One week later, and with Uni starting soon, everyone was gathered around the table, to make plans about what they needed to buy.

"Right, so, I've worked out our finances. Our rent's due in a few weeks, and our maintenance loans don't start until after the due date for the rent", said Luka.

"Sh*t", said Tabitha.

"What are we gonna do?
I don't have that much money in my account, and I still need to buy books", said Jace.

"We could group together to pay for the first installment?", suggested KJ.

"None of us have enough money for that.
Not if we want to eat and get our books", said Sutton.

Tabitha groaned.
"I knew I shouldn't have used up all my money before my maintenance loan came in."

Jace quite literally had a lightbulb moment, because he jumped up from his seat.

"You ok?", asked Sutton.

Jace nodded.
"I'll be back in a bit!"

¤¤¤

Jace walked into the Baked Potato, his face lighting up when he saw Bolin.
He hurried over to him.

"Hey, Bolin!
Just the guy I wanted to see."

"Oh, hi!", he beamed, before looking over his shoulder.

He turned back around and placed a finger to his lips.
After a couple seconds, he whispered something.

"You here for bread?
We gotta keep it quiet, yeah?
What are you craving, sourdough, brioche?"

"Oh, uh, no.
I'm not here for bread."

"Oh!", he exclaimed, before returning to his usual volume.
"Sorry, I'm not allowed to sell bread whilst I'm working.
Anyway, what can I do for you?"

"We're having some money problems. Our rent's due soon as well.
I was just wondering... since you've experienced your first year before, do you have any advice for us?"

Bolin sighed, and for the first time since meeting him, Jace saw his happy demeanour wither away.

"Money problems are one of the main reasons so many people don't get to have the best Uni experience that they can.
I'm sorry you're having trouble.
Have you thought about getting jobs?"

"No, actually.
Why didn't we think of that?"

"We're hiring, actually!
I can put in a good word for you guys, if  you'd like?"

Jace grinned, before clicking his fingers and pointing at Bolin.
"Bolin... you're the best."

"Aww, thanks!"

¤¤¤

The plan of action—getting atleast three out of six of the roommates jobs. Tabitha and Anvi applied for the Baked Potato, whilst Jace tried his look elsewhere.

KJ dropped the bombshell on them that he already had a job, although he wouldn't say where.

Anvi tied her hair into a messy bun and grabbed a black top, pairing it with black leggings and white trainers.

Sutton braided Tabitha's hair into two dutch braids, and Tabitha chose to wear a navy blue top with black jeans.

A tall man—unusually tall, in Tabitha's opinion, gave them a quick tour of the Baked Potato.
Apparently, he was the owner's son. Venn.

"The sandwich making station is our most important station", said Venn. "They sell like hot cakes."

"Shouldn't they sell like sandwiches?", joked Tabitha.

Venn just glared at her.

Tabitha had worked at a few cafes like this, but she wasn't used to this interview process.
Most places started with a formal interview, but the Baked Potato was clearly different.

"Now, onto the more... unconventional interview", said Venn.

Bolin emerged from behind the counter, a clipboard in his hand and a pen tucked behind his ear.
Anvi pressed her lips together to hide her smile.
She didn't want Venn to think she could only get this job because she knew Bolin.

"Hello!
As senior employee of the Baked Potato–"

"You've been working here three years, son.
There's nothing senior about you.
But you're bloomin' dedicated, I'll
give you that", said Venn.

Bolin smiled.
"Thanks, Venn!
Anyway, Venn said I could conduct a small interview.
First in the read chair... Tabitha."

Tabitha stepped forward.
"Bring it on."

¤¤¤

'Tapping Toes' was the only dance studio within a reasonable distance from the University.
On the walk here, Jace had searched for the reviews of the studio.

'Vibrant decor' and 'dedicated staff' were comments that came up the most.
The most damming issue was that it was underfunded.

They hadn't won a dance competition in over twenty years.

"Jace Mercer?", called out a woman.

She had dark skin, her ultramarine eyeliner standing out against it.
Her black box braids were perfectly styled, with the braids reaching her hips.

"Uh, y-yes.
That's me, ma'am."

The woman chuckled.
"Please, ma'am makes me feel like I'm sixty.
Call me Rhian."

Jace nodded.
"Yes... Rhian."

"Normally I'd conduct the interview in my office, but I'm afraid I'm running short on time."

She flipped through the pages in her folder.
She stopped on one page, smiling to herself.

"You've been dancing for a long time", she said.
"Tell me this... why do you want a job teaching little kids how to dance?"

Jace contemplated her question, his answer being one of the things standing in the way of him getting the job or not.

"I... dance has always been a big part of my life.
Growing up in my neighbourhood, people always expected guys that looked like me to become dr*g dealers. Dance pulled me out of some really tough times, and...I think some of these kids can relate to that."

Rhian smiled, before nodding her head. "A very heartfelt answer.
Whether you get this job or not... you should be proud of yourself."

¤¤¤

A spotlight shone down on Tabitha's face, making the girl squint.
Bolin waved the torch around in circular motions.

"Now... who do you work for?", he questioned.

"I-I, uh, no one yet."

Bolin slammed his hand down on the table, startling Tabitha.
He squinted, his piercing gaze appearing rather unnerving.

Just kidding!
Sorry, I've just always wanted to do that.
Anyway, why do you want a job here?"

"Um, I have some experience working in cafes already, so–"

"I didn't ask that.
I asked why you want this job."

"I-I just really need the money.
And I'd work really hard, I promise!"

"I get it.
We never really get taught how to manage our money.
It's not like there's a class for it in school.
University just... thrusts you into the deep end."

Tabitha frowned.
"I just feel so stupid.
I had about two thousand in my account, and I spent so much of it on new stuff for Uni.
I should've saved it."

"It's not your fault.
You'll learn how to manage your money better.
This time next year, you'll be sorted", said Bolin.

He gave her a bright smile.

"Every day's a part of the learning experience."

¤¤¤

The roommates were gathered around the dining table, after a long week of job searching.

"Pass the garlic bread, I'm starving", said Tabitha.

Jace chuckled.
"Jeez, two weeks of job searching and you're already knackered."

"Oh, shut up, you!", she exclaimed.

Jace screwed his face up at her, before sticking his tongue out and shaking his head, making Tabitha laugh.

"I'm gonna go take this call", said KJ, staring at his phone.
He shoved a chip in his mouth, before getting up and heading towards his room.

"Well, I hope you guys get the jobs", said Sutton.
"I'm sorry I didn't go, I've just got a lot on.
I don't think I could handle a job too."

"It's alright, Sutton", said Anvi.
"The last thing we want is for you to burnout."

Tabitha turned to Luka.
"Same goes for you, Luka."

"Thanks", he smiled.

Meanwhile, in KJ's room, the blonde haired boy was his phone.
He lowered his voice, just incase the others were listening.

"Yes, sorry.
I'm in a quiet place now."

"Right, well I just called to ask if you could take on extra shifts at the children's home?"

"Is everything ok?"

"Everything's fine, dear.
The kids just really miss you."

"Aww, I miss 'em too.
I'll try and fit more shifts in before I start Uni."

"Good lad.
The kids will be over the moon.
Besides, you'll probably need the extra money anyway."

"That's true.
I have to go, Trudy.
Was there anything else you needed?"

"Alright, love.
No, that's all.
Take care, KJ."

"You too, Trudy."

--------

Hi.

I really enjoyed this chapter! Even though it didn't have much in it plot wise, job searching is a very real struggle that young adults go through. University is univerally known for being very expensive, and it's actually quite a lot for young adults to handle so quickly, in my opinion.

I believe that schools should focus on helping students manage their finances for when they get older.

Jace's section in this chapter is a really important topic I wanted to cover. For ethnic minorities, they're already labelled a certain way from a very young age. So breaking out of that stereotype can be a really damaging process.

KJ's job at a children's home is really fitting for him, given his backstory. More on that later though...

Bolin is the helper/guardian angel that the group needed! Do you think Tabitha, Anvi or both will get the job? Or will neither of them manage to get it? I know Bolin is a comedic character, but he also has his insightful moments too.

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

ruesbennett

LeMystical-Puffle

1-800-ISAACLAHEY-

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