Monica, Part 3

Monica's Story - Part 3 of 3

I did not have to wait long before Becky spoke up and asked "hey mom, can
I have PLEASE have a cigarette?". I replied "sure honey, anytime you want,
all you have to do is ask"; as I reached in my pocketbook and shook one
loose for her and offered her my lighter. Secretly, I liked the fact that
she had to ask. After years of putting up with her anti smoking campaign,
I guess I just liked the sound of her asking for a cigarette or for a
lighter. And I think Becky was realizing the benefits of smoking too. She
seemed more relaxed and easy going, much more self confident, and seemed
to carry herself with a new since of finesse and style I had not seen in
her before. That evening while Becky relaxed in the recliner, casually
lighting up a VS120, she spoke for the first time in many months about
looking for modeling work. She said she had "graduated" from the Miss
Junior department and wanted something more Mainstream, more Vogue. I
surmised she now had what it takes, however I could not offer her any
leads, as I had been out of the business for many years now.
The next day Becky's friend Sheila dropped by and was excited about a
modeling audition for a spot promoting yet another tobacco company to
which she had been invited. Unfortunately, Sheila was already under a
limited contract with another advertiser and was legally obligated not to
pursue the opportunity. I overheard Becky asking about the audition and
Sheila's prompt rebuttal "I think they want someone who actually smokes".
Becky, seeming frustrated, marched into the dining nook where I was
sitting and frantically lit up a VS120. Sheila's mouth dropped to the
floor as she commented "Becky, this is great! When did you start
smoking?". Becky replied that she had had a little "push" from mom and
that she would have started years ago had she known the pleasure.
Becky asked Sheila for the specifics and said that this was just the jump
start her career needed to finally get in high gear. That night I jokingly
mentioned to Becky that she only had two more days until I quit smoking
and she could have her "smoke free" environment. Becky laughed at my
suggestion while reaching for a cigarette. I then commented that it was
about time I began picking up a carton for her when I went marketing and
that she definitely needed her own lighter so she would not have to borrow
mine all the time. Becky took a long deep drag from her cigarette and said
she thought that sounded like a "real good idea" to her as she let the
smoke slowly escape. The next morning, while Becky was in school, I picked
up a carton of Virginia Slims Menthol 120's for Becky along with my weekly
carton. I also stopped by the Mall and picked up a special leather
cigarette case which I had had engraved
with her initials. When Becky got home from school that afternoon, I
surprised her with the
carton of cigarettes and the cigarette case. She was so happy she actually
hugged me and told
me what a "great mom" I was. She then took a pack out of the carton,
packed it several times
against her wrist, removed the clear cellophane wrapping and took out a
cigarette. She proudly
lit up using her new lighter. As she placed the fresh pack in her
cigarette case, I asked if she was
at all nervous about the audition tonight. She took a deep drag, smiled,
and said "what do you
think they will want me to do? Smoke!" she laughed as she blew a thick
cloud of smoke
between us. I returned her hug and commented I really thought she would do
great.

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