Glitching

The Naked Truth.

A Glitch in the Matrix.

Do we live in a simulated reality? Scientists can neither prove it nor disprove it.

But what happens if a bug gets into the program?

Fictional stories based on real accounts...

The naked truth.

STORY 6

30 something Suzy Rodriguez worked in the Sheppard and Higgins office building with the kitchen staff, as the tea lady. She would push her tea trolley laden with the many cups for coffee, tea, and cookies around to many of the different meetings and conferences going on in the building at any given time. Today she was preparing the small dining room adjacent to a conference room with snacks and filling the boiler ready for when they were due to take a small break. The conference room was being used by a News media group who also leased a floor of their building in which to do their business. She would sometimes share the elevator with the many freelance journalists and reporters who worked for the group. Suzy had often wondered what it would be like to have such a job.

She enjoyed writing essays at school and these would almost always gain her a high grade. She even once worked with the school newspaper for a while. But those were dreams that came to an end when she fell pregnant with her boyfriend at the time who later became her husband. She had dropped out of school to take care of their baby, including the two more that followed. Suzy still liked to daydream though.

Since Suzy only lived about three blocks or so from her workplace she would walk to and from work. The morning was no different from any other when she kept having the feeling that she was walking in the wrong direction down the street that led to her job? The houses that were once on the right-hand side as she walked were now on the left? But she could see the town in the distance in front of her?

As she neared the doorway to the building in which she worked, she heard a familiar voice.

“Good morning Suzy! I wonder what kind of assignment that old Stockridge has in store for us today?”

The voice belonged to Hans one of the freelance photographers that worked for the Newsgroup. Stockridge was the chief editor.

“Said he wanted us to work on a project together?” he added as he came up beside her.

Suzy was too confused to say anything so just walked along with him before asking, “Me? Like...You and me? Why me?”

“Dunno? Maybe he thinks that you can put a better spin on the story than anyone else? You know how much he likes the way you express yourself? Knows how to make a man feel what a woman feels, he says.”

Suzy was more confused than ever now? Was she coming down with something? So she thought it be best to keep her mouth closed and her ears open till she figured out what was going on?

“Ah, good morning Suzy. How are you today Hans?”

“I'm fine thank you Mr. Stockridge.”

“Um, good morning Mr. Stockridge.”

The gray-haired gentleman looked up to them from behind his desk in his plush office.

Mr. Stockridge continued, “In light of the recent terrorist attacks taking place around the world, statistics are showing that more and more people are staying at home and vacationing at resorts and holiday destinations around the country.”

Suzy was thinking, “this had better be quick I still have to sign in for work today.”

“The assignment that I am about to throw you two is at one of these places, I will be willing to pay double the normal commission considering the nature of the piece. But I have no doubt's that you Suzy will do it justice.”

“Hm? Maybe I won't be at work today after all?” Suzy pondered to herself. Considering the alternative? A holiday spot or resort seemed like a good way to spend the day? Sounded like it paid off well too? Suzy had nothing to lose so just nodded approval.

Mr. Stockridge had been looking over some brochures which were laying on his desktop. The one he was holding in his hand had the name 'Sunshine Palms' written across the heading. He tossed it over to Suzy to look it over. As she reached down to pick it up Mr. Stockridge continued, “ Nudist resorts are growing in popularity recently, their membership is growing at staggering rates?”

Suzy's mouth dropped open as she looked back from the brochure that she glanced at.

“I want you and Hans to go and bring us back a story from one of those resorts see how things are run, peoples opinions about the place, what it is that is making these places so popular? You know, the usual details.”

Suzy's mind went from confusion to shock! After three kids she was in no mood to display her naked body in public. She was almost too shy to show herself to her own husband? Who had always told her that she had a beautiful body and that he still thought that she was sexy? But he was her husband, he was supposed to say things like that. As it was she dressed so as not to show off her body shape. She had always been self-conscious about her figure which she thought was a bit more than just, “Nice curves,” as her husband describes it.

“The place that I choose for you two to check out is mostly a clothing-optional resort. The only place that you are required by the rules of the resort, to be fully naked, is in the swimming pool. So if you don't go swimming you won't have to be totally undressed at all?”

“Well, that would take the edge off exposing myself.” Suzy thought.

They took an unmarked company vehicle to their prospective homes to pick up anything that they might need.

“Don't forget to grab as much sunscreen lotion as you can.” Hans laughed as Suzy hopped out of the vehicle. Her house seemed quiet and for some reason a bit more sparse of furniture than she was familiar with? But she didn't have time to waste with Hans sitting outside waiting for her. She scribbled a quick note that she stuck to the kitchen fridge for her husband, explaining that she would probably be home late tonight because of work. To call on her cell phone if he needed anything. Hurrying back into the vehicle they drove to Hans's apartment to get his photography equipment and then proceeded on their journey.

It was mid-morning by the time that Hans pulled the vehicle up outside two very large ornamented wrought iron gates that they had to wait to be let in through. The Ivy that had grown thick on the tall stone walls on either side of the gates had started to spread over the name 'Sunny Palms' emblazoned in large iron letters upon the gates, its many light green leaves fluttering in the sunny morning breeze. The gates slowly swung open as they drove in. On the inside of the walls, they could see well-tended flower gardens, carefully manicured lawns, sprinklers flickering shots of water in large circles, and the ocean in the distance. The one or two people that they did see were groundskeepers who were still dressed in boots, socks, and khaki under wide-brimmed straw hats.

“They prefer to stay dressed because they are out in the sun all day and sunscreen lotion gets a bit messy before long, doing the kinds of work that they do,” Hans informed her.

Suzy considered what kinds of scratches carrying bundles of broken sticks and the like would leave on the body as well?

The two young receptionists who met them at the main office were also fully dressed when they came up to greet them.

“Ah yes. We were told that you were coming through today. We have a room for you that you can relax in for your short stay here," She added with a beaming smile, "I hope we get a good report in your newspaper?”

“You're doing nicely so far,” Suzy smiled back at her. After being shown to their room which was in a small chalet that had a large ranch slider facing the distant ocean. Suzy asked, “You seem familiar with the workings of this place? Been here before?” she joked.

“Not here so to speak, but in others,”

Suzy was surprised with his answer yet intrigued to hear more.

“My parents were nudists, grew up around this lifestyle.”

“Probably why Mr. Stockridge put Hans on this assignment with me? Hans should be familiar with all the usual etiquette involved with taking pictures at a place like this.” Suzy considered.

“First time that I have visited one in ages since my wife passed away. Very hard for single males to get into places like this.”

Suzy did notice that Han's blonde hair stood out mostly because of his deeply tanned skin.

“Was your wife as into it as you were?”

“Not at first, but before the first day was over she had almost completely changed her attitude.”

“What changed her mind?”

“Clothes. Or should I say the lack of them.” he laughed.

“Once she got over the fact that people tend to judge each other on the way that they dress and their dress style...take all that away what have you got left? The person. With all their bumps, moles, and warts. No one is perfect, unlike that perfect outfit.”

Suzy's eyes dropped open when a couple in their mid-fifties strolled past across the lawn outside dragging a golf bag wearing nothing but sports shoes, socks, and a hat each. They also had a towel hanging from each of their necks. They both seemed cheerful and oblivious to the fact that they were stark naked.

“Oh yes, one other thing I should mention if you want to stroll around naked you must carry a towel around with you at all times. To spread over public seating before you sit down. Stops the spread of things, you know.”

“At least I'll always have something to cover me up.” Suzy thought. Besides she didn't like the idea of putting her own butt down onto where someone else had placed their naked butt either.

“Also in case the gentlemen get some unexpected embarrassments down below, they are required to cover up.”

“I was wondering about that?” Suzy replied.

Suzy chose to wear a bikini top of a set which her husband had bought her, but she had never worn outside of the house, this with a sari wrapped around her waist-high enough to hide most of the stretch marks left from carrying three children. It took some extra effort on her part to not wear anything under the sari. At Hans's suggestion to do things slowly, one hurdle at a time. The taunts from the other girls at her old school seemed to ring in her ears. They always had the unkindest things to say about her clothes, how she looked frumpy which made her question her own body shape. Some days when the girls were in particularly scornful moods they had her cowering in a corner of a building crying to herself. By far the worst was always the spoiled Veronica Staten who usually goaded the others on. During one of these times when Leo Rodriquez just happened to come around the corner saw what was happening and then chased the girls off with a few choice words of his own, before turning to console her. Leo was one of the best players on the school football team at the time. She fell head over heels that very moment for this handsome school football star who had dropped to her level to save someone as low as she felt in the school hierarchy. Veronica Staten was now also a freelance writer for the Newsgroup. She had piled on the weight since school and was no longer that slim supermodel she once was at school, although Veronica still acted like she was. She unfortunately also still carried that cold condescending attitude towards Suzy whenever they did come into contact. She almost gloried in the fact that her school ex-boyfriend ended up with a tea lady for a wife. Suzy used to feel bad for her husband whenever that conversation was forced upon her by Veronica. Suzy donned a hat, sunglasses and slipped her feet into some sandals.

“If I may say so? You have a very nice figure Suzy once you have taken all those office layers off.” Hans smiled at her.

Suzy blushed, she felt a bit shy knowing that Hans must have inspected her over, but then she was also flattered that someone other than her husband had complimented her body.

“Three children soon change things a bit though?”

“Three!? You would never tell.”

“I think you and my husband would get along just fine, he likes to take pictures too. He won't get any of me though, I'm far too shy for that.” Suzy giggled.

“All these years that I have seen you around, I had no idea that you were married?” Hans replied. Then added, “ but then again why shouldn't an attractive woman like yourself get swept off her feet sooner or later?”

Whether he was just being nice to get her confidence up to face the outside world, she wasn't too sure?

Hans had no problem stripping down to just a hat, sunglasses, towel, and sandals. Suzy was a bit embarrassed to have another naked person in the same room as her that wasn't her husband. Although she couldn't help herself from taking surreptitious glances at Hans and making mental comparisons. Of course, Hans was at least ten years older than her husband but time had been good to him.

After covering up with sunscreen, Hans placed a camera around his neck and Suzy grabbed a notebook and pencil since electronic devices were frowned upon in public due to their ability to take photos without the recipients' permission. A large camera around the neck is obvious to everyone.

Suzy still felt a bit apprehensive about going out to meet the public. This time it wasn't so much how they would respond to her but how she would respond to them.

How does someone behave around naked people? Would she do something to make a fool of herself in front of them?

Speaking her mind out aloud, Suzy said, “I wouldn't even know where to look.”

“In the eyes, look them in the eyes.” Hans replied, “Wear your sunglasses if you don't trust yourself to ponder too long.” he laughed. “You'll get the idea.”

After a couple of deep breaths, Suzy followed Hans as they both then headed out to discover why such a place held a big fascination with its members.

They ventured over to a group who were sitting drinking beers and spirits after an early lunch, chatting around a large barbecue table. The umbrella was standing closed to allow the sun to beam its warmth onto their exposed skins. Suzy was feeling a bit exposed herself. As the warm morning breeze blew between her legs.

The group of people was very friendly towards them as they shifted to allow room for the two to sit with them. Everyone took the time to introduce themselves to the new couple among them. All were either married or in a partnership. Two were lawyers taking a break from the stringent constraints of court life. Another two were an architect and his wife enjoying a break between jobs. The last two were a retired couple 'Just kicking back in life', as they put it. Suzy and Hans introduced themselves and asked for their permission to interview them. Hans explained that he wasn't concerned with close-up and personal shots but wide-angled shots focusing on the complex more so than its visitors.

“The people in them will be too small to recognize faces?” he told them.

They agreed to let Suzy interview them after Hans had clarified his position for being there.

The longer they sat the warmer the day began to get. People were wandering around wearing only hats sunglasses and footwear and carrying the obligatory towels as if out for a Sunday stroll. People could be heard playing in the swimming pool. The more they spoke with Suzy the more that Suzy felt out of place as if she were the one naked and they were the ones covered?

“If you will excuse me for a bit? I think all those iced teas are starting to work on me.” she smiled as she headed for the toilets.

“That wasn't too hard? After a while looking at naked body parts becomes like looking at just an elbow or a knee.” Suzy said to herself as she did her business.

Suzy looked at herself in the mirror as she washed her hands. Flicking the water off her hands she reached behind her and loosened her bikini top to let it fall between her breasts.

“Well...” she said as she gripped the bikini strap looped over the back of her neck in her clenched fists, “I've seen worse.” then flipped the strap over her head, she bundled the bikini top up in her hand. Suzi took a deep breath and avoided looking down as she stepped out from the ablution block. She stared straight ahead as she made her way back to the group trying to look as casual as those walking around her. The group welcomed her back with smiles and no one seemed to have even noticed that she had changed in some way? After conversing some more with their newfound friends Hans suggested that she might like to go for a stroll along one of the scenic walks later so that he can get some photographs of the area. Suzy agreed to join him.

“But first how about we go and cool off?” Hans said as he headed towards the swimming pool without waiting for an answer.

Suzy's walk slowed as she watched Hans strip off what gear that he did have on and leap into the refreshing-looking water.

“Come on Suzy! The waters great!” he yelled, whilst waving her to come into the pool as well.

“Well, I've gotten this far I suppose?” Suzy said to herself.

She removed her hat, sunglasses, sandals, and finally her sari. She laid her gear down onto an unoccupied sun chair and slipped into the pool. The cool water felt comforting as once again her body became hidden from view. But the feeling of freedom was undeniable. She soon found herself drifting back onto her back reveling in the feeling of freedom that swimming naked gave her. She stopped worrying about what other people thought of her. She didn't care about their judgments of her anymore. Her focus was on how good the water now made her feel.

“Good to see that you decided to take the plunge?” Han's smiled at her.

“This feels so much more relaxing.”

Suzy didn't bother to wear either her sari or her bikini top when she and Han's ventured out on the nature walk. The warm breeze on her private parts felt as good as the cool water, an unfamiliar yet nice feeling.

“One thing I have been meaning to ask Hans?”

“What's that?”

“People I've met say, 'I see you're new here?' How do they know?”

Hans laughed, “You have a tan line known as a 'cotton tail' in places like this.”

Suzy twisted herself to look at her butt cheeks, “yep they are bright white alright.” she giggled.

“Cottontail. Cute name. I must take note of that.” she smiled.

They came to a lookout point where the breeze blew in strong from the sea. Hans went about taking more pictures. Suzy couldn't help herself as the exhilaration of the wind invading every pore on her body made her stretch her arms out and spread her legs apart to allow the wind to brush her all over as it swept by. She leaned her head back to allow the wind through her hair. She had never felt so free.

“Suzy. You must let me capture you like this for your husband. You look absolutely divine with the wind blowing through your hair like that.”

She quickly composed herself with her hands instinctively falling to cover herself. She giggled at Han's with an embarrassed smile.

“Oh come on Suzy?”

“No thank you, Hans. I'm sure my husband might prefer to take his own pictures?” she smiled, and I think I might feel confident enough to pose for one or two for him?” she giggled.

“Yes, you must. He will be a very happy man.” Hans laughed.

Hans dropped Suzy off outside her house. Her house seemed unusually deserted as she approached it.

“Hello?” She called as she opened the front door. No one answered and no lights were on.

“Strange?”

Her note was still where she had left it and it didn't look as though anyone had even touched it to look at it?

“Where is everyone?”

Suzy reached for her phone and called her mother.

“Who?” her mother asked.

“Leo my husband.” Suzy asked her, “have you seen him and the kids?”

“Your husband? Leo? Kids? What are you talking about Suzy? You aren't married? Well not yet anyway? But it's about time that you have stopped to consider the prospect though? I ain't getting any younger Suzy. I'd like to see some grandchildren before I go.”

“What are you talking about mum? I'm already married and have three kids in that marriage.”

“When did all this happen?”

“When I left school.”

“As far as I know you were more interested in chasing a career than a man after you graduated from school?”

“What!? Oh never mind. Goodnight mum.”

After switching some more lights on Suzy noticed the bareness of her house.

“Had Leo run away with the kids without telling her?”

Her eyes slowly perused the photographs in the room. Had he taken any? No, they were still there? But there was something different about them all? Leo and the kids were missing from them?

She looked through the house and rooms. It seemed as if they had never existed at all? The pen marks that she couldn't get off the wall after one of the kids tried to write their name was gone? Clothing, gone? Even the drawers that the clothing was stored in were gone? Suzy had no idea what was going on. Should she ring the police? They would probably say that it's not a missing person case if the kids are with their father who may have walked out on her. She knew Leo wouldn't do that to her. Not without saying something at least? Did someone see her cavorting around at the nudist resort and mention it to Leo? Got the wrong impression that she was messing around with Hans? Suzy didn't know whether she wanted to cry or die. So she chose to cry as she headed to her bedroom to lay down. As she gazed around her room for a box of tissues she noticed some new picture frames on the wall that she hadn't seen before. Getting up to take a closer look she was pleasantly surprised. The frames contained awards that she had won for writing and there were at least six on the wall. Taking a better look around the room she spotted some trophies as well with her name engraved on them congratulating her for having won one literary award or another.

“I don't know exactly what is going on here Suzy. But it seems that deep down inside you somewhere is the makings of a great journalist?” Even though her missing family still nagged at the back of her mind, Suzy fell asleep thinking about how she could go about fulfilling her dream as a writer once she figures out what happened to her family.

“Hey Mum!”

“Wha, what? Where did you come from?” Suzy squinted her eyes to see her four-year-old's happy smiling face right up to hers.

“My bedroom. Good morning mum.”

“Good morning sweetheart, where's dad?”

“Right there.” he laughed pointing behind her. Suzy turned her head to see Leo still asleep beside her. Her other two kids came to the door.

“Sorry mum, we'll take him downstairs with us.”

“It's okay, I was getting up anyway, what would you all like for breakfast?”

Suzy later told Leo about her plans to take a few writing courses and see where it takes her.

“You're a great homemaker Suzy and I bet that you are an equally good writer too. Prove it to yourself” Leo smiled.

On her way to work, she noticed that the neighborhood looked as she had always remembered it this time. She glanced up to see Veronica Staten marching furiously down the steps of their office building with Hans tailing behind her.

“And you can tell that Mr. Stockridge that he can stick his sleazy assignment up where the sunny palm trees don't shine. I quit!”

Hans looked at Suzy and shrugged his shoulders as he went past.

A glitch in the matrix that threw Suzy Rodriquez into an alternate reality where she was able to learn that no matter how many layers we cover ourselves in there is always some long-ignored yearning silently waiting to be realized.

Next story here.

I wish that I had never been born. Story 7

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Hidden Regrets. Story 5