"Eh..."
"So what kind of jobs are you looking for?"I go through the pack members in my mind, trying to see if there is anyone I can bully into hiring Simon.The problem is they mostly work blue-collar or artistic jobs, if they work at all.Or like Mom.She grows a garden and has a stand at the farmers' market every Wednesday.It's a one-person operation.Or I'm sure she could use another person in the garden, but the income isn't enough to cover a second full-time position.
Unless she expands.
The farmer's market is open both Wednesdays and Saturdays, but she's only there on Wednesdays since Saturday is the day we run as a pack.It's when most people are available, and since she isn't dependent on the income...Maybe she could let Simon do the Saturdays.I think there are more customers on Saturdays, but I'm not sure.
"How about gardening?"
Simon's eyebrows travel his forehead."It's...eh...November.Nothing grows this time of year."
I snort because Mom still manages to have things to sell, so something has to grow.I'll talk to her.She might not be pleased if I offer Simon a job before I've talked to her.Or before she's met him.
It would be perfect, though.My mate and my mother working together.If it works out, we can move back to Rutchester.I nod as I picture it.A new life goal.
"I've worked different admin jobs since I finished school.I guess I'll have to...Fuck, people have most likely already applied for whatever ads there are.It's why they give us the weekend, right?And we'll all compete for the same kinds of jobs."
I reach over and pat his hand."Don't worry."
"Don't worry?"His voice is sharper now."I promised when I took Ira in to give him the best life possible, and look at us."He gestures around the kitchen."I have no idea how I'll make Christmas happen."
Took in?What does he mean,took in?
"Christmas presents, food, all that shit."
I scoff."Calm down."
"Calm down!You have no idea what it's like to--"
"Simon."I put a little authority in my voice, and he immediately quiets, which makes me smile.This time, I take his hand in mine and rub my thumb over the back of it."We'll sort it, okay?"
He stares at our hands."How?"It's no more than a whisper."I want to give him the world, Boris.He deserves everything other kids have, but I'm only one person, and he's suffered too much already."
"Sweetheart--"
His gaze snaps to mine, and he makes a sound of protest, which has me chuckling."Trust me."
He shakes his head.
"Yes."I gently squeeze his hand."I'll take care of you."
"Boris."He tries to pull out of my hold, but I don't let him.I'm far stronger than he is, not that I'm using any real strength.
"Simon."
Another sound, this one of frustration, I think.Some of my amusement disappears."Baby, listen to me."
"I'm not your baby."
"Of course you are.But it's neither here nor there right now.What I mean to say is don't worry.I've got you.You'll go to work on Monday, and it may or may not be your last day, but no matter what, you'll have a roof over your head and food in your belly.Ira will be fine.We'll make sure he's fine."
Simon stares at me as if I've lost my mind."We're not your responsibility.You don't know us."
All I can do is smile because they are my responsibility.
They're mine.
* * * *
