New York City, November 1991
My name is Bryan Welsh. I live here in New York City.
There's nothing particularly special or exciting about me. I'm 22 years old. I'm not this awesome person with a great and flawless life. I'm not a neglected guy whose childhood and teen years were full of depression. I haven't had any life-changing experiences or moments of epiphanies. I'm no superman or some Japanese 14 year old to be granted powers and save the world along with a harem of various girls and crazy people.
I'm just an average everyday man.
I've lived here all my life. I had a basic childhood with good parents, a big brother, and a dog. Now we've moved out of the house and went on. My brother went and joined the army. He fought in the Gulf War and is back stateside for a while. I lived in a good neighborhood and had friends here and there. What more could a kid ask for? Well, now that I'm older, life isn't exactly what I hoped it would be.
Though if there's one thing about me, I am a quiet person. Most of the time I've been the silent person in my family, especially when I had no need to speak combined with a few cases of struck throat. Now I'm a healthy individual, but it happens to everyone. The silent aspect stuck with me. Now I DO talk, just rarely. A few months ago, I was looking around for a home to start with my life savings from childhood and a little 'good luck' cash from the folks. I used it on an apartment room. It had a beautiful view of the city and central park, so I scored nicely.
But with a home, comes the need for a job. Unfortunately, I haven't found one. I remember seeing all these help wanted ads and the commercials pertaining to things. I'm no special individual but I have a few skillsets; I have some experience in cars, I can manage some cash, heck I'm pretty organized and could be a waiter. I remember all these commercials coming up and appealing to me. In fact, just the other day, I saw a particular commercial about a group well known throughout the country, if not the world.
"Are you troubled by strange noises in the night?"
"Do you experience feelings of dread in your basement or attic?"
"Have you or your family actually seen a spook, specter, or ghost?"
"If the answer is yes, then don't wait another minute."
"Just pick up the phone and call the professionals. Call the…"
"Ghostbusters: We're ready to believe you!"
I remember the very first time I saw that commercial. I laughed it off. But after the city went through TWO cataclysmic events with ghosts all over the city, I thought twice. Hell I don't think I could've taken it.
It's funny you know? All our childhood we're taught there's no such thing as ghosts. Or vampires. Or zombies. Then this happens. I question myself as to why I haven't up and left the city and went to Jersey. Then I remind myself I love this city and that Jersey is full of idiots. Thank God for the Ghostbusters, even if they tend to trash the work environments.
Speaking of work, it's early November and I haven't found a job yet. I've been turned down or someone has already filled it in. Hell, I was walking down a sidewalk to the complex, slight frown on my face. Guess why. This was the 50th one. 50th! You'd think it'd be easy to find a job in a city like this! Now I was out of pending applications. I sighed, before entering the complex.
"Heya, Bryan! Sup?!" That was Roy, the owner of the complex at the receptionist desk. We've become friends as time passed and I stayed here. I gave a light chuckle and waved to him. "So, how's the application?"
I just looked down. "Are you serious?" He asked, tone changing. My expression said it all. We've repeated this process about 49 times. 50 now. "Man! Who would've thought it get harder to find a job in this city?!" I just shrugged, a slight 'huh' escaping my lips. "Take heart bro, New York is a big city. Sooner or later a job will come to you."
I smiled, hollowly at that. If only one DID come to me.
I went to my room after that. 15th floor suite. Nice setup. A single bed, kitchen, bathroom, all the basic needs. I'm sure I'd win the 'most normal apartment room' trophy if such a thing existed. The only major additions included a pic of my family from childhood, another of graduation, and a third of my brother in his army gear.
"You have… 2 new messages." The answering machine was in use by me.
"Hey Bryan, it's mother. I was just calling to check on you. See how you were doing. I heard Trent was coming back from the local fort to visit. You should meet up with us when you get a chance. I also hope you've found a job by now. It's been too long that you've been looking. Love you son, goodbye."
Oh mother, how I wish I could tell you I DID have a job now. But I don't. I pushed for the next message.
"Hey bro, it's me, Trent. I'm going on leave for a while and will be at home for a while. You should drop by, been to long since I've seen your mug. Ha! But seriously, I haven't seen you in a while. It'd be nice to see my little bro again. Call me back will you? I'm short on time here. In a line to the phone. I'll talk to you later, bye bro."
I sighed. He's lucky to have a job. I took a seat in my chair and turned on the TV. Anything on would be good. There was Rocko's Modern Life, and a bunch of other cartoons, and the show I've come to love on my down days (like now), The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I was just in time to see Jazz get thrown out. OH GOD I love those parts. For a moment, I forgot about my troubles with finding a job. For a moment anyway.
When the commercials cut in, the paranoia began to gnaw at me. How the hell was I gonna find a job before Christmas? One reason I was so desperate was Christmas shopping. What? A guy needs to buy gifts too.
"Are you troubled by strange noises in the night?"
The familiar voice reached my ears.
"Do you experience feelings of dread in your basement or attic?"
"Have you or your family actually seen a spook, specter, or ghost?"
"If the answer is yes, then don't wait another minute."
"Just pick up the phone and call the professionals. Call the…"
"Ghostbusters: We're ready to believe you!"
I sat there and looked at the TV… should I? I mean I'm not exactly the bravest person in the world. I'm no baby, but I'm fairly… skittish…
Screw it. 50 failed applications. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I picked up the phone and called.
"Ghostbusters, whaddaya want?" I took a breath before speaking.
5 days later.
It's been 5 days since I've called and been interviewed… nothing.
I'm starting to think that maybe I won't get it… I mean why would I have reason to think otherwise? I mean seriously. I may as well add 51 to my list. I was looking through the mail I got. Basic stuff, basic things. Basic basic basic. One last letter now. I opened it and found-
Wait a minute. What is this? This was a no symbol, the circle with a diagonal sign, with a ghost in it. That's the… I ripped it open and took a letter out of the envelope. Up in the corners were todays date on the right and on the left was the Ghostbusters.
Dear Rookie,
It is our pleasure to offer you the chance to join the Ghostbusters as an Experimental Equipment Technician. We believe you have the experience and skills necessary to accept this stimulating job. You will be operating our new equipment, the most cutting edge of technology.
This opportunity will allow you to join the booming and exciting business of paranormal investigations. It's a growing industry with many expanding opportunities, so right now is a great time to join.
Sincerely,
Ghostbusters Management.
… I couldn't believe it… I got a letter. And it was a letter of my application PASSING! Wait did they just call me 'Rookie?'
Ah who cares? I got the job! So they can call me whatever they want! There was another letter. They'd like me to come in tomorrow! I can do that! Normally people would scream with joy or howl with excitement. Me? I just gave some fist bumps in the air and was simply happy to finally have a job!
I'll get to work with the biggest organization in popularity since… whatever, get to use some cool toys, and bust some…
Oh that's right. I'm skittish. Well, so long as something like the Boogeyman doesn't show up, I think I'll be okay. Then again, I might blow it on the first day. No no, think positive. Positive. It's not like I'm gonna trash their fancy containment thing the first time I use the proton pack. Besides, the chances of me running into something like a monster legend like that suit-wearing white man or Cthulhu are absolutely 1 in a million.
Man, I need to take a nap.
AN: Now for those among you who are concerned with it. I know what you're thinking. Where's the next chapter to Ghosts in the Gate? Well I'll tell you my friends. Still in development. Why? Because I'm procrastinating! :D
Sorry, but it's true.