The Adventures of Josie

“In a bit of trouble Josie?” Max asked.

“I decided I need a day off from Mr. Keller.”

“That man is a mess whenever GED tests are given. I don’t blame you. I tell you what, make some coffee, and I’ll radio Jefferson for some food.”

“Coffees brewing already.” Josie smiled, Mr. Maxwell was a friendly 40 something that loved talking about the “good ol days” and how much trouble he used to cause before becoming a security guard. Sure, Josie had listened to a few of the stories several times with more or less details each time but it was better than class and it was hard not to like Max. Today he started off with a new story from just over this last weekend where he’d brought his single brother to a bar to meet some girls when he noticed a few of the girls at the bar were students that had snuck off campus. Soon, the food arrived; in Brian’s hands.

“Hey Bri. What was all that noise coming over the radio this morning? You been fighting again?”

“Hi Max. I wasn’t fighting. I just didn’t feel like going to class.” Brian wouldn’t even look at Josie and the same feeling of rejection she’d felt this morning returned.

“You and Joes both. You two stressed from the GED?”

“I’m sorry Max, I can’t stay and talk today. We’re short handed in the kitchen again and we’re having problems with one of the ovens so I’ve really got to get back to help out.”

“Okay, I’ll see you later Bri man.” Max had nick names for everyone and Brian was no exception. “So Joes, how is that GED thing going anyway?” he asked, handing her a Styrofoam container of rice and chicken.

“Um, it started out pretty good with math but then I had writing.” she said, cutting up her piece of chicken.

“I thought you enjoyed writing?”

“I do usually. But I never did too good with essays.” she answered, taking a bite of rice.

“What was your essay about?” he asked from the back room where he was making a cup of coffee.

“I had to write about responsibility.”

“So what’d you write?” he asked, taking a bite of chicken.

“I wrote about sex.”

“You wrote about sex for an essay about responsibility?”

“Well it wasn’t just responsibility; it was about the most responsible thing I’ve done.”

“And sex is it?”

“I never had a job or anything so I couldn’t write about that. So I wrote about how becoming informed about STDs and protection is the most responsible thing I’ve done.”

“Is it?”

“Yes, but I don’t see myself passing.”

“I think you will. Seems to me it’s a fine subject to write about and you were honest. I think you’ll do just fine Joes.”

“Thanks, Max. I hope.”