Agley

Listen, I’ll be late back on Monday.

Again?!

No, it’s not what you think.

Yeah?

I’ve an interview.

I didn’t know you were looking for a change, dearest.

Well, no. It isn’t that kind of interview.

Really? What kind then?

It is a job interview, but I’m not a serious candidate.

What? Then why are you going?

Oh because I’m a filler.

What’s a filler?

There’s this big shot over to recruit some fin props for his company. Anupam has to line up some authentic looking candidates, he asked me to help out. So I’ll be dropping in after work. Can’t refuse a friend in a spot.

Oh I see. Pity.  There was this play on…

I’ll tell Anupam to wiggle my name in early. Don’t want to be stuck there forever. But I might be late.

Okay.

***

There’s a bit of a problem.

Now what?

My name’s got through to the second round.

So? Why’s that a problem?

It’s a waste of time. His and mine. More his than mine.

I thought you were doing it for Anupam?

Yeah, I am. But it’s a pain all the same.

***

Why are you looking like a nuclear disaster?

Dreadful thing’s happened - I got the job! Soon as I walked in he made me an offer. Asked if I had a passport. I was dumbfounded! What am I going to do now?

Did you call Anupam? It’s his mess. He ought to get you out of it. Hang on, passport?? Where is this job?

I’ve never even heard of it.  Have you? Some place called Bahrain.

Yeah, vaguely. Don't know anything about it though.

I don’t know where in the world it is!

Well, look it up in the atlas then. What are you going to do? Accept?

What do you think I am, crazy? How -? Never thought about going abroad at all. Not plan A. Not B or C even.

***

So naturally, six months later we were here.

Best-laid schemes o’ mice and men. Gang aft agley. 

We were experts at agley. 

Still are.