Chaptur Too: Claudia

I was rooting around in one of my overnight bags looking for the earrings I had made for everyone, when Abby said, "Okay, Claud, we had to listen to Kristy yammer on…it's your turn. Spill." I tossed my bag down and grabbed a double-fudge marshmallow brownie. With my mouth full, I began my tale of woe.

"Well, you all were amazed when I managed to graduate on time. I still can't spell and I am terrible at math, but I did take some art classes at different community centers. Mom got me a job at the library, but after I organized the books by color instead of those dumb numbers, I got fired. I was sorry that I got fired, but I couldn't stop the creative spirit. Well, after I lost my job I got really depressed, but I still had my room at my mom and dad's. I was doing a lot of sketching and painting, so when I went to pick up more supplies, I met the most gorgeous guy. Chip was a starving artist, too, only he really was starving. I knew right away that he was the only man for me. We ended up moving in together after only three weeks of dating. He had this dingy little studio apartment above the art supply store. He did the odd job here and there to keep bill collectors at bay. I managed to get a waitressing job at the Rosebud Café. I messed up a lot of orders, so they demoted me to dishwasher. I didn't care…I was able to keep making jewelry and sculptures."

I paused, not knowing if I could keep my composure for the next part of my story. "The next two years went by and Chip became moodier and moodier. His paintings weren't selling very well. The Littman Gallery downtown was having an amateur exhibit, so we both submitted pieces. My pottery was rejected and so were his watercolors. When I went down to pick up our stuff, the gallery owner admired my necklace. I had made it out of crystals and illusion wire, so it looked like my neck had sparkles growing on it. She asked where I got it and when I said I made it, she was really impressed. She offered me a space in the exhibit for it and I hurried home to gather up more pieces and to tell Chip."

"When I got home, Chip was asleep on the couch, empty beer bottles on the coffee table. He had started drinking a lot, quit doing odd jobs, and lying to me about the bills. Still, I loved him and knew how hard it was to make it in the art world. He had been talking about moving to New York, just to be in the thick of things, but if we were having trouble with the rent here in town, I knew it would be worse there. I quietly put away our exhibit pieces and sat down to sketch some ideas I had for watches. Chip finally rolled off the couch and went over to his easel. 'You know, Babe,' he said, 'I'm really going to make it. I know this showing down at the Littman will be my moment.' I hesitated, not sure how he'd take the news. 'Sweetie, your paintings and my pottery didn't make the exhibit. I have good news, though…Kassandra, the owner, loved my necklace so she invited me to show my jewelry.'"

"Chip exploded. He went completely insane. We had the worst fight I've ever been in. 'You did this on purpose, Claudia!'

'Chip, sweetheart, I didn't! I thought you'd be happy for me!'

'Happy? You think this makes me happy? My own girlfriend destroys my chance of the biggest art critics of ever seeing my work!'

'I didn't plan this! It just happened! If this is my big break, we can move to the city! You can devote all your time to painting, and we won't have to worry about the rent! We can have a great life!'

'Oh, I see. You did this so YOU can be the breadwinner! You think I can't take care of you? What? I'm not man enough for you Claudia? Big mistake, baby! I'll show you how manly I can be!'"

I stopped speaking abruptly. Tears began to well up in my eyes as I was transported back in time, remembering the nightmare that came next. Taking a deep breath, I glanced at Stacey. She was the only one who knew what had happened. She nodded encouragingly at me, so I continued.

"I was so upset with Chip's behavior that I was completely unprepared for what happened next. He backhanded me so hard I fell to the floor. Then, he grabbed me by the hair and pulled me to my feet. He dragged me into the bedroom, threw me on the bed and ripped my clothes off. Then, he…he…he…." I trailed off. I started sobbing uncontrollably. Stacey put her arms around me and said, "It's okay, Claud, it's over now…he's not here, he can't hurt you anymore." We rocked back and forth while I struggled to control myself. I looked at my friends. Horror, shock, and sympathy were etched on their faces. Mary Anne was crying almost as much as I was. Finally, I managed to gasp, "I didn't make a sound the entire time he did it. He kept saying awful things like, 'How does it feel to be nailed by a real man?' and 'Oh, I know you like it, baby.' It seemed to go on forever. When he was done, he slapped me hard across the face and said 'Don't you ever forget, Claudia Kishi, how big and strong I am and I'll never be afraid to prove it to anyone.' He slammed out of the apartment. I don't know how long I lay there, unable to move.

When I was finally able to sit up, I called Stacey. She immediately drove up here to get me. She packed my clothes and my toothbrush and took me to the police station. I filed a report and then went to the hospital for an exam. They picked Chip up in a bar in Greenvale that night. He was booked and charged, and eventually, tried. The jury convicted him and he served five years. When he got out, he moved away. I have no idea where, but I know it's over and I'm fine. After the trial, I got a little apartment in New Jersey and a job working in an art gallery. Kassandra Littman had heard about my ordeal in the papers and offered me a private showing since I had missed the amateur exhibit. My boss came with some of his art world friends, and I was a hit. I've done some pieces for Tiffany, Cartier and some private boutiques, but when I was finally able to open my own place, I finally felt successful. Seeing my name over the door is a dream come true. So, that's it. I spent the last 7 years designing my jewelry. I've dated on and off, no one too serious. But, I'm happy."

I got up and opened my suitcase again. I took out 8 jewelry cases and gave them to each of my friends. As they opened them, I heard gasps of admiration. "Claud," Stacey said, "These are beautiful! The pink in this necklace is my favorite shade!" "I know," I said. "I made each necklace, bracelet, and earring set with each of you in mind. In fact, I will never make any of these designs again. They are part of the exclusive Friendship collection. There are only nine styles in that line. You are holding eight of them. I'm wearing the ninth." My friends all looked at their jewelry, then the jumped up, thanking and hugging me. "Hey," I said. "Let's not let the past get us down! There's still plenty of junk food to eat!" Dawn laughed, "Same old Claud."