Chapter 1: An introduction

They say it takes less than 5 seconds to make a first impression. Soon after my first client opened the door, her shoulders drooped, her smile faded, and I seriously questioned if I'd made the right decision in becoming a Docent.

Yet this weekend's adventure really started a month ago...

"Sean, I need you to stay," Jenn, the Doceo, announced after dismissing the class.

My stomach lurched as I frantically tried to determine what I'd done wrong. I'd had troubles staying awake all during the painfully long lecture, but couldn't see why I was being held back as I was near certain I hadn't fallen asleep. Besides, last night had been my 14th birthday party.

What started off as a few friends snowballed into well over a hundred people rocking it out in one of the on-campus dance clubs. I'd been having an awesome time when a few of my classmates I'd only occasionally seen in the halls insisted I help them work on some "advanced techniques." One thing led to another and, well, let's just say they wished me a very happy birthday.

Noticing my look of impending doom, Jenn smiled reassuringly and asked, "How did things work out after you left early last night?"

Not quite sure how to respond, I merely blushed, and smiled.

"That good, eh?" Jenn asked before adding, "Sounds like my own Docent Certification Exam."

"Your what?" I croaked feeling more confused with each passing moment.

"My Docent Certification Exam; you did know last night was the test, correct?" At my dumbstruck look she shook her head and laughed before handing me my new Institute identification card.

I think Jenn muttered, "Yep, exactly like my exam," under her breath, but couldn't be sure as I was too busy examining my new ID. After dreaming for some long about being, "Sean Phillips, Docent," the reality was a bit overwhelming.

"Welcome to the ranks!" she replied while slapping me on the back and shooing me off towards the dorms to pack.

Feeling on top of the world, I practically floated back to my room and immediately called my parents. Mom was thrilled, but when I asked her to tell dad, she diplomatically suggested that I at least leave a message at his place. With an embarrassed laugh I agreed.

My parents divorced soon after I left for the Institute and I still wasn't used to the idea of my mom and dad having separate houses. While I missed them, things had been decidedly awkward since the divorce. Phone calls were great, but visiting home had become rather stressful. As I really wanted a fresh start to my new career I petitioned for an East coast placement. Though unusual, the Institute consented and instead of a placement near where my parents lived in Seattle, I accepted a position in Washington DC.

Saying goodbye to my classmates and professors was rough. I knew that I'd probably see most of them again, but still didn't want to leave. After spending the last year working intimately with them, I'd developed a very deep bond that I wasn't eager to give up.

The next morning, I barely noticed the heat shimmering off the road during the hour long shuttle ride from the Institute's Arizona campus. The Institute actually had two main training facilities in the US, the other being about an hour east of Fayetteville Arkansas. Even with the melting heat I would miss its majestic mountains and awesome hiking trails. 'I'm going to miss this place, ' I lamented as the shuttle slowly made it's way to the Phoenix Airport where I boarded a plane bound for the Pacific Northwest.

I practically shivered in Seattle's 90 degree summer 'heat wave' as I spent the rest of the week with my mom and the weekend with my dad. While no longer openly hostile to each other, there was still quite a bit of tension and it wasn't the most relaxing of vacations. I knew they were proud of me, but I was quite relieved to get back on a plane and was more than ready to once again hang out with Institute people.

Beth, the youngest of my fellow Docent housemates, was waiting just outside of the security checkpoint at Dulles Airport. I'm not sure if it was our common background or Beth's amazingly trusting personality, but we just seemed to click. We'd barely said hello when I felt like I'd known her for years. By the time we made it to baggage claim I knew that I'd made a new best friend.

While we waited for my luggage, Beth explained that normally we'd fly in and out of Reagan but since she had an international flight the Institute booked us both through Dulles. When I failed to share her angst she explained that Reagan was right on the Metro, DC's primarily underground subway system. Yet to get back from Dulles we'd have to take a bus that would drop us off just outside of the Rosslyn Metro station. While the Institute would reimburse Docents for taxis, they strongly encouraged the use of public transportation to help us quickly assimilate into the city.

Honestly, I didn't mind spending an hour on a bus hanging out with Beth, but could see how it would be annoying in traffic or if I were alone. Along the way I learned that Beth had just finished a client weekend, something that is actually highly unusual as Docents rarely accept clients outside of their region. Additionally, though Beth looked young, she's actually almost a year older than me.

Once we got to Rosslyn I was impressed by the towering office, apartment, and hotel buildings that were significantly taller than those in Seattle. Noticing me gawking, Beth quickly explained that sine Rosslyn is in Arlington Virginia, the buildings here weren't subject to DC's height restrictions that kept all buildings shorter than the dome of the Capital (usually less than 9 stories). She also pointed out that around here most people referred to the area they live in by its closest Metro stop.

As Beth and I lugged our bags from the bus stop to my new home, it was easy to see why it had acquired the nickname, 'The Institute's House on the Hill.' While only a short walk from the Metro it was almost entirely uphill. However, it was equally obvious that Rosslyn was a prime location. Along the way Beth pointed out the grocery store in addition to numerous restaurants and bars that even on a Sunday night seemed to be doing decent business.

Jack, the Senior Docent, met us at the door and helped carry our bags upstairs. Obviously intending to completely overwhelm me with new information, Beth continued to play tour guide as we entered the House. Originally, the House was actually two row houses but when the Institute bought the properties about 40 years ago they completely gutted and merged them. The first floor is entirely composed of two self contained apartments for visitors and client evenings. The second floor hosts the main kitchen and living area along with Jack's master bedroom.

Quite winded, we finally made it to the third floor. This is where the Docents live as the floor is nearly bisected by the stairway with two bedrooms connected by a bathroom at either end of the hall. Currently, Meagan and Dan, the second and third most senior Docents, share the suite on the right while Jack explained that I'd be sharing the suite on the left with Beth.

While settling into life as a Docent, it was nice having someone nearby who was close to my own age to hang out with, even if Beth was quite busy working with clients. Perhaps the only downside was that classes started up a week after I arrived. Fortunately, aside from Jack, who'd graduated from college several years ago, all of my other housemates also went to Washington-Lee High School. As we were each a year apart we didn't share any classes, but it was still nice to catch a ride with Meagan or Dan in the mornings. Plus, compared to the lessons I'd had from Doceos and special tutors brought in by the Institute, high school was rather easy.

Thus, even with classes, there plenty of time to explore the various museums, restaurants, and adult shops DC had to offer during the few weeks I had 'off.' Adjusting back to life outside of the Institute, especially now that I was a Docent, was rough at first. But Beth was determined that I make the most of my 'vacation.' She was constantly demanding that I read a new section of the Institute's DC guide and then sending me off on 'missions' to check out especially interesting sites.

Perhaps my most memorable mission to date was on my second day in DC when Beth suggested I visit the Docent Lounge at Reagan National airport. At my hesitant look she explained that it was just a few stops away on the Blue Line and that I shouldn't have any troubles having a good time. Feeling awkward, I explained that while I knew what the Lounges were, this was only my second week as a Docent and that I'd actually never been inside one.

I think Beth was equally shocked and inspired as she quickly explained that the Docent Lounge was the first place she visited after she left the Institute. As client night classes hadn't started yet and she didn't have any tutoring sessions that afternoon, Beth insisted that she join me in exploring the Docent Lounge.

It was soon apparent that Beth visited the Docent Lounge quite regularly as she was on a first name basis with all of the staff. Additionally, she somehow managed to hook me up with the only female Elite passing through that afternoon.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from an Elite, but Steph was amazing. Sure, we'd had group sessions with Elites at the Institute, but they were usually too busy for one-on-one tutoring. Perhaps, like Beth, we just clicked but everything seemed to flow perfectly. After chatting it up at the bar, I nearly fell off the stool when Steph casually suggested we check out one of the rooms.

Unfortunately, Steph had to catch a flight in a couple hours so we didn't have too much time, but what we shared was truly awesome. As we lay cuddling afterwards, Steph got a devilish gleam in her eyes and said she needed to discuss something with Beth. Radiant with my first personal experience with an Elite, and absolutely loving life as a Docent, I would have followed her to the moon. Instead, she took my hand and led us out to the Lounge where we joined Beth on one of the overstuffed couches.

"Sean, you've got potential," Steph remarked just loud enough for Beth to hear as we sat down. "The Docent Lounge is a good place to start, but make sure you keep improving your skills."

Apparently, Steph's comment had actually been Girl Talk for, 'Let's debate the optimal way to expand Sean's level of sexual expertise.'

After my training I wasn't all that bothered by being the topic of discussion so much as having it in such a public place outside of the Institute. Soon, the debate grew more heated as other Docents, most of them female, joined in. These new Docents went out of their way to make me comfortable and offered an overwhelming amount advice.

As the conversation flowed around me I slowly came to realize just how much Docents look out for each other. Additionally, I could see why Beth liked the Docent Lounge as in many ways it reminded me of the Institute.

However, after nearly an hour of rather heated debate, Steph checked her watch and nearly bolted off the couch. "Crap, I have to catch my flight!" she exclaimed while quickly kissing my cheek, wishing me luck, and literally running out of the lounge.