Nadja, another childhood friend who studied with you

You quickly walk down the stairs to the doctor’s office in the ground floor. When you open the front door, you don’t get the chance to ask who is there. A whirlwind of colors storms in the office and hugs you so stormy that you have to hold at the desk to not fall down. The whirlwind turns out to be female, your age, has brown hair and is happy that you are back.

“Max you are back,” the girl says and hugs you even tighter, “I thought you would stay in the big city forever. God, it’s so great to have you back.”

“Nad,” you gasp and try to loosen her grip, “you are back too. I can’t believe it. What happened? You were suddenly just gone.”

Nadja Bell, always called Nad by her friends, was in class with you and Eve. She is best friends with Jess, the daughter of the shop owners and you both went away to study at the same university. She took economy and finances as her subject. For some years you saw each other regularly on campus. But one day she disappeared. You were worried and tried to find her for about a week. But all you found out was that she got expelled for some reasons. You didn’t know she moved back to Cornflower Fields before you.

Nadja suddenly lets you go and stands in front of you. She tries to avoid eye contact, but you can see she is fighting her tears.

“I’m sorry,” Nadja says sad, “I’m really sorry. I wanted to tell you. But I couldn’t. I was ashamed. I messed up everything.”

“What happened?” you asks directly, “I only heard rumors. Some people said you took **** or even dealt with them.”

“I did not deal,” Nadja immediately replies and for a short moment she sounds angry, “I … I admit I bought some weed from a shady bastard. He was caught almost a day later by a campus cop. He lied and told them I was his dealer. There was no prove of course but the director … well you know him. He saw a girl with not really good grades from the countryside whose parents were just farmers. For him this was enough to expel me too, even if they never found any weed on me.”

You are silent for a moment. It is right that the director of the university was well known for his strictness and intolerance even against legal ****. And that he permanently preferred students from rich and academic families. Mostly to improve his own reputation.

“Why did you never tell me,” you ask calm, “I could have helped you. My hospital had contacts to lawyers and I know some …”

“I couldn’t,” Nadja interrupts you begging, “it was all my fault. I met this guy and gave him my name and address. I messed this up and I was just ashamed. I … I couldn’t run to you so you help me out like you did with my bad grades. Claire offered me her help too.”

“I guess it is too late now,” you mumble and sigh, “seriously, Nad. I was worried.”

“I know,” Nadja mumbles sad, “and I’m sorry. It just … went over my head.”

“Well, what are you doing here anyway?” you ask, “the office is not open yet. Or are just here to see me?”

“I wanted to meet you so bad,” Nadja says honest, “but you are right. I would have come here even if your new doctor would be someone else. As you know, studying is not cheap. And I failed. Claire helped me to get my study fees back. Well, most of it. But my parents had to cover the rest. They are very angry. And disappointed. And think I’m a total failure. They gave me an ultimatum. I find a job and start working to pay them back. Or they call my uncle to give me a job far away from here. I … I don’t want to leave. Not again. So … do you think you can use a secretary? Or a nurse? Whatever you need. I would do everything to stay here. Please.”

“You want a job?” you ask unsure, “Nad … I … I’m not sure I can pay you. I need to sort out my own finances before I can think about hiring anybody. Look, the office needs furniture, I have to order medicine and establish a base of customers. When this is done I could begin to think about employing somebody. Maybe you should look for something else first.”

“I can help you with this,” Nadja says pushing, “I studied economics for several semesters. I know everything about accounting, writing bills and organization. And I have a solid social media presence to advertise for you. Please, Max, I don’t want to leave. I already tried working here but … it didn’t go well. I was a terrible waitress and an even worse baker. I almost set the bakery on fire. I’m only good with numbers and documents. But nobody here looks for somebody like this. I can probably take care of some minor injuries if I have to. But I need a job. You are literally my last chance here.”

You need a moment to consider. You could indeed use somebody for the paperwork and you know Nadja as a quite reliable woman, even if she is also very childish and clumsy. However, hiring somebody this early could be a major mistake. Even if she works really well, you probably have not the financial capacity to keep Nadja employed for long.