Present Day and Potential

"So about that job Jack?" Christie said.

Jack had been dreading this conversation.

It was three days after the attack by Giganta. Jack hadn't heard back from Barbara Minerva. She might still be in the hospital for all he knew. And rent was due.

"I'm sorry Christie, but we were attacked by a goddamned 50's monster movie villain," he told her.

Christie Stefanik was Jack's college ex, well, if you want to call dating for three months and sleeping together once a 'relationship.' All these years later and he still felt like his stomach was hallowed out every time they were alone together. It spoke to his desperation that he'd begged her to let him take the spare bedroom in the apartment for the last six months.

"I know Jack, it was a freak thing, but I need to actually pay the rent," Christie said. She was a petite blonde with sharp Italian features and large eyes. Today she wore a navy blue jacket and power skirt. She was due at the capital in an hour to help shepherd some piece of legislation through some committee.

"I know Christie, I know," Jack said, defeated. "I'll have it to you by the end of the week."

"And next months rent?" She asked.

The payment would eat up the rest of his savings. Unless he heard back from Barbara by the end of the day he wouldn't be able to afford another month.

"You can put the room up online. I'll clear out by the end of the week," he said.

It didn't take long to pack. One large size suite case filled with clothes. He'd need to find something to do with his book shelf, maybe donate it to the library? Can you do that? Probably just give it away on Craigs List. Two years of effort, only to run home to Iowa a failure with only two suitcases to his name and an air mattress. At least I don't have to bum money for a plane ticket, he thought bitterly.

But he would to buy a new phone.

His was a wreck.

The screen was less shattered than 'nonexistent.' He couldn't even tell if it turned on anymore. He guessed he'd have to write her parents an email.

He sighed.

He'd been avoiding doing that all morning. Trying not to sit over the screen and stew that he hadn't heard back yet. Hadn't--

To [email protected] From [email protected]

Subject: Interview Followup

Jack,

Turn your fucking phone on. Need to talk. 302 Perez Boulevard. Urgent.

Yours

Dr. Barbara Minerva, PhD

...

"Holy fuck!" He shouted.

A clash of dishes rang out in the background. "What the hell Jack?" Christie yelled. "You scared the shit out of me."

"Sorry," he replied. But he wasn't.

He was elated.