| "Do not go gentle into that good night, |
| Old age should burn and rave at the close of day; |
| Rage, rage against the dying of the light. |
| And you, my father, there on the sad height, |
| Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. |
| Do not go gentle into that good night. |
| Rage, rage against the dying of the light." |
I love those lines - I only wish I had written them. I guess my parents knew what they were
doing by naming me Tempest Rage Rivers. It fits me - At least that's what they told me
before they died.
The next day...
"Hi Jennifer."
"What's the matter Tempest? You look like you didn't get much sleep last night."
"I'm fine. I just have a few things on my mind."
"You wanna talk about it?"
"I don't want to depress anyone. Believe me, it's not fun."
"It might help you to talk about it. I'm a good listener."
"Ok, fine. A couple of years ago, I got mixed up with this real ass - Chaise. He seemed like a really
great guy at first. We had so much in common - he was a real artist - he painted, sculpted, wrote
poetry. He influenced my life and my thoughts, but I was so young - I didn't know who this guy
really was or what he was like. All I knew was that I was totally devoted to him, and I thought he
was to me - that is, until one day I got to his house and found him drunk. He beat the hell out
of me. I looked like I had been dropped off of a mountain when he was through. He had
never been violent with me before, and I figured he was just drunk and would probably never hurt
me again. After everything we had been through together, I just forgave him. That was my big
mistake. It became a regular thing after that and I was afraid to leave. I thought he would kill
me. The last time it happened, he broke my arm by throwing me down his steps. He immediately
apologized, and even took me to the hospital. He left me there alone because he was afraid I
would tell the doctor the truth about what had happened to me. He wrecked on his way back to the
house and was killed. I guess I'm just lucky he wrecked after he dropped me off. Since
then, I haven't trusted men and I feel a little embarrassed about myself. I can't believe I let
some guy put me through that. I just don't want anything to do with them for awhile."
"I can't say I blame you. That is such an awful story. Where were your parents? Wasn't
anyone suspicious about your bruises or your broken arm?"
"My parents are dead. I've always been a loner - especially while Chaise and I were
together. We did everything together - he got mad if I went somewhere with friends anyway.
I guess it's just been on my mind a lot lately and I haven't been getting much sleep. It has been
a good source for writing ideas, however."
"If you ever need to talk about it, let me know. I'm a good listener and my own life hasn't
exactly been a fairy tale. Can I tell you a little story about me?"
"Sure. I definitely will not repeat anything and I'm the least judgmental person in the world."
"Well, I've been trying to find some way to make some extra money. My savings is nearly gone
and yesterday, my car died. It's going to cost more than I have to fix it. I just started a new
job and my boss, Ray, says I can't have a raise or get an advance. Anyway,
after taking my car to the shop, I met this woman who gave me a phone number to call if I wanted
to find a way to make some extra money quick. I was a little wary, but I had no other option.
I am going to audition this afternoon."
"For what?"
"Exotic dancer. It pays really well and I am desperate. What do you think?"
"I told you. I don't judge people or their actions. Everyone has their own reasonings in
life - you just need to be careful. It might even end up being a great experience for you, at least
that's how I look at it."
"Would you go with me to my audition? I feel like I know you really well now and I would
appreciate a nonjudgmental friend with me."
"Sure."
That night...
Jennifer was offered the job at the club after dancing provocatively in a Catholic school girl's
uniform. I met her new boss, a very sleazy character to say the least, and
another good example of why I should continue to distrust men. But, Jennifer is happy with the
money and she has decided to not worry about the actual work - as long as she does not have to
tell anyone what she does.
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