Chapter Two, Episode Two - Dez's Story - Situationally Theirs

Review, Revision, Edit and Update

This episode, Dez's Story, was an enjoyable read this morning. After the many months of this saga Situationally Theirs, hearing from one character at a time develops another layer to the story. It is recommended by writing scholars, that when writing a book, pieces such as these weekly character episodes, should be done. They may not be included in the final draft, but for the author, and the reader, it does provide deeper character development. 

No revisions were required for this mornings review of Dez's Story (Chapter Two, Episode Two).

Dez's Story

The gathering was small, but cheerful. Everyone filled their plates from the sideboard laden with roast beef, mashed potatoes, fresh corn on the cob and a big green salad. Samuel had provided Elizabeth with fresh produce from the Beaufort garden. For dessert, apple pie with ice cream or a nice sharp cheddar cheese. Digby had called a Staff meeting; Cook busied herself preparing their traditional Staff Meeting meal. There was only one thing on the agenda. Digby read from the letter he had received from their Storyteller:  I find that my time has become too compromised for giving my previous daily visits the justice each of you deserve. My visits to the Estate will only be once a week from now on. “It seems we have ‘talked that poor Storyteller’s ear off’. Those were your words, weren’t they, Martha? So we will begin tonight to tell our own stories. Hopefully that will ease some of the Storyteller's burden” James smiled kindly at his wife then looked at his friends seated around the kitchen table. “I’ve invited both Miss Emelina and Miss Dez to the meeting because they were at the beginning of our story. Because Miss Dez was the first to tell her story - when was that? March? Six months ago? - she has agreed to begin. Miss Dez, you have the floor….as long as you’re finished eating.” 

Dez swallowed the last bite of mashed potatoes. A second helping, she had made a ‘gravy volcano’ and had carefully deconstructed it. “It’s a childhood thing……..” She grinned. “Time to get serious though. Thanks, Cook and thank you Digby.” 

Dez pushed her chair back and stood up. “I’m feeling a bit nervous, so if no one minds I’ll stand. I didn’t make any notes and I’m not sure what you want me to say, so I’ll just begin.” Standing behind her chair, nervously gripping it she started talking. “When I  woke up the morning of my failed ‘bank job’ I had no idea what would follow. My sister and I hadn’t seen or heard from each other for over ten years.” Looking over at her sister, she smiled. “I’ll back up a bit. I really didn’t know much about the pandemic except that stores were closing. I knew it had something to do with that. Later in the day, when I was flat on my back on the bank floor being sprayed with Lysol and chained to a desk, my mind raced back to Em when we played silly kid games, games that were fun. This wasn’t fun and it wasn’t a game. I was scared. Someone once said ‘never let’em see you sweat' and I've agreed with that so the two security guards didn’t see that I was embarrassed and absolutely terrified.” Dez hung her head just for a second, took a deep breath and continued. “The second thing that frightened me, was later that same night in police holding, when the police asked who my next of kin was. About to say ‘no one’, I stopped. That same terrified feeling was there again and I whispered ‘I have a sister’.” Her mouth dry, Dez took a sip of water. “He asked where she was. I had to say I didn’t know, forgetting that her name and number were on my cell phone. Feeling so alone in that holding cell behind bars, I thought I would have no place to go.” The room had gone silent, no one had seen Miss Dez like this before. “I just needed someone tell me what to do. Long story short. The police officer found Emelina’s phone number on my cell phone, buried in with all my other contacts, conveniently forgotten. There were only two choices for me - three really - the police would send me to a motel up island; with my estranged sister; or on the street until I could get in my apartment. I let the police officer make the call because I was still hanging on to being mad at Em for something: I was just being stubborn.” Dez walked to her sister and put her hand on her shoulder. Emelina covered Dez's hand with her own.“If you hadn’t come to my rescue that night, I don’t know where I’d be today.” Looking at her new found friends she said softly “Certainly not here with all of you who have become like family to me. I guess that’s all I have Digby. …..I just want all of you to stay well and happy. I’m just  glad to be part of this family and this little community. Digby, you’re better stop me now before I keep babbling any more than I already am. “ Dez grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. “If at anytime you need anything call me. Do you have my phone number?….No?..some of you do. Digby, do you have………”

“Already done, Miss Dez. Here’s your copy. Everyone has your phone number and you have ours.” Digby turned to Cook. “Is that pie ready, Elizabeth? I think we’ve been serious enough for tonight.”

And with that, the meeting was adjourned. 

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through 

that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

~ Brené Brown