Ceremony

The gym was loud with the excited voices of 120 girls as the Senior class gathered to pick up their graduation regalia: pristine white academic gowns trimmed with ribbons in the school colors, and white mortarboards with the obligatory tassel. Many unwrapped the gowns on the spot, to try them on and to preen for their friends. At some point, some voice asked what to wear underneath the robes on graduation day.

Various opinions were offered, mostly along the lines of sundresses or party dresses, until one popular and influential girl spoke up. “I’m not gonna wear a stitch under mine.”

To the many objections that arose all at once, she replied “It’s going to be ninety degrees on Saturday, and these things are polyester. I for one don’t want to faint from the heat. And anyway, it’s not like you have to change in public.”

Word spread, with the result that the entire class fell in with this practical solution.

On Saturday, as the graduates processed through the crowd of proud families, the Sun’s brilliant back-lighting produced a beautiful display that is still talked of today.

— Frenulum

Change of Life

The chauffeur opens the back door. She emerges. She wears a bespoke suit, sheer hose, a soie-de-chine blouse, with jewelry tastefully abundant and entirely genuine. Her stiletto heels are so tall that her feet are nearly en pointe; she is so accustomed to them that her stride is long and confident. She exemplifies a template: debutante, sorority sister, socialite, trophy.

He waits at the front door, watching her approach. She holds his eyes until they are close, then drops her gaze. He stands back to let her in.

He grips her hair and pulls downward; she sinks to her knees. He strokes her face and, when her mouth opens in response, puts three fingers inside her, stroking her tongue as she struggles against reflexes.

He says: “Welcome. Your room is on the third floor. Turn left at the top of the stairs, and look for the door with a bow on it. Your uniform of the day is laid out on your bed. You may have an hour to freshen up and change.

“I do not expect to hear your voice until I ask you a direct question, or cause you to cry out. You may go.”

He watches her as she ascends the stairs to her new life.

— Frenulum