The next morning, I wake up bright and early. At 8 am to be exact, earlier than I've set my alarm in ages. Then, despite my weary yawns, I hoist myself out of bed and get into the shower quickly. I want to make sure I'm clean and ready by the time Janice arrives. After last night, I'm worried about the impression I left. I probably seemed like a helpless bum, incapable of taking care of himself or anyone else. Well, today, I'm going to make sure I prove that image wrong!

After the shower, I get dressed and brush my teeth. I even use a little gel to slick back my hair. When I look in the mirror I'm immediately reminded of my old self. Back when I bothered to clean up every day, no matter what. Heck, I can't even remember the last time I looked this good!

"Zane! Your girlfriend is here!" I hear my mom call.

I blush with embarrassment. Does she mean Janice!?

"She's not my girlfriend mom! I'm just volunteering with her, remember?" I shout back.

"Honey, just hurry up. You're going to be late!" She responds.

I sigh. Whatever. I know my Mom is just excited. She has been dying for me to get a new girl ever since Katie left. I think she believes that being in a relationship will magically solve all of my problems.

As I leave my room, I expect to head straight out and meet up with Janice. Honestly, it would better for us both that way. However, to my surprise, she’s is already inside, being hugged by my parents and taking off her shoes.

"Mom, dad!" I groan.

"What? It would be rude not to offer her some coffee." My mom giggles.

I scowl and turn to Janice who takes her own turn to laugh. Then her tablet quickly appears.

It's okay, we still have time. The rehab facility doesn't open until 10 am.

I roll my eyes. Great.

"Do you like lemon cake? My wife made some just yesterday." My dad asks.

Janice gives a big smile and a swift nod before following my mother like a duckling. My dad chuckles as I let out a quiet grumble and head into the kitchen after them.

"So, how long have you volunteering at the rehab center?" My mom asks.

Janice holds up her tablet as she takes a bite of cake. 4 years. I started going after graduating from high school.

"Do you have a normal job too?" My dad can't help but ask.

She nods, taking another bite.

"What do you do then?" I chime in curiously.

I'm a customer service representative for an online company.

Wait. She works in customer service? How?

"But you can't talk, right?" I blurt out.

"Zane!" My mom snaps.

Oops. That came out wrong.

"Oh, I, I didn't mean it like that..."

Janice just smiles and writes another message. I don't have to talk. I exchange emails with the customers, and sometimes do live text chat.

Oh. That makes sense.

"Now, why did you pick that job? Is it something you've always wanted to do? Is it a good company?" My dad inquires.

She shakes her head. No. Honestly, I'm not really fond of the work. A lot of customers are very rude.

I snicker. "Then why are you doing it?"

Janice shrugs. Because my mother said I could never work in customer service, due to my disability. I wanted to show her that she was wrong. But it's my personal policy to stay at any job for at least twelve months, so I have about three more to go before I find a new one.

For a moment, the room stays silent. It seems both of my parents are in the same shock as me. Although, I admit, I'm feeling a little bit of jealousy too.

Janice, how can she be this way? How can she be this strong, this stubborn? Hasn't the world been unfair, unaccommodating, unkind even? Yet, she acts as if none of it fazes her. Not even the discouragement of her own mother.

Just then, she taps my shoulder. Okay, we should go now. If we wait too long the parking with be brutal.

I nod, glad to have any excuse for our departure. "Okay, I'll get my coat. Let's go."

AN- Hey guys! Sorry for delays. Hope you liked this chap. I'm working to get another one done by the end of the week! Thanks for your support <3