I can’t believe the things I do to shield Ernie from all that’s out there.

  Mr Hydell sounded surprised to hear from me, but relieved to have an extra person to help him with today’s work at the Football Stadium. Claudia was generous to make herself available on short notice, while Ernie was hovering by the front door, covered in Sydney’s light blue with a spring in his step before I even woke for the day.

  They should be in their well-positioned seats by now, watching the players warm up for the first event of the day, the main match not commencing until 3pm. I’ve discovered from the discussion around me that the crowd doesn’t gather solely to watch one game, but rather, there is a whole day of entertainment from 11:00am onwards.

  The suite I’m in is mainly full of middle-aged businessmen in out-of-style suits and their wives who have used today as another excuse to drink white wine in designer dresses they’ll only ever wear once. They lounge and gossip with their backs half turned to the best view in the stadium of the bright green field beneath us, the glass front stretching from wall to wall. A few elderly men sit by the glass itself, their way of spending the afternoon resembling a tradition that has lasted for decades.

  The current talk is mainly about this first game, two-touch football, which I’m hearing has the standard two halves of forty-five minutes. It’s pretty self-explanatory, a player can’t make more than two touches in a row without giving away a free kick. This makes it a game of staying clear of your defending marker, and also limits the goalkeeper. Because using their hands would count as infinite touches, their job is tougher, usually requiring one touch to stop the ball, and another to clear it away.

  They have also discussed the following game. This one starts at 1:30pm and runs for a maximum of fifty minutes, plus the length of the shootout that follows. In elimination football, each team begins with eleven players, and a player drops off from both sides whenever a goal is scored, or when five minutes pass without one. The match keeps narrowing like that until only two players remain on each team. Those final two, always a goalie and a kicker, have their last chance to score during a one-kick shootout that continues until one side scores in a round and the other misses. It’s a game with no breaks or substitutes and the penalty kicker never rotates. The kicker needs to have been on the field for the entire match and must take every shot until there is a winner.

  Then naturally, there is some crowd interaction and chanting to hype up the atmosphere for the main event under traditional rules.

  Ernie should love every second of it!

  The stadium is a sight to see in itself. It’s a fully enclosed oval shape, sheltering the players from poor weather conditions, and seating is available from every possible angle. The seats are built with little legroom, set close together around the well-maintained green pitch, the rows rising steeply in order to keep the spectators as close to the action as possible.

  There are both underground tunnels and entry-level walkways behind the seating with food, drinks, gambling and merchandise options. Ernie and Claudia are sitting by half-way on the first level. They really are great seats! Ernie’s light blue shirt lets him blend easily into the local crowd, but Claudia could never disappear in her fitted black top and long black and red plaid skirt, the red nearly identical to the opposition’s shade.

  Level two contains premium seating at the perfect height for watching sport, the club staff who are not out on the field, several media outlets, and the corporate suites where I am working. Level three offers more distant seating, along with catering options.

  Above that, a separate entry from outside the stadium takes spectators to their places over the top of the playing area. It’s more of a social level, with a bar around the edge where fans gather to watch the game on big screens together.

  I’ve also heard that there are tickets to lie down and watch each game, just for a half of football. The first half viewers get to see the pre-match entertainment and the second half viewers get to watch a shootout if it comes to that.

  With the angle of the game being played directly below the top level, fans lie face down in their allocated area and view the match. The highly protected magnified glass is reinforced and double layered, with a slight blue tint to stop the glare from blinding them. From below, the whole arrangement looks like rows of people flying through the sky in perfect formation, suspended above the field like floating shadows. This way, the game is able to be watched live, without seeming too far away.

  It’s cheaper up high, but I would still prefer to watch the match from where Ernie and Claudia are sitting!

  Working in catering is an interesting experience. Mr Hydell, I mean Kage, is here working with me. He is based in a different suite, but as the supervisor, he also comes in to check on me and the guests.

  He really must be short staffed!

  In my recycling plant job, there is a lot of material to sort through and a clear goal. It’s very tiring, but there is a visual outcome to my efforts. Catering here, I need to look calm, friendly, and attentive, yet stay on high alert to respond to even the most insignificant needs if someone so much as wants a napkin… or simply just wants someone to laugh at their bad jokes. It’s not all serving canapes and drinks.

  I thought that Roselyn had been acting like a cheap prostitute, and here I am selling my time for company with a group of men. At least it’s not physical… is what I tell myself while I physically guide one of the older and less capable men up from his chair by allowing him to lean on my arm.

  The man has the confidence a man who is used to getting his own way, with the generous stomach of a man who has enjoyed a prosperous life and a grey hair transplant slightly misplaced but worn proudly.

  My dark, cautious mood must be showing a bit, because now that the pre-games have finished and the man is standing up, he wants to have a conversation with me.

  “Thank you, love,” he says in a condescending tone.

  I wonder if he always talks like that or if the drinks are encouraging it.

  “That’s ok,” I reply curtly.

  “What is your name?” he asks.

  “Victoria.”

  My short response is intending to give the signal that I would prefer not to chat while at the same time not offending the customers.

  “Haha, my name is New South Wales!” he jokes.

  I’ve never heard that one before, I think sarcastically to myself, desperately trying to keep my eyes from rolling.

  “Very funny!” I reply in a polite, flat voice.

  He laughs at himself again.

  “My real name is William, and this is my son Bill.” The elder man indicates the middle-aged man on his left.

  My right foot follows my turn as I open my stance to bring Bill into the conversation. He stands upright, taller than his father, with a broad, heavy-set build shaped by years of abundant food mixed with an always moving lifestyle. The grey along his thinning hairline softens his wider face, giving him the perception of jolliness he might not otherwise have.

  His wife stands a little apart from him, a blonde who was likely very beautiful in her youth, carrying the poised look of someone who puts more care into her image than into herself. There is a quiet tiredness beneath the careful grooming, as if the polished exterior ages her more than time does. She continues gossiping away with her friends, each woman holding a newly filled glass of Adelaide Hills pinot grigio, unconcerned with their husband’s interests.

  I introduce myself conservatively. “Hi Bill, I’m Victoria.”

  He misses the hint and tries to open up the conversation.

  “Hi Victoria. Kage tells me that you’re in your final year of school and currently working for him at the recycling plant too.”

  “Kage talks about me behind my back, does he?” I challenge.

  Bill laughs. “Not normally, but I do ask him to let me know if he comes across any young people with a strong work ethic. They are not easy to find, and I’m always on the lookout for promising graduates to train for my business.”

  “Oh, what does your business do?” I ask courteously.

  “Without going into too much detail, we invest in infrastructure that uses the sun, wind and ocean water to help provide more electricity to United World. It’s a specialised area to work in, so I prefer to train intelligent workers with a good work ethic and less experience than to have to re-train people from other industries. I’m sure you can imagine that not many people leave their jobs at United World either to work in a smaller environment.”

  “Wait, I think I have been reading about you. Is your last name Collingwood?”

  “That’s me,” he answers with a proud, knowing smile.

  “I have been studying renewable energy distribution and reading about your project’s contributions to the renewables industry. It’s impressive!”

  He smiles. “Thank you.”

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “I have been trying to get an interview with Mariana Montoya for a first-hand reference and to really stand out for my assignment. There are not many sources publicly available.”

  “I believe that I can get you that interview. They are not on the best of terms, but I would have thought that your father could have arranged it too?”

  I frown with held back resentment. “I don’t like to ask favours from my dad. There’s no knowing what he will request back in return.”

  “Ah, I see. He must have changed since I worked with him.”

  “You used to work with Dad?”

  “Not often, but he did help me with the work I was doing at times. He even contributed to my business setup in its early days. I’m surprised he doesn’t speak to you more about what he did at United World. He was a very driven man!”

  “Yes. He has certainly changed. I don’t know what stupid thing he did to be confined to our home, but it’s clear that he would have deserved it.”

  “I wouldn’t be so certain of that if I were you… nevertheless I am cutting it fine for going to the bathroom before the main game kicks off. It’s been good talking with you Victoria. I will reach out to Mariana, asking her to set up that interview with you, and also keep in touch with Kage to see if you are interested in trialling at Air Power Corporation once you have finished school.”

  “Thank you very much!”

  He walks off, guiding his father, who appears expectant of his support.

  I’m very excited in a relieved sort of way. My life is all coming together!

  Kage enters the suite looking concerned, his white long sleeve shirt, black vest, black suit pants, and shiny black shoes making him look very well presented, more like a high-end waiter than a caterer at a football event.

  I take a moment to notice how slick and tidy he looks, far more than I do in my casual white shirt and black pants. He signals for me to join him outside, and I cautiously follow him.

  As the door shuts behind us, he speaks.

  “The security team have let me know that there’s a teenage girl attempting to enter this level. She told them that she’s a friend of yours: Claudia.”

  “What’s Claudia doing up here? She’s meant to be down in the seats with my brother!”

  “Ok, she’s just the friend you brought with you and your brother. She doesn’t have a pass to get into this level, but I’ll let security know she can be released.”

  “Thank you! That’s the last time I trust her to look after my brother!”

  “I think that’s a wise choice. On another note, Bill enjoyed his chat with you and let me know you are having a great first day here. Keep it up!”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Kage?”

  “Oh yes, thank you, Kage. I’m still getting used to calling you by name.”

  “I understand. Well, I will come back in and see you after the game!”

  “Sounds good.”

  I enter back into the suite feeling more relaxed about a job I had been dreading so much. I don’t feel any reason to be concerned about being alone with Kage after the game, but I can’t let myself enter a comfort zone and lose my alertness either.

  The food and drinks service has quietened now that the Sydney FC and Northern Reds game is underway. The crowd are absorbed in the atmosphere, screaming support in anticipation of scoring a goal or letting out tentative cries in fear that Sydney will concede a goal. It is great seeing Ernie’s excited reactions to the game’s events, his feeling of belonging with the rest of the supporters who all desire victory making him one of them.

  That’s perfectly fine for today, but it’s also exactly why I don’t want him moulding into Dom’s group by the way he commands that team. It's also relieving to see Claudia back in her seat and not leaving Ernie alone again amongst strangers!

  The game ended, and I believe that Sydney won. It’s a fair assumption. The crowd has been celebrating loudly in good spirits for the past fifteen minutes while thinning out via the exit queues. The people in this suite are already being ushered out by security, making it easier for me to give the room a thorough clean. They don’t mind. I expect most of them will have a car waiting for them so they can avoid having to queue and take public transport.

  Kage returns to the freshly cleaned suite, visibly looking around, unconsciously nodding his approval at the condition I’ve left it in. This is the moment I need to be on guard, collect my pay, and leave quickly.

  “Very impressive! How did you enjoy working in a nicer environment?” he asks.

  “Time felt like it was passing more slowly and that I did less work than at the plant… but it was a good change, thank you. Do I need to scan anything to receive my pay here?” I ask bluntly, intending to keep the interaction to a minimum.

  “Are you in a hurry to leave?” he responds, still leaving my question unanswered.

  That always irritates me. I don’t like having to ask the same question twice when the other person heard me the first time!

  “Yes, I am actually.”

  He frowns in contemplation. “Did I do something to offend you? It seems like you have been acting differently towards me lately,” he inquires.

  I don’t plan to discuss this here with him.

  “No, I would just like to collect my wages and go to find my brother.”

  “Are you sure?” he asks again, repeating the question for confirmation. “It will be difficult to keep working together with so much tension in our relationship, and I’d like to fix what I can?”

  There it is. He inappropriately emphasised our work together as having the closeness of a relationship.

  “I’m not in a relationship with you! Georgia told me all that you did to her, and I’m just trying to avoid the same happening to me!” I shout out, releasing all the anger and fear I’ve been holding inside.

  Kage’s confused face slowly warms into a smile of understanding.

  “Oh, Georgina has poisoned your thoughts. It all makes sense now!”

  “My thoughts would be just as poisoned to discover what you have done, whether it came from her or not!” I justify loudly.

  “What did she say that I did?” he queries.

  “If I tell you what I know, it will just make it easier for you to twist it to fit your story. How about you tell me what possible reason she has to lie to me?” I challenge.

  “That’s only fair. She’s embarrassed, and lied to put the blame onto someone else. Onto me.”

  “I’m going to need more than that,” I press, refusing to waver.

  “Ok. Did Bill talk to you about how I share with him who my younger high-performing staff are?” he responds in a steady, controlled voice.

  “Yes?” I ask. I’m not sure how this is related to anything yet.

  “Well, Georgina has been working for me for about half a year, showing more energy and promise than most of the other staff. I thought that it would be interesting to see how she would perform in a different role, catering here at the stadium as you have done today,” he answers.

  “Uhuh,” I add, still not seeing the relevance.

  “She worked hard, the guests all loved her friendliness in conversations, and since she had already graduated from school, Bill offered her a trial to work for his company. She accepted, and I thought she would be resigning soon afterward.”

  This all sounds very believable so far based on my interactions from the day.

  He continues. “I have no idea what she was learning during the first day of her trial at Air Power Corporation, but she must have discovered something very confidential because Bill was calling me, saying that Georgina was attempting to blackmail him for a lot of money. She discovered that United World would be a very interested buyer of her information, likely to develop the technology themselves and bypass the need to use Bill’s services.

  Bill rightfully ended the trial there, not paying her for the blackmail attempt. He let me know that he was furious with my recommendation too, and I’m hoping that you’re able to remedy that!

  Georgina was back working at the recycling plant the day after her trial, and I lost my temper. I wanted to discourage her from sharing the confidential information she had extracted during her trial, and I expect she is now afraid enough of me to quit and to also create some sort of story defaming me.

  Does my side of the story give more context to what happened?”

  I really don’t know any more. Everything Kage said sounds true and it would be a good reason for Georgina to lie. But she was so hurt and scared!

  “Thank you, I will have a think about it. It is a well-rehearsed explanation, but it doesn’t fit all of her emotions,” I respond, thoughtful yet edged with accusation.

  He catches the accusation in my tone and moves quickly to further justify himself.

  “I can’t explain the psychological reasons from her past which would trigger her to react exactly like this, but please, in the future, talk to me if you have a concern. A person can’t make an informed decision by only using one source of information. I hope that school still teaches that.”

  I quietly absorb his words without reacting. He makes a good point.

  “Yes, they do actually. I had only thought about it for a research assignment. But you’re right, it does apply to everything.”

  He steers the conversation back to a positive note, hoping that the unpleasant part of the discussion is behind us.

  “Anyway, as I said, you have performed very well today, and I hope that you are interested in taking on some more shifts when the team next plays at home!”

  Kage takes out his wallet, and I instinctively unzip my pocket to pull mine out from my trousers. He taps it against mine, the chime ringing cheerfully as I view TWO WEEKS of my normal pay land in my account from just this one shift!

  The surprised expression on my face must be transparent.

  “Did I forget to mention that Sundays earn double time and a half from the penalty rates?” he asks. “Thanks again!”

  I’m lost for words. This will make such a huge difference. I will finally be able to study in comfort for the rest of the term.

  “Wow, thank you too!”

  I see a face barely sticking out from the side of the door opening.

  “Claudia?”

  The rest of her appears, stepping into view.

  “I was just seeing if you’re ready to leave, but it doesn’t look like you’re ready yet. Ernie and I will be waiting for you outside gate 4.”

  She disappears again, her plaid skirt sweeping out of sight, her footsteps fading away down the corridor.

  It was nice of her to check I haven’t been having problems with Kage after my shift, but where was Ernie? Where did she leave him this time?!

  “Sorry Kage, I need to go and find my brother. He has been left on his own again, and I want to make sure he is safe.”

  “Of course,” he responds with easy acceptance. “I will see you tomorrow afternoon at work. I hope that your brother enjoyed the match.”

  “I’ll bet he loved it! Bye!”

  I rush out of there, hoping to catch Claudia on the escalators and hurry her up!

  I don’t cross her path on my way out. Ernie is standing by the gate, an elated expression covering his face. He now has a new favourite memory, one he will treasure for the rest of his life, and I can’t help but feel proud of what I faced today to give it to him.

  “Victoria! That was such an amazing game! Holding onto a 2-1 victory while we had two players off with red cards for those whole last twenty minutes! The two-touch and elimination football were such fun, different variations of the game. I can’t wait to try them both! Thank you for getting us the best seats in the house!”

  “You do remember your promise, don’t you? Since you won’t be playing, you won’t have the chance to try them out.”

  “Oh yes, it won’t be any time soon. But one day I might be able to!”

  “Maybe, one day. Where’s Claudia?”

  “She didn’t really say where she was going. She told me to wait, and we would all meet up here. How was the job?”

  “It was good. Let’s wait here for five minutes. If she doesn’t join us, we can head off, and I’ll text her that we’ve already left.”

  Four minutes have passed when Claudia makes her appearance. There are fewer fans standing by the stadium now, most already on their way have to their celebrations and likely to begin their week with a strong headache.

  “Well, that was boring! Only three goals in ninety minutes. I’d hate to go to a nil all draw! But honestly, it was still a nice change from Sunday dinner with Jono’s family,” Claudia announces the moment she comes out, her voice carrying across the last of the crowd.

  “Where were you?!” I can’t control my outburst. “You left Ernie on his own again!”

  She shrugs in response, “He was fine. I needed to go to the bathroom. I wouldn’t have made it all the way home.”

  “You could have made it until I was here with him!” I retort, frustrated.

  “When you need to go, you need to go,” she jokes.

  “Everything is ok now Vic,” Ernie asserts cautiously.

  “But it might not have been!” I resist being agreeable.

  “Ok, ok, I won’t do it again,” Claudia carelessly promises.

  “No, you won’t. Let’s go Ernie!” I declare with finality.

  “Wait did everything go well with your boss today?” she asks in a rush.

  “Yes, you could see that. We’re leaving.” I conclude dismissively.

  “Ok, bye?” she throws back sarcastically.

  Ernie and I walk home together, unusually indifferent to whether anyone is following us. He is happily reliving the day in his mind, and I’m doing the same with less enthusiasm and more resentment.

  Is there no one I can trust in this world?

  Of course not.

  I am the only person who is going to ever have our best interests at heart.