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Post by celticgirl91 on Dec 25, 2009 21:06:17 GMT -5
“Keith!”, George yelled from his machine. “Get over here and help me lift this lever!” “Coming!”, Keith ran over and joined George. Together, they lifted the lever to start the machine. George straightened up and wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve. “Where’s Paul?”, he asked Keith. Keith shrugged. “I don’t know. Probably off somewhere daydreaming about Lydia again” George rolled his eyes. Did Paul ever do anything else? “What about the rest of the lads?”, he asked Keith. “Probably off working somewhere”, Keith answered. “Which is exactly what you two should be doing”, Joey said as he walked up. George inwardly groaned. He didn’t like Joey. Joey was a sleazy weasel that would go to the foreseer if you so much as put one toe out of line. Joey wasn’t even in charge. He was just a regular worker like everyone else. “We ARE working, Joey”, Keith told him. Keith didn’t like the weasel either. He had almost gotten fired because of him. “We’re just taking a few seconds to catch her breath”, Keith continued. “Well don’t take too long”, Joey warned as he walked away. George walked him walk away and was glad that the man was leaving them alone. “Man I hate that guy”, Keith complained when Joey was out of earshot. “So do I”, George agreed. Just then, Damian, the new lad, ran up. George smiled. He liked Damian. The young lad was only 17 and fresh out of school. He always asked George when he didn’t know how to work the machines. George enjoyed acting like a mentor to him. “Hey guys”, Damian grinned. “What’s the craic?” “Just got yelled at by Joey again”, Keith grumbled. Damian made a face. “I don’t like that guy” “Neither does anyone else around here”, George said. “What’d he yell at you for?”, Damian asked. “What does he ever yell at us for? Being alive”, Keith still wasn’t getting over this. “You get used to it Damian”, George told the young lad. Damian looked between the two lads. “So this is what I have to look forward to for the next few years? Sweaty, greasy weasels dictating me?” “Pretty much”, Keith replied as he fixed a screw on the machine next to him. “What do you mean the next few years?”, George asked Damian. “If you’re lucky, you’ll be here for the next 20” Damian’s eyes got wide. “20? Oh no, I’m only here until I can save up some money. Then I’m out!” Keith laughed. “And do what?” Damian got a big grin on his face. “I’m gonna be a writer. Gonna write and hopefully get a wife” Keith grinned. “That’s what I thought when I first started working here. Work for a few years, save some money, then hi-tail it out and live my dream” “What happened?”, Damian asked. “Reality”, Keith answered simply. “There aren’t any jobs anywhere. Working in a factory is pretty much the only answer” “What happens if this place ever shuts down?”, Damian asked. George and Keith looked at each other, neither one wanting to think about it. If this place shut down… that’d be it. There weren’t any other jobs out there… “You don’t want to know”, Keith answered Damian. “Let’s just pray that this place DOESN’T shut down”, George added. He looked around the room and saw Ryan walking toward them. “What are you guys doing?”, Ryan asked anxiously. “If Joey sees you guys just standing here, he’ll tell the overseer. Keith rolled his eyes. “I don’t give a monkey’s flying bahookie as to what that lying, dirty…” “It’s okay Ryan”, George cut in. “He was just here. I think we’re safe for a bit” “Okay, good”, Ryan sighed. “You two still going to the pub after work today?”, he looked at George and Keith. “Of course”, Keith grinned. “It’s payday” “Yea, I’m coming”, George agreed. “I just have to go home and see Carrie and Sarah first.” He suddenly had an idea. “Hey Damian, you wanna come with us tonight?” Damian broke into a smile. “Sure!” George laughed. “Okay, I’ll see you then. But for now, we should get back” Ryan smiled. “I’ll see you guys” George waved and started walking toward the molding room. “See you tonight lads. Remind Paul if you see him”, he called to Keith. “Right!, Keith called back. “Keep er lit!” George walked away, mentally counting the hours until it was time to go home. It was sure to be a craic filled night.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Dec 26, 2009 23:16:00 GMT -5
“Carrie?”, George called to his wife as he walked into the house that night. “Daddy!”, Sarah cried as she ran out from behind a corner. George laughed as she ran into his arms. His daughter may be 9, but she’d always be his little girl. “Sarah!”, George greeted as he swooped her up for a hug. “How was your day?” “Good”, Sarah replied. “We had a test in school” “How did it go?”, George asked. “Good”, Sarah replied again. Just then, Carrie entered the room. “Hey Sweetie”, she greeted. George put Sarah down and walked over to kiss his wife. “Hi”, he said. “I brought the pay home” “Oh good”, Carrie sighed as she started chopping potatoes. “I have to talk to you about that” George looked at Sarah. “Why don’t you go play outside while there’s some light left”, he suggested to the little girl. “Okay”, Sarah replied happily as she skipped off. When she was gone, George walked over to Carrie and put his arms around her from behind. “Talk about what?” “You know Sarah’s birthday is coming up?”, Carrie asked. “Yea” Carrie turned in his arms so that she was facing him. “Well, if we have enough money, I thought that maybe we could do something special for her” George smiled. Do something special for Sarah? He’d take that chance just as soon as he’d accept a million dollars. Probably even sooner. “Of course”, he answered his wife. “What did you have in mind?” “I was thinking that I could bake her a cake” George blanched. A cake? The ingredients for cakes were expensive… eggs, milk, flour… But then again, it was for Sarah… and it was her birthday… and they had money saved… “Please?”, Carrie looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes. George smiled. How could he say no to that? And it was Sarah’s birthday, she deserved something special. “Yey!”, Carrie saw the consent in George’s eyes before he even said anything and she threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you!”, she squealed. George laughed and hugged her back. “You’re welcome” “Can I tell her?”, Carrie asked excitedly. George laughed again. “Don’t you want to keep it a surprise?” “She’ll know what I’m doing as soon as she sees the ingredients anyway”, Carrie answered. “Okay then, call her in”, George smiled. When Sarah came in, she ran right up to George. “Momma says that you have an early birthday present for me”, she said excitedly. “Yes we do”, George smiled at her. “Mommy’s going to make you a cake for your birthday” Sarah’s eyes got wide. “A cake?!”, she squealed. “Oh yey! You’re the best parents ever!”, she threw her arms around George. Cakes were a rare treat for her. “You’re welcome sweetie”, he replied. These were the best moments of fatherhood. Being able to make your child fully happy. “And on that note”, George stood up. “I’m meeting the lads at the pub. I’ll be back later tonight” “Bye Daddy”, Sarah waved. “Don’t be too late George”, Carrie cautioned him. “I won’t be”, George kissed his girls and walked out the door. At the pub, everyone was already waiting for him. “Hey George!”, Ryan called from their booth in the corner. “Hey guys”, George greeted. “Paul! You made it!” “Of course”, Paul said. “Why wouldn’t I make it?” Keith laughed. “Oh I don’t know, cus maybe you’d rather be out snogging Lydia somewhere?” “Hey! Snogging Lydia happens to be a very pleasurable past time”, Paul defended himself. “When are you gonna propose to that girl?”, Ryan asked Paul. Paul grinned. “Soon. I just have to save up enough money. A few more months should be good. Don’t think I can wait much longer anyway” “Good!”, George exclaimed. “As long as we get to attend the wedding” “Well duh”, Paul laughed. “What about you Damian?”, Keith turned to the lad. “Where is this girl that your supposedly gonna marry in a few years?” Damian laughed. “Don’t know. I haven’t found her yet. But like I said, I want to save up some money first” “Poor Damo”, Ryan laughed. “All these plans and nowhere to go with them” “I know where I’m going”, Damian corrected. “I just don’t know who I’m going with…” “And what about you two?”, Paul directed the question to Keith and Ryan. “When are you two gonna find girls?” “All in good time, mate”, Keith sipped his Guinness. “I’m in no rush” Just then, the pretty bartender walked up. “Excuse me, but do you need a refill?”
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Post by celticgirl91 on Dec 28, 2009 1:19:31 GMT -5
George chuckled slightly as he watched Keith stare at the girl, his mouth hanging open. Of course Keith would fall for a bartender. “Did you want a refill then?”, the woman repeated. Keith nodded, his eyes still wide. The woman smiled, filled his mug, and walked off. As soon as she was gone, Ryan laughed. “Are you okay Keith?”, he asked. Keith however, was still staring after the bartender. George started laughing along with Ryan. “Keith!”, Paul said loudly. “What?”, Keith asked., as if suddenly coming out of a trans. “You like her or something?”, George joked. “I wonder what her name is?”, Keith asked distractedly. “You could always ask her”, Paul suggested. “Yea, I think I’m going to”, Keith answered. He sipped at his Guinness. Everyone just sat there staring at him for a second. “Well then go on”, Damian told him. Keith gave him a look. “Not with you guys sitting here staring at me” “Well when?”, Paul asked. “After you guys leave”, Keith said simply. Paul looked at him and then the rest of the lads. “Time to go” “What?!”, Ryan objected. Damian looked around the table. “Wait. What??” Paul pulled on Ryan’s sleeve. “Keith has to meet this girl. Up. Let’s go. Moving on.” “Paul’s right”, George agreed. “Get up Ryan. Damian. We’ll ask Keith about it in the morning” “Fine”, Ryan grumbled, getting up from the table. George slapped Ryan on the back and walked out of the pub with the rest of the lads. “Do you think he’ll actually talk to her?”, Damian asked once they were outside. “Oh he’ll talk to her”, Paul predicted. “I’d be surprised if he didn’t” “Well, I’m going back to the boarding house”, Ryan said. “I’ll see you lads tomorrow” “See you tomorrow”, George said. “I should go too. Carrie said not to be back late” Paul laughed. “Okay, you two have fun at home. I’m gonna show young Damian here what a night on the town is really like” Damian grinned. “Cool!” “Don’t get him onto too much trouble Paul”, George warned. Paul just grinned. “See you tomorrow” George just rolled his eyes and started toward home.
The next day at the factory, the lads were taking their 10 minute break. The first thing that come up was what had happened with Keith the night before. “So? What’s her name?”, Damian asked.
“Tracie”, Keith smiled. “We talked for a bit after her shift” “What’s she like?, George asked. Keith grinned. “She’s amazing! She sings and draws and-“ “Why aren’t you lads working?”, Joey seemed to appear out of nowhere. Keith’s grin turned into a scowl. “Why should you care?”, he asked. Joey stepped closer to Keith. “Maybe because you’re being paid to work, not stand around talking. It won’t matter much anymore though. This place is shutting down in a few days” Keith stepped back. “What?” Paul stepped forward. “No it’s not. He’s lying Keith” Joey just looked at Paul and raised his eyebrows. “Am I?” Paul pointed a finger at Joey. “I know you. You’re a short, fat, good for nothing lier” Joey frowned. “For your information, I’m NOT lying” George’s heart sank. What if Joey wasn’t lying this time? What if he really WAS telling the truth? But then again, Joey had been known to lie before… and the factory was fine. Why would they shut it down? “You’re lying”, George said firmly, agreeing with Paul. “The factory is fine. No one else has said anything about shutting down” Joey smirked. “Well, I guess we’ll find out then, won’t we?”, he smirked again and walked off. “Do you think he’s telling the truth?”, Damian asked. “No”, George answered. “He better not…”, Keith trailed off. Ryan sighed. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about Damian. He’s a weasel and a known lier. The factory’s fine. We’re not closing down”
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Post by celticgirl91 on Dec 28, 2009 21:58:21 GMT -5
George just couldn’t stop thinking about it. The factory possibly closing down? He could tell that the other lads were still thinking about it too. No one mentioned it again, but the threat of not having a job still loomed in the air, like the taste of sour milk. George didn’t say anything to Carrie that night either. Why worry her needlessly? He could tell that she knew something was wrong, but she didn’t ask. And George was thankful for that. He didn’t want to have to lie to her. The next day at the factory, the lads were still avoiding the dreaded topic. “I saw Tracie again last night”, Keith said proudly. “And?”, Ryan asked. Keith smiled. “I think I’m in love… We’re gonna see each other again tonight” “That’s great Keith!”, George said. “Pretty soon, you’ll be planning a wedding like Paul here” “I’m not planning a wedding yet”, Paul objected. “I haven’t even asked her. I’m saving up first” Just then, their supervisor came up to them. “Hey lads, I’m supposed to hand these out. I’m sorry”, he handed each man a letter. George stared at the letter and felt as if he had been punched in the gut. He knew what this was. The lads all looked at each other, no one moving to open the letter. Finally, Ryan groaned in frusteration and ripped his open. The others followed his lead and opened theirs slowy. They read them in silence and George chocked back a tear. This couldn’t be happening… How could this happen? He had worked there for 20 odd years, and now? They were firing him? Firing him… no more job… that meant no more money. No more money meant… George didn’t want to think about it. “I don’t believe this”, Ryan growled. “How can they do this to us?” “They can’t!”, Paul stated. “We’ve given them how many years of our lives?” “Too many”, Keith said grimly. George agreed with them, although speaking was kind of impossible at the moment. He couldn’t lose his job… What about Carrie and Sarah? “I’m going to speak to someone about this”, he said in determination. He wasn’t going to let them just take his job without a fight. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you”, Joey walked up behind him. “I don’t care!”, George turned on him. “I’ll do what I want” “Yea, get out of here Joey”, Keith added angrily. Joey narrowed his eyes at Keith. “You know… you’re really starting to get on my nerves” “Oh really?”, Keith answered. “You’ve been on my nerves for quite some time now” Joey ignored that and turned to the rest of the lads. “Didn’t I tell you lads they were closing down?” “Go away Joey”, Damian muttered. “Yea, you just HAD to come and gloat, didn’t you?”, Paul asked. “I felt I deserved a bit of gloating rights”, Joey smiled. Ryan glared at him. “Okay then. You came, you gloated, now go away” Joey didn’t have an answer to that. “Have fun going broke”, he sneered one last time and walked away. “I hate that guy”, Keith muttered. No one said anything. They all just stood there… thinking. “This really blows!”, Keith burst out. “What am I supposed to do for money now?” “Yea, I’m supposed to be saving money, not losing it!”, Paul agreed. “And I have a child to feed!”, George exclaimed. “How am I supposed to feed her if I don’t have money?” “I can’t believe today is the last day”, Ryan said sadly. “Aren’t they supposed to give us a weeks notice or something?” “Well they didn’t”, Paul said. “We’re out today” George suddenly realized that Damian hadn’t said much at all. “You okay Damo?”, he asked. “Yea, why so quiet Damian?”, Keith asked. Damian just shook his head. “I don’t really know WHAT to say. I mean, I need this job. I had a life planned. If I don’t have money, I won’t be able to live in the boarding house anymore. I don’t have anywhere else to go…”, Damian sighed. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do” George’s heart went out to the young lad. He would offer to take him home and offer him a place to stay, but he had Sarah to worry about already. And Carrie probably wouldn’t like it. Wait a sec… Carrie. How was he supposed to tell her that he was out of a job?
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 4, 2010 0:39:13 GMT -5
As the workday ended, all the workers started to leave the factories with heavy hearts. George ran his hand along the banister as he walked down the stairs. He knew it would be the last time that his feet would tread that familiar path. There were so many memories in that building. He remembered his first day working there, he had only been a young lad. Only 18… the same age as Damian. Where had the time gone? For 20 some years he had worked in this factory. Almost every one of the 365 days of the year, he had shown up. Right outside the factory gates, he stopped and looked back up at the tall building. Every brick, every stone, every crack of that structure was as familiar to him as the back of his hand. And now he would never work there again. “You alright George?”, Keith asked from behind him. George turned around and saw his four best mates. They were all standing there, coats buttoned tight, shivering in the cold. Damian’s blue eyes were watering because of the strong wind, and Keith’s long blonde hair looked as if it had a mind of its own. Paul had his mitted hands tucked inside his armpits and Ryan stood there with his hat down low and his arms crossed tightly across his chest. George considered Keith’s question. Was he alright? “I’m out of work Keith. I don’t have a job anymore and somehow, I still have to take care of my family. Does that sound like alright to you?” “We’re all out of work George, we understand”, Paul said. They all stood there in silence for a minute. “Well, I guess this is goodbye then, isn’t it?”, Ryan said quietly. George looked around at the rest of the lads. Goodbye was something he had never thought of, but it was true. They would all go their separate ways and most likely never see each other again. Friends, companions, workmates… these men were like brothers to him. “I don’t want to have to say goodbye to you guys”, Damian said sadly. “I don’t want to have to say goodbye to anything”, Paul put in. “Like the paydays” “I’m going to miss going down to the pub for a pint”, Keith added. That brought a smile to all the lads’ faces. “You would Keith”, Ryan joked. “I wonder what he’s going to miss more”, Paul said. “The Guinness, or the pretty bartender?” “Aye, pretty she was”, Damian agreed. “So what was she doin’ with Keith here?” Ryan pretended to seriously consider this for a second. “You know Damian, I don’t rightly know. Maybe she was blind” “I think she felt sorry for him”, Paul tried to hide a smile. Keith just shook his head. “You guys can laugh, but I really love her. And when we wind up getting married someday, you four aren’t invited!” George laughed. “This is what I’m gonna miss. Havin’ the craic with you lads everyday” The laughter died away and the cold wind cut into their merry mood as reality sank back in. For a second there, it had been just like old times. But now, the smiles were gone and the laughter was dead as everyone remembered why they were standing there, and not sitting in a warm pub. They continued to just stand there for a few minutes, just staring at the old factory above them. Why? George looked at the other lads and saw that they were thinking the same thing. They too were angry at whoever had decided to shut it down. This wasn’t fair. They had worked for so long, and now they were fired without reason and without notice. Mixed with this anger, was a feeling of sadness. Sadness at losing everything. Sadness at saying goodbye. And the most prominent feeling of all, was the fear. Times were hard. How were they supposed to find new jobs? How was George going to feed his family? What was going to happen to them? These questions continued to run through George’s head like a broken record player. Ryan coughed. “Well… I guess this is goodbye.” No one moved. For the next few seconds, they continued their staring at the building, as if willing it to reopen. As they stood there, snow gently began to fall and Damian shivered. “I’m gonna miss you lads”, Paul finally said in a strangled voice. “Everything. You lads have been my best mates for so long”, he looked around at each of them. “We’ll still see each other”, Keith said hopefully. He was still staring ahead. Paul sighed. “I doubt it. I might have to move if I can’t find work here” “Same here”, Ryan agreed. Damian looked at them. “So we’ll never see each other again?” “Life’s like that Damo”, Keith said, almost angrily. “Things change, people move on” Ryan sighed. “It’s snowing harder, and it’s cold out. I’m gonna head out. It was great craic with you lads. I’ll miss you.”, he looked each lad in the eye as he said it. “ Good luck in the future”, and with that, he turned around and walked away. “I should go too”, Paul agreed. “Bye guys. Hopefully I’ll see you around” Once he left, Damian turned to George and Keith. “I’ll miss you guys”, he said in a somber voice. “You two taught me about the real world, I’ll never forget you.”, his blue eyes went back and forth between theirs. “Keep me in your prayers” George couldn’t help it. His eyes filled with tears as he pulled Damian into a brief hug. After Damian had hugged Keith as well, he turned around and started toward his boarding house. George watched him leave and then turned to Keith. “Good news is that there’s no more Joey”, he half smiled. Keith gave a half laugh. “I’d rather have the job. Take care George. I’m gonna miss you”, he started to turn away, but then looked back. “Oh. And keep er lit”, his face broke out into one last smile. George laughed. “You too mate.” And with one last clap on the back, Keith walked away into the snow. George watched him walk away and then turned back to look at the factory. The building looked cold and silent and George knew that it was over. He didn’t know what was gonna happen next, but he knew that this part of his life was done. After one last look, George turned around. And as he turned to make his way back home, the snow turned into rain.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 6, 2010 0:46:06 GMT -5
George walked home slowly, still thinking about the factory. 20 years. He had given them 20 years of his life, and they gave him the boot. His father had worked there too. And George was proud to have worked in the same place as his dear Da. He thought about his deceased father for a second. He was glad that his father wasn’t alive to see the downfall of the factory. It would have ruined him. Anger and bitterness rose up again in George’s throat. He shook that feeling away as he walked up to the door of his tiny house. He didn’t need his family to deal with this right away. A new feeling came upon George as he stood in front of the house. A feeling of fierce protectiveness. He didn’t want his girls to have to deal with this yet. He wanted to do all he could to shield them from the hopelessness he felt. He would do his best to pretend everything was okay. For now. George took a deep breath, put on a smile, and opened the door. “Daddy!”, Sarah called, obviously hearing the squeak of the door and George’s heavy boots on the hard floor. “Sarah!”, George swept her up in a hug. “Miss me?” “Yes!”, Sarah cried. “Where’s your mother?”, he asked, setting the girl down. He knew he wouldn’t be able to hide his emotions from Carrie, but he was hoping she would be smart and not ask in front of Sarah. “I’m right here”, Carrie came around the corner and greeted him with a smile and a kiss. George kissed her back, trying not to think about how he’d have to tell her about the job soon. Carrie pulled back and looked him in the eye. Yep. She knew something was up. Her beautiful blue eyes searched his as she tried to figure it out. George averted his eyes, kissed her again on the cheek, and went to get himself a drink of water. “Daddy, Emily’s going to the carnival tonight and she wanted to know if I could go”, Sarah said to him as he sat at the table. The carnival. It was the perfect way to get some alone time with Carrie so that he could talk to her. “Sure Sweetie”, George smiled at Sarah. “You can go. Just be careful” Sarah jumped up and down. “Yey!”, she giggled. “George”, Carrie said. “Why don’t you give Sarah a few bob to spend while she’s there. It’s Friday, she could get some cotton candy”, she smiled at their daughter. Sarah’s eyes got wide. “Cotton Candy?? Oh please Daddy? I love cotton candy!” George’s heart clenched in his chest as he took in the excited girl before him. Oh how he wanted to give her that money… but if he wasn’t going to be having an income for a while, he needed to save all he could. He looked from his bright eyed daughter, to his wife. Once again, he felt angry, sad, and frusterated all at the same time. He tried to signal to Carrie with his eyes that this wasn’t a good idea, and she thankfully got the hint. He loved how he could just look at his wife and she’d know exactly what he wanted. He’d explain to her later. “Actually Sarah Sweetie”, Carrie went to her. “I don’t think right now’s the right time. Maybe you can get a treat some other time” “But it’s the carnival!”, Sarah protested. “It only comes once a year and we ALWAYS get cotton candy” “I know”, Carrie soothed. She looked at George for help. She didn’t know why they were saying no to Sarah and George could tell that she needed some back up. “Not this year Sarah”, George said. “We need to save for your birthday, remember? Now go have fun at the carnival”, he smiled at her. Sarah lit up. “That’s right! And I get a cake this year!” George’s heart sank. He had forgotten all about that… He knew there was no way they could afford a cake. It had been a stretch to begin with, but now… George forced a smile. “Have fun tonight Sweetie”, was all he said. “I love you” Sarah threw her arms around his neck. “I love you too!”, she said. “Bye Mommy!”, she waved as she skipped off. “Bye Hun”, Carrie smiled as she watched Sarah run out the door. As soon as their daughter was gone, Carrie turned to George. “Is there something you want to tell me?”, she asked softly.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 6, 2010 21:54:30 GMT -5
George slumped down in his seat and buried his face in his hands. Carrie went to the table and rubbed his back. “George? Sweetie? Please talk to me” George knew that Carrie was very confused at this point, and he understood that. He lifted his head and silently pulled Carrie down onto his lap. For a moment, he didn’t say anything. For those few minutes, he just needed to hold his wife. His hand was holding her at the waist and George started absentmindedly stroaking her lower back with his thumb. “George?”, Carrie asked again. “You’re scaring me. Please tell me what’s wrong” George sighed and looked at his beautiful wife. “I lost my job today”, he said softly. Carrie gasped and her eyes got wide. Her hand flew to her mouth. “No…”, she whispered. “Yea…”, George answered sadly. “How can they do that?”, Carrie’s eyes filled with tears. “Why?” “They’re closing the factory down”, George answered. “Everyone got fired” “Everyone?” “Everyone. The place is empty” “Why did they shut it down?”, Carrie asked. George half laughed. “They don’t tell us stuff like that. All we need to know is that we don’t need to show up again” Carrie was silent for a bit, clearly thinking this over. “But you worked there for…” “20 years”, George finished. “I know. Like I said, they don’t care” “George, what are we going to do for money?”, Carrie asked. George groaned. He had been trying not to think about that. “I don’t know”, he confessed. “I guess just be careful and pray that I can find a good job soon. Or any job for that matter” “We have to buy food, supplies, we have to pay the landlord”, Carrie fretted. “I know!”, George said shortly. He didn’t mean to be harsh with his wife, but hearing her worry about it out loud was harder than hearing it inside his head. “I’m sorry Hun”, he apologized. “I didn’t mean to sound like that, I’m just very worried about this” “It’s okay”, Carrie cupped his face in her hands. “I understand. I’m worried too. But we’ll get through this. No matter what happens, we’ll make it. You, me, and Sarah. That’s all that matters. I don’t need much else” George’s heart swelled with love for her. She was completely right. “Well, a roof over our heads and some food would be nice”, he joked. Carrie shook her head. “Even if we end up in an alleyway with only scraps of bread, if I have you and Sarah, I won’t care” “Well, let’s pray it doesn’t come to that”, George was serious again. “And I’ll do everything in my power to make sure it doesn’t” Carrie wrapped her arms around his neck. “I know”, she said. “And I love you for that. I can help too. I can go out and get a job” George opened his mouth to protest. He would not have his wife working. But once again, Carrie knew what he was thinking even before he did. “And don’t you say a word against it”, she added before he could speak. “We need the money and you know it” George sighed, knowing she was right. He hated the thought of Carrie working, not because of some macho attitude, but because she shouldn’t have to lift a finger for anything. She was a princess in his mind. She deserved to be catered to and doted on constantly. If George had it his way, not to mention affording it, they would have servants do all the work while Carrie did whatever she wanted all day. But thankfully for him, cus they really couldn’t afford it, Carrie loved playing housewife. She loved staying at home to bake and clean. She adored being there when Sarah got home from school. Now she’d have to go to work. “I don’t want you working Carrie”, George said softy. “Let me try to get a job. If I can’t find one in two weeks, then you can work” Carrie shook her head. “Two weeks is too long. One week” “Two” “One”, Carrie persisted. George gave up. He knew he would never win this one, especially because she was right. They couldn’t afford to go two weeks without income. “Fine”, he sighed. “One” Carrie smiled. “Thank you”, she said. “Are we going to tell Sarah?” “No”, George said firmly. “She’s still a child, she shouldn’t have to worry about adult problems. She’ll have enough of those when she grows up” “You’re right”, Carrie snuggled closer to him. She was still on his lap. “I’ll go out first thing in the morning and start looking”, George said. “You start being careful with the food and supplies” “Alright”, Carrie agreed. They sat there in silence for a bit, both taking comfort in each other. “Jobs are really hard to find”, Carrie commented. “I know”, George said. “But I’ll find one. Let’s not worry about it anymore tonight. There’s nothing we can do until tomorrow. Let’s just have one more night for us and put the worry aside. It’ll be there in the morning” “Sounds good”, Carrie agreed as she leaned in to kiss him. But they did worry. The worry hung over them like a fog. They both knew that hard times were ahead. And there was nothing that they could do about it.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 7, 2010 23:33:03 GMT -5
George woke up the next morning and got dressed, keeping the same schedule as he always did. He didn’t want Sarah to suspect anything. Thankfully, he usually left the house before Sarah woke up, so he didn’t have to worry about being cheerful in front of her. “Bye Carrie”, he said as he kissed his wife goodbye. Carrie wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. “Bye Darling. Good luck” George gave her a sad smile. “Thanks”, he walked out the door with his head bowed against the wind, trying to make the walk into town go as quickly as possible. He didn’t know where to start, he didn’t know where to go. He got into the town and looked around. Where to go? The first place he tried was the livery on main street. “Yea? What you want?”, the man in charge asked. George stepped inside the warm stable and looked around. The place was small and cramped. The horses were all lined up in their stalls, wrapped in blankets. “I’ve come to look for a job”, George said. “I’m an honest man and I work hard” The man didn’t even hesitate. “We ain’t hiring”, he turned and started walking away. “Please”, George called after him. “I just lost my job yesterday and I have a wife and child to feed” The man turned around and looked at George. “You one of those lads that was in the old McCullen factory?” “Yes”, George nodded. The man laughed. “Well then you’re in for a tough time lad. There aren’t any good jobs to begin with, but now… all those men looking for jobs at once. No one wants to have to uproot their families… Good luck!”, he laughed again. George’s fist clenched at his side. He didn’t like this guy. “Do you know of anyone that might be hiring?”, he tried to ask civilly. The man thought for a moment. “Well, you could try the blacksmith’s. But like I said, jobs were scarce to begin with… You better hurry” “Thank you”, George said as he walked out the door. He walked quickly down the street to the blacksmith’s. It was getting colder and the wind whipped around George’s coat as he walked. He got to the blacksmith’s and opened the door, stepping inside. He didn’t see anyone. “Hello?”, he called. A medium built man in his mid 20’s came around the corner. “May I help you?”, he asked. George liked the look of this man. He was tall, well built, and strong looking. “I hope so”, George said. “I need a job. I just lost my job yesterday and I have a family to feed” The young man’s face fell. “Oh… I’m sorry, but I don’t think we’re hiring” George’s heart sank. He would have liked working here. Now he’d have to keep looking. “Do you know of any place where I can try?”, he asked. The young man shook his head. “No, I’m sorry. You can check back tomorrow though. My boss will be back and then I can ask him about the job” George nodded. “Okay… thank you very much” “No problem”, the young man smiled. “Good luck to you in the meantime” “Thanks”, George replied as he walked out the door. The rest of the morning went on in the same fashion. George was starting to lose hope. There were no jobs open anywhere. All the proprieters were sorry, but no one could help him. George was starting to get desperate. By the time he decided to go home out of the cold, he was beat. He was frustrated, worried, and starting to panic. What he needed was to get out of the wind for a bit and get some food. The welcoming smell of soup filled the house as he walked in the door. “Carrie?”, he called. “George”, Carrie exited the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Where’s Sarah?”, he asked. “At a friend’s house”, Carrie answered. She wrapped her arms around is cold body and helped him with his coat. “How did it go?”, she asked. George groaned. “Don’t ask” “Aww”, Carrie soothed. “Come have a bowl of soup. I would have made bread, but figured it would be best to go easy on supplies” “You’re right”, George agreed. “By the way things are going, we’re going to have to be cautious for a while” “This is going to be dinner too”, Carrie sat down across from him. “And this is your first morning out, give it time” “That’s just the point”, George said in between bites. “There IS no time. We can’t go on forever like this” “We have a bit saved”, Carrie comforted. “We’ll make it through” “If we’re careful”, George replied. It suddenly struck George that the soup was really good. Even without the bread. He smiled to himself. His wife could make even the most pitiful of ingredients taste like a bit of heaven. “I think I checked everywhere in town”, he continued. “I’ll start looking in the paper and I’ll ride out of town. Maybe there’s something close by” Carrie just looked at him. “We don’t have a horse”, she pointed out. George sighed. “I’ll have to rent one”, he stood up. Carrie stood up as well. “Can we afford it?” George walked around the table and wrapped his arms around her. “We don’t have a choice Sweetheart”, he whispered. He gave her a kiss and went to get his coat again. “You’re going back out?”, Carrie asked. “I have to”, George answered simply. “I’ll finish around town today and then ride out tomorrow. The soup was very good by the way” Carrie smiled. “Thank you. Be careful” “I will”, George said. He kissed her and walked out the door. George hoped he would be able to find something soon. The well being of his family depended on it. George spent the rest of the day looking, but had no luck. He rode out to other towns the next day, spending 3 valuable dollars on a horse. No luck. George tried the next day and the next. Nothing. A week had gone by and George still hadn’t found anything.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 10, 2010 1:29:19 GMT -5
A week. A whole week had gone by and George still hadn’t found a job. Well, technically a week and two days. It was Sunday and all the stores were closed, so George spent the day at home. That morning, while they were getting ready for church, Carrie brought up the job. Or rather the lack of one. “It’s been a week George”, she said as she brushed her hair. George didn’t look up from buttoning his shirt. “I know”, he answered her. He knew what his wife was getting at, but that didn’t mean that he had to encourage her. Carrie kept brushing. “So, I guess I’ll start looking for a job while Sarah’s at school tomorrow” George sighed. “Carrie, are you sure? Give me a few more days” “George, we talked about this. It’s been over a week. And I really don’t mind working. Not if it gets us money” “Fine”, George conceded. “Maybe you could help out at the general store. They might need someone to help out behind the counter” “I’ll look”, Carrie agreed. After church, Carrie was sewing and George was looking at the job ads in the paper when Sarah came bounding into the room. “Daddy! Will you help me make a snowman?” George looked up from his paper. “I’m kinda busy Sarah Bear. Maybe later” Sarah came over and started pulling on his arm. “Please Da? You never play with me anymore” George looked from his beautiful daughter to his equally beautiful wife. How could he say no to that? Carrie smiled and raised her eyebrows at him. George smiled at Sarah. “I’ll help you. But only if your mother comes too” Sarah beamed and ran over to Carrie. “Please Mommy?”, she asked. Carrie looked over at George. “Oh Daddy doesn’t mean it”, she said. “He wants to have some time with you to himself” George laughed and shook his head. “Oh no I don’t. Come on Carrie”, he playfully got down in front of Carrie along with Sarah. He was down on his knees next to Sarah and started pulling on Carrie’s arm along with his daughter. “Please Mommy?”, Sarah asked again. “Yes, please Carrie?”, George added. Carrie smiled and looked at George, and he knew that they had won. “Okay, fine”, Carrie laughed. “But you, Sarah, are not dressed at all for the snow. Go upstairs and put some proper clothes on” “Okay!”, Sarah ran out of the room. When she left, George winked at his wife. “Thank you”, he said. Carrie rolled her eyes. “I’ll go out in the cold, but then you’re in charge of warming me up again” George grinned. “I think I can handle that” Carrie laughed and went to help Sarah. When they were finally all ready, they went outside and George turned to Sarah. “Okay, what first?”, he asked. Sarah got a big smile on her face. “First, we have to make the body” George nodded. He could do this. “Okay, you know how to do that?” Sarah gave him a look. “Dad. I’m 9 years old. Of course I do” George laughed. “Okay, okay” “First, you have to make 3 big snowballs”, Sarah continued. George grinned at Carrie. “So should we all make one?”, she asked. “Yep!”, Sarah got down on her knees and started patting the snow together. George got down next to her and for the next hour, the whole family worked on building the snowman. Somehow, in the middle of this, a snowball fight broke out. George had only playfully flung a bit of snow in Sarah’s direction, but that’s all it took. Like the energetic child she was, she immediately retaliated by gathering some snow in a ball and throwing it back at him. It hit him square in the chest. George was shocked at her aim. “Hey!”, he exclaimed. Sarah burst into a fit of laughter and fell back into the snow. Carrie looked over and laughed as well at the look on George’s face. “Good job Sarah!”, she praised, going to hug the little girl. Now George couldn’t have that. He bent down, quickly got a snowball together, and threw it back at his two girls. It hit Carrie on the shoulder. The girls, of course being girls, shrieked and immediately started working on retaliation. “Come on Sarah”, Carrie encouraged. “We can get him!” Sarah giggled. “Let’s make a lot of snowballs!” “Now wait a minute!”, George protested. “That’s not fair! It’s two against one!” Carrie winked at him. “It’s girls against boy, the way it should be” George groaned and bent down to start getting his snowballs together. After about 10 minutes of laughing, shrieking, and dodging snowballs, George called truce. As he read to Sarah by the fire afterward, he realized that he hadn’t thought about jobs or money once. For the first time in a week, he wasn’t worrying about the future. He was enjoying his family. He looked down at the little girl next to him. “Keep reading Dad”, Sarah tapped the page of the book in front of them. “I love you Sarah”, George said instead. “I want you to know that. Know that whatever happens in the future, I’ll always love you” Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug. “I love you too, Daddy”
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 11, 2010 0:54:17 GMT -5
The next morning, George got dressed and kissed Carrie goodbye. “So are you going to the general store?”, he asked. “Yea”, Carrie replied. She was stirring the oatmeal for Sarah’s breakfast. Sarah was still sleeping. “Well, I hope you’ll have better luck then I’ve had”, George said, pulling on his coat. “Sweetheart, you’ve been doing your best”, Carrie soothed. She moved to place her hands on his shoulders. “And you’ll find a job soon” “I just don’t like the fact that you have to get a job”, George murmured, looking into his wife’s eyes and wrapping her arm around her waist. “You should be here looking after Sarah” “Shh… Carrie placed her finger on his lips. “I’ll find a job. It’ll hold us over until you find someone to hire you and then everything will get back to normal. It’ll work out” George gazed into Carrie’s eyes. She sounded so sure, so convincing. Just the comforting sound of her voice calmed his worries. “I love you”, he said as Carrie kissed him gently on the lips. “I love you too”, she said. George smiled at her. “Good luck today” “Good luck to you too”, she said to him as he grabbed a piece of toast. “See you tonight!”, he called, stepping outside. George closed the door and took a deep breath. He had a good feeling about today.
That night, George returned home utterly disappointed. So much for his lucky feeling. That day had gone by just like all the other days last week. Everywhere he went he was told, “Sorry, but no thanks.” There was no work to be had. George entered the front hall, stamping the snow off his boots and hanging up his coat. “Daddy!”, Sarah shouted. She ran into the hall and jumped into his father’s arms and George hugged his daughter tight. “Are you mad at me?”, she asked. George was confused. “No. Why?” “Yesterday I got a hug AND a kiss” “Oh, well I’m sorry”, George gave her another hug and added a kiss. “Better?” Sarah gave him a big smile. “Better!” George set Sarah down. “Is mommy home?” “Yes! She’s in the kitchen”, she led him to the kitchen, skipping all the way. When George entered the kitchen, he had just gotten a whiff of something really good, when all of a sudden Carrie was in his arms. “George! I got it! I got the job at the general store!”, she exclaimed. “It’s wonderful! Isn’t it wonderful?” She kissed him full on the lips. “Yes!! It’s wonderful!”, George laughed along with his wife. He kissed her again, just because he was so happy. “Eww!”, Sarah squealed as she scurried out of the room. George led his wife to sit down at the table. “Okay, so tell me about it!” “Well”, Carrie started. “Mr. Troutman down at the general store lost his helper. She went away to get married or something and you know he’s not as young as he used to be. So he hired me to help out! Mostly just working the register and stocking shelves, but it’s a job!”, Carrie exclaimed. “How about you, how was your day?” George looked down at the table, not meeting Carrie’s eyes. “I couldn’t find anything”, he admitted. Carrie’s face crumpled. “You couldn’t find a job?”, she repeated. “No”, he answered and Carrie took his hand in hers. “George”, she said slowly. “My job doesn’t pay all that much. Mr. Troutman is an honest man, but it’s still not a lot” “I know”, George said. “I’ll find a job. I promise” They sat in silence for a bit, not talking, just being together. “You know, I’ve been thinking about Sarah’s birthday later this week”, Carrie finally said. George sighed. He knew what his wife was thinking. “Me too”, he admitted. He really didn’t want to have to think about it, but they had no choice. Sure, Carrie had a job now, but it wasn’t enough. “How much do you think we can afford t spend on her?”, he asked. “Not a lot”, Carrie answered. “I can make her a few homemade things” “That’s good”, George agreed. He thought about the present that Sarah was REALLY looking forward to. The cake. He looked at Carrie. “You know we can’t make her that cake” Carrie’s eyes filled with tears. “I know. She’ll be so disappointed”, she whispered. George thought about this. No, he defiantly did NOT want to have to burden his daughter with his adult problems, but she was going to want an explanation. George had promised her and he never broke his promises. Sarah knew this. “We can tell her after dinner”, George told his wife. Carrie nodded. She wasn’t happy about it either, but what could they do? At least Carrie had a job. They wouldn’t starve.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 12, 2010 0:54:56 GMT -5
All through dinner, George watched Sarah closely, dreading the moment when he would have to tell her. She was so happy… She was talking about what she did in school that day. “We’re having a talent show next month”, she said. “And I’m going to dance” “That’s wonderful Sarah”, Carrie praised. “You’ll do a great job” “Will you come see it?”, Sarah asked. Carrie hesitated. “Umm… I might have to work. I won’t be home when you get back from school anymore either” Sarah tilted her head to the side. “Well then who’s gonna be here? Who’s gonna get my snack?” Carrie looked at George helplessly. George tried to give his wife a comforting look and then turned to Sarah. “No one’s going to be here”, he said gently. “So you’re going to have to be a good girl and get right to your homework, okay?” “But what if I need help?”, Sarah asked. George sighed. “Well you’re just going to have to wait until one of us gets back then” Sarah stared at her plate. George knew she wasn’t happy with this new situation. She looked up at him. “Why does Mommy have to go to work anyway? I liked it better when she stayed home” George looked over at Carrie and took her hand. This was it. Showtime. And George wasn’t ready. He wanted to shield her somehow. She was supposed to be worrying about the dance steps for her talent show, not whether or not they would eat next week. George looked Sarah in the eye. “Mommy has to work because Daddy lost his job. Sarah looked at him. “But you still go to work. You’re never home when I wake up” “That’s because I go out everyday looking for a new job. But jobs are hard to find, so Mommy had to go out and get one until I can find one of my own” Sarah thought about this. “But if you don’t have a job, then that means we don’t have money” George smiled at his bright daughter. “We have a little bit. But your right, Mommy’s working now so that we don’t run out” George could see Sarah putting the pieces together in her mind. “Will you have money for my birthday?”, she asked. “Well, that’s what we wanted to talk to you about Sweetie”, Carrie leaned toward her. “You know how you wanted a cake for your birthday?” “I can still have my cake, can’t I?”, Sarah asked quickly. “Please? I don’t want anything else. No dolls, no toys, no candy, no books” George’s heart ripped open. This was one of the worst parts of parenthood. Denying the things that would truly make them happy. “I’m sorry Sarah”, he whispered. “You have no idea how much your mother and I want to give you one, but it’s just not possible.” Sarah jumped up from the table. “But you promised!”, tears welled up in her eyes. “I know Sarah”, George pleaded with his voice for her to understand. “But I didn’t know that the factory would shut down then” Sarah didn’t say anything. Carrie went to hug her. “We would if we could Sweetie, but your Father and I have no choice. We need that money for other things” “Like food and logs for the fire”, George added. He felt horrible. He felt as if he was a failure as a father. Sarah was 9 years old and all she wanted was a cake. George went over and gave her a hug. “So no cake?”, Sarah asked with tears in her eyes. George shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry. But you’ll still get you a few things. Mommy and I will do as much as we can”
A few days later, Sarah’s birthday went off without a hitch. Carrie had made her a new scarf and got her a new hair ribbon. Carrie was pleased with all these gifts, although George knew that she was still thinking about the absence of a birthday cake. He felt horrible. Sarah had invited a few friends over and the day was spent playing games. Carrie put out as much food as she could, but it wasn’t much. At the end of the day though, Sarah was happy. She was so precious to George, she was acting so grown up about the whole thing. Meanwhile, Carrie was enjoying her new job. She mostly worked the register and she got to see all her friends on a regular basis. It didn’t bring in a lot of money, but they got by. If they were careful.
A month went by, and George still didn’t have a job. He was getting so tired of looking, getting turned down, and then going back to the same place a week later only to be turned down again. Why did the factory have to shut down? It was ruining his life. Another morning of getting turned down went by and instead of going to visit Carrie on her lunch break like he usually did, he decided to go back to the factory. He didn’t know why he was going, his feet took him there without consulting his brain. George walked up the familiar road to the factory and stood outside the gates. They were locked. Just then, he heard footsteps behind him. “George?”, a voice asked.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 13, 2010 0:29:30 GMT -5
That voice sounded oddly familiar… George turned around. “Paul?”, he asked. Paul got a huge grin on his face. “Paul!!”, George exclaimed again. George rushed to him and pulled him in for a tight hug. It had been so long since he had seen any of his old mates. Paul laughed. “Haha! I KNEW it was you! I’d know that bald head anywhere!” George looked him over. Paul looked tired, tired but pretty okay. “You’re looking well”, George commented. Paul snorted. “You’re not. Are you okay? How are Carrie and Sarah?” “They’re fine”, George answered. “Carrie had to get a job. And what makes you say I don’t look well? I’m fine” Paul looked at him. “George, you look tired, stressed out, older, and like you haven’t been eating properly. You look like you’ve been through some tough times” George was surprised. Was that really how he looked? Was all that he had been through really showing on his face? Oh well. He didn’t want to talk about himself. “Yea, it’s been hard”, he tried to gloss it over. “But how have you been? What have you been up to?” Paul looked as if he wanted to say something about George’s situation, but then thought better of it. Smart lad. “I had to move”, he said simply. George did a double take. “You moved? What about Lydia?” “She’s the reason why I moved”, Paul explained. George was surprised. He moved because of his girlfriend? His whole life was Lydia. So unless Lydia had moved as well…. “You wanna explain that one?”, he asked Paul. “Well, you know how I was gonna ask her to marry me?, Paul asked. “Yea…” “Well, I told her about the factory closing down and how there weren’t any jobs around here. Then I explained that I wanted to marry her, but I couldn’t do that without money. So basically, I proposed right then and there” “ Without a job?”, George clarified. Even Paul looked amazed that he had done such a thing. “Yea, I did. And she actually said yes” George’s face broke into a huge grin. “She said that it didn’t matter if we were poor. She said that all that mattered was that we were together” George laughed. “Only you Paul. Only you would propose to a girl without even having a job” Paul grinned. “I didn’t mean to! It just kinda slipped out when I was explaining to her. But anyway, that’s why I moved. I have a small job about an hour away and I’m saving every penny I own! I come home on weekends to visit” George clapped him on the back. “Good for you! But what are you doing here?” Paul blinked. “I’m here to see Lydia…” George laughed. “No, I mean what are you doing here at the factory?” “Oh. I don’t know really. I guess I just wanted to see it again”, Paul answered. “Same here”, George agreed. “It’s weird, being here in the middle of the day” “It’s QUIET”, Paul said. “No rumbling machines, no yelling overseers” George looked up at the building that used to be his workplace. Paul was right. It was weird not to hear the clamor of the machines in the middle of the day. He could imagine the empty work benches and the dust on the floor. The windows were boarded and the factory was all locked up. “It almost makes me want to go in, just for the heck of it”, Paul said. “Not me”, George replied. He shook his head. “Can you believe all the men that are out of work now? In our prime! I mean, I’m only 39 Paul. And I’m done! Doesn’t that scream unfair to you?” “Yea, it does”, Paul agreed quietly. They stood there silently in the wind for a bit. “I saw Keith the other week”, Paul said suddenly. “You did??”, George exclaimed. He missed his favorite blonde haired mate. “How is he?” Paul shook his head. “Not too good. He got together with Tracie, that bartender, remember?” George smiled. “I remember. So he’s finally with her? Good for him!” “Well, uh, not anymore”, Paul said sympathetically. “Apparently she really loved him, but needed a man that actually had a bit of money, so she left him” “Oh no…”, George groaned. “Poor Keith” “I know”, Paul agreed. “You should have seen his face. I felt so bad for him” Poor Keith… He had been over the moon for Tracie. George stamped his feet and blew on his hands to keep warm. “Did Keith ever find a new job?”, George asked. Paul shook his head again. “He was going to move last I heard. After Tracie left him, he didn’t see any other reason to stick around. He said he was going to have to try to find a job either on the docks or on the ship” George laughed. That was so like him to get a job as close to the water as possible. “Have you seen Ryan or Damian?”, he asked Paul. “Nope. You?” “No”, George sighed. “I wonder how they’re doing” “Ryan’s smart”, Paul answered. “He’ll be fine. It’s Damian I’m worried about. He’s so young and inexperienced. And you know his family’s gone, he had nowhere to go” George was worried about young Damian too… Damian had been one of his favorite mates to work with. He was such great craic and took all the slaggin’ really well. Damian had been like a son to him. George hoped he was alright…
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 14, 2010 1:00:32 GMT -5
“So you never found a job?”, Paul asked George. “No”, George replied sadly. Paul put a hand on George’s shoulder. “Maybe you should move too George”, he said gently. “There’s nothing here” George shook his head. “No, I couldn’t do that” “Why not?”, Paul asked. “Two reasons”, George replied.”One, Carrie would never go for it. And two, we don’t have the money” Paul sighed. “Ahh… that does present a problem” George shivered. “It’s freezing out here”, he said. “Do you want to come back to my place so that we can talk?” Paul shook his head. “I can’t. I have to go see Lydia, remember?” ”Oh. Okay”, George was disappointed. He had missed his friend and didn’t want to have to say goodbye so soon. “When will you be back in town next?” “Next week”, Paul answered. “Maybe we can get together, catch up on the craic” George smiled. “Sounds good. You and Lydia should come by the house next week. We won’t be able to offer you any food, but we’ll have a warm place out of the wind” Paul gave him a sad smile. “I understand George. You barely have enough money for your family. I wouldn’t put you in that situation. Seems like it’s every man for himself these days, doesn’t it?” “Aye, it does”, George agreed.” My motto has been to just survive lately” Paul nodded. “I’d drink to that. If I had enough money that is” George laughed. “Well, it may not be a pint, but I can offer ya water” Paul smiled. “Sounds good! I’ll see you in a week George”, he pulled George in for a quick hug. George hugged him back. “See ya Paul”, George replied and he and Paul went their separate ways. George whistled to himself on the way home. He couldn’t wait to tell Carrie. He did feel sorry for Keith though, poor lad. Tracie didn’t deserve him anyway. Not if she was too shallow to really care about him. Keith was better off. He may not know that yet, but he was. He’d find someone who really deserved him. As George walked up the road to his house, he saw someone knocking on his door. The man was in a suit… and no, he wasn’t knocking. It looked like he was hammering… but hammering what? And why? George walked faster. “Hello!”, he called to the man at the door. “I’m George Donaldson” The man turned around and George saw that it was his landlord. “Good day to you George”, his landlord said. “I hope you’re well” George held out his hand. “Hello Mr. McGinley. What can I do for you?” Mr. McGinley tore the piece of paper off the door silently and held it out to George. George took the paper and read it slowly. No… this couldn’t be happening… He looked up at Mr. McGinley. “Please don’t do this”, he whispered. Mr. McGinley looked at him with a sympathetic expression. “I’m sorry. But you need to get me that rent money. You have 30 days… that should be enough time” “I don’t have a job!”, George protested. “My wife is working, but it’s not nearly enough. I have a 9 year old daughter to feed!” “I’m sorry George”, Mr. McGinley said. “I wish I could give you more time, but I have a family too. I need that money. If I don’t get it in 30 days… you’re going to have to leave” George ran his hand over his head. “Please”, he said again. “I have nowhere to go, I have a family to look after. Please don’t put my wife and child out on the street” Mr. McGinley looked torn, and for a second George thought he was going to give in. But then Mr. McGinley shook his head. “No George. You have 30 days. I’ll be back then to collect”, he got on his horse and rode away. George turned around and slammed his fist into the side of his house. He knew there was no way they could get that money. He went inside and looked around. Maybe they could sell something… but George had been poor to begin with. And they had already sold everything of value in order to put food on the table. There was nothing left. There was nothing he could do… George sat down at the table and covered his face with his hands. After a few minutes, he felt something tickle his cheek. He pulled back his hands and saw that they were wet with tears.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 15, 2010 0:27:54 GMT -5
It was over. Life as George knew it was over. What was he going to do? That was just the thing… he couldn’t do anything. George groaned. How was he going to get that money? He couldn’t find a job and what Carrie made wasn’t nearly enough. For the next three hours, George just sat there. He tried not to think about anything. He tried not to think about what they were going to do, but it didn’t work. Thoughts and ideas crowded his mind, but it was useless. There was nothing they could do… they were going to get thrown out. They were going to get thrown out into the streets. George couldn’t take it anymore, he broke down. Tears flooded down his cheeks as he thought about his life. He was a failure. His job as a husband and a father had been so simple. Keep them safe with food and a house. And he had failed. George cried tears of frustration, tears of helplessness, and tears of sorrow. He cried for his family, he cried for the loss of his once happy life. Time didn’t exist. He didn’t know how long he sat there, but at some point he heard the door open. He didn’t look up. He heard Carrie’s footsteps and her slight gasp when she saw him. “George”, she whispered as she rushed over to him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders from the back and kissed his cheek, right where his fallen tears still lingered. “George!”, she exclaimed when she realized he had been crying. She came around to the side of the chair and turned his face with her hands so that he was looking at her. “George what’s wrong?”, she looked him with anxious eyes. George didn’t know how to respond. He just pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her hair. “George?”, Carrie asked again. “Please talk to me” George pulled back to look her in the eyes. “Mr. McGinley was here. We have 30 days to come up with the rent money” Carrie’s eyes got wide. “But… he wouldn’t throw us out, would he?” George nodded silently. “What are we going to do?”, Carrie asked. “I don’t know”, George admitted. “I have no clue as to how we’re going to get that money” Carrie was silent for a bit. “I don’t make enough”, she finally whispered. “I know”, George replied flatly. “And we don’t have anything to sell… We’re gonna lose the house Carrie” Carrie shook her head. “No. There must be a way”, she thought for a bit. “George, what if… what if Sarah got a job?” George immediately didn’t like the idea. “No”, he said firmly. “But if it’s the only way…” “No”, George said again. No. There was no way. It just wasn’t an option. George was NOT going to have Sarah working. Carrie looked at him firmly. “I don’t like it either”, she said. “Do you think I want my baby working in some factory? I hate the idea!” “No!”, George exclaimed. “Sarah is not working Carrie. End of discussion.” It was out of the question. George knew what happened in factories… “George”, Carrie tried to reason with him. “I said no Carrie!”, George said fiercely. “You don’t know what happens in factories. Especially to children! You don’t know the risk… Children die! They get hurt! The machines will literally chop off their fingers at times!”, George was almost yelling now. Carrie’s eyes filled with tears and him could tell that images of Sarah losing fingers and dying were filling her mind. The very thought haunted George to no end. George gently took her onto his lap and rubbed her back. “I’m sorry”, he said softly. “But it happens so quickly. These accidents happen all the time and without warning.” Carrie started crying. “Then how are we going to get the money? Can’t she work in a store or something?” George sighed. “We can try, but they won’t hire kids unless it’s in a factory” “Then how are we going to get the money?”, Carrie asked again. George groaned. He knew Carrie was right…. There was no other way. It was either that, or being thrown out. George felt sick. He hated this. He hated it so much he could punch someone’s face in. He hated it and yet he had no choice. Sarah would have to go to work.
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Post by celticgirl91 on Jan 17, 2010 0:51:20 GMT -5
“How do we tell her?”, Carrie looked at George with sad eyes. George shrugged. How was he supposed to tell a 9 year old girl that she had to leave school and all her friends? How was he supposed to tell her that she had to go work in a stuffy, smelly factory? “I don’t know”, he finally said to Carrie. “When should we have her start?”, Carrie asked. “The day after tomorrow”, George sighed. “It’s my fault she’s working at all. I can at least give her one day to say goodbye to her friends” Carrie stroaked his cheek with her hand. “It’s not your fault”, she said gently. “You didn’t ask to be put out of work” George shook his head. “But I’m the man of this household. I’m responsible for keeping you two safe and happy. It’s my job to do whatever it takes. I should have looked for another job harder. I should have moved us out of here when I had the chance. I should have…” “Shh…”, Carrie put two fingers over his lips. “Hush George. You did the best you could. You are an amazing husband and father and I couldn’t be any more proud of you. You’ve done an amazing job dealing with these circumstances. Any other man would have given up by now. ‘As long as we’re together…’, isn’t that what I said? And we’re together, right? You are the best father in the world to Sarah” George looked at Carrie with his eyes shining with love for her. “As long as we’re together”, he repeated. She was right. As long as he had his girls, he would count himself blessed. “I just wish we could be together without you two working”, he said. Carrie smiled. “But life doesn’t always give us what we want. We just have to deal with what we’ve been given, and then remember that God has a plan. He knows what He’s doing” George smiled at his wife and kissed her. Just then, the door opened and Sarah ran into the room. “Mommy!”, she exclaimed. “What are you doing home?” “What? No hello for me?”, George pretended to be offended. Sarah giggled and ran to give him a hug. “We were just talking about you Sarah”, Carrie said. Sarah looked at her from George’s arms. “Why?”, she asked. George looked at her seriously. “Because Mommy and I have to talk to you about something”, he said. “Am I in trouble?”, Sarah asked. “Oh no!”, Carrie laughed. “Nothing like that. It’s just that there are going to be some changes around here and you’re going to need to be a big girl about it” “What is it?”, Sarah asked. George sat down on the couch and pulled her into his lap. Carrie sat down next to him. “Do you know how Mommy got a job because we needed money?”, George asked. Sarah nodded, her red curls bouncing in her ponytail. “Well Mommy’s job doesn’t make a lot of money. It helps, but it’s not enough”, George continued. “So we kind of need your help. We need you to be a big girl and work too. Just until I find a new job” Sarah thought about this for a second. “But what about school?” “You would get out of school”, Carrie explained. “Just for a bit and then you’ll go back when Daddy gets a job” “Am I gonna be able to work in a shop like Mommy?”, Sarah asked. “You’re gonna work in a factory, like Daddy did”, Carrie explained. Sarah looked at George. “But what about my friends? And what about the talent show? I was going to dance”, he eyes filled with tears as she realized all that she would be missing. George’s heart broke. What was he doing? She should be in school… “There will be others”, Carrie tried to comfort their daughter. “And your friends will understand” “But I don’t want to go to work!”, Sarah exclaimed. “We’re doing adverbs next week. I need to know about adverbs!” “Sarah”, George said her name firmly. “Please be a big girl about this. Please. For me. I don’t want you to have go to work either. But we need the money” Sarah tried to stop crying when she heard his request. George knew she wanted to be a big girl for him, but all she really wanted to do was be a kid. She wanted to laugh and play. She should be in school. Sarah sniffled. “Do I have to go?” George nodded, his own eyes filling with tears. “Tomorrow?” George shook his head, thankful for his earlier decision. “Not tomorrow, but the day after. We thought we’d give you a day to tell your teacher and say goodbye to your friends. Tell them you’ll be back soon” Carrie had been sitting quietly to the side and George could see her heart breaking. His was already broken. Sarah looked down at her shoes. “Can I go to my room?”, she asked. “Of course”, George hugged her. Carrie gave her a kiss on the cheek and she quickly ran upstairs. George felt horrible. She was only 9 years old and already she had to face the real world. Why?
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