, and it’s really hard to find work.”

            “Fuck work, Jeremy. Look at me: I don’t have an educational degree; I don’t have a job, but I’m doing just fine. And unlike you, I don’t have a boss to pull my leash around.”

            “But I earn a good deal of money from this job,” Jeremy countered.

            “Nope. You merely help the higher-ups earn shitloads of money by working your ass off. You? You pay exorbitant amount of money for rent, for dinners, for parties, for clothes, all that. The little money that’s left will then be used for your daily expenses.” Cliff extended his arms to his sides. “Now, tell me: do you still think you make good money?”

            Jeremy rubbed his temples. “Now that I think about it, you’re right: it’s not that big. But I think I still make more money than you,” Jeremy said indignantly.

            Clifford laughed.

            “You underestimate me, Jer. I own a car. Do you?”

            Jeremy hung his head, defeated. “It sucks that you’re right, Cliff. My job sucks, the pay sucks, everything sucks… but hey. How come you make more money than me?”

            “Nah. I don’t think I make more money than you. Thing is, I don’t have to maintain a corporate lifestyle just like you. And I think the only reason why you don’t have a car is because you don’t want a ride. You want something that you can flaunt to your friends – a car that would match your lifestyle. Me? My car looks like your grampa’s but it’s on perfect working condition.”

            “I think you’re right. Again. But hey, really. How do you make a lot of money?”

            Cliff grinned. “I’m running under-the-counter deals from time to time.”

            Jeremy’s eyes widened. “You’re doing illegal stuff?” he asked, emphasizing the word ‘illegal’ as if it’s something disgusting.

            Cliff shrugged. “it’s not criminal-level il-LEGAL. I just pirate softwares, hack into games, sites, profiles… for the right pay. I… tinker some gadgets to make them look original… stuff like that. No biggie.”

            “Jesus. Still illegal, cliff.”

            “I know, Jer. But I’m a businessman. And all businessmen do illegal shit all the time. Besides, it’s only illegal when you’re caught.” Cliff guffawed.

            “’Kay. What are you implying? You mean, I should quit my job and start a business?” Jeremy queried.

            “No. What I’m saying is, you should make your own options. Bill gates decided to quit college. Now look at him. Lindsay chose to do drugs. Now look at her.” Clifford leaned closer. “What I want you to realize is that it’s always up to you on how you shape your future – be it for better or for worse. Options, man. Choices. If you think your job’s not worth it, it’s up to you to stay or to quit. Make. Your. Choice.”

            Jeremy stared Clifford in the eyes. He blinked as if he’s clearing his vision.

            “Cliff,” Jeremy said. I never thought you have that kind of wisdom in you.”

            Clifford shook his head, chuckling. “Buddy, I can’t possibly get to be a level 103 Mage without gaining the knowledge from the godsworn scrolls!” Cliff declared in his best impression of a virtual ogre’s voice.

            Jeremy grunted.

            “What now?” Cliff said, holding up the black cellphone.

            “I made a promise to my boss. I should have it fixed. Now scratch your beard.”

            “What?”

            “I mean get back to work.”

            “Oh. Okay.”