Beauty Within the Beast

By Tiffany Hayes

"The horrors of Tiffany's childhood leave her broken in a world of solitude. Until she discovers the power of true love in more than one form. This leads her on a journey to discover the 'Beauty Within the Beast'!"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312690370

Tiffany Hayes

Tiffany Hayes has been a motivational speaker since 2011, where she started walking in her calling as a radio co-host on The Voyce Radio (www.thevoyceradio.com). She then began writing and sharing morning devotionals to thousands of listeners on a local Hampton Roads, Virginia radio station, "The Word in Praise." Moving from behind the microphone, Tiffany has made appearances on the Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) and other mediums where she has shared her own testimony. Tiffany also has her own online show called "Alabaster's Box with Tiffany Hayes." where great testimonies are shared with the world from both business and spiritual leaders, letting you know that if they made it, so can you! She inspires and encourages others to transform and renew their thought patterns so they may live the life God intended for them. She is married to her "sunshine," Solomon Hayes, who she loves very dearly, and has one child, MeSiear," who she still calls her "baby" even though he is a growing 7 ½ year old boy. Tiffany lives a wonderful, fulfilling life and she accredits this victory to her faith in Jesus Christ and her persistency to never give up.

Book preview

Beauty Within the Beast

Cold Queen with False Greed

As she moves in sync with the intensity of the night, Tiffany examines her models, surveying to make sure no mistakes are in any of the gowns. Anxiety rises knowing how important this fashion show is to finish off her flawless, successful season. She sends strong unmerciful pounding heels worn by gorgeous models to dramatize the runway. Vociferous beats pervade the auditorium that could shatter glass if present. The room is smothered in darkness only to be disrupted by flames lighting the greed controlled runway. Abruptly, strobe lights flash from above revealing the silhouettes of models with silver wings and vibrant make-up caking their faces. Effortlessly they appear while swinging from floating bars. The room is filled with an envious smell of high end perfume, and women sweltering in their ridiculous use of elite fur. Judgmental stares and whispers consume any weak soul, intimidation takes over the ambitious proteges trying to fill her shoes. It’s make or break time, without a safe soul in the room, including the spectators.

This is Tiffany’s world. As each model wears her creations, critics cannot wait to rip her confidence apart. She remains strong, you can even say heroic, awaiting her time to appear and dominate the room as she comes to take a bow for this seasons beauteous creations. When the show intensifies the blaring intrusions are hardly noticed. Everyone focuses in on one thing, the skill, glam, and garments. For her, this show has to excel over any earlier masterpiece she has claimed to keep her status quo, ‘the best’. The music slows, and all is still, silence overcomes allowing you to hear the growl of anorexic models starving stomachs. Yet again its Tiffany's time to prance through her kingdom, showing her honor, passion, and success.

Her striking hair, soft chestnut, hinted with a sun kissed favor, flowing loose on one side and excessively short on the other. Serves to enhance her false physical dominance. Embellished with a sleek black gown revealing her mesmerizing chest artistically tattooed with two leopard eyes, one placed right below each collar bone. Pierced to enhance is a diamond accentuating the center of each eye. She wears these to devour any negative remarks or doubts that may try to penetrate her heart, her very soul. Embossed, to remind her that she is the fiercest cat in her paved jungle. Her dress descended her back dancing loosely upon each curve to expose the rest of her beastly tattoo that coils around the back of her neck, prowling down the right side of her back then lavishly resting upon her hip. Her exquisite hair and extravagant tattooed body are Tiffany’s sole trademarks that serve to set her apart from the others in her artistic line of work.

Her ravishing looks paralyze the crowd as if she has silenced her prey. No one can compete with her fleshly allurement; yet inside she is screaming. A scream of which only a lost soul could recognize. So overwhelmed from competing in the fashion industry and what they expect her to be. Her flawless polished skin is befouled with toxic creams caked so thick she is unrecognizable, hiding even from herself.

People think of her as immortal, but she is real. She feels pain and sorrow just as the rest. Never clearer than when she walks by the seats reserved for family, which she lacks completely. Tiffany has always dreamed of having a family to love and support her, accepting her for the woman she has become. Forcing her to ask herself over and over out of pure confusion, how is one that makes such elegance so lost in her own realm of life. The fame is fading, and the pain is uncontrollably rising. Unsure of how long she can keep hold of the beast within her.

This metaphorical beast is so powerful she is afraid that if escaped will conquer, capture and even kill everything in its path. She stops mid runway feeling something foreign trickle upon her cheek, tears. Worried that this inner confusion has exposed her, she awkwardly smiles, turns and walks backstage away from her doubt. Once again she has conquered her quest but is tired of appearing to be a cold queen with false greed. In a world which her only friends despise her, and would kill for her crown. All except her ol’ faithful, Joe.

Tiffany's Lifelong Confidant

Although Tiffany is a foolproof image for portraying perfection, this hasn't always been the path of her existence. When first arriving to the city 10 years prior this day, she departed a bus two exits too soon. Vulnerable and alone, carrying a bag that held not even enough to survive, and a wallet limited to three hundred and twenty dollars. The center of her attention remained focused on her current mind set of survival; shadows soon crept upon her. Naive and ignorant of her dangers she ducks in an ally to avoid trouble, enhancing her walk to a trot, refusing to turn and look hoping they disappeared. Voices circumnavigate around closing her in, as anxiety and fear surge through her body. Without delay, she relieved herself of her belongings and took off running.

With intensifying speeds far exceeding hers, unable to out beat their eagerness to capture their prey, snatching her up they overcome her. The thugs throw her against the wall tearing at her jeans, the chill of a hostile knife crept upon her hip, cutting her panties as they fall to the ground. Panicked she screams for relief, she soon hears commotion of a man demanding threatening commands. She tries to make sense of the commotion, so struggles to see the action manifesting before her, hoping for a hero. Unable to escape the demons hold she squirms to free herself. Suddenly stopped in her tracks by the blast of a blazing fist which smashes the thug’s face who had her pinned against the bricks, as a bolt of lightning, he crashes to the ground!

Tiffany continues to reopen her eyes from the instant reaction, and comes face to face with the man appearing to be her hero. Outnumbered for a moment, he, without a doubt had full control of the situation. With two of the four thugs on the ground out cold, and the other two surrendered staring up the barrel of his gun. She stands quivering in dismay, trying to regain composure, becoming skeptical of his intentions.

With a subconscious mind that assesses with caution the motive behind her rescue. As tasteful thoughts soon overcome her weariful state of mind she is captivated by the enduring promise held within his eyes painted in hazel, allowing the unknowing of his motive to subside. The heroic man’s muscles appear caged as wild beasts, fighting every fiber and thread making up his shirt, demanding an end result of release. He wore his jeans a size too large for his pronounced V cut waist, but in an odd elegant befitting way. Well groomed, with mannered chestnut hair, soft appealing aroma not too over bearing yet refreshing. Flashy white bright teeth which gleamed when shown, complementing his smile. Tiffany thought to herself, he sure exceeds your everyday thug. On a mission to assure doubts, humanized qualities overtook enabling her to think the circumstance through. She assumes for the moment his intensions are bona fide. She didn’t have an alternative escape to flee these thugs, so holds on to a smidge of faith remaining. Left only to trust, when he reached his hand out as an offering, persuading her come with me that its outcome far exceeded this end result awaiting her.

Reluctant at first, she reflects on her current crisis, realizing she’s lacking trust in humanity at this point, reacting in urgency while extending her hand to his, releasing trust into his embrace, hoping for the best. Sweeping her off her feet he took her to higher ground away from the malevolent hostiles. Absent minded in his arms she surrenders her worry, allowing a sense of peace to rain upon her. While she refuses the distasteful thoughts as they appear of where she could have ended up if he kept walking ignoring her distress. As she gazes into the deepest of blue sky brought dreams of an ocean with the clouds crashing upon the shore bringing her inner being to pure bliss. A place often dreamed of when life’s anguishing curse strikes her yet again, forcing grief upon her ‘self’. No longer apprehensive of the stranger who crossed her path, he was the dream she always dreamed of, a knight to take her from her life filled in chaos. What is a knight? Tiffany has no clue, she only knows one thing. The man who became her savior was courageous enough to risk his life for a girl whom he has never met.

It’s not your usual chasing Casanova scenario; while she runs from life’s harrowing moments forced her into his presence, and now his car. Holding on to sanity she sits unsure and timid in the passenger seat. He glanced at the girl sensing she was not at ease and panic-stricken from the quandary. Aware she may be troubled by the lack of knowledge regarding his intensions he grabs her arm and assures, You don’t have to worry, I'm sure your mom has told you what mine has told me, never get in the car with strangers. He reaches his hand up gesturing a handshake. Name is Joe it’s nice to meet you. Now I’m not a stranger, relax. As he finished with yet again a haughty smile, which brings sun rays to a dark day.

Tiffany’s thoughts continue to flood with unanswered questions, ‘I mean he surly didn’t introduce himself to murder me, right?’ He continues his introduction and explained how coincidental it was, him being at the right place at the right time. Which makes it look circumstantial. Keeping his eyes on the road he lectured, I don’t want your story, none of my business. I must tell you though these parts are not safe. You have to be careful out here. Many would take offense to his insolent disposition, yet she didn’t mind. As old friends might they swap conversation and continue to warm up to each other. Joe learned far more than he cared to know, from her nerves, which forced her to hold nothing back. But Joe being socially impaired put on a confident front, yet when he opened his mouth it showed his reserved side.

Soooo, are you like some super hero that saves the lost idiots from being raped? At this point she feels ignorant to the demons of life and looks to the ground embarrassed. No, I don’t, that never came from my mouth. he assured. She gazes out of her window in utter disbelief of the luck that lingers like a disease around her. Never able to catch a break, she sounds as if defeated, No it didn’t come out of yours, it came out of mine. Joe may be on the anti-social side of things but he knows when someone is down, and she is screaming for a pick-me-up. He leans over to nudge her arm, trying to enlighten the moment’s darkness lesson learned huh? Keep your head up, everything will be ok.

A returning stare arose, while looking to the ground she spots her bag resting between her legs, shivers of fear release through her spine. Now aware a strategy for survival was urgent, if not executed her days are numbered. Having the mindset of follow the roads less traveled to carry out your dreams, appears so far away at this point. In efforts to destroy the devastating thoughts, she lifts her head trying not to think of the troubling road ahead. Curiosity stricken, where the final destination before her might be, she looks his way, opens her mouth as to talk then hesitates, not wanting to sound rude or unappreciative. Closes her eyes while thinking, Ask him it’s your right to know. Finding the answers within herself encouraging her to go ahead, the words race out of her mouth before she had the chance to change her mind. Do you mind me asking, where are we going? Noticing her neurotic fidgeting, he gets the vibe she is still uncomfortable I will take you to a friend of mines apartment where you will be safe, you can stay as long as you need until you get on your feet.

As they pull into the complex a strong man wearing a security uniform halts them. Joe rolls the window down then nods to the guard who must have known him. The guard waves them on through without identification verification or an explanation. The iron gates open as the tire spikes lower back into the ground allowing full, secure entry. While they drive through the fortress gates, astonishing charm took her breath away, overwhelmed unable to take it in, not even moments before she had a dwindling will, but now, within just seconds, her dreams are within reach. Tall trees lined the road leading to a castle complex so clean and crisp. Each lawn manicured in sync with the other. Grass mowed with track lines appearing as a checker board. Everything placed nicely in its allotted spot, with a pure design seemingly for the wealthy. But since she had grown up living in poverty environments, improving on that was not a challenge. This place far exceeded her expectations of an apartment complex. Thinking this was a sick joke, she just sat waiting for Joe to look at her as he laughs saying Just kidding. But that never happened, it was completely opposite, when she looked over to him he was in a stern daze staring at the drive ahead.

Tiffany breaks his train of thought when she says, Joe what is this place? For the first time since arriving he took his eyes off the road. With her so mesmerized with the complex he thought to himself, this girl must have a troubling past to think this complex is that incredible? Sure it was beautiful but for this side of town, it’s rated lower on the totem pole. This excited him to know he was impacting her life in such a positive way, starting with a safe haven located on a great street, in a great neighborhood, on the ‘high end’ side of town. She felt so safe for such the little time knowing him, this was for sure a dream come true.

Relieved she walks away from the desolate life that stood before her, into a life of enrichment. In a daze while entering her new home she stood in pure and utter awe. Not knowing which way was up, leading on to be borderline delusional. She enters into every room as if in a dream, everything sat on their shelves dust free and unbroken, something foreign to her. Joe shows Tiffany the rest of her safe hole, as an hour passed they talked as old friends. Tiffany at this point is so overwhelmed from excitement, which enhanced their becoming bond. Laughter is foreign in Joe’s dark secluded life. She soon evolved into his sunshine which has been over cast for far too long. Without warning he removes his shirt, she recoils from him and he feels the tense energy. As he walks toward her, she refrained from the world at this point, closing her eyes she disappeared unsure of his next step. Joe brought her back to a current state of mind when she notices a gentle wiping upon her neck. When she opens her eyes, sees nothing but grace upon his face. Tiffany now knows his intentions are genuine and sincere.

Resting in a place of relaxation, she surrenders her negative emotions which allows positive to come over her, enlightening the spirit. As he saw her moments of solitude it brought on the need to secure the fact that everything is okay. I’ll go get you the essentials for around the place listing the things it was in need of, and lacking. Laundry soap, dish soap, tooth paste, towels, wash cloths, looking up from her blood crusted wound he was cleaning, curiosity strikes him forcing the question from his mouth, Do you have anything? With a response that reflects the emotional rollercoaster she has been riding, and knowing how lost she was. Sure collaborating for a grand future embeds promise of a fulfilling life. But that doesn’t change her companionless vitality, leaving her with nothing or no one to her name. The built up frustration forces her to sing the blues, You know Joe laundry soap is not needed for I have no clothes to wash, don’t worry about tooth paste I have no tooth brush. I have nothing then repeated in agony I have nothing. Then continues to sob a hopeless sob.

Hey, hey, hey, it’s not a big deal I will take care of it, you just lay down and get some rest. Joe says while laying her in bed like a gentleman, tucking her in I will go grab some things and bring you dinner how does that sound? Tiffany confused by his generosity, just laid there staring up at him, Who are you? Why are you being so nice? Being thrown off guard he pushes himself backwards and grumbles Orr I won’t from his reaction she is aware that came off her tongue harsher than intended, knowing he more than likely took it the wrong way, she releases, No hands down I appreciate everything you have and are doing for me, I guess I just have had no one act like I matter. Thank you so much. Everyone matters sweetie. He fixes the blankets she bungled up during her discombobulating moment, He pulls the covers back up tucking her in once again and says I’ll go get shampoo, soap and stuff for you to refresh yourself while I cook dinner. Then turns the light off while exiting, and joked oh and don’t worry you will have to pay me back tonight. Turning to shut the door behind him they both giggled knowing he was full of shit.

The bonding that had transpired from her life changing rescue made them inseparable. Now having such feelings for this belonged beauty left him no choice but to see her through to a successful future, ensuring she never has to experience that horrific event ever again. Every day following his work he went to Tiffany’s continuing his unending support and encouragement. He arranges her interviews, she too thought were out of her league but he refused to let her just slide by in life.

Joe saw through her, the will and strength she had within forced him to notice that if her passions release she could conquer any obstacle that crossed her path. Thanks to Joe taking on the big brother role, Tiffany landed a great position that left the margin high for a future career. Ambition and drive kicked into high gear and it didn’t take long before Tiffany surpassed beyond the average, soaring to the next level. Entering her into the crazed high fashion world and industry where she now had to keep up with the high tatas. During this time their friendship grew stronger and stronger. Joe drove her throughout the nation to every event and fashion show beginning at the bottom to where they were today.

Some assume Joe to be a bit on the rude end of things from always appearing standoffish and unapproachable. That was due to his reserved manner, he is quite the social butterfly once warmed up to an event. In Joe’s life filled with solitude, he claims his place out of the spotlight and in the shadows lurking in the back remaining out of sight. Tiffany didn’t mind, she knows he is there to protect her, while staying grounded on established infinite support. The two of them became close as family and she always feels the need to be over generous. Tiffany paid well and him being so stubborn would refuse it or say That’s way too much. The truth is she loved being with him, as he did her. Feeling she could never repay him for saving her that day. Joe became the family she has never had and by far the best thing she could have asked for. Ten years later he was still by her side and protective as ever.

The Humble Way Home

Lacking her well known charisma during the runway performance, set off a red flag within Joe. Something is wrong, he left his shadows in the back to go fetch her Jaguar. Waiting he sits at the end of the exiting stairs for Tiffany to appear. It bothers Joe to see her beautiful smile diminish into a rarely seen frown, which causes anxiety within his overprotective self. She soon appears swaying, her hips move side to side with the elegance she holds, no one else can ever mimic her individuality, for it is one of a kind. Bright