The Account of Generosity

     The cold wind blew against me. “What a terrible night for business” I thought to myself. I adjusted my shirt to where as much cleavage would show. I pushed down my skirt, covering my thighs. The night air was bitter and damp; almost made me want to not work tonight. But, I had to. I pulled on my light jacket and shivered. Several cars drove by, not really giving any attention to me. Suddenly, my phone vibrated and startled me. I dug into my pocket and looked at it. It was a text from my boss:

    [make sure 2 get Xtra $$$ 2night. Good luck Razor!!!!]

I sighed deeply then checked the time. 9:51. “This is gonna be a long night.” I said to myself.

    I went by the name Razor; Thats what I was called, that’s what I was known by. I was in this business for a year now, and I couldn’t believe I was still alive. My job was dangerous and risky. Health risks, Physical risks; the works. I was being looked out for by my boss. He sheltered me, fed me, and “Took care” of me. Just, not in the way I wanted. But, I needed the money.

    A little bit passed, not even a glance. I leaned up against the street light and blew out air. The smoke like steam formed outside my mouth and dissipated. The night was cold enough for it to snow. I had just hoped it wouldn’t. Suddenly, as my mind started to wander, a car pulled up in front of me. The window rolled down and a young man was inside.

His face was gentle, and his eyes were soft, not like any of the other scum I worked with. He had a odd look on his face. A look mixed with worry and glee, like he was trying to hide he was upset. He had stubble, cleanly shaven. His brown hair swooped over his forehead like an arch. He looked me straight in the eye.

I smirked my traditional smirk, the one I always use with my clients. “can I help You?” I said. He smiled to me, and laughed. “Sure, c’mon in.” He said. I stepped around to the other side of his car and opened the door. Warm air blew lightly against my face. I quickly sat on the leather seat and relaxed. He turned to me and smiled. I smirked back. “What’s your name?” He asked. I tilted my head playfully, “Razor.” He shook his head at me. “That’s an odd name.” He said. I leaned in close to him and smirked, “It’s a stage name, honey.”

He turned and drove off. I kept my body up straight, puffing out my chest. “Gotta place you wanna settle?” I asked. He kept his eyes on the road. “Yeah,....Just the place, Don’t worry.” he said. I kept my body straight, waiting for him to say something. “There’s a blanket in the back if you’re cold.” he said, softly. In all of my time of being in this business, I had never been offered a blanket or something to warm myself. I just brushed it off. “Not cold.” I responded. He reaches his hand over from the wheel and touched my arm. My icey skin touches his warm hand. “You’re freezing.” He smiles. I blush lightly then turn away.

We drove on for a while, in dead silence. “So,....” he broke, “how much do you need?” I turned to him, “Well, if it’s a few hours, it’s about 50 to 70 dollars. if it’s a night, it’s 100.” He put on a crooked smile. “How much do you need?” He specified. I tilted my head in confusion. “I just-” he suddenly cut me off, “I’m not asking for your services, I’m offering you money and a place to stay.” I felt my heart sink. I didn’t understand what I was hearing. A guy, helping some lonely prostitute off the side of the road. I didn’t understand. “Why…?” I asked hesitantly. He smiled Briefly, then spoke.

“I am a Youth Pastor at the local church. Name’s Keith. You looked cold, so I wanted to help. you can crash at my place for as long as you want.” He stopped at the light. I shook my head, “What about your wife?” I asked, smirking. He frowned suddenly. “My wife is in Heaven.” I felt a pain in my chest. “I-,...I’m so sorry.” I said. He shook his head, and smiled, “It’s alright, she’s in a better place now.” I laid back against the seat and relaxed.

“We’re here.” He said, slowing down. The car turned to down a long dirt road. At the end of the road, was a huge house. A house I only dreamed of having. It was nearly two stories and had at least 20 windows on the front alone. I felt a smile creep across my face. “You like the place?” he asked. I turned to him, “Yeah, It’s awesome!”

The car halted to an abrupt stop in front of the house. I quickly got out of the car and admired the house. It loomed over me, beckoning me inside. I turn on my axis to face keith. “What’s the catch?” I say, smirking. Keith shook his head and smiled, “No catch, Just an act of kindness.” I smiled. This was too good to be true. A person, willing to help me, a prostitute no really gave a shit about. For once, I felt wanted, for real. Not lusted over, but, legitly wanted to be helped.

Keith swung open the door for me. As I looked inside, I was amazed. The room was huge; a sight to behold. There was a spiral staircase that lead straight up onto a balcony-like second floor. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, lighting the whole room. The right, was a fancy looking living room. The left, was a hallway to a kitchen. I stepped inside and felt the warmth on my skin. “Do you want more,...Appropriate clothing?” Keith asked from behind me. I looked down at myself. A short tank-top with a skirt that barely covered my lower region. “That,...that would be nice.” I smiled to him.

He lead me upstairs and showed me to his room. His room was nothing too spectacular, but fancy still. He pointed to the closet, “Some of my wife’s old clothes are in the closet over there, you can borrow some.” he said. I turned to him and nodded, “Thank you, Keith.” I said, lightly. He turned and walked down the stairs. “I’ll make some food while you get ready.” I heard him say.

I shut the door then walked over to the closet. It was full of colorful clothes. Dresses, Tee’s, coats; the works. My eyes were caught on a red dress. It was fiery red with blood red trim. It was the length of my knees. I grabbed it and got undressed. I felt joy, joy that I only felt when I was a child. The generosity of this man stunned me. I didn’t understand why he wanted to help a person like me.

After I got dressed, I trotted down the stairs. I was enlightened by the sound of sizzling meat. I walked down the left hall, following the sound of food. I peaked my head in the doorway to the kitchen. The kitchen was looked like something out of the Food Network; big and fancy. I saw Keith standing over by the stove. I could now smell pancake mix baking and bacon cooking. He turned suddenly.

“What did you pick out?” he asked me. I stepped out slowly from the doorway and showed him. “Oh, that dress, I remember that.” He smiled. I pranced over to him. “Breakfest? at 10:00 at night?” I asked him, smirking. He nodded, “Why not?” I shook my head, “I haven’t had pancakes in forever.” I said. He reached his hand up to pat my head. I flinched, out of instinct. He drew his hand back, a sad look on his face. “S-Sorry,...instinct.” I muttered. He shook his head, “I’m not like that,...I promise.” I gave him a light smile, “I know,”

He reached his hand up again, and pet my hair softly. His hand was soft and warm. I felt a smile creep across my face and comfort in my heart. He pulled his hand away and smiled. He turned back over and flipped a Pancake. I watched him for a bit, flipping the cakes. After a while, he tossed two cakes onto a plate and handed it to me. I smiled to him and said, “Thanks.”

I sat at the table, after I ate my food. I hadn’t been that full in a while. I was delicious and sweet. “Had enough?” Asked Keith. I nodded, too full to speak. “Good,” he stood up, “I’m glad I could help.” I stood up next. “Well, Thanks, but, I should get out of your hair.” I turned towards the hall. “Do you have a place to go?” Keith pondered. I stopped and turned back to him. “...N-No,” I looked to him, “I don’t really.” He held out his arms, and smiled. “You can stay here, at least till you find a place.”

I felt my cheeks get warm, like the feeling before you cry. “Razor,...you can trust me.” Keith smiled a genuine smile. I looked down, then back to him. “...Do you want to know my real name?” I offered. He paused then smiled to me, “Only if you want to.”

I took a deep breathe then smiled lightly. My eyes felt wet. I tried to control myself. “A,...Amy.” I choked out. He smiled to me, “Well, Amy, you can stay as long as you need.” For once, I felt welcome. This man, this Pastor, he was my savior from the hell I was coming from. He offered me his home and his services to help me. Just out of pure generosity, he helped me. For no good reason, but, i’m glad I did.

I felt the floodgate of tears was released suddenly, and tears streamed down my cheeks. I ran over and wrapped my arms around him. He was taking off guard, then wrapped his arms around me. My tears soaked into his shirt. His arms were comforting and healing. I didn’t want him to let go. “T-Thank you,..” I finally choked out. He pet my hair and held me tight.

“You can have my bed for tonight, if you want.” He said quietly. I looked up to him, tears still on my cheeks. I smiled to him, “Now thats too much.” I giggled. He shrugged it off. “i’ll be fine on the couch.” I said to him. He nodded.

              For once, I had felt welcomed with open arms. The light of my life was that moment, That random act of kindness. I will never soon forget what he did for me.