Page 14 of The Road Home
"I didn't know about a lot of things the first year. I was just trying to survive. I was so scared. I hid from groups, didn't venture around a lot of the homeless camps. Every time I did, something happened." Orson's gaze dropped. "Anyway, I finally learned what I needed to do, but in Arizona, programs are few and far between, and they are impossible to get into when you find one. Jobs are even harder. People would rather hire the illegals for day work than take a chance on a homeless man. I slowly made a plan, but I couldn't make it work in Arizona. I needed to come someplace else. I heard it was good here, but I was scared of the winters. Still am. I've never had to deal with snow before."
The thought of Orson sleeping outside during the winter didn't sit well with Jared. Thankfully, that was still months away. "What would you do if you find a job?"
"Save the money to get a small apartment, but chances of finding work are slim. I can't travel far, and I don't get to shower or change clothes all the time, so I'm limited in what I can do. If I could just find something close where I didn't have to deal with people it would be perfect."
Jared took a drink of water as he tried to think of anything he could do to help Orson. As he set the glass down, he hoped what he was about to say wasn't out of line. "I need some help around my place. I would pay you. It's not a fulltime job, but maybe it can help you get some cash to survive on for a week or so."
Orson narrowed his eyes. "What kind of work?"
He hated that again Orson was showing his lack of trust, and hated even more that he probably had reason to feel that way. "Yard work and some stuff in my wood shop. When I'm not at the hospital, I spend a lot of time in my shop making tables and other things that I sell. I'm not great at it, but it's relaxing. I sell them online once I finish. A lot of the time, I could use a second set of hands for things." It was a lie, but if he could help Orson out, he was willing to let him invade his space from time to time.
"Really?" Orson still didn't look comfortable.
"Yeah, why not? I was going to hire a company to mow my lawns and stuff, but I'd rather pay you. You need the money. I have all the equipment. And as far as my shop goes, having someone to help would really be useful. It's up to you. I know we don't really know each other, and I understand you have trust issues, but the offer is there. I'd pay you for everything you do, and I give you my word that I'm not going to do anything to make you uncomfortable or hurt you. The catch is, I do work a lot of odd hours, so we'd have to figure out a good time for both of us. Probably mornings since I work the afternoon shift at the hospital." Jared hoped he wasn't making a mistake, but there was something about Orson that told him he was sincere in wanting to change. If he could help him, just a little, he would do what he could.
"I don't have a way to get to your place." Orson still wouldn't make eye contact with him.
"That wouldn't be a problem. I could pick you up, if that's okay with you."
"Why do you care?"
Jared rubbed his hand over his chin. "Honestly, I don't know. I've always tried to keep a separation between patients and myself. I never let myself get involved. I care about their well-being. I want them to get better, but my job as a doctor has always been to fix what I can and move on to the next patient. With you, it's different. I found myself thinking about your situation a lot after the night we met. I guess some was pity, and I know you hate hearing that, but it's true. I won't deny it. But more than that, I guess I just saw a look in your eyes. A true determination to change your circumstances and try and find a better life for yourself. I've treated a lot of homeless people in my career, but you are the first one that I have truly believed wants a change. If I can do anything to help you get that change, then I want to do it."
Orson nodded as he slowly looked up at Jared. "I don't want to live this way anymore. I'm tired of being scared, of being hurt."
Jared's heart broke a little more at the desperation in Orson's eyes. "Then let me help. Are you free tomorrow?"
Orson laughed. "I'm free every day."
"Then how about tomorrow I pick you up and you can come help me with yard work. I have the whole day off. I'm sure we can get a lot done. Then I can show you my wood shop and you can see if helping there is something that interests you." He wasn't sure what he'd have Orson do in the shop, but he'd find something. "I could pick you up around nine or whenever if that is too early."
Orson reached for his water, nervously running his finger through the condensation on the outside of the glass. He took a deep breath before nodding. "That will work. Nine is good."
Jared nodded, but waited to say anything until the waitress set their food on the table. Once she was gone he smiled. "I promise you're safe. I just want to help."
"I know. It's just hard." Orson stared at his food.
"Well, hopefully in time you'll trust me. All I can do is prove myself to you. Let's enjoy the meal and talk about something else. Tomorrow, we'll focus on work, okay?"
Orson reached for his fork and smiled. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Jared turned his focus to the food, hoping he was making the right decision. Orson reminded him of what his own life could have been, and he wasn't sure that was a good thing. No matter what, this was the right thing to do. He just couldn't forget how easily he could be standing in the same place, desperate for help.
Forcing the thoughts from his mind, he watched Orson take a bite of his food, hoping that somehow, he would make a difference.
