Chapter 18 " 9 to 5" (May 17 1984)
(Song suggestion: 9 to 5 by Sheena Easton)
Egon
Tuesday
My parents had four hours to visit with me on the Tuesday morning before their Chemistry conference began at NYU so they spent some time with me at the Firehouse. Ray and I made everyone breakfast, except Venkman who was still at the mystery lady's house from last night. Stantz gave us some privacy afterward so my parents could discuss my poor decision to break up with Janine.
"Darling, have you talked to a therapist," Mother questioned, scrutinizing me with a frown on her face.
"Yes, twice a month, sometimes three times," I reported, noticing the concern on her face, " Mom, please don't worry about us."
"Egon Spengler, you are my youngest. Of course, I brood about you and your happiness, especially when I discern the mistakes that you are making," she replied, putting her petite hand on my arm and squeezing it gently.
"I know what I am doing," I replied with uncertainty as noticeable in my wavering voice, and both of my parents viewed me dubiously.
"Janine didn't have to stay with us for over two hours," Father pointed out, staring at me.
"Yes, I know", I responded coldly, feeling overwhelmed by guilt that she spent her free time with my parents when we weren't together anymore.
"More guilt," I thought agonizingly, "when does it end?"
Ray had left a stack of photos that he developed on the coffee table earlier. My Dad was interested enough and viewed them. Over his shoulder, I glanced at the stack of pictures of Janine and me at various times during our relationship. My heart dropped to my stomach, and I felt nauseated.
In the first glossy photo, Janine took a picture of all three of us about two months ago in front of Ecto 1 in our uniforms before a bust. Another showcased Peter, Ray, and Janine playing poker last August with her beating the pants off us. I remembered taking the picture because she beamed in joyfulness.
The last two were my favorite. Both were from the day last October that Peter called Janine an unkind word and after I cut my hand on the glass. One showed my ex wrapping my hand carefully and me watching. The other one, we were holding hands, and Janine had her head on my shoulder with her eyes closed. In both pictures, we were obviously in love with each other
"Why were you bleeding," my concerned Mom questioned after she and my father gaped astounded at them.
"In October, Peter called Janine a bitch in front of me after they argued, and I almost hit him. I went upstairs to the lab, and punched the glass to the fire extinguisher case. Janine lovingly tended to my wounds,and her presence quieted me greatly," I responded
"It reminds me of the time that you had that second-degree burn in the lab, Dianne," his Dad remarked with a smile then my Mom simpered.
This was a story that I didn't know, and I stood up from my chair to retrieve the coffee pot. I returned to the table to refill our cups, asking to hear the whole story.
" Your Mom wasn't paying attention, and she burnt her hand. This was before we were going out," Father remembered, smiling. He took a long sip from his coffee cup.
"Enviously, I was watching you and your girlfriend, Justine, kiss and make out before she left for her next class," she pouted playfully. Raising my right eyebrow, I gave him a poignant glare, and he chuckled then cleared his throat..
"Anyway, Justine left. I heard crying from the back of the lab. We were the only ones there because Dr. Bennett had an errand to do. I investigated, and found your Mom softly crying. She had submerged her hand underwater, but she wouldn't let me view her burn," Dad described, then paused to sip his coffee.
"Naturally, I was trying to conceal the fact that I needed help because I made a silly mistake. Very soothingly, your Dad tried to make me relax," Mom interjected, and he gave her a kiss on her forehead.
" I told her silly jokes, but she wasn't laughing. Eventually, I began singing," Dad happily told the story like it just happened.
"What did you sing?" I curiously asked.
"White Christmas, it was May, by the way," Mother chimed in, giggling at the memory while tossing her black wavy shoulder-length hair. She gave my Father a cheesy grin.
"It worked, didn't it?"
"Yes, yes," Mom concurred.
"As a result, I removed her hand from the water to examine it. I found ointment in the first aid kit nearby, applied and wrapped it gingerly. Still, I sang silly Christmas songs until voila!! You were calm," he animatedly said.
" Your Mom hugged me afterward, and it was very warm. Then she intensely kissed me to my surprise, I was gobsmacked," Dad revealed, in awe.
"That was some kiss," I remarked.
"Janine kissed me like that too," I remembered silently, " but that is over."
"Egon, trust me no one was more surprised than I was by my action. It wasn the most dynamic kiss, but I know you don't want to hear about your parents' passionate kiss," my Mom declared, a dark pink blush covering her cheeks as I refocused on their story.
Shrugging, I indicated that they continue.
"The kiss that we shared told me that we both had strong feelings for each other. Something I didn't realize until then, but then it was uncomfortable," Dad commented, accordingly watching Mom drink her coffee.
"Uncomfortable? I purposely avoided you two after that," Mom exclaimed, shocked.
"Why?" I inquired.
"Two days later, I told Justine that I burnt myself in the lab and that your Dad wrapped it up. Afterward, I kissed him, and I felt extremely guilty about it," she recalled, " It wasn't his fault."
"And?"
"Justine slapped me in front of a few of her friends, and it hurt pretty badly for a while. I thought I was doing the right thing by being honest," Mom described.
" She already didn't like your Mom because she was a 'smarty pants,'" Dad started, using air quotes for the last two words.
"Let's face it, I rubbed many people the wrong way back then. My social skills were not...polished," she remarked, shrugging as she gave me a wry smile.
"Therapy helped out greatly. It's hard for some people with high IQs to act socially," Dad added, squeezing Mom's hand. She leaned over to kiss him as a result.
Draining my coffee cup, I waited for them to continue, slightly annoyed by the public display of affection.
" We were scheduled to work with Dr. Bennett that afternoon Justine slapped your Mom. She hid in the professor's office before we started, but I didn't know she was in there, crying."
"I explained what had happened," Mom recalled, "Then your Dad embraced me, and I felt so exhilarated by it."
"My heart was breaking into two as I saw your Mom sobbing," his Dad confessed, and Mom leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"When I stopped crying, I blurted out that I was in love with him. I knew it was the inappropriate time to tell your Dad," she admitted,
"However, at the same time, I felt like I had to do it right then or I would never ever do it."
"What did you say, Dad?" I questioned, feeling amazed by the story.
"Nothing at the time. I could tell that your Mom's feelings were especially robust and heartfelt. My own were increasingly baffling to me, but I admitted to myself that I experienced a tremendous tenderness towards her," he remarked, his brown eyes twinkling.
"Dad spent fifteen minutes explaining that I didn't need to apologize, and Justine was overreacting. I felt sick to my stomach. I couldn't believe that I told him how I felt," my mom sincerely described, "it was the first time in my twenty-three years that I had fallen in love."
"Then we went into the lab to assist Dr. Bennett with the experiments for that day. He had just arrived, and he didn't know what is going on," Dad informed, " I walked your Mom to the bus that she took home to make sure she was OK."
"You kissed my cheek too, honey," she remembered, with a grin.
"Later, I spoke to Justine about the incident, and she felt justified for her actions. She and I had been already arguing over foolish things for a month, and it was going to end anyway. Justine and I broke up a couple of weeks later. A month later, I shyly approached your Mother, about going on a date with me," my father elucidated.
"Wow!" I exclaimed, my eyes misting over a little.
Next, we spoke about their plans for their visit then I called for a taxi to pick up my parents because it was after eleven.
"Why don't you ask Janine for another chance," Father suggested.
"Janine was implacable about my decision being the last opportunity for us as a couple. She feels, rightfully, that I have wounded her too much in the past year," I repentantly said, running my fingers through my hair, " I know I'm at fault, and my guilt is a huge burden."
My Mom's brown eyes conveyed sadness as she spoke, "That's too bad. We liked Janine just by talking to her on the phone, but she's even more amazing in person."
"Great, more iniquity," I drily thought, with a frown, " that's fabulous."
"If you two are meant to be, it will all work out, " Dad earnestly commented, slapping my back with his hand.
"Not until I can overcome this guilt; it's paralyzing in a way. It broke Janine and me up," I revealed remorsefully.
Rising from the sofa, I informed my parents that we should go downstairs because the taxi should be here in seven minutes. They persisted in giving me unsolicited guidance about begging Janine to take me back. As I listened to their advice, I pondered it meticulously.
" We worry, and it's obvious that you two are deeply in love with each other," Mom promised as we reached the first floor.
"Yes, I know. want to help, but as I said, I have this infinite guilt for her accident," I solemnly mentioned as we strolled to the door. Opening it, I ushered them outside to a slightly warm May morning in NYC and we solidified our dinner plans for tomorrow together.
A few minutes later, a taxi pulled up to the curb. Both parents gave me an emphatic hug, one at a time.
"One thing that I learned early on was to forgive myself for my shortcomings and poor decisions. I also refuse to let guilt, remorse, and depression control me," Father advised, with a knowing look.
"Don't let it destroy you, Egon," Mom agreed.
"Yes, " I responded, giving him a half-smile.
Smiling, Dad opened the door to the taxi and allowed Mom to enter the vehicle. I waved at them and they waved back. Before I could say, "boo," the cab zipped off. I stood there for a second, pondering their advice and staring at the stars in the sky.
Next, I remembered today was Janine's last day at the Firehouse as our secretary. Peter, Ray and I had agreed to offer her a pay raise to entice her to stay on with us. It would be a huge loss without Janine for the company, and for us. My choice to end my personal relationship with our secretary was devastating, too.
Janine
My official last day to work was today, but I hadn't secured another job yet. I didn't want to leave the Ghostbusters company, but I failed to see a solution to my doomed relationship with Egon. Furthermore, I had lost the love of my life, and working with him was heartbreaking, at best. When I graduate with my degree in December, it would be easier to start my career and find a new job. Then I could recover from my horrible heartache with Egon, right?
Consequently, I had no choice but to go into HQ with my tail between my legs and beg for my job to Dr.Venkman. I, unhappily, dressed as I thought about it, slipping on a black skirt and a buttoned down red blouse.
Later, Wendy and I were eating breakfast together at the kitchen table, discussing my last day at Ghostbusters. INC.
"You haven't trained anyone, Janine, because Peter did not attempt to replace you," Wendy argued then ate a scoop of her cereal.
" I wish I were able to find a job. I'm tired of feeling anguished and resentful when I see Eg- Dr. Spengler," I bemoaned, sighing heavily.
" Dr. Spengler deserves to lose you for good to wake up. This drama has gone on long enough," Wendy stood up from the table and went to the fridge. She returned with the milk and filled up her cereal bowl.
"Egon Spengler is not worthy of you. You are three hundred times better than him. I have tried to excuse his behavior because he is a genius and doesn't know how to express himself. However, Dr. Spengler has expressed himself and his feelings with you - he can do it. I understand that he feels guilty for not protecting you, but he has gone off the deep end about it."
Wendy returned the milk to the fridge, came next to me to embrace me, and sincerely stated,
"You are a terrific woman with so many things going for you. I love you, but it's time to move on, Janine. Dr. Spengler has encouraged you to finish your degree, which thank God you are about to do in December. You don't have to be a secretary for the Ghostbusters anymore unless that's what you wanted to do," she added, smiling.
" Wendy, I am furious with him, but I love him so much—a stronger love than I have ever felt. I'm so weak when it comes to him," I cried, tears falling from my face that started at the beginning of her speech.
Determinedly, my roommate sat down in her seat again and said, "Ok. Repeat after me. I, Janine Louise Melnitz."
I repeated my name, rolling my eyes, and Wendy knew I hated my middle name.
" I will overcome my feelings for Dr. Spengler and I will move on because he isn't worthy of me. Also, I will remain professional as I continue my employment with Ghostbusters until next semester or until I find another job."
Taking deep breaths in between, I slowly repeated it word for word with her assistance and ceased crying.
"What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. I am a tough woman and I can do this easily. Let it be so," my roommate ended her affirmation for me, and I repeated it.
"Thank God for good, close friends like you," I replied.
"I'm going to type it up then you will take it to work with you," my roommate adamantly said, flipping her long blond hair.
"I could do this," I thought to myself repetitively as I put my breakfast dishes in the sink. Next, I padded from the kitchen to my bathroom to finish my make up where I found that my eyes were puffy despite my attempts to cover them up.
"That's the best I can do," I thought after I had applied my makeup and reached for my red lipstick to put on my plump lips. After blotting it on a piece of toilet paper, I threw it away in the trash can. I went into the living room to search for my backpack, where I needed to ensure I had my study materials for my finals next week. Fortunately, I had packed it last night before I went to bed. I also retrieved my tuna fish sandwich from the fridge along with a cup of yogurt, an apple, and a diet coke.
Grinning, Wendy handed me the typed-out affirmations and put them in my backpack with my lunch. As I sat on the subway into Manhattan, I read them several times.
When I made it to the firehouse for my shift at eleven, all three Ghostbusters along with Lucy were standing around Ecto One for some reason.
"Morning, sunshine," Peter cheerfully called when I walked by with a smile.
"Good morning, everyone," I replied, sitting down at my desk and starting my computer, "Dr. V, I need to talk to you when you have a moment."
He didn't respond, and I put my backpack away first. Next, I put Wendy's affirmations on my desk to view them easily.
On my desk, there was an envelope with my name on it. I instantaneously felt all eight of their eyes upon me as I opened it.
" Dear Ms. Janine Melnitz, we cannot accept your resignation at Ghostbusters Inc because you are an invaluable member of our team. Although we are entirely irritating to you almost daily, we appreciate you more than we can write here on this card. Ghostbusters Inc would not be able to survive without you. Please rethink your decision today.
Sincerely, three eccentric scientists, Peter, Ray, and Egon."
It contained a 25 gift certificate to a nearby day spa, and I gasped in shock at the kind gesture.
"I-I-don't know what to say, thank you," I stuttered then questioned, "Dr. Venkman, may I speak to you?"
Pleased, the psychologist motioned for me to join him in his office, behind my desk. I followed him trying not to be too gleeful with what just happened or honored. Naturally, I had a glow on my face. Dr. Venkman strode past me and gave me a content grin.
"We have to strike an agreement for me to stay employed here," I stubbornly remarked, lowering myself into a chair.
"Agreed," Peter said, his brown eyes showing mischievousness.
"Here are my terms: one: I get a 15 cent raise because I do your books too, two: you stop teasing me/talking about Dr. Spengler to me three: you make sure that Dr. Spengler stays away from me and limit any nonwork-related interaction for right now until things settle down with our break up," I negotiated, lifting my chin tenaciously upwards, staring him in the eyes.
"First, we all agreed to raise your pay thirty-five cents an hour for all of the additional tasks that you perform on the daily for us, including the accounting. Yes, I will not joke with you about our geekiest business partner and limit his interaction with you," Peter professionally concurred, "Is this agreeable?"
"Yes, thank you," I happily responded, smiling. "And thank you for showing me how much you all appreciate me with the card and the gift certificate. I don't know how to describe how much it means to me."
"Wendy was right; I could do this," I thought proudly and shook his outstretched hand when he offered it.
"Done, all your provisions have been met. Now we only have one," Peter sly responded, sitting up in his desk chair. Raising an eyebrow, I non verbally asked what, just like my ex-boyfriend, Dr. Spengler.
"Damn, did I pick up his habits," I thought.
"That you continue to do the bang-up job that you have done so far. This business wouldn't make it without you, and it would be two nerds and me running around the city aimlessly," Pete grinned contently.
Smiling, I shook his hand and said, "deal."
Afterward, Lucy and Ray surrounded me and explained how happy I chose to stay, and I felt quite appreciated. My ex stayed a good distance away, but he seemed relieved for me to be staying.
Egon
Since our breakup, Janine started calling me Dr. Spengler again, but the others by their first names. It was a silly little thing, but it stung. It felt impersonal, and it signaled the end of our relationship. I think that's the reason Janine chose to do it, and it hurt me deeply every time she said it.
Two weeks ago, Peter informed Ray and me that Janine wanted to resign, and the news was devastating to us. Every night since then, I said a prayer, begging God to change Janine's choice to leave, and I thank Him for making that come true.
We had discussed giving her a raise because Janine worked hard to keep the business running, and she deserved it. However, we also knew that Janine would quit eventually because she would graduate in the fall.
At least one day, I hoped she could look back and say fondly that I encouraged her to finish her degree. I also knew it would be a relatively short amount of time before Janine would start dating again and fall in love with another man. The best course of action was to stay away because I just couldn't forgive myself for my part in her getting hurt.
Lucy Stantz visited more often lately, but I wasn't exactly sure why. Sometimes I saw her and Peter trade secretive glances, almost romantic, but I couldn't be sure. Venkman constantly flirted with all women in an obvious manner, not just Lucy.
Later that day
"Why do you carry this burden on your shoulders," Dr. Tate inquired.
"I never liked the idea that Janine would go on busts in the first place, nor did she want to go. It is not safe," I answered, " And as her...Uhm..boyfriend, I feel like it is my job to keep her safe."
"Why did she go on the bust?"
"Peter insisted that she go because we need a fourth Ghostbuster, and he and Ray had been training Janine slowly since her first anniversary with the company. It's not that she can't do it, just that it's not safe," I remarked, shaking my head, " and I could have prevented her injury."
"How is that?"
"I wasn't paying attention to where she was walking. I-I should have alerted her before she fell," I began to choke up, with my voice squeaking and tears coming to my eyes.
" When I saw her on the ground, I swear my heart almost jumped out of my chest."
"But you were doing your job, right," he asked.
"Yes, I was scanning for valances," I snapped at my therapist.
"I wasn't letting her do all of the work. Peter and Ray had gone to the other bust, and we supposedly went into the 'easier one'."
"You didn't cause her injury," Dr. Tate reminded.
For the next hour, I tried to explain my desolation at my lack of action to prevent the one I loved from getting hurt. In the end, I didn't feel like it was helpful, but therapy didn't always provide results immediately.
Janine
Dear Diary,
I thought this would be a somber week because it would be the last one at Ghostbuster HQ, but boy, was I wrong? Wendy prepared me for my final day of work well.
Well, the guys threw a curveball at me by expressing their appreciation of my services to the company. They gave me a beautiful card and a gift certificate to a day spa. Peter and I negotiated a pay raise for me and some other stipulations to keep Egon at bay, at least until I had recovered from our breakup. Just when you think you know someone, they pull a wild card.
However, my internship running the small computer lab in the university is finally over. Now I only have one final to worry about for next week, and this hellish semester is over and in the books.