Crap, It's Health and Welfare

I was supposed to be doing an assessment on two little girls, who are sisters. The time of their appointment came and went and when they were 20 minutes late I decided to call the mother to determine where they were and if they wanted to reschedule. (The father is in prison) Here is what happened when I called…

Strange Man: Uh…Hello?

Me: Hi is Alice there? (Fake name of course)

Strange Man: Umm, hold on…(Whispers in background) Hey, it’s for you!

Alice: Well, who is it?

Strange Man: I don’t know (Laughter and a bang)

Alice: Uh, crap!

Strange Man: Umm, err, hmmm, she is indisposed at the moment. Can I take a message?

Me: (This may be an appropriate time to mention Alice has a history of drug use and from the sounds of it she was totally baked!) Sure, this is Lindsey with the department of health and welfare and she was supposed to be here 20 minutes ago for an appointment. I was calling to see if she wanted to reschedule the assessment or cancel services for the kids.

Strange Man: Oh, umm, she’ll want to talk to you! Hang on! (Whispers) Get Alice, its Health and Welfare!

Alice: Oh shit! Health and Welfare?! Do I look ok?

Strange Man: Take the phone!

Alice: (Trying to sound sleepy but really very dazed and confused!) Hello?

Me: Hi Alice, this is Lindsey with Health and Welfare and you missed your appointment today for your daughters’ assessments. Would you like to reschedule?

Alice: Umm, but isn’t their appointment today?

Me: Yes, it was 20 minutes ago.

Alice: Wow, time sure vanishes when you’re…sick. I feel sick. Can I come next week?

Me: Sure how about Monday at 3:30pm? Does that wo…

Alice: Great! Thanks! Gotta go before I get busted, I mean dinner burns!

The joys of working with people huh?