BULLIES – Part 4

Published on by Robyn Category: Bullies

Sweet Jesus! What’s wrong with all of these people?

I called Matt. I could have called Susie or my parents first. But, they’re all so damn dramatic.

 

I’m not even sure if the phone rang once when Matt answered.

Matt said, “What took you so long to call me? Do you know how much trouble you’re in and everyone that knows you is in?”

 

I asked, “What kind of trouble? I’ve got you, Susie and Becky texting me. Becky apparently hates me. And, as for my parents, I should be inheriting everything in both of their wills this time tomorrow. haha”

 

Matt said, “None of this is funny Frank. I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown today. The FB fucking I came to see me.” They walked into my work and came straight up to me. They KNEW WHO I WAS!!”

Matt continued, “He knew who I was. I almost couldn’t even remember English for a minute. I was trying to figure out how in the hell these people knew who I was. But, they walked straight up to me and said, “Hello, Matt Jones. We would like to speak to you.”

 

I asked, “What else did they know about you? Why did they come? What’s it got to do with me?”

Matt said, “It has EVERYTHING to do with you! They asked to see my phone. I told them that I didn’t have to show them my phone. Because I know my rights.”

 

I agreed, “Yes you do.”

 

Matt continued, “He said, “I bet you do. Let me see your phone. You can show it to me here, or you can show it to me at the facility.” “I’m like, what is a facility?” “He just looked at me and said, “Facility.”

 

I asked, “Did you give him your phone?”

 

Matt yelled, “Of course I did! It’s the FBI.” “I told them the password and they looked through it. They started touching the screen and opening apps. I realized it was only social media apps.” 

 

I asked calmly, “Why? Which particular apps?”

 

Matt yelled, “They said that they’re a new law about bullying. They said it’s gotten out of control. People are scared and some are even harming themselves, due to people bullying them online.”

 

I said, “So, people get bullied every day. We can’t help if someone’s so weak that they can’t take a little criticism. Sometimes you have to tell someone they’re stupid, or ugly or fat. Or all of the above. hahah

What kind of law can they pass about stating facts online?”

 

Matt continued to yell, “There’s no WE! I don’t do any of that. The apps that you go on Frank! The ones that you are friends with me on. The ones that you go on and tell everyone what you think about everything and everyone.The kind of law that holds people accountable for the things that they are saying online. The kind of law that sends out texts and emails to the people that bullies know.  They looked at all of your messages and my responses to you. The messages that you have told people what needs to be done with them if they don’t think or look the same way that you do. The messages that where you tell people what you want to do to them.The ones that you go to and BULLY PEOPLE ON!”

 

To be honest, I’m feeling a  bit light headed. I think I might lose my appetite.

 

I asked Matt, “So what happens when people send out messages, that are considered bullying?”

 

Matt explained, “Big brother is watching all of us, Frank. I told you this before. As soon as the app realizes what you’ve said, it sends a signal out. The signal goes to the police and the FBI. After someone reads it they then find you. They FIND YOU! They also find your phone. They contact the phone carrier and tell them to send them all your contacts and texts. With your contacts, they figure out who’s family and friends. Somehow, they’re able to locate exactly where everyone is. They know where your friends and family members live and work. I asked, what if I’m in the Bahamas on vacation. They said, they would find me. They said they’re everywhere! They find out where everyone works and contact their employers. They contact their family members. Everyone gets in trouble.”

 

I swear I may lose my appetite any second.

 

I was getting a bit scared. But, I had to ask, “What happens to the people in the contact lists? What happens to the people that I know?”

 

Matt’s voice sounded shaky. He said, “They contact all of our phone carriers and find where we all work and if you have kids where they go to school. They come and find all of us. And because we choose to know you, we get in trouble. We are in trouble because of you, by default. The big mean one looked down at me and said, “If you knowingly choose to be best friends, someone who bullies others, that means you must be a bully too. Like attracts like and all.”

 

Matt continued, “And because I’m your best friend they came to my work. I can lose my job because I’m friends with you. If you have kids in college or want to go to college, they will make it so that they can’t go. Because they’re kids of a bully. Your parents can lose their pensions! They can’t even retire Frank! They said, they’ve tried to combat internet bullying for years and it’s gotten so bad that they are now going to punish..wait for this…not just the bully. They are going to punish EVERYONE the bully knows.”

 

I just got a text from a James Black. I don’t know anyone with that name. How in the hell did someone that’s not in my contact end up in my contacts?

 

I said, “Hold on a second Matt. I have a text from someone that I don’t know.”

 

1 PM -James Black:

Looking forward to meeting you at home at 5:30

 

I asked Matt, “What’s the name of the mean agent?”

 

Matt said, “James Black.”

 

I think I’ve lost my appetite. For the next five years.

 

picture courtesy of Adrianna Calvo

BULLIES – Part 3

Published on by Robyn Category: Bullies

 

12:16 PM     

TEXT MESSAGES:

TEXTS:

 

9:31- Matt: THE F’ING FBI CAME TO MY JOB!!

9:31- Matt: THEY ASKED ME WHAT I KNOW ABOUT YOU AND HOW LONG I’VE KNOWN  YOU, WHAT ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG AND WHY DO I KNOW YOU?!!! 

9:32- Matt: I CAN’T BELIEVE THE FBI CAME TO MY JOB!! MY BOSS TOLD ME TO COME TO SEE HIM WHEN I GET OFF AT 5!!!

 

I’m not sure what the hell is wrong with Matt. He’s never this upset about anything, except when sports are on or someone gets things that they don’t deserve.

I’ve got so many damn text messages and missed calls. I’ll check my phone messages first. One from my mom and one from my dad.

 

PHONE MESSAGES:

 

9:25 – Mom: “Sweetie, the police have been here.  I think I’m going to have a stroke. And I’m pretty sure you’re dad will have a heart attack, before the end of the day. Call me when you get this message. Love you.”

9:27- Dad: “Son, the police have been here, asking about you. Call me when you get this message. If I don’t answer then call your mom. It means I’ve had a heart attack. If your mom doesn’t answer it’s because she’s had a stroke.”

 

Sweet Jesus these two are dramatic. If my mother had a stroke for every time she said she was going to have a stroke she would have been stroked out by now. My dad has never had a heart condition. He’s as healthy as he is mean. I’ll call them after I’ve spoken to Matt.

Let me check all the rest of these texts.

TEXTS:

8:52- Susie: Hurry and call me as soon as you get this message!!!

8:52- Susie: Hurry up and call!!

9:00- Susie: Why is it taking you so long? You need to come home!!

9:15- Susie: I told you to watch the things you write on social media. But, you NEVER LISTEN TO ME!!!

9:16- Susie: YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ANYONE BUT YOURSELF!!!

9:30- Susie: Your parents called! Your mother says she’s sure she’ll have a stroke and your dad will have a heart attack, before the end of the day!!

11:00- Susie: The kid’s schools have both called. Becky sent me a text and said the principal came to her class and called her into the office. They checked her phone and told her to come back to the office after school. David sent me a text and said none of the other kids are speaking to him and wouldn’t play with him at morning recess!

 

Seriously, who cares if some damn kids won’t play with him at recess. They’re mostly from bad homes anyway. They got bussed in to go to a nice school in a good neighborhood. I kept telling him he would catch something, playing with them.

 

11:15 – Becky: I HATE YOU!!!!!!!

 

Picture courtesy of @kat.loves.steve

BULLIES – Part 2

Published on by Robyn Category: Bullies

10 AM

The day is dragging. After I spoke to Dan I just plugged in and got to work. I still haven’t been able to check on all of my feeds. There’s just too much to do. I even had to have my coffee at my desk. I had Cheryl bring it to me.

I peeked outside of my office and said, “Cheryl, hun, bring me a coffee. Two creams and one sugar.”

Cheryl said, ”Um okay.” And said, under her breath, “Hun?” “What the actual.” “It’s not like I’m working on actual work.”

Frank asked, “What did you say?”  And whispered, “You stupid little mouse.”

Cheryl yelled from across the room, “I said Okay!”

Frank yelled, “Don’t yell!”

Cheryl brought in my coffee. It took too long.

Cheryl handed me my coffee and said softly, “Here’s your coffee.”

As she walked away, out of earshot, continued,” I hope you get diabetes.”

 For a second she acted as if she was a bit too uppity to fetch me a cup of coffee. She’s such a little mouse of a female though, so I knew she would bring it in the end. Of course, I had to let her know that it was too sweet. Maybe, I’ll get it myself the next time. To make sure it’s done right. No, I’ll make sure she just keeps fetching it for me. What’s the fun in doing things for yourself, when you’re the manager?

10:58 AM

I finally had a chance to look down at my phone. My best friend Matt had sent me some texts. Actually, a LOT of text messages. I also had app notifications, from all of my feeds. They were totally blowing up! Ha! I knew when I called that little punk, a nice keyboard lashing, it would get tons of traction. People, are loving it. I also had about 20 texts from Susie and a few from Becky. They can wait. But, my meeting cant.

11:05 AM

The meeting was being led by Chris. He’s a good guy. A bit soft. Always wanting to be the nice guy. At first, I thought it was a ploy. To make sure everyone felt as if they were “needed” and “wanted”. Because there’s no “I” in “TEAM.”  But, he actually means it.

We went over the second half of the years projected, hopefully, projected outcome. The more the company makes, the more I make. And I plan on making even more, by the end of the year. My team, that, me, myself and I, lead, is doing well. The one thing that I make sure of, when I hire, is that they all NEED jobs. They make sure to produce results. When they actually need the job to live, not under a bridge, that keeps them on their toes. And they’re always scared of getting fired. And that makes them scared of me. I like when people are scared of me.

The first time I noticed how much I liked people being afraid of me was when I was 10. I was at school, on the playground. I wanted to be able to play third base. I liked the idea of knocking someone to the ground when they thought they were going to make it home. Billy Smith thought he should play third base. Since he was on an actual little league team.

I picked up one of the bats and followed Billy to the bathroom and had a short chat with him.

Frank said, “ I’m going to play third base today. Actually, every day.”

Billy said, ”Sorry, but I always get to play it. Besides, I’m on an actual team.”

And with that, I picked up the bat and swung it at his right arm. It’s hard to play third base when you can’t lift your arm.

Did I get in trouble? Yes. Did I care? No.

 From a very young age, my dad used to say, “Frank, to take what you want. Consequences are for other people. People like us will always win.”

The meeting finally got out at 12:15. 12:15 damn it! 

 I got back into my office and laid out before me was my lunch. I had Cheryl order my favorite from Lucky’s café.

I sat back, took a bite of my caesar salad with steak, washed it down with of soda and grabbed my phone.

I was finally able to have a look and see what fun was awaiting me. And what the hell Susie wanted. She just doesn’t stop texting. As if I won’t see the damn woman after work.

But, first Matt. As they say, “Bro’s before hoes.”  Not that Susie is a hoe. She’s far too boring to be a hoe. From what I gather, online, hoes seem to be much more fun.

Anyway, I grabbed my phone, clicked on, the messaging app that said, “Bro”.

Texts:

9: 30 AM- Matt:  WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE?!!!!

BULLIES – Part 1

Published on by Robyn Category: Bullies

 Definition: noun: bully; plural noun: bullies

A person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable.

 CONSEQUENCES  Definition: A result or effect of an action or condition

   FRANK:  Male, 45, has been working at the same company since leaving college and hates almost everyone he works with, lives with Susie, spouse of 25 years and two children; 16-year-old Becky and 10 year old David. 

Frank: 7:30 AM – Drive to work

   It takes me about 30 minutes to get to work, with no traffic. I work the regular 8 to 5, Monday through Friday.  I always leave early on Fridays. Of course. I hate work. But, I get paid well and I don’t work with too many idiots. I made sure to get rid of the last person that thought they knew more than me. She may have. But, I won’t be made to look like I don’t work harder or smarter than anyone! I’m the manager and everyone will RESPECT ME. No matter what. I’ve worked for too long and far too hard at this company to not be respected. By EVERYONE.

8:01 AM

I got to work a minute late. I walked in and said hi to all of my subordinates, some may call them colleagues. If you’re not my equal, you’re my subordinate. I have a meeting at 11:00. Hopefully, we can get through this before lunchtime. I left home too late and didn’t have time to check all of my social media. I’m quite popular on some threads. I don’t take any shit and it’s my right to tell people what I think of them and how things should be. So many people are weak and too scared of “repercussions” if they have an opinion. The things I say aren’t opinions. They’re straight FACTS. People have spent so many years being “politically correct” when they need to just say what they mean. And sometimes people need to be told in a certain manner to get it. It’s usually the ones that are, let’s say, nothing like me.

9:30

Dan Moran walked into my office. You can tell by his last name why he was hired.

Frank fake cheerfully shouted out, “Hey Dan buddy how’s it going?”

Dan said, “It’s going fine. Just a regular Friday. Working hard and making lists of things to get done around the house this weekend.”

Frank, bored but pretending today said, “I know what you mean. Man’s work is never done.”

Dan said, “I think the saying is, “woman’s work is never done.”

Frank reiterated and said, “No, man’s work is never done. Susie, my lovely wife, is a housewife. She’s lucky she has me, so she doesn’t have to do any real work. What does she actually work at? Go shopping, lunch with friends, take care of kids, that basically can take care of themselves now? Her mother, that old bat, fell and broke her damn hip. She was laid on her living room floor for 3 hours before the husband came home. I’m sure she was laying there crying, like a baby. How’s that for an “I’ve fallen and can’t get up!?”

Frank started laughing hysterically. “I’m sorry. It’s just so damn funny. Anyway, Susie has to go and make her food and make sure she’s got everything she needs. So, as I said before, man’s work is never done.”

Dan, looking embarrassed for Susie, lied and said, “She’s lucky she has you.”

Frank agreed, “Yes she is. Yes, she is.”

 

    

 

 

Jared and Amanda-part 3

Published on by Robyn Category: A day in the life

Amanda;

Jared screamed a blood-curdling scream of surprise and agony. His left arm had been blown off. Blood soaked the jagged edges of what was left of his blue plaid shirt. He lay on the sidewalk. Eyes wide open, face spattered with blood and gasping for breath.

I said, “Wrong old bitch today. You mean little shit.”  And gave him a kick in the side. Trying to be careful not blood on my new blue tennis shoes.

 

I’m not even old. I’m not that young.  I’m not old either. But, I’m old enough to know how to configure a remote controllable small explosive device to conceal in a handbag. Not one of my nice designer bags. I’m all for vigilante justice. But, not that much. One that I picked up at the thrift shop for $5. I knew it would come in handy. So, did dating my ex Jack. He’s a good guy. But, he’s so full of himself.  He needs to date someone equally full of herself. No. They would try to kill each other.

 

  As I was saying, dating Jack, my dad’s military background, he’s really big into self-defense and my fondness for the dark web, I feel like a superwoman!  A girl needs to be able to take care of herself. By any means possible.

 

Hold on.. my phone is ringing. Well now speaking of Jack.

I said, “Hi there Jacky!”

Jack said, “Hi sweetie. What have you been up to today?”

We’re not together any longer but, we’re great friends.

I said, “Nothin’ much. How are you and what’s going on?”

Jack said, “Everything is going great. I was on an assignment. I’m back in town.”

I asked, “How was it?”

Jack said, “It went perfectly. You know I’m excellent at what I do.”

I told you he’s full of himself.

I asked, “So, what’s up?”

 Jack answered, “Well, I met someone online. Her name is Maggie. She seems perfect.”

I said, “You know no one is perfect Jacky.”

Jack laughed and said, “That’s why I’m calling you. You can dig where I can’t.”

I said, “Oh! You know I love a challenge. Anyone that seems that perfect has got to be batshit crazy.”

Jared & Amanda- Part 2

Published on by Robyn Category: A day in the life

AMANDA;

I walked slowly down the sidewalk stooped over. I knew there had been a string of purse snatching and some stabbings of senior citizens in the past few weeks.

The attacks were happening in the late afternoon and evening.

Imagine just minding your own business and someone grabbing your bag?

 

Some of us ladies carry our lives in our bags. Your favorite functional wallet filled with pictures of your kids and grandchildren, medication, a nice cozy mystery novel and a small emergency kit with enough things in it to do surgery if needed. Okay, the last item might be an exaggeration. But, I, like most women, love their bags and feel as if everything in it can’t be replaced.

 

I had just gotten to the street lights in front of the thrift shop when all of a sudden my bag was being torn from my right shoulder. I was knocked to the ground and to add to the horror I was called a very foul name and age shamed.

He screamed at me, “Stupid old bitch!”

Why would you feel the need to further degrade your victim after you’ve taken their belongings?

As he smirked I pulled a small silver flip phone, that was strapped to my left ankle and pressed #248.

Nothing happened at first. I pressed #248 again remembered I had changed it up a little this time. And with that, I pressed #369 and then BOOM!

 

Jared and Amanda- Part 1

Published on by Robyn Category: A day in the life

 JARED;

Best. Night. Of. My. F’ng. Life! I got in late. It was Friday night. I think I finally got in around three this morning. School got out early and I went out with five of my best friends to a concert. After that, we went to Oz’s Kebab and ate.  I love that place. I always get the same thing. A doner kebab, salad and apple tea.  I’m a creature of habit.

 

   Before, I met up with my friends I made, what I like to call, a couple of “OPW’s”. That translates to old people withdrawals. Did I need the money? No. But, why not? It’s easy, fast and it’s a challenge. Well, sort of. It’s not as if it’s hard. It’s a matter of location, targets and hopefully a hip replacement or two. hahaha, I’ve been making OPW’s since I was hmmm about 14 or 15. As I said, it’s not that I need it. But, I want it.

 

  I’m going out tonight with a girl I met at the concert.  She’s lucky I asked her out. She’s not cute. Buts, she seems like she’s up for anything.  It’s like she won the dating lottery. I’m bored. Everyone has gone out. I think I’ll go out and make a withdrawal. I’m going to pick her up at 9:00. So, there’s time.

 

   There’s a bingo hall on 56th and Bradshaw. It’s my favorite ATM. hahaha

 

   You May be wondering why I act the way that I do. I’m not from a “bad” neighborhood. I wasn’t abused. I come from a two parent household. I go to a very prestigious private school. I got a brand new Range Rover for my 16th birthday. I have friends and family that love me. Sooo. No. I have no excuse to why I act the way that I do. I’m just a mean little shit. hahaha

 

My first post!!!

Published on by Robyn Category: Carmel's blog

Hey! Hello! Hiya! Or should I say….

Merhaba!!!

My name is Carmel and this is my very first post on my very first, and actually only, blog!!!

Why am I starting a blog? Considering I’ve never written anything but emails, texts and very bad( but passable) college papers I would be asking me too.

Anyway, guess who’s moving to Turkey? Me! Carmel Rachel Smith, who’s never been to Turkey. And who doesn’t really know any other languages. Including Turkish. But, I’m slowly learning.

“Merhaba” Hello.  “Tesekkurler” Thank you very much. “Benim Adim Carmel” My name is Carmel. See?!  Slowly, but surely.

When I told my dad this he started laughing hysterically. I do love him. But, sometimes he’s a bit rude.

He asked me why would I move somewhere named after a bird?

Bless his heart. He has traveled quite a bit. So, I’m not sure how why he believes it’s named after a bird. I started to explain that it’s not. But, then he started laughing hysterically again. So, I stopped.

Anyway, I’m starting this blog to commemorate my Turkey Journey. Okay, that made me laugh.

I’ll be leaving next week. I’m quite happy to be moving. I live in some questionable apartments and last night my next door neighbors, Steve and Joe, were killed.

I was speaking to Jack, the guy that lives on the other side of them, today. We’re both so shocked. I knew this place wasn’t very nice. But, this is scary. So, I’m so happy to be leaving.

I’m going to be living in Istanbul to work in an English school. I’ll be working with all ages to teach conversational English. I’m so EXCITED!!!!

I can’t wait to see where I’m staying. Apparently, it’s a great area with lots to do and see. I can’t wait to meet my students, try new foods, go to the Grand Bazaar, take a ferry, meet new and interesting people and actually learn the language and have fun.

I’ll write more about how I got this awesome opportunity soon.

I have to get ready to take some things to my parent’s house to leave while I’m gone.

Have I said how excited I am yet?

I’M SO EXCITED!!!!!

 

 

 

picture courtesy of @idkitsjule 

Jack – part 7

Published on by Robyn Category: A day in the life

    The next morning I heard some commotion outside. I walked out to find the police, office workers and apartment people. Carmel was amongst them.

    She ran over to me and said, “Did you hear anything last night?”

    I said, “No. What happened?” With my most fake quizzical look.

    Carmel said, “Joe and Steve. They’ve been killed. Someone stabbed them both!”

With my best fake shocked looked I said, “Noooo. Wow. Who would do such a thing?”

(Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I accept this award for best male actor  lead in a drama!)

   With a non faked shocked face, Carmel said, “I don’t know. I heard the music last night. It was loud. But, that’s normal. I was waiting so that I could call security. But, it went off. So, I just watched tv and chatted online to my friend in Turkey.”

    With my continued wide-eyed fake look of shock, I said, “I kept saying this place is dangerous. I know that they always had the music up. But, that’s no reason to kill someone.”   I really need to take some acting classes. I almost believed myself just then.

  Carmel continued, “Did you hear about the murders in the big blue building downtown? Someone had to have scaled the building to get inside and murder the CEO of that company that’s been charged with all of those crimes out of the country.”

   I shook my head and said, “I don’t watch the news. It’s just too depressing.”  Well, to someone it is. Just not me.

   Carmel said, “He was charged with such horrible things that they thought it was a hit man that did it. They closed the airports and train station. And now this! The police found drugs. They think they were dealers and it was one of those deals gone wrong things.  I can’t wait to move away.”

   See why I said you never just leave after you’re finished with assignments? I’m far too pretty for jail. Ha-ha

   I told Carmel I was moving out. It’s just far too dangerous to be staying here.

   I said, “I’m glad you’re leaving too. With what happened to Joe and Steve. It’s just so random. It could have been me or you.”

   Carmel said, with wide frightened eyes, “I know!”

   Three days later I walked by Steve and Joes old place to knock on Carmel’s door.

   I said, “I’m leaving. I just wanted to say goodbye to you. I hope you have wonderful safe travels to Turkey.”

  Carmel said, “I hope it’s everything I think it will be. I also hope the students like me.”

   I said, “They will love you and you will have many many amazing adventures.”

   Carmel gave me a hug and said goodbye.

   My next assignment will be a bit closer to home. Thank goodness. I’m looking forward to going home and meeting Maggie. I really do hope she’s as normal as she seems.

Jack – part 6

Published on by Robyn Category: A day in the life

      Twenty minutes later we were on the sites instant messaging page and chatting away. Of course, my part of the conversation always has to be a bit guarded. There’s only so much I can say. I usually tell people that I’m a contractor for a private company. When people have problems I go and take care of them.

   I asked Maggie, “What do you like to do for fun?”

   Maggie said, “I took a mechanic class. Nothing serious. Just the basics. So that I could take care of myself and others if I need to. I also like botany and learning about plants and their uses. You’d be amazed at all of the things you can do with them.”

    I asked, “what is the useful thing you’ve used a plant for?”

   Maggie said, “ohh if I told you, I’d have to kill you. Ha-ha!”

   Maggie asked me, “Your work sounds like it might be fun. Tell me about your most recent job.”

  I said, “If I told you I would have to kill you.” Maggie laughed.

  I said, “Seriously. I totally would.” Maggie laughed even harder.

Because I seriously would. Maggie seems like a nice girl. The plant thing seems interesting. I would hate to have to Steve and Joe her.

We’re planning on meeting when I leave this hovel and go back to civilization. 

   I know you’re always taking chances when meeting people online. But, people can be crazy that you meet in person too.