Out of Her Comfort Zone
Originally posted on May 9, 2007
This story was co-written by Clara in OR, who belongs to Cassandra. No, not the other way around. Thanks for everything, Clara!
Cassandra: Kohana, I want to thank you for allowing me to stay with you while I've been here. I so appreciate your hospitality.
Kohana: (teasing) It's not like you have been much trouble - we haven't see a great deal of you.
Cassandra: (blushing) I know. I hope that hasn't been a problem. I've been pretty busy trying to finish Eli’s personality assessment.
Kohana: (still teasing) So I gathered. How is it going by the way.... the "personality assessment"?
Cassandra: Not well, I'm afraid. I think I'm going to have to end our contractual arrangement. I've really made little progress.
Kohana: Oh Cassandra, surely it can't be that bad. I know Eli can be a little difficult at times, but are you telling me he’s not cooperating at all?
Cassandra: It's even worse than that. Yes, it's true - Eli doesn't cooperate with me in the way I need him to do, but I knew that going in - that he would be a difficult client. I thought I could work through that though. But Kohana..... I've reached an insurmountable obstacle. I've lost my objective edge and I have tainted my research by becoming involved in kissing him - several times.
Kohana: (stifling a giggle) I guess I can see how that might affect the outcome.
Cassandra: Absolutely! You know, when I first observed Eli online, I dismissed him as being shallow, arrogant and very full of himself, although at the same time I had to admit that he was quite attractive - in an obvious sort of way. When he approached me to engage my services, my first inclination was to refer him to another agency. Then I discussed the situation with a friend of mine, and she said, "But he's so eloquent, Cassandra" and so I took another look and for the first time, I saw something different in him. And as I started writing to him and teasing him with my "instructions", I saw his charm and his appeal. And it pulled at me. I thought - "this is insane. How can this person have this affect on me? What is it about him? He's definitely not the type I have found attractive in the past, and yet.... "
Kohana: Ah, so he’s well outside your comfort zone…
Cassandra: Definitely. So, I decided that the idea of a face to face meeting was a good idea - surely then I would be able to get the issue of my unrest resolved and put it to bed - ooops, not a good choice of words there. But you understand what I mean here, don't you? I ignored that little voice that said, "Be careful, Cassandra. He's not like anyone you have encountered before" and now I've made a bit of a mess of things.
Kohana: I think you have every right to be concerned, Cassandra. After all, not only has Eli made you feel uncomfortable but he’s forced you to act in a most uncharacteristic manner. Forget Eli. It’s much better to stay with what you know.
Cassandra: But what I know is…well….
Kohana: Dull as dishwater?
Cassandra: Well….. yes, actually.
Kohana: Speaking from recent experience, I can say that the uneasiness of being out of your element passes, more quickly than you might imagine. What is left can either be an emotional disaster or………the absolute best thing you’ve ever known. Hmmm, but you’re right - you should quit before you find out which. You shouldn’t risk it.
Cassandra: I shouldn’t……?
Kohana: Oh no, I was extremely lucky, but there is no guarantee you’ll have the same good fortune. You should never ignore the warning that your heart…. I mean your mind is giving you. That could never be considered cowardice, Cassandra; that’s just acting out of good sense.
Cassandra: But…..
Kohana: Yes, I think you should give up and cut all ties right away. Break your “contract.” Be firm about it, because if I know Eli, he will do whatever he can to change your mind. Go home before it’s more than kisses he’s stolen from you.
Cassandra: That wasn’t really all his doing….
Kohana: Eli has simply gone too far this time and has a lot to answer for. He has acted abominably. He approached you without your permission, pursued you without invitation and now is doing whatever he can to keep you off-balance. (as if to herself) I suppose he must be doing it only for his own entertainment.
Cassandra: Oh no, Kohana, Eli wouldn’t…..
Kohana: (thoughtfully) I mean, you don’t suppose there’s a chance he is as intrigued as you are? That he could be out of his own comfort zone, perhaps?
Cassandra: He always seems so sure of himself.
Kohana: Everyone deals with uncertainty in different ways, Cassandra. Some retreat to where it’s safe and comfortable. Some act as if nothing at all bothers them. Others take control and assume the risks that come with that. You’re going to have to decide for yourself which is right for you. And then………….
Kohana: ……wait for Eli to catch up.