The Upper-Class

Chapter 1: Wonderment in the Upper-Class

Kamiko sat down awkwardly on the edge of the bed. The bedroom she was in was completely white. The Trescotts had said that a designer would be by the next day to help her decorate the room. A stylist would be along too to take Kamiko’s measurements and make a wardrobe for her.

Kamiko appreciated the kindness that they had shown her, but she still felt overwhelmed. She didn’t get a room in the place; she got the entire third floor. Everything seemed foreign and strange to her. At the first opportunity she was given, Kamiko had gone up to the third floor. Is it bad for me to not want to go back downstairs?, Kamiko wondered. I mean, they’re all so kind, but I just know I’m going to screw something up and be sent right back to the clinic. And, the lady at the clinic flat out told me that if I get sent back, I’ll never be bought again! I can’t screw this up! The only thing to do is just to wait for my exchange time to run out so that it’ll be harder for them to send me back.

Kamiko stood up off of the bed and walked into the living room on the third floor. She looked around her. I don’t know what half of this stuff is…, she thought. They’ll know for sure where I’m from! Then it’s back to the clinic forever! I just have to stay away from them until my return date wears off…

Kamiko walked over and sat down on the sofa and tried to relax a bit. The last thing I need right now is to start having another panic attack, she thought as she stared up and the ceiling. I just need to calm down and try to relax… I might be able to pull this off if I can keep my distance for a while…

“Miss Kamiko?” Alexander called as he walked into the living room that Kamiko sat in. “I’m sorry to intrude on your personal time.”

“No, it’s fine…” Kamiko replied.

“Well, the others were wondering when you might be joining them.”

“I… I don’t know if I can do this. I’m from somewhere completely different than they are. And, if they find that out…”

“I see… You know, you may do as you wish here. You are not obligated to do or say anything that you do not wish.”

“But still… They’ll expect to see me sooner or later and I don’t know anything about this place. They’ll realize that I’m from the bottom-class the moment they try to start a conversation!”

“So, shall I tell them that you’re in the shower then, Miss Kamiko?”

“No, that wouldn't be believable…”

“Why would you suppose that?”

Kamiko looked up at Alexander. He looked genuinely confused.

“Is that something normal up here?” Kamiko asked. “I mean, is something that you do often?”

“Yes, up here, you shower every day,” Alexander replied with a small smile.

“Every day? Where I’m from you’re lucky if you get to shower once a week…”

“Yes, things are much different up here, aren't they?”

Kamiko nodded. “It’s… It’s going to take a lot of getting used to.”

“So, shall I show you to the shower?”

“If you wouldn't mind…”

“Not at all. Come.”

Kamiko followed Alexander down a hallway off to the right of the living room. It was white and blank like the rest of the floor. He stopped in front of a door towards the end of the hallway. He opened the door for Kamiko.