Chapter 07
Bernice is manipulated by Carol
Bernice lay in bed worrying. She was a mature married woman, yet she was letting Susan, a nineteen year old girl, take over her life. The girl decided what she had to eat, wear, and everything else. There was no escaping the dominant girl because she drove her to school, and had grounded her. Susan had even put her on the pill! A young girl shouldn't be deciding she couldn't be trusted with boys, and so put her on the pill.
It was an awful thought, that her past record made it a prudent decision. Last night she and Jim, an eighteen year old from school, had sex. Only later did she realise, Susan had set her up, by sending the young guy to her room. This was all terribly wrong!
It felt so difficult to resist the downward spiral of her life, as though she were being dragged back in time. How in hell had this happened? Why was she still here, letting it happen?
Her husband left her for another woman, even after she tried so hard to spice up their marriage. The feeling of being a bad girl after all the things she did over the last few days, was difficult to deal with. Being treated like an adolescent, and sent back to school, was all a terrible mistake. She had never experienced such dramatic events in her life, so it was difficult to figure out how to cope.
It was all so overwhelming. Feelings of guilt over what she had done with those boys, the terrible loss over her husband abandoning her, inadequacy from bullying in school, all combined to shake her confidence. It left her unable to make a single decision about anything. Was that why she was letting others decide the course of her life?
She was escaping from making decisions by going back to school, and regressing into more innocent times. With the regression came the old uncertainties of adolescence. The bullying at school made it all the more real. Being aware of what was happening didn't help, it just left her feeling deeply inadequate and helpless.
The only good things happening were Paul's promise to look after her, and of course, Jim. Jim was eighteen and reminded her of a time of innocence, when problems were small and manageable. In those days problems regularly grew and faded, quickly changing from day to day.
Jim was a shining light in her life. He made her feel good. She smiled to herself, while cuddling a pillow. She could be a good girl with him. He gave her pleasure, and a reason to go to school; just to be near him. It was silly to be in love with such a young guy, but pushed the unease from her thoughts.
Bernice concentrated on him and their time together. He was nice, and wanted her, which at the moment she needed so badly. He kissed so gently and cuddled her so warmly, she wanted to please him in return. She drifted off to sleep thinking about him, with a smile lighting her face.
***
"You look happy this morning," Susan said, when Bernice walked in for breakfast.
"I am, very," Bernice replied.
"Here's a coffee to take your pill," Susan offered.
It was crucial that she took back control of her life, and not submit to others, especially to Susan. Looking at the pill for a moment, she realised it was important to take it. As a married woman, becoming pregnant by that young boy, Jim, would be disastrous. She scooped it off the table and took a sip of coffee to wash it down.
She was hungry, and so she had to accept the breakfast Susan prepared. It was all happening again. She was accepting Susan's decisions, unable to break the habit.
"You look properly dressed for school today. Those clothes I bought you are much more suitable for school," Susan commented. "Just a moment. What are you wearing under the skirt. Not another naughty pair of panties I hope," she scathingly said.
Reluctantly Bernice lifted the short hem, to show the girl her panties. She at least had some decent white panties to wear, and Susan accepted them. It was unpleasant for a mature woman to have a young girl inspect her underwear before school. The condescending smile pushed her firmly in place once again.
Walking into school she looked like everyone else, going unnoticed, blending in. Her thoughts too became concerned with school routine, by checking the next class, and which books were needed. In school it was difficult to shake off the overwhelming sense of being a student, and there was no way of escaping from school once through the security gate.
The morning went quickly while concentrating on assignments and class work. She even felt pleased to receive praise from a teacher. School lessons of the past came back to her, and she had a greater understanding of everything at her age. After all, she had been to university, and was ahead of fellow students. Success in class gave her an incentive to join in and try harder.
She looked like a student, was treated like one, and behaved like one, so it was easy to think like a student in school. Without noticing she took on the attitudes of those around her. It seemed peer pressure worked despite her age.
When lunch time arrived she went in search of Jim. She only had fifteen minutes before having to go to Miss Perez. Just to see and talk to him was a priority. First stop was her locker.
"Hey Bernice, you coming to the gig Saturday?" Jilly asked.
"Like yea, if my aunt lets me. She's strict. Won't let me go anywhere," Bernice grimaced.
"Like the skirt. Wish mom would let me wear them that short," Denise said, while rummaging through her locker.
"Like, I'm getting Jegins on Saturday," Carol bragged.
"Like, what's that?" Bernice asked.
"Sounds like a disease she picked up," Jilly laughed.
"The slut was bound to," Denise added.
"No! They're like, err, jeans and leggings, together like," Carol told them.
"My aunt buys everything for me. Don't think she'll go for them," Bernice commented.
"Did she buy that skirt and top? Like wow! She's cool," Carol said.
"Like, not cool, I don't get to chose anything," Bernice complained.
"What's with you and Jim?" Jilly said, with a sly smile.
"Not much," Bernice said, looking shy.
"You've been at it!" Denise giggled.
"Like of course! That's all they want, then they dump you," Carol butted in.
"He's not like that, he's nice," Bernice insisted.
"She's dropped her panties, and really lost it," Jilly said, and they laughed.
"Well, like, I really like him, and he really likes me," Bernice asserted.
"Go for it girl. Let him fuck you, then if he comes back for more, you'll know," Carol told her, as though she were an expert.
Bernice spied Lara approaching. Trying to keep her head down to escape the bully, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She trembled in fright from the contact. It didn't seem ridiculous to her; a grown woman, being frightened of a schoolgirl. Lara may only be eighteen, but she was bigger and more powerful. In school, and she also had the power of a gang behind her.
"Have you made up your mind yet?" Lara casually asked. She glared at the others, who wisely departed.
Bernice kept her head down, and murmured something non-committal.
"You won't need to visit Perez at lunchtime. You'll have more time with lover-boy," Lara laughed.
Hell! How did the bitch know about Jim? More time with him did sound tempting. Avoiding that horrible teacher was necessary too, as she was becoming more threatening every day. The drawback of being in her gang, was having to do as she was told. Shit! What did that matter. How much worse could it be than being ordered around by Susan.
"OK." Bernice murmured.
"Not very enthusiastic. I'm offering to protect you from Perez, and anyone else who tries to pick on you. Not that anyone would dare, once you're in my gang," Lara pointed out.
"Thanks. I want to be in your gang Lara. I agree," Bernice spoke up.
"You agree to do whatever I tell you, right?" Lara said, while poking Bernice's chest.
"Yes, I agree. Whatever you say," Bernice capitulated. Giving in was just so much easier than fighting everyone. All the girls had friends built up over the year, or even longer. As the new girl, she had no one. A boyfriend wasn't the same as having girlfriends.
"I'll settle things with Perez. Here, take this to Greg. He'll be in the sports storeroom," Lara said.
The girls eyes bored into her, daring her to refuse. She wondered why, as it was just a matter of taking a message to the boyfriend. Maybe she was chucking him over for someone else, and the messenger would have to take the outburst of anger.
She found the store room, and Greg. Without a word she handed him the note.
Looking around the room she noticed the lack of equipment. It was typical of the school, as it ran on the minimum of expenses. The fees they charged the wealthy parents were high. The teachers were poor quality and poorly paid.
Greg interrupted her thoughts. "Sorry," she stammered.
The big black athletic guy didn't seem angry. He was silently laughing at her.
"Do you know what's in the note?" he asked, looking highly amused.
"No," she said, only just refraining from calling him, 'sir'.
His presence was more forbidding than most of the teachers. From what she heard, he hardly attended classes, while he conducted some outside illegal business from inside school. So much for the school's reputation at rehabilitation. The staff didn't care whether students worked or no, just so long as they were here, and didn't make trouble.
"Lara is off this afternoon, and wants to make sure I don't stray with some blinder. She wants to keep me happy," he smiled. His whole face lit up when he smiled.
He put his head to one side and looked her over. "She's given you to me for the afternoon," he chuckled. "She knows how randy I am, and knows I won't get hooked on a little thing like you," he said, seriously considering her.
