Advice and Expertise
Originally posted on February 23, 2008
(continued from “Delinquency Discovered”)
Asher: It’s most likely just a sprain, even though it’s a pretty bad one. I thought you’d want to know.
Kaida: Thank you for telling me.
Asher: I don’t know what to do here, Kaida. If it was anybody else, I wouldn’t have any problem sending them packing.
Kaida: I know. I’m sorry.
Asher: And I know you mean it - your apology, that is - but will it make any difference the next time you’re tempted to break the rules?
Kaida: I…. don’t know.
Asher: It might seem like a really little thing, but if everyone around here consistently defied the rules……..………Kaida? You know I’m not seriously thinking about kicking you out, don’t you?
Kaida: Maybe you should.
Asher: No, I should not. You really love it here, and we love having you work with us. You’ve told me that you don’t stay with any one thing very long, but you’ve stuck it out here for way more than a year. You’ve remained interested and committed. These infractions aren’t all that bad; it’s just that you’re hassling Dolores, the most difficult staff person I have, and one of the hardest to replace if it should come to that.
Kaida: Did she threaten to quit?
Asher: No, not yet. But if I don’t uphold her authority in her area, she undoubtedly will quit. Even though you’re “only” a volunteer, I don’t think I could ever choose between the two of you.
Kaida: So maybe I need to….. quit….. to….. save you the decision.
Asher: No, I don’t mean that to happen either. Kohana….
Kaida: Kohana would side with you. She knows what I’m like.
Asher: Aw, Kaida….. Your sister loves you more than anything or anybody.
Kaida: Maybe. But not more than you. I’ve always been a pain in the posterior, but in her eyes, you can do no wrong.
*they both sit quietly for a moment, thinking*
Asher: What I want you to do, is to go back to see Dolores. Make amends any way you can, do whatever jobs she wants you to do, to make up for this latest transgression. But I also expect you to come to terms with her; make her a promise and then keep it. It needs to be worked out between you two now.
Kaida: That will be awfully hard, but I’ll do my best. What about Jeremiah?
Asher: What do you mean, what about Jeremiah? He’ll be going back to school in a couple days – didn’t you know?
Kaida: No, I didn’t. I mean, I didn’t really pay attention.
Asher: He’ll be gone by the weekend. Funny, I think I’m actually going to miss him. I’m hoping he can come back and stay longer after he graduates.
Kaida: That would be good. Asher…..
Asher: Yeah?
Kaida: Thanks. Thanks again. I guess I screw up a lot, but finding you for my sister was the smartest and best thing I ever did.
Asher: I have to agree with you there, kiddo. *ruffles her hair* Now, go see Dolores.
Kaida: Now??? But she’ll see I was crying!
Asher: Yeah, that’s why you go see her now. Trust me, Kaida, remember I’m the expert here; no one knows more than I do about setting a scene.