Cara and Laney (ON HOLD)

Chapter 2: Laney

"Brady! You gonna drive me to that stupid girl's club thing or not?"

The news I get when I walk into my Aunt Cassidy and Uncle Brady's house is that I have to go to some stupid girl's club. After my recent behavior, they want me to become a 'lady' and they even bought me some stupid grandma clothes. Knee-length skirts? Long dresses? Gloves? Pah.

"It is Uncle Brady! You will treat your elders with respect. You have much to learn at girl's club." Uncle Brady hollered from downstairs.

"Then are you gonna even take me to girl's club? Or am I gonna stay here learning nothing?"

"I will drive you! Get ready!"

I started to get up from my bed. No showers today, or I'll be late. The only reason I'm going is because if I go, then I'll be allowed to use $30 for shopping. Shopping my own clothes! Not those disgusting skirts! I know, not a really good bargain, but it'll make my life here worth while.

I used some hairspray to make my hair look 'presentable' and I let my black natural locks flow down my shoulders to my butt. I splashed my face with water, and when I dried off, I felt more fresh and right in the head. I applied some black eye liner, and picked out some denim short shorts and a white blouse to wear.

I decided it was useless to pack, since I had no idea what I needed for the girls club; but to seem prepared, I brought a black backpack. I rushed down to see Uncle Brady and Aunt Cassidy eating brunch in the dining room. 

"Laney, finish your bacon, eggs, and your orange juice quick! We're late today!"  Uncle Brady said gruffly. He and my aunt are both quite plump people. Uncle Brady is bald with a bushy moustache, and Aunt Cassidy has curly hair and a fat nose. 

I finished my brunch in one gulp, and seated myself into Uncle Brady's mint 1950 Ford Deluxe. A nice car I have to say, I wouldn't mind breaking into it and taking it for a ride someday.

Later Uncle Brady arrived and started the car. Sometimes Aunt Cassidy would try to start a conversation, but it would very soon become uncomfortable. Which is why I appreciated Uncle Brady's silence.

When we reached to the 'girl's club' all I saw was a grand building; almost like a mansion! This couldn't possibly be my living hell for the summer could it? It had nice white stone walls and a milk chocolate roof. It looked so homely, not snooty or hellish.

I got out of the car; I'm on my own now. The secretary was supposed to be meeting me at the office; as if I knew where that was! Why didn't Uncle Brady come to escort me? Were men actually not supposed to be here at all? Wow, that's strict.

I bustled into the school and was immediately hit with the scent of perfume. Roses, jasmine, citrusy and woodsy scents were all around. I coughed. These prissy girls really love their perfumes! I saw the office to my right, and a young woman sat behind a big desk.

Once I headed in, the woman looked at me with the slightest shock in her face, but immediately put on a smile. 

"Hello dear! You must be Laney Porter! Welcome to The Alsmire Institution for Girls! The place where over 258 girls learn to be ladylike." she said cheerfully. Ugh. Her cheerfulness sickens me.

"First, we need to em, change your attire." she said pointing at my shorts.

I rolled my eyes. "What's wrong with my shorts?"

"They're way too short, and pants aren't allowed. They aren't ladylike!" she replied pointedly. "Follow me."

She took me to a huge closet, filled with cleaning supplies, pins, needles and... skirts.

Skirts. Plain white skirts.

Crap.

"Here you go darling. Are you a small size, or medium size?" she asked eyeing me.

"Um, small." I said through gritted teeth. Even though I wanted to shove those skirts in her face, and throw a tantrum I didn't. My $30 deal would be broken if I got into trouble here.

"Here you go darling. Just wear this over your, em, shorts. Now, follow me back to the office, and I'll grab you your schedule!"

She handed me my schedule and I stood there eyeing it. Class started at 12:00pm? That means I'm probably 15 minutes late. Every period is 30 minutes long, and there were 4 periods until there was a 1 hour lunch, and then 4 more periods of class until 5:00pm. 

"Since it's the first day, there is an Afternoon Tea for the first 2 periods of the day to announce a few things. Come on dear, right this way!" the young lady said before walking swiftly down the hall.

We stopped in front of a big ballroom and she ushered me inside. That is where over 258 eyes stared at me. I looked at the wide-eyed, prissy, polished girls with narrowed eyes.

An old woman's eyes bored into me as she examined my attire. She stood on the stage, and smiled gingerly.

"Oh, Ms. Laney Porter! We've been expecting you!"