Chapter 1: Sunday Evening/Monday Morning

Sunday Night

Kara smiled contentedly, and glanced at her sleeping lovers. It’s hard to believe that just last week I thought I’d lost Emanuel for good. And now, not only do I have the relationship with him that I’ve always wanted, but I’ve found my muse as well. She heard another loud scream from one of the rooms across the hall. That’s what, her fifth tonight?

She felt her eyes begin to close. Good night my loves.

Monday Morning

Emanuel’s alarm started going off. He shifted slightly and opened his eyes. “Is it really morning already? I don’t want to get up.”

Allison turned her head toward him. “Neither do I. I’m very comfortable right where I am. But, we have to.”

An uncomfortable pressure made itself known. “Especially since I need to pee. I love holding both my muse and pillar, but I really do need both of you to get up so I can.” The unspoken downside of being the middle of a lover sandwich.

Allison groaned. “Can we have just a few more minutes?”

I’d love that too. But my bladder refuses to let me stay where it’s warm and comfortable. “Only if you’re okay with me going right here.”

“No. The last thing I need is Sarah pointing out that I let something like that happen. We’ll let you up.”

Emanuel sat up as Allison did. Kara jumped up and dashed out of the room. That was too close. She caught movement out of the corner of her eye as she passed Sarah’s bedroom. We weren’t that loud last night, were we? I’m glad she has a good vibrator to use while we all have people who can take care of that fun stuff for us. She stepped into the bathroom, closed the door behind her, and quickly sat down on the toilet, sighing with relief. I almost didn’t make it.

She heard a knock on the door a few moments later. “I need to pee too when you’re done.”

“Come in. I’ll just be a few more moments.”

The door opened and Allison stepped in. “Would you like company in the shower?”

Kara smiled and nodded. “Yes.” She stood up, wiped, and washed her hands before starting the water. “I am feeling a bit sore right now though.”

Allison joined her under the water a few moments later. “I can wash you if you’d like.”

“Be gentle. I’m good after everything last night.”

Allison nodded, grabbed the soap, and gently lathered up her body. This is nice. It was nice when Emanuel did it last night too. “Done?”

“Yes. Are you willing to do me?”

Kara quickly rinsed off, grabbed the soap from her, and lovingly lathered her body. “Okay, let’s trade places. Does your hair need to be washed today?”

“No, but I’d love it if you would.”

She put her head back in the water for a moment, then grabbed the shampoo and slowly massaged it into Allison’s hair. Allison began to purr softly. I didn’t know she was part cat. “Let’s switch.”

Allison nodded, stepped under the water, then grabbed the shampoo. “Do you mind if I do you?”

Kara smiled. “I’d like that.”

Allison grinned, stepped forward, and lovingly massaged the shampoo into her hair. I might be part cat too. “Do you usually use conditioner as well?”

“Not everyday. Shampoo should be enough for today.”

Kara sighed as Allison’s hands finished and she quickly rinsed them off. “Is it okay for Manny to come in before you finish?”

Kara stepped nodded her head and stepped under the water. “Sure.” She grabbed the conditioned, quickly applied some, and began to rinse it.

Allison stepped out of the shower, dried off, and stepped out of the bathroom. A moment later, Emanuel came in, and stepped into the shower. Kara grinned, and launched herself forward to grab him, resting her head on his chest. I hope they don’t think I’m weird for purring this much. I’m just happy to be close to my pillar. Emanuel gently kissed her on the forehead. Her grin grew, and she leaned up and kissed him lightly. I’d love to stay here, but if we’re going to be ready on time, I need to get dressed. She stepped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and quickly dried herself.

She quickly made her way to Allison’s room, stepping in as Allison finished putting on her skirt. “No shirt?” she asked as she spotted her backpack sitting on the bed.

“Nope. Neither I nor Manny plan to wear on today.”

“Do you mind if I join you two?”

Allison grinned. “Not at all.”

Kara chuckled. “You’re just saying that because you want to see more of my breasts.”

“That’s a nice perk certainly. By the way, I’m pretty sure your dad only dropped off your school bag.”

“I figured he would forget basic under clothing. Do you have a pair of jeans or a skirt I can borrow?”

Allison quickly rummaged through her closet, and pulled out a skirt. “Does this work?”

Kara smiled, pulled it on, and did a quick twirl. “Perfectly. I’ll see you downstairs.” She grabbed her bag from the bed, and bounded out of the room and down the stairs.

“You’re still just as energetic as I remember you being when you were young” Allison’s mom said as Kara came into the dining room. “And you seem to have inherited your mother’s exhibitionist streak too.”

“I don’t think that’s true for either of us. Besides, Allison is the reason why I’m doing this right now.”

“Really?”

Kara turned to Allison. “Yes. Emanuel is why I’m comfortable doing it, but you’re the one who has inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone for a number of things.” She sat down next to Allison, and started eating. “Is he going to be ready soon?”

“Yes. Any moment now.”

Emanuel stepped into the dining room. “You too dearie?” Allison’s mom asked.

“Yes. I’m sure Ally and Kara already said this, but I’ll say it again;” he paused “getting fully dressed just feels too weird after spending most of last week naked.”

Allison’s mom smiled. “The bus will be here soon.”

Emanuel looked at Kara, and in unison with Allison, said “close your ears.”

Kara glanced at them, but closed her ears. “SARAH!!! BREAKFAST NOW!”

“Do you need to do that every morning Mrs. Kirse?”

“Rare mornings, no. But generally the answer is yes.” She paused. “Now, I don’t hear her coming down yet, so I’m going to go upstairs and get her myself. She won’t have much time to eat if she doesn’t hurry up.”

“Who are we going to tell first?”

“Tony, Cosette, and Laura, I think” Allison replied. “The rest of the school we can get to as we have the opportunity.”

Kara nodded her head, and glanced up at the clock. Five minutes... A few moments later, Sarah came down the stairs. She doesn’t look very happy.

“You three just had to go back for one more round last night. It was bad enough that I had to miss the ice cream cake. The last thing I wanted was to have to hear the banshee again.”

“It’s not like you’re quiet either. I didn’t fall asleep right away last night; but I know what you were up to.”

“Now then dearies, none of that today. You only have a few minutes to get ready before the bus arrives.”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “But, I just started eating!”

“And you’d have had more time if you’d woken up even a little bit earlier. It’s not my fault you refused to wake up when you should have” Allison’s mom replied as Kara started to tie her shoes.

“Ready precious? And you too partner?”

Allison nodded her head. Kara finished with her shoes. “Yes my pillar.”

They quietly got on the bus, sat down next to each other and watched as Sarah came running out of the house just as it was about to leave. Kara cuddled in close and rested her head on one of his shoulders.

“I think I see Tony and Cosette waiting by the front door. But, I haven’t spotted Laura yet.”

“That’s okay Manny. We can always tell her when we see her later.”

The bus stopped, and they stepped off and headed towards Tony and Cosette. “Hey guys. I see Cosette started a trend last week.

Allison chuckled. “After last week, it felt too weird to get fully dressed. Besides, I’ve gotten used to these gals being free. Not having to deal with a bra for the last few days been wonderful.”

“Is something different about you big sis and big bro?”

“What do you mean Cosette? Besides following your lead, I don’t see anything different.”

“No Tony, I’m sure there’s something else.”

Emanuel glanced at her and Allison. “Very perceptive of you Cosette” Allison began. “What’s different is that Manny and I are no longer just a couple. We’re now a triad with Kara.”

Tony’s eyes went wide for a second. “A triad? I see you’re already making good use of the books.”

“What’s a triad, big sis?”

“It’s simply three people in a relationship with each other instead of two.”

“So, does that mean that you...”

“Yes Cosette. Much of yesterday, and in almost all of the possible combinations” Emanuel started. “By the way, have either of you seen Laura yet? We want to tell her before the rumors start to fly around.”

Tony shook his head. Cosette nodded hers as she slipped off her shirt and bra. “I think I saw her go inside a few minutes ago, mumbling something about needing to help the Vice-principal with something.”

“Did you want to join us again Cosette?”

“Yes big sis.”

I’d think taking off her shirt and bra like that would have made that pretty obvious.

“I think we can go in if we want to. By the way, why does your sister look so grumpy this morning?”

Allison started towards their homeroom. “Long story short, her behavior pissed off Mom for the last time last night, and by extension, dad too. So they enrolled her into the Program for this week.”

“That doesn’t sound fair” Tony replied.

“She was warned of the consequence ahead of time, and chose to ignore it. This is entirely on her.”

Yeah. She definitely looks pissed about that decision. But it’s entirely fair.

Cosette turned to Allison and Emanuel. “I think big sis Kara’s homeroom is close to mine.” She turned to Kara. “We can walk with you if you’d like.”

“Big sis? Like Allison?”

“Yes. If you’re dating either of them, then you’re my big sis too.”

Just like that? I don’t need to prove myself to her? Kara grinned.

“We’ll see you guys later” Emanuel said.

Kara’s grin grew. “If not sooner, then at lunch for sure.”

A few moments later, Tony kissed Cosette gently on the lips, then turned toward a nearby classroom. “This one’s mine. I’ll see you both at lunch.”

Cosette waved happily, then started to walk again. “There’s my room” she said, pointing to one in the distance a little. “Yours is the one across the hall, right?”

“Yes. Are you sure I’m worthy to be your big sis?”

She smiled gently. “Uh huh. I trust them, and if they trust you, then you’re trustworthy. It’s that simple. Especially if you make them as happy as they seem to be.”

“Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me.” Kara turned toward her classroom. “See you at lunch?”

Cosette grinned. “Yes!”

Kara smiled and stepped into the room. Now, to see who is in the Program this week. The loudspeaker blared to life. There’s Sarah, and I think Allison knows an Emily and a George. They’re probably the same people. She chuckled. Looks like I don’t need to worry about clothing this week. She grabbed her bag, stood up and started towards the Vice-principal’s office. Wait, there were only eleven people called, not twelve. That means one person won’t have a partner.

She glanced up at the nearby room. I believe this is it. She glanced inside. Definitely; that’s has to be the Program coordinator. She smiled, opened the door, and stepped inside.

“If only all students were as prompt as you are Ms. Foster; my job would be so much easier.”

“Too many students don’t understand the respect that is due to teachers and others in positions of authority.”

“You carry yourself very similarly to Emanuel Lopez. Do you know each other?”

I want to tell him the full truth so badly, but it’s not my place. Not until I’ve had a chance to talk with my loves. “We’re partners in the martial art we’ve been studying for years.”

“What belt?”

“We just made black, first dan last week.”

“That would make the difference. No student gets very far in any style without learning a few important lessons first.”

Kara looked around, and quickly counted all the students in the office. “We’re missing two people. I think I know why one of them isn’t here yet.”

The coordinator stepped forward. “Which one, Ms. Foster?”

“Sarah Kirse.”

“And why do you think she’s not here yet?”

“I’m pretty sure she convinced herself that her parent’s threat was just an empty one last night.”

“I would ask how you could know that, but you seem pretty close to Mr. Lopez. I suppose he could have told you.”

“Actually, I was there when Allison’s father made the call last night.”

“Oh? So you must be pretty close to Ms. Kirse as well.”

“You could say that.”

The door opened again, and Laura entered with Sarah and a boy Kara recognized. “As you requested sir.”

“Ms. Kirse, Mr. Wentz; good of you to finally join us. I’m sure you all know why you’re here by now, but in case you don’t, I’ll turn this over to Mrs. Frauhold.”

“Thank you, Vice-principal. In case some of you haven’t been paying attention, this is the start of your week in the Program. I hope you all had a chance to read the pamphlets that were mailed to your houses over the summer, but in case you didn’t or couldn’t, there are some here you can quickly read.”

Kara smiled and looked around at the handful of surprised students. That many?

“I’m surprised so many of you were unaware of the rules. That said, there are a few changes that we needed to make in light of last week. First, all of you will be issued a towel and a whistle; the towel to minimize messes in classrooms, and the whistle to call for help in case of an attempted assault. Second, lockers have been set aside in each locker room so that you’ll have somewhere safe to place your things during gym. Finally, the restriction on how many times a day a participant is allowed to go to the restroom has been lifted. You still can’t use those times as a way to hide from reasonable requests though.”

That locker change should be helpful.

“Any questions?”

“Mrs. Frauhold, there are eleven of us. How will you figure out who doesn’t get a partner?”

“I wasn’t sure the partner system was still needed, but I suppose week two is still a little early to pull off all of the training wheels. I can chose one of you at random, or someone can volunteer to be partner-less.”

I really don’t need a partner. I have my muse and pillar, after all. “I’ll do it, Mrs. Frauhold.”

“Oh? Are you sure Ms. Foster? We typically would only let students in a relationship go without a partner.”

Kara grinned. “It’s a recent thing, but I’m not single anymore. I’m sure they’ll be all the support I need.” That’s an interesting look ... Is she assuming I don’t want to declare my partner’s sex, and using a neutral term instead?

“Very well.” Kara watched her pair up the remaining students. “Now, it’s time for you all to strip naked. The boxes in front of you are for your clothes; they’ll be locked until the end of the day to make sure nothing happens to them. Will you start, Ms. Foster?”

“Gladly.” Kara slowly undid the skirt, pulled it down, and dropped it in the box in front of her. She smiled, and sensually spun around once.

“You’re one of the students in the improv class, aren’t you?” the Vice-principal asked.

“Yup. What gave it away?”

“Most people don’t put dramatic flair to a simple motion like that.”

One of the other students started to strip. “Did you realize you were going to be called up today?” Mrs. Frauhold asked.

“No. I unexpectedly ‘needed’ to spend last night away from home, and didn’t have any of my usual under garments on me. My father was kind enough to drop some clothing off this morning for me, but he forgot underwear. Allison was kind enough to lend me a skirt.”

“And your lack of a shirt?” A small Asian jeered.

“They didn’t bother with one today. I decided to join them. Aren’t you Emily?”

“Yes. Wait, how do you know Allison?”

Kara glanced over as a familiar boy was shaking his head at Mrs. Frauhold. “You could say I’m her friend.” She watched as one of the big security guards was called forward and started to forcibly strip him.

“Wait, you’re that brat Allison used to talk about. How’d you become friends with her? And wasn’t her birthday recently?”

“Yes, I’m ‘that brat’. And you’re right; it was. The party pretty fun.”

“She invited YOU, and not me?”

“If my suspicions are right, you did something to make her question just how much of a friend you really are. And I apparently proved myself sufficiently to be considered a friend.”

“But, aren’t you close to her boyfriend?”

“Yes. And I’ll admit, I initially viewed Allison as competition for my chances with Emanuel. But, seeing how happy he is with her in his life” she paused again “I couldn’t hurt him by trying to deny him that. And I let myself get to know her, and decided she’s really cool” like I remember her when we were much younger.

“So, the rumors are true! He’s cheating on her with you!” she shrieked.

“Not at all. Yes, he is my boyfriend, and yes, Allison knows and is okay with it.”

“So THAT rumor is true!” Emily replied, and darted out of the office.

Uh oh ... which rumor is ‘that’?

“Ms. Foster, would you come with me into the backroom?”

“Sure Mrs. Frauhold.”

Kara followed her into the backroom. “What is the truth of what’s going on? I hope you’re not doing something to endanger their relationship.”

“Not at all. I can’t share everything; not without talking to them first. But what I can say is that I was telling the truth. Emanuel is still seeing Allison, and as of yesterday, me as well.”

“And she’s really okay with it?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t expect they’d find their way to a poly V so quickly.”

Not a V, but that’s not too far from the truth. I’ll ask them at lunch if we can tell her.

“Very well. As long as you three have some idea of what you’re getting into, I see no reason to be worried. You may want to do something about the rumors though.”

“I’m sure they’re already talking about the best way to minimize them. We’ll probably come to a decision during lunch.”

Mrs. Frauhold looked at her watch. “The period is almost over. You should grab your bag and be on your way. I need to assign the others their pairings before they go.”

Kara nodded, stepped out of the room and grabbed her bag. She glanced at Sarah, and shook her head. Struggling is not going to help you avoid this. There is no avoiding this. “Sarah, don’t fight this. If you give the Program an honest chance, you’ll probably be surprised just how much you can get out of it.”

“How would you know, slut? You haven’t completed it yet.”

I ought to smack her for that comment. “No, but your sister did. And she’s finally starting to remind me of the girl I remember her being thirteen years ago.”

“Wait ... you knew my sister thirteen years ago?” Sarah stopped struggling, and quickly stripped. “How?”

“The same way I knew Emanuel all those years ago. We three grew up together. I remember when you were born, and how excited Allison was to have a younger sister.”

“Then why don’t I remember you being around?”

“Because something happened when she turned eight that changed her. And when she started to withdraw from us I took it badly, and did horrible things to her. Yesterday was the first day I’ve been back in your house since then.” She glanced toward the door. “I need to get going. Think about what I said.”

Kara stepped out of the office, and walked toward the gym. She’s still just a kid in many ways. I think she could get more out of this experience than Allison did. She approached the gym’s pair of double doors, and turned to the boys’ side. She stepped through them as the coach glanced up.

“Three of you this week? I suppose I need to start getting used to that.” He pointed to a set of lockers right near the door. “Those are for your use this week. Do you need a loaner lock, or did you bring your own?”

It’s a good thing I took mine home with me on Friday. “I have mine.”

“Good. If you need athletic tape, see my TA just outside.”

Kara nodded, quietly dropped her bag in the first free locker, and slid on her combination lock. Do I actually need the tape? I know Allison did, but I’m not quite as big as she is; and I can always draw on some of Sensei’s meditations if the pain starts to become too much. I’ll try it without first, and step aside for some if the meditations aren’t enough.

She stepped outside, and immediately noticed the TA wrapping up another girl. “If you need taping, give me a few moments to finish.”

She’s bigger than Allison. I hope the tape will be enough. “I should be okay. I’ll let you know if I need some later.”

The TA glanced questioningly at her, then shrugged. “Okay. Suit yourself.”

The other girl looked Kara over, and gave her a ‘you’re crazy’ look. If I can take it, then let’s see if she still thinks I’m crazy later. She stepped onto the grass surrounding the track, and started to stretch. I hope that, someday, I’ll be able to ‘talk’ with my muse and pillar like this. I know they said I’m not a third wheel, but not being able to do this with them makes me feel kind of like one.

She glanced up as the coach stepped out through the double doors. “Begin stretching!”

Kara smiled and switched legs as the other two girls came over. “See Emily, I told you she’s crazy.”

“Yeah, you’re right Lisa. She’ll get through maybe the second warm up lap, before the tears become too much and she has to chicken out.”

Kara shook her head and sighed. “You two have no idea what you’re talking about. Do you think I’m doing this because of pride?” They nodded their heads. “I’m not. Emily, you know who my best friend in all the world is, right?”

“Yeah. That dirty cheater Emanuel.”

“Wait, that rumor is true?” Lisa asked.

“First, it’s not; we have Allison’s blessing to see each other. Neither of you has any idea just how big her heart really is. Second, if you’ve paid any attention to Emanuel, you’d know he’s not just a good guy, but that he carries himself with a lot of grace.”

“Like you do” Lisa replied.

“Yes. That’s because we practice the same martial art; have been for years. We’ve learned a few things about focusing our attention on the areas that are important, and how to filter out things like pain and discomfort.”

“Don’t listen to her, Lisa. Either she’s part of whatever scheme that’s going on, or she’s an unwitting pawn in it.”

Kara sighed and hung her head. “Believe what you will. But if you find that tape is not enough, which I’m pretty sure you will, talk to me. I might be able to teach you a technique that will help.”

“Might?”

“Yes Emily. I can try to teach the technique. But, if it works or not is entirely dependent on the person I’m teaching.” She heard a sudden whistle. “That’s probably the warm up laps whistle.”

“Three warm up laps. Start!” the TA shouted.

Kara stepped onto the track, and took off at a light jog. It sounds like there are multiple rumors flying around the school. And the ones I’ve heard seem to be pretty bad. I hope the others are not so bad. She started breathing slowly in and out. She felt a slight pain as her breasts began to bounce up and down. Acknowledge the pain, and let it go. Focus on my surroundings; the trees, bright blue sky, the leaves in hues of red, orange, yellow, and green. She grinned as the pain faded. See the duller red of the track itself; the lines separating each lane. She glanced up again as the TA ticked up his sign to three.

She looked at the other side of the field, watching as Emily surged forward, and Lisa began to fall back. That didn’t take long. A whistle blew. “Full speed, fifteen laps!” the coach yelled. Here’s the real test. Kara sped up, and immediately felt the pain return, much stronger. Okay, this speed does hurt. But, that’s not my focus. See the birds in the trees; the wind moving the leaves as it blows. Feel the cool air as it hits me. The pain lessened. Feel as each foot lands and falls; each knee lifts, bends and straightens out again. She breathed a sigh of relief as the pain faded to a dull throbbing.

She spotted Lisa ahead, stopped and panting. Kara stopped slowly next to her. “You okay?”

“I see what you meant. The pain is just too much. How are you dealing with it? You’re not that much smaller than I am.”

“Try this. Start at a jog, and simply acknowledge any pain you might feel. Let it go then, and focus your senses on things around you; like the trees and sky, or maybe the other runners. Expand that to your own movement if you want to; feel the various motions each leg, knee and foot makes as you run. It should help, I promise.”

Lisa nodded. “Thank you Kara.”

Kara nodded, and resumed running, refocusing until the pain was once again a dull throbbing sensation. Two out of fifteen. I can do this.

She felt herself begin to get lost in the world around her. She glanced up again, and noticed the sign with a smile. Ten of fifteen. And it seems that Lisa is doing okay as well. She glanced around as the number ticked up to eleven. Emily, on the other hand, looks really tired. Not from pain though; just exertion probably. Kara shrugged and refocused on the trees.

Looking back toward the TA a few moments later, she smiled. Last full speed lap. Probably three cool down laps.

“Three cool down laps!”

Now, where was Lisa again? Kara glanced around. Just finishing the lap. I want to hear more about those rumors. She slowed down and jogged in place until Lisa caught up to her. Starting again, she turned to Lisa. “Did the techniques help?”

“Yes. I wouldn’t have last three laps without them.” She paused, then looked down for a moment. “Were you being serious when you said that Allison is okay with you and her boyfriend?”

“Totally. But, I’m a little worried that there are more rumors floating about than I expected.”

Lisa lit up. “Oh, I know all of them. It’s kind of my thing.”

Proud to know every rumor? Not the kind of person I’d normally spend time with, but... “I’d only heard one rumor. How many are we talking about?”

“Five at last count, but two are simply variations on the other.”

“Can you share them with me? I feel it important to know what other people are saying about us.”

“Sure. You know the first; that he’s cheating on Allison. The second and third say that she’s okay with whatever is going on, but only because either you or he are pressuring her to agree. I’m sure another variant will develop that claims both of you are pressuring her at once. The fourth current rumor says that she’s pressuring him to agree, and that he considers it cheating but doesn’t want to make her angry. And the fifth says that there’s trouble in paradise, and one of them just doesn’t care anymore.” She paused, and breathed in deeply. “You’d tell me if one of those was true, right? I mean, I like knowing the current rumors, but what I really want is to know what’s actually going on.”

So, a journalist type? That’s not quite so bad. “None of them; not fully anyway. Yes, Allison is okay with this, but not because of any pressure or trouble with their relationship.”

“Well, what can you tell me then? Clearly you’re not at liberty to say the full truth.”

She’s a sharp one. “Simply that the arrangement we’ve all come to is satisfactory to everyone involved. What lunch period do you have?”

“Fifth. Let me guess;” she paused “I can expect the full story then.”

“Bingo.” Last lap.

“You’ve dealt with journalists before, haven’t you? None of my tricks worked on you.”

“I have. And even if I hadn’t, they still wouldn’t have worked.”

“Why not?”

“Because the respect of Allison and Emanuel is more important to me than clearing things up right now. When we all decide it’s time to clear everything up, we will.”

A wicked smile crossed Lisa’s face. “I figured there was more to your statement than was first apparent. And I have a hunch I know what it is.” She paused, and glanced right at Kara’s face. “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything until one of you has confirmed it. I only report the truth; not the half lies that most people think are true.”

Kara opened her mouth to respond as the whistle blew again. “Showers, now!”

“Do you need me to distract all of the boys? I wouldn’t want you to risk your budding relationships so early.”