There are certain people who … you just do what they want because it’s easier than putting up with their shit. Lady Jayne does not apologize for being difficult. People do what she says because she has a superior attitude and they realize she WILL get her own way no matter what. But there is something about her that makes a person want to do for her.
She taught middle school for many years and has always said, “Give me a room full of thirteen and fourteen year olds, and I could rule the world!” She must be in bed with the Devil to like being in charge of all those pubescent minions. “Fly! My little monkeys! Fly!”
It’s like that at home too. If she says, “Do the dishes.” That boy had better jump up and plunge his hands into a hot sudsy pan!
The same thing is true with his sister. “Have the house cleaned and picked up everyday before I get home.” If everyone does their part, things can go smoothly in a family or classroom full of teen spirit and angst.
Relations with neighbors take on a different tone. She does not favor issuing commands in this situation, but rather suggestions like, ‘That’s a pretty close trim on that beautiful flowering bush…” Not meaning “pretty”, but “You cut that mother fucker too much right when its sending out its blossoms!”
It’s all in the demeanor, the tone, a slight sneer. She has a certain presence. A nonchalant grunt can mean a lot… and she doesn’t mean “mean,” she means MEAN! But recently she has discovered another option. “Killing them with kindness.”
She figures all the creatures of this planet are suffering in their own ways. Whether it’s lack of food, money, health, or pussy, we are all wanting something more… better. She does favors for people, giving deeds of kindness wherever she can without expecting reciprocity.
But she is still determined to get the trash taken out! She will work her eight hours, come home, cook, clean, wash, fold, and sweep. She will be loving and kind, but do what she asks or she’ll have to be even more “loving and kind” which will make you feel angry, rebellious, and ashamed… and then you will do what she says!
You can’t help yourself. You love her. She loves you. She has already begun to chip away at all the grudges you hold from the past. It is a lifelong process. She is sure that she will die before she is finished loving everyone enough.
(First published 3/15/13)
