A Necessary Evil - Part 4: Storytelling & eLearning (6 Voices)
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a necessary evil. A. K. A ned Chapter Four, perspective the conclusion. There was a loud knock at the door Gillian. A familiar voice called from the outside of Jilly's front door. Just two days after Miles Endacott arrival, kevin had fixed the roof as promised, but her doorbell was now on the fritz. This was minor by comparison. Maxine Gillian opened the door to greet her friend and former coworker. What are you doing here? Is everything okay? Can I come in? Maxine asked. Of course. Jilly backed up long enough to let Maxine through the door. I'm trying to call first, but for some reason a strange voice kept telling me that the number was no longer in service. It had me a little creeped out so I figured I'd come check on you. Hope everything's okay. Jilly's phone number was fine. Net jilly thought jilly hadn't seen the demon all day, but that didn't mean he wasn't somewhere causing trouble. It was only then that she noticed Maxine was carrying a large cardboard box. I'm fine. Is that heavy? Do you want to put that down somewhere, julie asked. Yeah, Maxine agreed, setting it on the kitchen counter. Thanks, want some coffee. Just then Miles appeared from his room down the hall. He shuffled past the women wearing a bathrobe and brown slippers. Miles blinked tired lee and let out a yawn, seemingly oblivious to their presence as he made his way to the coffee maker. He pulled a cup from the cabinet above the coffee pot, smiling at discovering that someone had already brewed a fresh pot. Am I interrupting something. Maxine whispered to jilly after his first sip of the hot beverage, Miles perked up enough to realize there were other people in the room. Oh, morning, he greeted. This is my new tenant, Miles julie, explained. Miles. This is my friend Maxine from work. Nice to meet you, Miles. Maxine answered likewise. So, no, to the coffee, but maybe we could talk a minute privately. Sure, let's sit in the living room chile. Offered Miles is busy anyway. He promised to put in a good word with his boss for me today about a job. Oh, Maxine answered Encouragingly. Well, that's very nice. Miles rubbed his forehead and took another sip of coffee. Somehow it was that last sip that did the trick. That's right. Miles smiled, reaching into the pocket of his robe and pulling out a pair of small reading glasses with one hand still holding the coffee cup, he managed to open the hinges of the glasses with one hand and put them on. He shifted his weight to the right leg and turned his torso toward the kitchen sink. What do you want to shame me about? Miles? He asked to No one in particular in a voice that wasn't his own. He pulled the glasses off his face and shifted his weight to the left, turning his torso away from the counter. Glad you asked Mr Endacott. He spoke in his own timid voice as a writer, I know, I think, be a great asset to our team. Miles put the glasses back on, shifted his weight and torso to the right and spoke in a deeper voice. Really? Does she know anything about environmental, city planning, equal transportation, walk ability in semi urban areas? He removed the glasses and returned to his Miles voice. No, he confessed, I don't think she knows any of those things from the couch where Maxine and julie now sat. They, I'd Miles with fascination. What's he doing? Maxine whispered. It appears he's talking to himself, julie answered. Does he have multiple personalities? Maxine asked. From the kitchen, Miles continued, I'm pretty sure she doesn't even recycle? I recycle jilly called from the couch. Miles acknowledged her response and said to his imaginary boss, She recycles Well that's just fine, the imaginary Mr Endicott replied, but what will we hire her to do? Exactly? I was thinking we need some publicity, you know, educate people as to what we're doing here, revamping the public transportation system around here is not only practical and cost efficient, but help reduce air pollution and the need for an over abundance of cars on the road. Miles put the glasses back on, paused to sip his coffee and continued, do you think she has the ability to do that? The imaginary boss asked. I can do that, julie called from the couch. She can do that, Miles acknowledged smiling to himself. Finally, he turned to jilly and said, You're hired, What the heck are you talking about? Miles. Jilly was confused and someone alarmed. What kind of weirdo did I just let move in with me? She wondered her Miles ran his hand through his hair. Probably should have been more honest about that. He confessed when I said I'd put a good word in with my boss. Should have said it was me. You're the boss. Julie clarified that you came here saying you were starting a new job. I am yeah, he nodded. I was contracted by the city to make recommendations for a more environmentally friendly transportation system. That's why I was on the bus that day. But I can hire anyone. I need to support the project. So yeah, you're hired. Maxine covered her mouth to fight off a laugh, but I'm in the way of a good chin wag so I'll just get dressed and you can give me a holler when you're ready to talk more about the job. Yeah, okay, chili. Really wasn't sure how else to respond with that. Miles nodded to Maxine and shuffled back down the hallway to his room. Once they heard the door to his room closed, Maxine turned to Gillian whispered like an excited chipmunk. He's adorable. What are you talking about? Maxine? He's demented julie retorted, no, he's not. Maxine shook her head. He's funny. That whole stunt with pretending to have a conversation with his boss. That was really him. That's the cutest thing I ever saw. You have a strange sense of humor, julie answered flatly and you could do with one Jillian. Maxine lifted her chin and chest defiantly before dropping back into the chipmunk voice. He's an adorable cookie intellectual. I could just put him in my pocket and carry him around with me all day to see what he's gonna do next. She grinned widely. Maxine, I think you might be demented too. Maybe you should work for him or better yet, ask him out on a date. He strikes me as the chronically single type. You are just awful. Sometimes. Next scene sugar head, but it's okay you're my friend and I love you. Anyway, there was a long pause before julie asked so why are you here again? Alright, well speaking of dating Maxine wrinkled her lips. Maxine julie asked suspiciously, what's going on? Okay? But don't get mad. Maxine held up her hands. But Darren stopped by to see me last night. Why was that Freeloader stopping by to see you? Julie's face grew red. Did he tell you about the money he stole from my bank account? Yeah, he did. Maxine answered, can you please calm down. The surest way to get really riled up was to tell her to calm down, julie sucked in a breath. To avoid saying something to her friend. She might later regret. Maxine continued The box on the counter or the other half of your dish is the 120 left. Why did he give them to you, julie asked. He wanted to give them to you the other day. But you kicked them out before he had a chance to. Darrin said he knew they were your mother's and he just took half of them out of spite on account of being hurt, that you dumped them. Well, that was petty, julie grumbled, folding her arms. He thought so too. That's why he wanted to give them back. So he showed up at your apartment to do that. Julie was unconvinced. Not entirely Maxine took a deep breath. It was Darren who put the feds on to Joshua's illegal activity. What? Jillian folded her arms. That doesn't make sense. His brother's company is his meal ticket. He didn't know his brother wasn't on the up and up until recently, Darren didn't know what to do. On the one hand, he didn't want to rat out his brother on the other. Maxine paused on the other. Really encouraged. He didn't want us to end up escape goats. What are you talking about, chili was confused. Apparently Joshua had his business dealings set up in such a way that if he was ever caught it would look like we employees were up to no good and he was innocent in all of it. He was ready to throw us all under the bus if things went south, but we had nothing to do with any of it. **** we thought we were legit writers for a legit company chile raised your voice. I know that you know that Maxine continued. But until Darren got the feds involved, no one else would have known that he did it to protect you jilly. Then why didn't he tell me he probably wasn't allowed to say anything? Maxine defended and the money he stole? Getting arrested was part of his cover. You and I are the only ones who know about this. Jilly. And Darren only came to me because you wouldn't listen to him. After a long pause, Maxine added, he's gonna get the money back to you. The feds promised that as part of his agreeing to help them take down his brother. I just don't know how or when that's gonna happen and you trust Darrin, julie was unsure a lot more than you. It seems Maxine confessed and you were his girlfriend. Hey jilly wind. That was hurtful. Look, maybe you're right and he's lying to me. But if you try to take legal action now about the money from your account being missing. If he's telling the truth, it's gonna blow up in all our faces and his cover will be blown. And so my mother's china was a peace offering julie question, it would seem so Maxine answered quietly. If there are only some way I could be sure that's an awful big risk for me to take only to find out he took the money and ran. Could I interject something ned appeared, standing on the living room carpet in his usual burnt orange suit, jilly, jolted in surprise. Is something the matter, Maxine asked, looking at ned confused. She couldn't see him. Uh no, julie stammered. Maxine, thank you for stopping by. Would you mind if I took a little time to reflect on everything you've told me? Well, sure Maxine answered, encouraged. She stood. I gotta get anyway, Darren caught me an interview with an eyeglass company looking for a marketing expert. Darren got you the interview Jilly clarified. Yeah. Maxine nodded as she headed for the door. He might not be the evil demon. You make him out to be well. Good bye. Maxine, Thanks for the dishes. Really closed the door behind her friend. I resent the implication that all demons are evil, ned sulked stereotypes are hard to overcome jilly agreed You can come out Miles. Maxine is gone, but now ned is here. Moments later, Miles shuffled down the hallway. This time he was dressed in black jeans and a matching t shirt. Hey ned. He greeted as if saying hello to a neighbor. You might see when collecting your morning paper. Hey ned greeted cordially left your coffee this morning, figured you'd need to pick me up. That was you jilly and Miles said together, I may dish out some hard lessons net explained pardon upon. He motioned ahead toward the box that Maxine had left, but it's nothing personal. So ned julie turned to the demon. What is it that you were going to say earlier about Darren? I was simply going to suggest that ned paused as a curious Rufus peered from around the corner where Gilley's bedroom was located. Upon hearing his three favorite humans, he sauntered out with all the confidence of a cat who is certain he knows more than you and is fully prepared to lord it over everyone. Rufus wove between the ankles of ned, jillion miles purring as he rubbed up against them. Miles sneezed. I'll just allergy meds. He pointed as he ran back to his room, ned shook his head. Where was I? Right. I was going to suggest that you give it a little time and see how it all shakes out. Why do you think that ned? Till he asked. What do you know that you're not telling me? She squinted her eyes at him. Believe it or not. I'm in the dark about many things, ned, confessed. Let me ask you a question. Darrin not opened up to borrowing your money from your account. When would you have figured it out for yourself? While borrowed Is a nice way of putting it. I would say, in about two weeks. That's how often I deposit money into my savings account. Two weeks ned repeated. Therefore had darn not told you he would have had a good two weeks before. You would have responded. What are you saying, ned really challenged. I am saying that while His actions may have been devious. He could have chosen not torn you at all, after all. Doesn't him telling you. And then Maxine, what was happening? Put him at great risk, I suppose so. All I'm saying is give him a chance at redemption. Just then. Jilly's cell phone rang. Hi, this is julie speaking, julie answered. Jillian Shauna gushed on the other end of the line. I'm so glad I caught you. Do you have a moment in all honesty? Jilly really didn't want to give Sean a moment. But given that her husband, Kevin Jilly's brother had fixed the roof free of charge at Shawn's behest. She thought it more polite to answer. Of course. What do you need? I just wanted to let you know. Jillian Shawna began that while it was hurtful. I took what you said to heart, julie's stomach lurched a little. She hadn't realized that anything she said could have penetrated Shawn's heart. That made her feel something. She would rather not have felt guilt. What did I say when you mentioned my not having a job in five years. And listen, julie interrupted. I shouldn't have said that Sean. I'm sorry, but you were right. I've been drifting. So I took it to heart and got a job. A job. You really caught herself. I mean, that's wonderful. What are you doing? Well, let's volunteer for now, as I try it on for size. But get this? I'm helping out three days a week at an animal shelter I figure I love animals. So maybe I could see if that's my calling. Saunas voice was a mix of apprehension and hope. That's a great idea, Shauna Jilly admitted. And this will probably make you laugh Gillian. I know you think I live high on the proverbial hog, so to speak. It might interest you to know that. My first day on the job was spent scooping kitty litter and hosing out dirty dog kennels. Jilly bit back laugh starting from the ground up. I see you know it. And one more thing Gillian. Yes. I talked to kevin and he agreed to go to couples therapy with me. But I thought I know what you thought. Jillian Shauna confessed and I let you think that. But the truth is I do run away from messy problems. What was it you said about stress resilience. Again. I shouldn't have. It's okay. Shauna reassured jilly. I'm glad you said it. Well for what it's worth. I'm happy about your volunteer work and I'm happy that you guys are going to talk to somebody and thanks for looking out for me too. Jilly could hear Sean a smile across the phone lines when she ended her call ned bit back a smile. Not everything is as it seems. Is it Gillian. Sorry about that. Miles resurfaced Rufus rubbed against his ankle purring this time. Miles's allergies had settled once again there was a knock at the door. Jilly opened it to reveal a small, rotund older woman with thick gray hair and deep set eyes. She was carrying an oversized carpet bag with a large floral print on it high. The woman greeted enthusiastically. I'm here about the car. What car, Jilly asked, eyeing ned, who had turned his gaze innocently away. Aren't you selling this compact car? The woman held up her phone, revealing a picture of Jilly's new car in the lineup of ones for sale on a site she'd never heard of ned's auto bazaar am I really looked at ned suspiciously. I really don't know anymore. Better for the environment, wouldn't you say, ned rolled his eyes and miles's direction. That's true. Miles agreed julie thought a moment. Fine, let me open the garage so you can look at it. Let's go outfront. Jilly escorted the woman around the front of the house, grabbing your keys from a holder by the front door. She hit the remote and the garage door open to reveal julie's pretty yellow car. My, that's lovely, the woman commented. And as good as new it is new, Jilly answered. It's only about two months old. It reminds me of a newer version I had once back in the day. My late husband and I went on so many road trips together in that car. The woman wiped away a nostalgic tear. Would you like to take it for a spin really hurt herself saying, even though she originally had no intention of selling it. Not necessary. The woman answered, I took the bus. I don't live far. I'll test it out when I drive it home. Jilly was suddenly struck with a sense of dread. Is she really ready to part with the car she just purchased? She rubbed her head conundrum for sure. She thought only her thoughts sounded like ned's voice in her head. We haven't even talked about price really recent. Oh well it says right here. The woman pointed to her phone That it's $51,000. Is that right? $51,000 Chile checked. Yes. It says right here on my phone. It's on sale for $51,000. I'm prepared to pay cash. The woman reached toward her oversized carpetbag, But it was only 30,000. New Chile protested and cars depreciate as soon as they leave the lot. The woman, I jilly with the seriousness of a doctor giving you a really bad medical diagnosis. The ad says what it says, she persisted. Do you want $51,000 or not Ned and miles stood outside the garage watching with interest. Suddenly something clicked in Jilly's brain. 30,000 for the new car plus the 21,000 that Darren owed her $51,000. Oh, now that you mention it jilly swallowed hard. That sounds about right. Well good, the woman answered. Perhaps we could finish this transaction inside, she suggested 10 minutes later. Jilly watched with some sadness as her car was being driven away by its new owner. Don't feel so bad. Miles tried to cheer her up. Considering the work we'll be doing, Kind of flies in the face of what we're trying to accomplish if you got that car anyway, it still breaks my heart, a little chilly answered. But you got your money back, ned pointed out. That's true, julie agreed under roof fixed, ned, continued jilly, nodded on your dishes back and a newer better job. And I get it ned julie wrapped an arm around the demon shoulder. You are my necessary evil, making me go through bad stuff for growth purposes. Are we finished now? Because I'm not sure how much more of this I can take ned picked up Rufus and snuggled the cat. Oh, no. Better ask him what, chili eider cat, Rufus is. Your client? Took me a while to figure it out myself, ned confessed wily devil! Funny thing to say. Coming from a demon. Miles offered ned, let out a voice, just laugh, love your humor, son. Keep it up to jilly, he said. Well, I'm off! He handed a smug Rufus back to jilly who held him over her shoulder petting him despite the grief he caused. Got a call from a house with a german shepherd with a family that needs my attention. Go easy on him, ned jilly called as ned began a slow walk down the driveway that led to the main road, who knows, ned called. Maybe they'll be able to see me too. Hey ned. Yes, I can't believe I'm saying this, but thanks for everything. Activity in Chapter four, Jilly's beliefs are challenged when her friend Maxine presents a different perspective about her roommate, miles and her ex boyfriend, Aaron in Ned's final lesson. He encourages Jilly to give people a chance as nothing is ever quite as it seems for today's activity. Consider a time when you had a definite belief about a person or situation that you later learned was completely false. How did it change your perception? Alternatively, journal about a time when you didn't get what you asked for, but you got what you needed and it turned out to be better than you expected. This concludes the first story of a necessary evil. A. K A ned, thank you for joining me.