Stephen walked up to the receptionist's desk at the hospital several days later. The receptionist smiled. "So it seems the day has come for you to be released."
Stephen shook his head. "It is."
The receptionist typed a few keys into the computer and shook her head. "Alright then. It's in the system that you've been released. Good luck raising Faith."
"Thank you."
Stephen rushed out of the hospital, glad he didn't have to use crutches anymore. Ever since he met Faith, Stephen was vigorously applying for jobs. He had gotten an interview today, and was on his way to the interview.
Soon, Stephen walked into a clothing store and into the offices. There, he met a secretary. "My name is Stephen Kubiak. I'm here for the interview I was scheduled."
The secretary shook her head and motioned to a chair. "I'll let her know you're here. Please sit down while you wait."
Stephen shook his head and did as he was instructed. The secretary left her desk and disappeared into the halls. Soon, she reappeared and sat down at her desk. "She'll be with you in a few moments."
Stephen shook his head and sighed. This is it…I HAVE to get a job to support Faith…
Soon, a slightly overweight woman appeared. "Stephen Kubiak I assume?"
"Y—yes."
"My name is Lisa Hury. I'll be conducting your interview. Please follow me."
Stephen got up from the chair and followed Lisa into her office. Lisa motioned to a chair across from her desk. "Please sit down."
Stephen shook his head and, again, sat down. "So Stephen, why did you apply for a job here at Clothes Galore?"
"Well, I have some…sudden expenses that need to be paid."
"What kind of expenses?"
"Well…taking care of a child."
"Oh? Child support?"
"No…not exactly. Her mom is in a coma, and I'm raising her baby until she wakes up."
Lisa's eyebrows were raised, and she looked at him?"
"What made you decide to do that?"
"Well…that is kind of personal…"
Lisa shook her head. "Understandable. Now, barring the fact that you need a source of income, why should I hire you? What can you bring to the workplace?"
"I'm a hard-working person. I do what is required of me and then some. I'm friendly and courteous…and…I can make sure the customers are happy."
Lisa wrote something down on a piece of paper. "Alright…now, tell me, how would you handle this situation?"
The interview continued for several minutes. Finally, Lisa put her pen down and looked at Stephen. "Alright then. Stephen, I've heard what I wanted to hear. I'll call you tomorrow to tell you if you got the job or not."
"Alright. Thank you Mrs. Hury."
Lisa shook her head. Stephen got up from the chair and rushed out of the offices. Standing outside, Stephen sighed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
Stephen took out a piece of paper from his pocket, a map to his new apartment. A couple of hours later, he was standing in an already furnished apartment. So this is where I'm living now…
Looking around the apartment, Stephen observed everything, making sure that everything was to his liking. Satisfied, Stephen collapsed on the couch, letting the events of the day sink in. Soon, Faith will be living here…I have to make sure I have this job!
Lisa looked at the paper she had written about Stephen and sighed. Lisa's secretary walked into the room. "I have the financial report ready. We made a considerable profit last period."
Lisa shook her head. "That's good news."
"What are you looking at?"
"Ah, just a little report I wrote about Stephen."
"The person you had the interview with today?"
"Yes. He seems like he would be a good fit…but…"
"'But' what?"
"He lacks a work history. Even though he has a good motive to work, I don't know how well he would do."
"It's ironic, really."
"What do you mean?"
"Employers want employees with work history, so they can further delve if they are a good worker or not. However, if no one hires someone without a work history, how is he supposed to get one?"
"…you have a good point…"
"Anyways, I have some more paperwork to do. I'll see you later."
Lisa nodded as the secretary left the room. She is correct in what she said…should I hire him?
Stephen finished eating a burger he bought from a fast food place. Throwing away the trash, Stephen stretched and yawned. I should be going to bed…
Going to the bathroom, he was going to brush his teeth when he remembered he didn't have a toothbrush. "Dang it…I have to go to the store tomorrow to buy some essentials…but I don't have too much money to spare yet…"
Stephen sighed and crawled into his bed. After an hour of his thoughts floating wildly across his mind, Stephen drifted off to sleep.
Stephen was punched, getting thrown back into the wall. "Ow! That hurt!"
The kid standing before him smiled. "I'm happy it did. That will teach you not to get in my site again!"
The kid walked away, leaving Stephen there, slowly getting up. "Why do I have to be so weak…I would teach him a lesson!"
Stephen was surprised when a familiar voice came from behind him. "Then get stronger."
Turning around, he saw Carmella standing behind him. "Carmella! W—were you there the whole time?"
"I just got here…but I can tell what happened."
Stephen sighed. "I can't get stronger…my dad is too busy with work, and my mom won't let me do anything else but study at home. I can't get stronger that way…"
"Maybe I can train you here at school?"
"Huh?"
"That settles it! Starting tomorrow, I'm turning you into a macho man!"
"M—macho?"
Carmella giggled. "Anyways, that's tomorrow. Race you to the swing set!"
The alarm blared through Stephen's ears. Jumping out of bed, he rushed over to the clock and shut off the alarm.
That dream…wasn't a dream…it really happened…years ago…
Walking into the bathroom, he looked into the mirror. "Okay…I have a busy day today. I'm getting a call telling me I have the job, and I have a lot of errands to do!"
Stephen turned on the shower and stepped in, ready to tackle the day.
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