*Defiance is not common because to rebel is to become friendless*
(Yes, this tale is supposed to be somewhat humorous and outrageous too. While not always comedic I'd like to think it is mostly a good-natured romp.)
*
I shared my 'solo' shower time with nine girls, with the good fortune that most of them only expected peripheral moments with me, not real sexual attention. Opal and Brigit, my original shower buddies, were joined by a few others plus my compadres, Iona and Rio. This morning, Brigit got a full-body scrubbing but I spared a few moments for my two closest friends.
"I'm surprised to see you here, Iona," I confessed to her as I ran my hands over her slender shoulders.
"I came here for an education," she smiled up at me. I arched an eyebrow and she flushed in embarrassment. "I mean, I came to school for an education -- honest, that's what I meant."
"I know," I calmed her. "I knew what you meant."
I'd have been happier with the way things were going if I hadn't caught Rio and Opal huddled together giving me conspiratorial looks. Catching my suspicious glare, Rio sauntered over to Iona and me.
"So, Teacher, are you going to give me any education time?" she teased Iona and me both.
"I think you and I are on the other end of the Teacher-Student curve, Rio. Unfortunately, your lessons always involve some sort of pain and/or humiliation on my part," I pointed out.
"Don't be such a baby, Zane. I do what I do out of love...okay, out of the love of watching you squirm, but that's love too, right?" Rio smiled sweetly.
"Stop being so mean to him." Iona became upset and clutched me tightly.
"Maybe if he took me out on a date, like he did Heaven, or spent more quality time with me like he does with Barbie Lynn," Rio snickered, "I'd be too tired to pick on him."
"We went out on a date," I countered.
"When?" Rio questioned.
"Last Wednesday; we went out for ice cream," I reminded her.
"Sorry. If this vagina doesn't get penetrated, it isn't a date," Rio scoffed and Iona blushed. "Rio, I thought our friendship could withstand Saturday night but I'm not going to be someone you pass the empty hours with. I'm your friend and if you think you and Iona are no different than anyone else I know here, you are sorely mistaken," I declared before Iona could have an outburst of her own.
"I don't need you, Zane," Rio shot back after a moment.
"I never said you did. In fact, I need you more than you might need me," I related to her. Rio fidgeted for another instant, then turned and left. Seeing that Rio had left her shower kit behind, Iona gathered their things up and followed her.
I made my way to exit from this embarrassing episode when Opal grabbed my arm.
"If we aren't friends, what are we?" she inquired.
"Infinitely memorable," I answered with a sly grin. That earned me an appreciative look.
"I'll take that," she smiled and let me go on my way.
The Sparks of Rebellion
Considering what our previous few mornings at school had been like, this morning was downright sedate. Rio joined Iona and I as we made our way to breakfast, where we were even permitted to sit together, and Assembly, where we did the same. Had it not been for the final announcement by the Chancellor Melrose Bass...
"Christina Buchanan has stepped down as Senior Class Body President. She has been replaced by Rhaine Ritchie," she announced. There was some stirring; for me, the look I had received from Christina the night before now made sense. They'd stripped her of her position because she's decided to not persecute me, becoming my friend instead. Well, to hell with that. I totally missed Iona's furious activities, though I would value them later.
Rio and I made it easy for them, though we wished Iona hadn't tagged along. I had no real plan until she stepped up to confront me and then the first step of the operation fell into place.
"Zane Braxton, I require your services," the girl with shoulder-length reddish-brown hair smirked at me. She'd brought along three playmates -- how interesting.
"Who is this?" I asked Iona calmly.
"Rhaine Ritchie," Iona informed me, at which point I shouldered past Rhaine, a move Rio instantly followed.
"Wait...what..." Rhaine squawked. "You can't do this," she emphasized by grabbing my shoulder. "If you don't do as I tell you, you will be expelled," she threatened.
Power comes from the belief in authority's ability to influence you. If I did what they wanted, I'd be expelled eventually. If I fought back, I'd still go down, but what the hell, everything ends. In my case, I no longer cared what the Administration had planned for me, I'd fight them standing up on my own terms.
"Lady, I don't know who you are," I lied, "but if you don't step off I'm going to put you over my knee and spank you in front of God and all these students." Our eyes locked and she saw that I was ready, willing, and eager to follow through on my threat. Rhaine let go and took a step back. I turned and left without further comment; that would ruin the whole 'ignore her' effect.
Rio caught up and nudged me.
"What's the plan, Kemosabe?" she inquired.
"I'm making this up as I go along," I confessed. Rio laughed loudly while Iona gulped.
"Don't worry, I'll think of something; I always do," which caused Rio to laugh louder.
English came and went but ended with Ms. Goodswell calling me aside.
"You will be meeting with Ms. Lane at one," she informed me. I nodded before she continued. "Zane, is it impossible for you to do the right thing or are you making my life special on purpose?"