Section 8

Boricua had hit the jackpot. I was jealous. Over the course of my life I've never been fortunate enough to win anything of great significance. Back in high school I won two nose bleed seats to watch my beloved Celtics (who were awful at the time) get thumped by the Miami Heat. Many years later I won $70 at a slot machine in Vegas upon entering the casino, but I lost $150 the next day. Nothing has come easy to me thus far. Boricua, on the other hand, is set to lead the type of life that I could only dream of having.

Boricua was a slightly older, full-figured woman with a caramel complexion. She's what the fellas would refer to as "thick", or "healthy." Her short dark, kinky hair had auburn highlights. It was pulled back in a messy 80s-style pig tail. I met Boricua while I was waiting to board the bus that was going to New York City. Boricua happened to be getting on the same bus, but she was headed to a different destination.

I was standing across from Boricua charging my phone while waiting for the bus. The whole time she was looking in my direction, but past me, as if somebody (or something) she expected was approaching. All the while, I stood by the window texting friends as I grew increasingly impatient. The bus was running late. Suddenly, Boricua started talking to me in her heavy Spanish accent.

Boricua: Are ju going to Brishport?
Me: Where?
Boricua: Brishport. In Connecticut.
Me: Oh. Bridgeport. No. I'm going to New York City. Is that where you live?
Boricua: No. I lib here, in Worcester. For three months. I moving here.
Me: Oh okay. Do you like it here.
Boricua: Yes. Yes. It much better than Brishport. Brishport is crazy. I like here. It quiet.
Me: It depends on where you live here. Some neighborhoods are crazy here too.
Boricua: I lib in Webster Square. Very quiet. I got Section 8.
Me: That's nice. Congratulations. You have kids.
Boricua: Yes. Yes. I hab 4 kids. 23, 21, 17. and 8. I coming here with the last two.
Me: Why did you choose Worcester?
Boricua: I can go anywhere with the Section 8. Anywhere I want. No problem. You shool get it. It's good.
Me: Oh no. I can't get it. I don't have kids and I work full-time.
Boricua: (adamantly) So! My friend make $25 an hour and she get the section 8. You shool apply.
Me: I don't need it though.
Boricua: Why not? You can get expensive place and no pay a lot. Call. They hab two place. One on Madison Ave and one on Belmont Street.
Me: (passively) Sure. I'll call on Tuesday.
Boricua: (excited) Yeh! If you not working they don't make you pay.
Me: I work, though. I work full-time.
Boricua: (pulling out a sheet of paper) I no work. Look how much they pay.

Not only was Boricua getting $1139 to pay for rent, she was also receiving an additional $72 to pay for utilities. The kicker was her expected contribution. She didn't have to pay anything.