portalhopping | video; To Robin Buckley

[ May is sitting in her cramped office at the food bank, looking a little stressed but also excited. Her glasses are pushed up to the top of her head and she grins at the camera.]

Hey, Robin. I wanted to catch you the next time you came in to help out, but it's been a little nuts here. So I'm sorry for not getting to do this face to face, but I guess this is what technology is for, right?

So the good news is that we managed to raise enough money during the Halloween fundraiser to expand the food bank and remodel our pantry. We also have just enough to fund a new part-time position that would help with recruiting, scheduling and organizing our volunteers. I immediately thought of you because of everything you've done with us since showing up here. I know you already have a job and I don't know how the pay compares, but I do know that I love working with you and I had to ask you first if you'd be interested before posting it.

What do you think? I mean, take some time to think it over. I have a week before I need to post it. [ She sighs, leaning towards the camera. ] But please say, yes! Kidding. Not kidding. Okay, get back to me.

Bye. [ She waves and clicks off.]

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( To say that she looks a little surprised would be underselling it. Robin knows she likes volunteering and helping people but she didn't realize she was actually good at it. The only thing she knows she's good at is staying alive when she ought to be dead. )

Whoa, really?! Can I...I mean, can I do both? I just, I like working with Alyssa, and working at Hot Topic helps me with the pop culture stuff, but yes, I'm so, so interested in taking that job! So I mean...could I? Try to do both? At least for a little while?

[ May shrugs cheerfully. ] I don't see why not. We can be flexible on your hours so that you can work around Hot Topic. But won't two jobs interfere with going to school?

[ She can't remember if Robin was one of the younger arrivals who had opted to get their GED instead of going to school or not. ]

It would, probably, but I'm doing GED study courses and I'm registered to take it in March next year, so it won't interfere with school, I promise. I'll see if they'll let me drop down to less hours, too.

( She can't help feeling really excited about the idea of this. Being a volunteer was fun, but being actually employed there sounds kind of like a dream. )

Thank you so much for thinking of me! When would I start?

As soon as you're ready! Just let me know when you're coming so I can have the paperwork ready.

[ She smiles widely. ]

I'm looking forward to working with you, Ms. Buckley.

I'll come by tomorrow after work! I'll be out at, I think 3? I'll double-check whether it's 3 or 3:30, but it's one of those.

( Grinning widely, Robin nods, flushing with. )

Me too! I mean, but with you, obviously.