Slut School: Year One

The Lunch Date

    Veronica stared in awe at the vast menu offered at the school cafeteria.  Growing up in foster care her diet was not high in variety.  She had never even seen Chinese food in her life, and had no idea what “Wagyu” meant, but she knew that she couldn’t wait to try everything on the menu.

    “It’s a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?”, asked Alice.

    “Yeah.  I have no idea what half the stuff on this menu is,” said Veronica, blushing.

    “Oh, that’s okay!  Why don’t you try my favorite ramen!  I think it's comforting, and I know that with how overwhelming your day is going so far that you could use some comfort," said Alice.

    "Sounds wonderful, thank you Alice!", exclaimed Veronica while giving Alice a small hug.  Veronica paused, surprised for a moment at how quickly and easily she had already become trusting and friendly with Alice.  She wasn't sure why, but it felt like she had known Alice for years.

    "Two bowls of Shoyu ramen with katsu, and two cups of green tea please," Alice said to the waitress, then waving her away and turning her focus to Veronica.

    “Okay, I know you must have a whole lot of questions, Vee.  Ask away, I’m an open book,” said Alice.

    Veronica paused for a moment.  Vee.  No one had ever called her that.  No one had ever given her any nickname before, but she loved it.

    “Hmm, okay.  How long have you been here?”, asked Veronica.

    “This will be my second quarter; I’ve only been here for about three months”, answered Alice.

    “What do you like about it here at Harlen?”, said Veronica.

    “I love how beautiful the campus is.  I love all of the food.  And I really love all of the classes and the professors,” said Alice.

    “Yeah, I can’t wait until I get to go to classes!”, Veronica said, enthusiastically.

    “You’re going to love them.  It’s Friday, so no classes until Monday, but the weekend will fly by!  Until then we get to just hang out and get to know each other better,” said Alice with a coy smile.

    The waitress arrived at the table with their ramen and tea, serving it quickly before walking away.  Veronica tried to use the chopsticks but quickly switched to a fork.  She slurped down a noodle and smiled.  It was the best food she’d ever tried!

    “Okay, it’s a school so there have to be rules.  What can you tell me about them?”, asked Veronica.

    “Well, someone from the office should be delivering a copy of the student handbook along with a copy of your schedule before the end of office hours this afternoon, so you’ll be able to take a look at them once we get back to our room, but I can go over a few of the basics,” said Alice before eating a soft boiled egg from her ramen.

    “Let’s see.  I think the most important rule is that we’re all sworn to secrecy about exactly what we’re learning here.  No posting the information online, no posting pictures online unless you have approval from the headmaster or headmistress.  Oh, we can’t leave campus unless we have permission from the headmaster or headmistress.  They don’t give permission out easily either, I’ve only seen it happen once and it was because the student’s mom passed away suddenly and he wanted to go to her funeral,” said Alice.

    “Wait, there are boys here?  I guess I just assumed that this place was all girls,” said Veronica.

    “No, there are boys here too, Vee!  Jonathon is a student.  Lots of buyers are interested in males.  I would say there are not as many guys here as there are girls.  All the guys stay on a separate floor in the dorm hall so we have our privacy,”

    Veronica almost gasped.  Jonathon is a student too?  She might see him in classes!  How was she going to look him in the eye again, talk to him as if nothing had happened between them?  She could hardly take her mind off of him.  She thought, maybe this was a good thing.  Perhaps since he is a student as well she could have him again.  She shrugged these thoughts away, there was no point in obsessing over him now.

    “What is your advice about how to live here, get along with everyone, and be a good student?”, asked Veronica.

    “My advice?  Don’t fall in love in Slut School, Vee.  It never works out.  Have fun, maybe a fling or two here or there, but don’t fall for any of the other sluts.  We’re all promised to someone, we’re all going to be sold to a master.  That’s the deal we agreed to.  There’s no point in getting your emotions involved with anyone at this place,” said Alice.

    Veronica nodded.  This advice was rather sad, but she understood Alice’s point.  She shouldn’t get herself all worked up over anyone here.  That includes Jonathon.  She sighed.  She wasn’t going to get emotional, but she didn’t see any harm in wanting to have him again.

    Alice and Veronica finished their ramen and tea.  They thanked their waitress on their way out, and walked into the park in the middle of campus.

    “Come on Vee!  Before we go home I want to show you something really cool!”, exclaimed Alice.

    Veronica followed Alice down a curvy dirt path.  After walking for a few minutes, Alice turned off of the path and led Veronica into the woods until they came upon a peaceful lake.  The water was a light blue color and crystal clear.  A family of ducks swam across the surface.  Flowers and trees surrounding the lake flowed in the breeze.

    “You know, I made the mistake of falling in love at this place, Veronica.  My love...  We used to come here sometimes to spend time together, alone.  This place is very special to me.  It is sad, but it is where I also feel most at peace in this school.  I hope you like it too.  Maybe you can come down here with me to relax sometimes,” said Alice, lacking her normal, upbeat tone.  Veronica nodded and stood silently next to Alice for a moment.

    “This place is beautiful, Alice.  Thank you for bringing me here, I really like it,” said Veronica, while taking Alice’s hand and squeezing it gently.  Alice grabbed ahold of Veronica and gave her a tight hug.  The two stood, holding each other for a moment until Alice let go.

    “Thank you for coming with me Veronica.  Now, let’s go home and see if we’ve got your schedule yet,” said Alice, her cheerful tone coming back as she led Veronica out of the wooded area and back to the main road.