I approach the Barista at the coffee shop that’s basically nothing more than an outdoor food stand.
Alida: Hi…how are you? I was wondering if you guys are hiring.
As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I hear a chuckle behind me…
I turn and look to see a guy about my age standing there with sunglasses and long locs.
Alida: Why is that funny?
Unknown Guy: You know nothing about how small towns work, do you? That’s not the way you find a job around here.
Alida: Well if you know how it works…help me rather than criticize. I’m desperate here!
The guy begins walking, so I follow him.
Unknown Guy: People here don’t hire people that they don’t know…unless they really, really need to. But from time to time, you can go to the advertising board and luck up on a job listing.
Alida: Nice! Where can I find the advertising board?
Unknown Guy: It’s right behind the coffee shop, next to the vending machine. I’d check there if I were you!
Alida: Oh my Gawd! Thank you so much. I’ll check it now.
Unknown Guy: No problem…and good luck. Welcome to Strangerville.
I step away and walk around the corner to check the board.
I find the board and sure enough, there are some ads for jobs there. There are some that I know I’m not qualified for…like secretary and librarian, but there’s one that intrigues me. It’s on a yellow slip of paper and all it says is “tough gal or guy needed” with a cell number and a contact named…JJ.
Tough is something I’ve been forced to be all my life. It’s practically my middle name. I immediately send JJ a text. Just as I receive a message back with an address and a time to meet up tomorrow…something dawns on me. I know who the guy who directed me to the advertising board is. His name is Q…and I met him a long time ago at the gym. He looks a lot different, but his mannerisms are all the same. And he was just as helpful to me today as he was trying to be that day.
I was so mean to him that day. So much so, that I still feel like I owe him an apology. I hurry back around the corner…hoping he’s still there, but he’s already gone. We’re in the middle of nowhere…I have no idea how he could disappear on me that quickly. Oh well…all I can do is hope to get another chance to apologize soon.
Michael approaches me as soon as I get home.
Michael: I need your help with something.
Alida: What is it?
Michael: I need you to get Mama Nadine to come to the garage right away.
Alida: Why…what’s wrong?
Michael: It’s her birthday! Did she tell you that this morning when you were talking?
Alida: *shocked* No! She didn’t mention it at all.
I immediately feel bad, given all that she’s done for me. I didn’t even know that it’s her birthday too.
Michael: You know how secretive she can be. Anyway, the others and I have planned a surprise for her in the garage. We just need you to get her there. She won’t suspect anything if it comes from you.
Alida: Um…okay. I’ll try.
I find Mama Nadine in the laundry room, trying to deal with a leaky washing machine. I try to think of a way to get her to the garage right away without scaring her. I say the first thing that comes to mind.
Alida: I heard some crying coming from the garage when I got home. I think one of the twins might need you!
Mama Nadine immediately drops what she’s doing and hurries to the garage without hesitation. I follow her, feeling bad about lying.
She’s relieved when we arrive in the garage and she sees that the twins are fine. In fact, they’re there with Michael and Darwin as they all shout, “Happy Birthday!”
Mama Nadine looks around to see the banner and balloons that are set up. There’s even a lit birthday cake on a table.
Mama Nadine: You guys set this all up for me?
Mama Nadine walks over to the cake, makes a wish and blows out the candles. Then she ages up as we all throw confetti and sing ‘Happy Birthday’.
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
