Lozen the Poison

Lozen Cooper was the center of attention. She was tall, 5’9” to be exact. Her height matched her poised and slender physique.

Lozen at the age of 27 was a Super Model for Vogue Magazine. At present, Vogue was shooting an advertisement in California for the 2019 Super Bowl. It featured Ms. Lozen Cooper at a track meet with other participants. On a very hot day in August, Lozen had to run full speed to get the last coca-cola before her team mates could get it. The ad slogan indicated, “Running that extra mile, Have a Coke and a Smile.”

Lozen was glad that in her high school years, she actually did run track! She had won many trophies and accomplishments. Her mother used to say, “Well, those long legs of yours can certainly move, just like your dad’s.”

Her dad was also a track record star. Back in the day, her dad Evan Cooper ran the men’s 100 meters in 7.5 seconds! He was also eligible to compete for the Olympics.

Unfortunately, a turn of events in the Summer of 2008, didn’t let her dad continue his dream in track and field. He suffered a stroke which prevents him from running long distances.

However, her dad was comfortable in knowing that his daughter picked up his legacy. He would joke with her at times and say, “Well if those long legs don’t do the job, you better make them sob.”

Lozen was everything but a quitter. She worked hard earning a summa cum laude degree in Arts and Science at Stanford University. She certainly had her fuel in the fire making a promise to herself that she would give her all in everything she do.

That was one of the things that her fiancé, Nick Garnier loved about her. She was beautiful, independent and smart. They had met in her senior year in college and he knew right away that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

One day as Lozen was preparing for the advertisement with Vogue, she received a phone call from her mom. Her mom indicated that because of her dad’s health issues, they decided to move into their vacation house at the Painted Ladies in San Francisco. The house was gorgeous and very roomy. Her dad also received a generous pension after years of working as a Construction Manager for Apple. Lozen figured that would be a great idea. Also, she can visit and of course, go shopping.

So, she made arrangements with her fiancé to help them prepare for the move next month.

Next month came suddenly and Lozen and her fiancé were driving up to the current residence in Santa Clara, CA. Lozen’s mom had already scheduled a moving company to haul out the larger items. As her fiancé, Nick helped with moving some of the boxes, Lozen thought she would get one last peak in the attic where she use to play a lot as a child. As she went up to the attic, she noticed her small slinky on the stairs. Then those memories started crashing in, there was a time in Lozen’s life when she wasn’t popular. She didn’t have many friends and kids used to tease her. They would chant, “Lozen, the poison!”

At the school gymnasium, because she was tall and lanky, her coordination was off. She hated gym. She was taller than the other kids. During baseball for instance, she couldn’t pitch the ball to the other kids. She would end up pitching the ball way out of the field. So, the classmates started calling her, “Lozen, the Poison,” don’t let her on your team if you want to win some!

That left a scar in Lozen’s heart. In junior high, she would not apply herself. She simply gave up or gave in. Until one teacher in particular noticed something within her. Mr. Kingsley, he would say to her, “you have a special ability about yourself, you need to learn how to apply it correctly.”

As she shuffled through old school folders, she found a note that her English teacher, Mr. Kingsley wrote, it read: “As you enter the next dimension of your life, you will find the joys and abilities you have within.”

As she read that message, tears of joy came running down her face. She realized what her grandparents, her mom and dad and frankly, anyone that cared about her knew. She was a fighter and never a quitter. When she applies herself, she’s capable of greatness. For even her name, Lozen means warrior and conqueror. She made up her mind at early adulthood, that she would live up to her name and never give up again! As she went back downstairs, she had the satisfaction of knowing her goals and place in this life.

As she entered the foyer, she could see everyone busy packing and boxing up items. She quickly joined in and her fiancé, Nick noticed the grin on her face. So, he indicated, “wow, someone is actually happy to be packing boxes,”. She turned to him and said, “I was in the attic reminiscing on old school times. Some memories I enjoy and others, I would like to forget.”

It then dawned on Lozen that her class reunion was coming up in a couple of weeks! Her school usually go all out for these events, hiring bands, dj’s and having catered food and drinks.

Lozen mentioned it to her fiancé, Nick. Of course, he stated that sounds like fun. That was one of the qualities she enjoyed in Nick, he was very spontaneous and adventurous. He loved swimming, hiking , camping, jogging and skiing. All of the sports that she enjoyed.

As they finished up with the rest of the items to be packed, the movers were just about finished as well with the larger items.

Lozen mentioned to her mom and dad well since tomorrow is Monday, I guess we’ll be heading home. Besides, we also have to make plans for the school reunion. Her mom stated, “ Yes, that sounds like fun!” “You both have a lovely rest of your evening.” And her dad said, Thank you both and Nick it’s a pleasure having you in the family.” They all smiled and said their goodbyes.

Now, the time had come for the school reunion. Nick was in a suit and tie looking debonair and handsome. He was also tall and he had a masculine built. Lozen came from the bathroom wearing a Louis Vutton evening dress that fit her to the tee! I swear they looked like the live version of Barbie and Ken dolls!

As they took the drive to the school for the reunion, the couldn’t help but smile at each other with pleasure. They were in love and it was no mistaking it.

When they entered the school, everyone looked in awe. They couldn’t believe how beautiful and poised Lozen had become. Her classmates wanted to get to know her more and certainly find out who the man she was with. Lozen then saw her favorite teacher, Mr Kingsley as he made his way to greet her fiancé and her. It was a beautiful event, one that Lozen would never forget. They took lots of pictures and made some new friends and business acquaintances. Everyone had stories to tell about their life, their jobs, kids, etc. But this time and for always, Lozen would be the center of attraction for all the right reasons.