Alice put her books in her locker and turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
There stood Josh Kaplan, looking handsome as ever in his gray slacks, white shirt, and gold tie. His burgundy sweater was tied over his shoulders and he carried his gray blazer.
"Hi, Alice," he said, blowing a strand of blond hair out of his eyes. "I was wondering if you'd like to go get a Coke or something with me."
Alice sighed inwardly. Josh was boring, even if he was handsome. Plus, he played the trombone in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School band, and in her opinion, nothing was more nerdy than that.
"No, thank you, Josh. I have better things to do."
Josh looked stunned. "Like what?"
Alice smiled maliciously. "Actually that's a lie. But I wouldn't be seen with the likes of you."
She walked away and Josh stared after her. What a bitch, he thought.
Once outside, Alice began the walk home. Taunts from her male schoolmates followed her. She tossed her head and ignored them.
A dark sedan with tinted windows began following her. Alice sped up her walk and the dark sedan sped up.
She was a bit scared. She decided to tell the driver to fuck off, when the sedan stopped, the back door few open and a man in a suit and mask grabbed her and pulled her inside.
All she saw was the burning green eyes before she was chloroformed and she blacked out.
* * * * *
When Alice awoke, she was tied to a chair and a man's back was facing her. Somehow, that head of gray hair seemed familiar. She was gagged, so the only sound she made was a whimper.
The man turned. Alice's eyes widened. Father Michael!
Father Michael was the priest of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He had always been a kindly man with endless patience.
Father Michael smiled at the bound girl. "So, I see my beauty is waking up.
"Well, Miss Gray, I hear from Mr. Kaplan and numerous others that you have been very rude as of late. I'm sure you know at Sacred Heart we do not tolerate rudeness towards the other students. Decorum is one of the most important things that we teach the students at Sacred Heart. You must learn perfect etiquette and politeness. Therefore, you must be punished."
He leaned forward and untied the gag. Alice croaked, "Punished?"
"Yes, Alice. Unfortunately, punishments at Sacred Heart are very severe. Now, I am going to untie you. Don not try to run, or it will go worse on you. You must do whatever I tell you, with no sassing."
Alice nodded, and Father Michael untied her. She stood as he told her, and Father Michael settled his tall, lanky body, hidden by his robes, into a nearby chair, folded his hands as though in prayer, and thoughtfully studied Alice.