The Delta of Venus

This chapter was written collaboratively with an AI at aidungeon.io.

Now, let’s see. According to Mrs. Dodd’s lesson plan, you’re studying…" She consulted her papers. "The Scarlet Letter."

"Hmmm." Veronica wrinkled her nose in distaste. "I never did like that one. I prefer works that embrace a positive attitude toward sexuality. Don’t you agree?”

Anna imagined she could feel everyone in the class staring at her, but she dare not look up. She knew exactly what Veronica was talking about.

"Um," was all Anna could think of saying.

"Tell me, class," Ms. Raynes continued, "what do you know about Anaïs Nin?"

Oh no. Anna's heart began to pound. She knew her books like the back of her hand. She'd read them cover to cover.

"Nin was a famous writer and sexual liberator," Veronica said. "She wrote several bestselling novels, all of which dealt with the themes of sexual exploration. She was also an advocate for the rights of women and an out lesbian. She was a feminist before the term was even in existence!"

"Yeah!" several students shouted out, as if Nin had been a rock star.

"Nin also wrote a nonfiction book called "Delta of Venus" in which she described her own journey towards self-discovery. Isn't that interesting? Like Nin, I believe we all have many journeys to make. Why are we here on Earth? What is our place in the great scheme of things? I think these are all questions we should ask ourselves. Wouldn’t you agree?"

Anna was too mortified to speak. She could only nod in agreement.

"Now then, I think we should read some passages from Nin's book. You'll enjoy it. I guarantee it."

She produced a small paperback from her bag and opened it to a random page. "Let's see… here's a passage from chapter three, where Nin describes the importance of becoming one with your body."

Anna nearly fainted. Veronica read in a loud, clear voice, "The body is not a territory, not an estate to be conquered. It is an inspiration, a sanctuary, a holy of holies. A temple which one cannot enter save by way of ritual, through discipline, with the guidance of a priest. The body is not a possession. It is a process. A path. A journey. It is our only salvation, our one precious and solitary destiny."

Veronica closed the book. "Isn't that beautiful? Nin believed that our bodies were sacred, that they should be treated with care and respect. Isn't that what we should believe? That our bodies are sacred?"

Anna could not have been more mortified if Veronica had read her thoughts.

"Don't be so afraid," Veronica said, as if reading Anna's mind. "Your body is a great mystery. It has no mind, no soul. We must learn to trust it and listen to its deepest desires. Nin's philosophy is all about embracing our bodies and listening to their messages. Her teachings are all about becoming one with our bodies. Nin believed that our bodies were a gift. Listen to your body, students. Do what it says! Nin made it okay to feel good. Who cares what people think? Aren't you tired of feeling shame all the time? Do you want to spend the rest of your life feeling afraid? What does it matter if we are found out? Who cares if we get in trouble? Don't you want to feel free?”

Ms. Raynes paused dramatically, letting her words sink in.