before going to bed at Dr. Foreman's School." We were each handed a bar of coarse soap. a
stiff brush. a towel, and a small kit that included our
toothbrush, toothpaste, and a supply of tampons. None of us moved to undress. however. "Well?" my buddy said, glaring into my face.
"Let's get started. We don't have all night."
"Right out here, like this?" I asked. looking
around. It seemed deserted, but it was still getting
naked in full view of anyone.
"Always ask before speaking." she reminded
me. "Yes, right out here like this. Do it! You all stink
and the stench will keep you awake and bother
others."
Others? I thought. What others?
Robin began to take off her sack, then undo her
shoes and lower her socks. I followed, but Teal looked
like she was going to be defiant.
"You won't go to sleep until you do this." her
buddy told her. She started to undress.
The water was a shock. It wasn't just cold; it
was freezing. Every time we tried to get out from
under, they pushed us back and shouted. "Scrub!" I did it as fast as I could, Eventually. the other
two did the same. but it wasn't good enough for our buddies. They told us to do it again and scrub harder. The bristles of the brush were stiff and painful. Finally, we were told to step out and turn off the water. Even in the darkness. I could see how red and irritated Robin's and Teal's skin were. We dried off quickly and put the degrading outfits on to keep ourselves warm again, despite that the sacks stank and would defeat the purpose of the shower. I was afraid
to point it out. however,
"Let's move it." M'Lady Three commanded.
She still did not lead us toward the house. however.
Instead we were taken to an area off to our right
where the three of us saw our clothing piled, shoes
and all.
A sweet feeling of relief settled in me, as well
as the other two. "Finally," I heard Teal whisper. "No speaking," M'Lady Two screamed. We stood there obediently, waiting for the order
to fetch our clothes. To our surprise. M'Lady Three