The Junction Dysfunction, Chapter One '2570'

CHAPTER ONE: '2570'

It was a sunny, warm afternoon, as we sat in our small but comfy apartment at 2570 Dundas Street West.

This area of the city is called The Junction. There is a huge rail junction over there somewhere.

Creative naming, isn't it?

We have lived in the Junction for 13 years. We have seen this area grow, and become more popular.

When we first moved here, rents were very reasonable. You could get a decent-sized apartment for about $600. Now, this tiny one-bedroom costs us $1350. That is more than double in just over 10 years.

My name is Peter. I live here with my girlfriend, Jackie; my brother, Rick; and our adopted son, Tom. Tom is a teenager. We wanted that, because we can not have kids of our own, and we did not want to have to raise a child from birth.

Why my brother lives with us is a long story, not to be discussed now.

Jackie is a membership coordinator at the fitness centre down the street, of which we are all members. Rick is currently a customer service agent for the Toronto Transit Commission. I was a bouncer at the nightclub across the street, but I had decided to move on to other things. I am now working with Rick at the TTC.

The relationship between myself and my brother is stressed. Well, I guess it is a normal relationship between brothers.

I was off today, and Jackie just got in from her part-time shift at the gym. Rick was due home from the TTC any time.

I was telling Jackie that the TTC was trying to hire supervisors for their customer service department, and that they are hiring from within.

Rick walked in right at that moment with a smile across his stupid face.

I gave him a dirty look, because I knew what was coming.

Rick got cocky as I expected, "They made me team lead. That means I am the boss! Wouldn't it be funny if I was your boss?"

He was doing this to annoy me, so I retorted, "I don't know why you are making a big deal about being the boss. Nobody listens to you. Remember when we worked at the radio station, and you were pretending to be the program director? I never listened to you. I did whatever I wanted."

"...and you were fired..."

"That was because I was not a very good announcer, not for ignoring you."

"Oh, so you admit to being a crappy announcer?"

"No. I admit to not listening to you. Besides, I got another announcing job right after."

"You were a carnival barker."

"Well, that is a type of announcer, isn't it?"

"Idiot, you are."

Jackie finally looked up, "You two are at it again?"

He started it.", I said pointing, "Rick with his stupid smile and his stupid new job.", I shook my head, "You know. I'm going back to the club to my bouncer's job."

Jackie was shocked, "What!? You hated that job!"

"I hate working with smug-face over here more!"

I walked out, and I proceed downstairs and out onto Dundas Street. Away from that mess. For a while, anyway.

In front of our building there is a bus stop. Supposed to be 24-hour service, and every 10 minutes during the day. Yeah, sure. I have never seen this bus on time. I should complain to customer service...Oh, wait. I'm customer service! Crappy...crappy job!

As I was waiting, I glanced across to my old nightclub. Something drew me to it. I began to cross the street, all the while trying to think of a creative way to get back my job as bouncer.

I approached the door, but I doubt anyone would be there.  It was early Sunday afternoon, and they do not open until 6 PM on Sundays.

I tried the door.

It opened!

{End of Chapter One}