Broke-Ish [Completed]

Chapter 26

"You ever thought about working here?"

"Here?" she asks me like what I've suggested is so unreasonable

"Yeah, why not! You need a job don't you and you have a law degree and all that so why don't you just work here,"

"Sis," she shakes her head at me and returns her attention to her phone. I want to remind her that it was only minutes ago she was telling me off for having my phone out but I don't, she has enough on her plate with being unemployed and all. About that, my dear sister Gee. Gee who studied and studied at varying educational institutes, Gee saviour of the working man, rescuer of the underdog, warrior for social justice. Gee who rebukes the consumption of animal flesh, supports the rights of Bee's, actually puts the spider in a cup scoops it's disgusting stalk-like little legs up with newspaper and takes it outside instead of squashing it with an odd trainer. Gee who gives advice (often unsolicited) solves friendship dramas and boldly rides public transport as if it's the only way there is to get around, that Gee, is unfortunately, ashamedly, unemployed. Who knew? Not me, that's for sure which is a true testament to my self-involvement. See, as much as people do for others with minimal regard for themselves, there becomes a need to be seen, an urge to be recognised and in Gee's case, a strong desire to be compensated. She will deny this, of course, but the opportunity arose for her to work for a non-profit for actual profit. The lady who approached her felt Gee would be a great fit to them team, admired her tenacity and felt she "had a calling" to do the right thing. Sounds liked a cult to me but somehow she convinced Gee that there was no doubt she was the person to fill their recent vacancy which involved a similar type of work she did for free but with a salary and expenses paid (not that Gee has many, she basically lives off the land).

So, Gee prepped for the interview, waited in haste for the interview, couldn't contain her excitement for the interview. Gee flunked the interview, turned up late for the interview, mistook the manager for the cleaner at the interview, displayed that perhaps she wasn't the person they were looking for after all, suggested she may as well keep her part time and work for free jobs which she also stopped doing. Gee says she is taking the time to find out what it is that she really wants to do, and I won't even try to understand what the point of studying for millennials is only to become qualified and have to take time out to decide what you really want to do after one rejection. I really am going to have to consider her self-appointed position as CEO of my personal business if this is the attitude she has.

Rain has invited Gee to a Goddess circle, naturally, centered around reconnecting with your feminine divine and reclaiming your confidence. She thinks it's society's fault that Gee flunked the interview for all the unnatural pressures, unrealistic goals and time spans it puts on women and said it's about time Gee truly connected with the Goddess within. I don't know if I agree or disagree, but I was sure to give Gee my two cents on the menu and asked her to look out for my wandering socks (which may well be on the way to Cornwall by now) should she choose to attend.

After what felt like hours, but was likely only a few minutes, Rain comes out of the court room with her court appointed defender and his court appointed face which looked eerily similar to Mr Brick-foot but with 100% less hair. Disappointment and confusion are painted on her face as the defender fumbles around in what looks like a court appointed briefcase muttering something that floats through Rains left ear and out the right.

"Ladies," he nods as he drops Rain off and walks down the corridor in his ill fitted trousers.

"Well you're not in prison so that's a plus," says Gee.

"No, but they've assigned me community service," Rain sighs

"Cleaning up litter, making the community more habitable, I thought that would be right up your alley,"

"It's not the activity I dislike it's the fact I am being forced to do it, humiliated in a bright orange hi-vis all for defending my daughter," I lean in and give Rain a squeeze

"Orange is the new black," I say

"I'm not even sure they make you wear orange," Gee adds

"Hmm I hope I get to pick," Rain smiles, "I'd pick purple, the colour of independence.

"Independence has a colour?"

"Apparently so," says Gee holding the ten ton door open for us. Why it's necessary to have doors that require you to be a body builder to open is beyond me. We take a stroll down through Wolverhampton city centre, past the white paint smudged windows places that used to be banks or used to be shops until we reach the bus depot.

PROSECCO PEASANTS

Yaz, Kara, Liv

Yaz: So what are you gonna say

Liv: No idea, I haven't opened the message

Yaz: You may as well go my girl it isn't gonna cost you anything

Kara: It's costing her her self esteem Yaz

Yaz: It's not that deep Kaz

Liv: LOL yeah its defo not that deep Kara I just cba, been with Rain most the day and not long got back. She wants us to help her make some candles while we catch up on Coronation Street

Yaz: Coronation Street? How old are you, 57? Next you'll be telling me you watch Emmerdale

Liv: OMG is it on today

Kara: Yep

I roll over on my bed and accidentally knock Gee's elbow, I guess she lives here now although it is becoming painstakingly clear that a one bedroomed flat is not enough for two grown women and Rain. I suggested to Gee that perhaps she should move back In with Dad but the motion was denied as a) Gee still actually has a place of her own, she just prefers to be here breathing down my neck and complaining about my cold feet and b). Dad said there isn't any room for her which makes no sense whatsoever as her old room is literally still there. Still painted green and white, still has a door with a wonky handle and still has a small dent in the wall next to the wardrobe from when we though it would be a good idea to play rounders indoors!

The minute I left the interview the other day I'd convinced myself that I didn't get the job I didn't want which is fine by me as I didn't want it anyway, right? I'd settled into the idea that Reena would be my future line manager, even drawn up a long list of mental pros and cons with the pro's being the majority and mainly centred around me not having to worry too much about being on time and maybe even being able to wriggle my way out of weekend working I so detest , so I am very surprised when a number I haven't saved but recognise the 333 at the end flashes on my screen. Rob, the manager, I'd convinced myself that when I was next in work (which is tomorrow) I'd see Reena in straight leg trousers and a baggy supervisory shirt and nobody would need to say anything as the interview went so bad that there would be a general understanding that I didn't get the job and should probably never apply for anything ever again, not even those loyalties cards they try and push you to sign up for at the till when there's ten people behind you waiting to be served.

"God what is it with you and ignoring messages?" Gee mumbles, unwilling to lift her head from the pillow.

"Nothing! I'm gonna answer it now!" I lie. I had no intention of answering it, I prefer my own scenario to whatever this is. This sympathy call skating around all the reasons I haven't got the role. I can just see his head tilting to the side as he...

"Answer it!"

"Hello,"

"Alright Olive, it's Rob,"

Here we go.