The Bump

For the next few days, I concentrated mainly on looking for work.

I wrote my fingers raw filling out application after application.

I think the problem lay in the area where experience was listed. It was the fact that I didn't have any. A setback that needed to be remedied.

My nightmares have returned with a vengeance robbing my much needed rest. I woke with a gasp, just before the fist connects my head.

I kept trying just the same to stay focused and continue to look for work, hoping to gain that all important experience. After all, how does a person get experience if no one will hire you! 

Other than dreams, my week went by blessedly free of drama until... 

CRASH!!! That sound ran rough shod through my mind, made me think for a split second that I was back at home again.

I could hear furniture and glass breaking, thumps and banging. It was coming from upstairs.

I could hear Mr. D's voice rise and fall in rapid-fire succession while his wife kept hers low, measured and even. I listened for sounds of distress from Mrs. D. My legs quivering knowing and intervention was required.

I stiffened as sounds of distress came barreling down the stairs to assault my senses. 

Mrs. D's request was the only thing stopping me from launching up the stairs. I listened intently until the noise quieted down again. This I did for the remainder of the night knowing full well the danger of severe escalation. 

In the morning Mrs. D came down the stairs and looked at me with a concerned expression.

"Joo hear?" She asked.

I nodded.

"My husband is upset about de bills. He does not think be can afford guest."

I felt instantly guilty. "I'm so sorry I haven't more to give you." I said, "I'm looking hard for work. When I get a job, I will hand over the first pay to you."

"Not your fault, I ask you here." She responded. "Maybe meal time I bring to you down food. He not see you so much...calm him down."

"I can go. I'm so sorry, I never meant to cause you trouble."

"Joo wait, husband get money soon, he will be smiles." He is...how you say..."

"Cheap?" I clapped my hands over my mouth horrified I said that and looked over at her.

She laughed,"Jess cheap." Laughing some more. Okay you stay, talk later."  She chuckled on her way up the stairs. "Cheap...haha."

***

By the end of the week, I started thinking more about the guy I crashed into at McDonalds.

"A teenage place...maybe it is fun and not like the other clubs." I thought.

I so needed conversation with someone my age. A short amount of time to blow off steam. Take my mind off of serious matters. Just do something strange and unusual like have fun.

Another day went by and I finally screwed up the courage to phone. I dialed the number which immediately rang.

I almost dropped the phone back in its cradle when a woman's voice answered. I asked for B.

"Yes," she said. "Just one moment."

"Hello?" B answered."Ah...hi. We met last week at McDonalds?"

"Ya the collidee and I'm the collider." He chuckled. "How're ya doin'?"

"Ok thanks, you?" I replied.

"Good. You change your mind about Bumpers?" He asked.

"Ya, I was just wondering if..."

"If I was going?" He finished for me. "Say no more. Where you at, I'll pick you up."

I gave him the address.

"Cool we can do the bump and the hustle." He said.

"What?" I said.

"Forget it, we'll play air hockey." He responded.  "See you 'round 8." "Ok...see you later," and I hung up.

"Well," I thought. "Can't walk down the road unless you use your feet."

In the shower I dared to hope, "Maybe, things will get better."

"Maybe...."