Held Captive on the Dotted Line | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Held Captive on the Dotted Line | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dee Kyalo
11/26/14
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

We learn from those who are ahead of us, who are more mature, older, wiser, more insightful, perceptive and visionary - yet I had no one like that around me. But that didn’t prevent me. You see, it was no secret that I had big dreams. Enthusiasm often overshadowed any trace of wisdom that I might have had then and was often dismissed as having hallucinations. “Some things like that don’t happen to people like us,” I was told.

Then at eighteen, my life changed.

The man explained that he was scouting for talent. He had watched some of my presentations and was here to sign me up. Spreading his file of papers on the coffee table, he instructed, “We just need you to sign on the dotted line – here and here.”

This should be the big break, I thought.

“Those are some huge bucks right there,” Robby marveled.

“Go on sign it,” coaxed Julian.

And so with my brothers egging me on, I did.

Just like that I was off to the big city for the practical commencement of my dreams. Plucked from the beleaguered inner city and planted into the glamorous lifestyle. As different as light and day it was. I had never seen so many expensively dressed people in one place before. Also, there were a few other excited youngsters at the mansion.

The ‘welcome committee’ ushered us newbies, 5 young ladies, into a gigantic dining room. The sumptuous meal was already waiting. Was this THE life, or what?!

After the wonderful dinner, we were led into a different room where we were met by a beautiful woman.

With a handshake she introduced herself, “I am Candie. Glad to have in the family. Please switch off all your cell phones, place them in this tub and take your seats anywhere. Shut the distractions out.” After which she continued, “We stage only live performances and your first one begins Friday night. You have 48 hours. Learn these lyrics quick, follow your instructor and you’ll be alright.” She said as she handed each of us some papers.

I lifted up my hand. “I have a concern, ma’am.”

“Yes, what’s your concern?” she responded.

“These lyrics are full of obscenities. I can’t sing those,” I stated.

“Sweetheart, you did not read your contract well. We expect you to sing and perform in any way we direct you to.” She said with conclusiveness. “We can help you with your confidence.”

I made a mental note to look at a copy of the signed contract later.

“Anyone else needs a hand with that?” Candie inquired.

My fellow newbies didn’t seem alarmed by anything. They shook their heads.

She walked over to the intercom, pressed a button and…

“Autumn, please bring in the cookies now.”

Shortly, in walked another pretty lady with a tray and served us. After a few bites, I felt somehow woozy and blacked out.

***

When I came to, I was really thirsty.

“Here, drink this.” It was Candie’s voice. “You have to practice before tomorrow night.”

I gulped the contents in the glass and instantly felt refreshed and energized.

“Let’s do this!” I said.

“Great! That’s what we like to hear.”

***

Our first live performance was a blast; as the rest that followed. It was exciting to have all money – at my age! It appeared that the more outrageous we were on stage, the more we got paid. As long as no one got hurt, it was all good (or was it?).

It didn’t take long for my naiveté to be thrown out of the window. Fully embracing my new my new family and the lifestyle that accompanied it, I became addicted to drugs; thanks to Candie who said that they helped ‘maintain confidence’.

***

The morning following my twenty-third birthday party, Shaye was found unresponsive in her bedroom. That fated day came too quick and certainly a shock to me. Something had to change. It was then that I checked into rehab.

This event was, for me, a moment of realizing that there is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 14:12 NIV). I learned that the end does not always justify the means. Although I had big dreams of performing in concerts and earning a lot of money quickly, this immediately ceased being as important as it once was. Plus, now I always read the whole document before signing on the dotted line.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.