Teach Me 27

Description: Alicia is the daughter of a Jehovah's Witness elder. All eyes are always watching her. Her biggest secret? She has a huge crush on the best role model of the congregation, Rosie.

Behind closed doors, her father isn't as wonderful as everyone expects him to be. In fact, he's a controlling evil monster that has haunted Alicia for years.

Will Alicia's controlling father stop her from finding out what true love really is? Or will his devilish actions push his daughter into the arms of her crush?

Trigger Warnings: Religious beliefs, SA, physical and verbal abuse, suicide attempt, assault and of course, smut.

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Kingdom Hall

I stood in front of the mirror, my reflection looking back at me with brown curly hair flowing down past my shoulders. The navy blue summer dress hugged my body, flowing down to my shins with each step. Black heels elevated me to a solid 5'4, making me feel confident and elegant. The dress highlighted every curve of my figure, from the gentle slope of my hips to the swell of my chest.

As I carefully applied the final touch to my luscious lips, a creamy coconut scented lip balm. My reflection gazed back at me with satisfaction. I nodded in approval, knowing that I looked presentable enough to attend our Sunday meeting at the Kingdom Hall.

As I walked toward the car, where my dad had been waiting for the last few minutes. I placed my purse that held my bible, the songbook and the Watchtower we would be studying today. I smiled as I entered my dad's black BMW that was idle in the driveway. He stood completely silent, barely acknowledging my presence.

Ten minutes later we saw the Kingdom Hall that stands in the corner of the busy street of Queens, NY. The sign read "Salon del Reino de los Testigos de Jehovah" - translation being "Kingdom hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

As we pulled into the parking lot, there were rows upon rows filled with all different kinds of cars. I internally groaned knowing this was the effect of being moved to the mid-day meeting instead of the morning or evening meetings. Since there are tons of cities in the borough of Queens, the congregation must organize different time slots based on the areas the witnesses lived. This year, the congregation my dad and I attended switched to the mid-day 2 pm time slot.

The main reason I hated this specific time slot is because we sandwiched between the morning and evening congregations. My introverted self cringed at the thought of having to socialize with so many people every Sunday.

But I knew it was expected of me as the daughter of an elder, so I plastered on a smile and braced myself for the social interaction that awaited. It felt like a never ending battle between my anxiety with crowds and my duty to be friendly and welcoming.

My dad parked the car in the last row of the parking lot and quickly exited out of the car. As I heard a stern voice say "Don't forget your purse, Alicia." I watched as he walked, with his gray suit tailored to his body and briefcase in his hand, towards one of the elders from the morning meeting walking to their car. Before I could even respond, he was shaking the other elders hand engaging in a conversation.

I straightened out my summer dress and swung my purse over my shoulder, closing the back seat door with my hip.

I smiled at the elder as I walked past them chatting. On the sidewalk near the entrance of the double doors to the Kingdom Hall, I was greeted by a few other witnesses. Rudy, a tall blonde hair, blue eyed that I had known for several years now introduced me to one of his friends.

We chatted for a few minutes until I heard the familiar voice nearby, belonging to Johnny.

I turned to the sound of his voice and saw him walking right behind me. Johnny has been my best friend since the day we moved from our old congregation to this one a few years ago.

Johnny stands tall, an inch or two shy of being 6 ft, with broad shoulders and a muscular build, his dark skin glowing in the sunlight. He has a slightly chunky frame, but it only adds to his rugged and handsome appearance while wearing a black suit with a burgundy button up underneath. He has a small sway of the hips when he walks that plasters disgust on many elders faces.

As soon as I turned and saw Johnny, he opened up one of his arms to give me a side embrace. I've never been one to enjoy any kind of affection from any person but side hugs or quick kisses on the cheek are a must when saying hello to a fellow witness.

"Girl, why you run away from them so quickly?" he asked, smirking.

"Ugh, I just hate the mid-day meetings. I don't want to talk to anyone but you. And of course, Yessica! Where is she?" I asked looking around the hall for my other best friend.

Yessica always presented herself with such pride and beauty. She's a tall, sassy and strikingly gorgeous Puerto Rican.

She had joined our congregation only a couple of years ago, but I also had the privilege of going to school with her. As our senior year approached, my excitement grew at the thought of finally leaving high school behind and hopefully getting into a wonderful dance school. Yessica's presence in both places added an extra touch of joy to my anticipation.

"You know she gets here right before the meeting starts. Midday meetings are the worst. Our entire Sundays are wasted by a 3 hour meeting in the middle of the day. I can't wait til we get the morning meetings back, those go by super fast!"

"Please don't remind me that it's 3 hours long! Plus, we won't get the morning meetings back for another two years. Next year is the evening meeting and I don't know what's worse anymore."

Johnny chuckled as he hip checked me after I pointed out the obvious. By him bumping my hip, I accidentally ran into one of the older sisters that was heading out the door from the morning meeting. My face flushed bright red with shame.

I mumbled apologies and quickly excused myself, feeling heat rising in my cheeks. Johnny stifled a laugh and nudged me forward towards the entrance of the Kingdom Hall.

As we stepped inside, I looked back and noticed the sister stopped my dad as he entered and she whispered a few words to him. His eyes darted my way. I knew that meant I was going to get another lecture from him later on.

Johnny and I continued to walk towards our seats, other witnesses mingling with whispers of conversations and rustling of papers. The hall was filling up quickly, with families and individuals finding their seats, greetings exchanged all around.

We moved to the front of the hall where we normally sit. Mine and my dads being the 3rd row at the center. Johnny's and his family being the 3rd row on the left side.

We parted ways as everyone else began to take their seats as well. I couldn't help but think about what the sister may have said to my dad. This was great, it's only been a few minutes and I've already gotten in trouble.

My actions might seem like something a normal person wouldn't get in trouble for but my father was a strict man. Especially with me.

I decided to sit and read the watchtower article that we would be studying and commenting on soon. The article read "Why Do People Do Bad Things?"

I continued to read the article and thought to myself. Wondering why should I be the one being lectured on bad things when there are so much more severe things going on in the world and even in my own home.

How can I be lectured on the accidental bad things I've done versus the intentional bad things that happen almost every day? What would the punishment for today's action even be?

As I was deep in my thoughts, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

Yessica arrived just in time, her presence commanding attention as always. She had a way of lighting up a room with her infectious laughter and vibrant personality. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded down her back, complementing her olive skin and brown eyes.

Yessica comes from a "broken" family. Her father passed away when she was just a baby, leaving their mom alone with three kids. She has a step dad that works a lot and very seldomly comes to the meetings.

I've overheard my dad talking to other elders on how inappropriate the family behaves and dresses. I never understood the judgment since it has always been quoted that only God can judge, yet everyone does it.

Yessica sometimes wears tight dresses that show her voluptuous hourglass body. Today she wore a burgundy dress that had a low cut neckline and accessorized with a silver belt. As always, she was stunning. My dad was walking down the aisle nearing our row to take his seat.

"Hey! You look amazing!" I kept my answer short and sweet to not raise any additional negative attention to myself.

"Thank you! You do too!" Yessica turned her head slightly to the left as my dad nodded to her, which was his way of saying hello without having to shake her hand "I just wanted to say hi before the meeting starts. I'm going to go to my seat but find me after so we can plan a day to go preaching together this month."

I got up and turned to her to give her a quick hug.

That's when I saw her. Rosie Alvarado.

A stunning 28-year-old woman with wavy hair that fell down her back, pinned half-up and half-down. The loose strands framed her face perfectly, accentuating her fair skin and piercing green eyes. Her plump lips were always painted a rosy pink, adding to her natural beauty. She was fond of wearing a delicate silver necklace around her slender neck. A simple silver ring on her middle finger, completing her elegant look.

She was wearing a slim fitting dress. The soft, beige fabric draped gracefully over her body, hugging her curves and swaying with each step she took. The color highlighted her fair skin, giving her a warm and inviting aura.

Rosie was a pioneer woman that many of the younger people looked up to and strived to be like her. She was a woman that had a very successful career and also dedicated 80 hours a month to preaching the truth. Anytime a conversation about going to college was ever mentioned by one of the youths, Rosie's name would be the first one that comes out of our mouths. "Rosie does it, I can be like her."

This phrase is something that all of the elders despised the most, for a couple reasons. First one being, she proved the elders wrong, a woman can have a career and be a pioneer. And the second one being, the younger witness adored her to the point the elders claimed she was being idolized. I never understood what their hatred towards her ever was but I was another young person who thought highly of her.

I didn't realize I was staring at her until Yessica nudged me slightly. When I looked up at her she widened her eyes to the podium, letting me know the meeting was starting.

Once I got the hint I heard my dad speaking from the podium, letting the entire congregation know it was time to take our seats and get ready for the 1.5 hour lecture, song and another 1.5 hours studying the watchtower of the month.

Before sitting down, I glanced back at Rosie one last time. Her eyes were already in my direction and I couldn't tell if she was looking at me or at my dad on the podium until the corner of her lip lifted in a half smile and she nodded to me.

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

I returned the nod with a slight smile, feeling a mix of admiration and intimidation.

Rosie always had that effect on me, a combination of awe at her confidence and success, and a tinge butterflies that would always flutter when I saw her. As I settled into my seat, the familiar routine of the meeting began, voices blending together in prayer and song.

Throughout the lecture, my mind kept drifting back to Rosie and her effortless elegance. How did she manage to balance a career and pioneering with such grace? I admired her dedication and independence, qualities that seemed to clash with the expectations of our community.

I wanted her to teach me anything and everything.

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Lectures

As the meeting continued, my focus wavered between trying to pay attention to the podium and stealing glances at Rosie. I couldn't shake off the feeling of admiration and curiosity that waved over me whenever she was around. Her presence commanded attention, not just because of her outward beauty but also because of the aura of confidence and determination that surrounded her.

I found myself wondering what it would be like to spend a day with her, to learn from her experiences and wisdom.

As my dad droned on from the podium about the importance of upholding Jehovah's standards in every aspect of our lives, I would often hear him clear his throat as I snuck glances at Rosie. My mind would race with thoughts of getting in trouble when we got home but I couldn't contain myself.

At that moment, sneaking glances at the beautiful woman that sat a few rows behind us was worth any punishment I'd receive.

After the concluding song and prayer, I sat in my seat, packing up my purse and my dads briefcase. As I packed all of our items, a tap on my shoulder jolted me back to reality. It was Johnny shooting me a knowing look as he whispered, "You've been staring at Rosie all meeting long. You gotta learn to control your eyes, Alicia" he smirked.

I blushed furiously, stammering out a weak excuse before Johnny chuckled softly. "I get it, she's gorgeous and you have a thing for older women" he said as he walked away heading towards Yessica.

Once I finished packing up our things, I made my way to the back of the kingdom hall. I made sure to greet all the witnesses I passed by to avoid getting into any further trouble. I finally found Yessica and Johnny standing at the back of the hall near the area where pioneers filled out their preaching forms.

As I approached, I noticed a few of the sisters standing near them, their heads bent together in whispered conversation. My curiosity was piqued, wondering what Yessica could possibly want to talk about. I wondered if it truly was about getting the three of us together for a preaching day.

Knowing she wouldn't reveal anything too scandalous with other witnesses around, I felt myself quietly sigh in relief.

Yessica's smile faltered as I walked towards her, her eyes betraying a hint of hesitation. "I had this idea for a special preaching day next week. Maybe we could all do it together?" Her voice was uncertain, and she cast furtive glances around us to ensure no one was listening.I'm sure she was worried about what other witnesses would think of her wanting to preach with other teens.

Most of the time it was frowned upon to allow younger witnesses to go preaching with each other. The elders usually said it was for our protection but we all knew they were worried we would misbehave and give Jehovah's Witnesses a bad name.

Johnny chimed in, "Count me in!"

I smiled in agreement, eager to spend more time with Yessica and Johnny. As the three of us discussed potential locations for our special preaching day, I couldn't help but notice Rosie approaching us. Her steps were confident, her presence commanding attention even from a distance.

"Hello, everyone," Rosie's voice was warm and inviting, her eyes twinkling as she greeted us. My heart raced at the sound of her voice, and I felt a rush of excitement mixed with nervousness.

Yessica and Johnny exchanged surprised glances, clearly not expecting Rosie to join our conversation. I could see the admiration in Yessica's eyes as she looked at Rosie, and I knew that she felt admiration towards her, similar to how felt. I wondered if Yessica's insides tingle when she was near, just like mine did.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation about a special preaching day," Rosie said with a smile. "I think it's a wonderful idea. I would be more than happy to join you later that day, if that's okay?"

Yessica's eyes widened in astonishment, clearly taken aback by Rosie's unexpected offer to join us for the special preaching day. Johnny's jaw nearly dropped, and I could feel my own heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. Rosie, the woman we all admired and looked up to, was not only acknowledging our plan but also offering to be a part of it.

Yessica managed to stammer out a response, her voice tinged with awe and disbelief. "O-Of course, Rosie! We would be honored to have you join us," she said, her eyes shining with admiration.

Rosie's smile widened at Yessica's reaction, her gaze sweeping over all of us in a reassuring manner. "Wonderful. I look forward to it," she said before excusing herself to speak with some of the other pioneers gathered nearby.

During the entire interaction she barely looked at me. I wondered if I had annoyed her by glancing at her during the meeting.

As the three of us discussed the details, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Turning my head subtly, I saw Rosie standing a few feet away, talking to an elder.

Her gaze flickered over to me for a moment, and a shiver ran down my spine. I thought I saw her eyes briefly glance over my entire body. My heart raced with nervous anticipation.

I've had several crushes on other women before. I even had a secret girlfriend at one point in school. Her name was Jenny, or as everyone else would call her, Ms. Adamis. She's the assistant coach for the dance squad that I was in. We kept everything very secretive to prevent her from losing her job but once I ended things with her, she acted resentful towards me.

I kinda get it though. I broke up with her because I felt extremely guilty for the inappropriate thoughts and actions we've done together. As a Jehovah's Witness, being in a same sex relationship would land you in the disfellowshipped list.

The only person who knew about my double life was Johnny. During my freshman year of high school, I told Johnny that I had unnatural feelings towards other girls in school. I asked him if that was normal or if I was just an odd person.

Johnny had been surprisingly supportive, assuring me that there was nothing wrong with my feelings for other women and that I didn't have to conform to what others expected of me. That's when he let me know that he had the same feelings for both guys and girls. We promised to keep our secrets safe between each other, and our bond grew even stronger ever since.

Aside from Johnny, I've never disclosed my hidden desires for other women. The only time I talk to other girls would be when they reach out to me first. I always tried to hide the feelings and crushes I had with women in school. And even there I would be careful because Yessica attended some of my classes. But I wasn't sure if what I was feeling at this moment was a crush on Rosie, since she was so much older than any other women I've crushed on before. On top of that, she's a witness! There couldn't be any other witnesses that felt this way!

I couldn't help but wonder what Rosie was talking to the elder about. Was she telling him how I continued to look at her during the meeting?

Her comment was about people not being kind to each other and she quoted a bible quote that was provided in the article but I couldn't understand what she was saying because my mind and eyes were focused on her bare legs.

Just then, my dad appeared at my side, his expression stern. "Let's go home, Alicia" he said curtly, clearly upset about something. Without a word to Yessica or Johnny, I followed him out of the kingdom hall, my mind racing with worry.

I couldn't think of anything else I could have done to be in any more trouble aside from bumping into the sister earlier and occasionally glancing at Rosie. We sat in the front of the kingdom hall so I tried my best to keep my head straight and focused but I know this meeting I failed miserably..