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Hi listeners, I'm Nikki Boyer, and I have a story I want to tell you.

A story of those waiting for a better life to find them.

And a story of those who seize it.

So gather around and listen.

Close.

Darla Jenkins thought she was beautiful.

A real life, snow white.

Except, instead of an evil witch, Darla was fleeing from her meager existence.

She convinced herself that maybe if her long, dark curls weren't so shiny,

and her porcelain complexion a bit less flawless, she might have bagged a nicer husband.

Maybe then all the other wives wouldn't be so jealous of her.

Never mind that.

Beauty was her cross to bear.

Though her birthday wasn't till November, four days ago,

Darla decided to give herself a new one, July 11, 1996,

the day she left her husband of seven long years.

She waited until he left for work, then packed her bags as quickly as she could and hit the road.

Next stop, Hollywood.

Darla is going to be a star.

Her little camera hugged the interstate like an old friend.

...