Actually, you should go thru your chain of command and cc the Human Resources lady. You should advise your boss that you are being put on the spot about returning to OH for mediation/hearings and that you are very much aware of the position that you are in at this time.
You do not need to share w/them about your bills and how late you are in paying them.
Yes, your fellow co-workers do want to see you succeed. As for the comments by the publisher, he doesn't sugar coat what is on his mind and that's why you need to find a way to put y our personal baggage to the side when you are on the job.
Now, I know you don't want to do this, but you need to contact your mother and see if she'll help you out w/bringing your payments up to date. You are going to lose the car if you are three months in owing on it. The late interest charges are eating your pay check up.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.