The Ex-Con

Chapter 2: Getting A Fresh Start

Wednesday November 21st, 2007

6:30am

Tahime

I jumped up, sweating, looking around, taking a second to realize where I was, I knew I was alright. I was in my room at Mr. Bullard's house. I got up out of the bed and went towards the bathroom to take care of my morning hygiene, I knocked on the bathroom door.

"Hello, is anyone in there?" It was no response so i went into the bathroom. "I can't believe i'm here, i'm going to make the best of this second chance." I said out loud. I finished brushing my teeth and I hopped in the shower for about 10 minutes and then got out. I went downstairs and I looked in the living room, I didn't have a good feeling. "Mr. Bullard are you down here?" I went over and seen a note on the table.

{Note}

Mr. Perry i'm leaving this note to let you know that i'm leaving for the morning. I left a envelope in the living room on the table for you, in there you'll find some money, nothing but $50 to get a phone, or if you needed some extra money for food. Also be sure to look in the newspaper and try to find a job."

{End Of Note}

So now i had $250 to spend on food and clothes and a phone, not a fancy phone, a flip phone, i don't know where i could go to get some clothes, but i know i could probably go to the family dollar or a food lion nearby and get food. I left the boarding house around 7:30am or so and headed down to Ray's BBQ shack and went to see what Ray was up to. I got there and the smell of food hit my nose, instantly i got hungry. Ray seen me and we talked for awhile and then i ordered some Waffles and eggs with a side of bacon. I talked to him about getting a job and asked if he was hiring. He said no but he's heard of some openings at Booker T Washington High school. I told him i'd go and check it out. After spending about 45 minutes at Ray's BBQ shack i started walking to the High School. It was no more than a few minutes walk since it was right around the corner. Once I got into the high school i was hit with memories, both good and bad, about my life. I went to the principal's office. I got there around 8:30am. It was still in the same place and I asked to speak to the principal.

"Hello, my name is Tahime Perry." I said as I walked into her office.

"Mr. Perry you need no introduction. I'm Sandra, Sandra Crane." She said. "Your reputation precedes you, I've heard things about you, both good and bad." She said. Your trophies are still plastered in the school's trophy case, some people haven't been able to touch what you've done. But a lot of people know about your past, and your history, myself included, it was the talk of the town back in the day." She told me.

"Well then i guess you'd know that i've just gotten out of prison and i'm looking for a job." I hung my head down in shame, in shame of my past, in sadness and anger.

"Yeah ...but you're a convicted felon, and i can't hire a felon...."

"Before you go any further i know where this is going, but for the record i got involved with the wrong crowd, i've made mistakes, and i've paid for them over the past 20 years, i just want to get a fresh start, i'm 36 years old, most of my life passed by me, i've been to hell and back and i've hit rock bottom, i just want a fresh start, a second chance." I told her.

"I know ...but i have to think of the safety of other students and even staff here. I mean how would it look if i hired a felon and then something happen, i could be held liable for that, and i could have my job put in jeopardy, i mean i know it's rough out there, trust me i know. I've seen family members i care about go through some rough times in life, i have and it's pretty messed up.....but i do believe in second chances, and i'd be willing to give you one. I have an opening as a Janitor, maybe you can start later on today?"