Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Sharing Traumatic Experiences
In the training center classroom of the Methodist Church, Elena leafed through the materials provided by the teacher. She recognized individual letters and most words, but when they were combined into sentences, it became a jumbled mess of unreadable text.
The teacher at the podium explained computer software operations, which seemed as alien as anything from the heavens.
This skills training program was offered for free through a partnership between the Methodists and Methodists.
Despite her drowsiness, Elena couldn't bear to leave, knowing that free food would be distributed at the end of the training.
With breakfast sorted for tomorrow and the added savings from Martin, they could save at least $6.
Harris was aiming for college, and even at a cheaper public school, the costs were mounting. Elena's head was spinning from all these complicated troubles.
Finally completing the training, Juliet from the next table asked, "Are you going to the mutual aid meeting tomorrow afternoon?"
Elena replied, "I haven't decided yet," even though her resolve was as solid as a wall.
Juliet was enthusiastic, saying, "You should come. Let's go together. Ms. Jennifer will be hosting tomorrow afternoon, and she's bringing gifts."
The mention of gifts made Elena bite back some unkind words that almost slipped out. She replied, "I'll think about it. I'll give you an answer in the morning."
The Methodist Church organized weekly mutual aid meetings, and food assistance was frequently provided.
After collecting her share of food, Elena left the training center. The headlights of a Ford lit up the dark night. She hurried over and got into the passenger seat.
Martin started the car and glanced over. "You collected quite a bit of stuff."
Elena grinned, placing two large paper bags on the back seat. "Who would bother attending those idiotic courses if I didn't have some goodies to hand out?"
Martin chimed in, "It's good to learn new skills and secure a stable job."
Elena shrugged, replying, "I'm just in it for the money."
Understanding Elena's family situation, Martin mentioned, "I took a job from my boss and could use some help. If you do well, you'll earn at least $500. It's a separate expense for the club."
Elena thought about it. "Is it because that idiot Harris broke his arm again? I'm up for it."
Martin chuckled, "No need to be so ruthless. Are you familiar with the Methodist Church?"
Elena gave a nonchalant nod. "I know a bit. The folks who speak there tend to be extremely conservative."
She recalled Juliet's words: "The Methodist Church is hosting a mutual aid meeting tomorrow. They say an important person named Jennifer will be there, bringing gifts. I hope it's not just empty promises and lucky stars."
Martin pondered for a moment. "If you decide to accept the job, you should attend tomorrow."
Elena countered, "You want me to participate in that event?"
Martin grinned and replied, "Yes, do me a favor. Make some contacts and invite them to the club for free drinks and fun."
Elena nodded. "I'll call Monica. With free food and a nightclub, no extra persuasion is needed."
The Ford entered the Clayton neighborhood, and Martin drove into the backyard of the house, stopping near James's resting place.
The tires compacted the ground.
The fact that James didn't protest indicated they had made the right choice.
As noon approached, Bruce parked his pickup truck, carrying a stack of newspapers and informational materials into the Hulk's Mansion.
Inside the club, Martin, along with the porch guardian Ivan, was the only other person present.
Bruce set down his things on the raised stage and questioned, "How come you can boss me around?"
Martin tossed him a beer can, opened one for himself, and replied, "That's the difference between clever folks and civilized ones."
Bruce settled onto the stage and commented, "People are taking bets on how long it'll be until you're up here."
Martin boasted, "My dancing is so mind-blowing that one backflip could make the Earth explode, wiping out humanity."
Bruce finished his beer, neatly tossing the empty can into the trash, and remarked, "You're the most shameless person I've ever met."
Martin quipped, "That's because you lack knowledge." He produced two sets of pens and notebooks, handing one to Bruce. "Stop with the chatter and follow Boss Martin's orders."
He gathered a bunch of newspapers and magazines. "All the major print, radio, and TV stations in Atlanta have news hotlines, and they offer rewards for tips. Jot down all the media phone numbers, Boss Martin. I'll make you rich."
Bruce protested, "But we can't break the law; we're supposed to be civilized people!" However, his hands were already at work, swiftly recording the information.
***
In the northwestern outskirts of the Atlanta metropolitan area, near Marietta, Elena met up with Juliet and entered the branch of the Methodist Church.
Upon arriving at the large conference room, they found several people seated in a circle.
Jennifer, dressed conservatively, beckoned them over to join her. Shortly thereafter, five more individuals rushed into the conference room.
Jennifer, the host of this chastity support meeting, spoke loudly, "You've chosen to purify your bodies and minds, becoming the pride and glory of your families. I'm proud of each one of you!"
She scanned the room, asking, "Who'd like to start?"
A young woman in her twenties stood and began sharing her experience.
Juliet subtly winked at Elena as she took her seat.
Elena, mentally preparing herself and refraining from her usual profanity, slowly rose to her feet. With encouraging gazes from the group, she began, "I'd like to share a painful experience, one that haunts me like a recurring nightmare. I hope you can help me, help me cleanse this impure memory."
Jennifer offered a warm smile and encouraged, "Child, please speak freely."
Elena made an effort to appear as if she'd practiced this with Martin. She widened her eyes and projected a sense of fear as she recounted, "One night, just last weekend, my friend and I accidentally stumbled into a place called the Hulk's Mansion on Clayton Street. Everything there was shockingly..."
She carefully constructed a narrative detailing the debauchery of the Hulk's Manaion and its detrimental impact on the people around her.
At some point, Jennifer retrieved a pen and notebook and inquired, "Clayton Avenue? Hulk Mansion Strip Club?"
Elena confirmed, "Yes."
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