ANOTHER KIND OF DIAMOND

by Gloria Obizu

  My name is Carissa! Carissa Stevens! She said in a pleasant disposition. I’m here to see my Aunt.

  What is her name?

  Surprised at the question, Carissa did not show it. Monica Holyfield she replied, trying to sound as normal as she could.

  The woman seemed to think over that for a moment and that agitated Carissa but she still kept her cool and decided to give the matter a little more polish.

  Monica is my mom’s older sister, I lived in this house with her for many years before I moved on and we lost contact. Is she home? I really wanna see her right away.

  Oh! Oh! I remember now, the woman said. Monica Holyfield! I remember her name ‘cause some of her mails still get dumped here.

  That’s my Aunt!

  Ok! She no longer lives here. We bought this house some six months back.

  Carissa stood still, confounded, confused, what is really going on? She uttered and she continued to gaze at the woman who was also staring back at her from a house she still hoped held the answer to her quest. And when she finally found the words they sounded something like this, you are kidding me, right?

  Kidding you about what honey? the woman responded.

  What you just said about my Aunt.

  I’m telling you the truth sweet heart. She is gone and this house now belongs to us just like I told you. See, I’m a little busy with chores, so if you don’t mind I’ll be living to go continue with what I’m doing, okay? She concluded and gestured to close the door.

  One more thing mam!

  Ehen! I’ll be pleased to help you in any way that I can.

  Did she by any chance leave any contact information with you guys? Carissa asked.

  None that I’m aware of!

  In eyes filled with tears she could hold back until she left the sight of the woman behind the door, she turned around and started making her way to the bus stop. But at a point, she just couldn’t hold on any longer so she let go and her tears pored so much that she took to a corner of the street to let her emotion run full course. Finally calm, she continued. As she walked now, the bus stop seemed further than it was earlier but with laborious efforts, she finally made it. The bus came quickly too and so began the home bound journey.

  A fruitless effort to New Port Beach and now taking her back home she thought as she progressed through the journey. But whatever happens, she has to start seeking alternative means out of the difficult situation she faced. So, sited inside the bus, oblivious of the presence of other commuters, she buried her head like an ostrich while she worked on her problems secretly. It took her so many considerations to reach the conclusion that the key to all the doors shut at her face right now and living her out in the cold lies in the hands of sweet Tasha.

  Tasha’s phone rang as soon as Carissa got into her apartment and because she was expecting the call, they got talking pretty fast. Another woeful story was on her lips and Tasha listened so patiently like the true friend she has always been. Tomorrow I also hope to know my faith at work with Mrs. Gupter. I didn’t wanna talk to you about it earlier but the lady already told me she will let me know my future in her store on Monday. As you can see, things are pretty much bad for me at the moment. It happened last Friday when the Police called me at work and I hid in the restroom to talk with them hoping nobody finds out but I don’t think my antics worked.

  Why? Tasha asked.

  You know, from the way Mrs. Gupter started reacting towards me soon after, I knew something wasn’t right. I could sense it! And when she came to the store the next day, the whole thing was all over her. I mean, I could tell she wasn’t feeling comfortable with my presence in her store all through the day and I didn’t need to look that far to know why.

  May be something else was bordering her Carissa!

  No! The answer is simple, someone was ear dropping on me while I was talking to the Police and I know who that person was.

  Who could have done a thing like that?

  Fatima! She did it ‘cause she doesn’t like me! She always wants to pick up issues with me but I’ve been trying so hard to avoid her shit. And you know something else? I was dead right about that ‘cause it wasn’t long before Hela called me into her office to let me know she knows what has been going on. “Carissa I know you’ve been dealing a whole lot with the Police and I don’t like that. It is not good for my business because of the distractions. Again it is to my knowledge now that you were in a relationship with the guy that got killed at your roommate’s birthday party and you hid that from me because there are things you know but don’t want to disclose. I think there is more to this whole mess than meets the ordinary eyes and before long everything will come out to the open. We wait and see”. Those were her exact words. Can you imagine that? And soon after she said what she wanted to say, I was sitting behind the counter hoping for another customer and wondering how Mrs. Gupter found out I’ve been talking with the Police and all that when Fatima who rarely speaks to me decided to confirm she’s been quite busy with our boss. Suddenly, she came and sat beside me and started whispering something but I pretended I didn’t notice her like I always do whenever she does nasty stuffs like that but she continued talking anyways. And she is like, “do you know that this whole place is fitted with burgs? You can’t hide and run your mouth anywhere around here thinking no one is listening, okay? How is it playing out with the Police and all that mess of a drama you got yourself into, eh?”

  Tasha! You know the way I’ll be acting sometimes! Carissa continued. I was so pissed with her that I wanted to whip her damned big ass flat but the fact that the whole thing was playing out inside the store made me let her get away with it. You know what I did? I kind of struggled to keep me from losing my cool, stood up from my chair and walked away. She is nothing but a fat miserable butt licker. She does everything Mrs. Gupter says like she is got no mind of her own.

  Carissa, listen to me! Tasha said. You’ve got to calm down, okay? Chill babe! Remember I know how to take care of business so don’t worry! Everything will be a thing of the past in a short time and you’ll be smiling again like the happy girl I’ve always known. I’m already making arrangements for you to hook up with two of the girls I work with in the Brothel, okay? There are girls there looking for someone to share apartment with but I’m settling for two of the good ones I know very well, Rita and Cindy. They are the sweetest of all the girls and I’m sure you’ll notice as soon as you get to meet them. Both are experienced on the job and their income is quite stable so when I heard they were looking for apartment, I contacted them to see if they are interested in a three bed room thing with an equally very sweet girl. Fortunately, they said yes. Is like what I ‘m doing here with my roommates ‘cause we are three girls in my apartment. Is easier that way since you kind of support each other and the rent paid without much hassle.

  Tasha! Thank you! I know I can always depend on you. The way I’m right now I’m open to anything that works. I’m hoping the three of us will like ourselves when we meet and that we find a place soon, otherwise I’m sunk. Babe I’ve got nowhere to go and I can’t handle my rent alone, you know that! So I need the fast track.

  Trust me! You will get to meet with the girls soon. Don’t worry! Everything will be fine! Wait to know what the madam has in stock for you tomorrow and call me, okay?

  That Monday morning, Carissa woke up unusually early because she needed the extra time to put up the best appearance she could. You know something of good impression for her boss and everyone in the store for that matter. Breakfast was also a little bit heavier because as she had it thought out, she would need a lot of energy to carry through whatever it was that lay ahead. She made it to work early too and took extra care to arrange and organize and made sure things were placed exactly how they should in a very neat and orderly manner.

  Hela Gupter never arrives early to work and today was not different.
So Carissa remained in anticipation for a long time. Actually it wasn’t until after lunch that Madam finally came in and Carissa waited anxiously for her summon. Minutes later, Fatima walked up to her and said in a demeaning manna; “Madam wants to talk to you Carissa” And in a mixture of relief and anxiety, she stepped into a small office room to face Mrs. Gupter.

  Carissa, take a seat! Hela said pointing at a seat in front of her. She sat down looking Hela straight in the eyes.

  I finally reached a decision on your case, she announced in a flat affect. Considering all that is going on around you at the moment, I believe you need a lot of sorting out to do so I’ve got to let you go. Take this; she said handing her an envelope, it’s the wage we owe you and I wish you luck in your future life.

  Carissa snatched the envelop out of Gupter’s hand, got up without saying a word, went, took all her stuff and left the store. She was even surprised she was able to take the matter as calmly as handled it at the moment. She felt nothing but an energy surge and the zeal to get out and face the world afresh, square up with her future and win because it was resilience rather than resignation she grasped on her way to hitting the ground. Actually as she walked out of a kind of hole the store suddenly became, everything seemed new on the outside. The day appeared even brighter than she had known it in a long time and guided by its shine she travelled with confidence until she got home. Considering her feeling at the moment, she thought it would not be wise to go into any further brooding and spoil a nice day. Her spirit was much lighter and she hoped to sleep through that lightness into an even brighter tomorrow. Tasha was not spoken to, nobody was contacted. It was Carissa versus Carissa until the break of another day.

  The next day, she took her time before she got out of bed. After breakfast, she played some of her favorite tones and danced a lone step. Oh yes! It is Carissa again; she could feel it like some kind of a rebirth came upon her. As it occurred to her, when you realize the true measure of your faith and square up with it, you begin to live again. And with this affirmation her spirit remained elevated for much of the day as she went about doing all the things she normally does until 3pm when she finally dialed up Tasha to tell her the result of her encounter with Gupter.

  Like dancing along with Calais’s heart, her friend made no fuss about the job lost. So when are you stepping into your new shoes? Tasha simply asked.

  Whenever you want me to come and meet with you girls I’ll be there.

  Give me some time to talk to them and make arrangements so it shall be at my place this coming Friday, at about this time. You know how we all work night and will come home to catch some sleep before we get ready and leave for the night again.

  It’s ok! I’ll see you on Friday.

  The urgency in her need made this particular Friday the 10th real special with the evidence shown in the way she had it mapped out on her calendar in a bright red and the diligence with which she crossed out any other day preceding it. And as the day drew closer she prepared her case.

  Tasha too had that date specifically colored on her own calendar too. She already informed the two girls about the getting together and both of them were as prepared and as enthusiastic as Carissa. When that Friday came, Tasha, Rita and Cindy waited for Carissa’s arrival at Tasha’s place.

  In an elated spirit, Carissa hurried as much as she could on her way to Tasha’s place. Eventually she made it right on time. Tasha went out to meet her at the gate and both girls came into the house together.

  It was the lot of Tasha to introduce the girls and what brought everyone together. Cindy spoke after.

  Is like she is kind of cool! We’ll share with her! She said to Carissa’s relief. A nice three bedroom apartment will just be fine. Rita what do you think?

  Cool kind of! I’ll go for it!

  When do we start looking? Tasha asked.

  Anytime is ok by me, Cindy continued.

  But not ok for Carissa. She will have to vacate her apartment at the end of this month and that will be in two weeks. So I suggest we start now.

  There is this apartment somewhere in Carson somebody talked to me about but because I wasn’t interested in a three bedroom thing then I didn’t pursue the matter but I guess we need it now. I heard it is a nice apartment, Rita said.

  Let’s check it out tomorrow, Tasha added.

  No Cindy said. I have to take care of some business. We could go early next week.

  What about Monday? Carissa asked.

  Yeah! That will work! Cindy continued.

  For me too! Rita added.

  Then I take it that we have all agreed to go look up this apartment on Monday, right? That was Tasha asking the question.

  All the girls gave their approval and that part of business sealed. Carissa had some other issues in mind and once Tasha finished talking, the inner workings of her mind began playing out. You girls look so expensive to say the list she began. I tell you what? I’ve to voice it out ‘cause I just couldn’t hold back longer. Where do you girls shop?

  Bulganini! Cindy responded with a smile.

  Here in LA?

  Yeah! It is some Italian shop on Wilshire Blvd, Tasha added.

  Unbelievable! I’ve never seen anything like these in any store here in LA. I actually thought maybe you guys got these from France or some other country, Carissa continued.

  We get all our stuff right here in LA. But with LA, you just got to have the money and know where to shop, Cindy said.

  Did you get your nails and hair done there too? Carissa continued to probe.

  Oh no! That was fixed by Dante, Rita said

  Sounds kind of foreign too and expensive, ha? Carissa continued. And do you guys smell great! Wow! And what is the cologne called if I may ask again?

  Joy! Cindy said smiling.

  Joy? Never had there is any cologne with that kind of a name tag but I think is the right kind of sent to describe you babes. I’m also sure the blue Infinity coupe parked outside belongs to someone in this room, Carissa continued.

  That’s Cindy’s car. Tasha informed her.

  Unbelievable! Girls! Where has Carissa been all this time, in a cave with Isabel? In a hole locked up with the damned Hela Gupter? Laughter from the other girls followed.

  No! This is not funny at all Carissa continued. What have I been doing with myself? She stood up, walked to the center of the floor and beckoned on the other girls; Look at me! I mean, take a very good look at me from head to toe and what do you see? The girls continued to giggle. Do I look anything like you girls?! And doesn’t that explain where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing with myself? I’m nothing but a wretched babe! Oh yes! I’ve simply worked my ass off for someone who puts very little cash in my pocket you know and still have all the privileges in this world, including tongue lashing me whenever she feels like. It’s crazy! Anyways I’m already making a whole lot of sense of everything that happened to me now. You know, that thing about silver lining in every dark cloud is already working for me. Get what I’m saying? Where do you girls get all the money that buy these good stuff? The three girls kind of laughed out real loud.

  We are all into the same kind of thing, Tasha said. I talked to you about that already. We work Crakon Brothel and also do the strip thing at night clubs sometimes.

  Yeah! Striping is our weekend special! Rita added.

  Baby that’s what we do! And I tell you something else; the money comes in fast if you are ready to do what it takes. You probably wanna join, Cindy continued. And then watch and see how all your money worries shall melt away like ice under the sun light right before your eyes.

  I don’t know! I don’t think I’m cut out for that kind of thing, Carissa said

  For real! That was Tasha’s reaction.

  Yeah! I’m out of job right now and tumbling down hill but I’ll find something else pretty
soon. A babysitting job, another sales job or something else, I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll be ok. I love all the stuff I’ve seen on you guys and all that but I don’t think I can do what it takes.

  Baby people use what they have to do what they can to make money and survive. Tasha continued.

  But I don’t have what it takes, looks! Carissa said.

  Don’t be ridiculous! Cindy cut in. Look at you! You’re pretty. Who is been brain washing you, eh? Baby everyone is beautiful in their own way! Listen, I could have become a babysitter, or a sales girl. Better still I could have become a medical doctor, an attorney, or something else but all that just didn’t happen for me, okay? So I got involved in this because I like the quick cash, lots and lots of it and I get to enjoy good things money buy. I got tired of reacting like you did when you came in here each time I see girls in fancy clothes and decided to do something to pull myself away from lack and square up. Baby, let’s face it, a girl needs to look great all the time and you can’t make the money it takes as a baby sitter or a cheap sales girl in some store. See, I like to afford what I want when I want it, so when I found the easy way to fast bucks , I joined and to be honest to you, I enjoy what I’m doing and owe no one apologies.

  I love what I do too and I’ve got no regrets, get what I’m saying? I get to meet people, have fun and still make lots of money. Isn’t that great? I truly like the fun part, seriously! And I’m having a time of my life for sure. I don’t see any other job out there that is this fun and brings in lots of cash at the same time. It’s terrific and I love it! Rita added.

  Personally I don’t approve one hundred percent but I’ve to do it anyways because I have nothing else to turn to. I would have loved to do some other things but because I’m all by myself I thought I’ve been through a lot already and have to help myself any way I can. I’m very good with my hands and used to do some paintings on my own but I couldn’t develop that without help, no way! I’m good in the kitchen and could have even done so well making delicious dishes for folks. I could have become some kind of a fashion designer or even a writer because I’m very imaginative. There was a time I tried going back to school but I couldn’t get past a month ‘cause rent had to be paid and stuff, so I got busy wishing all the schools had hostel where students pay little or even nothing for rent rather than doing my studies. Eventually it occurred to me that there is no way I’ could make it through college with high school fees and all that so I gave up all together. That was Tasha’s contribution.