Disclaimer: I do not own Community. If I did, there'd be a 100% increase in Annie/Abed kisses.

A/N: The response to my last A/A fic was so incredible, I had to write another. I hope you like it :)

Chapter One: Job Hunt

Last week had been an all-time low for Annie. She couldn't believe she let Pierce corrupt her like that! After promising herself she wasn't going to take money from Mom and Dad anymore, what did she do? Turn around and find a gross old sugar daddy. At least all Pierce wanted was better lines in a play, rather than something more nefarious, but still... she felt like she needed a shower anyway. What hurt most of all was the way her friends had looked at her when she found out. Even Abed had glared at her!

The play had been super important to her. Looking out into the audience's faces, she had seen herself in them, and it made her want to cry. All those young kids were exactly where she had been and she could imagine all the pressure they were under. She itched to reach out and hug them, followed by a stern warning that drugs were NOT the answer.

Unfortunately, she had thrown all those ideals away when Pierce walked in the door to her apartment. Somehow, her home hadn't' seemed that bad when it was a secret. She could ignore how dangerous the neighborhood was, and the seedy characters who lived all around her. It wasn't perfect, but it was all she could afford. If she squinted, it almost felt 'hip'. She could pretend she was in a novel about a cool young woman who played guitar on the street for tips, or something.

As soon as Pierce found out where she lived, the reality of it all came crashing down on her. She lived in a horrible apartment, above an obnoxious marital-aid store, in the worst part of town. Suddenly, her place didn't seem noble or cool or independent- it seemed sad, lonely, and frightening. Looking into Pierce's judgemental face, she couldn't stand one more minute of collecting cans or digging for change. She wanted a clean, safe place to live! Was that so much to ask for?

She had told herself at the time that taking some money from Pierce was just going to be a one-time thing, something to kick start the new stage in her life. She should have known, however, that it would turn into something much more. Of course he would ruin her play, and poison the minds of all the children!

Her friends had given up on her once they learned the truth, and Annie had truly never felt so low. Unexpectedly, Chang saved the day. In a weird way, he was perfect. His characterization of drugs fit exactly with how Annie had felt at the end of her own addiction- what one had been a good friend quickly turned into a monster that ruined her life.

In the end, her friends had forgiven her, although the betrayed looks they had worn would stay with her for a long time. She had resolved to never let them down again.

This time, Annie was going to be independent. She was going to do things herself, like a smart, capable, independent woman! Wasn't that what all the men in her life kept telling her- that she was a kid? No more acting like a child, running to mommy for a check. If she wanted to be seen as a grown-up, she had to start acting like one. The first thing she needed was a job.

Unfortunately, all her academic focus in high school never left her much time to build up a resume. With no employment history and only a half-completed community college degree, Annie wasn't exactly the most qualified candidate on the job market.

Frowning, Annie realized that wasn't totally true- there was all her volunteer work! Surely the summer spent digging through trash had to count for something. She decided to call Rich, and ask if she could use him for a reference on her short resume.
Settling into her only chair, she dialed his number into her thankfully still working phone, and smiled at the sound of his voice.

"Annie Edison! What a nice surprise," Rich's smooth and peppy voice came over the speaker. It was easy to remember her crush on him all that time ago. Rich was so nice, a girl couldn't help but love him.

"Hi Rich, how are you?" Annie asked. They caught up for a few minutes, as Rich filled her in with stories from the hospital. He was such a good guy, it was unbelievable.

"Well, what about you?" he asked, as her laughter died down.

Biting her lip, Annie debated. She hated asking favors from people- she preferred to be the one helping. But, she really needed some prospects. Gathering up her courage, she prepared to explain.

"I started looking for jobs recently, and I'm wondering, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I add you as a professional contact on my resume? I realize we weren't technically co-workers, but it'd really help me out." Stopping herself from babbling too much, Annie waited for his response.

"Gosh, Annie! That's really incredible of you. All your school work and activities, and you're adding a job to that? You really are a special kid."

Annie's cheeks flushed at the compliment, and brushed aside the "kid" comment. As much as she hated it, she was starting to get used to the men in her life seeing her that way. Jeff had been the first to tell her she was too young, and Rich the second. Even tiny-nippled Vaughn had been reluctant to go past second base, saying he felt like a cradle-robber.

"I really wish I could help you out," Rich said, and his pause was much too long for her liking. Would he really refuse to be her reference? Her heart pounded that he would reject this small request.

"I'll tell you what... go ahead and use my name on anything you want, but I'd like to do something more. My brother Harry's business goes through a temp agency when they're hiring. I bet he'd have something available soon, and he'd appreciate not having to pay the middle-man."

"Really?" Annie's spirits soared. Rich had a brother? Who had a business? It was more than she had hoped for. Absently, she wondered if he was just as cute, too. "That would be amazing. I really appreciate it. Is he in the medical industry too?"

"No, it's more promotional and entertainment. Advertising and such. Now, Annie, it's not a long-term thing, it's more like a one-time basis for big events. But I suppose if he likes you- and I don't know why he wouldn't- he could hire you again for the next one."

"That sounds great!" And even if it's a one-time thing, she silently added, at least it'll give me something to put under work experience.

"I'll give him your number, and tell him to call you."

"Thanks Rich!" Annie was smiling so big, her cheeks hurt. She was glad Rich couldn't see what an idiot she looked like right now.

"Okay, well that's the end of my break! Back to work, those kiddos aren't going to heal themselves!"

"Bye, Rich."

Jumping up out of her chair, Annie decided she'd better edit her resume to show her advertising experience. Did running for student council count? That was sort of the same...

Annie spent the rest of the afternoon imagining herself on Madison Avenue, coming up with pitches. Things were looking pretty good.

xAxAxAxAxAx

A/N: Let me know what you think! I have an outline of how this story goes, but if there's a detail or something you want to see added, leave it in the reviews & I'll see if I can include it.