Story 41: Michelle turns the table

Years ago, before there were cell phones, there were beepers.  Circa 1990’s, my friend Michelle was at her job in a New York City school.  Michelle was having lunch at a desk and left her beeper on a table momentarily to use the bathroom.

When she returned to her lunch, she noticed that her beeper was gone.   Later, when she returned home she called her beeper, and a woman picked up her call.

“You have my beeper.” Michelle stated.

“I bought it from someone.” The woman replied.

“Well, I want it back.” Michelle answered.

And with that Michelle arranged to go to a different part of the Bronx to retrieve her beeper.  Along the way, Michelle spotted a guy from the neighborhood, Aldo.  Aldo was a large man over six foot five and three hundred pounds and an alcoholic, but supposedly a gentle giant.

“Hey Aldo, want to take a ride with me?” Michelle asked sweetly. 

       Aldo was always up for an adventure, so he answered in the affirmative.Together they headed to the South Bronx to see what could be done about her problem. Michelle rang the woman’s apartment buzzer, and the woman came out with the beeper. 

       She took one look at Aldo, and said, “Look I bought it. I didn’t know it was stolen.  but I will sell it back to you.”

And after a brief negotiation that’s what Michelle did, although she probably paid a lot less than if she had to get another one.  Aldo, got a few heinekens,  and Michelle got the satisfaction of having the last word.

    Another time, Michelle was taking a class at a local college, and was hit on by her professor. Michelle however declined his advances.  Later, she received a grade that was much lower than she expected.  Michelle was convinced that he had lowered her grade, because she had rejected him, so she prepared a counter attack.  

      The next day she went back to his office only this time she dressed in a short leather skirt, low cut top, and a tape recorder in her bag.

She had a long conversation and during the course of talking. He intimated that if she had sex with him, he would change her grade.

“Really,” Michelle replied. “I have a better idea.” and with that she took out the tape recorder with a flourish.

“I want the grade I deserve, and if I don’t get it I’ll use the tape.” She said with conviction.  “And if anyone else complains about you hitting on them. I’ll share this conversation with your chairman.” and then she walked out.

Bottom Line, Michelle received an “A”, and as far I know after they met, there weren’t any other complaints about the professor from any other students.

Life Lesson 41: Stand up for what you think is right. Don’t let someone trample your rights, and be creative in finding ways to achieve what you want/need in life.