Saturday, August 22, 2015

Broken Promises (Photo Story)

Walter’s reaction to Deirdre’s desire to take a break from their relationship left her worried about what he might do. She phoned Lena that night and arranged to meet the next morning.
 

Thanks for inviting me over. I know you must have a dozen things you’d rather be doing on a Saturday morning. (Deirdre)


Deirdre, I’m here to help in any way I can. So tell me what happened. (Lena)


Well, Walter showed up at my place pissed because he couldn’t reach me, and then he started making these crazy demands. I had been thinking all afternoon about the stuff you said at the cafe and I was fed up, so I told him I needed a break and…and he just snapped. He started ranting and raving about broken promises and… (Deirdre)
Did he threaten you? (Lena)
In so many words, yes…. (Deirdre)


Then our first priority has to be ensuring your safety. I know Walter hasn’t been physically abusive, but that doesn’t change the fact that the most dangerous time for a victim is when she is trying to leave. The lack of physical violence doesn’t make him any less dangerous, so do not underestimate him. (Lena)
I was a little worried about that, so I stayed in a hotel last night. (Deirdre)
Why waste money on a hotel? Do you have anywhere else you could go? What about Robyn’s place? (Lena)


I don’t want to worry Robyn with all of this just yet. Besides, the room didn’t cost me anything. I went to a place in the city where I’ve performed in the past. The manager offered me the room for free when I told her I was in town for the weekend. I’ll go home Monday since I have an appointment at PS Records. (Deirdre)
I really wish you’d reconsider talking to Robyn. If you’re worried about her saying, “I told you so” then you can stop worrying. I don’t think she’s that kind of friend. And I’d feel better if you were staying with someone, and avoided going places alone. (Lena)


Can’t I do something to keep him away from me? (Deirdre)
You can file for a TPO, a temporary protective order, which will order him to stay away and avoid all contact with you. The order is punishable by arrest and jail time if he violates it. But as the name indicates, it’s only a temporary solution. The two of you would have to go before a judge about a month after you file. At that time, the judge will hear evidence and decide if the order should be made permanent. (Lena)
I don’t know about all this. (Deirdre)


And when Walter pops up, make it clear that you don’t want any contact with him and be a woman of your word. Don’t take his calls or agree to meet with him and avoid being alone with him at all costs. (Lena)
Don’t you mean if he pops up? The TPO should keep him away, right? (Deirdre)
No, I mean when he pops up. He will have a hard time coping with what he feels is a loss of power and control over you. And he will certainly stalk and harass you in an effort to regain that control. His desperation will make him dangerous. Keep records of every phone call, email, and text message so you can prove to a judge that a permanent restraining order is justified. (Lena)

Lena and Deirdre finish their tea. On her way back to the hotel, Deirdre mulls the idea of filing for a protective order after her appointment on Monday.
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Monday Afternoon:

Deirdre is waiting for an elevator down to the lobby of PS Records when Walter approaches.

Walter, what are you doing here? (Deirdre)
I need to talk to you. I knew you wouldn’t miss your meeting with the record execs today. I didn’t want to come down here, but you left me no choice since you won’t answer my calls and haven’t been home any of the times I’ve stopped by. (Walter)
You shouldn’t be here. There’s nothing to talk about. (Deirdre)


Did you get the flowers I sent? (Walter)
Yes, I got them this morning- all twelve arrangements…but it’s too late to apologize, Walter. And I don’t have anything else to say to you. (Deirdre, pushing the elevator button)


You can’t do this to me. (Walter)
Huh? I don’t understand. (Deirdre)
No, you don’t understand! I love you, and you promised to love me. What gives you the right to walk out on me and break the promises you made? (Walter)

Deirdre is speechless. The elevator doors open.

After you… (Walter)
No, you go ahead. I’ll get the next one. (Deirdre)
I insist. (Walter)
I don’t care. I’m not getting on that elevator with you. (Deirdre)


Get on the f#ck!ng elevator. (Walter, gripping her elbow firmly and steering her toward the elevator doors)

Deirdre jerks away. As Walter reaches for her, he spots a security guard approaching.


Pardon me. Are you alright, Miss? (guard)
She’s fine. (Walter)
Miss? Is everything alright? (guard)
I said she’s fine. (Walter)


And I heard you, but with all due respect, sir I wasn’t talking to you. (guard)
What’s your name? (Walter)
Kevin. (guard)
Do you like having a job, Kevin? (Walter)

Deirdre interjects.

I just remembered I left something in the board room. I could use some help finding my way back, Kevin. My friend was just leaving. (Deirdre)

Kevin leads Deirdre away as Walter looks on. As soon as they’re out of earshot, Deirdre thanks Kevin for his help but warns him that Walter has enough influence to have him fired for interfering. Kevin isn’t worried.

I could walk you to your car when you’re ready to leave. (Kevin)
Thanks, that’s very sweet of you, but I don’t want you to go to any trouble. (Deirdre)
I don’t mind at all. That guy back there, your friend, didn’t look too friendly. (Kevin)


Deirdre reluctantly allows Kevin to accompany her to her car. Neither of them notices Walter watching from a short distance away.


Thanks for reading!

30 comments:

  1. Yes, Walter is Crazy, Psycho...........! And so many other names. He needs help or a good old A## WHIPPING!!! May be he NEEDS to be MAN HANDLED.

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    1. Ladonna, I say the same thing about men who push women around- they need to experience a little man handling themselves!

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  2. Hello from Spain: I really like your doll. Your photos are great. The story is very interesting. Keep in touch.

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  3. Walter is convincingly nuts. Well done -- in a stomach-clenching way.

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    1. Thanks! His character is patterned after a guy I was involved with back in college- talk about stomach-clenching.

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  4. Great post! You captured the threatening atmosphere so well that I felt it too, very effective how you tell this story! Love your story telling!!!

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    1. Thanks, Linda! You're too kind. I'm thrilled that I was able to achieve the intended effect.

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  5. Good thing that security guard was there. Deirdre needs to heed her friends warning and get a TPO and also not go places alone. If the security guard hadn't of been there, she might not have gotten away and who knows what might have happened. You are very good at story telling. I agree with Linda in how effective this was as I could actually feel the tension!

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    1. You are right, Phyllis- it's a good thing Kevin was there. He is a very recent addition to this story line. He showed up on eBay a couple of weeks ago, and the next thing I know he's in the story saving the day. And this won't be the last time either. Thanks so much for the positive feedback. This is my first attempt at writing drama.

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  6. Let's hope she's going to follow Lena's suggestion. This story has got great pacing, you're able to keep up the suspence!

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    1. Thanks, Billa! It's good to hear that I'm doing a good job with the pacing. I feel like I'm writing a soap opera- lol.

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  7. I am ready to jump in there and kick Walter's a__ myself! Deidre is still a little in denial because she is still somewhat protective of Walter. She needs to hurry up and get the TPO. On another note, she is always dressed to the nines. Love the vibe she has.

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    1. LOL @ kickin' Walter's a__! Somebody needs to!! And you're right about Deirdre- Walter is crazy as he!! but she still loves him, and love protects. She and I both thank you for the compliment on her style :)

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    2. Tell Deidre to call me. My ex-husband only had to act crazy one time, thinking it was okay to lay hands on me. I immediately filed for divorce and within 60 days it was a done deal. I loved him, but I loved myself more.

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  8. I can see why he is enamored with Deirdre. She is beautiful! But Walter needs to step back and take his meds!

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    1. I know that's right, grandmommy. If Walter could dial down the crazy long enough to get a prescription, he might be able to act like a half-way decent guy.

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  9. Walter thinks he's tough, but the best he can do against another man is try to get him fired. Punk. I was hoping for a minute there he would have challenged him and gotten his butt whipped.

    I was tied to the screen whole time and tensed up waiting to see what happened next, including hoping he would get punched by the guard. I can't wait to see what happens next.

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    1. Janainah, when I created Walter's character I wanted him to be a villain that people would love to hate, and your reaction tells me I've succeeded. I cracked up at you calling him a punk (I agree) and hoping that he would get punched by the guard- LOL.

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  10. OMG...Walter is a wackadoo! I'm glad the security guard, Kevin, was there to stop him from getting even crazier.

    Great stories!

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    1. Yes, he is a straight up whackadoodledoo, and you haven't even seen the worst of it yet. Thanks for commenting!

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  11. Excellent post Jewell!! I was glued to my iPad and taking in every moment of this. Your storytelling skills are totally awesome!! Your scenes look great as well. Now for Walter's crazy a.....he needs an old fashion whipping with a belt. I don't believe in violence, but bullying a woman which is some of what it is is zero tolerance for me. Too bad Kevin didn't do the honors.

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    1. I love Deidres style of fashion!!

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    2. Thanks, Georgia Girl! Your feedback means a lot. This is my first attempt at writing drama. Yes, Walter needs his butt whipped. I know we haven't seen the last of Kevin, so who knows- he may have it coming. Deirdre and I thank you for the compliment :)

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  12. This episode also had me glued to it. It really touched home with me because I'm seeing my daughter (26 yrs) going through the same thing with her BD (35 yrs) and they have a son that's 10 months. All I could do at this point is to continue to pray for them all. He has not put his hands on her but he is literally tearing her down mentally. Him and Walter both need their a** kicked !!!!

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    1. Thanks for visiting Kat! Your comment breaks my heart. One reason I'm able to write Walter so convincingly is because I dated a guy a lot like him in college. Keep praying for your daughter, because I know without a doubt that it was the prayers of friends and family that got me through that.

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  13. Whew! I am glad to see Deirdre safe still, but I worry that Walter may harm her. Pretty scary when a loved one turns lethal.

    (Oh, but I LOVE the setting, the wardrobes, and the poses!)

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    1. You're right, it is scary when a loved one turns lethal. Walter's desperation peaks in the next episode with disastrous results. I'm glad you noticed and liked the setting, wardrobes, and poses. They took a backseat to the story (as they should) but it's nice to know that my attempts to get better at these things aren't going unnoticed :)

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  14. It seems like Deirdre is focused on Walter and his feelings instead of herself. She needs to fully recognize that she's in a dangerous situation and take the steps necessary. Guys like that don't get better, they get worse.

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    1. He's done some crazy stuff, but I still don't think she's convinced that he's dangerous. You're right about guys like him. I don't know how much worse he has to get before she'll see that he's a danger to her.

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