Chapter 2

~Tuesday, September 30th~

Tuesday started out like any other weekday. I went through my morning routine, including my daily workout, then I logged in to my work computer and started the day. My raven hair was pulled back in a lazy ponytail as my fingers tapped away at the keys.

Before lunch, I had a video meeting with various members of my department. Our manager went over the current issues and projects. It was fine, but probably could have been an email. At least it ended in time for me to take my break.

I went to the kitchen and made myself a sandwich, which I ate in my bedroom while washing it down with a diet soda. As I ate, I messaged Ken and Dave. They asked for my number, but I put them off. Alyssa and I texted while I finished my meal, telling me she was on break as well. Soon, she asked if she could call me.

“Hi!” I said into the phone.

“Hey, sis!” Alyssa replied. “How’s your morning?”

“Fine.” I answered. “Yours?”

“The usual.” my sister responded. “Some guy was convinced we were trying to plant tracking devices inside him for the government. He had to be restrained so we could get the IV in.”

“Interesting.” I said slowly.

“Not really.” Alyssa laughed. “Anyway, I was thinking we should definitely go out Friday and Saturday night.”

“Both nights?” I wondered. “Someone’s on a mission!”

“I am!” she agreed. “We’re gonna get that cherry popped!”

“Alyssa!” I gasped. “Anyone could hear you!”

“No, they couldn’t.” Alyssa insisted. “I’m eating lunch in my car.”

“And you call me anti-social.” I snorted.

“Hey! I’ve been around people all day. I just needed a few minutes of peace.” she reasoned. “Don’t change the subject! Will you let me take you out both nights?”

“I suppose...” I mumbled nervously.

“Don’t be nervous, Suzie.” Alyssa replied. “You don’t have to go all the way right off the bat. Start with some kissing, some petting! Take it one step at a time.”

“One step at a time...” I trailed off, my eyes widening as an idea occurred to me.

“Exactly!” she exclaimed.

“Okay, I’m in.” I agreed with a confidence I didn’t usually possess. “I don’t know what I’ll do when I’m there, but I’ll go.”

“That’s all I ask!” Alyssa laughed. “I should go back to work. Love you!”

“Love you, too!” I replied before ending the call.

For the rest of my work day, I was completely distracted and didn’t accomplish very much actual work. I couldn’t let go of my idea. It was a great way for me to take control of my life and break free of the shackles that have kept me repressed for years.

After clocking out, I made dinner for myself. We weren’t the type of family to eat together, after all. I ate in front of the television in the living room with my mother. Dad still wasn’t home from his high-stress job, and Daniel was out with friends.

I did the dishes, then ran to my room, shutting the door so that I could work on my idea in peace. It was definitely strange, but I thought it would work for me. For the next hour or so, I watched some porn on my computer to get ideas.

Then I wrote my list. I was going to be twenty-five on October twenty-fifth. My golden birthday. I decided that I was going to lose my virginity on my birthday. It would be the twenty-fifth act. I would start tomorrow, October first. I would have twenty-five days to perform twenty-five sexual acts, with the final one being intercourse.