I tossed and turned that night, processing the reality of my situation; I was completely dependent on the agency for financial support and to make matters worse, they had mysteriously taken my passport upon my arrival. Frustrated and confused, I spent the next morning seeking solace at Yoyogi park not far from my home. Instead, I found Rockabilly groupies dressed to the hilt in 50′s attire, Elvis impersonators, and dancers a la “Greece” lining the park entrance. It was no surprise that their dancing skills were not enough to ease the tension. I came into the modeling business hoping to find myself, but was standing there, months later, wandering and emptier than I had come. The joke was on me; the surreal scene before me caused me to question my own purpose and lack of meaning in my life. Depleted but not defeated, I managed to stand my ground when it came to nudity. Although I struggled to find myself, I knew with clarity that I was not “that” girl. With the last ounce of courage I could muster, I determined I would try to make this work. I slowly headed back to the apartment and made a call to my agent in San Francisco.
“Elvis” by David Salas courtesy www.sojournposse.com
“They want me to do a nude job, and I will not do this,” I informed them sternly.
“OK. Let me get on the phone and work my connections. I’m going to try to get you on a plane to Taipei this week,” my agent said with cool indifference. ”Just put them off as long as you can until I can work out the details with a new agency. Don’t tell them you spoke to us and don’t give them an answer yet. I’ll call you when I have your flight arranged.”
“OK,” I said nervously -sensing this would not end well.
Within moments the phone rang again. It was the Pueblo agency.
“Hello Alison. I need to know your decision about the job we discussed. I have to get back to the client right away,” said the familiarly hollow voice on the other end.
“I’m just not sure what I want to do,” I stammered and lied.
Short and unhappy, my agent in Japan continued to push for an answer as I did my best to dodge her insistence.
“If you will not do this job, I will have your passport ready and flight booked for you tomorrow and you must leave immediately,” she declared.
Backed into a corner, and at the mercy of an angry “madame”, I had no choice but to decline the job and tell her to go ahead and make arrangements for my departure. Shaken, I set the phone down and sobbed quietly in my dingy room as I struggled to construct a way around the situation. Jackie, while young, had a good head on her shoulders and offered to help me in any way she could. I knew my plan would necessitate her help and I thanked her for her kindness. After numerous unsuccessful attempts at contacting my agent in San Francisco to update them with the news of my forthcoming departure, I prepared to dodge a few bullets on my own. I was in the game alone while my agent sat comfortably on American soil. With only a few dollars in hand and no passport, I would have to rely on my guardian angel, my mother, and the goodwill of strangers.
I began packing my bags that afternoon and awaited a flight that I would secretly pretend to board the very next day. I hoped my plan would work.
November 22, 2011 at 9:40 pm ·
Wow, this is a moving account. Good for you, standing up for yourself with those kinds of odds against you. You’re a brave and inspiring woman! Thanks for sharing this and so well-written too.
November 22, 2011 at 9:46 pm ·
The suspense is getting to me!! You must have been terrified!! What a scary position to be in. I can’t believe you are leaving us in such suspense!! Mean, so mean!!! Lol!! You are a great story teller, I have been really enjoying this series!
November 22, 2011 at 10:32 pm ·
WOW! I LOVE this. You have such a gift. I can’t wait to read more!
November 22, 2011 at 11:55 pm ·
I am joining from vB, but am so intrigued as to the rest of the story- looking forward to coming back after my kids are in bed to find out what I’ve missed. I am so impressed with your resolve and that you stuck to your guns in the face of so much pressure. Few could do so.
November 23, 2011 at 4:52 am ·
This is great writing! I’m so glad you stood up for yourself! I can’t wait to come back and find out what happened!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
~Erin
November 23, 2011 at 2:49 pm ·
What a great story! I’m sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what comes next. Good for you for taking a stand and doing the right thing.
Wishing you a blessed thanksgiving!
~Blessings,
Rosann
November 24, 2011 at 2:44 am ·
Wow–I just spent the past ten minutes clicking around your site, and I’m just intrigued by everything you have on here! Initially I wasn’t sure if this post was from real life or if it was a part in a dramatic fictional series, but looking through your blog I’ve realized that it’s all true! What amazing experiences you’ve had in your life!
I love how passionate you are about your faith. It sounds like it has been truly life-changing for you. I accepted Christ when I was 14, and I had a very similar experience to yours–I was on my knees, praying by myself in a room, and when I asked with all my heart for Jesus to come into my life, God’s love filled the room. God touched me and wrapped me up in His love, telling me everything would be all right…that I was His, and that He would never leave me. It was amazing, and I love to read of others who have had similar experiences.
May God continue to bless you on your journey through this life! You are beautiful on the inside as well as the outside! I’m so glad I came upon your blog!
Smiles, Jenn @Misadventures in Motherhood
November 24, 2011 at 1:43 pm ·
Jenn~ Thank you for your thoughtful comment. It inspires me to keep writing and sharing. Faith is such a personal thing–but when you have it, you want to share it with the world! This is the crux of my blog–to encourage people to seek and find truth and the peace and light that accompanies. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
PS: Loved your post about your little nudist……hilarious and adorable.
xo – Standing for Something
November 24, 2011 at 2:49 pm ·
Thank you Katie! Glad you enjoyed it. Heading over to check out your blog! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
December 13, 2011 at 9:33 pm ·
Great post! I found you on MBS – follow me back and check out my blog
http://tenderallure.blogspot.com/