Relieve At Last
Carl’s days in the cell were long and heavy , but he finally saw a flash of hope when he was released. He knew he had to find a new job, and fast, or risk falling back into the darkness of homelessness.
He was released alongside few men . Carl had made friends with one of the guy in the cell and he was also released the same time he was released.
As he walked out of the police station, he stood at the front of the police station thinking of the next step to take and where to go .
” Carl !” He heard a familiar voice called his name.
It was the new friend he met in the cell .
“What’s up Dude?” Carl asked him .
” I’m good carl . So what do you plan on doing and where do you plan on going after leaving this place “. James his new friend asked.
” I don’t know James, I am stranded . ” Carl replied . ” At some point I wished I wasn’t released from the cell , at least I still had somewhere to stay and people to talk to “Carl said .
“Why would you wish you weren’t released from the cell ?”
” If I should explain to you from now till next tomorrow, you can’t understand James ” Carl said.
” What do you mean?”James asked.
“Just forget about it James. So where are you heading to now ?” Carl asked James.
” You know I told you I live in a small studio that I rented before I was arrested by the police so I will just go back there and continue with my job ” James answer.
” Sorry James, I forgot the kind of job you said you are Into ” Carl said.
” I work at home. I repair spoilt gadgets for people and get at least few dollars to fed myself and pay for the studio ” James said .
“Oh , that’s nice james” Carl commended .
” Carl if you don’t mind, you can stay with me for the main time ” James offered.
Carl wasn’t expecting to hear that from James . He was reluctant to accept the offer because he didn’t want to get himself into trouble just like the first time he stayed with Alex and his friends.
James could see that Carl was reluctant to accept his offer..” oh , is it because of the story you told me about ?” James asked.
” Which story is that ?” Carl had forgotten that he told him what happened between him and Alex .
” Alex’s story “James replied.
” Oh , that? . To be honest James , I’m afraid” Carl confessed.
“I totally understand you Carl , but I’m just trying to help. I am not like Alex and his friends I promise. You can even confirm ” James said.
Carl felt relieved and accepted his offer . ” Thank you very much James I really appreciate it. I make sure not to cause any trouble or make you uncomfortable” .
Deep down, Carl was so happy that he now has someone to call his friend.
They both walk happily to James apartment. On getting to the apartment, it was so tiny that it was barely enough for James to use but since they are both men and they didn’t have a lot of stuff , they could manage.
Few days after moving in with James, he introduced Carl to one of his friends who got him a job in a club as a bartender .
Carl was happy . Working as a bartender would be so easy for him now because he now had experience.
To his surprise, he was hired at the spot, and began working as a bartender in the club. The work was kinda tough, but Carl was determined to make a new life for himself.
As Carl worked at the club, he noticed a young lady regularly arguing with the other bartenders and causing a scene. One night, she stormed up to the bar, demanding a drink and berating Carl for not serving her fast enough.
“You’re so slow and incompetent!” she yelled, her voice echoing through the club.
Carl, tired of her constant belittling, stood up for himself. “I’m doing my best, ma’am. You don’t have to be so rude.”
The young woman’s eyes flashed with anger. “How dare you! You’re just a worthless bartender. I’ll have you fired for this!”
The argument escalated until the club’s manager intervened, warning the young lady to calm down or leave. The young lady stormed out, leaving Carl shaken but relieved.
The other bartenders were so proud of Carl , nobody had been able to confront the young lady aside him .
For weeks, the young woman avoided the club, and Carl thought he had seen the last of her. But one night, she returned, her attitude unchanged. Carl braced himself for another confrontation, but instead, Sophia surprisingly apologized for her past behavior.
“I was going through a tough time,” she explained. “I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.
” No matter what you might be going through ma’am, you shouldn’t take it out on people like that , we are all going through a lot too ” Carl said to the woman.
” I totally understand, thank you very much. From now on , I will learn to adjust my behavior and try my best not to hurt others with my behavior ” she promised.
Carl accepted her apology, and they began to work together more cordially. The lady still had her fiery moments, but already understands that , that is the way she has learnt to behave. Carl was soon getting used to her behavior that he was the only one that can attend to her amongst all the other bartender.
As time passed, Carl noticed the lady’s rough exterior hid a complex and vulnerable person. He found himself curious about her story and wondered what secrets she kept hidden behind her tough facade.
Carl know that there is always a story behind everybody’s behaviour and way of life. Carl was so curious to know what was behind her story but he had no time to have a proper discussion with her . They only meet at the club when she comes around.