Desolation

Chapter Three

JOSEPHINE

I've got Ten minutes to get ready before I need to leave. Dammit what the hell am I going to wear? All my clothes are either sweatpants and hoodies or t-shirts. Maybe my mother will let me wear one of her blouses. I'm sure she will love that, the fact that I'm going to this stupid thing and that I'm wearing something not depressing.

I hurry on down the stairs to my mother's room. She's got a big walk in closet filled top to bottom in designer clothing; she's even got all of her outfits color coordinated. I roll my eyes at her organization skills and look for something to wear. I quickly gravitate towards a blue dress with white buttons down the front. I'm sure it will look hideous on me I sigh, holding it up to my figure. I reach to the other side of the closet and grab some shoes to match, nothing fancy just some black flats. I'm really terrible at picking out clothes so I hope to god I look somewhat acceptable.

Minutes later I hear my mother's voice calling me in the kitchen.

"Honey, what are you doing in my closet?"

"Um....I...umm maybe decided to go to the job orientation, and as you know I don't have any nice clothes to wear, can I borrow this?" I say holding up the blue dress.

She looks at me and smiles "Yes sweetheart of course, I'm just so glad you changed your mind!"

I roll my eyes at the thought of giving into her.

Looking at the clock, I notice I have no time to fix my hair. 'Just great' I muster under my breath. Quickly splashing cold water on my face I throw my hair up and walk out the door.

It's November which means it's really cold outside and stupid me didn't have enough time to warm up the car. So my drive to the hardware store was bitter, just like my attitude. God this sucks, why am I even going to this? I could really talk myself out of going in about three minutes but the drive there only takes about two. I still can't believe out of all the jobs she could have gotten me, it was a damn hardware store.

I pull up to the parking lot and suddenly the butterflies start to hit me. Nausea sets in. I really don't want to walk in there. I should just pull away right now; I wouldn't have to worry about feeling this way then! That's me though, always running away from things that scare me." Dammit Josephine!" my subconscious yells, "walk your ass in there!".

I really hate her.

Taking a deep breathe I look over at the clock. 9:55. Shit. Can I do this? Ugh I really want to throw up at the thought, It's just one day right? I can handle a few hours of this and then race back to my dungeon....One day just to please my mother and then I won't come back.

I reach for the door and feel the cold breeze hit my face, it feels good against my flustered skin. Light snowflakes start to fall as I look up at the sky. For a second it's almost peaceful. I did park somewhat close to the door so my walk isn't long. As soon as I enter the building I'm hit with a strong smell of sawdust and rubber. To my surprise I actually like the sent. The inside is full of everything the male species could possibly want, Paint, wood, tools. Things again, I know nothing about. I roll my eyes and walk to the back of the store.

A nice woman with short red hair greets me. I'm so glad she did too; I would have had no clue where to go or who to talk to.

She holds out her hand to shake mine

"Well hello there! My name is Annie, I'm the HR manager, are you here for the group job training?"

My heart stops. "Group" holy shit, I have to train with a group of people! My body starts to shake.

"Um....yes" I say with little confidence just wanting to turn around and leave.

"Awesome! You're just in time! We were just about to get started." She points to a seat; I already don't like her annoying high pitched voice. It sounds like a dying chipmunk.