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“No thank you.” She exhaled in one breath.
“I’m here if you need anything, we also have great support groups if you’re interested. We have some great therapists on the island as well, free of charge of course.” Margaret picked up her pen. “It’ll be in your packet that we will send home with you if you change your mind.”
“Thank you.”
“So, you worked with clothes? Tell me about that.”
“I worked as a seamstress in a clothing shop for the last three years.” That’s where I met Ben, June excluded and pulled her hair to the right side.
“Okay, we do have a need for that. Do you think that is something you can continue doing here?”
“I guess.” Juniper's awkwardness didn’t subside.
“Juniper, I try to understand the life you left from, every person I interview struggled in some way. My goal here on the island is to bring back what the world took away. I know what we can make in this community. Do you trust me?”
“I don’t think I have a choice, but I’m optimistic.” Juniper pressed her palms together and squeezed them between her knees.
“Can you tell me if there’s anything we need to know? Allergies, mental health illnesses, or could you be running from someone?” She guessed it.
“Yes.” June’s eyes locked into Margaret's with fear. “The last one.”
“From who?” Margaret’s eyes stayed soft.
June inhaled and looked at the wall. “My now ex boyfriend.”
“Can I know why?”
“He abused me.” Her eyes glazed over staring at the table.
“I don’t want him here, and the chance he may come in contact with Jay, what is his name?”
June’s bottom lip got heavy refraining from a quiver. “Benjamin Calderon.” She looked up and Margaret noticed her eyes watering.
“I won’t let him near you Juniper, he’s not welcome here. I really think you should see some of our therapists.”
“Okay.” June dabbed at the corners of her eyes in effort to push her tears back in.
“We’ll get you where you need to be mentally, these things take time and I’m here for you.” She closed the folder. “Your roommates will be expecting you, there are three of them, very sweet girls.”
“Okay.” June thought about how she had never had a female roommate. She had her sister when she was younger and maybe it was like that.
“Are you ready for the next step?”
“I think so,” June stood up after Margaret.
“Come here.” Margaret wrapped both arms around Juniper, “You’re so welcome here.” She whispered in her hair.
Pulling away June had a teardrop down her face, “Thank you.”
“If you need anything, call me. My number will be in your phone.” She comforted her as she dabbed a tissue on her cheek. Margaret stepped into the hallway leading June deeper into the building. “You’re about to meet Amy. She is the one who will set you up with your essentials.” She turned a nob and opened the door with her body showing her age. The large room was warm and colorful. There was wall to wall clothing, hygiene items, shoes, and electronics all smashed together. “Amy?” She shouted.
A tall blonde came out of a side room finishing her bite, “I’m sorry Maggie, I always get so hungry on Placement Day.”
“I understand Amy, this is Juniper, she is ready for you.” Margaret gesturedat June.
“Hello Juniper, I am here to set you up with clothes and all that fun stuff. Are you ready?” Amy’s smile ran from June to Margaret.
“I’ll see you Juniper.” She touched her arm and Margaret escaped out the door she entered in an opening just big enough for her to slink through.
