The female form is the universe’s most alluring creation.
So beautiful in fact, it stirs craving even within its own kind.
MY FIRST INSTINCT was to pull over to the side of the road and take a selfie with the cute little vegetable stand. It would have looked great up on my Bluesky, with the rural landscape background and all.
But I had made a promise to Priscilla during our conversation over Zoom that I would keep all our interaction private.
And so I kept my word, leaving my iphone in my purse as I turned onto the old beaten path just past the roadside veggie stand.
Although only an hour outside city limits, I had never been this far out in the countryside, and found the surroundings to be peacefully inviting.
A quarter mile down the dirt road and I pulled up to the Honeysuckle Haven. The small business that I had been hoping to land a summer internship at.
I had just completed my first year of college as a Creative Writing student, and had felt drawn to the posting up on the department’s bulletin board.
Three months of being paid to write, plus school credit and room and board.
I didn’t know how many students were applying for the position and could only keep my fingers crossed as I headed in for my second interview.
The house was country décor and reflected Priscilla’s personality.
She had a good twenty years on me, but wore it very well, not afraid to show her slender body with fitted jeans and a blouse that complimented a toned tummy and full breasts.
Long dark hair tied up at the back gave a clue of a lady who was about getting things done, yet still had a mysterious side that could let it all go for some of life’s more passionate moments.
Her face was one of beauty, with a big Julia Roberts smile, the few lines time had etched into it actually enhancing the allure of her aesthetics.
I sat down with the honeysuckle iced tea I had been offered and listened close to the woman I hoped to soon be working for.
“We make everything from honeysuckle teas to soaps, jellies to perfumes. I’m currently staffed with a dozen workers, given the fact that we’re entering our peak season.
“Every summer I also work with your school in offering an internship, with each year’s chosen recipient moving in for the three months we’re at our most busiest.
“If you do end up working here you’ll see that I’m all about structure, because it’s the only way a business like this can work.
“For our intern, this means a schedule centered around the written word.
“Basically, your day would be divided into fourths, with the first quarter being spent working on our company website.
“Blogging, product descriptions, answering emails, stuff like that.
The next twenty-five percent goes towards your creative writing. Whether you wanna write a book, songs, poetry, etcetera. It’s up to you.
The third portion of your work day has to be devoted to reading, because let’s face it, besides real-life experience, there’s no greater teaching tool.
And my library consists of over a thousand books. So it doesn’t matter if you’re into the classics or today’s bestsellers, you’re bound to find at least a few page-turners to fall in love with.
“And then there’s the last part of your work day, which will actually be going on throughout your waking hours.
“A personal journal about what you’re experiencing, in real time.
“But more on that later, if we get to that point. So, any questions so far?”
“Actually, I do have one,
“I think it’s great that you’re giving creative writers this opportunity, but I still don’t see the benefit you’re getting from it.
“I mean yeah, there’s the couple of hours a day spent on your website, but that doesn’t seem enough for what you’re offering.”
Priscilla took a sip of her tea, then went on to explain.
“I appreciate your observations. The truth of the matter is, I used to be a writer too.
“Then again, once a writer, always a writer, right?”
We shared a knowing smile.
“A couple of decades ago I was sitting in those same classrooms you’re now studying in. That’s how I know your department head, Ms. Tarbox.
“Of course, back then she was just a teacher, but one that had a profound effect on me as a student.
“Thanks to her lessons and encouragement I went on to work as a copywriter at one of New York’s most prestigious ad firms.
“Now when I say copywriter, I don’t mean the kind of crap you find in the marketplace of Facebook and Craigslist.
“Back then copywriting was another form of storytelling, not the SEO bullshit so many try to make it out to be today.”
I couldn't help but nod in agreement at that.
“So the success I found in copy allowed me to retire early, and since I’ve always had a fondness for honeysuckles, well, here I am.
“But to answer your question, it’s just my way of giving back.
“And the companionship that sometimes comes along with it is nice too.
“Now back to the particulars of the job.
“Although it may sound like an easy way to make a few thousand dollars by the end of the summer, the level of commitment required would prove difficult for just about anyone.
“As you’ll probably recall during our Zoom chat, I asked you two questions.
“One was if you currently have a boyfriend, and the second, if the right opportunity came along, would you be able to leave your life behind for the summer.
“If you would have answered Yes to the first and No to the second, you wouldn’t be sitting here today.
“But because your response was what I was looking for, we’re able to proceed.
“You’ll be required to spend the entire summer here, with no trips to the city. In other words, I’ll expect the same level of dedication from you as displayed from our great authors of the past.
“In order to write convincingly, truthfully, one must be willing to allow themselves to be absorbed by the world of which they are describing.
“Sure imagination counts for a lot of it, but when a writer has the opportunity to actually live it, breathe it, the authenticity that comes out of it is undeniable.
“This is where problems sometimes arise. I know how attached your generation is to your devices and all, but I have to insist you stay offline while you’re here.
“You’ll be free to contact your parents any time you want, via my landline, but other than that, outside communication will be off limits, as it only serves as a distraction.
“To ensure you understand what is being asked of you, you’ll be required to sign a contract, and if at any point it’s violated, the deal will be terminated, with no compensation.
“I know this all sounds a little harsh, but I’ve learned by experience, so measures have to be taken.
For those who have stuck it out, they’ve went on to have very rewarding writing careers.”
I remained silent, trying to process all this.
“Yeah, it could be a lot to take in,” Priscilla continued, “which is why I’m going to give you twenty-four hours to decide.
So there’s just one more part of this interview, and then we’ll be finished for today.”
She walked over to her desk and retrieved a pen and paper from one of its drawers.
“I’ve already looked over your grades and spoken to Ms. Tarbox, but I’m still going to need a writing sample from you right now.
“It’s not timed, you can take as long as you want. What I’m looking for is honesty. The courage to tell the truth.
“I want you to choose something you would never dream of sharing in one of your Creative Writing classes.
“An intimate secret that is so personal you might not even share it with your best friend.
“It doesn’t have to be long. Only great in substance.
“I’ll then call you tomorrow, once you’ve had ample time to consider everything, and if you’re still interested, I’ll notify you by the end of the week to let you know my decision.”
Priscilla then left me alone to put pen to paper.
For the past six years I’ve ended my birthday in the same way. After all the greetings, presents, cake and ice cream. After I take my shower, brush my teeth, and lock my bedroom door for the night, I stand in front of my wall mirror, naked.
A tradition of assessing my ever-changing body. From inspecting the breasts slowly growing out of my chest to the small hairs sprouting below my waist. Each year it was as if someone new was being reflected for my eyes to take in.
Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Rico Lamoureux.
