The Project (Closed)

[Mayu]

Maggie Phoenix owned half of New York City now that her father was dead, she was very young but had her fathers ability to maintain a business perfectly. The girl is not what one would expect, she isn't a bitch. No she made four shelters for the homeless all over the United States, and even two right in this very city. She respected the money and what it could do for people, she knew not everyone was able to make the kind of money she had.

She did not start off this way, her father at first was President of a company. It worked side by side with Mercy General, but because of the prodigal and it being well respected. Her father soaked up the information on how to become rather successful. It took her father seven years to get to where he was his own boss, and when her father was dying she was made soul beneficiary of everything. Because her father trusted her very much.

But now Maggie was nineteen and the richest business woman in the country, she had come out of a star bucks and was enjoying the crisp winter morning. She had the day off to do what ever she wanted, and noticed a bunch of younger kids picking on someone. She walked over to see what the fuss was about, and noticed the man on the ground bleeding. A boy was getting ready to throw a rock at him, but she grabbed his wrist "Leave him alone" She growled.

The boys looking at her and knew who she was, they took off running. Kneeling down to see the blood, she reached in taking out a handkerchief and put it to his bleeding head. "Are you alright?" Her beautiful grey eyes looking at him, she was sick how people treated each other in this city. For if you were on hard times, people treated you like a dog. But Maggie was much different, she had a big heart, and many people did not know that.

 

[NewGame8]

Michael Kelly 32/m
6'2"... 190 (when he first went onto the streets) ... light brown hair... hazel eyes.... athletic build despite the fact that he has spent the last year living in the streets.

He had worked in middle management for a few years. It was a decent job, but nothing great. He lost his job when the CEO of the company he worked for embezzled millions and forced the company into bankruptcy. His association with a company that was involved in such a scandal kept him from getting a job, even though he had nothing what-so-ever to do with it. He lost his apartment.... he lost his car.... he had nothing left to lose.

Michael spent his days roaming the streets. In the beginning he would go into different businesses and apply for jobs. He didn't care what job... he just wanted a job. After months of unsuccessful job applications he spent his days meeting on corners where businesses came looking for day laborers. It was not easy work.. when you could get it. sometimes fighting to get the job was almost as hard as the work itself. On days when he didn't get work he just roamed the streets. He had not started panhandling yet.... but he was close.

At night he would find a doorway, or park bench, or other place to catch a few hours sleep. He was accustomed to surviving on only a couple hours sleep, so, if he could get a couple hours before being rousted by the police he would be okay. Dealing with the people who just wanted to give him a hard time for being on the streets was another issue. He had endured several beatings. He had objects thrown at him. He had been spit on. He thought he was as low as he could go.

That was before the group of kids got him. They surrounded him and began to punch him. When he fell to the ground they continued to punch him and added some kicks. Suddenly it stopped. He wasn't sure why they had stopped and he was afraid to look up. Suddenly there was someone touching his head. he pushed the hand away before he heard a female voice ask if he was okay. "I am fine. Just leave me alone. I'm fine."

 

[Mayu]

Maggie realized that this guy was stubborn but she respected that highly, life on the streets she had a feeling was a harsh reality. And knew tonight was the night to help him, because it was going to get below freezing and she did not want him to freeze to death. She wasn't moving from her spot, as people stared at her. But she did not give a shit about what people saw, she tilted her head to the side as her black hair peeked out of her black hat and sighed silently. Unsure about what to do here.

"Look its going to get below zero tonight, and I want to help you. It would be a shame if you freeze to death, because this city is so cruel. But I am not, I can give you a warm bed and a warm meal maybe even a new change of clothing. And I would suggest you take my offer now, because I am not moving from this spot until you come with me." What she said may have sounded kind of stupid. But she was just being honest, because she would not move from her spot beside him.

Sitting down beside him it was easy to tell she was serious, she would not move and if he was going to freeze to death then she would freeze right along side him. This was her silent way of getting what she wanted, this was no trap. This was no prank, but knew he had no reason to trust her none at all. It was easy to offer something, then have it dangling in front of him. But Maggie was an enigma one that no one would be able to solve unless you got to know deep down how she actually worked.

Looking down at her hot coffee she smiled at him "I know you have no reason to trust me, but this is no trick and I am not going to hurt you. This is not out of pity, it is just something I really want to do for you. I know what it's like to struggle from day to day, maybe if you allow me to talk to you more. You will see we have a few things in common" She extended her hand with the coffee in it and offered the warm substance to him, a soft smile on her lips. She wasn't going away that was clear. Offering the coffee to him.

 

[NewGame8]

Michael tried to avoid her. He just wanted to be left alone. He tried to get up but couldn't... the cut and bump on his head caused him to lose his balance. He did not like the fact that attention was being drawn to him. Despite the fact that he had been on the streets for a while Michael was not comfortable being there. He wished that she would just leave him alone.

"Lady, just leave me alone. I don't need your help. So, you and your money and your expensive coffee can just go away." He wasn't loud as he said this to the woman. He wasn't going to shout because that would draw more attention to them... to him. That was the last thing he wanted.

He still had not looked in the woman's direction. He didn't care who she was or what she wanted. He just wished that she would get the hell away from him. He did not like it when people started offering him things. He wanted to work for everything. That was how he had been raised and that was how he had worked... until he couldn't work anymore... or couldn't find work that is.

"Please lady. Just leave me alone. It isn't the first time that some assholes have used me as a punching bag, and it isn't the first time that I have been out here in the freezing cold. I am a big boy and I can take care of myself. I appreciate your kind offer, but I do not need to go to a shelter that you volunteer at. I have been to the shelters and I feel safer on the streets."

 

[Mayu]

Maggie heard what he said and silently sighed thinking for a second, he did not like charity which means he worked for things. And it gave her an idea, looking at the man she actually smiled having an idea that may help to ease this situation. Taking a deep silent breath she looked at the man and could see so much hurt in his eyes, so running things in her head trying to figure out what to say or what to do here. She was not use to this kind of thing, so rubbing her neck with her other hand she began to speak.

"Tell you what you can work for me, everything I give you. You can work off the dept. I am going up to my cabin today to spend a few weeks. And there is always something to be done, so if that works better then in exchanged for the things I give you, you can work it off" She finally offered. And had a feeling if he would not take this, then she would be forced to leave him. "I will be your employer if that is how you want to play this, but I am not going away no matter how you push me away"

People stopped paying attention and just ignored the two of them, the streets were getting much colder. And hail started to come down, gusts of wind smacking her cheeks making her cheeks, chin and nose very red from the bitter cold. But she was serious if he wanted to work off his dept she would be more then happy to find him some jobs to do for her. A soft look on her face she was rather patient even for such a girl her own age. Nineteen and already more adult then most adults at the age of forty.

Sighing a bit everything just seemed to fall into play "And as for the coffee being fancy it's not, it's black normal coffee" She said placing the coffee down before him and putting her card in his hand. "In case you change your mind" Getting up she decided to test him and she slowly began to walk away, making sure if he wished to continue this conversation he would be able to catch up with her. She was "Window Shopping" To keep herself at a good pace, humming a little bit thinking of a million things. On the card it read.

"Maggie Phoenix
Phoenix Co."

 

[NewGame8]

Michael listened to the woman as she talked about letting him work off what she gave him. It peaked his interest a little. All he wanted was to feel as if he earned what he received. He did not want hand-outs. It didn't matter if it was spare change, an extra dollar, or a cup of coffee. He wanted to feel as if he did something for it.

For the first time he turned and looked at her. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The woman was a teenager.. had to be... no way she was even 20. What the hell kind of game was she playing? Was this some kind of cruel joke? She would get him to accept and then her and a bunch of her friends who were mingling nearby would start laughing at him?

She handed him her business card and sat the coffee next to him. He looked at the coffee and refused to touch it. No matter what she said about it not being fancy there was no way he was going to drink coffee that cost what Starbucks charged. Then he looked at her business card. A company named after her. Must be daddy's company.

He thought more about what she had up her sleeve, but the business card eased his mind a little. Michael was still intrigued by the idea of working for something. He wanted to work. At this point he didn't care if he worked for less than minimum wage... he just wanted to work. He looked around for her. Did he blow his chance?

Michael pushed himself off the curb and stood up. He looked around and noticed the woman/ girl looking in store windows. He walked over to her. "Is this really you? Are you seriously offering me an opportunity to work? If you are then I am interested."

 

[Mayu]

Maggie was enjoying the day a little and was thinking about what she was doing, was she insane? But all she wanted to do is have friends. Thinking about everything, she heard the voice of the man and turned looking at him and nodded. When he asked if it was really her, she took out her drivers license to prove to him who she was. She smiled when he said he was interested in working for her, by the sound of his voice she could tell he was intelligent and was not always a homeless man, and knew with such layoffs.

"Yes I am Maggie and I am glad you will come with me, why don't we get you cleaned up and a warm meal. Once that is done we can talk more about you working for me, I realize by the tone of your voice you are educated I can get a feel for peoples motives just by short conversations. And if you prefer that I make you a contract I will be more then happy to draw one up, but as I said lets get you feeling better, then with everything I give you rather it be a warm bed, clothing, food. You will work for it"

Looking down she sighed "I just humbly ask you one favor and I have no right but please, just call me Maggie. Hearing Ms. Phoenix all day gets very freaking annoying, I may only be nineteen years old. But you are not working for a child, I grew up around business. And by your hesitation I am sensing you think this maybe a trick or a prank. But I can assure you as well I have no family and no friends, so what shall I call you sir?" She said her tone rather respectful and also rather adult as well.

 

[NewGame8]

He listened to her talk about growing up around business and he knew that it was daddy's company. However, he could also tell that she was a bright woman who knew what she wanted to do. She had a plan and was going to work her plan no matter what anyone told her.

She talked about getting him cleaned up and getting him some clean clothes. It had been quite a while since that had happened. He was excited about getting a shower, shaving (hopefully with a sharp razor) and putting on some clean clothes. He would have done anything for this woman just for the opportunity to get clean and put on clean clothes.

"Michael Kelly.... ummmm. Michael. I promise I will call you Maggie, but I will not do that around any of your business associates. If I am ever in that situation, and I am not sure that I ever will be, because I don't know what you have in mind for me, but in a business situation I will act professionally." He wiped his hand on his pants and extended it to Maggie, "Sorry it is dirty, but I want to thank you for this opportunity... whatever it is."

 

[Mayu]

Maggie smiled to him and nodded understanding him completely and when he extended his hand she smiled even more and took his hand not even hesitating and shook it. "Don't worry about it Michael, I was raised in middle class most of my life. We had a lot of hard times, I own my fathers businesses now since he died last year and my mother died giving birth so I have no one in the world. So this opportunity will be nice with you." She said happily and showed him to her apartment four blocks away.

The door man smiled at Maggie and bowed to Michael showing respect and not looking at him in a cold manner. Taking out her key card to get to her loft, taking them up quickly. When she got off they were right in her loft. Removing her long black jacket showing off her black jeans and a short black t-shirt. Taking his hand kindly in hers showing him the bathroom, it had clean wash cloths and fresh towels. It was a big room. Reaching up to the cupboard and took out a shaving kit and silently sighed. And put it on the sink for him, and decided where to even begin. Looking at him she smiled.

"Okay here is a shaving kit it has never even been opened so everything is fresh, feel free to take as long as you need. Also I have some clothing wont be to your tastes probably but its just a starter pair we can go to a store of your choosing later or tomorrow which ever you like and get you supplies. Also I can order room service and they can make you what ever your hearts desire, and you can think about what you want ordered they are a very fast service here. And if you need me just hollar"

Reaching into the closet across from the bathroom and put the clean clothing. Jeans, sneakers, boxers and a t-shirt. She was rather happy to have some company and would do what ever he needed of her, she bowed her head in respect to him and she left him alone in the bathroom. She sat down on the couch with some low music in the background, looking over some business contracts. Enjoying the peace and quite thankfully how she lived was rather simple, in most lofts they had fancy things. But her shower was simple old fashioned, she loved old fashioned things.

 

[NewGame8]

Michael followed Maggie as they walked along the street. He couldn't count the number of looks they got as they walked together. He could feel people looking at him... wondering if he was going to do something to harm the young woman. There were even a couple of people who turned and followed them... checking to make sure that Michael did not have any ill intentions.

When the doorman bowed toward Michael, Michael felt a little embarrassed. He had done nothing to have that man bow to him. If anything, Michael should be bowing to him. The man had a job and enjoyed what he did despite opening doors for other people.... a task people should be able to do on their own.

When they walked into apartment Michael watched Maggie take her coat off. He couldn't help but look at her. She looked fantastic in her jeans and tee. Just as quickly though he looked away. He could not take the chance that she would see him looking at her and take it in an inappropriate way.

He followed Maggie into the bathroom. He heard her sigh as she took out the shaving kit. He wondered if it had been her father's. Then she started talking about taking his time in the shower and ordering food. He would definitely take his time in the shower... soap and hot water.... he couldn't wait. After she left he turned on the shower and peeled off the dirty clothes. He climbed into the shower and just stood there for several minutes. Then he began to wash himself... slowly... deliberately.

Once he was finished with the shower he toweled off. He took his time. The soft towel was nothing like the rags he used when he showered at one of the shelters. Then he took the shaving kit and he took his time. What a pleasure it was to shave with a sharp razor again. He trimmed his sideburns and even cleaned up his neck as best he could. He looked in the mirror. What he saw looking back was a totally different person than the one who had walked into the bathroom.

He put on the clothing that she had left for him. He looked at himself in the mirror once again.... not bad. He used the towel to wipe down the counter and sink and the shower. He gathered up the dirty clothes off the floor. Walking out of the bathroom he saw Maggie sitting on the sofa. "Where can I go to wash these?" he said holding up the dirty clothes and the towel and wash cloth.

 

[Mayu]

Maggie finished up reading the papers and was satisfied about what she was reading, and actually made a phone call. Saying she would take on the project and hunt up, writing some notes to herself about the account they were processing. She had a business sixth sense kind of gift, but her father taught her the business from the age of ten till his death last year. She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling the stress lay on her shoulders and neck. But she did the best that she could do, and in what short time she had.

She actually heard the water in the shower stop, and smiled to herself as she knew he would be out any minute. She was thinking about what she was doing, in the back of her head she said to herself she was crazy. But she knew what she was doing in one way, she had always been able to determine who would mean her harm. Which was probably why she did not get close to anyone, she was afraid of being used for the money she came from. It was a shame to, since she was as loyal as they came.

Life was cruel and she hated it at times, she remembered once giving a homeless woman and her new born baby five thousand dollars in cash. Which was a drop in the bucket for someone who made the amount she did, she was worth multi billions if not more. But that was the kind of information no one knew about her, she was afraid if she ever brought it up to people. They will be pissed at her, and would think she cared more about money then people. But she was actually completely opposite.

But she was ripped from her thought when she heard his voice, looking up at him from the couch and was rather happy. Seeing what he was holding up, and looking at him. He was very handsome and cleaned up beautifully. Standing up she motioned for him to follow her, she went into a back room. It was a laundry room with a washer and dryer. "You can use this Michael" She pointed to him where she kept everything, opening up the drawer and got out the detergent for him. Maggie was taken back by him.

He looked better and actually looked happily, placing her hand on her shoulder she squeezed his shoulder in a kind gesture. "Have you decided what you want to eat?" Maggie said with a rather sweet look on her face, sitting back down on the couch with her phone in her hand. Moving her leg over her right and looked outside the window seeing the snow coming down rather heavy now, glad she got him off the streets. It was actually was the best gift she could have done, giving them another chance.

 

[NewGame8]

Michael followed Maggie into the laundry room. He dropped his dirty clothes on the floor and he put the towel and wash cloth in the washer. He does not want to wash the clothes he has worn on the street with her towels. He puts just a little soap powder in the washer and turns the water level on low. He will do his clothes later.

"Maggie, I do not want anything special. Whatever you are ordering for yourself is fine with me. I don't eat much. So, don't order anything special for me." He followed her back and watched as she sat back on the sofa. He looked out the window and was impressed with the view.

He thought about how fortunate he was. He was shocked that this was happening to him, but he was going to take advantage of it for as long as it lasted. "Maggie, I want you to know that I will do whatever you need me to do to earn the generosity that you are showing me. And I mean anything."

 

[Mayu]

Maggie watched him coming back to her and watched him sit down, she wondered what was on his mind. But before she knew it, he was speaking to her. And heard what he said, she nodded. She would never take advantage of him, but the thought of having a companion was actually a very nice feeling. Hearing that he did not want anything special, she dialed the number and heard "Room Service" And a soft smile danced on her lips as she silently sighed, and spoke. In a rather friendly tone.

"Hey Anna its me, Listen I have company so I will have the double cheeseburger and fries and some diet coke and make it a double order..thanks" Hanging up her eyes looked into his and silently sighed. "Well should be here in five minutes, and I know. Frankly having a companion around will be nice, living here alone since I was seventeen years old. And it it's something I don't like, but we will find you something to do, you remind me of a father. And that is a complement since I loved my dad more then all the money in the world"

 

[NewGame8]

"Maggie I do not want anything from you. All I ask is for the opportunity to earn everything that you decide to give to me. I don't care if you keep a ledger and that is how we determine how much I have to work." He turned and looked at her. He wanted her to realize how serious he was about not taking handouts. It was nice to be comfortable like this, but he had his pride.

He stood up and walked to the window to get a better look at the view of the city. The snow made the city look nice. Of course, from up here you couldn't see the city that he had come to know over the last couple of years. It was a hard fall and a rapid fall but he was not going to ever let himself get soft. "Maggie, I will do anything... physical labor... anything to pay you back for this. Thank you so much."

He heard the doorbell ring. He looked at Maggie and then followed her to the door. It was their food. He heard maggie tell the person to put it on her bill. Michael reached into his pocket. He had a couple of dollars in his pocket. He took them out. He wasn't sure what the bill was so he wasn't sure if what he had was an adequate tip. He counted what he had.. 10 ones.... he handed it to him. "Thank you."

He didn't wait for Maggie to say anything or try to stop him. He walked back over to the window. He looked out again. "The city looks so much different from up here. I am sure your father would be very proud of what you have become. You haven't let the view from up here cloud what you see when you are down on the street. That is very admirable."

 

[Mayu]

When the food got there she watched what he did and smiled at Michael when he gave the waiter the tip he did, it was rather sweet she thought. All the money in the world he probably had, but it was nice. Watching him look over watching as he stared out the window again, she brought the tray in putting it on the dinning table. When she heard what he said about not letting all this cloud her head, forgetting where she came from. Walking over to him she looked outside the same window, it was beautiful.

"Dad was a humble man because he came from a poor background, my dad once told me that he would go three days without food. And then when he got the job he had, he was so proud of himself. My parents were high school sweet hearts, but he never had the money to marry my mother. That and my grandmother did not like the eleven years age difference, she never gave my mother her blessing and was actually thrown out an hour after she graduated high school. Life was hard, they spent times in shelters.

But then one day he was talking to his friend who was a catholic priest, they knew each other. Went to school together and he told my father if he ever needed a favor to go to him, swallowing his pride he asked for help. And within six months he had a small apartment, dad worked his way up in the world. By the time I was twelve my dad owned half of the city, but he never let money change him. And after he died and I got everything, I promised myself to never let all the money I have destroy who I am.

I don't turn my back to real problems, I made two shelters for the homeless with the money I have. I am doing good with dealing with money, which was why I wanted to help you. Not out of pity or anything, but because I know and understand where you came from. I will hire you as my assistant and you can live here as long as you like, tell me Michael what are your skills? What did you do before your luck took a bad turn?" Maggie asked as she walked over and opened up her bottle of soda and sat down.

 

[NewGame8]

Michael listened to Maggie as she recounted the story of how her father went from rags to riches. It was a motivational story. It gave Michael the belief that he could make it back. Maybe he just needed a break. Maybe Maggie was providing his break. If that was the case he was going to have to make sure that he took advantage of it.

He thought about his past. He thought about her saying she was going to make him an assistant. "I worked in middle management for a financial services company. We managed some pretty big portfolios including several large pension plans. Unfortunately the CEO embezzled millions of dollars of our investors money. Some lost everything. Needless to say the company went bankrupt." He paused and looked out the window quietly. Thinking of what people lost took his appetite away.

"I figured I would be able to get a job. Yea, I realized I might have to start over again... start at the bottom, but that didn't bother me. I have never shied away from hard work. When I started going on interviews I found that people would have nothing to do with me. Just the fact that my former company was on my resume made me persona non grata. If I took it off my resume I had no experience. So, I took menial jobs. Lost my car. Of course you really don't need one in the city. Then I lost my apartment. I figured it would just be a while."

Michael stopped. "I'm sorry. You didn't ask about my life history. You asked about my work experience. You don't need all of my baggage. Please, eat your burger. Don't let me interrupt anything you do... please."

 

[Mayu]

Maggie listened to what he said about his life, sitting back she crossed one leg over the other. She was right about what she was assuming, and it actually broke her heart. To hear such a sad story like that, hearing what job he had and remembering that company. How he lost everything, how his world was caving in and he had been drowning. Hearing what he said about her eating, she just smiled and nodded, taking a bite of her burger and sighed. Thinking about what he said, and about his skills. Which were actually rather useful for her, since her business dabbled in a bit of what he was working on before.

"It is alright Michael thank you for telling me, you have honored me by opening up. Your skills would fit in nicely with my main company, since we work on the same things the old company had. I Remember hearing about the scandal and I am sorry you lost everything, people are so damn ignorant. Since none of that was your fault, yet everyone labels you a thief. I can see your a good man, if you don't mind me saying so. And manual labor wont be required really, I have a car that I never drive.

Since you had a car perhaps you would like to be my driver, though I don't expect you to open the door for me at any time. Just trying to think of a job you would like but also a job you feel you are making a difference, I actually just got another account worth 200 million and perhaps you would like to work under me. You will be making a difference I promise you, and you are free to live here as long as you need to. This place was made with three bedrooms which is rare to have here.

I hope you do not take this wrong or anything, but your troubled life. I think did some good, because it has made you into the man you are today, someone who has pride to keep up. And I respect that, hard lives that turn easy make you think. Well at least it made me think, so you are not alone in this. I know what its like to struggle every day to even have a small meal, to struggle with needing a job but people damn you for things you have done in the past. I want to give you this second chance Michael"

 

[NewGame8]

Michael stood at the window looking at the snow blanketing the city. He listened to Maggie talk and thought of the movie Trading Places. Was he Eddie Murphy? Was he some kind of social experiment that Maggie was running?...... see if she could turn some random homeless guy into a productive member of society? He didn't think so, but the thought crossed his mind.

He looked over at her. "Maggie, I am willing to do anything to pay you back for your generosity. You tell me what you want me to do and it will get done... anything... I guarantee that. I don't care if it is driving your car or washing your car. I have learned that no job is too menial for me to do to earn my keep. If you want me to be involved with the account I will do that too. It doesn't matter."

He looked back out the window. "Maggie, I appreciate your offer to stay here. My only concern would be to you. I can just imagine the press getting a hold of a story about you having a homeless guy living with you. That would not be pretty. I will pay off my debt to you and then get out of your way.... maybe even earn enough respect to get a regular job and my own place."

 

[Mayu]

Maggie smiled at him and nodded, she would have him as an assistant one who could drive her around as long as help her with the business. Since she knew he fit the bill rather nicely, but then heard what he said about the press. She just flashed him a small smile. It was something that was a possibility that was a given. She was not afraid of much in her life, because she had no friends or boyfriends to have to worry about breaking down and crying. No those days are far and few between for her.

"Michael I do not give a shit about what the press could cook up, not afraid of losing accounts because they all need me to make there accounts a chunk of money. Don't worry so much, though I know its easier said then done Michael. I will have you be my assistant and even personal driver. Should be something you can relax and think about, since life doesn't get nuts unless its a holiday. And that is something I rather detest, she I love holidays like the next person but still"

 

[NewGame8]

Michael sat down in a chair across from Maggie. He looked at her. He couldn't help but smile. The young woman sitting across from her was wise beyond her years. "Maggie you are incredible. For someone your age to be able to function in such a high pressure position and maintain the composure that you are able to maintain is extremely impressive."

He thought back to the things that he used to do at work.... the dedication that he showed to his clients. He loved working hard. It didn't matter what she offered him he would work his ass off and earn the respect of Maggie, and, even more importantly, his own self-respect.

"Do you have a newspaper I can read. I don't want to interrupt you and your work and it would be great to read the news while it is still fresh. I usually get the newspaper after it is tossed in the trash.... and that is if I am lucky. It will give me something to do to keep me out of your hair."

He was hoping that he would be able to get caught up on what was going on in the world and in the financial markets. He tried to do that while he was living on the streets, but he did not always get a chance to read the paper.... paper was a valuable form of insulation on the street.... many street people tucked it in their clothes to keep them warm.

 

[Mayu]

Maggie took another bite of her sandwich and was satisfied, she had yet to get something from the menu she did not like. Everything was home made, and was great. Sipping her soda she covered her mouth and yawned. Been a long time of standing in the cold on her feet for a few hours, but then he said about being impressed with her. She actually blushed no one ever gave her a compliment, and it made her feel very good. All she wanted to do was make a difference, which was hard in this world.

But then she heard what he asked about the paper, she gave him a kind look on her face. She got up from the table and went to one place of the house and opened up a cabinet and took out at least fifteen news papers, she never knew why she collected them. But they end up getting tossed, so walking back over and with a smile. Put the news papers before him and ended up sitting back down, sitting back in her chair as she finished up her meal slowly. And when things came down to it she was happy.

She checked her cell phone for any kind of messages, and was glad there were none. So she put her cell phone up and out of view meaning out of sight out of mind. And it was something she enjoyed, so looking over she spoke. "Never know why I keep the paper but I am glad I did, that should be about a month of news for you. Though nothing much has happened" She said in a simple way. Propping her feet on the table not caring if it was proper since she did not have to worry about exposing anything.

 

[NewGame8]

Everything she did impressed him.... even the way she ate. He saw her blush. He was surprised by that. He thought that she would be someone that received compliments on a regular basis, but the more he thought about it the more he felt that people were probably jealous of Maggie. They did not like the fact she was so young and so much in control. They also did not like the fact that she was so wealthy.

Michael watched Maggie get up from the table and leave the room. She returned with a stack of papers and sat them on the table. He was surprised that she had so many papers. He wondered why she would leave them around, but he was happy that she did. He was going to have plenty of news to read, and that made him happy. He wanted to find out what he had missed.

He looked at Maggie as she relaxed. She was really easy on the eyes. Everything about her was great.... her looks, her smarts, her drive, her compassion. He looked back to the stack of papers, and picked one up. He had to be careful not to creep Maggie out by staring at her. He read through the papers from oldest to newest..... focusing on the financial sections and the international news.... he wasn't as concerned about the local news.

 

[Mayu]

Maggie could feel him looking at her but she did not mind it in the least, just seemed good to have someone to talk to. Looking over at him while he read, he seemed rather happy which was good. She finished eating and took the try out in the hall to be carried off. This place was more like a hotel then anything, sitting back down she sighed softly. He looked like a new man, hours ago he was out on the streets. Hoping someone would give him money, and now he was refreshed and in control which was nice.

All in all everything was looking up for him, and she was very happy for him. He deserved a break that much she knew. She was not use to the complements that came from the heart, people tried to kiss her ass for all sorts of things. But she did not let anyone change her, if you deserved it she would give a raise. If you were lazy all the time, that got you fired. She tried to be everyone's "friend" but it was never enough. Now things just seemed to be good and relaxed a little bit, looking at her newly found friend.

"Anything good in the paper?" She asked with a grin on her face looking at the paper he was reading and knew it was the oldest paper. It seemed rather nice to have silence, looking outside it was getting very bad outside. The wind howling, it was rather crazy how weather could change so damn quickly.

 

[NewGame8]

"Everything in the paper is interesting. It tells what is going on in the world. It is not focused on individuals, but on the public and everything that goes on outside of our individual bubbles. While I was on the street all I could be concerned with was my bubble. I had to keep my nose above water and protect myself. It feels so good to be able to catch up on what has been happening. It will be great to see what is going on around the world and see the impact it has had on the financial markets."

He smiled lightly at her as the talked. he had a feeling that she caught him looking at her. He only hoped that she did not feel that he was being inappropriate, after all, he was a good deal older than she was and she might take it inappropriately. "I have missed knowing what was going on out there." He pointed out the window. "My world has been so small that it was almost claustrophobic."

"What time do you start in the morning? I want to be ready to go when you are ready. I want to make sure that I do not hold you up in any way. So, I am going to take a few of these papers and fall asleep to them. I will be up and ready to go for my first day of work." He looked at Maggie and made sure that he was determined to be successful.... he was not going to disappoint her.

 

[Mayu]

Maggie did not mind that he was staring at her, just meant a lot to her. That she was worthy of being stared at. But she did not get uncomfortable and was just enjoying her warm coffee. She heard him talking about the news and grinned a bit. Her stormy eyes looking around for a moment, and was really tired. Since it was getting time for bed for her, she covered her mouth as she yawned and was rather happy. All in all everything was quite and away from the city noise which is actually nice.

So far up nothing could be heard, but then he said what he did and smiled. "Well I make my own hours and go in about eleven in the morning. So plenty of time to just relax eat some breakfast, talk what ever you like. Something tells me we will become good friends, and like I said before having someone here with me is nice and welcomed. Living alone can be rather lonely, especially if you have no family like I don't. I will however make sure you are busy, since we don't want you unhappy at any time"

Maggie said with one of those soft stares, her eyes beautiful and kind. Never showing a negative trait or anything. But knew she needed to get some sleep, standing up she silently sighed. "Well I am going to bed, make yourself at home and don't worry about anything" Maggie said with a soft tone and kissed his cheek kindly heading for her room.