Breeders

A School for Ladies

“Alright everyone! Pay attention now!” The old lady from the building had sat in front of the bus, calling herself Misses Crow. “We are going to have lunch now, so be on your best manners and no messes on your pretty white dresses!”

“Yes ma’am!” We all sang together, a chorus of giggles breaking out as another lady passed out juice boxes with apples and a small salad.

“Be sure to eat every bite. A good lady eats when she’s told to.” Misses Crow smiled at is, making more notes on her clip board.

I thanked the lady who gave me my food, smiling when I saw the heart in vegetables on top of my lettuce.

“Excuse me, ma’am..” I small girl from the back called out. Her name was Judie, and she was bubbly and boisterous, causing a large racked so far in our trip.

“Yes… Judie Fay?” Misses Crow looked up from her clipboard, frowning her way.

“Can we have dressing on our salad too?” She held up her small box, frowning at the leafy greens.

“Alright, girls… It is time for a learning moment.” We clapped our hands in excitement, our classes already beginning on the buss. Misses Crow stood up, beginning to make her way slowly to the back. “At the Omega Objective, we have three very important rules for you all to follow.”

All of us girls were quiet, sensing something heavy in Misses Crow’s words as she spoke, the same way a child knew when they were in trouble by the timber of their mother’s tone. “The first rule is to keep yourselves pure, just like the white dresses you wear right now.” She frowned down at a redhead who had spilled some juice on her dress, making a tutting noise as she continued on. “The second rule is to always do as you’re told; no questions asked.” She leaned her hand heavily on the shoulder of another girl who was whispering to her neighbor, squeezing hard until we heard a yelp from her.

“And the third rule is quite simple. Eat and drink what you’re told; do not ask for extras, toppings, snacks, candy, or even for something else entirely.” She made it back to Judie, frowning down at her and holding out her hand. “If you do; your food for the day will be taken away.” Judie reluctantly handed over her lunch, sensing she would be in danger if she did not. “After all, we cannot have you all become..” she stopped at another girl on her way back to her seat, shaking her head and emphasizing her next word at the round cheeked brunette. “Fat.”

With that she sat down, opened Judie’s salad and ate it as she watched the girl, a sob escaping Judie as she hung her head in shame. “Sorry Misses Crow.” She sobbed, wiping her tears on the back of her sleeve.

“Now, everyone.” She ignored Judie, taking a long sip from the juice box. “Eat your lunch.” We all tentatively opened our salads and juice, taking dainty bites and trying our best not to spill on our white dresses.

I have to be on my bestest behavior, or my mommy and daddy and big brother will get into trouble. I repeated the mantra in my head, seeing what a little bit of trouble would get me into. I needed to be the best one there was, I didn’t want my daddy to get hurt because of me.

After we ate our lunch, the other lady came by to get our trash. “Do you need help, ma’am?” I asked her, getting a smile and a nod from her and Misses Crow.

“Yes, may we please help you?” Alice who wanted me to call her Ally since we’re now best friends chimed in.

“Of course, little angels. Here, and my name is Miss Platter.”

“Thank you Miss Platter.” Ally and I said together, taking the bags and going to each seat to get the leftovers.

“Here, Judie.” Ally snuck a half of her apple to her, making me frown slightly.

“What if Misses Crow sees?” I hissed looking behind us to see she had her head turned.

“It’s alright, I ate it so my core was still in the bag.” And it was, the recycled waist had all twenty four cores in it.

“Th-thank you.” Judie whispered, keeping her head down and quietly nibbling away when she was sure no one else was watching.

We brought the trash back to Miss Platter, getting pats on the head and a smile from Misses Crow as we made our way back to our seats.

I could see that Misses Crow did in fact check the amount of apple cores, smiling contentedly as she put the bag next to herself to dispose of later. “We’re almost there now.” She smiled a little while later, looking out the front window of the bus. “Alright girls, welcome to your new home until you become the perfect little omegas!” She beamed, clapping her hands as she caught our attention.

Straight ahead we saw a large brick castle, oohs and ahhs as well as cheers coming out of each one of us, the scary side of Misses Crow all but forgotten for the time being. The structure was huge, like something out of one of my picture books at home. I did not get out of my seat and rush ahead to get a better look like the rest of the girls did though, remembering my mom’s silly question game she made me remember. ‘What do we do when no one says if we can move?’

‘Sit until we’re called upon.’ I almost giggled on the word upon, but I knew I shouldn’t say anything. Misses Crow was still watching me with a smile, still writing on her clipboard.

“Alright, Pearl; please join us in looking.” Everyone else turned and looked at me then, a bunch of girls hanging their head in defeat as I made my way to them then, forgetting the game their mommy’s probably taught them too. “Welcome home.” She smiled as the bus pulled through the large gate, stopping in a courtyard.