In the early 1980s, a young woman found herself on a journey of becoming. With aspirations of modeling and acting, it's undeniable that her appearance played a role. A laid-back coastal blonde with blue eyes—like cerulean gems—framed by brows that always seemed to be slightly raised with flirtatious intrigue, sun-kissed skin, and invitingly plump lips, she possessed an air of quiet confidence.

Clad in her most alluring sleepwear, heart-shaped sunglasses adorned her face – a nod to Lolita, a symbol of coquettish charm – every detail was meticulously curated to captivate. Amid the swirl of champagne and laughter, she projected an image that flirted with the desires of others—sweet, sexy, and full of promise. She effortlessly charmed celebrities and industry power players, embodying the "Playboy lifestyle" of sophistication, glamor, and leisure. A trope of beauty and good (but never boring) behavior; it was not lost on her that this was not the pathway to female liberation.

Inside the mansion's opulent gates was an experience that, for guests, merged fantasy with reality. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation, tantalizing the senses. But for her, the Midsummer Night's Dream party was just another audition, and the stage was surrounded by the occasional waterfall and lush greenery. Every conversation was an opportunity to embrace her individuality. Refusing to be confined by labels or preconceived notions, she set out to prove that beneath every persona lay a woman of substance and depth.

Creative writing credit: Hattie Stearns