Once more I found myself seeking solace in a world gone mad. On these occasions my mind buzzed with thought this couldn’t be happening. The interview…the whole back to school…The fact my father, blessed of the prophet, would have seen through my efforts and placed me here.

Hindsight is a marvelous thing in its clarity. If only I had had the foresight. My troubles, now a whole new set of them, came undoubtedly from the pictures I had sent of myself. At least if I read the man in the scary dark glasses right. Father must have gotten wind of them. Being a minor and all on my part would not have helped in keeping it quite. The fact I deleted messages on my phone regularly should have kept my image squeaky clean, but it hadn’t. All the hard work…all the deceptions laid to bare like so much skin in one of my pictures. This really sucked.

Looking up, I got my bearings once more the gentle breeze bringing a tang of salt water with it. Palm trees and other tropical plants like those I had seen on the islands of Hawaii during one of many family vacations lined the winding concrete path. If my soul had been any steadier and my nerves less frayed I might have enjoyed the walk, but with the withdrawal from lack of nicotine riding me hard I felt no such emotion.

Rather I was angry. That foot stomping, want to strike out and hit something type of angry. I knew clearly it was more towards myself, but I really needed the pity party even if I knew better. Shit. I was supposed to be on a movie set, getting paid to do something I loved. Ahhhh, the light seemed to grow brighter…suddenly I knew…

Steps, I took them absently amazed at how 17 years of being under the yoke of your father and mother can cause you to not see the obvious. I was 18….and as such a full adult. I did not have to stay here if I didn’t want to. Glory be to the prophet…I’d get my stuff and get back on that plane. A day late perhaps…but my future as an porn star where not over.

Chuckling I ran right into the tall white haired girl. I’d not even seen her…

It always was such a long walk to docks. It was unfortunate that her new position left her with these responsibilities. Perhaps she will find those suitable to do these tasks for her but it was far too late to do so today.

Long silver hair trails behind her as her shoes lightly click on the paved floor. The loud sounds of the approaching aircraft was nearly deafening if it were not for the ear plugs they provided her. Vera could not help but look up and follow the shuttle as it landed. It looked and sounded like a standard aircraft but she and a few select students knew what it really was. She could almost pity the unlucky students that find themselves on this island.

The crosswinds causes her hair to whip about her body, surrouding her form with shining strands. As the craft powered down it's engines, she took the moment to smooth and pull her hair back behind her shoulders. Her hands smooth her navy blue skirt before ensuring her light blue sash rested around her hips.

She was expecting only one student today. The name on the file was Cala Maysson Sumayyah. It was not often that the school would receive those of Arabic heritage. It did not matter either way. Vera was only to escort this woman and give the standard tour of the campus.

Seeing the woman exit, she could already tell by the expression on Cala's face that she was far from pleased for being here. The file did mention a troublesome one. Lets hope it does not hinder her day, she was a busy woman afterall.

Vera steps forward to approach the woman only to find her not stopping as she bumps. The Head Girl took a few steps back in order to regain her balance, eyes narrowing slightly at what just happened. "You must be Cala Sumayyah, correct?" she asked, "Were there any other students on the plane with you? I do hope the flight was at least comfortable," she gives a slight bow of respect, "My name is Vera Matsumoto, one of the Head Girls on campus and will be your guide for your first day on the island."

“Ummpphhh” I should have been paying attention. Then not many individuals stand there and let you run into them. Salt and pepper. The thought just hit me as she spoke and we regarded one another. She was all white hair and pale, me all black hair and dark, but both of us exotic pieces of the whole, what a picture it would make. Both of us were attempting to dominate the other as we stood our ground. I would not be the one to back down. Never had been which had resulted in fights over boys, which was a really stupid thing to fight over….they’d already lost them, and I had not yet dumped them. Yet….

Damn she was attractive. Electricity seemed to buzz and pop all along my skin, the scent of her all honey and crème upon my nose. The look….in charge, yet even dominating as it was there was a simmering heat and need to be submissive or so said the voice in the back of my head. Long ago I’d learned to heed its call.

Head girl she said. Some sort of authority and it fit the dominant eye contact. Still….oh she would be sweet, the curve of her perfect body, the call of simmering sexuality that made me think how much fun it would be to do a scene with her. I could imagine her getting fucked by some hunk while those lips played across my clit. Damn….I was getting hot thinking about it. And that is when the plan coalesced form out of thin air to swirl around and gather itself like so many sticks…I was 18 an adult…going into the industry and I had the perfect companion. We could be a force to be reckoned with, my brains, our bodies…damn they would not stand a chance, the prophet be praised

“Vera….let’s see you must be Miss University with that pretty sash” I had to get my plan moving…and perhaps she would be the person to help, just had to get control. Quickly, I moved into her, taking the distance between us to nothing as bodies touched, then one hand behind her head I went to me tip toes and let our lips touch…let me tongue slide inwards, teasing…testing…hoping to knock her of her game and take control. Breaking the kiss as quickly as it had begun.

“Vera dear…I think you and I have a future in the business together. Now….if you could help me retrieve my stuff maybe collect up a few things of your own we have a plane to catch.” I slide my arm in hers, fingers curling in her own. “I am sure the director won’t mind you being a part of the production. Why, I can certainly tell you he would be salivating thinking about the two of us naked and fucking some hunk and one another….Oh…it is so good to be 18 and an adult. So…show me the way….and I am so glad you left the tiara at home…it just wouldn’t look good on you darling.”

Vera felt a slight tingling sensation run up her spine as she watched this woman. Already she was picking up vibes of what this one was feeling. The once burning hatred was now a different, growing heat. She saw why the school has taken interest in this one.

The inner praise ended there though as Cala referred to her by a different title. It sounded like a title one would give those bimbos on television always saying they wished for world peace and other useless dribble. This one needed to be taught respect and quickly before she grew annoyed.

As if this woman had not crossed some boundaries already, the dark skinned woman was suddenly upon her. Their bodies met followed by their lips. Vera's hands closed into fists as she felt that slippery tongue glides inside her mouth and began to taste her. This was beyond too far. This student had crossed the line and built a bloody house there. How dare this one try to take advantage of her like this!

Vera took a deep breath. She had been through frustrating deals and meetings but this brat had nearly sent her over the edge. The Head Girl would rather be raped by monsters than put on a show to be fucked by men for others to watch. She did not understand what this one's obsession of being a porn star was. She will just have to be patient and show this one her place in the world and in this school.

"Ahem," she pried off Cala's fingers, "I am sure your Arabic greetings do no include forcing yourself upon another woman. My apologies but I have no interest in becoming a cheap porn star. You are here because you can become much more than that," she continues cooly, "Your father has already gone through great measures to ensure you get here. Do you really think you can just leave and expect him to not find you again? I am here to show you the school and how it works along with assisting you with getting your uniforms. I can assure you, the security at this port is very thorough. They would simply refuse to fly you off this island dear. Now come with me, I am willing to forgive your actions...this time." With that cold threat still hanging in the air, she turns and began making her way towards campus. Such a sexual woman, no doubt the monsters would take notice to this morsel very quickly. A pity that intelligence could not be tapped for something more...useful. Hmm... Perhaps...

That had not gone well. I swore the sexuality rode just beneath the surface on her…swore I could sense a submissive side to her but she was stronger than anyone I had ever met. Somehow she did not give in to herself. Rather she twisted my fingers from hers, forcing a distance between us. I sensed she was cross, but that did not take a rocket scientist to figure out. Oh well…my only consolation was that somebody hopefully had been watching and enjoyed it. There had to be security cameras around…let them get their jollies. This Vera needed to learn to loosen up, a good fuck or two would really help and the thrill of being on camera would not doubt do her some good no matter what she said.

“Fuck it….” I was sullen…she was not going to help me get out of her and much like the penitent child I still could be I sulked and grew angrier with each echoing step at the stern words she had used against me. Fine…my skirt looked better than hers…my top was sexier….treat me like some child…I’ll show you.

“Father did always go to extremes and never did understand western culture, not that Arabic culture is bad. Did you know he would not let me drive, go out without him present…imagine wanting to go to your senior prom only having your father drive you and your date all the while watching you. And talk about dress….the thing went from ankle to neck. I swore I was wearing a garbage bag and then to make matters worse I was expected to go with a head scarf on. I missed prom because of the severe”, making sure to emphasis the word, “embarrassment. Can you imagine anything worse?” I sought to play on her sympathy. I had to get out of here. People were counting on me out there in the world and frankly getting fucked on camera was certainly a new thrill.

“At any rate who would not let me leave…I am 18. Its kidnapping if they don’t and I will press charges.” She might be willing to forgive but I wasn’t. One way or another I was getting out of here. Security was usually male…and males had needs…and needs could give you freedom. Fuck me….no…fuck them and all the camels they rode in on. I cared not for the looming building before me.

Vera continues to walk to campus with Cala following close behind, trying to play for her sympathy. Of course she was not going to fall for such tricks. Right now the woman was merely ignorant. There will be plenty of 'thrills' to deal with here, more than any human could bear.

"Instead of constantly whining that your father threw you into this situation, how about you open your eyes and take a look around," she replied with no signs of warmth in her voice, "As long as you remain here, your father will no longer bother you. If you follow the rules, you can do as you wish during your free time. You can take what classes you like as well. If you wish to learn more about your rights, I suggest you take classes involing law and criminal justice."

Students could be seen heading to their classes. A brief glance and seeing a Head Girl was enough to hurry their pace, wishing they do not receive demerits for being late. "Shokushu is an all female school with a mixed staff. I can show you your dorm room or we can proceed to the campus store to see about getting you your uniforms and whatever else you may want from there."

She turns to face the woman, her silver hair swaying in the gentle breeze behind her. "Perhaps you will find things you may like on this island, Cala. No matter what you do, even the authorities will take time to process your claims. So one way or another you will be here. Or perhaps you are intimidated by all the beautiful girls that attend here, Miss Porn Star." She says with small smirk as she gazed into Cala's eyes.

Until she stopped her incessant banter with those last words it had not dawned on me to really look around. Even in summer there were a few girls about, which was a sad sight all on its own. Like a well worn tape I played back the track in my head, it might have some scratches and blemishes but it worked. By the prophet she was right…the girls were gorgeous, and for a moment I envied them. This place…this strange island filled with girls would be any martyrs version of heaven…and to think they might even be virgins much like my father believed of his daughter. Yes, more than a few Arabic men would die to get in here. I was no longer the flower around weeds…this was a veritable garden of possible porn talent, each a flower in her own right.

Only when I focused once more upon Vera’s face did I realize she was still regarding me with that careful stoic look of someone that had real power and knew how to use it. I might not be able to leave immediately…and she had offered me a few choices. There was couched nuances between the lines I had yet to understand fully. Dad was not here to look over my shoulder every minute of the day, in that regard he would have to trust those like this girl to do it for him. If I had her on my side it might go better, things might not be so bad for now. Soon enough I would be out of his shadow and on my own where he could not touch me any longer.

“Ok….” Slowly I spoke as if yet chewing on the idea. “So what do you want since you seem to be the type that might end up my minder? I will tell you I want his…Dads shadow off my back. I want to have some fun without fear of him finding out. I want to meet some boys, enjoy the sex” the lines on her face seemed to furl…”even a girl is not such a bad idea for a fuck buddy. I want my freedom…to come and go. SO what are you proposing so I can get something….what do you WANT, need. I am available and all ears.”

I really wanted to get to my room and have a cig…but even though my hands may twitch a bit from the lack of nicotine I could wait…I had to. Had to get the angles on this place and this person with her long white hair and seemed now very much the salt to my pepper. We might be different, but that did not mean we could not work together to season the food. I well understood the concept of scratch my back..I’ll scratch yours. How else did I have the clothes that were in my suitcase…duplicity was my middle name…well sort of.

"Just like in any job, you start from the bottom and climb to the top," she answered, "Shokushu is a prestigious school and does not stand for such lude behavior. But, those who decide to assist the school do get certain privileges if they do well."

It would look poorly on the school and herself if she spits out what a number of students do to pass the time. But she was sure this one would catch on soon enough. "Since you mention horrible outfits your father makes you wear, we will go to the campus store first. The island receives shipments of supplies often so you should be able to get the base necessities. The dorms have a common room on each floor that has television and games. You can gawk at the students later, come along."

With majority of the students in class, their walk to the campus store was in solitude. They were alone and she did not sense anymore friction from the woman which was a start. "You claim I want something from you. But as of right now, you are merely a rebellious young woman who expects to get what she wants with that endowed body. If the world was that loose, we would have porn stars controlling all the business that happens in the world. You have already been very vocal on your wants and needs but you have yet to tell me what you can offer me. What could a brand new student possibly have to offer?"

She leaves the question hanging as the glass doors slide open. The store was more like a mall with food courts and various stores, most having the campus logo on them. "Everything is already paid and funded for so feel free to browse and shop for things you like." Of course there was no contraband but leaving that out will at least spark some curiosity perhaps.

“I wasn’t gawking…” How did she have such a good ability to make me all defensive? And if it was such a prestigious school why hadn’t I even heard of it. I’d heard a lot about Harvard…John Hopkins, Washington university, Duke, Yale, Stanford. Now I had made certain I was not going to school with low grades and the lack of an SAT so this being some prestigious school was a bunch of malarkey. Frankly the dress code sucked as well….everyone was wearing the same thing like a bunch of robots.

“And frankly women with bodies and brains do very well thank you. I never said I wanted to rule the world, and frankly I have not heard of any women that graduated from this place in important positions of power. Screw that…I just want to live life and sitting reading books about crap is not going to help me have fun. So…I got it…you say I caonlt get out of here….you say this is a top notch university. Well…they accepted me and that does not speak well of their admissions standards since I did just about everything to make sure I wouldn’t meet any …it was a part of my long range plan. “

As for the rest I had a stick up my craw and it was really bothering me. By the holy prophet she could get to me. What did I have to offer…plenty…but that still didn’t mean I could come up with anything snide or otherwise at the time. Those cigarettes were calling my name and given that I was here my powers of observation and deception had royally failed me. I had my body..she didn’t seem to want that. The sneer on my face grew and my emotional state was not improving. Oh…I could have been a great student, straight A’s but she wasn’t going to want that. I wanted out of here or at least a pleasant time of it and she didn’t seem to need anything from me. Negotiation were going nowhere as well….shit…shit …shit….

I entered the store as directed, looking for the cigs and a lighter. At least that would help calm me down and let me think. Isle after isle…I scanned them…scanned the kiosks…anything and nothing till we had finished.

“Were the cigs? I need a carton or two, otherwise I think I am pretty set with what is in my suitcases…” I had not spied them yet as we walked the isles…Nor had I noticed any condoms, or other birth control next to the massage oils and lubricating creams. That was not a good sign. This was not looking good. IN fact this place had more stuff in the school supplies area than I really wanted to know about. If I was going to have to go to school I was going to have to buy things here that I did not want close to me. Shit.

“Cigs need them and no…I could not have a thing you are looking for so let me just go back to civilization before I go loco in this place.” I sized her up, looking straight into those eyes. I would get what I needed or…else.

"A piece of paper with a letter grade on it tells nothing about a person's potential," she replied, "And you already were focused on becoming a star in your small little world so to say you know no one from a particular school says nothing. Shokushu sees potential in you dear and you show great signs of intelligence. What harm could improving your mind have on your body? Would it not be better to be both smart and beautiful rather than just a beautiful airhead? Bimbos are replaceable, knowledge is not."

Seems the woman was almost panicking. The file did mention smoking in Cala's habits. She smirks and shakes her head, "There are no cigarettes on campus. And why would anyone want to kiss a star that has yellow teeth? For someone who claims to have a goal, you make no efforts to excel at it. If you require nothing here, then I will simply have an order of uniforms be sent to your room and we can move on. For free, I will give you a business tip. You can't make demands when you have nothing to offer. Even that director you were going to meet would simply replace you if keep making demands. It's up to you how you will prove you are more than just another pretty face."

"And why do you keep asking me to go back? I am just a student here. You are talking to the wrong person to make such wild demands. I am here to give you a tour of the school and ensure you get settled in. Go speak to the staff after I am done if you want to beg to be released. But to do so, they will have to call the person that paid the bill, your father. I will show you your room now."

Vera was not one to be pushed around, especially by some brat who thinks she can be an instant success. This one's desire to smoke may be one way to control her. Be better to rid the nasty habit though.

There were a number of dorm buildings with a letter assigned to each one. She spoke to the staff member at the main desk and received a keycard before taking Cala up two floors and to the student's new home. "Here I will get the door for you," she swipes the card and opens it, allowing Cala to enter before closing it behind them, "It is also not wise to make demands for contraband in public. You really are hopeless," she sighs and leans against the wall, crossing her arms, "Though I do not know this myself there are rumors of little rebellious students who try to make or get a hold of contraband on campus. Of course dealing with these people and not reporting them would lead to an equal or worse punishment for the buyers. But, I still have yet to show you the school itself so feel free to look around your room. There is no one else assigned here yet so you will be living alone till more students arrive."

Potential my ass, I did not need her telling me that or the school. Oh yeah I had it…knew what I wanted and would get it, always had. Pep talk not withstanding I knew who the real bimbo was. Though what she said was not altogether wrong, but between the lines it spoke volumes about her place here in this school. So…she was nothing more than a flunky that would take the new kids around on a tour. Too bad, perhaps in my zeal to get away from this place I had placed too much hope in one so unable to give it. I had given her more credit than was due. She had asked what I had to offer; frankly I now had to wonder what she had to offer me.

I could feel the confidence oozing once more into me veins as we walked side by side along the curved sidewalks to the place I would call home for a while yet. WInd whipped the long white locks behind here while my shorter black once danced in the breeze and swayed. Heals clicked on the pavement, a beat of life that gave pace to my thoughts as I worked through them to arrive at a new destination.

I had to get to know the place, find the people that pulled the strings and get myself out of here. She might or might not be able to get me into those ivory halls. For now I had my doubts…she was not that different than I. She hedged her bets, and somewhere in the at head of hers she was right now trying to hide things from me., I just had a sense of it…a quiet voice whispering in the back of my head that not all was as it seems and this one…this one that tried to be so intelligent and sophisticated was nothing but one more scared rabbit. Not so different from the girls that had tried to withdraw and hide as we walked by.

Just for fun I greeted each of them, calling out my name, stopping them and giving them hugs. Each one was stiff…eyes shifting hesitantly to the one called Vera. She had power, but no, not intrinsic power but rather one derived upon fear. That I could not let her have over me. I refused to fear her. BUt the girls were few and far between and the building loomed..steps...door...corridor, a final click and she swung the door open.

My room was a glorified cubicle and I would be lie a rat in a cage in the thing. One room…bath down the hall…freshman quarters no doubt. Two beds, two closets, two desks, and lets not forget two dressers all in that matching faux wood and metal. My suitcases sat on the bed along with a few plain brown cardboard boxes. ‘Yippie…’ I thought to myself before the cynic took hold of my tongue.

“Why isn’t this just swell…look fake wood to go with the early 90’s décor. Why I might even be able to turn around in here with a little practice. NO expense spared” I took a big breath before turning to eye the girl and give her a one two.

“Vera dear…If you are just a student here then camels can fly…they fear you…and yet you can do nothing to help me so that means you are just a prop. And once the pedestal gets kicked out from under you they will pummel your skinny little ass till there is nothing left. SO … I have to ask myself who is this girl that says I have nothing to offer her when she herself seems to have nothing to offer me. You can’t get me out of here….you can’t tell me who to talk with, just that archaic entity called staff. You can give me a tour, tell me not to talk about contraband which I have no idea what is or isn’t … Frankly I grow very unimpressed with you and except for telling me that there are those that can supply my needs, you have nothing more to give me. It does sound like a need to talk to them. They might at least have a nicotine patch if not the real Mccoy…that is how you say it isn’t it?” My fingers opening the suitcase, followed quickly by the loud screaming

“what the hell…where is all my stuff…all my clothes…the real ones…the nice ones shit..shit..shit…oh this is too much…I tell you what I am going to kill the assholes that took my stuff. And…oh hell…no…” I opened the boxes hoping, that forlorn hope that is nothing but a puff of smoke after all the good stuff in stored in your lungs. Holding up the skirt I blanched. I tried to talk…tried to figure out how it was that hers was of a length tolerable, but mine…mine….it would be going to my ankles. I could never wear a thing…never ever. It was like the stuff dad would approve. Every time I put it on I would be remembering the way he had tried to order my life…the way he would make me dress each and every day before the bus came. This was low…really low…I would not let her see me cry…I was tougher…I would prevail.

Though my heart was barely beating, my breath labored as I watched my hope dashed upon the rocks of life like so much flotsam in a turbulent sea. Somehow I would get out of it…somehow I would make it regardless, more and more it was looking like I was here to stay, so it would be small victories, small battles till I won the war. Father had declared it…had fired the first round. When I did go home it would be in the center of lights, a couple of fuck buddies on my arms just to rub it in, and frankly if they were girls it would only insult him more so. For then there would be no heirs at all. I’d grown up my whole life and been told my only worth was in delivering him a grandson. Fuck him and the camel he rode in on. I still had my doubts, but maybe…maybe I could use his pick of schools to sling it all back in his face.

What a bloody emotional roller coaster. Sitting heavily upon the bed I felt the metal springs dig into my ass. “This sucks” I whispered almost under my breath an huffed, gathering the resolve to go on back around me and wondering just how I would turn it too my advantage. White cotton undies…shit.

She lets the woman rant and rave about her position and this horrible situation Cala was in. If she wanted to continue digging her own grave then so be it. Vera had already grown weary of this constant whining. The woman was ignorant and was nothing more than stomping her feet like a child.

She showed no signs of disapproval as the woman tried to stop and talk to the students. Only after the students fled did they continue once more. "Please do not hinder other students. Some actually come here for their education, not to act like a spoiled brat."

In the bedroom, she found the whole thing about being powerless amusing. "Whether I can or cannot help does not matter. I have no reason to help you at all. You have alot to learn Cala about making requests and making deals. Why should I bother wasting my time helping a brat? As I said before I am a Head Girl and I do get certain benefits for being one. It is also a position of respect much more desirable than a simple student council president. But I grow weary of your constant disrespect. I have been lenient on punishing you for this is your first day but I have no reason to stand here and listen to you whine about how horrible or unfair your life is."

Vera could not help but smile faintly when Cala went through her suitcase. She was not sure what had been done until she saw the long dresses with the school's colors. Seems her father planned further ahead than she thought. The wonderful feeling of despair seemed to leak from the Arab's body. It was an interesting sensation, never had felt it before from a student like this. Serves her right though. The woman had a great potential but she had no interest in trash who refuses to adapt and grow.

She places the keycard on the table and opens the door. "Seems someone had already taken care of your first order of uniforms already. Seems they do have a uniform that matches your cultural requirements. I will wait for you downstairs. If you take too long, I will be sure to leave a map at the front desk so you can find where to take your classes. Unlike you, I still have work to do in the school." Of course she could help this woman. It was even possible to allow short visits back to planet Earth. But why should she give that bit of hope to this one? After all the disrespect and insults, she was certain that it would be like hitting a lightswitch causing the woman to suddenly treat her kindly. But she did not want that. Just knowing this information would take effort for Cala now, she will make this woman crawl at her feet when she was done with her.

“Please wait….I….” I did not want to be alone. Not now that my world had came crashing down around me and I needed to start building a new one. “I need to know the rules of the game here, I need to learn.” Hanging my head in shame that I no longer was the one in charge of my life, had never really been. Feverishly I worked the tiny strips of fabric off my body. Nudity was nothing I worried about and I had learned to change quickly in the girls bathroom at school just before first bell and after last bell.

All the clothes I had left of my short wild youth sat in a small lump upon the bare mattress. Pulling on the white cotton briefs, I could sense already chains upon my vibrant soul. A plain white cotton bra came next, holding my once free chest in the embrace of fabric that bound me more securely than ropes or chains every could have. Long skirt…long sleeve blouse….head scarf… I could see my reflection in the closets mirrored door. A face almost unrecognizable as it peered back at me. The eyes seemed sad, restrained, only a small spark remained.

Turning in the uncomfortable weight of cloth, my body already hot in the tropical island paradise, I fought back the tears of dashed hope. Instead I looked for new hope in my future, anything that might help me survive and even thrive here.

“Teach me….” Eyebrows up…earnest and honest from the very bottom of me beating heart. “shit…I do not want to live like this for four years” my hands indicating the room and my clothes. I knew inside I would always be me regardless of what happened. I might change…might need to bend. Father had not broken me…I…I would not here as well. A long four years….and then…then I might be free. I suppose that at least this bought me 4 more years before father told me about some arranged marriage. At least that was a positive way to look at it.

If I was to do this right I suddenly realized I had to make an offer…an offer of something near and dear to me. Gathering up the last of my old life in shaky nicotine withdrawn hands I held out the ball of clothes to this girl Vera, who stood so straight and proud. Fuck…if I didn’t want that too. Would she take the peace offering….would I ever see my old clothes again?

The woman had swallowed her rebellious pride rather quickly. That fiery will seemed to sputter and dim as the woman changed behind her. The rebellious emotions seemed to fade like a warm oven being turned off. The woman had not been completely shattered but this was a good base to build up upon.

Sighing softly, Vera turned around to find the woman clothed in the several layers of uniform with what could be seen the last of her life held in her hands. Gently, she reaches out and pulls the veil down, revealing Cala's face. "You really are alot of trouble to deal with," she said softly, "But this is a start. Keep your clothes, as I said before your father is not here. Since you calmed down some, I can have standard uniforms sent to your dorm room so at the very least you can show off some of your body."

"As for this game you call it, that is up to you how you wish to play," she smiled faintly, "As of right now, leaving is not an option for you and perhaps after a few days you may not even want to. If you wish to have more special privileges then you must earn them. The highest honors are held by Head Girls and Prefects that serve under them. But those positions are for students who excel and make an effort to represent the school. Also those who assist in maintaining order here can earn small rewards should the staff or those in my position see it worthy."

"But, you must be hot in those clothes. This being your first day, feel free to change back into your casual outfit. Maintain this behavior and I can assure you that you will have the standard uniforms here waiting for you for when you begin your classes. Then we can take a walk through the halls of Shokushu and I will answer more of your questions, that is what I am here for afterall."

The Arab woman looked so helpless in that outfit. It really was not fitting though it did seem to work in calming Cala down and opening her eyes. Maybe now she will be a bit more receiving of the situation. The new student called this all a game. Hmm, perhaps it was a game for her and the staff here while the rest of the students are nothing more than playing pieces.

The words were a surprise to my ears, well at least the part about getting uniforms like everyone else. For the first time I realized how much that meant to me. How I had hated PE in High school because I had to wear the long skirt over my PT shorts all because of dear old father. I’d never learned to swim…and now…now if I could wear normal swim suits I might have to try. There were opportunities.

Yet, the more I thought about it the more I had to wonder if the whole thing was a set up to get me compliant. Circles within circles, once I had bent to ‘their’ will a new circle had formed. I had been given a chance to wear a uniform like everyone else and appreciated it. How had I gotten to that point when all I had desired upon arrival was leaving? They had taken away my life…and now by offering just a small concession I was ready to jump. I felt played….like some cheap wooden flute, played hard and fast so that my head spun in the music and I no longer knew which end was up. I no longer argued to leave…I argued a uniform….another closed circle.

If I kept the bag lady look I kept my cultural identity and remained different than the others. That smacked too much of dad and his machinations. Still, I would be uniquely dressed, not like the others which is what I had always sought, the chance to march to my own drums. But those drums had been taken from me and now this Vera girl seemed to beat them for some unseen power. One moment she claimed no power, the next she claimed she would send new uniforms over. Fuck me, I was quite literally a little hot under the collar at giving away so much so quickly. Another circle and one I would have to think upon. In no way did I want my haste to shift my path and be caught out yet again. Casually I tossed the vestiges of a life I had sought to have upon the bed. Perhaps I would be allowed to shift between them? I was certainly trouble, but only if it was worth it.

“I find there is nothing wrong with trouble” I smirked…a light back in my eyes as I looked at my reflection and the dark girl in the ugly long skirt and blouse. “I just need to know what will happen if I fail all my classes….the downside so to speak. If I get ahead it seems I am given privileges of some undisclosed nature…I’d like to know those as well…weigh them. If I find staying here and doing well worth the effort then I might find a better outlet than trouble…though there is no guarantee but I will take the uniforms and think on it if that is ok…was the kiss that bad?”, regarding her from under lashes in my frumpy outfit. I could not help the spontaneity…it was what was me, and she did say she would answer my questions.