Kalico 2: Hypnotized & Naked in Hope Springs

Kalico: Cuteness Appreciated, Blocking Memories

Kalico: Wednesday morning Mr. Coltwright's classroom

A half-step short of being nearly frozen from panic, I sat on the bench at the front of the classroom, faced the adults of my Academic and Mentorship Committee, struggling to keep myself from crying.

I was naked, on the verge of tears, in my first-ever meeting with this committee which had been convened specifically in my behalf. What would they think of me? David's Ma is part of that committee!

"Uh, I don't suppose you'd believe me if I say I'm a nice, modest, conservative tomboyish kind of girl?"

"We might believe that. Convince us," Mr. Watson said. "From that aroma of your perfume, I'm certainly prepared to believe you're a girl, but you don't smell like a tomboy."

I blushed again, unable to offer any evidence about me being a "nice, modest tomboyish kind of girl." Or modest any kind of girl.

– – –

CULTURAL NOTE: Tomboy. A tomboy is a girl who exhibits behavior considered typical of a boy.  Common characteristics include wearing clothing and engaging in games and activities that are physical in nature and are considered in many cultures to be or the domain of boys. Apparently this type of behavior occurs across many cultures as reflected by special terminology in their languages. In German we have Wild Fang; Spanish: chica poco femenina; Croatian: muškarača; Danish: drengepige, and Japanese: おてんば娘. As best as I can puzzle it out, the Japanese characters translate as "Oh The Hmm If Daughter." The Spanish translates as a girl who is only little bit feminine.

– – –

"Can't you just take my word for it?"

"Of course we can take your word for it," Mr. Watson said. "Why don't you start over and see if you can't explain what you might be upset about?"

"Upset about? I'm naked! That's what I'm upset about."

I was beginning to recover my composure enough to look them in the eyes, so I glared at Mr. Watson. "Why don't you tell me your version of this situation and explain why I shouldn't be upset?"

"This situation?" Mr. Watson asked. "I can go over what you've been doing for the last few minutes. Is that what you mean?"

When I nodded, he continued.

"Well, let's see. You began at the door with one of the cutest curtsies I've ever seen. I must say I was quite impressed, but I saw no evidence of a tomboy. You were introduced around to each of us, again with cute curtsies and confident handshakes. You exude an air and an aroma of a confident, feminine young lady who wants to impress every guy in the county, judging from the volume of perfume you're wearing.

"You carried on a lucid conversation with us about this committee and the mentorship program.

"During our conversation you rather hurriedly moved that box and bench around to where they are now. You calmly, but quickly dropped everything you have into the box, except your glasses.

"You spoke intelligently, right up until you snapped the lid back on the box. It all took place in –" Mr. Watson looked to Coach Ainsworth for assistance.

"Three minutes and 47 seconds," Coach Ainsworth said. "From the beginning of your curtsy to snapping the lid on the box was three minutes and 47 seconds. Add another seven seconds before you sat down on the bench."