Hold your ground. Say we're doing just fine, thank you. There's probably a scavenger on the streets that'd need her help more than you do. It'd be a WASTE of her INCREDIBLE CHARITY if she were to help you out instead of them.
You sigh and pinch your forehead just so you don’t have to look at her. “Surely your incredible talent would be wasted on me, Rola. I can handle myself thank you very much. You should help some poor scavenger on the streets instead.”
“I had the same idea at first!” She says perkily, “but then I realized that they’re kinda gross so I’ll settle for someone harmless like you instead.” She sounds very satisfied for being such a caring person.
Lapin tugs her sleeve. “Rola, I’m a scavvie too…”
Her giggle is a perfect smile. “Oh Laps, you do that, like, ironically. You’re not like them.”
“Well I have bills to pay-”
“Don’t we all,” she pats Lapin’s shoulder and turns her attention back to you. “So it’s settled then. I have lots of ideas how you can improve your life, I’m sure that you’re dying to hear them!”
OH God no, Rola is almost like your boss! Sickeningly sweet and controlling, you can’t winnnnnnnnn.
>Struggle and fail to say no...again
You are too tired to think and about to go down the path of least resistance, when something snaps in your head. Your shift has ended. You are not required to take anyone’s nonsense.
You know how to smile. You know how to smile the heck out of people. You are a veteran of ten thousand hours, hardened in the trenches of customer service, and about to unleash some weapons grade amicability on this poor, unsuspecting girl!
"How much help are you willing to give me?"
What if we can get her to take over a shift in the name of charity?
“Your ideas are so great that I already feel inspired by them...” You grin your way into her personal space. “In fact I just thought of a terrific way you could help.”
“I wasn’t really looking for suggestions-” she starts, but you tut at her.
“Rola, I know that I don’t need to question your commitment to me--our project. You’re going to give it your all, because you’re just that kind of a driven, passionate person.”
“Well, uh, of course within reason-”
“What I admire about you is how authentic you are, you know? You‘re keen to get real, hands on experience on how the less well off live their lives.”
“I guess you could say that but-”
“Great! My friends and I are going on a trip this weekend, and I need you to cover my shift at the shop. Meet me there Friday morning and I’ll show you the ropes.”
“This isn’t quite-”
“I knew I could count on you, Rola. You’re wonderful like that!” You have to stand on the bench to give her a hug. She freezes at first, but then pats your back awkwardly and makes noncommittal noises.
Lapin chuckles and puts his hand on her shoulder. “A promise’s a promise, Rola. Besides, doing real work is a good learning experience for you. I’m very proud of you!” He can’t resist winking at you.
Flustered, Rola excuses herself leaving you alone with Lapin. It takes a moment before he speaks up.
“Hey, do you want to hang out with me and Rola? She’s not that bad once you get to know her.”
You bite your lip, then sigh and shake your head. “I should’ve been in my bed an hour ago.”
“Sounds like it’s the responsible thing to do.”
“You know good ol’ Viv, responsible is my second name.” You make a weak smile.
“Come to think of it I still don’t know your last name?” He scratches his chin as tries to recall if you ever told him.
Your heart skips a beat.
“Maybe some other time. I have to go now.”
Before you leave Jaan wraps a couple spring rolls in wax paper, puts them in your hands, and refuses to take money for them. You thank him quietly and tuck them under your parka, and they keep you comfortably warm while you drive.
Your return trip back to home is uneventful. You live on the fifth floor of a half collapsed building. Getting in and out is always a bit of a hassle, but the view is breathtaking and the rent is cheap so you can’t complain.
Speaking of which, it looks like after months of waiting old man Lugal has decided to collect from you in person. He has fallen asleep in front of your door!