I AM JOBLESS [PAGE 5]

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I didn't tell you, but when I really need to relax, I smoke. Yeah, say it, "bla bla bla...your lungs, your liver... you'd die young..." That's your problem; but a stick of cigarette does the job and right now, I need that. If she doesn't like it, she'd say so. I'm just going to dip my hand in my pocket and bring out my pack. You never can tell, she may smoke with me. "Do you mind me smoking in your office?" I asked. "Do you always smoked when you see people in their office?" She quizzed. "Is that 'no' or a 'yes'?", intending to have my way. "If it makes you happy, by all means, light up", she said. I said, "thanks", already going for my lighter.

"So, what does a Jobless Rush do all day?"She asked me. I froze for a moment, trying to digest the straight-to-the-point-question. "That's harsh, the way you put it; 'Jobless Rush', you don't have to say it like that", I replied. "Really, don't I?", she questioned. "Did you come here to hear the truth about yourself or to be pampered like you've got everyone doing in the last...how many years of your life?" She asserted.

Ok, that's definitely an annoying way to talk to a man. This lady just spoke to me like she knows anything about me. Why on earth is she talking to me like my grandmother. I spoke up, "Is this how harshly you talk to people when they come to see you?"  "It's only harsh if the truth worries you. There's nothing I said that you didn't say first. Maybe you just don't like the sound of it coming from someone else."  She said. Ok, this is interesting, now, this is a new twist to this sweet looking woman. Maybe she not so sweet, after all. "You won't understand, you probably have never been jobless all your life" I said, still holding my unlit cigarette. "What's not to understand about being jobless. It's simple enough to be understand by a child. It just means you wake up and decide not to be useful to anyone till nightfall and then you go to bed and repeat the same thing the next day. So, what's not to understand about being jobless." She questioned.

Wow, this woman is walking dagger. She is bow and arrow in one. I shouldn't say this, but I've never been more insulted in my life. Right now, I have lost my desire for a smoke. I think she's evil. If I remembered correctly, from a couple of stories I heard about Jesus; he was a kind, loving fellow and tender with people. This lady, whatever her name is, has no kindness in her. She is rude. She is heartless and harsh.

"But I can help you get a job if you're serious about getting one." She mumbled. I Don't think I heard right. "What did you say?" I asked. "You heard me, if you're serious about getting a job, I'd help". She said. My brain disk felt like it was spinning out of balance. 'Confused'; I guess is what it's called when you think you're clear about something but you're not. Do I want this lady to help me? Do I want anything from someone who's able make me lose my smoke appetite in one statement? Do I really want anything to do with this woman? She stood up from her chair and before I could think I was up too. She said, "I take your silence to mean you're not serious about getting a job..." I broke in, "But I'm serious, I'm very serious but I will..." She picked her jacket, pulled out a card and handed me. "That's my number on the card, call me at 7am, tomorrow; we'll see what happens from there" . She escorted me through her office to the door. "I'll be expecting your call at 7am tomorrow. Goodnight". As she closed the door, she said with a smile, "I hope you'll call".

I stood there for a bit, wondering what happened in there; still clutching my cigarette, I dropped it. Her voice kept ringing in my head; "I hope you'll call". That voice again. Who is this woman? I held her business card up and read her name loud, "Dr Mo Johnson".

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