The needle on the fuel gauge hovered above empty, adding to John’s already mounting troubles. The old Moped needed fuel, and with prices the way they were, it would be expensive. Fingers nervously tapping the handle bar, John did some math. He'd never been very good at numbers, but could do the arithmetic. With all the unpaid bills stacking up at home, he knew he was nearing the empty mark, himself.
John prayed he would have enough fuel to reach his destination. He only had five dollars left in his wallet, and desperately needed a good business deal;atleast a good parttime job as his business was on loss coz of Kenneth . A firm believer in Providence,John had poured over the “help wanted section” of the newspaper that morning, praying for guidance. An ad for a salesman at the local computer dealership had caught his attention. It touted "no experience necessary" -- three very important words to John. Even better, John knew the owner of the dealership, and believed God had pointed him to this job.
Parking his vehicle outside the showroom, John removed his Stetson to whisper a prayer. The moped stand screeched open as he climbed down. The Weather felt good at this time of year -- not too hot and not too cold. John enjoyed the fresh air, letting the breeze swirl around him as he strode inside.
Light jazz played faintly in the background, as John scanned the showroom for a familiar face. A bald man took notice of John, and waved a friendly greeting from across the room. John returned his wave. He hoped the man would remember him from his computers spares purchase.
Dressed in dark slacks and a white business shirt, Jerry Westhaven put down the clipboard he had been holding, and came to John with an outstretched hand and a broad smile. "John Wilson, I never expected to see you here! Don't tell me you're finally shifting that old computer business!"
"No, sir, I'm here about the job," John said, feeling a little self-conscious about the black T-shirt and worn jeans he had put on that morning. With a sinking heart, John noticed the other salesman dressed as sharply as Jerry.
"Job?" Jerry looked puzzled, and then a flash of understanding crossed his face. "John, I'm sorry, but that job was filled only an hour ago!"
His spirits fell, and John hoped he didn't appear as disappointed as he felt. "Oh, sorry for bothering you." As he awkwardly turned to leave, he saw Jerry open his wallet and take out two twenty dollar bills.
"Here," Jerry said, offering the money a little clumsily, "I'd like you have this."
Longingly staring at the bills, John realized what Jerry offered -- a handout -- charity to someone less fortunate than himself. "I'm not here to beg for anything," John said, feeling the heat of shame creep up his neck.
"I know you're not," Jerry said, thrusting the money into John's hip pocket. "I just have a feeling you might need this more than I do at the moment."
John knew he had no right to turn down the money, especially when he needed it so badly. Even so, it stung to accept charity, though it came from someone as friendly as Jerry Westhaven.
"Come to think of it," Jerry said thoughtfully, "I heard the garden nursery owner across the street might be looking for help in regard to his home computer service. You could check there for work."
"Across the street?" John tried to be hopeful, but knew a job there wouldn't be very likely as he was in a huge loss . Nodding, John gratefully shook Jerry's hand. "Thanks, I'll look into it."
Before Jerry had a chance to ask how things were going at home, John made a polite excuse and left the dealership. In his present condition, as much as Matt knew people meant well, he knew they could also bring trouble.
And Matt had already had enough trouble, to last him a lifetime.John met the concerned person and had the job done.
His college days were smooth as ever. John had a customer named Sebastian who was John’s class mate in his 11 and 12th grade, infact he was one among the close friends of Kenneth. It was almost 6 months ago that customer was given under Kenneth’s control. Sebastian is basically a dumb guy, who doesn’t know the true value of anything which includes people, friends, money, hard work .What all he knows is going to pub, bar’s, beach resorts to have sheer pleasure in the weekends. His father is an attorney and a former member of parliament. So Sebastian had all sorts of amenities which no one questions. Kenneth used this opportunity and started looting money in the name of regular system inspection and services. These things were happening without the knowledge of John as he got no information about it and more over John believed that Sebastian & Kenneth were good friends so Kenneth will not show his tricks to Sebastian.
It was February 28th 2006 John, Sean, Rachel, Susan and Martha was invited by Ellen to take part in her Nephew’s 5th birthday .For John it was the first time to attend a party at a friend’s place that too a female friend so he went up to Sean’s place so that they can start off together for the party,it was that time Sean introduced Mr. Xavier who is a friend ,Neighbor and well wisher of Sean ,soon John and Sean got ready and set off to the party at 5pm .In Ellen’s place John was left alone by the gang as Sean was busy convincing Rachel to accept his love, Martha as usual over the phone and Susan never turned up to grace the occasion. Last but not the least Ellen was busy serving the gusts at the party. He had a chance to meet Mr. Eugene, Ellen’s brother in law who was working in a MNC as a software engineer. Eugene a man of perfection, always had a strict vigil over Ellen but ultimately this nature of him turned him arrogant. He never trusted anyone, He started doubting each and every person he meets in his life, and in that moment only he met John who was introduced to him by Ellen as her best friend. Ellen in her Joy started stating all the qualities of John, that he is an Entrepreneur, he owns a business, besides which he is a good artist and she kept the list added. This created a slight suspicion in the minds of Eugene. But John had learned it from his eyes even though Eugene never revealed his suspicion. John never interfered in anyone’s personal affair so he didn’t feel guilty of any suspicion. The party went on well it was almost 9pm John Received a call from his dad. As soon as John Cut the call his face was horrified with something that Sean, Ellen and other friend of John couldn’t understand the situation John was facing. Not willing to spoil the party mood John left Ellen’s Place without letting his situation to anyone.
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