Chapter 1

I stood in front of the school’s office with my knees shaking like they never had before in my life. I wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or not. This was my first day at a new school and I was already seeing the principal.

I was about to turn and run for home when I heard a voice behind me, “You must be Miss Erica Chung-Calway.”

I turned and saw a tall skinny man in his mid-forties to early fifties. He had dark brown hair with just a bit of gray around his temples. He had on a pair of thick Clark Kent glasses.

I held out my hand and said, “It’s just Calway. All part of the divorce junk. I live with my Dad, and I left my Mom’s name with her. Sorry that’s probably a bit TMI isn’t it?”

When I’m scared I talk. It annoyed my Mom but my Dad finds it cute and amusing. At least that’s what he tells me.

“Don’t worry, miss. I am the guidance counselor after all. Come on in. The principal will be with you shortly,” said the counselor.

It took about five minutes for the principal to arrive. While I waited, many thoughts on why I was currently sitting in the principal’s office ran through my mind. I’m sure if someone were to look at me I’d look guilty. Or that I’d look like I was about to pee my panties.

Finally, the principal walked in. I started to stand but she said, “There’s no need to get up. Please make yourself comfortable.” She sat down and I saw that through her eyeglasses that she had beautiful eyes. I could get lost in those eyes and I’m not even into women. She gave me a strange look. Not in a perverted way but like she was thinking really hard about something. “I’m sorry but have we met? You look very familiar.” I shook my head no. When j registered for school we hadn’t met the principal. She shook her head and asked, “Do you know why I called you here?”

“No, ma’am. I’m not sure but I have an idea. Is it because I refused to change for gym and said I couldn’t take part in the class?”

She chuckled and said, “That is an interesting thought, but no. That’s not the reason.” the principal looked over some papers and then back at me. “I heard that the company that your Father was hired on for is temporarily shut down until it can be rebuilt. And I also noticed you weren’t signed up for any of the on-site school jobs or the work from home school jobs. Would you like to sign up for those?”

“I’m sorry what? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I responded feeling very confused.

“As you know this is a three day a week school,” she was saying before I interrupted.

“What? How can that be? That’s way shorter than any school I’ve ever heard of. Is this a year-round school or something?” I shouted.

She just smiled and waited until I was done, “True it’s shorter than normal schools. And no this isn’t a year-round school. Except for a few students who volunteer for that. And yes there are a few that do. Although they do more of a homeschooling kind of thing during the regular summer vacation time. We’re able to get away with the three day school week because our students get good grades and results amongst other reasons. Any questions Erica?”

I was wondering about my sanity or the Principal’s but asked, “What did you mean by school jobs or the work from home school jobs?” I was feeling stupid for asking.

“Well some of our students are from families that need financial help,” she cleared her throat. “And we offer the chance to help lighten that burden a little. We let the students pick one or two subjects that they can take as a shall we say kind of a job. Like how in other areas kids or teens do babysitting, mow lawns, or even have lemonade stands or bake sales. But we have a different set up at this school. Some of which are only legal here. Don’t ask how that is, I’m not really sure. Here is a list of some of the programs you’d be able to take this late in the year.” She slid me a couple of papers and continued, “I think those items on that list should make things clearer. But if you still have questions feel free to ask.

I read the list aloud, “Sleep study, kitchen staff, genetic modification, “ I froze on the eighth item on the list.

“Is there something wrong?” She looked at the spot on the paper I was pointing at on the list. And gave me a somewhat sympathetic look, “That is one class we have been thinking of getting rid of. Because we haven’t had a need for it in a few years. Is there a reason you froze on that particular one?”

I read the item I had an issue with, “Teen mothers to be. And there might be.”

She moved as close to me as she could with her desk between us, looked me directly in the eyes and asked, “So you’ve been sexually active?” I nodded yes. “Are you sure you’re pregnant?” I shook my head no. “Do you feel that your possible pregnancy is a reason for your parents’ divorce.” No again. “Do your parents know about you even being sexually active?”

I really didn’t want to talk to anyone outside of the family about this but looking at the principal I felt a strange need to admit to some of the things I’ve done. I nodded yes to her question.

I looked at her nameplate on her desk and told her, “Well, Principal Summers. I’ve only had two lovers. Only one of them is capable of getting me pregnant. I want to tell you everything about it but I can’t say anything that will give their identities away. People would hate me for doing it with both of them. Even so, I’d still do it with them again if I had the chance.”