Hey Jude

"Jude Abney is it?"

"Yes."

I've heard this question everyday for a month now. 30 job applications and not one has accepted me. "Ha, your name is like that Beetles song. You know which one?" How could I not. "Yes, I know that one quite well." The amount of times people bring it up, I don't think i'll ever forget it. The hiring manager for the bank begins to sing. "Hey Jude, don't make it bad take a sad song and make it better." I give a little nervous laugh and after his fun he comes in close with folded hands. "Now, Jude, tell me about yourself."

I hate this question and it's only 8am. This question is the one that ruins the whole interview for me. This is the reason why my 30 applications have been declined. "Well, where should I start...I was born on January 14th in New York City. The night that I was born there had been a weather advisory to stay in because there was a huge snow storm that was on it's way. My Mother and Father were naturally worried about this because I was due any moment now and they didn't want to get caught up in the snow if my Mother were to go into labor. Well, that's exactly what happened.

My mother went into labor right when the storm was about to hit, so my dad quickly waved down a taxi hoping they could make it in time. My mom still jokes about the taxi driver and his complete panic. He had lost all of his senses so dad had to take over the wheel. They were almost to the hospital until the storm got so bad they had to pull over. Unfortinley, my Mother couldn't wait. So, I was born in a taxi. How ironic for a New Yorker, Huh? You know-"

"Ms.Abney?"

"Yes?"

"This sounds like a interesting story, It really dose, but I didn't ask for your life history. I asked you to tell me about yourself." I hadn't realized the bored expression on the man's face until now. I must have blacked out. "Oh. I apologize, can I restart?" The man gave a little smile and a nod, "Go ahead." I gave a sigh and gazed out the window. What do I say about myself? Can't he figure me out on his own?

"Well, I went to a high end private school that was k-12 so I was there basically most of my life. I got all A's and was in honors, you know the typical perfect child. My older brother did very well too, we both went to Harvard. Only a few months in and he dropped out. He said he felt too pressured. He was about to burst and no one saw it but me. My parents were so mad at him, there was constant arguing and they never let him talk. It was so sad to see but he told me not to get involved so I never said anything. I could have helped, I know I could've.

Anyways, this continued for about a year and a half. Our Mother kept stressing that he had wasted his life and would never get a decent job, being a dropout. I found that hilarious. An all A's student who went to a very expensive private school in New York who got accepted into Harvard wouldn't be able to find a decent job? She must have known what she was saying didn't add up. But, unfortunately my brother and her could never get over themselves. My brother had the last say when he passed away in a car accident. It broke my Mother's heart the most. A few weeks after he dies, we found an unsent letter in his apartment to Mother apologizing. It's nice that she got some closure from that. I still get sad when I think about him. Best brother I had ever known."

The hiring manager coughs and I dart my eyes away from the window and at him. He has an uncomfortable look and is staring at me. That story always does this to people. "Oh, I did it again! I am so sorry I just can't keep on track, now can I?" I give a little laugh and disappointment flows through me. I'll never seem to answer that question right. The hiring manager just looks at me with his hand on his chin.

"Go on, I'm listening" he says. I give him a big smile and look back out the window, trying to stay on track now. "Let's see...you know, when I was in the second grade, the kids at my school used to always make fun of me, Actually, it wasn't only the second grade it was the whole 12 years, but it got better. Anyways, they used to joke about the way I talked. The way I used to tell stories and draw pictures. Weird, right? Children are so strange, yet there not. There just like adults, rude and judging people and lacking any kind of imagination. Well the stupid children anyways.

They would say I was weird which I don't deny, and they would laugh at my stories. I don't care now because I'm more sure of myself but that always did hurt me when I was younger. I find it kind of funny now. What did that matter to them? When my Mother found this out, she never tried to change me, she actually helped me publish a book when I was only 10 years old. She taught me to hold my head high and to follow my dreams bodly. Forget those kids, she used to say, soon they'll be working for you. Now look at me. I can't get a single job because I just go on and on. I'm somewhat okay with that, though.

You know, I'm actually thinking about writing another book. Maybe not as good as the one written by my 10 year old self but it's worth a shot! I hardly take risks anymore, it would be good for me. Maybe you'll even be working for me, who knows." I give a laugh and so does the hiring manager.

"Jude, you can do anything you want to do in this life. Maybe even forget everything else and write that book. Become a millionaire. I'll even work for you, anything to get me out of this stuffy office." I sit there in shock and laugh. "What is it?" he asks. "You sounded just like my Mother." He stands up and hold out his hand with a smile. I get up and shake it. "Well then she was a very smart lady. Come by tomorrow and we'll see where it takes us." I give him a big hug which completely throws him off guard and whisper thank you. Someone might finally hire me and it only took 30 tries!