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I think.
I hope.
And tuition. Hence the job interview today as well. Probably a pipe dream, but I need something to hang on to.
More importantly, after all that, I’ve gotta make sure I get my dad to see a doctor. He’s the only family I have, we’re all each other’s got.
If anything ever happened to him…
The thought makes me shiver.
“I gotta run, dad. I’ll be back after lunch and then I’ll drive you to the doctor myself. Okay?” I ask, relieved to see him agreeing for a change.
“Another job interview?” he asks, that crushed look playing across his face again.
A few years back, he wouldn’t have even allowed it. His baby girl looking for work. Now we both know how much we need the extra money.
I feel rotten about not mentioning the whole college thing, but it would only upset him.
“Keys?” he asks offering his car as I scoop up my backpack.
“Bus is quicker downtown, dad. Last time I missed out while looking for parking,” I remind us both as he nods quietly.
“Be back soon. Love ya,” I tell him, feeling a tightness in my own chest as I close the door.
Almost like I’m leaving for good or something terrible’s about to happen.
I tell myself that’s silly. Just nerves and in no time focus on my stitch instead as I run for the bus, ignoring the kids from the street as they tease me.
Nothing new there. I’ve heard it all before. Far from athletic, and not inheriting my dad’s genes for a slim figure I’m used to the snide comments. The looks and the downright horrible things people say to heavier girls.
My interview at the coffee house doesn’t go so well either, with a quick glance up and down even though we’re seated, it’s the first question.
“You okay to be on your feet for long periods?”
Straight out of the box, it’s more important than any experience I have which includes being a kick-ass barista.
“I’m good on my feet,” I hear myself reply. Trying not to sound offended.
My interviewer is the manager.
She sounded nice enough over the phone, but up close and personal I can’t help but stereotype after being given the same treatment.
She’s all boobs and hair. Not much else going on below and certainly not a lot floating between her bleached bangs either.
Kind of Malibu Barbie meets frappe latte with a double hit of pumpkin spice out of season, drizzled with caramel syrup.
Just. Ew.
The one thing we have in common is the look of disdain for each other instantly and I just know this interview is a waste of time.
Being a franchise, they have to follow through to keep it equal for all applicants, but once I leave with a grimacing smile and catch her rolling her eyes I know it’s a wasted morning.
The college interview panel is much more forgiving, nodding a lot, and seemingly impressed with my GPA despite not having finished my original courses.
“We understand the dynamics of subject choice, Ms. Partridge. And your application is looking like it’s floating to the top of our pile. Even qualifying for a scholarship, which we encourage you to apply for…”
Its music to my ears, making me feel like I need never pour a single latte for Barista Barbie witch boss ever.
“We’ll need to confer… but if you’re free after lunch? We’d love to have you back to go over some options.”
The panel nods in agreement and I’m walking on a cloud once I leave, floating to the nearest deli for a sandwich and something calming, like an herb tea.
It feels like only moments after I finish a grilled cheese sandwich and am sipping my chamomile tea when I get a call.
I assume it’s one of the doctors from the panel interview I was just at.
“Ms. Partridge? Doctor Javier-”
But I’m so excited, I butt in. “I’ll be back as soon as you need me, I’m only around the corner,” I tell him.
“Uh… Ms. Partridge? Dr. Javier from Mercy State hospital. I’m sorry to have to tell you… It’s your father, he’s been admitted to our ER department. We need you to come down as soon as you can.”
I almost drop the phone, and in a second I realize everything I felt earlier was right.
I should never have left him. I should never have gone to that stupid interview or the college panel. I should have taken the car at least.
Now I have to make my way across town, missing everything else. My chance at a scholarship.
But I can only think of my dad.
Why, oh why did I leave him this morning? I should have driven him to the ER myself.
You saw how he looked.
Idiot!
Chapter Two
Mark
The director of the largest hospital in the state, the board of cardiology, and even my own accountant are adamant.
“You need a vacation, Mark. A long one. Twenty years of service is admirable but you need a holiday. That’s an order!”
