Chapter 23: Friday Morning: Study Hall/AP English

She stepped through the doorway and turned down the hallway.

“When you say it out loud, it does sound a little ridiculous. But if they’re still covered, what’s the harm in not bothering with a bra?”

“If I’m not mistaken, the nipple is the most dangerous part of a woman’s breast. Why else do some people keep insisting that ours need to be covered, when a man’s don’t?”

“Wouldn’t that make the men the weak willed ones? If the silhouette of a nipple is enough to break their resolve, can we really call them men?”

“Nope. They’d be simple beasts, acting only their instinct to reproduce. That’s hardly a flattering image, right?”

“Yeah. This feeling reminds me of getting ready for bed actually.”

“The fabric of your shirt rubbing against them?”

“Exactly!”

“I imagine the only time you’d usually be bra less would be at bed time ordinarily. I don’t want to think about having to wear one that many hours in the day. Especially if yours are awful.”

“You mean they’re supposed to be comfortable?”

“They can be; if you went somewhere good to be measured for one. But that kind of precise measurement usually requires the salesperson to be more hands on, and I doubt that kind of thing wild fly in your church.”

“Never. ‘Only your husband is allowed to touch you in any sort of intimate way’ is how my dad phrased it. He made the woman at the department store guess when we went to get my first set of bras.”

“The more you say about him, the more I don’t like him. Are all the men in your church like him?”

“Some are more strict. At least ten of the girls are being home schooled or go to a private school because their dads’ don’t want to expose them to the ‘manifest evil’ that apparently controls and pervades all public schools. I think the fact that my dad listened to my mom about stuff like this is why he’s not an elder in the church; they’re often saying that he’s ‘too permissive’ and that ‘one day we’ll be led astray because of it.”

“Technically, from their point of view they’re right.”

“You can’t lead someone if they don’t want to be led though.”

“And the level of control they try to maintain only encourages people to jump ship when the ‘faithful’ hit an immovable wall of an idea.”

“I’m not saying they’re right, but the elders insist that no barrier is impossible to move past if you pray hard enough about it.”

“Then their prayers aren’t being heard, because I don’t see anything helping to further their cause. If anything, they’re the wall that’s being removed.”

Bonnie pulled close to Kara and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Don’t tell anyone except them, but ... mom was talking yesterday about filing for divorce, and possibly seeing if the church elders have been doing anything that could be considered abusive. I think she wants to get as many of her friends in the church out.”

“A lot of what they’re doing is abusive. If she were to press charges and get some of the other moms to do so as well, then I think many of the elders would be on their way to jail in a manner of months.” Maybe weeks even.

For what darling?

Bonnie’s mom may be looking to press charges against her church for abuse, as well as her husband. Some of what Bonnie shared with me so far suggests that she’d have a good case if she did.

I can ask my dad if he knows anyone that could help her with that.

“Allison’s dad is a lawyer, and he might be able to suggest someone good for your mom to go to if you’d like.”

“If mom is serious about doing this, then I think that could be really helpful. Although ... am I wrong to kind of hope the divorce doesn’t happen?”

“No. He’s still your father, and it makes sense that you still love him; even despite...”

“Everything else. But as much as I do love him, so much of what you’ve said rings truer than a lot of what he’s said, and you three are more genuine than he’s ever been.”

“I can only assume your mom tried to have a conversation with him sometime yesterday about her concerns.”

“And he did not take it well. I’ve never seen him blow up so badly about something as far back as I can remember, and well ... there have been more of those moments than I’d like to admit.”

“Then the only safe thing she can do for both of you is to get out. The sooner, the better. And I’m pretty sure doing that includes a divorce with the right custody decision.”

She watched the look of sadness pass over Bonnie’s face. “I don’t want it to be that way, but you’re right. I feel like if that this happens, I’ll never see him again.”

Kara glanced up at the door numbers, then back at Bonnie. “Once you’re eighteen and ... wait, I never did ask if you’d turned eighteen yet.”

“Three months ago.”

“Then legally you can visit him whenever you want; not taking things like transportation and the like into account. But if those are all covered, then whether or not you see him again is entirely up to you. However...” Kara paused for a moment, thinking, then closed her mouth.

Bonnie’s face fell for a moment. “The real question is not when, but if, right?” she replied, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“Yeah. You’re the only one who can really make that call, but ... if I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t deem it wise.” She glanced up again. “I think this is where we part ways for now. See you at lunch?”

“Yeah.”

Kara turned down the next intersection and started toward the double doors in the distance. Did the bell ring yet?

I’m indifferent. Ignoring the unusual ones, of course, the percentage of requests that have actually been enjoyable this week has been lower than I initially hoped. She stepped through the double doors and started toward the back of the library. To be fair to everyone else though, you two are a hard act to follow.

How about Vanessa?

If I needed to actually rank people, you’d both be in the top tier, while Vanessa would be in the second one ... I was surprised how good she was for someone who’d never done anything with another girl.

That’s how I felt about Laura last week. Although, I wasn’t quite as ready for the experience mentally, and it definitely effected my initial enjoyment of it.

Kara waved to them as she spotted their table and quickly made her way toward it. That’s understandable. I’m sure everything I so thoroughly enjoyed giving and receiving on Sunday with you would have been a little jarring if you two hadn’t help set the mood so well.

We were both really surprised when you said that you wanted Allison in on the next round; considering what you’d said earlier in the day and what I knew about you. And you really surprised me when you reciprocated what she did to you.

She sat down next to Allison and rested her head on Allison’s shoulder. It felt right, and to be honest to all of us, I’d had some curiosity about all of that in the back of my mind for a few weeks at that point. So the decision didn’t come completely out of nowhere. But the curiosity didn’t have any particular person attached to it, and reconciling my sense of self and that little itch was proving to be difficult. That is, until Sunday happened, and the last mental block fell away.

Emanuel grinned at them. Finally admitting that you’re just as much of a nympho as she is, are we?

Kara grinned slyly back. Oh, I wouldn’t go quite that far. But the real question then is, are you MAN enough to keep up with us? Because if you’re having problems now...

His grin widened. I see what you’re trying to do there partner; unfortunately, it won’t work. All because I know a secret you definitely don’t.

Oh? And that is?

It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you ... but I suppose there’s no harm in doing so. The ‘secret’ is that I don’t need to keep up with you; not strictly with that bit of stamina anyway. Certain other parts have more than enough stamina to beat yours.

Kara broke out in soft laughter. “Okay, you win that one. I forgot that I can’t reliably out snark you.”

“You’re just a little out of practice, that’s all. I’m sure next time I’ll be the one conceding.” They turned to Allison. “Are you okay Ally?”

“In a manner of speaking. I knew you were both being sarcastic there, but ... well, that little challenge did have one little, unintended effect.”

Kara grinned at her. “Right, that one. Will you be okay until lunch, or...”

“I’d love to right now, but I don’t see a way to find somewhere that we can. You need to use the men’s bathroom, and I don’t quite feel safe going in there without someone who can act as protection for us. Not with ... the various entitled assholes who would probably love to knock us down a few pegs.”

“You’re not afraid of people like the Thumpers, or Pamela’s gang?”

“I don’t think most of her gang are willing to mess with Manny or myself anymore; not with the punishment Pamela got for trying that. At least, not directly. And while I’m new to Kempo, I’m still probably stronger than the rest of the Thumpers. So running into one of them while using the bathrooms for their normal use isn’t really something that worries me.” You, on the other hand ... if one of them sees you with your shields down...

Emanuel smiled at her. You should talk to Mrs. Frauhold about the idea.

When we inevitably run into her again, sure. I don’t want to make a trip to her office for just this. Not now, anyway.

“You’d rather melt into Allison?”

“Yes. She’s much too comfortable for me to get up unless I have to.”

“Tired, darling?”

“A little, yeah. Thinking about certain things is making me tempted to put the mask back on, and resisting the urge to do that is kind of exhausting. I know it’ll get easier with practice, but for the time being...”

“I know that feeling all too well. If you need to nap a little, feel free. But...”

“Are you going to offer me an even more comfortable pillow?”

“Of course! I wouldn’t want your neck muscles to get tired from resting on my shoulder. No ... I have a much nicer pair of pillows for you instead.”

And I bet you’d love it if I gave them a few ‘kisses’ before settling in, right?

Only if you want to, of course... Kara grinned as Allison pulled her chair back a little and pulled off her shields. “To make the angle a little nicer for you, darling.”

She nodded her head, gave each areola a few licks and sucked softly on each nipple, then rested her head on the left breast. You’re right ... this is much nicer. She smiled softly and let her eyes begin to close.

Yes indeed. And your ‘kisses’ were wonderful.

You two are incorrigible.

Is it wrong to want my beloveds to be comfortable? You’re welcome to use the other pillow. She listened as Emanuel’s chair was pulled back, and gasped softly as his tongue and mouth briefly made love to Allison’s left breast. That’s much better. She was starting to feel left out.

Enjoy darling. Kara focused on the steady rhythm of Allison’s heart as everything around her began to fade.

A hand running softly through her hair caused her eyelids to flutter open some time later. Is it time already?

Close to it. I think there’s maybe three minutes before the bell goes off. Where is your whistle, by the way?

I know I had it yesterday, but I don’t remember putting it on this morning. Kara quickly dug through her bag. It’s not in that pocket, nor that one ... Uh-oh.

They heard the bell go off. I was going to say ‘and if we can leave a few minutes early’ but I think we missed that window. Good luck darling!

Thank you Ally. See you both at Lunch.

Yes. Be careful partner.

I will. Kara turned from them as they stepped through the double doors, and started to hastily make her way to English. Halfway there her eyes trained on the bathrooms. No, I can wait a little longer. Straight to class where it’s much safer.

Moments later she stepped through the open doorway. “Do you need relief today?”

“No, I’m good I think.”

“If you were anyone else, I’d worry you aren’t taking full advantage of your Program week. But if the stories that are circulating around the school are halfway true, then you probably get your full before and after school.”

“For the most part. But at the moment, while a release of what has already built up could be nice, I’d much rather wait and let it build a bit longer. Then it’ll be really satisfying.”

“I see. Most students would be complaining that they’re so horny they can’t stand it, and any orgasm will do.”

“Well, ‘any orgasm’ can’t compare with the amazing ones I can have thanks to my loves. It’s worth the wait.”

“I know what you mean, although I’m sure I’d be blown away if I got a taste of the kind of thing you can get. Anyway, if you take your seat then...” Kara nodded, and took the free seat with her group. “Let’s get started then. Group one, your representative first.”

She watched the rest of them turn and look at her. “No. I’ve only had very minor edits to make to mine for the last few days.”

“Yes, Kara’s right. At least one of you needs my insight more. Choose someone else.”

Her group mates sighed loudly, and after a few quick rounds of ‘rock, paper, scissors’ decided on someone. Apparently, none of my group mates are confident their piece is worth presenting today; even though all of them have been through some number of revisions.

They played ‘rock, paper, scissors’ between themselves, and the first person to lose three times was the lucky presenter. I can’t fault them for their ingenuity, but I am kind of annoyed that they decided to leave something like this up to chance rather than discussing it. As it was, they all just assumed I’d be going again. She paused, clapping politely as her group mate finished. Why do people always pick on the poor, naked girl?

Kara felt pressure ‘suddenly’ build within her and quickly raised her hand as the group two rep finished. “Mrs. Praklos?”

“Yes Kara?”

“I wish I didn’t need to ask this, but...”

“It happens, and you waited for a time that wouldn’t disrupt things too much. Go ahead.”

Kara nodded, stood, and dashed off for the nearest men’s room. I really wish I could be using the women’s room for this.

Ah, but that’s the rules. Anyone in sight?

No Manny; I suspect this late into class most teachers would insist the student wait until the end of the period if they can. Kara ducked into one of the stalls but left the door open. Again, I really dislike that we have to be exposed for this. I’m perfectly fine with you two being present if I need to pee, but a random stranger? Especially someone who’s intentionally paying attention to it.

Yeah. I wish those rules were relaxed a little. Most folks don’t attempt to hide from requests and the like in the bathroom. Even the women’s room isn’t the nicest place to ‘hang out’.

Agreed, Ally. Kara closed her eyes for a moment as the stream began to leave her, letting out a loud, but contented sigh. Much better. Wait though; when did someone else come in? I thought I had this place to myself today?

Someone else is in the bathroom with you darling?

That’s the only reason I can think of for the water turning on suddenly. Give me a sec. Kara focused her attention on the small meditation for a moment, then started to scan the room as colored, human shape blobs came into view in her mind. Whoever this group is, they don’t intend to be friendly. Not with that color.

“Chastity, you said you saw her come in her, right? Then where is she?”

“Maybe she’s in one of the stalls, Prudence. Possibly one of the closed ones.”

Two of the five girls are named Chastity and Prudence. I think I know who they are. Be ready to alert someone if I can’t talk them down.

Will do darling.

“Aren’t they supposed to keep the doors open? So that they can’t hide from people wanting to look?”

“Patience, how do you claim to know that? Have you been reading things you shouldn’t?”

“No Prudence. I just overheard some students talking about it. I couldn’t help it.”

“You mean you overheard some perverts talking. They’re all doomed to hell.”

“But Magda, wasn’t...”

“Pat, seriously, stop listening to those kinds of ‘preachers’; they’re all wolves in sheep’s clothing, waiting to devour those few of us who have been truly called.”

And one of them finally found me. “And which one are you?”

“Julie. I found her!” the short, black haired girl answered.

“Nice job Juliana.” A tall, blonde girl stepped into view. “Now, you have a whole list of sins to be cleansed of, demon girl. And we’re going to be the ones that have the honor of purifying you with righteous pain.” She turned to three other girls who appeared behind her. “Grab her, and hold her tight.”

“Wait ... let me wipe first, and then we can discuss this like human beings.” Kara stood slowly, wiped, and headed to the sink. “I just want to wash my hands real quick. Now, what sins are you accusing me off?”

She watched the largest of the girls step in front of the door and wedge herself against it. “Now she can’t get away. Right Prudence?”

The tall blonde glared angrily at her. “You weren’t supposed to say that aloud, you fool!” She turned to Kara. “As for your question, monster ... you know your sins, but if I must repeat them...” she glanced at the other two girls “Patience, Chastity; grab her arms so she can’t try anything.” Kara sighed as the remaining two girls somewhat weekly grabbed her arms. Nice try fools, but that won’t stop me. “Your sexual sins are too numerous to name, but the worst of your wrongdoings is how you’ve corrupted so much of the school; especially Bonnie. And for that, we need to beat the evil out of you. If you don’t try to resist, it will go much quicker.”

Uh huh ... good luck with that. “Surely there’s something else that I can do instead? Violence like that seems ... un-Christian like.”

“Yeah ... she has a point Prudence” Juliana replied from behind her.

“No! Only a good physical purging will make you clean!” Prudence swung her fist at Kara’s face; Kara ducked, sliding out from the girls’ grip behind her and grinned. “How?!”

Kara drove her elbows into the stomachs of the girls behind her, then swept Prudence’s legs out from under her. Juliana looked between the two of them before putting her hands up as Magdalene rushed toward her. Kara shook her head, took a low stance and swept her legs as well. “Because, you underestimated me. Did you really assume I wasn’t expecting something like this?” Grab someone quick, my muse; they refused to listen to reason.

Already at Litski’s office. I assumed when I didn’t hear from you that you needed to act.

Good sense. “Now, four of you will be lucky to get out of this with just an extra week in the Program. Only one of you had the sense to not escalate this to violence.” She heard stammering coming from outside the bathroom door as it swung open. Did they post guards?

Yeah. I’m not sure how they bribed those two boys, but they did. Are you okay darling?

Yeah. They underestimated me, as I thought they might. She watched the acting principal step in with several security guards, Allison and Emanuel waiting behind him. “Are you okay Ms ... Kara.”

“Yes sir. I was prepared for the possibility that someone might try something like this. I promise I only did what I needed to incapacitate them so that I could get away.”

“The only thing that looks injured is their pride, so I’d say you were successful. Now, you four are coming with me; by now I’m sure you know what the lightest punishment I can give for harassment of Program participants is.”

Kara watched as Prudence struggled to stay down. “But you can’t! Our parents put us on the exclusion list!”

“Then I need to go to the next level of punishment; two weeks suspension. That, and why, will appear on your permanent record, you know, and I’m bound by law to inform them of that.”

And he’ll say that punishment can be avoided if they pull their daughters off the list...

Yeah. And I’m sure, Manny, that most of them will take that as the greater threat to their daughters’ futures then two weeks in the Program. And if not, they’re dooming their daughters to a much more difficult time finding a college that will accept them.

“Yeah right! What reason could you possibly put for such a suspension?”

“Prudence, maybe you should...”

“Shut up Magda!”

“Your friend is right. I need to label this what it is; attempted assault; I can see the hand marks on Kara’s arms, and I can be somewhat lenient with those of you who are willing to cooperate with the investigation I’ll need to do about this whole situation.”

Oof ... Attempted assault?

Their specific words were ‘we need to beat the evil out of you’. I’d say attempted assault is correct. Especially since Prudence swung first. I simply defended myself.

“As soon as I’m done talking with them, I’ll need your side of things too. For now, Mrs. Frauhold wanted to see you.”

“Understood Sir.”

Kara swore a small smile crossed his face for a moment. “In the meantime ... you five need to follow me. These fine gentlemen are prepared to assist you if you need the help.” She watched them all shake their heads and quietly line up behind him. “Good.”

I’ll be fine. I appreciate the concern though Ally. Kara gave each of them a quick kiss as she left the bathroom. “Thank you, my loves.”