Week 5
Chapter 1 Monday [0 pts]
A single day can change everything. Yesterday was one of those days. Kimmy was so sweet, but there is no real great way to deliver the news that your roommates are trying to turn you into their ideal version of a bimbo slut by altering your mind. There is no Hallmark card for that. That's a lot to have on one's mind, and even the soothing sounds of an old, creeky pirate ship in a thunderstorm could not give me a peaceful sleep last night.
A movement in the corner of my eye and that familiar sound of paper sliding under my door reminded me of another change. I walked up to the new chore list, simply took a pic, and then tossed the list aside. Not my problem! Kimmy said she would plan and pick an optimal points route for me. For the first time in a month, since this arrangement started, I feel some ease with these damn chores. Kimmy is brilliant. With her help, just maybe I can get through the week with some dignity. She was so smart and beautiful, and damn, I was lucky. I felt my cheeks heat up. What a bizarre life I am living.
Speaking of my bizarre life, I was staring at Barry's contact, my new boss at the strip club. I knew I had to do this, but... me, a stripper? I need the cash badly. How badly? I guess it was this badly. I took a deep breath and called Barry, and each ring felt like an eternity.
"Hey, Izzy, darling! You recovering well?" Barry's upbeat voice was tinged with sympathy.
Before I spoke, I knew I'd sound like a dumb bimbo. It's one thing thinking you chose to alter your voice to keep a roof over your head, and it's another to know your mind was manipulated into it. "Oh, Barry! I'm, like, totally feeling amazing. I look so hawt now!" I cringed.
Barry chuckled on the other end. "I bet you do. So, what's up, Izzy? Are you okay to return this weekend? We could use a good waitress like you back."
"I was, like, thinking, Barry... Maybe I could, you know, be a stripper?"
There was a brief pause before Barry responded, "A stripper, huh? I think you'd be great at it, Izzy. Although, you'd have to audition first. How about this Wednesday? Can you come to the club at eight?"
My heart raced. "Oh, totally! I'll be there, Barry. I, like, can't wait to show you my moves and my new assets!" I replied, forcing enthusiasm into my voice.
"Great! I'll see you then, Izzy. And take care."
"Will do, Barry! Bye!" I hung up, my heart still pounding. I was in. The audition was set. My reflection on the phone caught my eye, giving me pause. Was this choice really mine or part of their plans? Shaking off the thought, I headed to the shower. Even the nice hot water cascading over me couldn't ease my mind. I found myself analyzing each of my roommates. Braden, could he be the one behind all this? He seemed like the obvious choice, but was he smart enough? Teddy had the intelligence, but did he have the guts? That leaves Jason... he was always so kind to me. I don't want to question his motives, But were all these romantic moments we shared fake?
My reflection was familiar but strange. The full lips, the platinum blonde hair, the fake large tits, I looked amazing, but was it me who liked these changes, or were these thoughts implanted in my head, another layer of their control? "Is this really me? Or what they've made me?" I asked my reflection, tracing my nipples with a finger.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway, pulling me back to reality. The day was starting, and I had to play my part and keep up the charade. I couldn't let any of my roommates know I was on to them until the truth was learned. This wasn't just about avoiding the street anymore. I knew I needed to gain my freedom.
After quickly dressing in a cute mini skirt and tight midriff-showing top, I heard a knock at my bedroom door. "Game time, Izzy," I whispered to myself. "Come in," I said invitingly and sexy.
Jason entered and I fought the urge to smile. The flirtatious time we've had this last month was so nice. Still, the back of my mind brought in some doubt after Kimmy's revelation yesterday.
"Hey, Izzy, I just wanted to check in. You recovering well from the surgery? And with the whole arrangement? It's been a wild month."
"Oh my gawd, Jason, like, thanks for asking," I chirp. "I'm, like, totally good! Just getting used to, you know, all the changes." I said this, giving an exaggerated nod towards my body. Although he seems concerned, I feel a bit bad for deceiving him. But I can't let on that I know about the mind control.
"And the training videos? I know you've stopped them..." he probes. "You okay with getting points elsewhere? You said before how easy those points were before."
I lean against the door frame, trying to seem casual. "Yeah, totally. I mean, the training was getting a bit much, you know? I've changed so much already, like, how much further can it go?" My words felt hollow.
Then, remembering something, I perk up. "Speaking of points, I was curious about the wild card chore! It's worth, like, 60 points, right?" Kimmy told me to ask what the task was to help her plan better.
"Yeah, it's my week to choose. I thought we could attend Saturday's football game. Watch Braden play with Teddy and me in the stadium. Wear whatever I choose for you and," he paused before continuing, "follow my instructions during the game."
"Sounds like fun, maybe," I tease. Part of me is thrilled at the idea of quickly racking up points. Still, another part is wary of what Jason's game might entail, especially in such a public setting. Luckily, this is not my decision anymore; Kimmy can figure that out for me.
Leaning forward, I give him a kiss, light and playful. He responds with unexpected passion, and for a moment, just a moment, I forget about the mind control, the arrangement, everything! But then he pulls back suddenly, "I've gotta head to work. Have a great day, Izzy!"
I'm left standing there as he leaves. The kiss was so nice. What a mess!
A few hours later, I finished the day's chores from the schedule Kimmy gave me. To my surprise, Kimmy had sent me another message. She wanted me to meet her at her lab at San Diego University. The idea of returning to the school I had dropped out of sucked. Yet, maybe Kimmy has found something out. Possibly, she knows which of my roommates are behind the brainwashing they are doing. Perhaps even figured out how to reverse it!
Walking through the familiar yet distant university halls, I felt alienated. Once, it was filled with my dreams, but now the buzzing corridors reminded me of my mistakes. If I had just stuck with it. Who knows? Maybe I could be a journalist today. Not some soon to be stripper.
As I reached the lab, I paused. Anxious about what answers were behind those doors. Upon entering, I saw Kimmy talking to someone who must be her TA. Moving closer, my steps faltered as the student turned around. It was Teddy! My roommate Teddy? Panic surged through me, followed by a rush of anger and betrayal. Teddy was here with Kimmy. The room seemed to spin as my thoughts spiraled. Was he part of the mind control scheme? Was he the programmer? Was Kimmy involved? What was even happening?
"Hey, Izzy," Kimmy said, but it barely registered with me.
