Episode 16: Finding Peace
CHAPTER 1: NO WORK FOR FELONS
"I think I would be a good asset to this company." Lucy was interviewing for a position for a secretary at an insurance company. "I can type really good, leave messages, and handle appointments."
The guy running the insurance company looked at her with trepidation. He asked, "What were you in prison for, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Assault and Battery," said Lucy.
"I'm sorry, but we can't have anyone with a bad temper working here," said the man, not showing any kind of emotion. "What if you were to get upset about how a client is acting towards you?"
"Well I am on medication," offered Lucy. "I was diagnosed as being bipolar."
"I see. Well I do wish you luck on whatever you're doing or will do, but I'm afraid it's a 'no' from us. Good day, Ms. Van Pelt."
An hour later…
"Well to work in this restaurant, you have to have patience and be able to deal with unruly customers who may get upset about their meal," said the Maître 'D at a fancy restaurant to Lucy. "Are you sure with your history of anger and rage that you wouldn't haul off and beat someone up?"
"Never mind!" said Lucy, losing hope.
Another hour yet…
"You've got to be kidding, right?" laughed the boss of a spa. "Me? Hire a convicted criminal out on parole?! Is this one of those hidden camera shows or something?! Someone HAD to set this up! Susan, did you set up this prank?! You KNOW my policies on folks with criminal records, doncha?!" Lucy didn't even bother to say "goodbye"; she just walked out as the man rattled on about the impossibility of him hiring a felon.
Later at Ray's Diner, Lucy was drowning her sorrows in a root beer float made by Mary. Pat was taking a break, as the diner wasn't too busy that day.
"It's like you get a criminal record and you're lock out of any job," sighed Lucy.
"Hang in there, Lucille," assure Pat. "You'll find something soon."
"Are you guys hiring at all?" asked Lucy.
"We just got pretty well-staffed here," said Mary. "Ray probably would've hired you had you come sooner, but we're all set."
"Damn!" groaned Lucy.
"Have you've tried applying at the library where your brother works?" suggested Pat.
"Are you kidding?" said Lucy. "Like the library would hire a felon like me."
"Well with Linus being your brother, he COULD put in a good word for you," Mary stated. "Also you wouldn't have to deal with patrons at the library. You could work in the back area."
"Maybe," said Lucy, thinking what had she got to lose at that point. "I'll ask Linus if they're looking for anyone. Right after I finish this yummy float."
"By all means, my dear," said Mary, smiling. And the women discussed more of Lucy's job hunting woes.
NEXT CHAPTER: HEALING THE WOUNDS