Building My Life

Chapter 13 - I Do!

Josias gave Romualdo a gaze of astonishment. He had no intention of asking for a job at that specific construction site, but the opportunity had presented itself, and he wasn’t about to refuse. He just hadn’t expected it to be this easy. Was Everaldo in action again?

“Are you sure, sir? The work here looks very professional. I don’t have much construction experience; at most, I’ve helped out the way Uélton is doing.”

Romualdo analyzed Josias’s physical build. Because the boy was shirtless, it was easier to tell. “You don’t look like a fragile young man to me. You’re not muscular, but I see some strength in your arms and shoulders.”

“I’ve never been an idle person or a sedentary one, as they say,” Josias explained with a proud smile.

“Then there’s nothing more to discuss!” Romualdo declared. “If you really want it, come by tomorrow to start. Whatever you don’t know how to do, we’ll teach you. What do you say?”

What was there to say? Of course, Josias wouldn’t refuse! “I accept, Seu Romualdo.”

“Smart boy, you already caught my name.” Romualdo smiled widely, and the two shook hands to seal the deal. “If you want, you can start tomorrow. But I suggest you come in more suitable attire.”

Josias turned red just thinking about it. “That won’t be possible, Seu Romualdo.”

Romualdo frowned. “Huh? Why not? You don’t plan on coming in pajamas, do you? I can overlook the fact that you’re shirtless because of the heat, but those pants look like they belong in cold weather, or bed.”

“It’s just that I’m in such a critical situation that these clothes are all I have left.” Josias decided to explain without going into too much detail. “I was forced, so to speak, to leave home just like this.”

Romualdo put his hand to his chin. “Did you run away because you were doing something illegal, boy?”

Josias had to handle that question carefully. Unfortunately, that was what people usually thought. It was rare to find a young man these days who wasn’t caught up in something wrong.

Josias denied it firmly. “No, I swear. If I were involved in the wrong things, I wouldn’t be looking for honest work right now.”

Romualdo smiled again, visibly relieved. It was a sharp answer; the boy was quick on his feet. “Tomorrow at eight in the morning, then. And may I know your name?”

“Josias Rocha,” he pronounced his name with an air of authority.

After their final greetings, Josias returned to Teodoro’s building, practically jumping with joy. When he passed a house where the radio was playing “Working My Way Back to You” by The Spinners, he even danced a little in the middle of the street.

Upon entering the reception area, Teodoro found the boy beaming. “Don’t tell me you found something to do in this place! No, wait: did you find the girl? Did you find out where she lives?”

Josias burst out laughing. “Not yet, Seu Teodoro, but I found what I was looking for! I managed to get a job! Now I’ll be able to pay for my room, so you can rest easy.”

Teodoro had grown fond enough of Josias to step out from behind the counter and embrace him. To him, Josias had become like a nephew. As they parted, he said, “Don’t worry about the rent. We’ll settle that next month. When you receive your first pay, focus on buying things for yourself.”

“He told me to come in different clothes,” Josias said with a laugh, “but it looks like these sweatpants are going to see some use. I’m not going to wear new pants just to move cement anyway.”

Teodoro raised an eyebrow. “Cement? Are you going to work at a construction site?”

“Yeah,” Josias quickly added, “and you can drop that worried look, Seu Teodoro. I’m no weakling, despite my age. I’ve helped you a few times; it’s not that difficult. And Seu Romualdo seems to be a good guy; he said he’ll teach me what I don’t know.”

“I hope so. I know Romualdo; he’s highly sought after for construction around here. You know the bathrooms downstairs? He built them. If I had met him sooner, I would have had him build the entire building.”

Josias nodded in agreement. He had realized the bathroom was built with much more care than the rest of the structure. It likely wasn’t Romualdo who had built those other houses on the main street.

After that, Josias went to his room, satisfied and mentally thanking God for resolving another stage of his life. Now it was time to start working, save money, and use it wisely. He could have made a list of priorities, but he didn’t have a notebook or a pen.