Here is a story about how a child was in shock to see my face - my skin looking like melted wax with craters as deep as the moon.
In the thick of my stripping career – the ripe age of 24 – I was on the receiving end of a verbal punch so powerful, I still hear this little boy’s words like it was yesterday.
A visit to the neighborhood frozen yogurt stand next to the shopping mall gave me an excuse to rest my tired feet. Sitting in the corner, looking out the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, I began to zone out while enjoying every spoonful of my vanilla-chocolate swirly loveliness.
A little bell attached to the door rang and my focus shifted to the woman entering the shop. She was fresh-faced but tired, holding hands with (what I assumed was) her son. He was an adorable little boy, about nine years of age. The woman and I made eye-contact and realized we knew one another from the club.
“Oh hey!” I put my spoon down and stood up to give her a hug.
“Oh hi there!” She let out a sigh, blowing her bangs up with her bottom lip.
“Just come from shopping?”
“Yes and ready for a nap after our treat.” She leaned in to the little boy in confirmation. “Oh, this is my son Jason…”
“Hi there” I extended my hand.
“Mommy, why does she have a thousand holes in her face?”
“Jas!”
My heart stopped beating for a second.
“I’m so sorry…”
“It’s okay. I’ll see you later - nice meeting you.” I stood up and walked out, smiling in embarrassment.
It took a couple minutes to get to my car but I held the tears until I was safe inside. I sat in my four-doored security chamber and cried until the tears wouldn’t come.
Needless to say, the show did not go on, as scheduled. I did not show up for work the rest of the week.
Not to end on a downer, I must say I adore children.
They bring light to a room and, as I am sure we all have a story, honest questions!
