Habit To Heels Chapter 9

Contact Sheet/ Red

In today's world, where violence, brutality, and school shootings seem to dominate the headlines, it becomes difficult to grasp the full weight of the Jonestown massacre in Guyana back in 1978. Though it feels distant now, and the victims were members of a cult, it was a monumental tragedy at the time. Families and children were involved, almost all of them American citizens. The aftermath of that event still echoes today, nearly fifty years later, especially in discussions about cults and group-based religions.

After hearing the news from Guyana. Tara bundles up and heads toward the payphone on the corner. The cold wind freezing her cheeks and numbing her fingers.   The nearby Grand River is particularly loud as it rushes by. She inserts two dimes and dials. "I can't make it tonight, Deb," Tara's voice comes out like a sigh. "I won't be there for the contest." She places the receiver down and rests her head on her hands as they still hold the hung-up receiver. Her tears freeze on her cheeks.

The nuns at St. Rose are devastated by the news from Guyana. For weeks, they gather after evening prayers to reflect. Even though Jonestown happened over 3,000 miles away, the mood among the nuns and at the convent of St. Rose feels heavy. The tension is palpable everywhere all the time.

The question of who will become Mother Superior is also a source of concern. The ranking Abbot hasn't decided on a permanent leader. Sister Tabby has been a temporary Reverend Mother for over a year.  

In the evening Sister Tara practices her provocative dance moves at home in front of a mirror. Twice a week, she practices climbing and spinning on the stripper poles at Gold Ave. Exercise. Dieting hard, Tara has lost 15 lbs. in a month, just by skipping dinners.   She carefully shaves around her pubic triangle, so that the G-string she bought covers her bush. As the weeks pass, Tara is unsure if she will ever muster the courage to dance.

After morning prayers, Sister Evelyn approaches Tara. "How are you holding up, Sister? You've been quiet these past few weeks. I enjoyed your prayer group a couple of weeks back."

"Thank you, Evelyn." Tara places a hand on Evelyn's shoulder. "The other sister's words have been comforting."

Evelyn, getting to the point. "Sister Tabby has been interim Mother Superior for a while. There is talk of other possibilities."

Tara is straight-faced. "I have heard the gossip. Possibly Sister Eugene, Sister Willa, and others including the math teacher Sister Prudence. Most of the nuns think it should be you, Sister Evelyn."

Laughing Evelyn continues. "Oh no not me, I don't want the responsibility. Even though sister Willa would make a great leader, she will never be named Reverend Mother due to the color of her skin. Possibly Eugene or Prudence, are good candidates also. A new name has been brought to the Abbot's attention." Hesitating. "Yours."

Tara shocked. "Wow, I am a bit young don't you think?" Pointing to herself. "I don't even live at St. Rose."

Evelyn presses. "Think about it. You're educated, level-headed, and loved by all. You carry yourself with pride and conviction, especially recently--for some unknown reason." She makes her case. "Think about it. This could be the life you've been looking for."

This new wrinkle causes a strange shift in Tara's world. For some twisted, unknown reason, she now feels a deep need to prove herself outside the convent and soon. She decides to get out of her post-Jonestown funk, having a new determination to strip at Bonita's on Wednesday for amateur night.

Taylor's  Apartment:

Jenna, the receptionist from Maple Shade Rest climbs out of Taylors bed, nude gently tiptoes to his work bench. She leisurely pics through the few shots scattered on the surface.  

Taylor stars behind her erect and slightly kisses her neck. "You were amazing. Do like these photographs." Poking her back with his penis.

Jenna feels him but is preoccupied with the shots. "I like this nude model, Dollya, from my exercise place." 

Taylor licking his lover's neck. "Mummmm, yes. I'm glad you like her."

Then Jenna sees a contact sheet and pics up a magnifying glass. She looks through the shots. A model wearing a long flowing blue dress. "Wow, this one is amazing. You have really captured her beauty. She is beautiful, I love her look. She is vaguely familiar to me."

Taylor looking at his work. "You should know her, that's the nun from Maple Shade Rest. Your Friend Tara." Kissing his lover's neck. "She shot with me and Deb the girl with the exercise class did her make-up. I think she also works with Dollya?"

Shocked Jenna spins still in her birthday suit and gives Taylor a push from both shoulders like Seinfeld's Elaine Bettis. "Get Out!!" Laughing as Taylor, nude stumbles backward. "She has been keeping a secret like this from me!!"

Gold Ave Exercise:

Tara runs into Deb after pole practice one evening. "I'm coming over Wednesday night for makeup. See you at 7:30."

Deb smiles and gives a thumbs-up. "Bout' time. The price has gone up to $45.00."

On Wednesday morning, Tara packs a bag with a spare pair of sweats, an antique negligée (with gloves and matching belt), silver underwear, and her form-fitting cream-colored dress.

After evening prayers she heads out to Deb's house. Knocking. "Come on in. Let's make the hottest stripper in Grand Rapids out of you." Deb pulls out the lipstick. "This is a different shade of red, a bit bolder than before. Let's call it 'Fuck Me Red'.   Snickering. " She finishes the make-up and places the lipstick in the bag. Re-apply the lipstick when you get dressed and then again right before you dance.

"Big night." Tara, scrunching her nose.  

Deb spins the chair to show Tara her look. "You've got this, Tara. You're gonna blow them away," Smiling. "You brought that sheer antique negligée? Right." 

Tara pulls it from her bag. "Yes, I purchased a bra and a matching G-String."Laughing. "When I was at the store someone recognized me as a nu." Abruptly catching herself. "I mean someone from work recognized me."

Deb smirks. "Uh-huh. And what exactly do you plan to do on stage? By the last song, you need to be in the buff, or you won't win. You will no doubt be the best-looking stripper there. Just remember to keep your toes pointed."

Tara laughs nervously. "Maybe I'll get caught up in the moment. I did shave my legs and privates twice this morning in the shower."

I'll bet that 'full of herself' Cara will be there. Don't let her intimidate you." Deb making a funny face. "She won the $250.00 a couple of weeks ago. Told everyone. She does strip her clothes off while at the top of the pole. Cool trick." Reaching for six-inch heel silver strap shoes. "Try these shoes, get used to them by wearing them before you strip." Gesturing upward."Whatever happens, you'll look amazing. Toes pointed."

The Sky Chicken groans as the nun slides into the driver's seat. In the cold Tara fumbles with the heater, but it's no use--the thing's broken again. Her breath fogs up the windshield, Tara has to roll the window down slightly making it even colder as she drives.

Shivering in the parking lot of Bonita's Spice Sweet Spice she checks her look in the rearview mirror. In her best Humphrey Bogert Voice. "Here's looking at you, kid".