Not that anyone cares, but Cassandra means “man-pleaser,” which I found interesting.

I care, I find it wonderfully interesting and metaphorical.

Wow you put a lot of thought into this then =). it’s deeply moving and somewhat shocking

Wow, that was awesome. I always like a good stripper/pole dancer.

Sad but pretty, like most strippers I’ve met. Minor edit: in the first line she’d had or had had to imply that she had consumed it rather than just possessing it. And we do care. Any author that does research and pays attention to details like that will be able to add layers of meaning to the story. Is there going to be more?

Thanks, Robert, fixed it – she’d had =]

Given your theatrical background, I found it particularly interesting to see how the use of ‘stage’ implies that even though Cassandra clearly isn’t a thespian – the whole thing is a performance – and, to add to the nods of recognition, the name-meaning is indeed an inspired bit of context…

Particularly with Gabriel’s string of massively successful prostitute stories dominating this kind of story, I was surprised at how differently this read – quite gritty – if you continue I would definitely be interested in seeing you push the hopelessness and seediness of the subject matter further – its an appealingly realistic angle…

All sequel-tips aside, this was an interesting and gripping read – well done – MH :)

This is so sad, particularly since it’s a reality for plenty of women out there. Awesome as usual, I got goosebumps.

First off… congrats on being featured!

I liked how you focused on the anxiety of the situation rather than reasons for becoming a dancer. Also, this sort of reminded me of the story I wrote several months back for the starving artist challenge. 5 pencils all the way.

Loved your story. Mostly, I thought the last line was beautiful… at first because it made me wonder what she was escaping… then because I saw it as possibly ironic. I wrote a sequel with that irony in mind. I hope you don’t mind. Thanks for the great story.

i’m with mostly harmless. This is a story about a dream. The poignancy is the reality.The pole dance, sordiness the props. Well done Cassandra.

Sorry 93…i’m having a senior moment. I called you Cassandra!

Course I don’t mind – I love the sequel!

And thanks, guys =]

oh this is a lovely story. It makes you hug the speaker close and feel what she feels. This is not mature though, you can’t actually see the strip show……unfortunately..hehehehe

Joe – I guess I just thought the content might be a little mature for some people…esp. any younger kids.

well i am starting on this series now, looking forward to the ride. I think this is exactly how I would feel at the pole..