Chapter 5: Sympathy
Buzz came in one day at the end of the day. Maria would see Buzz' true side that day. "How are y'all doin?" Buzz asked. The employees responded and so did Maria. It was at that moment the Grey Fox walked over to Maria. "So I hear you have messed up quite a bit, haven't you?" asked Buzz. "Well, I suppose you could say that," Maria said a bit worried what Buzz would say. "Normally I'd call anyone who messed up many times a complete amateur but since your new, I'll cut you some slack," Buzz said. He then walked over to Glenn and kicked over a trash can. "Where is your damn brain Glenn?!" he shouted, "You trying to make me look like I run a circus?! Because of you, these amateur employees are making me and the business of Marlon's look like fools!" "I umm, I'm sorry," Glenn said a bit nervous, "You know how it is with me." "Oh don't you start with another sob story again," Buzz angerly, "Pick up this trash can for me because it's clear as water that your rusty brain needs some exercising or you just need a new brain period."
After that, Buzz left and so did the other employees to head home. Except for Maria who stayed for some time as Glenn picked up the trash can that was kicked over by Buzz. "What are you still doing here Maria?" asked Glenn. "I justed wanted to know if you are okay," she replied. Glenn sat down at one of the seats with tables and so did Maria. "I honestly ain't," he said, "Buzz just picks on me constantly. He thinks he's some kind of king and takes it out on me or on you guys." "I think you get the worst of it though," Maria said, "And to be honest, I think I see why you are so down all the time. Before I left my country to go here, I used to be a downer because my parents were very neglectful. They hated almost everything I did and were never satisfied with anything. The only support I had to keep me on my feet was my friends and teachers. When I had enough currency, I left to come here to start a new life."
Glenn looked at Maria in shock. "Oh my gosh," he said, "I never knew and I am really sorry to hear that. If it makes you feel better, I can tell you my side of my life. Maria nodded, and was ready to listen to what Glenn had to say. "My family never exactly hated me but they certainly saw me as rather weird and more of an outcast," Glenn began, "My brothers weren't much better, they often called me Gloomy Glenn. Eventually, I needed a job in order to pay rent at my parents place so I went to work here as an assistant manager Marlon's because it had a decent enough pay. Then of course there's Buzz, who just bullies me whenever any of you guys mess up but I think you may have already knew that. Either way, I am sorry for not being clear with you about things. I should have realized that you were new and needed my guidance. I just hope you can forgive me." "You are forgiven," Maria said.
They both got up from their seats and before Maria could do anything else, Glenn gave her a hug. Maria was rather surprised by this not expecting him to do that. "Thank you," Glenn said softly, "I haven't had anyone say that to me in a long time." Maria was unsure what to say other than, "Uhh, your welcome?"
From there, relations between them seemed to get a lot better. Despite Buzz still being a bully to Glenn, Maria helped Glenn ignore whatever Buzz had to say. They were very good friends for a long while. Little did they know that this friendship would turn into something more in the future...
To be continued in the next chapter...
(Chapter 5 published 5/23/21)