The telephone rings. I am watching Magnum P.I. and thinking about how the American world-view seems to be shaped by Orange county Republicans. You can put a Democrat in the White House, but you cannot get the bad acting out of the tube. Of course, Clinton's a lousy actor too. He's trying to act like he gives a good goddam. Hell, he doesn't even give a bad goddam.
"Hello?"
"Hello, may I please talk to Darius Wheeler?"
"You've got him."
"Oh, hi, Darius, this is Lois."
"Hi, Lois, what's up?"
"We're going to have a meeting tomorrow, and I wondered if you would be able to make it."
Ah shit, this is supposed to be my vacation!
"No problem, what time is it?"
"Two thirty."
"Okay, I'll see you then."
The next day is a miserable one. The meeting is at the University where the Grant for the Program originated, and it is snowing what feels like cold grey filth. Queens Plaza is magnificently swill infested. The newly fallen snow is immediately turning into a gray-brown slush. It seems as if even the cleansing properties of the element itself have been overwhelmed by the garbage and excrement at my feet.'
When I arrive there I meet with Lois, who has been promoted to my boss's position. I notice that this is a faculty meeting of one. Not a good sign. Not good sign number two occurs almost immediately after the usual handshakes.
"Hi, Darius, how've you been?"
"Just fine, thanks. And yourself?"
"Oh, okay." Delivered in a non-committal tone of voice.
"Listen, Darius, how do you feel about working at Rikers?"
Rule number unknown: When they use the word "feel," you are in for a screwing. Just once, I wish I could be asked what I thought. I feel like saying "read the book," but it hasn't been published yet, and probably never will.
"Actually, Lois, it's been very rewarding, although I could live without the commute."
"Well, I have some good news and some bad news for you, which would you like first?"
"Given the nature of my personality, I'll take the bad news."
"I want you to know that I don't feel at all comfortable about what I have to tell you, and that this is one of the more difficult facets of my position."
"Well, that's one of the reasons I do not envy you your job, it also must bear some unpleasant responsibilities."
I think about my horror-scope this morning, which had been some abstract, abracadabra gobbledy-guck about necessary career re-thinking. Of course, you get that one about once every couple of months or so.'
"Darius, due to some re-structuring of perks, your position has been eliminated, even though I am perfectly satisfied with the quality of your work."
"Okay, what's the good news?"
"The University is offering you a better position."
I feel like telling her where to put that position in anatomically clinical terms, but am stayed by the recollection of the dread RENT DEMON. Once homeless, twice circumspect.
"Well, I can't say I find anything wrong with that."
"As soon as the people in Adult-Ed heard you were available they expressed an interest in you." "That's very complimentary. When does it start?"
"Same day that you would have worked at Rikers."
"Okay. No problem."
"Thanks for being so flexible, Darius."
"You're welcome, Lois."
"You too, Darius."
"I guess that's about it."
"You'll just have to see the secretary, Recuerdos, about re-arranging your paperwork."
"No problem. Thanks a lot, Lois."
"You too, Darius. Have a nice day."
"And you too, Lois. Bye-bye."
"Bye-bye, Darius."