Page 10 of Grounded
It'sbeenaweekof hotel living, and the only positive thing from all of this is I’ve been sleeping so much I almost forgot about my predicament. Every day, I frantically apply for any position I’m qualified for, yet I hear nothing. Not a peep. It's discouraging, to say the least.
My dad has checked in for the past four days to find out if I'm coming home. And each time his text comes through, I tell him: "I need another day."
But each day that passes and no interview email materializes in my inbox, I begin to sweat.
Aren't companies bleeding staff right now? I thought this was the time when the unemployed had the upper hand in selecting a job. Or maybe I'm thinking of the housing market. I honestly don't know, but I really thought this was to my advantage.
I need to apply for unemployment, but I don't have a current residence to provide an ongoing address.
All signs are pointing to returning home, and I need to do it sooner than later so Theo's path doesn't cross mine.
I pull out my phone and text my dad.
ExceptwhenFridaynightrolls around, I'm handed a raging case of insomnia.
I'm exhausted, but I can't fall asleep. My mind is a film reel looping over and over with random memories from my summer with Theo.
FLASH.
Meaccidentallyusing Theo's razor to shave my legs.
FLASH.
Theoaccidentally leaving the toilet seat up.
FLASH.
Me deleting the newest recording of his stupid TV show.
FLASH.
Theo adding bleach to my laundry.
FLASH.
Me blasting my pop music to distract him from his video games.
FLASH.
Theo trying to kiss me.
The movie reel halts to an abrupt stop and fades to white.
I can't go back. A cardboard box sounds like a better option, and I think I may have one big enough in my trunk.
But is moving home really the end of the world?
Matthew McConaughey lived at home with his parents in the movieFailure to Launch. It might be nice having my dad and Molly around to cook my meals, tidy up after me…
By 6:00 a.m., I forfeit the chance of getting any actual sleep.
I can’t waste anymore time while my window of living at home without Theo is closing in. I pack up what little I came in with and check out.
I'manhourawayfrom my dad's so I send him a text.
Panic creeps in, and I white knuckle the steering wheel.
What kind of a surprise? Did they renovate my bedroom even though my dad promised they wouldn't touch it?
