I remember the last time I had been at the Rabbi's house. I was too young to realize what was going on, but I remember my father taking me after prayers one day, stopping by on the way home. I remember him begging the sage for something, but the Rabbi kept claiming there was nothing he could do but that he would try his best and that "God would help". That was right before my world imploded, before the police came and hauled my father away for 20 years to life.
We looked up to the Rabbi then, seeing him as our rock and strength, I never fully understood why my mother was never as enthusiastic as we were about extolling the virtues of Rabbi Shimon, only later would I come to understand why, once I found out exactly why my father was in prison. Seems my father was scapegoated by the Rabbi and the big honchos of the community, who protected themselves while my father, an innocent secretary, ended up taking the fall for financial crimes that landed him in jail while the "righteous" important people lived their aesthetic lives in mansions while driving around in Escalades.
I had grown up and gotten work as an electrician, which is why I was here in the Rabbi's house. We were renovating his quarters, for the great man needed to have LED lights and other modernized accouterments in order to live simplistically. My plan was to charge him through the roof, but also to ruin his name and legacy forever. You see, the Rabbi only had one child, 19 year old Rivka. And suitors for miles around were trying for her hand, knowing that absent any sons the Rabbi's vast spiritual holdings (and lots of physical ones as well) would go to them as heir. Well, my goal was to ruin her, and thereby get revenge for my father's life getting ruined.
So far, so good. Everyday, during the course of these repairs, I worked alongside Rivka. I made sure to be around the kitchen when she comes home from work, knowing she would probably make a stop there. My goal was now to slowly suck her into my web, until she eats out of my hand, or better yet, other parts..
It hasn't been easy, working alongside Rivka, especially since she seemed slightly uncomfortable with my presence at first, as befits such a good holy girl. In fact, my attempts to seduce her seemed futile initially. But being the cunning person I am, I took advantage of her vulnerability - Her desperation to be normal, and not just "The Rabbi's daughter", as well as her yearning for knowledge outside the confines of the religious teachings imposed upon her by her father. One day, when she returned from work and entered the kitchen, looking tired, I seized the opportunity.
She was struggling to make dinner, since her mother was away and her father was hosting 30 people for a conference. Approaching her subtly, I offered to help her prepare dinner, suggesting some techniques to speed up the time. To my surprise, she accepted my offer without hesitation, likely because she was so tired.
Overwhelmed with relief, I couldn't contain my excitement. This was the perfect chance to break down her defenses, starting slowly.
I showed her some knife skills, making sure to get close to her, but not too close as not to scare her off. I purposely brushed against her waist ever so lightly, ensuring she felt my touch but wouldn't think much of it due to her innocence.
As we chopped vegetables together, I noticed how small her hands were compared to mine, reminding myself how young she truly was despite seeming more grownup than most girls her age. Conversation flowed naturally as we prepared dinner, discussing topics ranging from religion to politics -- all within the boundaries of what Rivka knew. It became clear that her sheltered existence left little room for personal growth beyond what her father allowed. Her cheeks blossomed with slight embarrassment, but she didn't push me away. Tonight, my intention wasn't to completely corrupt her, rather to plant seeds of doubt and curiosity within her. I knew how much she wanted freedom and experiences beyond the boundaries laid forth by her strict father and society. By seducing her, albeit mentally, it would serve two purposes -- it would sow discord among her family members and friends, ultimately bringing disgrace to her family, and more significantly, destroy the entire house of cards that Rabbi Shimon had built.
When I arrived the following morning,,I acted as if nothing unusual happened between us yesterday, as long as others were around.
Once her father left, I made my move. Going to the room where she was sitting, I shamefacedly told her that I wanted to apologize for the breach of modesty I had caused. I never should have gone so far as to insert myself into her life, and assist her, and not only that, I even spoke to her. Her eyes widened briefly, surprised by my apology. Before she could respond, I quickly added, "But don't worry, it won't happen again. Just consider it a mistake I made."
She gave a little laugh. "Oh please, you literally saved the day"
"Yeah but I wanted to make sure you didn't feel like I was doing something inappropriate"
She gave a little sigh, the movement of her pretty chest catching my attention, making me feel a little guilty about what I was doing to her. "If someone helping another person who is overwhelmed is inappropriate, then we're all in trouble."
She blushed furiously, since her speaking to an unrelated man was totally out of the realm for her. I agreed with her and continued my work, feeling content with the progress I was making. However, I also began thinking about how I might intensify my manipulation. Rivka seemed torn, half wanting to rebel against societal norms and explore new horizons, but the other half terrified of losing the respect of her family and peers.
At some point, she left, leaving me alone. However, no sooner did she leave than I began planning my next step. The thing is, while I want to harm her father, her family, and her future prospects, I can't deny that my interactions with her were becoming increasingly difficult for me. As the days passed, we grew closer. Though part of it was intentional, my feelings for her started developing genuinely as well.
Even though I know I shouldn't care about her emotions, I find myself wondering whether she knows the truth behind her father's actions towards my own father. Did she know? Would she feel compelled to deny and defend "His holiness"?
One evening, I was working on the outside lights in front of the Rabbi's home. The work was taking longer than usual, about 1130, and the winter chill was keeping the streets deserted.
As I was about to wrap up, I saw Rivka approaching. I tried to keep my cool, hiding my nervousness beneath a calm demeanor. When she finally reached me, she smiled warmly, her teeth sparkling underneath the dim streetlights. "Hello," she said softly, breaking the silence between us. Her voice carried a hint of shyness, but also a certain confidence.
Feeling emboldened, I replied, "Hi, Rivka." My heart raced as I realized I actually called her by her first name.
Her smile broadened, revealing a row of perfectly aligned pearls. "What brings you out here?" she asked curiously.
I contemplated her appearance. She looked like she had just come from a wedding. She had more makeup on than usual, and her hair looked like it had been styled, tendrils of curls setting up around her face, making her look like an angel. Her lips were slightly parted, her breath visible in the chilly night. She was wearing a winter coat that made her look pretty and petite, but she had already opened the buttons in anticipation of going into her home, so her dress was visible. She looked regal and pretty, the snow on the ground adding to the allure and beauty of the moment.
She noticed me staring and blushed. "Still finishing up?"
"Yes," I said. "The front lights just aren't behaving today. Coming from the Goldstein wedding?"
"Oh yes!" she exclaimed excitedly. "The reception was absolutely marvelous! It was amazing!" She eagerly described the festivities, sharing stories of dancing, feasting, and celebrations lasting late into the night.
"Do you believe in marrying for love?" She suddenly asked, in a quieter voice, startling me a bit.
