Career goals

"You know if you focused less on your, erm, twig and berries and more on your studies perhaps things would be better for you scholastically." Giles observed.

Xander acted affronted. "TWIG? Twig and berries? Giles, so crass, for shame! I'll have you know I grew past Twig many a year ago. Since last year Captain Happy is more like a log of Salami and a grapefruit than a twig and berries. "

"Of course." Giles looked unimpressed.

"I'm a grower not a show-er." Xander shrugged in a 'what can you do' way.

Giles rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You are an intelligent young man Xander. If you put half the effort into studying as you did into being 'funny'." He made air quotes.

"Ouch." Xander exaggerated a wince. "Yeah, yeash, I hear you. You arent the first to say it but... well, Giles, it aint like I got much in the way of a future." Xander picked up a book and put it back on a shelf.

"I'm sorry?" Giles asked in confusion.

"C'mon, G-man, lets not kid ourselves. I dont have much of a future. I cant afford college, so no degree, so no great job with great pay. I'm gonna work a job thats hard labor til my body breaks down and cant do it anymore. If I'm lucky I wont end up an alcholic like my Dad." Xander sadly answered and put another book back on a shelf.

"I already do odd jobs to make cash. I mow lawns for folks. I clean gutters. I limb trees. I'm already halfway to being a one man ground crew. Maybe if I keep at it I can start a career as a gardener. If I'm any good at it maybe I can make a living at it." He grumbled as he shelved another book.

"I see." Giles stared at Xander and appeared indecisive, trying to figure out what to say to the boys surprisingly honest admission.

"I'm lucky that ladies like me and need odd jobs done." Xander added, "Joyce has only so many odd jobs that needs doing. Cant count on pity forever. Although I am cute and women of a... certain age do love me."

"Maybe I can start a career as a gigolo. Women of a... certain age need love too." Xander mused to himself. "California is home to thousands of rich and sexy milfs, sugar mamas and cougars... Sunnydale's got to have at least a dozen super sexy older ladies who want a piece of the X-man and are willing to share the wealth. Joyce is sexy, she has to know other sexy older women who are rich and need... work... done."

Giles cleared his throat, "Before you delve into a career in prostitution, Xander, perhaps you should finish school first and at least apply to a college and see if you can get in. The University of Sunnydale has several programs to help the financially disadvantaged."

Xander picked up the last book Giles had handed him and shelved it. He turned back to Giles and asked, "And give up on my career as a gigolo?"

Giles just raised his eyebrow.

"Point taken." Xander held up his hands in defeat.