Diamond in the Rough
, Episode 1: Diamond in the Rough. (Part 1) Allison had grown weary of the routine world and everything tied all up nicely in a bow. It was time for a new start, and a new vacation home in ...
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Episode 1: Diamond in the Rough
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232056359_cba6637e73_b.jpg
(Part 2)
To Allison's surprise, Crystal had been sincere about coming by ... She just didn't know it was going to be that afternoon.
The greetings were awkward but there was no turning back ...
Allison began to understand that Crystal was going to be different.
Without much pause, Allison decided to get the ball rolling.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230668609_436a885dc5_k.jpg
"Okay Crystal ... You're probably wondering what this is all about.
I'm going to be candid with you and speak my mind ... You're welcome to do the same at all times.
What I asked you over for was a chat and a nice little talk about you and the opportunities I can provide."
For starters, I've asked around and you aren't really new to the breaking and entering business.
You've told me your story about your childhood and the ongoing whirlwind of disappointments you have had since.
From a retired thief, myself, to another thief ... You kind of suck at the thieving business."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230286751_18cf5bb033_k.jpg
Crystal didn't say much in response, and Allison just let the comment sink in.
As the tension grew a little, Allison took on a brighter tone and asked Crystal to follow her downstairs.
Crystal was hesitant at first but brave just the same ... And as much as she didn't like it ...
Allison's words had been hurtful but true.
It was a quick trip around the corner, down a set a stairs, and they were in the basement.
Crystal was impressed with what she truly had not imagined about the house from the outside.
She had known there was probably something worth stealing in the house but had not expected what she saw now.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232048504_077318bdd1_k.jpg
As Crystal gazed around the room, Allison found a point to start.
"I'm guessing you have a fence and probably some knowledge about artwork and antiquities at least in layman's terms.
You probably noticed that vase on the coffee table over there ... Chinese, Third Dynasty ...
And worth a good bit on the Black Market if you could get it in the right hands.
But ... What you may not know is that the bottle of nectar sitting next to it is worth four times as much.
If you are anything like I was ... You'd probably swipe the vase, fence it for few pence on the simoleons ...
*started giggling* ... And drink the nectar without knowing any better."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230798507_f8de3156ec_k.jpg
Crystal got a bit defensive and butted in.
"I see you're having fun with this ... Even though you keep comparing yourself to me ...
But what are we doing here ... Is this just punishment for breaking into your place?
Seriously ... If I was going to be harassed, go ahead and press charges ...
The clowns at the District lockup are funnier.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231975163_470a8e868a_k.jpg
What are you getting at ... Are you making fun of me or planning on making me a better thief?
You need a wheelman for your next job ... Someone to hang everything on when things go south?
Are you trying to give financial advice ... Or does this have to do with the plans you were alluding to?
You want to be the next crime boss in the District ... Not suggesting you couldn't be."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231668156_7b8ea82507_k.jpg
Allison understood Crystal's defensiveness and calmy shot back at her chuckling ... :D
"No Crystal ... What I am getting at is that crime doesn't pay at all ...
At least not unless you're a king or politician and you're robbing from the People as a whole *laughing*.
I didn't steal any of this stuff ... Nor did I do anyone any harm or injustice getting it.
I haven't done anything to threaten you or try to con you into anything.
That may be how the people in your life and your world operate but that's not my style."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231668436_900ba8cfef_k.jpg
Allison continued without joking around as much.
"What I am trying to do ... And I may not be that great at it ... Is open your eyes.
I want to offer you an opportunity to leave that all behind and take your life down a different path.
I can tell you some things I think may happen, but nothing about your life is written in stone ...
Until you pick up the hammer and chisel and write it yourself."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232169865_13f6ef399b_k.jpg
Then, as effortlessly as Allison had turned on the heat, she flipped the switch and continued.
"I am not trying to berate you or cast disparaging ideas in your direction.
I am trying to open the doors you have always found shut ... And cast some light into the darkness.
There is a way out ... A way to a more productive and fulfilling existence.
I am far from perfect ... But I have learned how to stop struggling.
What I am offering you is an opportunity ...
A chance to make a choice that will put you, and me, on a different path.
Just keep an open mind and come walk with me ... Let's talk a little more."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230595458_5546353764_k.jpg
Leaving the basement behind as well as a few of the hostilities ... The two walked out into the fresh air.
The day was nice, although a bit warm ... They made their way out to the far side of the pond.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230287366_046d5e24ab_k.jpg
There in the shade of the ancient oaks and cherry trees ... They sat down to relax.
They invested in a good amount of small talk just getting to know each other.
For the most part, Allison just let Crystal breathe in the fresh air until afternoon came closer to a close.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232051019_b664179efa_k.jpg
Grabbing a few fishing rods, Allison suggested the try to catch dinner.
She made the point to mention that the world was 'built" to provide for people who were looking.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232171340_47c06a9ecc_k.jpg
Crystal didn't know how to fish but gave it an honest effort ... Allison managed to catch dinner.
Allison didn't make a big deal of it ... And Crystal didn't say anything at the moment ...
But to herself, Crystal was surprised what Allison was saying not only made sense ...
But was true in the follow-through.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231671471_22f9e56a88_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232051609_77dce09634_k.jpg
As the evening came, Crystal played video games while Allsion fixed the dinner she had promised.
If there was one thing the two had in common ... They both liked sushi.
They chatted a little more over dinner before cleaning up afterwards.
Things were not perfect, but they were getting to know each other and with less apprehensions.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230802612_ec45f338e7_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232052764_9195333160_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232053464_7c1b350a45_k.jpg
Finally, it was time for Allison to make the offer whole.
She let Crystal know that she could have a way out ... It wouldn't be easy all the time ...
But rewarding just the same.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231673696_a7f7d034dd_k.jpg
Allsion took Crystal into one of the ground floor bedrooms to show her what was available.
"What I need is help pursuing my vision for the District and around this place.
What you need is access to better surroundings to explore the world and its opportunities.
What I am offering you, is this room and a chance to write your story.
Stop letting the world and the people in it tell you who you are and where you belong.
Free your mind and your will follow ... *laughing*."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231978593_4d8cf6797f_k.jpg
For the first time Crystal was starting to really think Allison may be serious about all the nonsense.
She was breaking into the woman's house a few nights before and was now on the guest list.
Either Allison was really gullible or extremely secure in her own ideology as well as capabilities.
Crystal was beginning to lean more towards the latter ... But was still hesitant.
"This all sounds nice ... And I am hesitant to call you a fool believing in me ...
But it's a lot to take in on such short notice ... And I am going to have to think about it.
I really appreciate the offer ... But don't know exactly where it is coming from.
You are offering me more than anyone ever has, and I can't avoid thinking there is a catch."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230803932_b3d6061e71_k.jpg
All jokes aside, Allison responded in a very matter of fact way.
"I certainly see where this is odd by any measure, and understand your position.
All I can do is let you know that in return you don't owe me anything.
I am paying a debt long overdue.
It's not entirely about you ... It's about what I owe.
And it's about what I owe someone you'll never know and who is long gone.
In any case, take your time.
If you do agree, come ready to work ... Come ready to embrace change.
Until you decide ... I won't make the offer to anyone else ... And this room has your name on it.
If you decide not to ... No harm, no foul ...
And good luck in your endeavors."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231973441_cd948e8e66_k.jpg
After what truly had been an odd day for Crystal, the two made it out by the road.
Allison took a moment to add one last thought in passing before they parted.
"Again ... Neither of us knows how this will turn out.
Nothing has to be the same as today.
When you wonder what can go wrong ... Take a moment to wonder about the adventures you have never had.
Good night Crystal ... Thanks for stopping by and hearing me out.
I appreciate your consideration."
.
Episode 1: Diamond in the Rough
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232056359_cba6637e73_b.jpg
(Part 2)
To Allison's surprise, Crystal had been sincere about coming by ... She just didn't know it was going to be that afternoon.
The greetings were awkward but there was no turning back ...
Allison began to understand that Crystal was going to be different.
Without much pause, Allison decided to get the ball rolling.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230668609_436a885dc5_k.jpg
"Okay Crystal ... You're probably wondering what this is all about.
I'm going to be candid with you and speak my mind ... You're welcome to do the same at all times.
What I asked you over for was a chat and a nice little talk about you and the opportunities I can provide."
For starters, I've asked around and you aren't really new to the breaking and entering business.
You've told me your story about your childhood and the ongoing whirlwind of disappointments you have had since.
From a retired thief, myself, to another thief ... You kind of suck at the thieving business."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230286751_18cf5bb033_k.jpg
Crystal didn't say much in response, and Allison just let the comment sink in.
As the tension grew a little, Allison took on a brighter tone and asked Crystal to follow her downstairs.
Crystal was hesitant at first but brave just the same ... And as much as she didn't like it ...
Allison's words had been hurtful but true.
It was a quick trip around the corner, down a set a stairs, and they were in the basement.
Crystal was impressed with what she truly had not imagined about the house from the outside.
She had known there was probably something worth stealing in the house but had not expected what she saw now.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232048504_077318bdd1_k.jpg
As Crystal gazed around the room, Allison found a point to start.
"I'm guessing you have a fence and probably some knowledge about artwork and antiquities at least in layman's terms.
You probably noticed that vase on the coffee table over there ... Chinese, Third Dynasty ...
And worth a good bit on the Black Market if you could get it in the right hands.
But ... What you may not know is that the bottle of nectar sitting next to it is worth four times as much.
If you are anything like I was ... You'd probably swipe the vase, fence it for few pence on the simoleons ...
*started giggling* ... And drink the nectar without knowing any better."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230798507_f8de3156ec_k.jpg
Crystal got a bit defensive and butted in.
"I see you're having fun with this ... Even though you keep comparing yourself to me ...
But what are we doing here ... Is this just punishment for breaking into your place?
Seriously ... If I was going to be harassed, go ahead and press charges ...
The clowns at the District lockup are funnier.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231975163_470a8e868a_k.jpg
What are you getting at ... Are you making fun of me or planning on making me a better thief?
You need a wheelman for your next job ... Someone to hang everything on when things go south?
Are you trying to give financial advice ... Or does this have to do with the plans you were alluding to?
You want to be the next crime boss in the District ... Not suggesting you couldn't be."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231668156_7b8ea82507_k.jpg
Allison understood Crystal's defensiveness and calmy shot back at her chuckling ... :D
"No Crystal ... What I am getting at is that crime doesn't pay at all ...
At least not unless you're a king or politician and you're robbing from the People as a whole *laughing*.
I didn't steal any of this stuff ... Nor did I do anyone any harm or injustice getting it.
I haven't done anything to threaten you or try to con you into anything.
That may be how the people in your life and your world operate but that's not my style."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231668436_900ba8cfef_k.jpg
Allison continued without joking around as much.
"What I am trying to do ... And I may not be that great at it ... Is open your eyes.
I want to offer you an opportunity to leave that all behind and take your life down a different path.
I can tell you some things I think may happen, but nothing about your life is written in stone ...
Until you pick up the hammer and chisel and write it yourself."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232169865_13f6ef399b_k.jpg
Then, as effortlessly as Allison had turned on the heat, she flipped the switch and continued.
"I am not trying to berate you or cast disparaging ideas in your direction.
I am trying to open the doors you have always found shut ... And cast some light into the darkness.
There is a way out ... A way to a more productive and fulfilling existence.
I am far from perfect ... But I have learned how to stop struggling.
What I am offering you is an opportunity ...
A chance to make a choice that will put you, and me, on a different path.
Just keep an open mind and come walk with me ... Let's talk a little more."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230595458_5546353764_k.jpg
Leaving the basement behind as well as a few of the hostilities ... The two walked out into the fresh air.
The day was nice, although a bit warm ... They made their way out to the far side of the pond.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230287366_046d5e24ab_k.jpg
There in the shade of the ancient oaks and cherry trees ... They sat down to relax.
They invested in a good amount of small talk just getting to know each other.
For the most part, Allison just let Crystal breathe in the fresh air until afternoon came closer to a close.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232051019_b664179efa_k.jpg
Grabbing a few fishing rods, Allison suggested the try to catch dinner.
She made the point to mention that the world was 'built" to provide for people who were looking.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232171340_47c06a9ecc_k.jpg
Crystal didn't know how to fish but gave it an honest effort ... Allison managed to catch dinner.
Allison didn't make a big deal of it ... And Crystal didn't say anything at the moment ...
But to herself, Crystal was surprised what Allison was saying not only made sense ...
But was true in the follow-through.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231671471_22f9e56a88_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232051609_77dce09634_k.jpg
As the evening came, Crystal played video games while Allsion fixed the dinner she had promised.
If there was one thing the two had in common ... They both liked sushi.
They chatted a little more over dinner before cleaning up afterwards.
Things were not perfect, but they were getting to know each other and with less apprehensions.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230802612_ec45f338e7_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232052764_9195333160_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53232053464_7c1b350a45_k.jpg
Finally, it was time for Allison to make the offer whole.
She let Crystal know that she could have a way out ... It wouldn't be easy all the time ...
But rewarding just the same.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231673696_a7f7d034dd_k.jpg
Allsion took Crystal into one of the ground floor bedrooms to show her what was available.
"What I need is help pursuing my vision for the District and around this place.
What you need is access to better surroundings to explore the world and its opportunities.
What I am offering you, is this room and a chance to write your story.
Stop letting the world and the people in it tell you who you are and where you belong.
Free your mind and your will follow ... *laughing*."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231978593_4d8cf6797f_k.jpg
For the first time Crystal was starting to really think Allison may be serious about all the nonsense.
She was breaking into the woman's house a few nights before and was now on the guest list.
Either Allison was really gullible or extremely secure in her own ideology as well as capabilities.
Crystal was beginning to lean more towards the latter ... But was still hesitant.
"This all sounds nice ... And I am hesitant to call you a fool believing in me ...
But it's a lot to take in on such short notice ... And I am going to have to think about it.
I really appreciate the offer ... But don't know exactly where it is coming from.
You are offering me more than anyone ever has, and I can't avoid thinking there is a catch."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230803932_b3d6061e71_k.jpg
All jokes aside, Allison responded in a very matter of fact way.
"I certainly see where this is odd by any measure, and understand your position.
All I can do is let you know that in return you don't owe me anything.
I am paying a debt long overdue.
It's not entirely about you ... It's about what I owe.
And it's about what I owe someone you'll never know and who is long gone.
In any case, take your time.
If you do agree, come ready to work ... Come ready to embrace change.
Until you decide ... I won't make the offer to anyone else ... And this room has your name on it.
If you decide not to ... No harm, no foul ...
And good luck in your endeavors."
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231973441_cd948e8e66_k.jpg
After what truly had been an odd day for Crystal, the two made it out by the road.
Allison took a moment to add one last thought in passing before they parted.
"Again ... Neither of us knows how this will turn out.
Nothing has to be the same as today.
When you wonder what can go wrong ... Take a moment to wonder about the adventures you have never had.
Good night Crystal ... Thanks for stopping by and hearing me out.
I appreciate your consideration."
.
