The class fell silent. Lily stepped in, blushed vibrantly, and sat down quickly at her desk.
She was wearing the collar.
-----
The collar is a rite of passage that turns girls into women. In this society, women have a limited timeframe to get married from 18 to 22. When they turn 18, they're required by law to wear a black leather collar signifying their availability as a partner. This policy was passed some time ago to encourage population growth.
If Lily doesn't find a partner, she's not allowed a romantic relationship for the rest of her life. Nor is she likely going to get a job anywhere.
But if she does find a husband, she will be bound by contract to obey his every command. She'll become his personal slave, must follow his every command, and wear his preferred clothes.
The importance of finding a good partner by 22 has reshaped society. Schooling has become a place to size up mates, and find a companion to entrust their life with. Some students even give their girlfriends red collars as early as middle school, to signify that they've already determined a partner.
-----
Clyde has known Lily since first grade when she moved next door. They'd been best friends throughout all of elementary school, middle school, and high school. Her bookish self was a wonderful counterpart to his boisterous behavior, and he always could make her laugh. He often found himself doing stupid stuff just to put a smile on her face. Clyde had always thought that Lily and him might've made a good couple, but he liked what they had and wasn't brave enough to risk it.
She was truly adorable though. Her nose was rarely found anywhere but a book, and you could easily spot her by her big glasses, oversized sweater and 5'3 height. Clyde had made up his mind to ask her out one day, but he never really got around to it.
But someone was about to.
Dale whispered something to his huddle and slinked over to Lily's desk. He sat on her desk- "Look what we have here! Someone's up for grabs. Tell me, what's your name again?"
Lily stared straight at the ground, and her ears turned so red it looked like they were about to fly off.
"Quiet one huh? Hm. I bet you'd look hotter without those glasses covering those oceans of yours. Let's see..." He reached for her face.
"Get off her desk, nimrod."
Dale raised his eyebrows. "Clyde? I thought we were cool man."
"Leave her alone."
Dale shrugged. "Whatever dude. Didn't realize you were serious about this one. My bad." He stepped away.
Lily whispered "Thanks Clyde."
"No prob Lilypad. That dude's a rat. And not a cool one like in Flushed Away." Clyde winked.
Lily's face remained bright red and she kept staring at the ground. Normally she would've smiled at least a little at his pathetic humor, but she was clearly too stressed. She looked like she was about to vomit.
"Teacher? Can I take Lily to the Nurse? She's sick."
-----
About halfway through the awkward silent walk to the nurse, Lily ran over to a trashcan and started to throw up. Clyde pulled her hair into a ponytail for her, and caught another glimpse of the collar.
*Damn.* he thought. *She really is up for grabs. I thought I'd have more time to figure out our relationship, but I guess I need to decide quick. Someone else could take her.*
Lily continued to puke into the trash can.
"Woahhhhh there parrdner! You're really tossin' vom!"
No response.
"Really gorking your guts out."
No response.
"All aboard the vom express- Lily will be your conductor today."
Clyde caught a hesitant grin.
"Warn me if you're about to gob blast again."
"Shut the fuck up Clyde."
"Yes ma'am!"
-----
They sat outside the nurses office waiting. Clyde snuck peeks at Lily. It just now hit him how pretty she was. *Shit. She really fills up that sweater of hers.* Lily had C cup breasts hidden underneath her loose clothing. Her long brunette hair was pulled up into a side ponytail. Her plump thighs squished just the right amount as she sat. But most of all Clyde realized how cute her face was, her button nose and her big brown glasses.
Moments passed.
"... Do you want to talk about it?"
"Hell no."
"I don't think you have anything to worry about."
"Easy for you to say. You're not about to become someone's slave or permanently lonely."
"I suppose that's true."
They sat silently.
"I just think that you could easily find someone. The guys will be competing for you if anything."
Lily didn't respond.
"I bet you'll have guys lined up around the corner begging to marry you."
"... Like who?"
It was Clyde's turn to blush.
"Well, like smart guys, or athletic dudes, or, uhh, I don't know."
Lily sat thinking.
