Something about being a part of a logging crew is that you are a part of a community. It's a carnival because everybody moves from place to place. We set up, we take over our little corner. We socialize together, we eat together, we pretty much keep to ourselves. That's the background...
We had a truck driver, JA. JA was in the cabin next to us. The three of us have exchanged pleasantries across the porches, as we cooked on our respective grills. He's come over a couple of times. We've met in the parking lot and shot the shit. We've had cocktails. He was the truck driver.
Honestly, I knew I was going to have to have the "JA, you went too far with that one" conversation that I frequently have to have with good ol' boys who haven't quite caught on that there's a difference between being able to take a joke and enjoying being harrassed. The one time he came over when Lithus wasn't home, he and I stood in the doorway of the cabin because...I just didn't let him in or invite him to take a seat. The other day, when there was a knock on the door and I had taken off my blazer, so was just in a fitted camisole, I almost went to get my jacket again because I didn't want to deal. Instead, I decided that I was willing to have the conversation now if needbe. It wasn't JA; it was Lithus, home early. I laughed and said "I was worried about answering the door like this in case it was JA. Glad it was you."
Only Lithus was home with a story. JA won't be around any longer. He's in jail for rape. Saw a 17 year old girl walking down the street, called her over, got her so drunk she couldn't respond, and raped her. When housekeeping at the hotel found her the next morning, she was so drunk she still didn't know where she was or what had happened. The hotel staff called the police, because it was so obvious something so bad had happened here. Rape, statutory rape, contributing to a minor, and contributing with intent to rape. The judge has already looked at him and said "I don't know what it's like where you come from, but we don't put up with this kind of thing here."
Full disclosure: I am one to believe an accuser. The victim of sexual assault or rape gets my benefit of the doubt. Do I know women cry rape or assault when there wasn't one? Yes. Honestly, I know someone who has done just that ~ twice. I still believe the victim first. That being said...there are witnesses. There is DNA. There are his lies that were disproved ~ or proved to be lies, however you choose to look at it ~ within moments of them coming out of his mouth. He did this thing. Even his wife knows he is guilty, based on the evidence.
For us, our little band in our little carnivale, we are shaken. I am pleased to say, though, that we are not looking at each other suspiciously. Instead, we have, over the course of the last few days, found ways to say "I will not hurt you or your children or the people you love. I will not betray your trust in this way. I will not bring this to your door. I am not like him." And we have believed each other. We are finding our even keel again.
But it's not always a good time.
