by Shawn James
“I didn’t get a lot of callbacks, but I did keep my integrity.”
“Unfortunately, integrity is one of the things that will keep you in poverty.”
“Still, I knew that even if I never worked at a studio again God would make a way for me.”
“I’m just afraid if I keep doing jobs like this I may wind up with no career-”
“So? You go where God needs you to be.”
“You know my sister said something like that to me-”
“Well, it’s true-”
“I don’t know. I think I lost an adjunct job at Columbia thanks to my MMA match-”
“Maybe that’s not where God needs you to be right now.”
“And you think you’re where God wants you to be posing nude in an art studio?”
“I think so.” I continue. “It may not be the greatest job in the world, but the way I look at it I’m having an impact on all those around me.”
“Inspiring them to draw great pieces of art. You know Brody asked about you.”
That’s so sweet. “He did?”
“Yeah. He was kind of upset he had to draw me instead of you-”
“A lot of the students actually look for me and quite a few of the Professors request for me for certain sessions.”
“Seems like wherever you go you’re a star to people.”
“I’d like to think I’m more of a light these days.”
I look across the bar and Sara catches my eyes. “Marilyn?” Sara calls out. “Your juices are ready.”
Chapter 11
On hearing our order is up, Marilyn and I jump out of our seats and head over to the counter. After she pays for our drinks, we head out of the store down Fifth Avenue to the train station. All my life I thought the girl who played Nikki Desmond was just like the rich spoiled character she played on TV. I had no idea she was so friendly and down to earth in real life.
As I sip on my juice I digest what we discussed a few minutes ago. Talking to her has really helped me put things in perspective. Maybe I am chasing this teaching thing a bit too ambitiously. Trying to go back to where I was instead of going where God needs me to be right now.
Marilyn catches my eyes and smiles at me. “I really want to thank you for stepping in for me in the studio.” Marilyn says.
“I’m glad I could help you guys out.” I reply.
“We lose so many models throughout the year.” Marilyn continues. “And it really keeps us from being able to have the variety of body types we need to show the kids how to draw proper anatomy.”
I had no idea it was that serious. “So a lot of the models get stage fright?”
“They come for the money, but when it’s time for them to go out there and stand naked before all those students, they cash out.”
“I guess that leaves the professors in an awkward spot when they flash that green light.”
“They understand most people are very body conscious and being naked in a roomful of people is just too much for them.”
“Seems like you’re very comfortable in your own skin.”
“I just got over my body issues a year ago.”
“I thought you’d be comfortable with your body after doing nude scenes in a movie-”
“Dude, working on Dark Ride gave me so many hang-ups about my body I was afraid to go out on my balcony in a tank top.”
Wow. I had no idea Hollywood was that crazy. “What made you feel so uncomfortable?”
“The constant criticism from directors, producers, and even my co-stars.” Marilyn continues. “Everyone kept telling me there was something wrong with my body. My breasts were too small. My breasts were too big. My butt was too big. I had too many stretch marks. I needed to lose five pounds. I needed to lose ten pounds. My labia were too puffy.”
Man that sounds nuts. “Labia? They criticized your labia? How do they even see those on camera?”
“I know.” Marilyn snickers. “If I didn’t keep telling myself that God loved me and He made me perfect, I would have lost my mind.”
And I thought I had hang ups about being too skinny. It’s a miracle she doesn’t have an eating disorder after dealing with all that insanity. “Thank God you were able to get through all that.”
“I do. If it weren’t for my relationship with Him I’d probably be as messed up as Tabatha.”
We approach the 14th Street train station at Broadway and Marilyn smiles when I start trekking down the stairs with her. Looks like we’re going to be able to continue our conversation on the train.
“This is your train too?” She asks.
“Yep.”
“We definitely have to ride home together.”
Marilyn and I hurry down the stairs, get our MetroCards out of our bags and swipe them through the turnstile. While we wait for the 3 train on the crowded platform I find out why she wears black from head to toe. With a lean body like hers, she doesn’t need to make herself look any slimmer.
“Are your body issues why you wear all black?”
Marilyn flashes a smile at me. “Nah, I dress like this to let everyone know I’m not a character anymore.”
“I’d have to say this all black look kind of makes you look like a character-”
“My old curly natural hairdo and designer clothes were often a dead giveaway to most people I played Nikki Desmond. But with these clothes and this straight hair they see me.”
I don’t know. That mischievous smile she does with her eyes is what gave her away to me. “But I recognized you from the show-”
“But you saw me after we talked.”
“Of course I saw you, you were standing right there-”
“That’s what I mean. You saw me. Some people used to get so wrapped up in the show they thought were having conversations with Nikki, not Marilyn.”
I guess it’s a perception thing. We hear a rumble coming out of the tunnel. In a few moments the silver 3 train bolts into the station. After the doors open and all the passengers get off, we beat the crowds filing in and manage to get seats in the middle of the car. Marilyn puts her bag in her lap and takes out her cell phone; I get my iPhone out of my front pocket. I definitely have to stay in touch with her.
“What’s your e-mail?” Marilyn asks handing me her phone.
“Oh, I was as gonna ask you for yours.” I say.
As the train pulls out of the station, we swap phones and text our e-mails and phone numbers into our address books. When I hand her phone back to her, Marilyn smiles as she reads it on the screen.
“I’ll text you tonight.” I tell Marilyn.
Chapter 12
The 3 train pulls into the 135th Street station. I slide up out of my seat and approach the doors. When it comes to a stop, Isis hops out of her seat and follows behind me. I know she wants to go above and beyond in looking out for me, but I think I can make it home all by myself.
“Er…You don’t have to walk me home.” I tell her.
“Er…This is my stop too.” Isis says smiling at me as the train doors open.
No way. “Don’t tell me you live on 135th Street too?” I reply as we get off the train.
“I live in the Lenox Terrace.”
“That’s my building!” Well Building 25.”
“I live in 45.”
“I guess you can walk me home then.”
“Cool.”
We rush through the turnstile and warm summer air from the hazy evening sun hits us in the face as we rush up the stairs. The Harlem neighborhood is alive with people on the street as we make our way down the sidewalk towards the pathway that leads into the Lenox Terrace Complex. When we approach my building, I get an idea that will make me feel more secure until the police catch that maniac.
“Y’know I would feel a bit safer with a MMA fighter escorting me to school in the mornings and riding back with me afterschool…”
Isis gives me a look. “Er…My bodyguard services don’t come cheap.”
&
nbsp; “Don’t worry, I can pay you.”
“Er...You work two jobs.”
While they do pay my bills, I do have some money saved up for a rainy day. “Hey, the residuals I started getting from the new All About Nikki DVDs last year can cover a bodyguard’s salary for a few days.”
“I think I’ll waive the fee. It’s not right to charge a friend.”
“Are you sure? I’d like to think your time is valuable-”
“AFC War of the Gods was a six-figure payday for me. And when that runs out, I’ve got a nice little trust fund from my Great Aunt that pays my rent every month.”
No wonder she can afford Italian designer jeans. Since she’s not hurting for money, I’ll take her offer of free security.
We approach my building and Jacob the doorman lets us in the building and greets me with a smile as Isis reaches into her messenger bag. “Good Afternoon Ms. Marie. How are you?”
“I’m great Jacob.”
Isis hands Jacob her phone. “Could you get a picture of me and Marilyn?” She requests.
“Picture?”
“It’s not every day I meet a celebrity.” Isis says. “I want a reminder of it.”
Not a problem. We stand over by the palm tree in the lobby and put our arms across each others’ shoulders like best friends while Jacob positions Isis’ cell phone. I put on my brightest TV Star smile as he takes the picture.
A giddy Isis hurries over to Jacob to get her cell phone and thanks him. She smiles eagerly when she sees the picture and rushes back over to me to show me the results. I definitely have to get a copy of it for my Facebook wall.
“Wow you look so cute!” I say.
“You’re quite the stunner yourself.” Isis replies.
“Can I get a copy?”
“I’ll send you one tonight.”
Chapter 13
I wave goodbye to Marilyn as I hurry out of her building and down the walkway to my own. Man, I had a great day today. I can’t wait to get back to the next school campus tomorrow and get back to work with her.
The doorman for my building Mike, opens the door for me as I approach my building. After I greet him, I look over at the chairs in the lobby and find Doc sitting there waiting for me. She’s eager to hear about my first day back at school, I’m looking forward to telling her about it.
“Hey Princess, how’d it go in the art studio?” Edna asks.
“I kind of enjoyed it Doc.” I reply. “Once I got into it, it was like spending an afternoon on the Island of Solitude.”
“I knew you’d get into it.”
“I’m getting into the mystery regarding Marilyn’s stalker.” I say as we get on the elevator.
“You’ve got some leads?”
“A longshot. I’ll show it to you when I get upstairs.”
After a quick ride up to the third floor, we approach the front door of Apartment #3C. Once I unlock the door and let us into my apartment, I open up my bag and show Doc my clue.
“The stalker struck again while I was posing.” I say handing her the note.
Edna scowls on seeing the grisly picture above the message. “They got in the studio?”
“Somehow they got in the dressing room and put this note in there. I’m still trying to figure out how they got in a room from a door that locks from the inside.”
“You think they teleported?”
“I doubt that we’re dealing with a god here Doc.” I continue. “But I do believe we’re dealing with someone on campus. I’m gonna see if they’re using the computer lab to print their messages tomorrow when I go to get a hard copy of this picture.”
I pull my iPhone out of my pocket and show her my picture of Marilyn and I. Edna smiles on seeing us together. “You and Marilyn seem to have become fast friends.”
“You tend to bond during a crisis.”
“That’s how we got close all those years ago during Jim Crow.”
“Thanks for the kick in the kilt this afternoon.”
“You’re welcome.” Edna says. “At least getting out of the house has gotten you out of that sour mood you were in.”
“I’m starting to realize I might be going in the wrong direction.” I continue. “Maybe God might not want me to be a teacher this time.”
“The world has changed a lot over the last forty years since you last were last involved in it-”
And maybe my approach needs to change with it. Things are so different from when I left here in the early 1970s that I can’t pick up where I left off like I did when I first came back as Andrea Thomas Robinson in 1900. Like it or not the Daughter of Knowledge is going to have to take some time to learn something about the people she’s going to serve in the 21st Century.
“And I had no idea how out of touch I was. I was so busy trying to teach that I forgot I have to learn from the people I serve what they need.”
“I figured this job would light the spark back in you.”
“E’steem says we go where we’re needed. Maybe I need to be in the art studio learning from the students instead of trying to teach them something they don’t understand.”
“Looks like you’re starting to get back in touch with the people.”
“I’m forming a connection with them.”
“I think that connection may be the key to you catching this nutcase.”
I think so too. “I’m gonna have to think like the students if I’m going to catch one of them.”
Edna notices the time on my cell phone. “Well, I better let you get back to work. You probably have a long evening ahead of you.”
“My evening is pretty much open Doc.”
“Er…now that you’re in school don’t you think you have homework?”
Come to think of it, I do. I wanted to see if there was video of Marilyn’s encounter with Tabatha on YouTube along with her movie Dark Ride. “I guess I need to do some more background research on Marilyn.”
“Now you’re thinking like a detective.” Edna says.
Doc pats me on the back and smiles at me before opening the door and letting herself out. After I lock up, I hurry down the hall into the bedroom to start doing my homework.
Chapter 14
The clock at the top of the screen of my Macbook Pro reads 11:30 when the credits for Dark Ride Roll on YouTube. If I’m back in school, I better turn in. I need to be well-rested if I’m going to be in class tomorrow.
I’m hoping sleep will wash away the memory of Dark Ride from my mind. Ugh, that was the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. No wonder Marilyn hates it so much. The entire movie was like watching a pornographic episode of All About Nikki set in one of the haunted houses the kids Scooby Doo used to visit. I had no idea you could pack so much nudity, profanity, and sex into a movie over the course of 90 minutes and still come up with an R rating.
I thought watching Marilyn’s movie would wash away the images of Tabatha’s attack from my mind. God, that was one of the sickest displays of violence I’ve seen since the Klan lynched my husband and murdered my son. Marilyn has to have the love of God in her to forgive Tabatha for what she did to her and for the cruel way those Hollywood executives treated her afterward. If anyone deserves my help it’s her. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure this monster doesn’t lay a hand on her.
I’m about to shut the laptop down and fall into my pillow when I notice a number above the mail Icon. May as well see who sent me a message before I go to bed. I click the link and smile on getting Marilyn’s reply.
From [email protected]
To: [email protected]
RE: Picture of us in the Lobby
Hey Isis, if you’re gonna start guarding my body, meet me outside of my building at 8 AM.
Your new friend,
Marilyn
I hit reply and type my response. I can’t wait to meet up with her tomorrow morning!
Chapter 15
I sli
p my blue silk floral print kimono robe into my messenger bag. Now that I’m ready for class I should be able to walk around the studio and not only check out the kids’ drawings, but get a closer look at their body language as well. The way I see it the suspect has to be someone in one of the classes. I just have to find them.
I check the time on my iPhone before I slip it into the front pocket of my khaki cargo pants. A flash of light takes me from my bedroom to the walkway leading to Marilyn’s building. As I approach the tall glass doors, Marilyn dressed in a black boatneck blouse, black Capri pants, black ballet flats and sunglasses rushes out of the lobby of her building and greets me with a smile.
“Hey Isis, ready for another day of modeling?”
I’m hoping I can have just as much fun as I did yesterday. “Looking forward to it Marilyn.”
“Great.”
We stroll down the path, down the sidewalk and trek down the stairs into the 135th Street train station. After we swipe our MetroCards and push through the turnstiles, I learn more about Marilyn’s plans for college.
“So you’re going for an MBA?” I ask.
“Yeah.” Marilyn replies. “I feel it’s a versatile degree I can use to pursue any career I want.”
“And what do you want to do?”
“I’m thinking of starting my own business when I get out of school. Maybe something where I do some consulting-”
“If you’re looking for a paid internship next semester, Dr. Flowers knows some people at Anderson Financial who can get you in for a project-”
Marilyn’s eyes light up. “Wow. Those guys are big time-”
“Dr. Flowers has been friends with the Andersons since they were starting out. They’d be glad to bring you on board if she recommends you.”
“Wow, you guys really look out for each other-”
“You could say we’re like one big happy family.”
“So you’re related?”
“Nah, just Sorority Sisters.”
“You must be some kind of close for Dr. Flowers to call you in like that-yesterday-”
“Yeah, me and Doc go way back.”
“Doc?”
“That’s what all her friends call her. She got that nickname because she was the first Black woman to earn a doctorate degree down in her Georgia hometown.”
