The Knife Cuts Both Ways

 "Well, of course, I would go with you," Liv said when Alex mentioned the job opening at the pizzeria. 

"But..but I'd feel better if you..if you worked there too." Naturally, Alex's eyes were sad, but Liv wouldn't be persuaded.

"I like my job at the grocery store," she said she liked who she worked with.

"But what if I--I just can't fit in?" Alex was the usual troubled self. Honestly, Liv didn't know how they were friends, to begin with, but it had happened so long ago. Alex was a lot like the weather. Possibly deceiving at times with sunny days that weren't really sunny. And then like a rainbow, words would be spoken and Liv felt she was the only one there to listen.

Alex could sound so happy. Saying how their spirit animal was a cat or "I always wanted to be a raccoon." A giggle or two would follow. Liv had never thought this way. Of course, she never shared her troubles with Alex. She was the listener they longed for.

"You'll feel better having a job," she thought they might feel much better about the world if they didn't have so much time to think of the what if's.

Of course, Alex wasn't so sure about that. "I'm..I'm different, you know."

"Yes, I'm aware of that," Liv nodded carrying her load of books. Of course, Alex was no help. "But it all starts with you. What can you do for yourself?"

Alex didn't answer but Rico came to the rescue with the books.

"Thanks," she smiled. He looked at Liv as if he didn't know what to say.

"Alex is going to apply for a job," Liv said.

"Won't you do that online?" Rico looked at her and then Alex.

"Yes." She nodded. She was on her way to the library to help Alex fill out the application. Alex hated doing this kind of thing alone.