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Page 14
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You walk back to the West side of the building and open up the glass doors to enter the office space. As you enter, you notice Scarlet alone at a computer by the side-wall with her back to you. You walk over to her to see what she is up to. As you approach, she does not move, staring intently at her computer screen.
"Scarlet?" you whisper quietly. No response. You try again, slightly louder, "Sis?"
Scarlet looks up from her screen, and begins to smile at you once the reality of her surroundings becomes aware to her. "Sorry, I was a bit absorbed in what I was doing, how is it going?"
"Good, thanks. Do you have a moment?" you ask.
"Yeah, I could use a break, it's been a long day."
"For me too," you say as you pull up a chair next to her at the long table Scarlet was working at. Scarlet turns away from the computer to face you as you sit down.
"Your first day too! Not more than you can handle though I hope. This company really does some great things, the long hours and all the hard work really makes a difference. I really like working here," Scarlet says.
You reply, "That is what I get the sense of. Everyone works hard and, therefore, takes advantage of the opportunities to relax."
"Oh sure. When you are dedicated to the job and the mission, you get lost in it. Those relaxation rooms are nice too, many a people live here in the building for months at a time or longer just to meet deadlines or to work above and beyond. Meals, a bed, a hot shower, you can't beat it."
"And the other means of relaxation, you can't beat that either, huh?" you add.
"Well sure," she smiles, she almost gets lost in thought as her eyes drift off before returning. "Yeah that is nice, and hey, that's why you were hired."
"About that, I am told I owe a lot to you for making that happen. Can I ask why?" you pose.
"To say thank you," is her answer.
"Thank you? For what?" you ask.
"I felt like you deserved it. And because I never did thank you. For being my brother."
"For being your brother? Scarlet that seems so odd. That took no effort on my part but being born, and I think that was mostly mom's doing."
"No, it took incredible effort. And I think 'thank you for being my brother' is the wrong way to put it. Thank you for being Jessica's, Abby's and Veronica's brother. I was the oldest and I went away for college and it was just the four of you with mom. You became the oldest. And it was needed. Without dad, mom and the girls needed someone. I think I went out of state for college because I knew I couldn't do it. But you did. Boy you did and did it well, without any complaints. You didn't run off for college like I did, you stayed local. You did not run away from the challenge like I did. You stayed back to help everyone and continue to do so today even after mom's untimely death." Scarlet quietly brushes away with her thumb a tear that snuck out of the corner of her eye and began meandering down her rosy cheek.
You reach over and grab her hand in comfort. "I don't need a 'thank you' for that. I didn't sacrifice anything for family. I gained so much from family. In fact, I thought I was the lazy one. You didn't run away from any challenge either, you charged straight at them. I was always proud of you, being the first generation heading off to college, handling it so well, all on your own. You were independent. You were strong. You were someone to be admired. It's from you that I drew my inspiration for the choices I made."
"Well thank you. For the compliment and again for being my brother. And yes the independence, and college, has paid off. It has gotten me here." Scarlet continues, "It really is a great company, I love the work we provide for the community. Long hours, low pay, but we are happy. Which is why I thought you would be a great fit."
"Well as far as I can tell, I don't really work for the company, I am just, well, is 'support staff' the best way to put it?"
"Specialist," she offers with a sly nod.
"Right," you acknowledge.
Scarlet blushes and starts to rub her thumb across the back of your hand as she gives it a squeeze. "Well as for the office, it's an all-female staff, but we are here late hours, half the staff literally does live here. Everyone has needs and oddly enough your position is the one for which it's hard to find a stable person."
"Really?"
"Yeah, some in the past have moved on to other things, some people were here for the wrong reasons, and some turned out to be just plain creepy. The position has been vacant for a bit, so I suggested you. Because you do have a kind heart and you care about people for the right reasons. And because it would make me happy to see you. Independent or not, I have missed seeing everyone, but especially you on a regular basis."
"Sis, that is real sweet, thank you. Come to think of it, I haven't seen you in some time, how long have you worked here?"
"A year. And yes, I am one of those people who has taken up residency here, there are enough rooms for everyone, some have dedicated quarters, others meander."
"A year?" you practically interject, "Wow. Tell me, are there others in my position?"
"No just one 'employee' position. The company didn't want any complications that may come with multiple...support staff," she uses your phrasing.
"And how long is this job mine?"
"As long as you want it," Scarlet answers. "Again, we were looking for someone who would be here long term, for the right reason, with a big heart - which is why I suggested your name, since I knew you could handle that job description."
"But if I am the only person, and you practically live here, doesn't this affect you?" you muse.
