#top html interview questions

[lovendeep-thoughts]

i think he knows

This AU is inspired by the same title by Taylor Swift.

pairing: Caleb x feminine character / feminine reader

word count: 5k

💌: Hi again! I hope I captured Caleb’s characterization well. This one is pure fluff. I hope you enjoy it! < The 'Read More' feature doesn’t work with HTML. I'm so sorry. I didn't know. Please forgive me. >

I had just finished studying. I propped my legs up onto my desk (still a mess of scattered research drafts and empty sparkling water cans) and tilted my chair back onto its two rear legs. A long sigh escaped me as I stared up at the ceiling, letting the weight of everything sink in.

I had finally transcribed, translated, and formatted ten interviews for language validation. Just a few more months and I’d be free from this project and subject. No more dealing with that one infuriating teacher (╬▔皿▔)╯.

I closed my eyes and sighed deeper. My shoulders felt light, like the stress had been physical all along. Maybe it was. I’d barely slept, though all I did was sit in front of a computer and a laptop all afternoon. I’m becoming a couch potato at this point. At least my skin isn’t breaking out. I’m only breaking down. You win some, you lose some.

The top of my phone lit up with a Messenger notification. I leaned forward with a thud as the chair slammed back onto all four legs and grabbed my phone.

I swallowed hard when I read the last message, and my heart skipped Sixteenth Avenue over the idea that he could be there later. I gently set the phone down and spun my chair around to collapse onto my bed.

I buried my face in my pillow and squealed before I could stop it, followed by uncontrollable giggles; the kind that bubbles up from your chest when something is too good to be real. I kicked my legs, sending my slippers flying across the room.

I promptly lifted my head, realizing how utterly ridiculous I must’ve looked. I barely knew the guy. We only met at a coffee shop. He didn’t have anywhere to sit that one evening, so I offered him the seat across from me.

And let me tell you. The scream I almost let out when I heard his voice. Ugh!

Okay, yes! He’s hot. I noticed that before I offered the seat. His name is Caleb, and he is drop-dead gorgeous, like he could model for a streetwear brand or something. He was wearing a black jacket with blue and orange accents. When he took it off and slung it over the chair, I had to look away so fast. His tank top was paper-thin, and I could see the sculpt of his abs through it. I also *ahem* saw his nipples BUT I’m not talking about that. Nu-uh ✌(-‿-)✌. I’m no pervert.

Anyway, it wasn’t his looks that got me first. It was his soft, lyrical smile, a little shy, but with this mischievous undertone, and the playful warmth in his voice. We started with small talk: names, schools, dream colleges, future plans. Then I got way too comfortable and asked him what motivates him to stay fit.

I wasn’t flirting! I swear! I was just curious. I’ve been on a weight loss journey myself ever since I gained 10 kg back in 7th grade from all the stress. I just wanted to know how he kept going, you know? I want a pretty girl summer too.

It wasn’t until he laughed that I realized how personal and coquettish that question sounded.

“Ah! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to…uhm…I was serious!” I waved my hands in front of my face, then just slapped them onto the sides of my face to hide my embarrassment.

And God, that laugh. It was rich and warm and way too easy to drown in. I felt a strange heat in my chest, right where my heart is. I peeked through my fingers and saw his bangs shift as he laughed, his eyes catching the light from the hanging lamp just right, and his head tilted back with ease. It was like time froze and the whole coffee shop melted away. There I was, staring at him, hands now clinging to my skirt like it could keep me grounded.

I shook my head to stop spiraling yet again about that night and reached lazily for my phone to text my friend.

I can come. See you in 20 minutes.

Because I’d need those 20 minutes to pick a dress and put on makeup—not just to cover up how miserable I’d been lately, but maybe catch his attention again, if he’s miraculously there.

I slipped into a simple pink layered off-shoulder dress that floated just above my knees, paired with white heels. I left my hair down and fastened a delicate white floral lace choker around my neck. I’m left with the final dilemma: my bag. It was between my off-white quilted one or the red faux leather apple-shaped bag. Caleb once shared how much he likes apples. It's something we had in common.

I didn’t want to seem desperate just in case he happened to be there tonight… but the apple bag was too cute to pass up.

Apple bag it is.

I texted Julia to let her know I was ready, then gave myself a final spritz of perfume before stepping out of the apartment complex.

The cold hit me the second I left the building, and I mentally cursed myself for forgetting a jacket. But the thought of going all the way back up alone felt more exhausting than the chill. I don't mind it, but I hope I don’t get sick tomorrow.

I told Julia I’d wait outside the coffee shop if I got there first, and I did. I used my phone as a distraction to pass the time, though my eyes kept flicking up and down the street.

A tap on my shoulder startled me mid-tweet about how peaceful midnight air can be.

I turned, and there he was.

Two deep, indigo eyes that seemed to hold entire galaxies in them. My breath was caught in my throat.

“Hi there,” Caleb spoke, a flicker of surprise dancing in his voice. “Didn’t expect to see you here this late. Do you... remember me?”

I blinked a few times to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. “Ah, yeah. Caleb. Hi! It’s nice to see you again,” I tried not to sound breathless.

He stepped back a bit and looked me up and down with a small, amused smile.

“You look good,” he said. “What’s the occasion, little apple?”

My cheeks flushed instantly at that nickname. “My friend convinced me to go out. I’ve been cooped up in my room for a week.” I laughed nervously, covering my mouth with the back of one hand while my eyes dropped to the pavement.

He chuckled with that rich sound I remembered all too well. “It’s pretty cold out here. Do you mind waitin’ for your friend inside?”

I nodded, clutching my bag a little tighter. “Sure, that sounds nice.”

The bell chimed as we stepped into the shop, warmth washing over us. Caleb headed straight for a quiet corner booth and I followed, asking Julia for an update.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him pull out a chair and pause behind it, waiting. I glanced up from my phone, and he smiled.

“Would you like to sit here?”

My eyes fluttered, perfectly in time with the little flip my heart did. He’s such a gentleman, it almost feels unreal. “Thank you.” I caught the soft rise of my cheeks from my own line of sight.

He waited for me to sit before walking around to take the seat across from me. Julia texted back that she was just around the corner, and I replied quickly:

Already inside. Prince Charming showed up.

Caleb looked over at me. “What do you want to order? My treat. We didn’t even get coffee last time since we were too busy talking.”

“You don’t have to…”

“I insist.”

My eyes fell and scanned the menu like I didn’t already know my go-to. “Just an iced black Americano, then.”

“Would you like a cake?”

I hesitated. I’ve been watching my calories lately, but… I hadn’t eaten all day. One slice wouldn’t hurt, I guess.

“How about... a strawberry shortcake?”

His eyes beamed. “Good choice. I’ll get a latte and lemon drizzle.”

He turned to call over a server, just as Julia walked in.

“Julia!” I waved her down, and her face lit up when she saw me.

“It’s been so long!” she grinned, hugging me quickly before sliding in beside me.

“I know. Glad you managed to drag me out.” I rolled my eyes with a grin.

Her gaze flicked to Caleb, then back to me. Her lips curled with realization. “I gather you’re Caleb?”

He chuckled. “Seems like I don’t need to introduce myself. And you must be Julia?”

She nodded, and then, not so discreetly, grabbed my knee under the table—the ‘we are SO talking about this later’ grab.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from her,” Caleb said.

“I hope she left out the embarrassing bits.” She side-eyed me and I averted my gaze.

Julia laughed and introduced herself. After a while, she turned to fish something out of her sling bag. Looking for her phone, probably. Then she angled it toward me.

“Bad time to ditch you?” she asked with a suspiciously innocent look.

“What do you mean? You just got here.” I raised a brow. She wants to leave me right now? How cruel.

“Look at what my boyfriend texted me,” she said.

Boyfriend?? Girl, you do not have a boyfriend.

I squinted at her screen as she held it near my face.

OMG he is sure handsome! I’m making an excuse to leave you two. I’ll be in the vinyl store just in case you need me. Have fun, sis!

I groaned. Was she seriously playing wingman right now? “You actually let your boyfriend text you like that?” I covered my mouth, trying, and failing not to laugh.

She just shrugged, totally unfazed. “He’s being dramatic. You know how he gets when I’m out with someone else.”

I shot her a look, trying to suppress a smile as she tilted her chin up, smirking at me. “That is your type though, right?”

My hand flew out to smack her thigh. “Julia!”

“What?” she said, all fake innocence, then shot a quick glance at Caleb. “Still embarrassed over that?”

Before I could answer, she stood up dramatically. “It’s getting late. Will you be alright?”

“I can handle myself.”

“I could walk her home,” Caleb offered, a little too fast like he didn’t want to seem too eager. I guess he's just like me. This doesn’t go unnoticed by Julia, whose smile turns up significantly. “Only if she’s okay with that, of course.”

Julia gave me a smug look as she backed away. “Talk to you tomorrow?”

I looked up, making my lips as curved as possible. “Sure.”

I watched her disappear out the shop window before Caleb turned back to me with a grin.

“So…” he started, his tone a low sing-song. “You have a thing for possessive guys?”

“Shut up.” I muttered.

“I’m not judging,” he said, eyes gleaming with mischief as he leaned in slightly, resting his chin on his hand. “Just… curious.” His gaze flicked briefly to my lips before settling back on my eyes.

I shifted in my seat, feigning nonchalance. “I just want someone to match my freak,” I shot back, tilting my head while leaning on my chair. I don't know where this confidence is coming from, but a girl's gotta do what she's gotta do.

“Oh?” His brow lifted in a slow and deliberate way. He's trying to peel back every layer of meaning in that sentence. “And how exactly does one do that?”

I crossed one leg over the other. “This kind of conversation requires drinks.”

He smirked. “But you don’t drink.”

I clicked my tongue. “Exactly.”

Our coffee and cakes arrived, saving me from having to elaborate.

“Thanks for the treat,” I said while the waiter was serving the plates on the table.

“I’d love to have dinner with you again. But maybe next time, somewhere with a little more space?”

I rolled my eyes, trying to fight the smile tugging at my lips. “This is your idea of dinner?”

“Isn’t it yours too?”

“It’s midnight, Caleb.”

He laughed as I glared at him. I took my first bite of the strawberry cake and my eyes widened. “Wow,” I mumbled, covering my mouth with a closed fist. “This cake is amazing. Strawberry cake’s a hit or miss for me, but this? You have to try it!”

Without thinking, I leaned forward, holding out a forkful toward him.

Just as I realized what I was doing and started to pull back, he gently caught my wrist and leaned in, taking the bite straight from the fork.

He sat back, dabbing at his lips with a napkin. As if he didn’t leave me speechless right there and then.

“Mmm. You’re right,” he said. “It’s soft and buttery, not that weird rubbery stuff from supermarkets.”

“My thoughts too,” I said. My voice evidently faltering.

He picked up his coffee, the cup looking small in his large hand. There was something so effortlessly magnetic about him, like he wasn’t trying to impress me at all… and still somehow completely was.

And that thought had been looping in my head since that night.

We finally exchanged numbers, and we made plans for tomorrow night, the night after, and another night after that. Somehow, our late-night meetups became a routine. Each one more comforting, more thrilling than the last. He always had a way of making the night feel alive, whether it was with his ridiculous high school stories or his rambling about the new recipes he’d tried, like his latest obsession: braised pork belly and egg stir-fry.

He always insisted on walking me home, no matter how late it got. And once he reached his place, he’d text me that he got back safe and how much he enjoyed our conversation. Every time, without fail.

He’s been acting like everything I never admitted I wanted in a guy—cute and bashful one second, flirty and bold the next. But underneath it all, he’s focused, disciplined, and driven, especially when it comes to his studies and workouts.

One night, I wrapped up my part of our research paper just past 2 AM. My brain felt fried to the neurons, so I decided to get up, stretch, and take a walk to clear my head. I threw on my running shoes, tied my hair up in a lazy bun, and stepped out in a plain white tee and black leggings.

I jogged around the circle park, looping until I hit 5,000 steps. But instead of heading home, my feet took me somewhere. Where else? Of course, it was the coffee shop.

Just as I passed by, the bell above the door jingled. And out walked Caleb.

“Caleb?” I blinked. “What are you doing out here at 3 AM?”

He placed one hand on his hip and gave me that familiar teasing smirk. “I could ask you the same.”

Then he added while looking away, “Woke up late. Needed coffee if I wanna finish my assignments.”

“I just finished writing our paper.” I beamed.

“Congratulations,” he said gently. Then his hand reached out, fingers slipping into my hair as he gave it a light tousle.

“And since you mention that, let’s go somewhere to celebrate. The night is still young.”

“Must I remind you that it’s three in the morning?" I turned to him and our shoulders nearly brushed. "Where we gonna go?” I whispered in the dark.

“Here’s a clue,” he murmured softly near my ear. “Charcoal and meat.”

I smiled, and I followed him as he yapped about his day.

He’s never asked me to hang out during the day, not once. No coffee dates, no lunch breaks. It’s always been midnight strolls, secret meetups under the city lights. I’ve been waiting for him to take that next step—to finally ask me out in the open. But instead, he’s been toeing the line, flirty but vague. So tonight, I decided to take the lead.

“Have you ever thought of modeling?” I asked, biting off a piece of barbecue from the skewer.

He tilted his head, feigning to be in deep thought. “I’d rather save my face for my future lover. Wouldn’t want her getting jealous.”

I choked on a laugh at his blatant narcissistic reply. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“What can I say? It’s your fault for complimenting me too much.” He winked.

“How could I not believe it when it’s coming from a pretty girl?”

“You really know how to work your charm.”

“I only use it on one girl,” he said, eyes steady on mine. “Why’d ya ask about modeling?”

“I have a friend,” I started casually. “She needs someone to model for her parents’ photography business. Thought you might be interested.”

He rubbed his chin. “Hmm. Will you be there?”

“Of course. I want to watch a real photo shoot.”

“Then I’m in. Only if you’ll be my personal assistant for the day.”

I smirked. “Consider it done, Model Caleb.”

A few days before the main photoshoot, Caleb and I dropped by Rozanne’s house, the friend I mentioned whose parents run a photography studio. It was just a quick mock shoot to figure out which angles flatter him most, which settings match his vibe, and what kind of makeup brings out his features best. Rozanne’s parents host an annual event like this, gathering friends and familiar faces for photos they can use to promote their business.

Now, we’re just waiting for Caleb’s last afternoon class to finish.

I’m relieved he wasn’t bluffing when he said he goes to the Aerospace Academy Integrated School in Skyhaven. Its college counterpart is one of the most coveted institutions in the country: a top-tier state university with a reputation for academic excellence and a long list of successful alumni—airline pilots, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, presidents, and award-winning national artists. As hard as it is to get into the college, the integrated high school is even more competitive and stressful. Thousands of applicants fight for a handful of slots. You have to be brilliant, not just academically, but also athletically, artistically, and socially. And, unless you’re extraordinarily gifted, a few key recommendations don’t hurt either.

Knowing that Caleb is that type of student still catches me off guard. Not in a bad way—just... surprising. He’s so effortlessly cheerful, so laid-back, so light-hearted. You wouldn’t expect someone with that kind of academic pressure or background to carry themselves the way he does. Despite being orphaned and raised by a modest, middle-class family, he seems to view life with an unshakable optimism. Too good to be true, almost. He’s got the brain, the looks, and the personality. The only giveaway is the tired puffiness under his eyes when he tilts his head down. I find that kinda endearing.

We’re tucked under the waiting shed, shielding ourselves from the stubborn sun. I originally planned to wear a muted mauve-edged red cardigan to hide my shoulders, but I didn’t expect the heat and humidity to be this relentless. So now I’m sweating through a spaghetti strap sundress I bought on impulse because I couldn’t resist the butterfly print. The brown and violet wings flutter across the soft beige fabric. It’s cute, but it adds to the ten aesthetics in one closet. Istg, my wardrobe has zero consistency.

The staff are busy checking equipment, muttering to each other about the settings and lens angles. Two of them are still stuck in traffic. Meanwhile, I’m lounging beside Rozy, gossiping and clutching my shoulder bag. I packed it with everything Caleb might need for the shoot: tissues, handkerchiefs, alcohol, sanitizer, snacks, a compact mirror, safety pins—you name it. I had no idea what to bring, so I just bought everything last night in a mild panic.

Caleb arrives five minutes past 1 PM.

“Good afternoon,” he greets, meeting my eyes with a softer than usual expression.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long. Please follow me.”

He leads us toward the room he reserved and offers a casual tour along the way. “This is my homeroom classroom.”

Once inside, he immediately helps the crew unpack gear and adjust the setup. After a bit of conversation with the lighting guy, he excuses himself to change into a fresh uniform and wash up.

He then approaches me, holding out a small bag.

“Can you help me?”

“Alright.”

I’m now standing just outside the boys’ comfort room, ready for his beck and call.

After a few minutes, Caleb opens the door and hands me a plastic bag with the uniform he just changed out of. I tucked it into my tote bag without question.

“Do you have soap? I forgot mine in the classroom.”

“I do. Here you go.” I handed him a new pink beauty bar. I don’t care if it’s too girly for him. It smells good, and it works.

“Do you mind stepping in? There’s no one else here, and most of my classmates have gone home. I just need help making sure I don’t get my uniform wet while I wash my face.”

“You probably should’ve done that before changing.”

Caleb leans back against the sink, giving me that sheepish grin. “My blouse was clinging to me like a koala. I couldn’t take it anymore.”

“Oh, right! I bought a spa headband.” After washing my hands, I dig it out of my bag and show it to him.

“Apple-themed?”

“Yeah. I saw it at the store and just knew I had to get it. Think of it as my thank-you gift for modeling and helping Rozy out.”

I pop open the facial cleanser, pump it three times onto my palm, and work it into a soft foam. Carefully, I bring my hands to his face and start massaging the lather in with slow, circular motions. His eyes never leave mine, and it’s freaking hard to meet his gaze, like it’s too gentle and too direct at the same time. I fumble for a topic to break the silence, but he beats me to it.

“What do you think of me now?”

I laugh. I'm caught off guard by his question. “Smart-ass?”

“That’s all?”

“What do you want to hear?”

“More compliments from a certain little sunny apple.” He tilts his head to the side.

“You don’t get enough of those around here?”

“They don’t mean anything when they come from just anyone.”

I shake my head in mild annoyance. “Stay still.” I rinse his face with as much care as I can, making sure not to soak the collar of his fresh uniform. Once I’m done, I dry my hands and step back to admire my handiwork. His skin looks clean and bright, even glowing.

“All done!” I clap my hands lightly. “Let’s get going.”

Once his light makeup is done, Caleb starts posing around the classroom. The concept is to romanticize the everyday life of a high-achieving student in a prestigious academic setting, still effortlessly good-looking despite the stress. The team is capturing him like a character from a movie.

I zone out for a while, my eyes trailing him as he moves through the classroom, adjusting to the photographer’s cues. He’s completely in the zone, so I take a moment to enjoy the breeze from the window and watch the trees outside sway gently.

“What are you doing, little hamster?”

He’s now behind me. Turns out they’re on a quick break.

“Just admiring your school,” I say without looking away from the trees.

He joins me at the window, leaning on the railing with his elbows. His black tie sways gently with the wind, and his hair tousles perfectly, like a scene from a coming-of-age drama.

I rummage through my tote bag and pull out a tall, rectangular container. “Want an apple?”

“You only packed one?” he asks, leaning in like he’s peeking inside my bag too.

“If you want more, there’s a supermarket nearby—”

“I meant for you,” he interrupts, flashing a grin. “Wouldn’t you rather have this apple instead?” His voice drops just slightly.

“I’m not really that hungry anyway.”

I roll my eyes playfully. “I’m fine. You probably need it more than I do.”

“Then let’s share it.”

I scrunch up my nose. “Won’t you be grossed out?”

“We’re friends now, right?”

I pause, the question lingering longer than I expect. Friends? Just like that? He says it so easily, so casually, like he doesn’t realize the weight it holds in my chest. “Right,” I finally say, keeping my voice as light as possible. I take a small bite, then wordlessly hold the apple out to him.

He doesn’t take it right away.

Instead, his eyes drift up, focused on my hair.

“Can I tie your hair into a ponytail?”

I blink. “What?”

“Your hair’s sticking to your neck. They made you look hot, but I know it’s uncomfortable.”

I snort. “That’s not how you compliment someone.”

“I’m serious.” He moves behind me before I can even answer, his fingers brushing lightly against my shoulders.

“The little girls in my neighborhood ask me to tie theirs all the time. I’m practically licensed.”

“You’re such a sweetheart,” I playfully coo.

“I can be when I want to be.” His fingers sift gently through my hair, combing it back with surprising ease. It’s oddly domestic.

I can’t see his face, but I can feel the care in every motion. His touch isn’t rushed or fumbled. It’s patient. Like he’s done this a hundred times, which he did.

“There,” he says after a moment before he faces me. “All done. Let me see.”

I pull out my pocket mirror, turning it this way and that to catch a glimpse of the back. “Honestly? Better than what I usually do. Not bad, Mr. Neighbor.”

“Told you. Ponytails suit you. It makes your face look longer in a flattering way.”

He finally takes the apple from my hand. His fingers brushed against mine, barely, but I felt it. He takes a bite with his eyes locked with mine.

“It’s sweet,” he says, mouth full but still somehow adorable. He chews slowly, then smiles. “Just like you.”

For some reason, he looks like bread. I have no clue where that thought came from, but it sticks. Soft. Warm. Like fresh bread straight from the oven.

“You’re so corny.” I try to act unbothered, waving him off, but the heat rises to my cheeks anyway. I burst into laughter and had to bend down to clutch my stomach.

“Corny but correct,” he replies with that same lazy confidence, as if he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

I look away, pretending to look beyond the trees, but I can still feel his eyes on me. He has to know. There’s no way I’ve been this obvious and he hasn’t noticed. The way I always show up extra early every night. The way I memorize the little things he says. The way I pack apples and apple-themed stuff, for crying out loud.

The rest of the day flies by as we move from location to location: the gym, the hostel, the garden, the library, the computer lab, the art studio. Sometimes I sneak photos with my phone, wanting to catch the behind-the-scenes moments. Caleb always notices and plays along by exaggerating his poses, smirking without ever looking directly into my camera. During breaks, he comes over to explain little details I’ve been curious about: the paintings in the hall, the model airplanes, the significance of the old tree where his class once camped out after pranking their teacher.

It feels like I’m on a field trip. Or maybe... a date. It makes me feel seventeen again, before the pressure of graduation deadlines and college entrance exams started swallowing me whole. Back when days felt slower and lighter. I’ve never thought of myself as a nostalgic person, but I can’t help missing that peace I had before turning eighteen. My thoughts drift. What if Caleb and I had gone to the same school all along? Would we have gravitated toward each other sooner? Would this softness between us have started years ago? Does he even like me now? I'm not sure, but I can’t have that, can I? I want him.

And I ain't gotta tell him, I think he knows.

P.S.

Rozy told me to check their studio’s website, insisting I’d be very surprised. Not even five minutes later, Caleb texted me the same thing.

You can check the website now. I hope you love it.

At that point, the way both of them were acting? I was seconds away from tearing my laptop in half from sheer anxiety. My heart was pounding like I had just been exposed on national TV.

The page finally loaded… and there it was.

Ten photos on the homepage. And both Caleb and I were in every single one of them.

I froze.

Photos of us laughing, talking, walking together. One by the fountain where I almost fell in, and Caleb caught me, his arm wrapped tightly around my waist as my body tipped backward mid-stumble. The photo captured the exact moment he looked at me like the world had slowed down yet again.

Another showed me drowning in his oversized lab coat, sleeves hanging past my hands, while he doubled over laughing, saying—and I quote—“like a kitten drowning in milk.”

No wonder the day had felt suspiciously light and full of breaks. I thought it was just for good vibes. Turns out, it was all part of their plan.

I texted Caleb right away.

And he called me.

His voice has a slight urgency in it as if he couldn’t say his reason fast enough.

Well… they wanted to romanticize my life, right? That was the only way I could think of doing it. You’re cute in all the photos, so it was actually hard to pick.

There was a pause on the other end of the line.

Do you hate them? I can ask the photographers to go with Plan B. But… I really hope you’re okay with it.

[dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram]

Inside, as a cocktail bar, make-shift band set-up and rails of clothes made in China are being frantically erected, the security is flustered and tweens outside squawk and slam on the windows. I find Tomlinson, 33, hiding in the basement alongside a crate of warm Peroni beers, two bottles of Grey Goose vodka and a basket filled with Skittles and crisps. Hardly the red carpet treatment.

>>>

New interview with Louis, somewhat savage. The writer is Joe Bromley, Fashion Editor of the Evening Standard, and an out gay man. I think it was a little harsh of him to dismiss the 28 clothing range as 'cheap' and 'made in China', then describe Louis as lurking in the basement with his bottles of vodka like some kind of reprobate.

Did you read the interview? Fair or stitch up job?

https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/louis-tomlinson-interview-chav-class-fame-b1216282.html

There's a lot going on in this article - I don't think it helps to also deal with fan projection on top of that.

It becomes very difficult to talk about what is actually happening in a profile, when fans instantly exaggerate what is there. Saying that the clothes were made in China (which is obviously a completely legitimate subject for a fashion editor to cover) is not saying they are cheap. While there's a lot that could be said about the implications of the way the reporter wrote up the venue - the word 'reprobate' and its connotations is all yours and I think says as much about your value judgements as it does about the interviewer.

********

If by 'stitch up job' you mean the author went into closed minded and was always going to write that piece - then there's no way of knowing and no particular reason to think the result was predetermined. I will always assume people are doing their jobs as they understand them unless I have evidence otherwise.

What I want to emphasise is that there's nothing unfair about a profile being savage. The idea behind a profile is supposed to be that a celebrity gives up some of their control of their image in return for exposure to a large audience.

I know that some celebrities negotiate to retain a lot of control of profiles. But I think that's a bad thing! While some negotiating of what's off-limits is probably reasonable in some circumstances (the idea that you might want to talk about the horrific death of a former bandmate when talking about your fashion brand is very reasonable) - it drives me up the wall when fans talk as if celebrities should have control of how they're portrayed in profiles. Reporters should not be stenographers - and there's literally no point to a profile which is just 'this is what the celebrity wanted you to know about them'.

Louis did that interview, because of the circulation and audience of the London Standard. He's on the cover of newspapers that will be all over London this weekend. It will raise the brand awareness of 28 Productions considerably. I think it'll probably end up having the impact they wanted - the fact that the profile writer was a bit savage doesn't change that.

*********'

Louis wasn't giving the interviewer a lot. Not giving the interviewer a lot is obviously a core goal of Louis in interviews. There's a lot he doesn't want to say.

I obviously haven't seen the London Standard since it went weekly. But from what I remember of its predecessors I think having a good answer to questions about spending time in London - are a bit of a gimme when it comes to interview prep. And Louis not having good answers probably contributed to the final tone of the piece (but I think the writers views about boybands in general probably also contributed).

I don't say this as a criticism - there's absolutely no reason to think that the final piece for Louis and his team. Just to emphasise that Louis has agency.

[be-ready-when-i-say-go]

Sweet Dreams--Part 6

Calum and you have dance around reality for a few months now. But after Calum leaves and returns from a trip, the reality has to be confronted. 

Weeks are passing and maybe more is blooming between you and Calum than might meet the eye.

Prince!Calum x Reader Insert.

CW: Smut across the series. Mentions of parental neglect, and alcohol abuse across the series as well.

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The collar’s stiff, not stiff enough that it’ll just stay flat, but stiff enough that it won’t flatten from the half curl it’s in. You don’t have much else to dig out. It’s this shirt or what seemingly feels like having to accept defeat--skip the interview, continue on this dead end journey. And maybe it only feels a little exhausting because you spend your days buried deep in applications--uploading resumes, retyping them, editing cover letters, adding the same information on the PDF you just uploaded into the HTML application that you’re clicking through. Your name, email, last known dates of employment and location, your schooling. You’re stuck on a wheel, a carrot dangling in your face and always just inches from actually getting your teeth on it. 

This is your fifth interview in three weeks, but the track record you’re building is already speaking deeply for itself. Three of the four interviews have wound up being stark rejections. The last one was sweet, noting that your skill and caliber are impressive, but given the two year stint out of the cutthroat business they felt that you might be too much of a liability. So much that being a chef to royalty seems to get you. But you understand. The restaurant business is lethal. It is knife to throat at all times, no shut eye, always looking over your shoulder with a handful of salt at the ready. You have been out of that realm for quite some time. You still had plenty of time to look, but the frustration clouds all your judgment. You just know you need a job. 

As you fight with the collar, you consider if it would be such a bad idea to look into becoming a private chef in the interim until you found something else, until you had a handle on what you’re actually looking for outside of desperation. There had to be someone right enough, much too lazy to do their own cooking to hire you on. And it would give you some of your life back. But you don’t settle for that idea just yet. You don’t give in just yet. You still have this interview in front of you and the collar that won’t fucking cooperate. 

“C’mon!” Your voice booms more than you intend. 

“You really ought to have a steamer,” Calum laughs. His voice is small through the speakers of your phone. You turn to face the phone now, realizing that you probably shouldn’t blow your top over a fucking collar. Calum he motions for you to turn. 

You oblige, shuffling in a circle as you speak, “Buy me one and then I will have one.”

“Is that not classified as knight in shining armor bullshit? Or is that just your being frustrated?” Calum questions. It comes with a laugh, but you know the true meaning. 

“It’s me being frustrated at this fucking job hunt. Is it a no on the shirt?”

“The shirt is fine, baby. You got a dryer in that establishment that I’ve only ever gotten to see on a phone screen?”

You nod at the question, fingers moving to the top buttons of the shirt to undo them. “We both know why you haven’t. I need to be in the new job before I flaunt you to my roommates.”

“Miranda did say that Josie was looking a little suspicious.” 

Josie’s the quietest of the roommates, excluding you. She can’t even humanely capture a fly without the tears brimming in her eyes. Fortunately for her, when the insects do run amuck, you’re usually swift to handle them when you spot them or to call the leasing office to have them schedule a spray. She’s knocked on your door twice for her help with a bug and you’ve never been able to turn her away. 

“About this dryer?” you ask, pulling your arms out of the sleeves. 

“Yes, yes, sorry to Josie. She’s probably a nice woman. But mist that shirt. Don’t soak it. You just want it damp. Then put it on a low cycle for like 15 minutes max. You’ll have to hang the shirt up immediately after taking it out of the dryer though. Think you can handle that?”

“I think so.” 

The interview is scheduled for late in the afternoon. You knew it would be rough for you, meaning you’d get little sleep potentially. But you had to do what needed to be done. So you’d only get up only after a quick nap to get ready. Calum promised to be free to help you prepare and the moment you texted him about being awake, he called. The last twenty minutes you’d been on the phone you’d huffed at the limits of your closest. There were only so many shirts you had to wear for the interview and the last thing you wanted to do was show up in a shirt that you couldn’t be sure if it was clean or not. So you were left to this one, a collar as disobedient as ever. 

“You’re going to land something, baby. It’s going to be okay,” Calum offers. 

“I appreciate it.” You know he means well but it doesn’t necessarily erase all the nerves. Time is the guillotine as it is. You’ve only got so much time to land on your feet before time takes your head. You try to tell yourself, when you lay down for sleep, not to listen to the tick of the clock. 

With your t-shirt slipped back over your torso, you gather your phone off your dresser. “How are sessions?” You keep your voice soft as you ask the question. Calum’s no good as a punching bag. He’s not the person you’re angry with. Though, you don’t know if it’s a person you’re truly angry with anymore anyway.  

“Long,” Calum returns. 

“Any swingers?” you ask. You know it’s really not your business but there is a part of you that is curious. It felt like a slippery slope. As much as Calum wanted to play the game right, as much as Calum wanted to be the good guy, the game he’d been placed into was rigged. It always would be. It would just take Calum a little bit longer to see that, to understand just how much it was an old game with deep roots. He could play it the right way, but he’d have to be okay with a lot of failure. You wonder if Calum’s ever used to failing at anything. Not that you think he’s been handed everything in his life. But you know the wall for him was shorter. He had more people under him, more people to keep the ladder safe and still for him. 

“A couple,” he answers. “It’s…slow, as I’m sure you know. So fucking slow.”

“People on the news say another vote is coming up next week?”

“There is. I don’t think we have the numbers. Not yet.”

There’s something in how Calum keeps his responses short that sets the hairs on the back of your neck up into the air. “What’s wrong?” You don’t want it to come out accusatory. You know that there may not be something wrong, but your gut tells you otherwise. And you’ve got no reason not to listen to it. 

Calum’s exhale is harsh, head dropping back on his shoulders. You watch the expanse of his neck for a moment, how he swallows before bringing his face back into the frame. “It’s not working. It’s just not fucking working,” he huffs. “Playing this fucking straight is killing people. We just got the unemployment numbers. They’ve skyrocketed. When I talk to people about how this happened, I interview CEO’s or get statements from them and they say no one wants to work. So I go to the streets and I hear people are looking for jobs, they’re desperate for it. But not so much that they’ll be exploited. Nine, ten hour shifts with no breaks, no pay increases, buildings that aren’t up to code in the slightest, or just barely passing inspection. And I’m sure there’s some not so great people at the manager helm, but like profit margins are blowing the fucking roof but the employeess can’t afford medication. The people in the cabinet don’t care enough because their checks are still cash. Their coffee still comes out steaming and hot like it’s supposed to. They can still go to the dentist to make sure they don’t get a cavity or fill it without a blink. People are dying and no one wants to get off their asses. And I’m doing this the way it should be done. And the world--.”

Calum’s monologue comes to a crashing halt. His eyes are wild and unfocused. You can see the frustration turning the tips of his ears red. You can see it pushing at his chest. “And the world keeps fucking spinning,” he whispers to conclude the thought that stopped him. 

“The last I heard Galileo had proven the earth orbited the sun, not Cabinet.” It’s a joke. One that you hope breaks Calum out of his daze. It seems to work--but only a little as his lips quirk into a grin. 

“It’s a shame no one’s told the Cabinet that,” Calum teases. 

“You did once. I don’t think that fire’s gone totally. Not if you don’t go it alone. I’m not a mathematician. I don’t know how many you need, who you need of course.”

“We just need enough,” Calum replies. “You deserve better than complacency.”

“Me?” The two of you are talking about thousands of people, hundreds of thousands. But the two of you are not talking about you--singular. Yet Calum is.

It’s only a nod you get and behind the silence the clock on your wall ticks and tocks. You catch the seconds like falling snowflakes--one by one--as you watch Calum’s face settle. He doesn’t seem to want to answer the question but after the quiet gets too long, you press again. “Calum, what do you mean that I deserve better than complacency?”

“You deserve better. Perhaps, you deserve havoc.” 

“Done to, or doing?” you ask. 

“Never done to,” Calum returns quickly. “You don’t deserve any more havoc in your life, but maybe you deserve to bear witness to something done by someone else.” You told Calum that--to wreak havoc until he could get seats turned over. You don’t even really know what it was supposed to mean. You’d hope it would’ve just been comforting enough to help him get through the door and back into the room. You don’t think you would’ve said it if it meant what it does now to Calum. 

“What if there’s no stick or shovel?” you ask. If Calum’s going to get into the deep end, if he’s going to wade through the tall grass, you don’t want him to do so blindly. You don’t want him to do without recognizing that he might become the very thing he was scared of. 

“At least we’ll both know I tried my best then, right?”

You nod. But you remember--how Calum worried about if he didn’t play this game right and got into the mud then he would consider himself as having failed. “And we’ll both know you weren’t a failure, right?”

Calum nods in return. “I think I’d be more of a failure if I didn’t do something.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” You don’t know what this is actually referring to. You don’t know what Calum’s got planned but you do know that look in his eyes--a laser focus. You’re sure that if you were to see his jaw, there would be a small tick to you, the final testament to his resolve. “No bullshit. No bravado. Is this what you actually want to do?” you ask. 

“Have I ever done something I didn’t want?” 

You remember though. You remember how Calum spoke softly about his childhood, how he was allowed the space to be a child, let abandon fall by the wasteside. He always knew where he was going. His path was predetermined by fates outside of his control, his path paved in ways that do not allow for yearning. “Have you ever wanted? Not placed, not disciplined, not assumed. Have you ever actually wanted for something? Do you want this? You can build a house with integrity. It will stand.”

You think Calum’s going to blow you off, the camera shakes for just a moment and you’re praying to the heavens he doesn’t undermine your question. But his face stays. He leans in. “But it’s too damn slow. Besides, this isn’t about my morals anymore, baby. This is about what needs to happen. Those emergency funds need to go out. Legislation needs to change. Asses need a fire under them, more now than ever.”

There’s no turning this tide. Like waves follow the moon, Calum’s being pulled by something. It’s invisible to you right now and you know you can’t press on. Your alarm to remind you about the interview in another hour rings out. You swipe it away to snooze it, knowing you’ve only got nine more minutes before the alarm comes back around. But you can hear the crashing of the waves. You hear what Calum is saying: I need to do it this way.

 “I’ll pick up spare matches.”

“I hear there’s a two for one special,” Calum laughs. “Now I think I heard your alarm. Go on. I’ll call again when you get to the interview. You’ve got a shirt that needs a flat collar.”

A knock sounds from Calum’s end of the call that interrupts your response. “Yes?” Calum calls out. 

“You’re late!” you faintly catch and think it’s Miranda. 

“Shit,” he whispers and then focuses back to you. “Best of luck, baby. Don’t forget to call when you get there! Love you.”

He smiles at you one last time and then the screen goes black. You’re left standing there, phone held up to your face and your reflection staring back at you. Shock’s never looked more like a painting, your mouth agape but not quite in the oval of the scream, as you catch sight of your face in the black screen of your phone. 

“There’s no way he means that right now,” you whisper to yourself. 

You’d always thought the guillotine would drop when you couldn’t find a job and the notices came for all your possessions, and you were left with nothing. You’d yet to consider the guillotine to fall over a phone call, over two words. 

Love you. 

Your alarm sounds again. Right, you’ve got the interview. You’ve got a shirt and collar to get sorted. 

Love you. 

You scramble to get the shirt damp and into the dryer. Thinking the guillotine was losing and handling change is a childish thought. The guillotine is really a fear of what’s been brewing. You can no longer say that you hope or want for Calum. You can no longer say that you watch with curiosity. 

You pray, and fret, and hope with care, with love. You worry because you know the thing you want. You know the thing you’ll fight for now isn’t just selfish anymore. It’s mutual. It’s mutual and all it took was two words: love you. Perhaps, you will find two boxes of matches. 

The building in front of you reminds you of your days with Mrs. Shirley--it looks industrial with the gray walls, like you’re stepping back in time. Though all your missing is Mrs. Shirley maroon pickup truck and the radio. This parking lot is quite full though instead of empty. A shopping cart or two are left behind on the sidewalks. You can hear the twinkle of dog tags. But the building’s mural looks fresh. Like it might’ve just been painted up there. Not what you expect from the restaurant, after reviewing the ratings, but something about it feels comforting.

Your fingers hover over the phone icon. If you call him, are you even going to address what he said? Are you going to light the beacon or let the words carry on like an undercurrent? You can’t not call though. 

“Hi, baby,” Calum answers. You can hear the smile in his voice. 

“Made it to the restaurant,” you return. 

“What’s the first impression so far?”

You shrug, looking out around you from the shelter of your car. “Still assessing. But promising, I hope.”

“We’ll take hope. You’ve got your copies of your resume, right?”

You turn to look at the blue folder on the seat next to you. “I do.”

“At least three questions to ask the interviewer, right?”

“Always,” you laugh. “It’s not my first rodeo, cowboy.”

“No, you’re an experienced rider. Just gotta make sure though.” Calum’s laughter follows his sentence. 

“I appreciate your concern.”

Softly, oh so softly, does Calum’s voice fall and filters through the line. “I think I’ve got a good feeling about this one. Need anything before you head inside? Pep talk? Going over your questions?”

You shake your head no again, knowing he can’t see. Calum’s had a good feeling about the last two interviews. The last one he was sort of spot on until the rejection came. But maybe things were moving in the right direction. 

“No, I’m good. Just wanted to call like promised,” you eventually settle on. Though in the back of your brain you can see still the echoing of Calum’s earlier statement. Would you return it? Should you? What if Calum doesn’t mean it the way you would? 

“Hmm, I do appreciate the call.”

Is Calum going to bring it up? Would he call attention to his own actions? Were you putting too much weight behind the words? 

As the silence stretches on for a second, then two. The time on your radio clicks over. You still have to get inside. Calum’s words are soft--accented in a way you don’t think you’ve heard them spoken before. But a warmth settles over your chest. 

“Good luck,” Calum whispers. 

“I hope your good feeling is good for one more time.”

“It will be. I put in a good word with the ancestors.”

You snort at the joke. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

That’s all there is--you hang up after your goodbyes. The clock on your radio ticks over another minute. The phone feels like lead in your hands and you want to call Calum back. You want to ask him what he meant when he said Love you but you’ve got to go. You grab your folder and push against the door handle of the car. 

At the front of the building, you watch through the glass front windows at the people smiling. Servers drop off plates, patrons focus in on the food in front of them. The place looks inviting. You are intrigued to see more of the inside, see what the inner workings hold for you. So, you press forward. The hostess greets you with a bright smile. “Just one today?”

You shake your head. “I’m actually here for an interview.” You pass along your name and she nods. 

“Just one moment. I’ll be right back.”

From the foyer, you take note of the aroma--it’s earthy but the fringes of it feel heavy. “Here for the interview?” The voice is thick and soft. 

You turn to find an older woman, maybe in her fifties or so. Her skin is dark, nearly matching the black t-shirt she’s adorning. “Yes, that would be me,” you return, pushing up from the plush bench. 

She grins, taking your hand to shake. “C’mon then. I believe you spoke with the assistant manager, Glenn, previously.”

“Yes, I did.”

“I’m Turner. Let’s head back.”

“Nice to meet you, Turner.” You follow behind her through the crowds. You’re careful of course with the servers coming through. The kitchen is alive--you can hear the orders coming through, a string of laughter following behind it though. You’re much more used to shouts of frustration. The kitchen is no place for thin skin, but it intrigues that even on a busy afternoon there’s laughter. 

Before you even realize it, you’re in the back office, settling into the computer chair across from Turner. She pulls a pen out of the bun. “When we saw Vista on your resume, we were quite impressed. I will admit, very few come from fine dining down to us. We’re still pretty young in the game.”

“Well, I don’t think it’s a downgrade, that’s for certain,” you counter. Not after what you’ve seen just so far. Of course, things can and will change once you start. You know that it won’t be rainbows all the time at the job. Yet, you feel a calling in your heart that this might be the right place for you to go at the end of it all. 

“Well, thank you,” she laughs. “I understand this might be a personal question, but if I can, what are you looking for in your next place of work? Were you missing something at your previous jobs?”

That’s the question of the hour. You weren’t missing anything at your current job. It had what you wanted. But matters of the heart with royalty have a complicated path. “I left fine dining because of life situations demanding it. The thing I’m looking for in my next job is not just a place to cook, but a place to grow. I’ve learned a lot in school and use it daily, but I also think there’s only so much you can learn in a textbook. You learn a lot more when you work with a variety of techniques and cuisines.” 

Turner nods. “I see. So you’re looking for a place that has a bit of a challenge for that healthy growth?”

“I think that would be the best way to put it, yes.”

“Your references speak extremely highly of you. I believe Ms. Janet was nearly in tears on the phone with us. It’s a good sign to us at the least. I am interested in hearing a bit more about times where you feel like you learned more outside of your technical training.”

“Of course.” You dive into the time you spent with Mrs. Shirley and what you learned--inside of the world of culinary arts and outside of it. For the entirety of the interview you and Turner trade questions and expectations about the role. The restaurant opens 11 to 8 every day except Sundays, that’s 12-6. Once a month the restaurant connects with a local shelter to house a potluck and provides meals for those in need. You learn that there is talk of expanding the franchise into a non-profit, but the pipeline to get employees who’ve been with the company into the non-profit is the highest priority of course while also including experts to ensure the longevity. 

As the conversation continues you learn about the expectation of the daily operations. You’d be expected to work in the kitchen and unfortunately due to being slightly short staffed, you might have to handle some serving duties. They’d want someone who could man the bar as it could provide a bit more flexibility with other staffing structures. But should you be hired on, they’d pay for the training and licenses when it comes to the bar and mixing drinks. While the staffing concerns raise a small alarm in your head, you know the potential that you’d be called in on your days off would be extremely high, you are a little intrigued to have some normalcy back by having more conventional working hours. It would be nice to grab your siblings for dinner, have dates with Calum at a reasonable time. 

There are efforts to work with other venues and opportunities in the community--seafood festivals, catering corporate picnics and holiday parties. But management does try to balance the demand as best as possible according to Turner. It feels like a lot of cookie jars on the table, but the priority first is always the restaurant. When you ask about the kind of demands on a slow day as compared to that of a higher volume day, specifically in how food is prepared and what the shipments look like, Turner gives you a laugh. 

“I don’t know why I expected anything else from a seasoned vet.” But Turner goes on to explain how the kitchen is prepped and what kind of support to expect. 

You grin. “I’ve been burned in some hot fires before. Experience is the best kind of teacher. But thank you for taking the time to answer that.”

“Of course,” Turner returns. “Training, as you probably already know, is a bit more like that trial by fire. You’ll work with some of our seasoned chefs and they’ll work with you through the menu. Expect this to take you a few weeks to get comfortable with and we’ll take it slow if you need. From what I can see, you’ve been out of this particular game for a couple years and we’d hate to see you get burned again.”

You nod, a bit of your heart releasing from the clutches. Maybe your time away won’t be so much of a detriment here than other places. They’re still growing. They can afford a few more luxuries that other restaurants may not be able to spend. “Thank you.”

By the time you conclude the interview, you’re praying that you actually land this job-not for desperation, but because you think this might be the kind of place that would give you a feeling of peace. There’s care in this place and you don’t want to be left out of that. You settle into the driver seat and immediately pull up Calum’s name. It’s been an hour, much longer than you anticipated for the interview and you know he’s worried. 

The call doesn’t get answered immediately, but you let it ring and ring.  “I’m sorry I missed your call. Please leave your name and number and a brief message and I’ll return your call,” Calum’s voicemail echoes into the bowels of your car. 

“Sorry I missed you,” you start, “Finished the interview now. And I think, well, no, no, I know I want this job. The manager seems really nice and it’s--it’s such a nice place. I want this job more than anything now and I know. I know I said before I’d take whatever, but Forest is actually the kind of place I want to work for. Have the ancestors gotten back to you yet? Hope you’re doing okay though. Call me back when you can. Love you.”

There--it feels a bit cowardice to leave it in a voicemail, but you don’t want to lose this courage either. So you leave it, on a recorded line, where you can’t take it back. But at the very least, it’s out there now. 

______________________________________

Calum’s phone shakes from his pocket. He feels it against his thigh and his immediate reaction is to reach for it, make sure it’s not you calling him back before ignoring the call. But Miranda’s throwing another file his way and he reaches out to catch it. The call will ultimately have to wait. “A heads up would be nice,” Calum huffs. 

“Keep up,” she laughs. 

“Son, you don’t have to do this though,” his father warns. “I can take this angle. I can talk to her.”

“Everyone knows we talk shop, Pops.”

“You’ve--you’ve just always said you wanted a clean game.”

Calum shakes his head, looking up to his father. “It’s not a game, though, Dad. I keep treating this like it’s a match. It’s not a game. It’s never been one. Everyone else thinks it is. But we can’t pretend like it's just a game anymore, where there’s no stakes. There are real consequences for what we do and don’t do. There’s real life in the balance of what we do.”

“But what you’re asking for,” his father warns. “We can’t take this back.”

Calum shrugs. “Well, perhaps, they should’ve been thinking about re-election the entire time.”

  Miranda has the spare keys though it’s not technically her job. Calum cracks open the file and peers up at the ledger in front of him. It’s a tally of the most recent votes--who voted for what. The goal isn’t to have dirt and blackmail. The goal is to have a firm line, a recounting of every choice and consequence that’s come because of it. 

“People are looky quite cushy from my vantage point,” Calum notes. His phone vibrates again against his leg. He’d shockingly forgotten about the call. 

“And you’re sure you can do this before the voting on Thursday,” his dad questions. 

They’ll need the official tally before the end of the week and Thursday was the latest day they could go. Should the bill get passed, it’ll go into effect the middle of the following week. The treasury and department of taxation is just waiting on standby and has been for weeks to start getting payments to roll out. 

“Pops,” Calum laughs, pulling his phone out from his pocket. “I wrote 12 page papers in college the night before they were due. A week is just perfect. I just need you lifting heavy in session, doing most of the talking if you can.”

His father nods. “Of course, I can, son. Of course, I can.”

Miranda settles a ring with two keys onto the table. “You’ll need those. And a lot of coffee. And maybe a miracle.”

“Thank you for your vote of confidence, Miranda,” Calum laughs. 

“And if I can say, which of course I can, I’m about damn ready for someone to actually get something done around here. My back is killing me,” she teases. There’s no worry on her part about the presence of Calum’s father. She’s always had the fearless streak. 

There’s a pass of laughter and Calum turns to see a missed call from you. He notices there’s a voicemail too. Bringing the phone up to his ear, he listens to your voice, “Sorry I missed you,” you start over the recorded message, “Finished the interview now. And I think, well, no, no, I know I want this job. The manager seems really nice and it’s--it’s such a nice place. I want this job more than anything now and I know. I know I said before I’d take whatever, but Forest’s is actually the kind of place I want to work for. Have the ancestors gotten back to you yet? Hope you’re doing okay though. Call me back when you can. Love you.”

Calum’s heart pounds against his ribs. His own breath catches, he can feel the struggle to regulate his breath. Love you, rattles in his brain. Love you. He was hoping you hadn’t caught that. Calum prayed he could somehow pretend that he hadn’t let those words slip. He’d gone on about the rest of his day and you hadn’t said a word. You hadn’t texted him about it. It hadn’t even come up in the brief call you two had before the interview. Calum thought he was in the clear. He’d hoped he was in the clear. 

But clear isn’t standing in front of Calum. Not anymore.

It’s the clattering of his phone against the table that brings Calum back to reality. 

“You okay, son?” His father’s voice is slow, but clear. Calum’s not listening though. He scrambles to pick up his phone and push up out of the seat he’s in. It sends him clattering into the chair a couple feet from the door as he tries to get his phone right side up in his hands. “Calum, please. What’s the matter?”

Calum shuts the heavy wooden doors behind him--though it’s really gravity that does most of the work and Calum just holds the knob with enough pressure to keep it from slamming. The phone rings, even before it’s at his ear, and his ribs ache with the pounding of his heart. 

He was supposed to be in the clear. 

“Hi, can you give me like two seconds?” You don’t wait for an answer, voice sounding a bit further away than before. “Hi, can I get 20 on pump 4 please?”

A voice returns to your question with a response. “You could go thirty and see me less.”

“And what’s the fun in that?” you laugh and as the sound gets closer, Calum is sure his heart will leap up his throat and out of his chest. “I’m back.”

“So?” Calum starts. How should he ask it? Should it even be a question at all? But before any other words come, you’re responding. 

“So.”

Calum wants it to mean what he thinks it does--an answer to his unspoken question. His throat jumps as he opens his mouth and the shakes take over the first attempt at his words. He clears his throat to try again. “I got your voicemail.”

“I presume the ancestors have spoken then.”

Calum laughs--short and all an exhale. “They had to put me on hold. But I-I listened to the whole voicemail.”

The noises of a busy street--cars going past, horns honking, a voice floating in from somewhere behind you--take over the silence for a moment before you respond, “Good.”

“You’re going to make me say it aren’t you?” Calum questions. There’s no way you’d just let Good fall from your lips and not mean more. 

“You already did. I said it second.”

There--there it was,  the yolk oozing from the cracked shell. “You didn’t have to if you weren’t ready. Doesn’t it all feel a bit too soon?”

“You’re honey and I am molasses. Just seconds apart really.”

You say it so easily, like even if Calum is faster than you, even if these things come up sooner you know you’re not far behind. “I didn’t mean to rush you though. I don’t want to say it slipped out. Though that’s what it feels like. Like why wouldn’t I say I love you?”

“Well, why wouldn’t you?”

Your question. doesn’t feel like a challenge. It doesn’t feel like some way for Calum to get out of the hole he feels like he might be teetering on the edge. Maybe it’s meant for Calum to say whatever it is that he needs to say. Calum will take it though, take the leap if you’re going to let him. 

Calum inhales deeply and lets the words fall in his exhale, “That’s the thing. I have no reason why I wouldn’t say it. Because I do. I love you.” He feels no need to qualify that statement, make it mean less or mean something different. There’s no need for that. 

“I wish I could see your face,” Calum confesses. It would make this less awkward maybe. It might ease some of the fear in his chest as he waits. 

“Do you know the painting, The Scream?” you ask. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know the painting,” Calum answers, picturing the figure, hands pressed to the side of their face and mouth gaping open in an oval. 

“That’s my face,” you laugh. 

Calum snorts at the mental image--the shock on your face. He saw it earlier before he hung up on the video call. There was just the briefest moment where Calum was sure he’d messed up and he waited by his phone. He waited for your text, your call, but it never came. 

“It’s scary to admit that you love someone. You know it all the same. I’m scared. And I know it all the same. That I love you.”

“And what makes you scared? Hmm? What’s so scary about it?” He really hadn’t meant to push this sooner than you were ready. But the can had already been opened. There was nothing that could take this back now. 

Your sigh crackles through the line before your response does, “I don’t take saying that lightly. It’s easier to show it. It’s easier to never let it come to the surface. Much, much easier just to let it go unsaid.”

“If it helps, I’ve always seen it. I’ve always known.”

“You’ve always known?” The question falls with a teasing lilt and Calum exhales his laughter alongside you. 

“And if I say, yes, what about it?” Calum teases in return. He’s not truly sure if he’s always known. But he’s had a hunched. Calum could've guessed it, but the sound of your confirmation winds him. 

You continue on though around Calum’s earlier tease. “When you said love you earlier, I wasn’t sure if I should’ve responded or should’ve said anything in return. Then trying to make it on time for the interview took priority. And I didn’t think I’d address it. Not again for a little bit at least. Well, you know the rest. I left that voicemail.”

“Did it slip out? Did you feel like you had to say it?” The fear comes back. He’s not going to be happy if you feel pressured. 

“No, I knew if I didn’t say it then I knew I’d keep finding excuses. A calculated risk, I’d dare to say.”

“You live at your own pace though, baby.”

“I know. And I do. And I did when I left that voicemail. No regrets. I promise.”

It’s final. Calum knows by the tone of your voice, so he nods. You can’t see it. But he nods regardless and drops his head into the wood of the door. “But the interview went well?”

“I think so. I hope I get the job. They’re understaffed. Manager admitted it and I know that means I’m getting in over my head. They’re going to be calling for me to cover shifts. They also want to cross train for the bar. It’s not a perfect job by any means. But it’s something I want. It could give me a leg back into the kitchen, get my sea legs again and get some additional certifications under my wing. Could be a really good stepping stone and I think right now that’s what I need.”

“Extra shifts before the holidays wouldn’t be so bad,” Calum figures. Summer is starting to wind down. The crisp fall winds show up in the early hours of the morning. It won’t be long before the holidays descend. “You now have to compete with giant unicorns.”

“Oh I absolutely do not,” you snort. “You have to compete with them though. Teagan already knows that’s not how it works with me.”

“Well, I hope you get it, baby. Would you be working days again? I assume so, but I could be wrong.”

“Yeah, I’d be working days. I mean, the days are still late. Restaurants open to 8PM most of the week. But I’d get home at a reasonable time. I’d get days off where I don’t spend most of them sleeping. It’s not perfect, but it is better in some rights.”

“Did they say when they’d get back to you?” Calum pushes up off the door. One hand he slips into the pocket of his dress pants as his shoes click against the floors. His walk is short, only a couple feet to the sides until he hits the wall.

“Monday, next week.”

“Do you work here that Tuesday?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Can I take you out to dinner before your shift?” He’d want to phrase it more like a gentle demand, but your schedule is a bit more delicate than his. He’s not sure if it would work out or not. 

“I’d love to get dinner. What would be the occasion?”

“A date. It’ll be a celebration.”

“Calum,” you start. “You say that like you’re sure I’m going to get the job.”

He laughs. “I am sure. The ancestors just got back to me.”

The doors creak open and Calum catches the start of his father’s head out of the space between the crack in the door. “You okay?” his father asks. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m okay. I’ll be back in. Give me another few minutes,” Calum returns, pulling the speaker away from his mouth just a little. 

“Is everything alright?” you ask. “Was that David?”

His father nods and heads back into the room. Calum brings the phone back closer to his mouth. “Yeah. Everything’s okay. I-I might’ve spooked just a little listening to your voicemail earlier. It’s all okay though. But Tuesday. Dinner before your shift. Say, 6:30?”

“Did you have a heart attack listening to my voicemail?” The laughter is clear in your voice. 

“No, not quite that. I was just working on something and I missed your initial call. Gave Dad a little bit of a fright when I was shocked. But it’s nothing major. No injuries I’m happy to report. Are you okay to meet here and then I’ll drive us to dinner? I could also pick you up but I don’t know how you’d feel about that.”

“I’ll meet you there. I appreciate the offer and we’ll get there. But I didn’t mean to interrupt your work though.”

Calum groans, spinning to face the wall. His forehead hits the warm softly. Yes, yes, work. The tallies. He does need to go through those ledgers. He needs to look at the immediate fall outs of all major votes. He needs that before the votes. He’s got to focus. And Calum can. He knows he can. But he does want to see you too. Ease any worries that you might have and keep your mind off checking your emails or phone for words from Forests.

“Yes, yes, I do. I’d rather talk to you, but it’s important too.”

“What if I swung by for a little bit? I’ve got those two boxes of matches.”

A hum falls over his throat. “That would be nice. To see you.”

“I need to swing by my place and then I’ll be right over. It’ll buy you at least forty minutes.”

“Make it an even hour? I hate to beg. But I can do a lot more damage in an hour while my dad’s still here than once he clocks out for the evening.”

“I think I can find something else to do for the extra twenty minutes. See you then?”

“Oh, don’t make it sound like a question. See you in an hour.”

The call ends, and Calum pushes up from the wall. He’s got an hour. The doors are heavy, creaking just a little as Calum pulls on them. When Calum steps back through, he rolls up the sleeves. He’s gotta make every second count if he’s going to spend some time with you. “Was that who I think it was?” his father asks. 

“Yes, Pops. It was. They know you’re still owed a game of golf.”

“Oh, I’m not worried about that. Did they say how the job hunt is going? It’s rough out there.”

“The interview today went well. Hoping they land it. But before you call it a day in an hour can I still borrow you?”

His father nods. “Of course. How far back are we going?”

“Last five years I’d reckon,” Calum answers. He needs enough substance just to start. If it’s not enough, he can go back even further. But he has to start somewhere at least. 

“And are we looking at any specific kinds of referendums and legislations? Or just anything?”

“I think at this point--grab a notebook and jot down whatever sticks out to you. I’ll go back through your ledgers later if it’s not enough.”

A packet of sticky notes falls onto the pile of their table. “Mark any pages that are interesting with sticky notes. It’ll make your life easier,” Miranda states. “Work smarter, not harder.”

Calum grins over to Miranda. “Knew I liked you.” 

Calum’s not sure how quickly the hour passes. There’s a blur of cursive ink and blue, yellow, and pink stickies. But Calum knows the hour is done when his father sighs. “Think that’s all I’ve got for today,” his father says, hands on knees. It’s the preamble to his push up and off the couch. Calum can’t fault it. There’s a lot of work to be done and it’s his idea. But Calum is grateful to have the extra hands for the time being. 

“Thanks for the help so far,” Calum returns. 

“Of course, son, of course.” 

No sooner than his father cracking open the door Calum’s phone rings. Your name lights up his screen and those ledgers and notes can wait for a later time. “Up on the third floor,” Calum offers in his answer to your call. He’s slipping pages back into order, shutting ledgers. “But I can meet you at the elevators if you head up.” 

“Eager beaver,” you tease. “I’ll see you there.” 

Calum feels the buzz of his skin with excitement. His ribs know just how your chest will press into his and for that, he’s grateful. His lips know the press of yours, how you’ll sigh just a little into the kiss. It comes from somewhere in your throat and sounds like relief. Though Calum will admit that occasionally, he’s not sure if it was your noise or his. It doesn’t matter enough for Calum to piece it apart when the elevator dings and peels open to reveal you. A tiny wave and smile as you step out. 

Calum wastes no time to gather you up, pressing a kiss to your forehead before gently guiding in for a kiss. It’s Calum who sighs first into this kiss. The noise vibrating in his throat, rattling the sound into more of a hum. “Missed you,” he whispers against your lips. 

“Don’t have to anymore,” you return, resting your forehead against his. 

_________________________________

“How’s Santa doing?” Teagan asks as she slips into the backseat. You snort at the question but watch from the open car door as she buckles up. It’s clear as her eyes fall onto yours you know who she’s really referring to. 

“He’s good,” you nod. 

“I have a new Christmas list actually,” Charlie pipes in from the passenger side back seat. 

Your brows raise. “Do you now? It’s a good thing I told him we’ll need to confirm with you if anything changed. We’ll give you some more time to check it over before we seal the deal.”

Charlie’s nod is final and with both of them settled into the car, you shut the door. From the living room windows, you can see your mother watching--her hands on her hips. She watches and you can’t shake the feeling that it’s more than just a motherly gaze. She wasn’t there when you opened the door. Melvin did--Teagan and Charlie at his heels. But you know she’s always watching. Diana’s always in the wings. 

You settle into the driver seat and shut the door, watching her stare. Time will tell what’s up her sleeve--if there’s anything at all too of course. You’re not so blinded by the tug of your stomach to not consider you might be making this all up anyway. From the cup holder, your phone shakes. Once. You watch it, finger frozen as your heart starts to race. You told Turner that afternoons and evenings were the best times to reach you. 

The phone doesn’t buzz anymore. Not a phone call. Your chest deflates a little and the worry begins to bubble. When were you going to get this call back about the job? As you pick up the phone, you notice Calum’s name across the screen. Have you heard…the rest is cut off by the preview screen. Maybe there’s actually more but your eyes don’t see it all. You place the phone back down, slip the seatbelt over your chest, and meet Diana’s eyes again. A hawkish gaze from the windows in the bright afternoon. 

“Where are we going?” Charlie asks. 

You lock eyes with him in the rearview mirror. “Where do you want to go?”

“Ice cream!” he shouts. 

“Teag?” you question, sliding your eyes to her.  

She grins. “Absolutely.”

It might ruin their dinner, but you don’t worry about that. You don’t need to worry about that. “Then ice cream it is,” you answer. 

It’s an easy drive, even as your phone buzzes again a few minutes later with the text from Calum. Charlie and Teagan sing along to the radio--as you always give them control over it when they’re with you. They’re off key, laughing as they flub lyrics. The worry that was bubbling settles. You hear your own laughter around theirs. They’re just kids and they’re doing what kids should do. They should belt lyrics at the top of their lungs and get them wrong. They should laugh. They should make your eardrums rattle. 

When you pull into the lot of the ice cream shop, you watch them. They’re still singing, bodies wiggling in a way that reminds of what dancing almost looks like. With the sun behind them, illuminating their figures, they look like everything you’ve could’ve wanted. When you wished and hoped better for them, this is what it looks like. Though their life is probably far from perfect, though they’ll question why you and your parents aren’t close, they’ll never have to bear first account witnesses to that same kind of pain. 

Three songs play--Charlie and Teagan dancing in the seat, singing to their hearts content before Teagan pauses. “Are we there yet?”

“Yeah,” you nod. “We’re here.”

“Excellent! Can I get a vanilla chocolate swirl?”

“Of course,” you return, pushing out of the car to help them out. Teagan files out first and then Charlie behind her. The backdoors don’t open from the inside thanks to the child safety locks you’ve set to be on so you always fetch them out. They each take one of your hands to cross the parking lot and once at the door, you let them in in front of you. The ice cream shop is cold. The air nips at your skin and you know it’s necessary to keep the sugar confection solid. Somehow the chill shocks you each time though and you follow behind Charlie and Teagan as they peer up into the window in front of the ice cream. 

“What are you thinking, Charlie?” You ask, placing one hand on each of their shoulders. 

“I don’t know. Cotton candy looks really good. But I always get it. And then there’s the rainbow sherbet. Which is also delicious.”

You can hear the true agony in Charlie’s voice, watching as his head flicks back and forth between the two options. 

“You said you might want to try the Strawberry one, right, Charlie?” Teagan asks. 

“Oh that’s right!” he replies, turning to her. “Oh, so many choices.”

You pick up movement from the top of your periphery, causing you to look up. The bright yellow apron catches your eye first. Tentatively, the worker approaches, a tiny smile on their face. You’d hazard a guess it’s a teen working over the summer into the budding fall, but they don’t seem bothered as Charlie and Teagan converse amongst themselves. “Would you like a sample?” they ask, eyes trained in on Charlie. “Sounds like you’re juggling a lot of decisions.”

“Oh, a sample? Yes please.” 

“Of course. Let’s start with strawberry, first.” 

Charlie takes the spoon from you as you take it from the top of the counter. He daps it to his tongue, lips smacking just a little as he lets the flavor coat his tongue. One by one, Charlie tries all three of the flavors. He holds all three of the tiny spoons as he glances back through the glass. You almost ask Charlie if he’s made up his mind, but he speaks before you can. “Can I get the strawberry in a bowl please?” 

The worker nods. “Of course.” Their eyes cut up to you and you prompt Charlie. 

“What size do you want?” you ask. 

“Oh, hmm, just a small please,” Charlie returns. 

“Okay, one small strawberry. And what about you?” the worker asks Teagan. 

“Small bowl of vanilla chocolate swirl please,” she answers with ease. 

“Coming right up. Anything for you?”

You almost miss that the question is directed at you, but raise your eyes to catch the worker. “No, I’m good. Thank you.” They nod, but the gaze lingers for just a minute. You watch too. Is the gaze in recognition? But it only lasts a moment or two until they turn down to the register and punch in for the bowls. 

It could just be paranoia. Maybe that worker doesn’t recognize you for what you think they might. Maybe you’ve come in here before. But there’s something in your stomach that you can’t shake. You knew the world was watching in a way--photos would pop up no matter what. The thing you’re still trying to conceptualize is just how much other people outside of your circle now know your face. You hope though that this won’t impact your siblings. You don’t want it to be weird for them when you go out. 

Charlie carries both bowls while Teagan settles into her seat. You stand, watching for a moment before you’re satisfied that both are comfy in their respect spots. “How’s camp going?” They’re in the final week, but they seem to still be clinging to a youth like hope that summer will hang on forever. 

Around their spoonfuls of ice cream, you catch things like, fun, and we made crafts! But it’s all a little muffled with the melting confection they hold in their mouths. You can only smile and nod, “Good.”

“Mom said that you hate them,” Charlie confesses in a pause on his next spoonful. “Why do you hate them?”

You’re not sure if you want to correct Charlie on the term hate or if you want to let it stand as is. You’re not shocked Diana might be saying like that. You did hate them. You think you might always harbor a small chip on your shoulder because of what they did. You’ve got more things to worry about now though than what your parents did and didn’t do in your childhood. No amount of yearning would fix the past. 

“Do Mom and Dad tuck you into bed at night?” you ask instead. 

“We get two stories each,” Teagan answers with a nod. 

“They’ve always got breakfast ready in the morning and you always get a packed lunch and when you come home there’s dinner on the table too, right?” you ask. 

Charlie answers this time in the affirmative. 

“Then I’m glad you two have it,” you return to his answer. “I’m glad you two have that with Mom and Dad.” You can’t say it. Even though it would all be true, you can’t tell them that you didn’t. You can’t get your lips to curl or your tongue to lift to say that they didn’t do that for you. They don’t need that. 

You can see it on Teagan’s face. The way the wheels are turning and turning. “Did you?” she asks. “You did, right?”

“Your ice cream’s gonna melt, Teag,” you encourage softly. They’re much too young to have any image of their parents shattered. 

“But they did all that stuff for you, right? They had to have,” she counters. 

You’re not going to beg. You’re not going to plead with Teagan to let it go. If you’re honest, you can’t tell if it’s to spare them or yourself. It may be a bit of both. You want to hold that answer on your tongue and to the roof of your mouth for a little bit longer. 

“Your ice cream,” you nod over in the direction of her bowl. 

“But--”

“Teagan.”

It’s just her name. All two syllables that fall from your chest but it’s firm. She bows her head into the bowl and shovels a spoon in with a pout. 

“If they didn’t, then we’ll just need to talk to them. That’s really bad for them not to do,” Charlie comments. “Honestly, downright mean,” he adds on, pointing the spoon out in your direction. 

“Two bedtime stories is quite the deal,” you state, brows rising to emphasize your awe. 

“I’m sorry,” Charlie returns. “I heard Mom and Dad talking. Sounds like maybe I didn’t have the whole story.”

This will be the way. There’s a story and they only have half of it. You don’t want to pull out the cliché adage that they’ll get it when they’re older. All that will do is stir the pot more and more. But Charlie sees it. There’s a lot more to what happened besides what he’d managed to hear. 

“Apology accepted,” you nod. 

“Can I get some money to get a drink?” Teagan asks. Her voice is soft but tilts her head like she always does. 

“Oh, I can go get it,” you offer, but she shakes her head. The lower lip rolls over her chin. It’s a losing battle. You fish out your wallet and hand her a ten. It’s the smallest bill you have that will more than cover the drink, after using up your fives on their ice cream. “Just a drink,” you warn as Teagan takes the bill. 

She nods and pushes away from the table. The shop is quiet. You know it won’t be for too much longer, but you can watch from your seat as Teagan slides up to the counter. Your phone buzzes once from the table. You know you haven’t texted Calum back, but he is aware that you’re picking up your siblings today as well. But then it buzzes again. You have half a mind to ask why the worker is scooping at one of the tubs below the counter but your phone’s buzzing a third time. 

You snap to your phone, lifting it with just enough time to read the digits on lighting up your screen. Forest the ID reads. There’s very little air in your lungs as you unlock the device to answer and greet with your name. Turner’s voice greets you on the other side. She sounds pleased, “Hi, there!” she greets you. 

“Hi, Turner. How are you?” 

You barely catch her voice over the rush of your own heart, the thundering against your ribs. You flick your gaze up and see Teagan standing at the checkout, scrambling to get change back into your pocket as a bowl is handed to her. 

Turner’s voice floats for a moment around your ears. Why was Teagan reaching out for a bowl when she promised a drink? “...because I would like to extend an offer for you to join our team here at Forest. I am quite impressed with your skill, and though your background is varied I think the mindset you have about food and working fits well into the environment we are trying to establish here. I will send an email of course with the specifics for you to look over and give you two days to look it all over. Salary is as we discussed.”

Half your mind clicks--the wheels turning to get Teagan’s attention come to a screeching halt. “You’re offering me the job?”

Turner laughs. “Yes, I am. I am extremely excited to offer you the job. I understand that given the demands we are asking for a lot. Our hope is that soon we can get staff numbers up and rely on less cross training. But if you’re okay with what we can offer now and this kind of asks for the time being, it is my sincere hope and word to give that we will do what we can to meet our promises. We’re a community. We rely on our staff in ways that we cannot always comprehend, but we certainly don’t want to abuse that. The service world is lethal and demanding all on its own.”

Your bones go liquid. You fall back into the chair and exhale. The ceiling is a gray spackle on white, almost reminiscent of a doctor’s office. But you gaze up at the tiles and you can feel your chest drop, the tension melting a little off your shoulders. No job will ever be perfect. You know there’s no such thing. Yet, this is the kind of news you need. This is a silver lining in an otherwise  You don’t want to say yes immediately, though you know you’ll be taking the job no matter what. “I am incredibly grateful for the offer though. I’ll-I’ll read over the email you’re sending and will get back to you.”

“I look forward to your call back.” 

You get out your goodbyes and when you bring your head back to center, Teagan’s slipping back into her seat. In front of you is a bowl of cookies’n’cream ice cream. You can see the chunks of cookies protruding out just a little from the vanilla base. 

“You okay?” Charlie asks. 

You nod. “Yeah, yeah, I’m okay. Good news actually,” you offer. 

“Oh!” he responds, perking up in his seat. His excitement paints his face in a smile. “What’s happening?”

“Getting a new job,” you answer. They don’t need to know the specifics as to why. Not that it seems to matter to them in the slightest though. Charlie cheers in the ice cream shop, arms thrusted into the air with his delight. Teagan claps from her seat. You notice now too that the change is also next to your bowl. 

“What’s this all about, Teag?” you ask, waving around to the bowl. 

“For earlier,” she answers. “And now too for celebration.”

“You don’t-you don’t have to make up for anything you know. That’s not your responsibility.” You’re praying she doesn’t feel like it is. Your only response is a shrug, before she turns back to her own treat. Perhaps, it’s the little victories. Perhaps, it’s the little gestures. But you can’t bring yourself to fuss. She didn’t have to do it, and did it anyway. Maybe she already knows she doesn’t need to do it. It’s not her fault what was done or not done. But she treats it like it is still her duty to express sympathy, to see what wasn’t done and still do something. 

You take the spoon and scope out a bite. “Thank you, Teag,” you state before finishing the bite. 

“You’re welcome.”

_________________________________

Charlie plops down next to you, panting. After the ice cream, they asked if they could go to the park and you obliged. While they played amongst themselves and with the other kids that were also there, you took it with ease to settle down on the open bench to watch them hustle across monkey bars and down slides. “What’s your new job?” he asks. 

You crack open the water bottle--acquired prior to your full departure from the ice cream shop--and hand it over to him. He takes it and chugs down a quarter of it. “I’ll be working in a restaurant, some cooking like I do now but also bartending and serving.”

“And…what do you do right now?”

“Private chef in a way. Handle mostly breakfast for the royal family and help cater some events.”

“And you don’t like that anymore?” he asks, breath still heavy. 

“It’s not that I don’t like it anymore. There’s just other things I want right now and need to change jobs to have them.” It’s vague, but also still true. 

Charlie takes the answer with a nod, hands you back the water bottle and heads back to play. You watch Teagan slip down the metal slide before she books it back around to climb back to the line for the slide. You take the moment, as the breeze nips over your skin, to pull out your phone. Calum’s text still sits, unanswered, from an hour ago. He hasn’t followed up with anything else. You’re not sure if he’s gotten sidetracked with his own agenda, but you open the thread and call. 

You know you still need to read through the email Turner sent. The red notification haunts your home screen, but you can’t read it just yet. You don’t want to get too distracted that you lose sight of Charlie and Teagan on this playground. It’s a rich neighborhood, even you know that. But that doesn’t mean you want that alone to satiate you. The ringing echoes in your ears as you listen for the line to connect or for Calum’s voicemail to start. 

“Hi, baby,” Calum answers. 

“Hi, love.” It’s the first time you’ve ever used a nickname with Calum. You know he’s caught it too when he coughs from the other end of the line. “You can’t die on me,” you tease. 

“But-you-love, as in you called me love?” he coughs out. 

“I got the call,” you answer, cheeks lifting with a smile. Charlie slips, but catches himself in a slide on the mulch of the playground. You sit up straighter and he looks at you before throwing a thumbs up. You throw one out in return and settle back down as he dusts himself off and takes off again. Diana won’t be pleased about the stains, but you hope she’s not the one answering the door later. 

“Like got the call in a good way or got the call in a bad way? And you still need to clarify on what little pet name. I haven’t forgotten about that.”

“They offered me the job. In about two weeks or so, I won’t technically be on your payroll. I figured I could afford now to indulge.”

“Congrats, baby! I’m so proud of you. Told you we’d be celebrating over dinner tomorrow.”

Teagan slides over to you next, taking the unopened bottle from your lap. “Who’s that on the phone?” she grins, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. You grimace a little at the action, but you don’t have anything else to offer to her. 

“Santa,” you answer with a wink. “I’m spreading the holiday cheer early.”

“About the job?” she asks. You nod in return and her grin blinds you. “Tell him I said hi, yeah?”

“Tell Teagan I said hi to her as well,” Calum states, clearly hearing the exchange between the two of you. 

“He says hi back,” you relay. She hands back her water bottle to you and you take it, holding it between your knees as you get the cap back on right. 

“I’m not interrupting, am I?” Calum asks. Teagan’s run echoes as she takes off towards the seesaws. 

“I did call you, you know.” It leaves your throat in a laugh as you pull the sharpie from your pocket to mark Teagan’s bottle with a T on the plastic cap. You mark Charlie’s with a C. It’s with passing gratitude that you thank the heavens you had one in your car before you got out at the park and considered bringing it with you. 

“I wasn’t sure if you called and then something happened.”

“No, we’re at the park right now before I take ‘em back home. Teagan came up for some water before taking off again. You’d think that their summer camp wasn’t fulfilling enough, but it might’ve been the ice cream too.”

Calum’s tuft of laughter brushes through the speakers. “The ice cream might’ve done it. But you got the job, and I’m so incredibly proud of you for that.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“You’re still free for dinner tomorrow, right?”

“Yes, still free for dinner tomorrow. Thank you, again.”

“No, you don’t have to thank me. But I appreciate that.”

“Speaking of dinner, will I need to dress up at all?”

“No, not at all,” Calum answers easily. “Though, I will warn now it’s a place I’ve been known to visit, so I can’t say with certainty that there won’t be any press of course.”

“You’ll tell me if anything necessary comes up. I appreciate the warning.”

His voice is soft as he speaks. Like he might be attempt to soothe a panicked animal, or like he might actually be melting. But Calum’s voice is so soft. “I gave you a promise and I intended to keep it.”

From the background, you catch whirring--a sharp sound and it pierces your ears. Beyond it, you think you hear something like a drill, but you’re not sure. The metallic sounds and gears all blend into a cacophonous sound. It takes a minute before the noise fades to something quieter in the background. “What are you doing?” you laugh. “I wouldn’t think of you to be doing some handy work at this hour? Have sessions gotten boring?”

Calum laughs. “Long weekend actually. But I’m probably more of a hindrance than a help. Some repairs, is all really. One of the guys got sick today and I volunteered to help.”

“Would it be inappropriate to ask what you’re wearing right now and if it’s sweaty?” you ask, conjuring an image of Calum in blue jeans and long sleeved t-shirt clinging to his chest with a clear dark V from his own sweat. 

The laughter Calum barks is loud, and sounds deep from his chest. It makes your chest feel warm to hear the amusement laced in his voice. “You are not subtle at all.”

“I am not.”

“You’ll just have to see for yourself.”

“I refuse to cut into Teagan and Charlie’s time with me, but I hope to catch you the next time you’re a hindrance of manual labor.” 

There’s a small stretch of silence before Calum’s voice floats through the phone again. You almost speak again to make sure he’s okay but his answer cuts your voice short. “I’m sure you will catch me next time.”

Your phone shakes in your hands. “Your investigation going well?”

“It’s going. I think I’ll have to pivot a little on what I’m researching, lean into poll projections from constituents. Give them a firm reminder that when seats go up for elections I will be taking into account the public’s voice as well. I’ve got some help on that too, which is good. Have Charlie and Teagan coughed up those Christmas lists yet?”

“Oh, hit them where it hurts certainly. They’ve been given instructions to make final adjustments. We’ll get the list here during the first weeks of school.”

“That is starting up again here soon. God, feels like forever again for us.”

You snort, watching Charlie and Teagan approaching you. “It was forever again for us. Give me a second, sorry.” 

“No, I don’t mind.” 

You crack open both their bottles. “You two doing okay?” you ask the pair. They nod. “Let me check that leg that you fell on Charlie, is that alright?”

“Sure,” he returns, helping get the pant leg out of the way. It’s a little red, but no broken skin and thankfully no tears in the pants. It’s just a stain and when you press gingerly into it, Charlie doesn’t flinch. 

“I’ll be needing to get you both back home within the next thirty minutes. How do you want to spend it?” You know dinner time is a strict deadline and you’re not keen on breaking it. 

“Ten more minutes to play and then we cool down for ten?” Teagan questions, looking up to Charlie. He nods in agreement as he works down his gulps. 

“And if you want to call it quits before then, I’ll be right here,” you offer to them. Teagan hands you her bottle, still with a quarter of the water left and Charlie heads towards the bins to toss his empty bottle. 

“I don’t want to take a monopoly if you’ve only got half an hour left with them. I’ll always be a phone call away,” Calum states after you let him know you’re back to continue the conversation. 

“It’s awfully boring on the bench,” you laugh. 

“You know, hearing you with your siblings is nice. The way you care for them.”

You’re not sure how to respond. You’re not sure why your body warms at the confession. “Thanks.”

From the background of Calum’s line, you catch his name being called out. “Can I call you back, baby?”

“Absolutely,” you answer. “Go be a hindrance.”

Calum snorts. “I shall. Love you.”

You feel the shake in your throat, the jump into your jaw takes your breath. You’ve said it already. Granted it was to his voicemail, but you know what you feel. “Love you,” you whisper. It tastes different on your tongue in this kind of situation, when you’re saying it directly to Calum. But now that it’s out there. Now that you’ve gotten used to the weigh after uttering it once, even if softly, you realize how light the words are around the curl of your tongue. It tastes sweet. “Love you,” you repeat steadier, a bit louder. 

“Yeah, I think I could get used to the sound of that. Talk to you later.”

“Later,” you agree and the line goes quiet. 

You turn our attention back to the children. Charlie’s helping a kid on the monkeybars and Teagan’s seemingly made friends with a group of girls who are running in circles. You’re not sure what the objective of the game is. But as long as they’re both safe and accounted for, that’s all that matters. 

When you check your phone again to make sure the call’s fully disconnected, you notice a text from Calum. A selfie loads up on the screen, from his chest up with the sun hitting his face directly that he nearly has to squint. But from what you can tell he is in a gray henley, the few buttons on the shirt undone. Just out of frame you think you catch what might the sleeves of the shirt pushed up on his forearms. But you can’t quite see his whole arm to make a judgment on that aspect. The light gray material is dark in the chest, a deep V shape no doubt a result from whatever work he’s been doing. Tell me if this is what you were imagining, Calum writes underneath. 

Your fingers are drafting a response before you can think it all the way through, It is. Only thing missing is your ass in tight work blue jeans. You doubt you’ll get a response soon. That doesn’t matter though. Not as you scroll you back to the picture and the curls are clearly pressed down and damp from the sweat too. His face is a tad pink, lips pouty but relaxed. The pose is natural, given how quickly he must’ve snapped it. You take the corner of the phone between your teeth gently. This man will be the death of you--you can feel the desire stirring in your abdomen, how much you want to kiss his nose that’s so prominent in the photo and also trail your tongue down his chest. 

Also fuck you for actually sending this photo, you add to your previous reply. But also, fuck me.  

“Literally the devil, that’s who that man is,” you mutter to yourself and put your phone face down on your lap. You need to focus, as boring as it is just a little to watch your siblings run around the playground. 

A few minutes later your phone buzzes. The ass is quite secure don’t you worry, Calum replies but no other photo comes through. You snort at the response. 

Your fingers are hovering over the keys to respond when from your periphery you see a figure approach. They seem unsure of their approach, stopping for a moment. You think they’ll turn tail, but the hesitation is only for that brief moment. They continue their approach to you. Once they’re a little closer, you look up. The face looks vaguely familiar, behind the wire frames the eyes look deep and concerned. “I’m so sorry to bother you, baby. Are-are you kin to Melvin and Diana?”

The question shocks you. You didn’t think anyone would recognize you here. Not with how long you’ve been gone. Not with how little you interacted with the neighbors that were adults. The kids you knew a bit better. You answer the older woman though, regardless of any suspicion, “I-I am.”

The woman whispers your name, shock lacing the word. You rear back a little and drop your gaze back to the kids, not wanting to drop your guard about them either. Charlie’s walking over to Teagan’s group. When you look back up to the woman, she’s smiling at you. “You look so grown up. And of course you are, the last I saw you, you were up to my knees.”

You still can’t place the woman’s face. She seems to catch the confusion and settles on the other end of the bench. There’s a middle portion between you and her though, a safe distance between the two of you. “I’m sorry to spring up on you,” she offers. 

You nod and glance back up to the kids. Charlie and Teagan are closing in, laughing through their pants. You keep an eye on their approach, knowing the last thing you want is to get too distracted that you lose sight of them. Teagan and Charlie look winded but happy as they close the distance. 

You turn back to the woman. She laughs. “I know I'm interrupting your day. I’m Mrs. Davis.”

“Hi, Mrs. Davis,” Charlie calls out as they get closer. You reach out for them, wanting them close to you. Teagan takes the last of her water and drinks it down. 

“Hi, Charlie. Hi, Teagan,” the woman returns to them. She turns to you. “I’m two houses down. You, uh, you loved my apple pie.”

You gaze deeper into the woman’s face. The eyes  still don’t register fully. You know it’s a face you know, but you don’t know why the name and face can’t clicking. But apple pie. You do know a Mrs. Davis who made apple pie. The Mrs. Davis you knew had three moles on the side of her left eye. And you’re not sure why that’s seemingly the only detail you remember, but when you look for the moles you spot them. Like a triangle on the side of her left eye. But now that you can place the face with the apple pie, a warm cinnamon smell that makes your mouth water even at the thought, the pieces click. The kitchen window opens, the breeze, the frog statues in her window and the chicken on her kitchen towel. “Davis, with the frogs in the windows?” you ask. 

The woman laughs with a nod. “Yes, yes, those old wooden frogs are still hanging in there.”

“Oh god, I’m so sorry. I didn’t-hi,” you laugh. 

“No, no, you were hardly Teagan’s age I think the last time we spoke. It’s okay. You doing okay?”

You nod at the question. “Yes ma’am, I am.”

“Good, good.” She reaches out to pat your knee. “Diana’s been talking about you a lot recently. I saw you come in earlier with these two rascals and I’ve got my grandbabies for the evening,” she states, motioning back to the playground. “They’re up in the castle,” she laughs. 

You spot three bodies in there. You don’t know her grandchildren, or how many she has. But  you’re inclined to believe her when she says it. You know she’s older than your parents too. Mrs. Davis had been graying just a little when you were around, but now sports a good blend of gray hairs amongst her dark strands.  

Mrs. Davis continues on, “I wasn’t sure it was you but something in my spirit said it was. And I don’t know. Had to say hi, I guess. You just, you look really good. Happy, I reckon,” she muses. 

If you had to take a full stock of your life, you’d say that you were happier now than before. As boring and as tedious as parts of your life still were, there were things that you could say you were happy to have now that weren’t there before. So you nod at Mrs. Davis words before agreeing, “I am happy.”

“Good, that’s good to hear.”

“But you said that my mom was talking about me?” The question leaves you quicker than you’d like. You really should speak directly to your mother, but you can’t help the feeling from earlier, how much your skin crawled at the way she lingered during the pick up. Could this give you a heads up? 

“Oh, it’s probably not my place to say. She’s just been mentioning you more. Seems like she just misses you, is all.”

You don’t know how much Mrs. Davis knows. You don’t know what your parents have told their friends about you--if they’ve mentioned you at all to anyone new. But Mrs. Davis would watch you occasionally when your parents asked. You always walked to her house when you had to go, bag bumping on your back. 

You nod at Mrs. Davis’ words, noticing the way Mrs. Davis looks away, choosing words carefully. Maybe Mrs. Davis is telling you the truth, that your mother’s just expressed a desire to reconnect. Maybe there’s more, but you don’t think she’ll give you much more than that. Teagan and Charlie are a little restless in your grasps and you turn to find them worse for wear with their play. They’re faces are flush. 

“I should probably get them back and cleaned up before dinner,” you state, using this now as a segway for your exit. “I hope your grandkids enjoy your baking as much as I did. I’ll need that recipe one of these days.”

Mrs. Davis smiles. “Oh, they do. They do. Take care of yourself out there, ya hear?”

“Yes ma’am, I do. Good to see you again.”

It’s a swift exit as you take a hand each from Teagan and Charlie. The three of you make your way back to the car and just before you cross over to pavement, you look back at Mrs. Davis. One of the grandchildren has approached now, face contorted a little into a cry. Mrs. Davis takes the injured limb gingerly and you hope that it’s nothing more than a scratch. It doesn’t seem to rattle the older woman. She’s already reaching down for something and you can’t watch for longer. Your feet are hitting the pavement of the parking lot. You’ve got to get the doors unlocked, help them climb in and get buckled in. You can’t watch Mrs. Davis, but you feel her. Lingering behind you like a whisper.  Diana’s been talking about you a lot recently. 

The drive to drop Charlie and Teagan off is short. They’re quieter in the back than when you first picked them up. They still chat amongst themselves--Teagan asks about the new job. You give her the name of the restaurant with ease. Charlie asks Teagan if she would choose to be a bowl of macaroni and cheese or a bowl of mashed potatoes if she had to be food. It seems out of nowhere, but you discover that night is most likely a mashed potato night at home for them which prompts Charlie’s question. 

“I’d have to go cheese. It tastes better,” Teagan answers. 

“But then you’re orange!” Charlie hollers. “You want to be orange?”

“What’s wrong with orange? It’s a pretty color.”

“Mashed potatoes are better,” Charlie returns. 

“Just because you want to be mashed potatoes doesn’t mean I have to be,” Teagan iterates. 

“I mean, no, you don’t. But macaroni? It’s also burnt on the top,” Charlie offers. 

“That’s the best part. Potatoes are too soft.”

“The softness is the best part!”

You’ve let the car idle for long enough, at the front of the house for the last five minutes or so. So now, when the car settles, turned off, they look forward. You watch them from the rearview mirror. “Looks like you two might have to agree to disagree.”

“Agree to disagree?” Charlie questions. 

“It’s what happens when you and someone else don’t agree on the same thing and probably won’t agree on it. Like, you can’t change Teagan’s mind and she can’t change yours. So you say, you’re right to choose potatoes while I’m also right to choose macaroni and you know that you’re not choosing the same thing. You just go, we don’t agree and it’s okay.”

“Agree to disagree?” Teagan asks Charlie. 

Charlie nods. “Agree to disagree.”

You watch the front curtains. They don’t billow or peel back to reveal anyone. It’s just a yellowish light that you catch. There’s no reason to delay the inevitable. So you peel yourself out of the car and help them out of the back. At the door, you knock, using the decorative hammer and take a step back behind the two kids. The trio of you only wait for a moment before it creeks open. 

“Woof,” Melvin grins, taking in the sight of both kids. “You’ll need to hurry to the bathrooms upstairs to avoid ‘the talk’,” he laughs. 

“Hi, Dad!” Charlie and Teagan echo, embracing his lower half. 

“I’d ask what happened, but I don’t think I need that many details,” he teases. 

Charlie and Teagan turn to you, embracing you individually. You know you’re going to smell like the sweat they’ve worked up. You know you’ll smell like outside for hours until you shower. But you hug them both deeply. “Love you Teag. Love you, Charlie boy,” you whisper to them. 

“Love you too,” they offer to you and then slip inside. You watch them head directly up the steps with no fuss about the instruction given to them earlier. Perhaps, they already know all to well the threat of the talk looming should they get caught dirty by their mother. 

“Sorry for the extra work,” you offer. “Charlie took a spill at the park but no broken skin.”

“Don’t worry. They’re kids.  Thanks for taking them today and getting them back with the extra time to clean ‘em up before dinner.”

“Yeah, of course.” It’s a nod that you give, and a nod that’s returned. You never took more than the first step on the porch. 

You think that’s all it’s going to be, that Melvin will take the kids and clean them up and they’ll carry with them the secret of ice cream before the park. 

“Oh, darling, wait,” you catch from behind you. You don’t suspect it’s directed to you, so you take the step down until your name echoes. When you spin, you turn directly to face Diana. She’s at the top of the porch, door open wide behind her like she might’ve been ready to chase you down.  Seems like she misses you, is all. 

“Yes?” you reply. 

“Why don’t you come in and stay for dinner?”

“I’m not comfortable with that.” You don’t need to explain why you’re not. You don’t need to say more than that. You’ve already made it clear to them what you are comfortable doing. She already knows. You know you can’t voice it like that. You know you can’t point fingers or blame anyone. 

Diana takes a step closer, feet shuffling closer to the first step down. “Charles and Teagan talk all the time about wanting to have a family dinner together.”

“I’d appreciate more notice than this,” you return. “Next time you’d like to extend the invitation, please ask in advance.” You don’t think you’d turn the idea down if you had plenty of notice, if you had some sort of hand in the planning and it weren’t at the house. Public, you think maybe you could handle a public meeting. But definitely not at the last minute and not in that house. And you know you can’t say anything definitive lest it be taken as agreement. You have to be careful here. 

It doesn’t seem to be the right answer though. “What do I have to do? Please just tell me. My own child is a stranger in my life. I have to find out updates about your life through Teagan and Charles. I learn things about you in tabloids. Just tell me what I have to do. I’m sorry. I know your father and I did you wrong. We know that. But you can’t shut us out like this. Please.”

It would be easy to bite back, to say that they were total strangers to you too. But you can hear the shake in her voice. She’s clutching the railing. You always knew your parents were human. You’d gathered that long before now. But now you can see it--a wobbly and naked vulnerability in her stature. She is and always will be a human being before anything else. You feel the divide-- how much you want to yearn for this, tell her that all you need is an apology. But there’s the larger side-the side that wonders if she’s begging for herself or out of sincerity. 

You don’t even know how to respond for a moment to the speech. Do you feed the hope? Do you stay firm on your boundary that you speak with them only on behalf of interacting with Charlie and Teagan? Do you tell your mother that if she means anything that this is a conversation maybe better had at a later time? It’s not fair of course for you to cave into agreeing out of pressure rather than your own true will. 

Like your silence stings, Diana sighs. “Fine, fine!” she huffs, turns on the ball of her foot and heads straight for the door. The door’s slam rattles the frame. 

It almost makes you laugh. How if she’d given a moment longer you think you could’ve told her something closer to the truth, something that wouldn’t dig you into a grave and wouldn’t give her false hope. Perhaps this is the answer to the question you couldn’t ask anyway. Maybe it’s Diana pushing only for her own gain. And maybe it’s true hurt, the rejection that she can’t handle. 

Yet none of that negates where you are--on the walkway of their house with hot tears brimming on your eyelids. You couldn’t even be given a change to answer. You know you cannot move on anyone else’s time table. You cannot move faster than you’re ready. You can’t move if you are never ready in this realm with your parents. 

As you settle back into the driver seat, you can feel the anxiety bubbling. You don’t know Diana for who she is now, after Charlie and Teagan, after the therapy and recovering journey. You only know her for who she was before. And everything in your gut tells you that this is before Diana. This is a hurt woman who can and will lash out no matter the consequences. 

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

I’m kickstarting the audiobook for “The Internet Con: How To Seize the Means of Computation,” a Big Tech disassembly manual to disenshittify the web and bring back the old, good internet. It’s a DRM-free book, which means Audible won’t carry it, so this crowdfunder is essential. Back now to get the audio, Verso hardcover and ebook:

http://seizethemeansofcomputation.org

#15yrsago Interview with the Chicago Tribune https://web.archive.org/web/20080811084607/http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/technology_internetcritic/2008/08/a-long-but-stil.html

#15yrsago Knitting all of Mario level one into a giant scarf https://themarioscarf.blogspot.com

#15yrsago Animatronic waterboarding exhibit at Coney Island https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/arts/design/06wate.html

#10yrsago Judge who accepted private-prison bribes to send black kids to jail sentenced to 28 years https://rollingout.com/2013/07/30/judge-must-serve-28-years-after-making-2-million-for-sending-children-to-jail/

#15yrsago The Things That Make Me Weak and Strange Get Engineered Away — story about geek monasteries for smart people who don’t fit in https://www.tor.com/2008/08/06/weak-and-strange/

#10yrsago Civil Forfeiture: America’s daylight robbery, courtesy of the War on Drugs https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/08/12/taken

#10yrsago US Senate IP address linked to Snowden Wikipedia change from “dissident” to “traitor” https://www.techdirt.com/2013/08/05/someone-using-us-senate-ip-address-edits-wiki-entry-to-change-ed-snowden-dissident-to-traitor/

#10yrsago Jeff Bezos’s letter to the WashPo staff https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/jeff-bezos-on-post-purchase/2013/08/05/e5b293de-fe0d-11e2-9711-3708310f6f4d_story.html

#10yrsago Why writers should stand up for libraries https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vArSULK9Zzk

#10yrsago Ethical questions for security experts https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UfOxCIIlcU-iRcUeA6p6fyEE4qUbSuFMqmSuWjRsL_4/edit?forcehl=1&hl=en#slide=id.p

#5yrsago Facebook to banks: give us our users’ financial data and we’ll let them bank with Facebook https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-to-banks-give-us-your-data-well-give-you-our-users-1533564049

#5yrsago Betsy DeVos’s summer monstrosity is pure McMansion Hell https://www.vox.com/first-person/2018/8/6/17654434/betsy-devos-yacht-mcmansion-hell

#5yrsago Consumer Reports now evaluates products’ security and privacy https://www.consumerreports.org/digital-payments/mobile-p2p-payment-services-review/

#5yrsago Germany’s top domestic spy advised far right xenophobic political party on how to avoid being billed as “extremists” https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2018/08/04/germ-a04.html

#5yrsago On the cruelty of ankle-monitors https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-ankle-monitors-are-another-kind-of-jail/

Back my anti-enshittification Kickstarter here!

[cedcedlearn]

Ready to Level Up? Code Your Future and Become a Full Stack Developer with Cedlearn!

If you’ve ever dreamed of building the next big web app or creating sleek, user-friendly websites, becoming a Full Stack Developer might be your perfect career move. These are the developers who can work on everything from creating beautiful front-end user interfaces to designing powerful back-end systems that keep everything running smoothly.

But, how do you get there? The answer: Cedlearn's Full Stack Developer Course. This course is the perfect stepping stone to help you kickstart or advance your career in tech, and here’s why you should consider it.

Why Cedlearn? Choosing the right place to learn is crucial, and Cedlearn stands out for a few key reasons. Their Full Stack Developer course isn't just about theory; it’s about real-world skills and hands-on learning. Here’s what makes Cedlearn the ideal choice:

A Curriculum That’s Built for the Real World This isn’t your average coding course. The curriculum at Cedlearn covers everything you need to know to become a complete developer. From mastering the basics like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to diving into modern tools like React.js, Node.js, and MongoDB, you’ll be getting a comprehensive education that sets you up for success.

What’s even better? Hands-on projects are a core part of the learning experience. You’ll be building real applications that you can proudly show off in your portfolio — the same projects that could impress hiring managers or clients.

Learn From Experts Who Care When you’re learning something as complex as full stack development, having the right support makes all the difference. At Cedlearn, you’ll not only have access to top-notch mentors with years of experience but also career coaches who’ll guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s preparing for interviews or fine-tuning your resume, they’ve got your back.

Flexibility for Busy Lives Life can get busy, and Cedlearn understands that. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone juggling multiple responsibilities, the course offers flexible learning options. You can choose to learn at your own pace through online modules, join live sessions, or balance both to fit your schedule. No need to worry about taking time off work or missing out on family events.

A Community That Supports You Learning coding doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. With Cedlearn, you’re joining a community of passionate learners and developers. You can collaborate on projects, ask questions, or just chat about the latest tech trends. This community is there to help you stay motivated, learn faster, and build connections that could last a lifetime.

Who Should Take This Course? The Full Stack Developer Course is designed for anyone who’s eager to dive into the world of web development. If you’re:

A beginner looking to break into tech A student wanting to gain hands-on experience A professional aiming to switch careers or level up your current skill set An entrepreneur hoping to build your own apps or products

…this course is for you!

What Career Paths Can You Explore? Once you’ve completed the course, you won’t just be “another coder.” You’ll be a full stack developer — someone who can handle both front-end and back-end development. Here are some roles you can pursue after finishing the course:

Full Stack Developer Front-end Developer Back-end Developer Web Application Developer Software Engineer

With these skills under your belt, you’ll be able to work with some of the most exciting companies around, or even take the freelance route, building websites and apps for clients globally.

[oodlesplatform]

The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Django Developers in 2025

If you’re building a scalable, secure, and high-performing web application in 2025, Django remains one of the best frameworks to use. But to unlock its full potential, you need to hire Django developers who understand how to use this Python-based framework to meet your business goals.

Why Choose Django in 2025?

Django is still a top choice for web development in 2025 due to:

Rapid Development: Built-in admin panel, ORM, and modular architecture

Scalability: Used by companies like Instagram, Spotify, and NASA

Security: Protection against XSS, CSRF, and SQL injections

Community Support: A mature and well-documented ecosystem

When Should You Hire a Django Developer?

You should hire Django developers if:

You need to build a custom web application or CMS

You’re planning a secure eCommerce site

You require API development for mobile/web apps

You want a high-performance MVP or startup product

You need a secure backend for SaaS or enterprise software

Key Skills to Look For

Before hiring, make sure the Django developer is skilled in:

Python programming

Django framework (ORM, views, forms, templates)

REST APIs (DRF — Django REST Framework)

Front-end integration (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React/Angular)

Database systems (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite)

Version control (Git)

Deployment (Docker, AWS, CI/CD)

Hiring Options: Freelancer vs Agency

Option Pros ConsFreelancer Cost-effective, flexible Limited availability, may lack team supportAgency (like Oodles)Scalable, full-stack team, support & QASlightly higher cost

If you want a full-cycle development solution with guaranteed timelines and post-launch support, hiring through an agency is ideal.

Interview Questions to Ask

Here are a few practical questions you can ask during the interview:

What’s the difference between a Django model and a Django form?

How would you handle user authentication in Django?

Explain the role of middleware in Django.

What are signals in Django and when should you use them?

How do you optimize Django for performance?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Django Developers in 2025?

Freelancers: $20 — $60/hour (based on location & experience)

Agencies: $25 — $100/hour (comes with project managers, QA, and design support)

Dedicated Developer (Full-Time): $2000 — $6000/month

Outsourcing to countries like India gives you access to highly skilled developers at lower cost without compromising quality.

Where to Find Django Developers?

Freelance Platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, Toptal

Developer Marketplaces: Turing, Arc, Gun.io

Agencies: Oodles — Hire Django Developer

Job Boards: StackOverflow, GitHub Jobs, Remote OK

✅ Final Thoughts

Hire Django developers in 2025 is about more than just technical skills. You need someone who understands your business vision, works well with your team, and builds secure, scalable web applications with future growth in mind.

Whether you’re launching a new product, upgrading your tech stack, or expanding your backend, make sure you hire a Django developer who brings value from day one.

Looking to hire Django experts? Partner with Oodles for experienced Django developers who deliver quality, speed, and security.

[infograins-tcs]

PHP Training in Indore – Build Dynamic Web Applications with Infograins TCS

Start Your Web Development Journey with PHP

In the digital-first era, dynamic websites and web apps power most online platforms. PHP, a robust and widely-used scripting language, continues to dominate backend development. If you're aiming to begin or advance your web development career, PHP Training in Indore at Infograins TCS offers the right mix of practical knowledge, expert mentorship, and industry relevance.

What Our PHP Course Covers

Our comprehensive PHP Course in Indore is tailored for aspiring developers who want to master backend programming. The course covers PHP syntax, database integration with MySQL, working with MVC frameworks like Laravel, and implementing real-time projects. Whether you're a student or a professional, our program ensures you gain job-ready skills with hands-on training sessions and live project exposure.

Key Advantages – Why Learn PHP with Us

Choosing our PHP Training in Indore means gaining a professional edge:

Practical training with real-world application scenarios.

Integration with MySQL, Ajax, JavaScript, and popular PHP frameworks.

Expert trainers from industry backgrounds.

Certification that enhances employability.

Internship and job assistance support. These features combine to deliver a full-stack backend development experience that's aligned with current industry needs.

Why Choose Infograins TCS – Learn from the Experts

Infograins TCS stands out as a trusted PHP Training Institute in Indore thanks to our industry-oriented approach and consistent student success. Here's what makes us a top choice:

Up-to-date course content designed by experienced developers.

Small batch sizes for personalized attention.

Flexible scheduling options for students and working professionals.

Structured learning pathway from basics to advanced concepts. We focus not just on teaching but on transforming learners into professionals ready to handle client projects.

Certification Programs at Infograins TCS

At Infograins TCS, our certification programs are crafted to give you more than just a certificate—they provide validation of your practical skills and experience. After completing our PHP Training in Indore, students receive a recognized certificate that adds credibility to their resumes and opens doors to better career opportunities.

After Certification – Your Career Opportunities

Once you complete the course and receive certification, you become eligible for various job roles such as PHP Developer, Backend Developer, Full Stack Developer (with additional frontend skills), and Web Application Developer. We assist our students with internship placements, resume building, and interview preparation so they can confidently enter the job market.

Explore Our More Courses – Expand Your Technical Toolkit

In addition to PHP Training in Indore, Infograins TCS also offers:

Full Stack Development

Python and Django Training

Java and Advanced Java

Software Testing (Manual + Automation)

DevOps and AWS Cloud

Flutter and Android App Development

These complementary courses enable you to diversify your IT skills and broaden your career opportunities in the tech industry.

Why We Are the Right Learning Partner

Infograins TCS is more than an institute—we are a growth partner. Our teaching model combines live sessions, real project implementation, technical mentorship, and job readiness training. Our PHP Training in Indore helps you not only learn the language but also understand its real-world application in building scalable and secure websites.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to join the PHP course? Students, recent graduates, and working professionals with a basic understanding of HTML and programming logic can enroll in our PHP course.

2. Will I receive a certificate after course completion? Yes. Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, students receive an industry-recognized certificate from Infograins TCS.

3. Do you provide job or internship assistance? Yes, we offer internship opportunities and placement support to help you apply your skills in real industry environments.

4. Is this PHP training suitable for complete beginners? Absolutely. Our course starts from the basics and gradually progresses to advanced topics, making it ideal for beginners.

5. What is the duration of the PHP course? The course typically runs for 8–12 weeks, depending on the batch and your preferred schedule (weekday/weekend).

Begin Your Web Development Career with Infograins TCS

With the ever-growing demand for skilled web developers, learning PHP is a smart career move. Enroll at Infograins TCS—the top destination for PHP Training in Indore—and gain hands-on knowledge, industry exposure, and the confidence to succeed in real-world development roles.

[trendnologiesblog]

How to Stay Motivated While Learning to Code

Learning to code is one of the most powerful decisions you can make in today’s digital-first world. But let’s face it—coding isn’t always easy. There are days when bugs don’t go away, logic doesn’t work, and the motivation to keep going fades. That’s completely normal.

At Trendnologies, with branches in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore, we guide hundreds of students from different backgrounds—many with zero experience—into successful IT careers. Our students don’t just learn coding; they learn how to stay committed and motivated through practical support, real-world projects, and a 100% Job Placement Guarantee.

Let’s explore how you can stay motivated while learning to code, especially if you’re just getting started.

1. Set Small, Clear Goals

Don’t start by saying, “I want to be a full stack developer in six months.” Break that down:

Week 1: Learn HTML/CSS basics

Week 2: Build a simple webpage

Week 3: Start JavaScript

Celebrating small wins builds confidence and momentum.

At Trendnologies, our course structure is designed in micro-modules, so every achievement feels meaningful. From Day 1, you’ll feel the progress.

2. Build Real Projects (Not Just Tutorials)

Tutorial fatigue is real. Watching videos is helpful, but doing is learning. When you build a small calculator, a blog, or a portfolio site on your own, you start to see results—which is deeply motivating.

Our programs offer hands-on real-world projects from early stages to help you gain practical experience—not just theoretical knowledge.

3. Surround Yourself with a Coding Community

Learning alone can be lonely. Join communities—whether it’s on Slack, GitHub, or in person. At Trendnologies, we offer peer learning environments, coding labs, and group activities that make the learning journey interactive and social.

Ask questions, share doubts, and collaborate—it keeps the excitement alive.

4. Remember Why You Started

Whether you want a high-paying IT job, to shift from a non-IT background, or to build your own app, remind yourself of your “why.” Write it down. Stick it on your desk.

Your long-term goal should always be your biggest motivator.

Many of our students in Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore start with no IT background—but with focus and consistent support, they transition into developer roles within 6 months.

5. Mix Learning with Practice

A good rule? 80% doing, 20% reading. Try to code as you learn, even if it’s just replicating examples. The sooner you apply what you learn, the stronger your skills get.

At Trendnologies, we follow a code-first approach. Every theory lesson is immediately followed by lab sessions where you implement what you’ve just learned.

6. Accept That Failure Is Part of Growth

Getting stuck is part of coding. Don’t see bugs as failure—see them as part of the process.

Our trainers provide individual mentorship, so you never feel stuck for too long. We help you understand mistakes and debug with confidence.

7. Track Your Progress

Use tools like GitHub to track your code, or maintain a simple coding journal. Watching your skills evolve over weeks and months gives a huge motivational boost.

In our courses, we maintain student dashboards to track performance, progress, and project completion milestones.

🔥 Stay Motivated with Trendnologies

At Trendnologies, we make the journey easier and more rewarding:

Real-time project training

Mock interviews + resume building

100% Job Placement Guarantee

Career support for freshers & career switchers

Flexible weekend & weekday batches

From Chennai to Coimbatore and Bangalore, our alumni are now placed in top MNCs, thanks to the guidance, structure, and community support they received during their learning phase.

🌟 Final Thoughts

The journey to becoming a developer may be challenging, but with the right mindset and environment, you can thrive. Stay consistent, stay curious—and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Want to learn coding the right way and stay motivated throughout?

👉 Join Trendnologies today – where motivation meets results.

📞 Visit www.trendnologies.com or call us to book your free counselling session.

[mitvpusolapur]

Top Skills You Must Learn During B.Tech in Computer Science to Get Placed Faster

Many students take up a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering to start a career in the tech industry. The course gives a good mix of theory and practical knowledge. But just attending classes is not enough. Companies look for students who have strong skills and real project experience. Learning the right skills during college helps students get placed faster.

1. Programming Languages

Every student in B.Tech in CSE must learn at least one or two programming languages. These are used to build apps, websites, and software tools. Companies ask questions about these languages during job interviews.

Focus on:

Python

Java

C++

These languages help in writing code for many types of software. It is good to practice regularly and solve problems online.

2. Data Structures and Algorithms

This is one of the most important subjects in computer science. It helps students solve problems in less time and with better logic. Many placement tests include coding rounds based on this topic. Students learn how to store data and use it in smart ways.

3. Database Management

Most apps and websites store user data. A good developer should know how to handle this data. Students learn SQL and how databases like MySQL or MongoDB work. This skill helps in back-end development and data handling roles.

4. Web Development

Many companies hire web developers. Learning web development allows students to build their own websites and projects. It also improves design and coding skills.

Start with:

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Front-end tools like React

Back-end basics using Node.js or PHP

5. Operating Systems and Networking Basics

Every system runs on an operating system, and every app connects to a network. Students should understand how these systems work. This knowledge helps in roles like system admin, network engineer, and cloud engineer.

6. Version Control Tools

In most companies, teams work together on a single project. Version control helps track changes and fix errors. Git is the most used version control tool. Students use platforms like GitHub to store and share their code.

7. Soft Skills and Communication

Technical skills are important, but soft skills matter too. Good communication helps in explaining ideas and working in teams. Many colleges offer training in group discussion and interview handling.

Look for colleges that give:

Coding practice platforms

Industry projects

Mock interviews and group tasks

Soft skill sessions

Final Words

Students in B.Tech in computer science and engineering should focus on both classroom learning and skill development. The best colleges for B Tech computer science help students grow in both areas. Strong skills and smart practice give a better chance at getting placed quickly. Keep learning and keep building.

[govind-singh]

From Beginner to Developer Navigating Your Path with the Right Training

Breaking into the tech industry may feel like a leap, especially if you’re starting from scratch. But the truth is that anyone with commitment, curiosity, and the right support system can become a successful web developer. With the digital economy booming and companies prioritizing online presence, web development is no longer just a niche skill—it’s a gateway to a high-growth, flexible, and creative career.

The first step in this journey? Finding the right training to guide you from beginner to job-ready developer.

Why Web Development is a Smart Career Choice

Web development roles are consistently ranked among the most in-demand jobs worldwide. What makes this field especially appealing is its mix of logic, creativity, and problem-solving. Whether you’re designing sleek front-end interfaces or building secure back-end systems, web developers are the architects of the digital age.

Benefits of a Web Development Career:

High Earning Potential: Salaries are competitive, even for entry-level roles.

Remote Work Flexibility: Many roles allow you to work from anywhere.

Constant Innovation: Always something new to learn, from frameworks to tools.

Diverse Opportunities: Work in tech, finance, healthcare, media, education, or go freelance.

What You’ll Learn on the Journey

Before you can land a job or freelance project, you’ll need to master the core technologies and workflows of modern web development.

Typical Learning Path:

Front-End Basics: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the building blocks of the web.

Responsive Design: Making sites work on all screen sizes using frameworks like Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS.

JavaScript Frameworks: React, Vue, or Angular for building dynamic, interactive interfaces.

Back-End Development: Learn to work with servers, databases, and APIs using Node.js, Express, or Django.

Version Control & Collaboration: Git and GitHub are essential tools for working in teams.

Deployment: Host your websites using platforms like Netlify, Vercel, or traditional cloud services like AWS.

The Power of Structured Learning

Trying to learn everything on your own can quickly become overwhelming. You may find yourself jumping between YouTube tutorials, blog posts, and forums—without knowing what to learn next or how deep to go.

That’s where a well-designed web development course becomes invaluable. A structured course offers a clear path, hands-on projects, community support, and often mentorship from experienced developers. It takes you beyond memorizing code—teaching you how to think like a developer.

Choosing the Right Training Program

Not all programs are created equal. The top web development training program for you will depend on your goals, availability, and preferred learning style. Some people prefer immersive bootcamps, while others thrive in flexible part-time or self-paced environments.

Look for programs that offer:

Real-World Projects: Build things that simulate actual developer tasks.

Instructor Support: Get your questions answered by pros.

Career Prep: Resume reviews, mock interviews, and job placement help.

Community Access: Learn and grow with peers facing the same challenges.

Real Stories: Career Switchers Who Made It

Take Amanda, for example. She worked in retail for five years, never touched a line of code—and now she’s a junior front-end developer at a SaaS company. Or Jake, a former history teacher who learned coding during evenings and weekends and now works remotely for a startup.

These stories aren't exceptions—they're becoming the norm. With the right training and consistent effort, web development is one of the most accessible career changes available today.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps

If you’re serious about starting a tech career, don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—it rarely comes. Start exploring training options, map out your schedule, and commit to consistent learning. You don’t need to learn everything at once; you just need to start.

[jaroeducations]

Top 90 HTML Interview Questions for Freshers & Experts

Prepare confidently with this curated list of the top 90 HTML interview questions, tailored for both freshers and experienced developers. From basic tags to advanced elements like forms and semantic HTML, these questions help you showcase your front-end skills effectively. Ideal for acing job interviews and technical screenings Read More..

[korshubudemycoursesblog]

Supercharge Your Automation Testing Skills with Selenium WebDriver, Java & TestNG

If you're serious about kickstarting or upgrading your automation testing journey, it's time you got hands-on with Selenium WebDriver with Java & TestNG Testing Framework. These tools, when used together, can turn a good QA tester into a great one — and a beginner into a job-ready automation professional.

Let’s break it all down in plain English — no technical fluff, no complicated jargon — just real talk about what makes this stack so powerful and why you should be learning it right now.

Why Selenium WebDriver Deserves Your Attention

Selenium has been the go-to tool for automation testers for years. Why? Because it's open-source, versatile, and widely used across companies of all sizes.

With Selenium WebDriver, you're not just testing your applications — you're simulating real user interactions. Clicking buttons, entering text, submitting forms — you name it. And you’re doing it across browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

No matter what tech stack a company uses for its website or app, chances are Selenium can help test it.

But that’s not all.

Combine it with Java, one of the most reliable programming languages, and you’ve got a solid base to write scalable, reusable, and efficient test scripts.

Why Java? It Just Makes Sense

Java isn’t new, and that’s exactly why it works so well.

It’s been around for decades, is easy to debug, and has a massive community behind it. That means more documentation, more tutorials, and more support if you ever get stuck.

Plus, since many enterprises already use Java for backend systems, integrating test automation using Java-based Selenium scripts becomes seamless.

So, pairing Selenium WebDriver with Java gives you one of the most stable, future-proof automation solutions out there.

Now, Add TestNG to the Mix — The Game Changes Completely

Let’s be honest: Writing test cases is one thing. Managing them, grouping them, running them in parallel, generating reports? That’s a whole other ball game.

TestNG takes care of all that.

It’s a testing framework that helps you organize your tests, prioritize them, and execute them like a pro. With TestNG, you can:

Run a specific group of tests

Execute tests in parallel (hello, faster feedback loops!)

Generate HTML reports automatically

Integrate easily with CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions

And best of all? It works beautifully with Selenium WebDriver and Java.

That’s why this powerful trio — Selenium, Java, and TestNG — is such a hot combo in the automation world.

Automation Testing Isn’t the Future — It’s the Now

Companies today don’t have the luxury of time. Deploying apps faster means testing faster — and better. That’s why automation has moved from “nice to have” to absolutely essential.

Hiring managers know this. Recruiters know this. The job market knows this.

Learning manual testing is a good start, but if you really want to stand out and land top-paying QA roles, you need automation skills on your resume — especially with tools like Selenium, Java, and TestNG.

Want to Learn It All in One Place?

Now comes the good part.

There’s an incredibly detailed and beginner-friendly course that can help you master all of this from scratch — no prior experience needed.

Check out this complete Selenium Webdriver with Java & TestNG Testing Framework course.

It covers everything:

Installing Selenium & Java

Writing your first automation scripts

Working with locators (ID, XPath, CSS)

Organizing tests with TestNG

Data-driven testing

Advanced topics like Page Object Model (POM)

Real-time project simulations

Interview questions and job tips

Whether you're a fresher looking to land your first QA job or an experienced tester trying to switch to automation, this course will give you exactly what you need.

And the best part? You learn by doing — every topic comes with hands-on practice so you build confidence with every lesson.

Real-World Benefits of Learning Selenium with Java and TestNG

Let’s talk about what this knowledge can do for you — in real, tangible terms.

💼 More Job Opportunities

Companies are always on the lookout for automation testers, and if you know Selenium, Java, and TestNG, you’ll show up in more recruiter searches. It's a high-demand skill set.

💰 Better Salary Packages

Automation testers earn significantly more than manual testers. Learning this stack can easily bump up your pay grade by 30–50%.

⏱️ Faster, Smarter Testing

Once you’re skilled, your testing process becomes more accurate and a whole lot faster. You’ll save time, catch more bugs, and impress your team.

🧠 Strong Technical Foundation

These tools don’t just teach you how to click buttons — they teach you logic, scripting, debugging, version control, and structured coding practices.

🚀 Career Growth

Knowing these tools gives you a pathway into roles like:

QA Automation Engineer

SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)

DevOps QA Specialist

Test Lead or Manager

Who Should Take This Course?

Let’s keep it real — this course is for anyone who wants to break into or level up in the testing world.

✅ Freshers looking to start in QA ✅ Manual testers wanting to move into automation ✅ Developers who need to test their own code ✅ Anyone curious about automation testing in a real-world context

No fancy degrees. No prior coding experience. Just your willingness to learn.

What You’ll Learn — A Quick Peek

The course dives deep, but here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside:

Basics of Selenium WebDriver

Setting up Eclipse and Java SDK

Writing your first test script

Finding elements using XPath, ID, ClassName

Handling pop-ups, alerts, frames, and dropdowns

Using TestNG annotations like @Test, @BeforeClass, @AfterMethod

Reading test data from Excel (Data-Driven Testing)

Building frameworks using POM (Page Object Model)

Integration with Jenkins for CI

Real-world scenarios for practice

Everything is explained step-by-step — no confusion, no skipping steps.

Still Wondering If It’s Worth It?

Let’s put it this way.

Imagine walking into your next interview and being able to say:

“I’ve written test automation frameworks in Java using Selenium and TestNG, and I’m comfortable working with CI tools and version control.”

Sounds powerful, right?

That’s the confidence this course gives you.

And it’s not just about impressing interviewers — it’s about actually doing the job well once you land it.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Take That First Step

You don’t need to learn everything at once. You just need to start.

The longer you wait, the more opportunities pass you by. But the sooner you begin learning Selenium WebDriver with Java & TestNG Testing Framework, the faster you’ll get ahead in your testing career.

The tools are free. The demand is high. And with the right training, you can stand out in one of the most competitive tech markets out there.

So if you're ready to make a move — whether you're switching careers, upgrading your skills, or diving into automation for the first time — this course is your launchpad.

👉 Click here to get started now with Selenium Webdriver with Java & TestNG Testing Framework and unlock your future in QA automation.

Let’s make testing smarter, faster, and more fun. 🚀

[srishadigital]

Top Python and Django Bootcamp – Best Full Stack Training

Top Python and Django Bootcamps – Best Full Stack Training in 2025

Are you looking to become a full stack developer using Python and Django? Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to level up your skills, enrolling in a top-rated Python and Django bootcamp is a smart move. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Python and Django bootcamps for full stack training in 2025, based on course quality, instructor experience, hands-on projects, and job placement support.

Why Learn Python and Django?

Full-stack web developer,widely used in web development, data science, AI, and automation. Django, a high-level Python web framework, allows rapid development of secure and maintainable websites. Together, they form a powerful stack for building robust full stack applications.

Benefits of Learning Python and Django:

Easy to learn and read

Excellent community support

Used by tech giants like Instagram, Pinterest, and NASA

High demand in the job market

Top Python and Django Bootcamps in 2025

1. Coding Dojo – Python Full Stack Bootcamp

Location: Online & In-Person Key Features:

Covers Python, Django, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL

Career services and 1-on-1 mentorship

Hands-on full stack projects

Why Choose Coding Dojo? Their curriculum is intense and comprehensive, ideal for anyone aiming to transition into a full stack development role.

2. Le Wagon – Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp

Location: Global (remote and in-person) Key Features:

Teaches Python, Django, JavaScript, SQL, Git

Real startup projects

High employment rate post-bootcamp

Best For: Beginners who want a well-structured and global learning experience.

3. CareerFoundry – Full Stack Web Development Program

Location: Online Key Features:

Beginner-friendly curriculum

Python, Django, React, and more

Job guarantee or your money back

Best For: Flexible learners seeking a career change with job placement support.

4. Thinkful – Software Engineering Bootcamp

Location: Online Key Features:

Personalized mentor support

Focus on Python, Django, and front-end tools

Career coaching and job support

Why Consider Thinkful? Their structured mentorship model helps keep students on track and confident in their learning journey.

5. General Assembly – Software Engineering Immersive

Location: Online & In-Person Key Features:

Project-based learning

Covers Python, Django, JavaScript, and more

Career coaching and employer network access

Perfect For: Aspiring developers looking for a fast-track program with strong hiring partnerships.

How to Choose the Right Python and Django Bootcamp?

When choosing a bootcamp, consider the following:

Curriculum depth: Does it include both front-end and back-end skills?

Instructor support: Are there live sessions or mentorships?

Flexibility: Is it full-time or part-time? Online or in-person?

Job support: Does the bootcamp offer resume help, interview prep, or a job guarantee?

Final Thoughts

The demand for skilled full stack developers continues to grow in 2025, and Python with Django remains a top choice for building scalable, secure web applications. Investing in a quality Python and Django bootcamp can significantly boost your career prospects.

💡 Pro Tip:

Before enrolling, take advantage of free trial lessons, attend info sessions, or connect with alumni to get real feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Python and Django enough for full stack development?

Yes, when combined with front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Vue.

2. How long does it take to learn Python and Django?

You can build a strong foundation in 3–6 months with a structured bootcamp and consistent practice.

3. Is Django still relevant in 2025?

Absolutely. Django is widely used in the industry for its security, scalability, and fast development capabilities.

[monopolytraininginstitute]

Top Angular Interview Questions You Must Prepare in 2025

Preparing for front-end development roles in 2025 requires a solid grasp of Angular. Enrolling in the best Angular training in Hyderabad can give you a competitive edge by strengthening your practical knowledge and technical confidence. With Angular continuing to be in high demand, interviewers are focusing on both core fundamentals and real-world application. Below are some of the most important questions to prepare for Angular interviews this year.

1. How is Angular different from AngularJS?

A common opening question, it checks your understanding of Angular’s evolution. Angular (2 and above) is built with TypeScript and offers better performance and structure than AngularJS, which is based on JavaScript and follows a more traditional MVC architecture.

2. What role do components play in Angular?

Components define the views in Angular applications. Components consist of a TypeScript class, an HTML template, and optional CSS styles.These components communicate with each other to build the complete user interface.

3. Can you explain data binding in Angular?

Be ready to discuss the four main types: interpolation, property binding, event binding, and two-way binding. Understanding how Angular syncs data between the component and the template is key.

4. What are Angular directives?

Directives extend the functionality of HTML. Structural directives like *ngIf and *ngFor alters the layout, while attribute directives such as ngClass change the appearance or behavior of elements.

5. What is dependency injection in Angular?

Angular’s built-in dependency injection system manages how services are provided to components. It ensures better modularity and testability by reducing tight coupling.

Conclusion

Staying updated and practicing these key topics will greatly improve your interview performance. For expert-led Angular training, consider Monopoly IT Solutions, the ideal place to build your front-end development career.

[tccicomputercoaching]

Top Django Interview Questions and Answers in 2025

Introduction

If you're aiming for a career in web development, you've probably come across Django, and guess what? It's still going strong in 2025. Whether you're a fresh graduate or an experienced developer eyeing a transition, knowing the top Django interview questions and answers will give you a big edge.

From start-ups to the world's biggest social networking site Instagram, this framework has changed things a lot. It's one of the favorites due to its simplicity, security, and scalability. But with the increasing competition, interviewers have started to pick brains. So let us prepare you with some of the most relevant and updated top Django interview questions and answers that you will need for 2025.

Basics of Django

What is Django?

Django is a high-level Python web framework that lets you rapidly develop secure and maintainable web applications with as little coding as possible. Basically, it follows the "batteries-included" philosophy, which states that user authentication, content management, and database administration are included from the start.

Key Features of Django Framework

MTV architecture (Model-Template-View)

ORM (Object-Relational Mapping)

Admin Interface

Built-in security features

Highly scalable and portable

What Are Django’s Advantages over Other Frameworks?

It's Pythonic-clean and easy to read

Fastest development cycle

Rich documentation

Large community

Tons of third-party packages

Django Interview Questions Asked Quite Often (Beginner Level)

Explain MTV Architecture in Django?

MTV stands for:

Model: It defines what the data structure is.

Template: HTML-like design files.

View: Contains business logic that connects the models and templates.

It's like the way Django interprets Model-View-Controller.

How Does a Request in Django Differs from a Response?

Every HTTP request in Django goes through many processes, that are URL dispatcher, view function, and finally returning an HTTPResponse object. It simply can be thought as a pipeline managing routing, logic, and output.

What Are Models in Django?

Models specify the structure of your database in terms of Python classes; they also act as a bridge between the application and the database using Django's ORM.

Intermediate Questions for Django Interviews

How to Differentiate between a Project and an App?

Project: The entire web application.

App: A component or module within a project (eg., blog, cart, and user).

You can plug many apps into one project.

What Are QuerySets, and How Do They Work?

A queryset is a collection of queries that can be executed against a database to retrieve objects. It is lazy — meaning it will not query the database until the results are explicitly requested.

Advanced Questions for Django Interviews

How are Security Issues (XSS, CSRF, etc.) Handled by Django?

Django has built-in protections against:

CSRF tokens in forms

Auto-escaping of templates in XSS

SQL injection with an ORM

Protection against clickjacking by middleware

What Is Middleware in Django?

Middleware is a framework of hooks into Django's request/response processing. It is a light, low-level plugin system for globally altering Django's input or output. For example, it can be useful for:

Logging requests

Modifying responses

Enforcing authentication

What Are Ways to Enhance Django Application Performance?

Use caching (Redis or Memcached).

Optimize QuerySets.

Minimize template logic.

Compress static files.

Use Django Debug Toolbar for diagnosis.

Real-life Scenario Questions

What Will You Do to Scale a Django App under Heavy Load?

Load balancing.

Caching with Redis.

Use CDNs for serving static/media.

Database indexing optimization.

Perform asynchronous tasks with Celery.

How to Connect Django with Frontend Frameworks like React?

Using Django REST Framework for building APIs.

Serve the React app separately or embed it inside templates.

Handle authorization either through JWT or session-based login.

Which Tools Are Used for Testing in Django?

unittest (built-in)

pytest-django

py for test coverage

factory_boy for test data

Tips to Crack Django Interviews

Practice Coding Daily

Even 30 minutes a day adds up so quickly, and try to focus on real-world projects.

Build Real Projects

Nothing beats practical experience. Try to build a blog, an e-commerce site, or a task manager.

Mock Interviews and Technical Tests

Use a platform like Pramp or Interviewing.io to get a feel for what a real interview will be like.

Conclusion

In 2025, mastering the top Django interview questions and answers can be the very key to opening up your way into a development career. Companies have trusted Django for its speed, security, and scalability, and now, being prepared seems to be your golden ticket. Whether you are brushing up or new to the area, this guide will make you succeed.

At TCCI, we don't just teach computers — we build careers. Join us and take the first step toward a brighter future.

Location: Bopal & Iskcon-Ambli in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Call now on +91 9825618292

Visit Our Website: http://tccicomputercoaching.com/

Note: This Post was originally published on TCCI - Tririd Computer Coaching Institute and is shared here for educational purposes.

[kotirocks]

Gritty Tech: The Best Full Stack Web Development Coaching with Expert Teachers

Introduction to Gritty Tech’s Mission in Education and Tutoring

Gritty Tech is committed to revolutionizing the way students learn full stack web development. Our full stack web development coaching program is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and expert mentorship. With a focus on practical learning and real-world applications, we aim to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and industry demands.

About Gritty Tech

Gritty Tech is a leading edtech company specializing in providing high-quality full stack web development coaching to students worldwide. Our team comprises experienced educators, industry professionals, and passionate mentors who guide students at every step. We believe that strong technical foundations, combined with hands-on practice, help students excel in full stack development For More...

Our Mission, Vision, and Goals

Our mission is to empower students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in web development. We envision a future where every aspiring developer gets access to top-tier full stack web development coaching. Our goals include:

Providing structured, easy-to-understand learning paths.

Offering personalized mentorship from experienced professionals.

Ensuring hands-on coding practice and real-world project exposure.

Creating a supportive learning environment that fosters innovation.

Professional Teachers in All Languages

At Gritty Tech, our expert educators are proficient in all programming languages essential for full stack web development coaching, including:

HTML, CSS, JavaScript

React.js, Angular, and Vue.js

Node.js, Express.js

Python, Django, and Flask

SQL, MongoDB, and Firebase

Our faculty ensures that students gain a deep understanding of both front-end and back-end development. Each mentor has years of industry experience, making our full stack web development coaching truly unique and career-oriented.

Unique Teaching Approach at Gritty Tech

Our full stack web development coaching stands out due to its structured yet flexible approach. We focus on:

Hands-on Learning: Every session includes live coding, practical exercises, and real-world projects.

Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one mentoring sessions help students overcome challenges.

Project-Based Learning: Students build real-world applications, gaining portfolio-ready experience.

Regular Assessments: Frequent quizzes, assignments, and coding challenges reinforce learning.

Career Guidance: Resume building, mock interviews, and job placement assistance.

Flexible Learning Options for Students Worldwide

Our full stack web development coaching caters to students from all backgrounds. We offer:

Live Online Classes: Interactive sessions with expert mentors.

Self-Paced Learning: Access to recorded lectures and resources.

Hybrid Model: Combination of live and recorded lessons for maximum flexibility.

Weekend & Weekday Batches: Choose a schedule that suits your routine.

Lifetime Access to Materials: Revisit content whenever needed.

Encouragement for Parents and Students to Book a Session Today

Whether you’re a student looking to start a career in web development or a parent seeking the best educational platform for your child, Gritty Tech is the ideal choice. Our full stack web development coaching is designed to provide top-notch education with real-world applications. Enroll today to experience the best teaching methodologies that make learning efficient and enjoyable.

Easy Ways to Get in Touch and Book Your First Lesson

Getting started with our full stack web development coaching is simple. Here’s how you can reach out:

Visit Our Website: Browse our courses and schedule a demo session.

Call Us: Our support team is available to assist you with enrollment.

Email Us: Send us your queries, and our team will guide you.

Live Chat Support: Instant responses to all your questions.

FAQs About Full Stack Web Development Coaching

1. What is full stack web development coaching?

Full stack web development coaching is a structured training program that teaches both front-end and back-end technologies to build complete web applications.

2. Why should I choose Gritty Tech for full stack web development coaching?

Gritty Tech offers expert mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world projects, making it the best choice for full stack web development coaching.

3. What technologies are covered in full stack web development coaching?

Our full stack web development coaching covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js, Python, SQL, and more.

4. Do I need prior coding knowledge for full stack web development coaching?

No, our full stack web development coaching is designed for beginners and advanced learners alike.

5. How long does it take to complete full stack web development coaching?

Depending on the chosen course, full stack web development coaching can take 3-6 months.

6. Can I get a job after completing full stack web development coaching?

Yes! Our full stack web development coaching includes career support, resume building, and mock interviews.

7. Is full stack web development coaching available online?

Yes, we offer flexible online full stack web development coaching to students worldwide.

8. What makes Gritty Tech’s full stack web development coaching unique?

Our full stack web development coaching includes project-based learning, expert mentorship, and job assistance.

9. How do I enroll in full stack web development coaching at Gritty Tech?

You can enroll by visiting our website, calling us, or using live chat support for our full stack web development coaching.

10. Do you offer certifications after full stack web development coaching?

Yes, students receive industry-recognized certifications upon completing our full stack web development coaching.

Conclusion

Gritty Tech is the ultimate destination for full stack web development coaching. With expert teachers, innovative teaching methods, and flexible learning options, we ensure that students gain the skills needed to excel in web development. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, our structured curriculum, real-world projects, and dedicated mentorship will help you achieve your goals. Book a session today and take the first step toward mastering full stack web development coaching!