Month: September 2022

What’s Behind Physical Violence

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These bullies use force because of an inner sense that they otherwise would have no influence over people. When people dare to disagree with, defy, thwart, or worse, ignore them, they automatically think:

“Nobody will listen to me.”

“I can’t get anywhere with anyone.”

“They don’t value me.”

“They don’t respect me.”

“I can’t get any cooperation out of anyone.”

“I can’t get any satisfaction.”

And the list goes on and on…

This causes them to feel weak and defeated. Therefore, they use force and violence to get their point across because it’s the only thing that works for them.

Physical Bullies Are the Weakest of All

But that is weakness because people only submit because they don’t the bully to beat them up. They never do it because they want to, but to keep themselves safe from harm. True persuasion or influence is having someone do something for you because they want to do it. When people have a choice and they choose to do something you want is so much more rewarding.

Understand that these bullies see everything as zero-sum: They either have total control, or no control at all. There’s no in-between. If they can’t have complete influence, they feel ineffective and powerless.

Physically violent and forceful bullies often compare themselves with others. They see themselves as less effective than others when it comes to persuasion and influence. They feel that they’re no good at getting others to cooperate and at being in command of circumstances and situations.

Therefore, in their intense anger and rage, and through use of force and violence, these bullies shift the blame. They shift blame from their own sense of powerlessness to the behavior of their targets. These people then see their targets as their enemies or adversaries. Therefore, they feel that they must punish and destroy these targets.

Using Physical Violence for Anything Other Than Self-Defense is Weakness.

“(The target) is wrong for defying me.”

“He never listens to me.”

“She never pays attention to me.”

“That loser is not giving me the respect he/she owes me.”

When bullies shift the blame onto their targets, they are able to blunt the pains of their frustrations and disappointments. Why? Because anger and rage are less unpleasant than sadness and hopelessness.

Again, I want you to realize that this is weakness in and of itself.  Physically violent and forceful bullies may look strong and mighty as they’re whipping and beating up on some poor helpless human being, they’re really weak. In fact, they’re the weakest of all other types of bullies. And it’s simply because they can’t get power any other way. The only way they can get it is to use the fear of physical harm and yes, even murder.

Outside of their use of fear and bodily harm, these bullies are totally ineffective. They have no gift of gab, charm or seductive powers. In other words, they cannot get people to do what they want them to do through the use of persuasion.

Physical Bullies are No Different Than Rapists

I’ll use rapists as an example: The reason why most rapists rape isn’t only about power over another. Put bluntly, it’s because they couldn’t get sex any other way. Maybe they have no game- they have a hard time seducing a woman to go to bed with them. It could be that they don’t know how to flirt with or court a woman effectively. Maybe they’re creepy or unattractive and women find them disgusting and repulsive. Either way, they’re a turn off to them, which means that they are ineffective and powerless.

So, the only way they can get sexual gratification is to use force and violence- rape!

Anytime anyone has to physically threaten you to make you do what they want, it only means that you have all the power, not them. Yes, they may beat the crap out of you, but chances are good that you don’t have to resort to that kind of behavior to get your needs met. And your scratches, bruises, and broken bones will heal. But your bullies’ stupidity and lack of social intelligence, powers of persuasion, and people skills are things they are stuck with- forever!

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Today’s Quote

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“She lacks confidence, she craves admiration insatiably. She lives on the reflections of herself in the eyes of others. She does not dare to be herself.”

~ Anais Nin ~

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C7.2

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“Brielle! Girl! What just happened?” Popeye asked.

“The Sheriff! That lowlife bastard! Oh my God, Popeye! He pulled me over tonight and told me to get out of the car. I didn’t know what to think because I wasn’t speeding, hadn’t made any illegal turns, nothing! Then he starts in on me about Jane!”

“What’s his problem about Jane? She’s a wonderful little girl!” Popeye said, not sure where this was going.

“Jane got into a fight at school today. The other kids at school have been bullying her- ever since she started there and they’ve been making it worse and worse on her! Olivia is being picked on at her school too…anyway, two girls tried to jump Jane in the bathroom and Jane fought back and used her karate training to do it! She beat the two girls up pretty badly!” Brielle continued.

“Who were the two girls?”

“Breanna Lindsay and Audrey Crabtree.”

Popeye paused and the look of concern spread over his face.

“Oh, brother! As much as I hate to say it, Brielle! You’ve got big problems now! Breanna is Grant and Misty’s daughter, and Audrey is the sheriff’s.” He said in a statement that sounded more like a warning.

The Aftermath

Popeye went on.

“Grant Lindsay, and Bobby Crabtree? ‘Them some mean peckerwoods! And dangerous! You don’t know what I know about those jokers!”

“I know more than you think. I’ve been filled in on a few things about them. Back to Jane’s fight at school- after she defended herself against Breanna and Audrey, five other girls jumped in and beat the crap out of her. They knocked her unconscious. The school doesn’t bother to call me or an ambulance for Jane. No. They carry her to the school nurse, Kristi McKay. And she’s a joke. I’m told she’s working as the school nurse because she’s been fired from every hospital and nursing home she’s ever worked at because she’s grossly incompetent! And then, to top it off, the school gives Jane a three-day suspension while letting Breanna and Audrey off scot free and giving the other five only a one-day suspension! How the hell is that fair?”

“Fair? Brielle, these people have absolutely zero sense of fair.” Popeye reminded her, “I don’t know if you knew this or not, but a lot of strange things have happened around here in the last year and are still happening now. Three people came up missing about six months before you moved back here. They haven’t been found yet.” He mentioned.

Backstory

“Wow! Really?” Brielle asked.

“Yep! Sheriff Crawford died in a hunting accident, but everyone knows it wasn’t an accident. ‘Thing is, nobody can prove it. I think Bobby Crabtree had something to do with it. Sheriff Crawford was such a good and just man. And everybody loved him. But the Crabtrees were jealous of his popularity with the people.”

“Several people have told me about that! I went to school with Bobby, and he tried to hurt me and a few others even back then.”

“I’m not surprised. Bobby Crabtree’s a bad man- a real bad man. Just like his older brother. So, you watch yourself, Brielle. And watch over those babies. And since Jane’s being treated so badly in school, you be there for her, Brielle.” Popeye advised.

“I damn well intend to, Popeye.” Brielle vowed.

“Speaking of Bobby, I went to school with him, as I mentioned. I remember when the Thomasville Conspiracy happened with the McGregor’s. I was living in California when it all went down. And I also remember talking online and on the phone with people around here and they told me of the horrible rumors, the smears against Shannon and her kids. And all they wanted to do was fix the house, sell it, then go back home to Arizona. But the local cabal just had to go after them, didn’t they? They ended up overplaying their hand and getting caught in all kinds of criminal activity. Had they left Shannon alone and let her be, they probably would’ve avoided being caught in all the corruption and some of them wouldn’t be rotting in prison now.” Brielle explained.

Brielle and the Chaney’s

“I agree with you there.” Popeye said with a nod.

“I remember hearing of the explosion of the gas station and that the Crooke property was burned to the ground. They destroyed Crooke Hill. I remember hearing all this bad stuff about Shannon McGregor and her family. And I remember talking to Bart Chaney and his grandfather online. I knew them both when I was a kid, living here. They were great people. I remember seeing everything on the news later- the trials at the Federal Court in Memphis. I remember Bobby’s brother Johnny and his cronies being convicted and sent to prison. Shannon, the Bledsoe Brothers, and a few others uncovered a lot of bad things that happened here.” Brielle said in reflection.

More on Dealing with Catty Women and Girls

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cat fight

Not long ago, I created a post entitled “Catty Women and Girls.” In it I described these females, pointing out their toxic personalities, their attitudes, their tactics to bring other women down, and the sickening vibes they put out into the universe.

A commenter on the post, Petrina, made the perfect point when she quoted in her comment:

“…If a woman knows her worth, she won’t be like this. If a woman does not make an idol out of men, she won’t see other women as such a threat. Much of women’s cattiness revolves around the fact that they feel threatened that their idols (men) are going to find other women attractive and prefer them. These types of insecure women are falsely validated by men’s attention….”

Petrina’s words really drive the point home and I thank her for her comment!

Cattiness in Women Comes from One Thing- Fear and Insecurity!

What makes these fraulines so dirty and trifling can be summed up in one word:

Fear!

Again, if these poor things had a modicum of self-esteem, confidence- any security whatsoever in themselves as women, they wouldn’t need to walk around with such funky attitudes and making trouble for others. They would not feel the need to compare themselves to another woman. They would not be hating on women they feel have lives that are so much better than theirs.

If these women were genuinely happy with their lives and knew their worth, they wouldn’t be so obsessively jealous.  Catty women are insanely jealous of women who have their lives in order and everything going for them.

Women who are catty are usually women who are hungry for attention, especially male attention. They are the kind of girls you see humiliating themselves by chasing and throwing themselves at men in bars or at parties.

Understand that their snooty demeanors alone reveal so much about them. And the sad thing is that they are totally oblivious to it. These toxic broads are under the delusion that their snotty behavior makes them look powerful and goddess-like. They believe that walking around with their noses in the air and upper lip snarled like a dog is cute.

Catty Women are Thirsty!

And yes, there are people, especially guys, who are attracted to that kind of behavior in girls. It’s true that every day, you see many men fall all over themselves to get close to these bitchy fem-fatales. However, you have to consider that these guys are usually those who have no self-esteem nor self-respect. Because the maneaters they’re desperately trying to get next to will only chew them up and spit them back out!

Yes, they may look like and put on the facade of the alpha male, but, under the surface, they’re only beta males who are insecure and have serious doubts of their own masculinity.

If the wannabe alpha guys who dig these broads were cars, they would be shiny, flashy muscle-cars that look sharp and fast on the outside but would be total wrecks under the hoods and wouldn’t make it out of the driveway before sputtering out and breaking down. Otherwise, they would not be such gluttons for punishment. They wouldn’t bow down to these shrews, kiss their behinds, and become, for lack of a better term, “whipped.”

A guy with any self-esteem, self-respect, or common sense, would have nothing to do with these self-absorbed, egotistical twits. After all, they only have the power others give them.

Oh, but wait! This also says something else!

Any quality woman- a woman who is worth her salt- desires a partner she can respect, not some spineless wimp she can walk on. And men of quality desire a quality woman of strength they too can respect and who respects them back.

And when a catty, insecure woman has her partner, or other guys groveling at her feet, it says one of either two things about her:

A. She is a controlling, domineering shrew who’s fearful of a strong, secure, self-respecting partner and would actually prefer a man who’s a sniveling weakling she can keep under the heel of her high-heeled shoe.

Or

B. A strong, secure, and self-respecting man of quality would never in this lifetime have her nor even consider her! Ouch!

A real woman, one who knows there’s no need to act catty to prove anything to anyone, will be successful in achieving a relationship with a quality partner she can respect and who respects her back. This is a girl who will never get into a relationship with anyone she cannot respect. For love to take place, there must first be respect!

Catty Women are Fearful of Strong, Secure, Self-Respecting Men

In contrast, women of the catty variety are fearful women. They fear being outshone or outdone. They are to be pitied because they are truly pathetic.

They’re only beta-females who, by their actions and behavior, reduce themselves to the lowest common denominator. Sadly, these women are many- they’re a dime a dozen. But women who are confident and have their mental stuff together are few. They’re rare. And anything that is rare is and always will be of higher value.  Many would deem it priceless. The Laws of Scarcity dictates this.

Therefore, if you are one of those rare and special women and it seems that so many other females are working like the devil to bring you down, know that they are already beneath you. Otherwise, they wouldn’t expend so much effort to tear you apart and bring you to their level.

Always remember that because you are rare, you hold more value than your mean girl bullies ever will. Believe that with every fiber of your being!

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C7

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Chapter 7

An Unwavering Determination

As Brielle drove, the anger in her eyes brimmed to a flood and ran down her cheeks. Keeping one hand on the steering wheel, she grabbed her smartphone and touched the screen with her thumb. After three rings, Grandma Bennett answered the phone.

“Hello?”

“Grandma, it’s Brielle. I need you to do me a huge favor!” Brielle said as she sniffled, taking tiny gasps of air as she cried.

“Brielle? What’s the matter, hon? It sounds like you’re crying.” Grandma said in a voice of concern, “And where are you? You were supposed to be here thirty minutes ago.”

“I’m on County Route 17. Listen! Can you let the kids spend the night and get Olivia off to school in the morning?” Brielle asked.

“Sure, I can, darling! But what’s wrong? What’s going on, Brielle?” Grandma said in a gentler voice.

“I can’t talk about it now, Grandma. I’ll tell you tomorrow when I’m calmer. Okay?”

“Brielle, did you get fired or something?”

“No, Grandma. It’s nothing like that. I’ll talk about it tomorrow. Please, Grandma. I can’t talk about it now.”

“Okay! Okay, honey. You just get home and get some sleep. Then you come over here in the morning and you can tell Grandma all about it. Alright?”

“I will, Grandma.”

“How are the kids and how did they behave?”

“They’re all asleep now. But they behaved wonderfully!”

“I’m so glad to hear that. Tell them I’ll see them in the morning.”

Popeye Provides a Listening Ear

When Brielle pulled up in her driveway, she shut the engine off, then sat in the car for a moment, trying to collect herself. She ran her hands up each side of her face and back down, trying to relieve some stress. Brielle wiped away tears before exiting the car.

When she got out of the vehicle, she looked down the road a ways and noticed Popeye’s house, sitting in the middle of the field, off in the distance, and noticed that his lights were still on. He was still up.

She took her smartphone and touched the screen.

When Popeye arrived at her house five minutes later, Brielle let him inside and closed the door. Popeye looked at Brielle, noticing how visibly shaken she was.

“Brielle, what’s going on? What happened?” Popeye asked in a soft voice of concern as he gently took her by the arm, “Sit yourself down, Brielle. Get yourself together now.”

She sat down on her sofa and Popeye sat down beside her.

“You wouldn’t believe it, Popeye! Hell! I can’t even believe it myself!” Brielle said between sniffles. She leaned over and yanked a Kleenex out of a box of them which sat on one of the end tables. She then used it to dab her eyes and nose.

Dealing with Catty Women and Girls

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Sadly, we have so many women who are jealous of other women. They seek to tear another woman down if she dares to be too pretty, too smart, too rich, too talented, too anything positive.

You’ll have a clique of queen bees and mean girls at school or work, and they’ll see another woman outside their little group who is happy with her life. She’s confident and strong. She knows who she is and what she wants. This woman may be successful at her job or have a huge bank account. She may be talented, smart, have a good family life, or gasp! All of the above.

Do you think that they’ll be happy for a fellow female who managed to defy the odds? Will these women want to learn from her or see her as a role model? Do you think they will look up to her?

Most Females May Act Like They Support Other Women. But Do They Really?

No chance. They will only hate her and wish for her downfall. These vixens will want to tear her to pieces. They will plot against her and try to sabotage whatever success she has. It’s both sad and pathetic!

Understand that the reason these women are so catty is because they’re highly insecure in themselves. They subconsciously see themselves as inferior to any woman who’s got her shit together. So, they’ll do everything they possibly can to pull her down to their level.

Also, if a catty woman has a husband with a roving eye, look out if you’re the woman in his sights! Because she won’t lay into her hubby with the wandering eyes. No. She will come after you! And with a vengeance!

Catty women are mostly the passive-aggressive types and if you’re in their line of fire, you’ll feel their eyes bore into you like a needle. You’ll pick up the sickening vibrations these girls put off. Also, you’ll feel the negative energy they exude grip you and try to squeeze the life out of you. And these females will almost seem demonic- as if they’re possessed with an evil spirit.

If You Become the Target of Catty Women, BEWARE!

These shrews will try to get information from you. Moreover, they’ll pump your friends, associates, even your family members for information about you.

They’ll warn everyone who will listen not to associate with you and try to damage your good relationships. They will also sabotage your job prospects, invade your privacy and snoop through your office and sometimes even your belongings, to find anything they can use against you.

Some may even stalk you to find out where you live and who your family members are. Understand that these women see you as an adversary- someone they must compete with. Your success causes them to compare themselves to you and question their own achievements and overall value as women.

They hate you because they think you have it better than them. You can hear the venom in their voices and sense the poison in their minds. You see clearly the ignorance in their attitudes. Also, you’ll observe their huffy impatience and haughty demeanors.

If they ever sink their claws into you, they’ll never let go. You’re the enemy– the usurper of their perceived girl-code, and they have an evil laser focus on you.

Women and Girls can be Worse Bullies Than Men and Boys

These girls strut around the school, workplace, or community with funky dispositions and their noses turned up. They have their upper lips raised in contempt, eyes blazing under those fake eyelashes, and eyebrows narrowed. Overall, they have snooty and snotty attitudes.

And the woman I mentioned earlier? The one with the ogling husband? Should it be any wonder the guy has a roving eye?

You must realize that these women are miserable human beings, and they suck the oxygen out of every room they walk into. They are to be pitied and dismissed, not hated. Avoid them and have nothing to do with them, not only for your sanity, but your overall safety. And the further away you get from these hussies, the better.

With knowledge comes empowerment!

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C6.12

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“Step around to the front of my vehicle, Brielle.”

Brielle gave Bobby a puzzled look. Nevertheless, she did as she was told. Bobby then stood in front of her with a look of contempt.

“Are you aware that your daughter, Jane, assaulted my daughter and a few other girls at school today?” The sheriff asked angrily.

“Yeah. After they jumped her first.” Brielle answered matter-of-factly.

“Is that a fact?” Bobby challenged.

“That’s a fact.” Brielle answered bravely.

The sheriff placed his hands on his hips and looked Brielle dead in the eyes. His eyes become slits and one side of his upper lip rose in contempt.

“You and your daughter seem to think that because you know martial arts that you can just go around beatin’ up on people anytime you feel like it. Don’t you?” He growled angrily.

“That’s not how it is, and you know it!” Brielle fired back in a low growl as well.

Bobby stepped closer to Brielle and got nose to nose with her. Brielle continued to look the sheriff dead in the eyes.

An Illegal Stop

“You know? Just because you and your sweet little daughters have blackbelts doesn’t give you the right to go around beating up on people. You’d best remember that, in this town, we…have…the power! You might physically be able to overpower us, but you’ll never overpower us psychologically or politically. Girl, we have tactics and tricks you couldn’t even comprehend! And we have ways of making people’s lives hard. Oh, yeah, we have ways, sweetheart! Hell, for years, we’ve had a few people stuck in places they still haven’t figured out how to get out of! So, my advice to you is to keep a real tight rein on that daughter of yours! Or, you’re going to find out just how bad things can get! You hear me, Brielle Bennett! Or Markowitz, or whatever name the suck-head who didn’t know you but was stupid enough to marry you gave you!” The sheriff fired off.

“Are you done?” Brielle asked in a low but serious tone, maintaining her stare into the sheriff’s eyes without blinking.

Suddenly, the sheriff grabbed Brielle by her blouse with one hand and pinned her into the back of her SUV. He drew his gun with the other hand and shoved the nose of it under her chin.

A Criminal with a Badge

“You’ve gotten mighty uppity over the years! And this  overconfidence of yours is likely to be your downfall! You know? I could take full advantage of that blackbelt of yours. I could blow your head clean off, then tell the rest of the world how you used your karate, or jujitsu, or whatever you’re trained in, to assault me, an officer of the law! I could plant drugs in your car and tell everyone how I feared for my life and had to shoot you in self-defense because you resisted arrest and tried to take me down and escape! And you know what the real beauty is? Everyone in this town, or everyone who matters anyway, would believe me because they hate your fucking guts! Best part is that I could orphan your children, take them away from your family, and send them off to foster care! Oh, yeah! I can just imagine what your kids’ futures would be! You just keep shooting your smart mouth off, girl, and I’ll flip your whole world upside down! And not only yours, but that of your entire fucking family! You best remember that you stripper-pole-hugging bitch!” The sheriff growled and snarled through gritted teeth, spewing saliva as he talked.

Brielle never made a sound but only contorted her face in anger while gritting her teeth and panting.

Bobby then let go of Brielle with another shove.

“Get in your car and get the hell out of here!”

With eyes blazing, lips thinned covering gritted teeth, and face hardened with rage, Brielle stormed to the driver’s side door, open it, and got into her vehicle. She then slammed the door and drove off, slinging gravel.

Sheriff Bobby only stood there and watched her drive away with fury and contempt.

Today’s Quote

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“Did your mom ever tell you, ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything’? She was right–and talking nicely also applies when you’re talking to yourself, even inside your head.”

~ Victoria Moran ~

10 Signs That They Don’t See Your Worth

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There will always be people who won’t see your worth. And some never will see it. It’s just a part of life on this planet and we shouldn’t waste another nanosecond of our time on those people. However, some people are terrific actors and it can be hard to tell if you don’t know what signs to look for. You must know the signs or you won’t know who to hang onto and who to let go.

Here are the signs:

1.You feel bad or awkward around them. Energy doesn’t lie. Although you may not consciously know that the people you’re with don’t value you, you’ll feel it in their vibrations. Therefore, avoid anyone who makes you feel that something is “off” because the vibes you feel are a warning. Realize that these people don’t deserve to be in your presence or your life. You deserve better.

2. Empty promises. These people make all kinds of promises but never follow through. Again, you deserve better than them. It’s time to ditch and switch to better people.

You must know the signs or you won’t know who to hang on to and who to let go.

3. Their words don’t match their body language or actions. They tell you that they like you, that you’re the best thing since the invention of the wheel but don’t act like it. Therefore, they treat you like dirt and ignore you when other people are around.

4. They only want to be with you in private. This means that they’re probably ashamed to be seen with you. They’re all over you when it’s just the two of you. However, in public or when others are around, they ignore you and act like they don’t know you. Again, get rid of these no-counts.

5, You make all the effort in the friendship or relationship. You are always the one to initiate contact, do all the calling, all the texting, and messaging. Also, you make all the visits to their house, using your car gas and your time but they never reciprocate. This can get exhausting. At some point, you find yourself wondering if they really care. Therefore, it’s time to stop making so much effort and let them do some of the work if they want to contact you, and if they don’t, there’s your answer. Find better friends.

Clarity is key!

6. They take and never give. They only use you for what they can get from you, then disappear. Again, this is so revealing. Have nothing more to do with this person.

7. They never tell the truth. If you find that a friend has been lying to you, you have to wonder what else they will lie about. It’s time to start choosing friends who are honest and let this person go!

8. They’re jealous of you when things are going well for you. If a friend resents your achievements and successes, it’s time to cut them loose. You deserve friends who celebrate your successes with you, not ones who are green with jealousy and see you as competition.

9. They get angry when you talk to your other friends or a family member. This is a huge red flag! A true friend would never want to keep you all to themselves and block you from associating with other people who love you. They would want others to love you too. Moreover, any friend who feels insecure any time you talk to someone else is not good for you. Get away from them, pronto!

Know your worth and get rid of those who don’t.

10. They always disappear when you’re in trouble and need them the most. They’ll leave you to fend for yourself when bullies come for you. Additionally, they may not supportive and not come around when you’re sick or feeling low. Again, dead giveaway. Steer clear!

If you see any of these signs in a so-called friend, get rid of them…fast! This person should be about as welcome in your life as a turd in a swimming pool!

You owe it to yourself to let these leeches go!

Townies, Cronies, and Hayseeds II C6.11

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Later that afternoon, Brielle arrived at Grandma Bennett’s house with Jane. When Grandma Bennett opened the door, holding Baby Kennedy on her hip, and let her granddaughter and great-granddaughter into the house, she immediately noticed the shiner Jane was wearing and the bruises and scratches about the face.

“My Lord! What the heck happened to Jane, Brielle? Jesse said that he saw you in town at about noon today and that Jane was in the car with you!” Grandma Bennett asked, concerned. She handed the crying baby to Brielle.

“She got into a fight. She’s been suspended for three days.” Brielle answered.

Grandma Bennett’s eyes grew big.

“What!” She asked, flabbergasted.

“Two girls tried to jump her and Jane used her self-defense training. When she took down the two girls, five more girls jumped in and beat Jane up pretty badly,” Brielle explained, “They knocked her unconscious. After we left the school, I took her by the hospital to get checked.  Luckily, all she got was a sprained wrist, few scrapes, scratches, bruises, and a bump on the head.” Brielle told Grandma, “In the meantime, I have to go to work. I called Olivia’s school and took them to tell her to get off the bus here. I hope that’s okay, Grandma.”

Grandma Bennett Gets a Shocker

“My God!” Grandma Bennett gasped, “And they suspended Jane for defending herself? That’s insane!”

“They’ve always been like that, Grandma. Remember? They did the same to me.” Brielle reminded.

“Oh, I know it!” Grandma said in frustration, “These people are back-asswards, I tell ya!”

Brielle looked outside to see Olivia getting off the bus. Grandma took the baby back.

“Brielle don’t mess around, honey! You gotta go on to work before you wind up being late.”

Brielle waited long enough for Olivia to come in before kissing the baby and each of the girls. She then grabbed her purse.

“You girls behave for Grandma!” She called back as she rushed out the door.

Later that night, Brielle was on her way back home from work. The radio was playing, and a long string of ads was airing. She leaned forward, reached out and turned the dial, searching the stations for a good song. She finally found one of her favorites, “Dani California,” by Red Hot Chili Peppers and turn the music up loud.

“…Looking down the barrel of a hot metal forty-five, just another way to survive…California, rest in peace, Simultaneous release…”

Brielle continued bobbing her head to the beat of the music and singing along when suddenly, she noticed the glow of flickering of blue lights dancing all over the inside of her SUV. She looked through her rear-view mirror to see the blue lights of a squad car on her tail.

Stopped

“What the- “Brielle said as she turned the music back down.

Slowing the vehicle, she eased the vehicle over to the side of the road and pulled to a stop. Brielle then shifted into park and continued watching through her rear-view mirror as the lawman emerged from the squad car behind her.

The cop, silhouetted by the glow of the squad car’s headlights approached the driver’s side window of the SUV. Brielle hit the power-window button and lowered the driver’s side front window. It was none other than Sheriff Bobby Crabtree.

“Why, hello, Bobby. How Can I help you?” Brielle said in a suspicious tone of voice.

“Step out of the vehicle, please.” Bobby suggested.

“Pardon me?” Brielle asked.

“You heard me! Out of the car!” The sheriff growled.

Without saying another word, Brielle reluctantly opened the door and exited her vehicle.