Chapter Text
“I’m sorry Ms. Daton, but if you don’t have your rent next week you will be evicted.”, his nasally voice filled with monotony.
My brows shot above my hairline as I replayed what my landlord had told me after knocking my door with such fury. It took me a couple of seconds to fully process and come up with a rebuttal to his statement.
“But I paid my rent in full last week?!,” I exclaimed, exasperated.
“Well I don’t have you in the books Ms. Daton,” he said a matter-of-factly.
This son of a BITCH! I narrowed my eyes as I took note of his scummy little smile gracing his features.
“I’m sure you have plenty of family considering how many kids your people generally have,” a snicker followed his comment.
My jaw dropped at his racist comment. The gall of this man!
“Are you trying to imply that you do not think I belong here because of the color of my skin Mr. Jameson?”, my voice slightly raising with my temper.
“Why no! What is with you people and throwing the race card around?!,” the false incredulity thick in his voice
I was fuming. At this age where progressive ideas were being passed around, it still absolutely baffled me how bold some people got. I gritted my teeth putting on a tight lipped smile.
“Why, do excuse my quickness to accuse you. You know it’s Monday! Jumpy start of course. I should have the money by the end of this week,” I said, hostility lacing my sickly sweet tone.
“I knew you would understand! If you cant pay in money we can discuss a future way of payment,” he purred out, the lewd implications of his comment making me shiver.
I closed the door in his face, anger making every fiber in my body vibrate. I don’t know how in the everliving hell I would make 1500 bucks by the end of this week! I sat with my head in my hands and toyed with one if the curls sitting in my forehead.
I made maybe 6 dollars an hour combined from my two jobs, and I didn’t get paid until the end of this month. I couldn’t dig into my savings because I was saving for my tuition at Colombia. I felt hot tears well up in my eyes as I took in the gravity of the situation.
I sniffled, regaining my bearings. I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes. I would just have to find another job. While I was contemplating my life choices, a few distinct voices caught my attention.
”Are you ready to save the world? Ready to face the supernatural? Delve deeper into the world of physics and unnatural phenomena? Call 555-2368 and try your hand at being a ghostbuster!”, the four men ended enthusiastically.
I rubbed a hand over my face as I hovered over the phone. Was I really so desperate? I mean, my associates in physics was gunna go into this? To be fair they did make quite the appearance in the media. Screw it! I need the money.
R I N G R I N G
“Hello this is the Ghostbusters what do ya need?”, Janine asked popping her gum and filing her nails.
”U-Uhm hello ma’am. I saw your opening for a job slot on TV?”, a sweet voice rang out from the line.
Janine stopped and dropped her file. Someone actually wanted the job and not some wacko, from the sounds of it!
”Of course, ya interested?”, Janine tried to not express her excitement.
”Uh, yes ma’am. When will you be available for an interview?”, the young woman respectfully responded.
”Right now if you’re available.”, Janine quickly said.
”O-oh! Okay I should be down in about an hour.”, The girl sounded surprised.
”See ya.”, Janine hung up absolutely ecstatic at the prospects of another girl joining the team.
…
C L I C K
I blinked trying to process what just happened. Well that was fast. I shrugged, moving quickly to my closet to pull out a professional outfit. I went to the restroom and quickly began to sort out my kinks in my hair. I checked my watch on my wrist to see if I had the time to do some respectable makeup beforehand.
I cursed seeing I had about 30 minutes left. I stumbled into my bedroom putting on my clothes, and I hopped on one foot trying to put my heels and jewelry on. I ran to the dining room snatching my purse, and running out to the elevators.
As soon as I was able to exit the building, I was flailing my arms trying to hail a cab. I sighed in relief when I got one after the first holler. I slid into the seat and gave the cab driver the address. I pulled out my powder and mirror as I tried making some final adjustments to my hair, putting on a little powder to tame my facial oils.
I checked my watch again, 20 minutes. I let out a huff in relief and threw my head back onto the head of my seat. I watched the many people and buildings blur as we weaved through traffic. I really needed this, even if the job was scrubbing toilets. I closed my eyes as the stress of todays events finally took its toll on me.
”Ma’am, we’re here.”, my cabbie kindly said.
I jumped, blinking the sleep out of my eyes.
”Thank you! Here you go, keep the change.”
He smiled at me as I slid out of the car and gave me a nod and wave in thanks.
I took a deep breath, tilting my head up to examine the building. I patted my cheeks to calm my nerves and checked my watch. 5 minutes early, great! I did one more look over my appearance, and began to walk into the building.
I peered past a parked car that was by the entrance. I didn’t see the front desk. I dug into my purse checking the paper to make sure I had the right place.
”Uhm, excuse me? I’m here for the interview?”, I called out.
“Back here!”, a feminine voice rang out.
I walked towards the sound and found a brunette woman with large glasses sitting at the desk.
“Take a seat! I needa ask a few questions.”
”Of course, uhm, here’s my resume.”
She blinked at me and accepted the paper. Her eyes widened as she read through it. She glanced at me and then back at the paper.
”You sure you need this job? You’re qualified for a lot more!”, she said, praising my achievements.
I felt heat rush to my face and I let out an awkward chuckle.
“Well unfortunately I’m mixed and I’m a woman…”, I said sadly.
She frowned and nodded in acknowledgement.
“Men amirite?”, she joked.
I smiled and nodded.
”Well you’re more than qualified, but I still have some questions ta ask.”, she looked up at me.
I nodded, staring at her expectantly.
”Do you believe in UFOs, astral projections, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trance mediums, the Lochness Monster, and the theory of Atlantis?”, she rushed out, obviously bored and slightly embarrassed.
”Uh my grandma is considered to have healing hands and she practices voodoo?”, I responded unsure.
”Great you’re hired. When can you start?”, she chirped.
”Now.”, I rushed out.
”Lovely, I’ma need some help filing some papers. While you’re doing that I’ll get the guys so you can meet em.”, she said with finality.
I nodded my head as she walked off leaving me gaping like a fish outta water. Well then. That was easy. I maneuvered around the desk taking a stack of papers. I quickly began filing each report by their suspected ghost level. Huh, didn’t know ghosts had levels.
“See, told ya she’d be great.”, the woman sounded behind me.
I jumped, turning around, flustered.
“Uhm, uh hello. My name is Janet Daton. Good afternoon, sirs.”, I fumbled with my words.
I wiped my hands on my skirt and reached out. The man with a slight smirk shook my hand, nodding at me.
”I’m Peter Venkman, this is Egon Spengler, Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore, and youve met Janine Meltz.”, he introduced me to the group.
I nodded shaking their hands.
“It’s a pleasure to work with y’all.”, I silently cursed myself as my accent was laid on thick.
”Y’all? Are you perhaps from the south. Georgia, by any chance?”, the one known as Egon questioned.
”Not exactly haha. Close though, Alabama.”, I rubbed the back of my neck, awkwardly looking away.
”Ah I see.”, Egon replied.
A moment of silence passed.
”Well I should probably get to work!”, I said trying to calm my nerves.
”Huh yeah. Wait, looking at your resume you have an associates and you’re working on your bachelors in physics. Do you believe that you can possibly help us with our research and maybe our equipment?”, Peter asked.
”Oh! Can I see your equipment?”, my voice rose in excitement
Winston grabbed a metal backpack laying it on a cart by their car. I walked over, cringing at the loud click of my heels in the deafening, awkward silence. My eyes widened at the device. I picked it up taking a closer look, and I found myself absolutely baffled.
”Did you just create a proton gun that generates enough energy to combat the electrons that make up the ghosts’ physical form?”, I mumbled in amazement.
”Yes. We’ve also recently added a new feature where we can reverse our proton stream in the case that we may need to cross streams to avoid killing us.”, Egon spoke up studying my expressions.
”My goodness! How did y’all manage to build a small nuclear reactor?! ‘Specially one so stable that its radioactivity doesn’t affect y’all and fry your cells beyond regeneration?!”, I looked to the group, stars practically dancing in my eyes.
”Well I took the liberty of using a lead lining to combat its radioactive affects and a tungsten body to create a strong frame that will withstand the possibility of lead particles leaking out.”, Ray spoke up.
“Well, I’ll be damned…”, I mumbled to myself ,”This is amazing! Y’all are amazing! If you could concentrate the stream of protons you could create a stronger lasso for the ghosts. I would say if you added an aluminum coil you could possibly strengthen the power of the stream and its longevity!”, I turned to the group, tearing my eyes away from the masterpiece.
The group stared at me with smiles on their faces.
“I was rambling wasn’t I? Sorry!” I let out a little laugh.
”You’ll fit in just fine!”, Winston gave me a big grin.
I felt my face flush at his comment.
”I’m sorry to ask so quickly, but when can I get my paycheck? I need to pay my rent by the end of the week. My landlord cheated this months payment.” I grumbled bitterly.
”We can pay you at the end of the week. Don’t worry about it, and if ya stay long enough ya can stay here so ya don’t have ta worry bout the creep of a landlord.”, Janine gave me a small smile.
I looked up at them surprised and I gave them a big smile.
“Thank you so much! I appreciate y’all’s generosity!”, my relief evident in my tone.
They nodded at me. Each of them questioning my experiences with the supernatural and in college. They were delighted to know I went to Colombia, bragging about the many PhDs they had gotten. The blare of a siren let the boys know it was go time. I waved them goodbye as they backed out of the garage. This was going to be fun!