During my time at college, I had a rather unconventional roommate named Michelle. While I could refer to her with playful monikers like Candy or Lola, the truth is that her name was quite typical, and she bore a striking resemblance to any other 19-year-old in our economics class—flaunting her Jordache jeans, trendy tops, and casual flip-flops. She was adept at performing tricks with her hands and promised to teach me, but I was unaware of the real tricks she had in store.
Shortly after the semester began, she maneuvered her way into my apartment, and we quickly fell into a routine, exchanging notes about our study schedules and passing each other in the bathroom. However, I soon began to notice some peculiarities. For instance, she possessed two pagers (this was 1992, after all), which raised the question: why would one need two? Additionally, her irregular hours and the stacks of cash on her dresser led me to wonder about the nature of her activities.
The truth was uncovered one night when she frantically called me at 2 a.m. from a local hotel. “Bring me sweatpants and sneakers,” she insisted. Upon my arrival at room 805, she revealed that the police were waiting to arrest her. Her last client had just left, and she needed my help to escape without drawing attention. Dressed in her provocative attire, she needed to change before making her exit. I was simultaneously horrified and captivated by her revelation.
Behind the Curtain of Michelle’s Life
Living with someone like Michelle offered an intriguing glimpse behind the curtain of her life. She shared her secrets with me, revealing that her job at a strip club served as a cover. Working one night a week as a cocktail waitress, she had a strategic approach:
- Step 1 involved charming men by portraying herself as a good girl funding her education.
- Step 2 had them offering payment for sex, akin to a scholarship program.
- Step 3 saw her feign offense while keeping a sliver of hope alive.
- Step 4 involved them increasing their offers.
- And finally, Step 5 meant she would fulfill their fantasies of being her very first customer.
While sex was her service, the fantasy she created was what truly commanded high fees; men were paying for the illusion of a wholesome girl with a heart of gold—or perhaps something more akin to a golden experience. Her client pager buzzed incessantly, while the second pager was reserved for family. She had a knack for airport runs, receiving calls for intimate favors right before flights.
Glimpses into a Different World
As the months progressed, I met several of her affluent, older clientele. She invited me to upscale restaurants and events, often complaining about her dates. “He’s so old and annoying,” she’d whisper, while maintaining a radiant smile. I learned that the word “never” was a powerful tool in her repertoire: claims such as “I’ve never had an orgasm” or “I’ve never done a private dance” worked wonders for her earnings. Even more impactful was the phrase “I’ve never loved anyone else before,” which could lead to extravagant gifts or financial perks.
However, her life wasn’t entirely devoid of complexity; she had a genuine boyfriend—one who was in medical school—whom she genuinely cared for. It was a bizarre blend of reality and dysfunction.
The End of Our Friendship
Eventually, our friendship ended abruptly, lasting just a semester. One day, I returned home to find her in a compromising position with a guy I had recently started dating. After kicking him out, I confronted her; it was then that I truly recognized her manipulative nature. Her words, “I’ll never do anything like that again, you’re my best friend,” echoed hollowly, revealing her to be a user. I knew it was time to cut ties before I found myself in a precarious situation.
Michelle dropped out of school shortly after, and I never saw her again. However, thanks to social media, I discovered she has been married twice since then, likely to men who lacked insight into her true nature.
Resources for Family-Building
For those exploring family-building options, check out this resource for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, March of Dimes offers valuable information on pregnancy resources.
Conclusion
In summary, my experience with Michelle was a vivid reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the often-hidden lives we lead. Each person carries their own secrets, and sometimes, the most extraordinary tales lie just beneath the surface.