I love my job
The knocking on the door won’t quit. Burying myself deeper into the mattress, I pull the covers tighter around me and sigh dreamily.
Someone
“Belle, get your *** up! Did you forget what today is?”
My eyes snap open and I gasp. It's Drew
Running down the hall to the front door, I undo the latch and swing the door open. An annoyed looking Drew stands there. He takes one look at my body and his mouth gapes. Brow furrowing, I look down
I don’t like to sleep in anything too bulky. A comfortable bra and panties are my usual bedding combo. Running back to my room, I hear Drew chuckle.
Belle
Laugh it up, Drew! You’ll get yours.
Drew is a fellow case worker, and I forgot – I f**king forgot – that we need to be in court early this morning.
I moved to Australia from the US when I was eighteen. My foster mom took care of me from the time I was sixteen, and when her health started to decline, she wanted to move to be closer to her family. Being Australian born, that’s where she was headed, and I accepted that I was losing my mama. Only, that’s not what happened. After days of being depressed over her impending departure she stated
Caroline (fl mother)
You need to pack your things into boxes so I can send them ahead of us. You should only keep a suitcase full of clothes. I’ll make sure I don’t send everything too early, but I still want our stuff to meet us when we get there.
Mom’s face fell at my dumbfounded expression.
Caroline (fl mother)
You don’t want to come with me?
Blinking a few moments, I let out an excited shriek and jumped on her
Belle
Yes! Yes! I do, Mama!
Thus ending our little miscommunication
Undressing, I spray my body with deodorant for a good thirty seconds before tossing the can aside and rummaging for something decent to wear. I settle for a long-sleeved white shirt tucked into black slacks, and add a thin black belt....hmm. Definitely courthouse chic. Slipping on a pair of high heels, I swipe the sleep from my eyes, release my hair from its ponytail, shake it out, and look at myself in the mirror. Not bad. It could be a lot worse. Pursing my lips, I nod my head in affirmation. It’s going to have to do. I don’t have time right now.
Drew entered when I was end-touching my lipstick
Drew
You seriously got…” *gestures to my entire body* “…all of that done in not even five minutes?”
Rushing to grab my purse in the kitchenette
Drew
I gotta have serious words with my girl. Seriously, though. Who needs two hours to get ready to go to the movies?
That is a long time. Finally having located my purse and files, I walk back out to him
Belle
Don’t start anything that’s going to backfire. She only takes so long because she wants to look nice for you.
Walking to my front door, he scoffs
Drew
I prefer her without all the shit all over her face
Stopping in my tracks, I place a hand on my hip and tilt my head.
Belle
Have you told her that?
We exit my unit and head out to his car. On the way over to the courthouse
Belle
Tahlia takes better care of herself than her parents do. And besides that, she’s seventeen. If she wants to be emancipated, I think she’s got a great chance. We’re not talking about a thirteen-year-old here. We’re talking about a seventeen-year-old who left home at fifteen, got a job, and found a place to stay. On. Her. Own. She’s responsible, and… *turning to Drew* She’s such a nice girl. So sweet and charming. I think she’s got what it takes to stay out of the system
Drew turns back to the road, smiling
Drew
I think this one’s in the bag
Please note that emancipated means to get released from parental care
As soon as we exit the courtroom, I lose my poker face, rush over to Tahlia, and whisper-shout
Belle
Congratulations honey!!
She laughs quietly and accepts my hug. I hold her tight, smiling all the while. I love my job. I love to see people smile because of me.
She mutters into my shirt
Thalia
Thank you. Really. Thank you so much.
Pulling back, I place her hair behind her ear
Belle
It was my pleasure. *smile*
Comments
zaynmyboii
It's so good 🥰🥺
2021-07-07
0
Raymystery
imma lob this novel
2021-07-04
1
Gabby
I also wonder how she get ready less than 5 minutes, that is tottaly a talent that I wanna have
2021-07-02
0