It’s hard to have a natural conversation with Leena or show any sign of friendliness outside of what she should be doing.
“I—I have a small issue I have to tend to this afternoon.”
“Of course you do,” she replies. I’m sure she thinks I had three days last week to handle issues.
“Leena, it’s Keegan’s parents. They’re demanding access to his things in our apartment.”
“And?” she continues.
“I have to be there to let them inside because they’re not complying with my schedule. They are also making threats.” I might be exaggerating a touch, but I need to make the story sound viable.
“Very well. Please make sure you situate Jeremy before you leave. He should be arriving within the hour.”
“Thank you for understanding, Leena. This situation will all pass soon.”
“I’m sure,” she says.
By the sound of her responses, I can almost assume she’s agreeing because she’s planning to remove me from my position here.
“I need this job,” I remind her. “I love what I do. I’m sorry I’m going through a rough time.”
Leena drops the bag of crackers onto the counter and turns around, sweeping a stray gray hair out of her eyes. “August, I understand you are going through a tough time. I’m surrounded by tough times, as are you, but rather than coming to me with your issues, come to me with your solutions. Do you understand?”
I nod in agreement. I had a solution already worked out, but Leena is the type who likes to be in control.
“Of course.”
“It’s time to become a little more aggressive here and a little less timid. You need to thicken up that skin of yours and bear less emotion. Got it?”
I nod again. “Yes, I agree.” I don’t agree. These children need love. The structure of their environment should come second in my mind, but my thoughts don’t matter when it comes to the rules for children who are wards of the state. When I began studying in this field, I had the mindset that I would be helping these children by offering them a life they never had, but I don’t see that part often. I only see what happens in between these kid’s lives that have spiraled out of control and hopeful best-case scenarios for them. After helping Jeremy settle in with the other children, I packed up my belongings for the day and flew home. God only knows if Diane and Keegan’s dad, Lenny, would have the landlord let her in, or better yet, try her key that still works since I didn’t change the locks.
I’m home before they arrive, and I take a few minutes to straighten up. I don’t exactly care what they think, but I’m concerned with the blame Diane has placed on me. It makes me wonder if they have other plans up their sleeve, pressing charges, or whatnot. I don’t trust them.
I texted May a few hours ago to see if she would come over, so I didn’t have to be alone with Diane and Lenny. Thankfully, she didn’t have any meetings scheduled, so she’s on her way too.
It’s about to be a grand ole’ party here.
Just before I hear Diane’s nails tap on the door, I remember to hide the whiskey bottles sitting out on the kitchen counter.
I open the door, finding Diane, Lenny, and May standing in front of me.
“I wasn’t aware your sister would be joining us, as well,” Diane says.
“I wasn’t aware you’d be showing up today, period. This visit is going to be the last time you come here without ample warning, or when I’m at work.”
“Do not speak to us that way, August.”
“The lease is being changed over to my name tonight. So, yes, I can inform you ofmyrules.”
I was the one who submitted all the paperwork to get this apartment. We used my tax forms and my credit score because Keegan didn’t qualify on his own.
“Where is Keegan’s stuff?” Lenny asks. Lenny hardly ever speaks. I can imagine it has something to do with Diane’s big mouth, but even when Keegan’s mom was alive, he didn’t talk much. He’s somewhat of a pile of mush who goes along for the ride.
“I have everything set aside in boxes,” I tell them.
I drag the boxes out from the other side of the wall and place them in front of Lenny’s feet. “This is it?” Diane asks. “Surely Keegan had more belongings in here than whatever is in these four boxes.”
“Nope, actually he didn’t. Keegan was a simple man.” I mean that in so many ways.
