Since Arthur had started new school he had always been a bit of a loner, all his friends are in different section , but since he started sitting with Lara and Nova in the school cafeteria, he felt like he had finally found a group he belonged to.
Hey, guys! What's new with you? said Arthur while sitting in cafeteria seat with his food .
Lara looked up from her phone and smiled. Not much, just talking about the new season of Stranger Things. Have you seen it yet?
Arthur shook his head. No, I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. I've been busy with homework.
Nova chimed in:I haven't either .
Lara : You guys are the biggest nerds I have ever met.
Arthur : So you were busy with the debate team.
Nova: No, not on the weekends .I actually got part-time jobs on weekends .
Arthur:That's great news! Nova, are you sure you are not a robot? How would you handle so much?Btw What kind of job did you get?
Lara: Boy, slowly, you bombarded her with your questions (laughing)
Nova, putting down her fries, said I can handle it . And after Lara's advice, I told Teacher Sam I would be quitting the debate team after this competition .I already talked to debate team head that I am with them just for this coming competition, and then we are done .
Arthur : And he agreed.
Nova : He tried to persuade me, but Lara trained me how to say no this time .
The group laughed and continued chatting, enjoying their lunch and each other's company. Even though they were all different, they had become a close-knit group, and they appreciated each other for who they were.The bell rang, and they went back to classroom.
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2 weeks before
Nova was in search of a part-time job to help pay for her expenses. As she walked down the street, she noticed a flyer advertising job openings at a BBQ restaurant. The smell of smoked meat wafted through the air, making her stomach grumble. She decided to check it out.
As she entered the restaurant, she was greeted by a friendly hostess who handed her an application. Nova took a seat at the bar and began filling out the form. She couldn't help but glance at the menu, which looked delicious. She had always loved BBQ, and the thought of working in a restaurant that served it was exciting.
Just then, the bartender approached her. Hi, my name is Tom. Can I get you anything to drink?he asked.
Water, please,Nova replied, trying to play it cool.
So, you're interested in the job, huh?said Tom, noticing the application in front of her.
Nova:Yes, I am. I saw the flyer outside.
Tom:Listen, kid, but we don't have any work available. You see, this is a BBQ restaurant, and it's not suitable for girls to work here.
Nova:I understand your concern, but I assure you that I'm more than capable of handling the job. I have experience working in the food industry, and....
Tom:I appreciate your confidence, but our restaurant has a certain atmosphere, and it's not suitable for girls to work here.
Nova: So do you onow of discrimination laws, including those related to gender, race, and age, which are necessary to ensure that all employees are treated equally and fairly.
Nova gave a once-over to her surroundings and then said
Also I'm familiar with all the health and hygiene protocols, and it looks like this place is in dire need of it.
Pointing at the customer who was at his eleventh mug of alcohol and was pretty much wasted,Nova continued
Restaurants must comply with laws regarding the maximum amount of alcohol that can be served to a patron at one time. This is typically measured in ounces of alcohol.
when a server was serving another mug to that customer, Nova smirked at the owner and said
You know It is illegal to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated. Restaurants can be held liable for damages if they serve alcohol to someone who then causes an accident or injury.
Tom was shocked when he heard what the little girl was saying to him .At first he was confused but then became alert as he already faced charges for the wrong advertisement of alcohol.
He was an old, grumpy man and didn't know anything about that . He started to think about if he should give Nova a chance .
Tom : OK kid, listen, the Food authority has been doing surveys these days . I will give you a chance to prove yourself if you make us pass the survey .You have a week .
Nova:ok, deal accepted and now about the charges of my services.
Nova and Tom made a deal, and Tom offered her a good amount of salary if she passed the test.
Tom: I must be lucky I encountered a law student . you see, I have a very good business here, but last year after the evaluation, my restaurant was fined, and it went down a bit, but I didn't pay much attention to it .
Nova who thought of clearing his misunderstanding that she is still a high-school student but then she stopped as she knew it was already hard to convince this man, if he knews she knew nothing about law she will bever get this job.She knew this stuff because of last debate practice about Food laws .
Nova smiled innocently and shaked his hand .
Nova:I will try my best, Sir.
Looks like she has to study more .
Next day
BBQ restaurants should ensure that all food products are properly labelled with accurate ingredient lists, nutritional information, and allergen warnings. said Nova as she instructed the employees.
She spent the whole next two weekends studying food laws and changing restaurants. The owner, Tom, was still sceptical . He even told her he would not pay a single penny for her work if she failed her task . Finally, the day of evaluation came, and Nova completed her task successfully.
Nova (smugly): So when can I start.
while sitting on the chair in Tom office .
Tom smirked: Slow down, kid . I need to review your application first, and then you can become .....