January 19, "Rebirth"

"Thank you for your purchase Mrs..."

"It's Miss."

"My apologies Ms. Factor. Thank you for shopping at Neimans", the sales woman said as she handed me my bag.

I have had my eye on this coat all season. I wanted it so much that I even sacrificed my weekly hair appointment. My obsession with beauty and labels seem to have consumed me so much, that I cannot go a week without buying the latest "Best Buys" out of my monthly subscription of Bazaar. Considering that I live in the most undesirable area in the city, my priorities should be elsewhere.

"Excuse me!", shouted a man who stopped me on my way out the door, "I must say your eyes are enchanting, even from across the room."

"Why thank you.", I said as he reached for my hand. I expected no more than a handshake, but before I knew it he gently held my hand and kissed the back of it. Let me be the first to say that this man was every girls dream. Tall, bronze, with a smile that makes you want to melt.

"My name is Ricky miss..."

"Renee.",I responded, not realizing that we had been staring at eachother in silence for almost 30 seconds. Finally I pulled my hands from him and fiddled with my hair to avoid any signs of blushing.

"Ah, reborn." He said with a look of accomplishment on his face.

I squinted my eyes for a moment trying to figure out what this man was talking about. Was he deaf or did I somehow say my own name wrong?, "Im sorry, I don't..." Before I finished he quickly explained himslef.

"Your name, Renee, it means rebirth in French. It was my minor in college."

"Oh right, right...", trying to seem like I knew, or even cared to know what my name meant. "Well excuse me Ricky, I am flattered and all, but I must catch a taxi home before the snow begins to fall.", I lied, knowing I was going to walk half a mile to the slightly hidden bus stop so nobody would catch this "social butterfly" taking the 225 bus back to "The Slums"

"Renee, if you don't mind, I would be more than happy to give you a lift home, only if you feel comfortable enough to do so.", he said with confidence. This has to be the most well spoken man that has ever hit on me, especially when compared to the crumbs that whistle at me in "The Tower" when I'm walking down the halls. Considering how cold it was outside, I debated whether or not to take Ricky up on his offer. I had to remind myself that I was a lady.

"I'm sorry Ricky, I am going to have to pass, but thanks for the offer. Maybe next time." I said hoping he would ask for my number, but knowin boys, he probably doesn't want to be bothered anymore.

"So that means I have a chance then?", he said with a smirk on his face, "How about this, here's my number, you call me whenever that pretty little heart of yours desires." His words seemed to flow like melted butter.

I smiled and took the paper from his hand, promised him I would call and ran out of the store. I knew the bus would be at the stop in about ten minutes time. When I boarded the bus the female driver gave me an up and down look while sucking her teeth. I just ignored it because she was obviously was having a personal issue. I would be upset too if I had to drive a bus all day with a cheap Lustershine synthetic wig on my head if I were her.

While sitting there awaiting for the bus to pull off, I began to think about what Ricky had told me about my name. When I chose the name Renee, I never knew that it would have such a significant meaning to my journey. January 19 marks the rebirth of Renee Factor.