The Troubled Youth Inc.

Chapter 2

Forrest Roche

Age/s*x: 20 year old male

Birthdate: August 4, 2000

Height/weight: 5’11 ¼”; 70kg

Hair: Black, short side swept hair

Eye color: Blue

Skin color: Light tan

Posture & habitual action: Good posture; sleeps anywhere

Clothing style: Comfy clothes

Ethnicity: American; born in Italy

Class: Higher class

Occupation: Freelance photographer (small income)

Education: College drop-out

Home life: Parents run a big pharmaceutical company

Hobbies: Art & photography

Sex life: Doesn’t get attached to anyone

Ambitions: Wants to be a professional photographer

Temperament: Phlegmatic

Attitude toward life & people: Neutral

Complexes: Obsessed with taking pictures of nature & beautiful things

Abilities/qualities: Artistic; good taste in art

Parent complaint: Father wants his son to wake up from his dream & get on with his life.

I read the case file after dinner in my apartment because curiosity got to me. What kind of parent complaint is this?! I can somehow empathize with this ‘Forrest’ fellow for having such a controlling parent. I mean, why can’t the father just support his son’s dreams in life? And how could I possibly address this kind of concern as a case manager to begin with?

It took me three days to decide whether I should get involved in McGregor’s business or not. It was better to tell him in person so I decided to meet him at the ‘Troubled Youth Inc.’ site. It was located at the second floor of a two-story building which just finished its renovations.

“Nice place.” I entered Ash’s office.

“Right? I have the whole second floor to myself. Did you see the first floor? It’s just like your part-time job.” Ash asked in a rather excited tone.

“Yes. I dropped by the bookstore. It looks pretty decent and neat.” Bookstores are just one of my weaknesses.

“Please, take a seat. Do you want some tea or coffee?” He offered.

“I’m good. Anyway, I decided to take the job.” I got straight to the point.

“I’m sorry, WHAT?!” Ash shrieked.

“I’m in.”

“Really?” The guy clarified.

“Yes, really. Now let’s talk about the specifics.” This could take a while before he can fully comprehend what I was saying to him.

“And I actually prepared a few inspirational lines that I could say to you just to get you on board in case you rejected my proposition!” Ash sighed in relief.

“What made you change your mind?” He added.

“Definitely NOT the name of the Inc. if that’s what you’re guessing. I guess I had too many questions regarding the subject matter. I can’t help being a curious human, you know? So how do you propose we address the parents’ complaint? What methods do you have in mind?” I asked away.

“One at a time, please! Okay, so, let’s start with your job description. You’re in charge of handling the cases as a case manager and I’m here as your consultant so we basically work and brainstorm together with regards to the methodology of addressing our clients’ concerns. I’ll mostly do the interaction with the parents because I have my personal connections and then I’ll hand you the case files to deal with the ‘problematic’ sons per se.”

“I agree with you handling the parents because I don’t really have the skills for that.” I sighed.

“As I was saying, you’ll conduct one on one counseling sessions with the sons in order to get to know them and their inner thoughts. Ask them if they know why they’re here and try to pry about their family lives so that we can brainstorm on how we can mend their relationships.”

“Easier said than done. I hope there’s a way that we could somehow reform the parents instead. I don’t get the parent complaint of the case file you let me read.” I handed the folder back to him.

“I get that you’re empathizing with the kids but it’s not them who are paying us, right? It’s their loaded parents. Still, we should at least try to help both parties as much as we can.” Ash grimaced.

“It’s like handling divorced couples. Family therapy, huh?” I realized.

“Exactly.” Ash nodded.

“Am I even qualified to do counseling though?” I had to ask.

“Sure. Why not? It’s just a small business… for now.” Ash grinned and I just look at him in a strange way.

“I am interested in human psychology.” I fixed my glasses in place.

“See? You’re obviously perfect for the job! We open on Monday. Are you interested to meet our first client?”

“I guess I’m stoked at helping humanity for a change.” I shrugged.

“Let’s agree on one rule though. No dating the clientele.” Ash stated rather seriously.

“You’re kidding, right? That never even crossed my mind.” I scoffed.

“I know. It’s them I’m worried about. You don’t even realize just how attractive you are, do you?” Ash gazed into my eyes.

“I’ve been meaning to ask this since a while ago, how did you know that I work part-time at a library? I never mentioned this to you.” I stared back into his blue eyes.

“Alright, you got me! I had to dig up some information about you prior to the recruitment.” The guy raised his arms up in defense.

“You were stalking me?” To put it simply.

“I wouldn’t call it that. There’s a HUGE difference. I was just gathering information on your whereabouts since you never tell me anything which is just sad thinking that I consider you as my close friend and all.” He blabbed.

“I don’t have close friends.” Heck, I don’t even have any friends.

Should I really trust this shady guy right here? Well, it's too late to back out now...