The Class Project - Chapter 16 free porn video

The Class Project by Janice Dreamer Chapter 16 "Dude! There was a cop here today asking about Bob." Jim glanced up from the text book he was engrossed in, feeling mildly irritated at the interruption. He stared at Scott as if he were from another planet. "Do what?" "Yeah. A cop. He asked a whole lot of questions. Said he was looking for Bob. What's up with that?" Jim's mind went into overdrive. They'd never considered that anyone would make an effort to find Bob. To buy a bit of time he asked, "What did you tell him?" Scott shrugged and looked down. "I told him what I knew -- that Bob was taking the semester off. Then he asked to look around Bob's room but I told him he needed to get Robyn's permission first." "Robyn?!" Jim's voice rose involuntarily and he hunched forward on the couch. "What did you tell him about her?" "I dunno. Pretty much what you guys told me." Scott shuffled nervously a moment, looking guilty, then his eyes narrowed and his tone became accusatory. "What the fuck did you expect me to say? I mean... I didn't even know Bob had a sister until Robyn moved in. He never even mentioned her to me before. How weird is that?" Jim muttered something under his breath. He stood and paced the room, thinking. Finally he turned and faced Scott. "Listen, Scott. Robyn isn't Bob's real sister... she's... a very close friend. I'm sorry we never told you before now. It kind of slipped my mind. They've... um... they've known each other so long... they grew up together... and... um... they call each other brother and sister. Ever since I've known them that's how it's been." Scott huffed out a breath and looked hurt. His voice turned plaintive. "Well why didn't you tell me that in the first place? Shit, I feel like you guys are trying to hide something from me." "I should have told you. I don't know why I didn't. I guess I just never really thought about it. Bob's always called Robyn 'baby sister' around me." He grinned and gave Scott a friendly mock punch to his arm. "Hell dude, why would we lie about something like that?" Scott didn't look convinced. "Look, I don't know what's going on. Or why you guys didn't think you could trust me. I like Bob, he's always been a good dude; no bullshit from him. And I've got nothing against Robyn. She's been a decent roommate. And she's damn nice on the eyes. But that cop made me nervous. You guys aren't in some kind of trouble are you?" "No. Nothing like that," Jim denied. "It's like we told you, Bob had to take a semester off 'cause of a family thing. Robyn was transferring in so he said she could use his room at least until he comes back." "Uh huh. Whatever." Scott shrugged. "Well I sure as shit hope you guys can get your stories straight. That cop said he was coming back to talk to Robyn. And I fuckin' for sure don't want to show up on an episode of COPS, dude." * * * * * "Oh Tom, I've had the best time tonight!" Amy gushed as she leaned up against the imposing jock. She boldly ground herself against Johnson's erection clearly outlined by the straining fabric of his jeans. She couldn't remember *ever* feeling so aroused. Her skin tingled and burned with desire and she could barely restrain the urge to strip right here on the street. The couple was just leaving the Mousetrap; the deep bass pounding in her bones from the sound system made her blood thrill even more to her alcohol fueled physical arousal. Once seated in his car she was all over him. Her mind flickered with embarrassment as Tom pushed her head down in his lap and pulled his zipper down. She was acting like such a slut! She'd never given a blow job while riding down the road. But her embarrassment was brief as Tom just seemed to take her acquiescence for granted. "Come on, Amy, let's slip upstairs for a bit," Johnson said with cocky assurance. Amy glanced up and realized they were now parked on the street in front of Tom's frat. She smiled dreamily and nuzzled against Tom as he led her up the frat house stairs. * * * * * Robyn paced the apartment. She'd spent a restless night alone, worried about Amy going on a date with Johnson. Brad had stayed away, saying he needed to pull an all-nighter to get ready for some test. Then Jim was waiting for her this morning, when normally he was gone to the computer center before she got up. He dropped a bomb about a cop snooping around asking questions about Bob. She'd been worried and frustrated enough about Amy, feeling completely helpless and totally in the dark. On top of that, the cops were looking for Bob. She really needed someone to talk to. All her friends were busy and Jim was at the computer center as usual. After he told her about the police he said he needed to work on the demon program more than ever and took off. Now she was worried half sick about what Jim told her about the policeman. She kept going over in her mind what Jim said Scott told him. Why would the police be looking for Bob? She basically had no family other than her father and she couldn't imagine he would have even realized Bob was missing. The only contact they ever had was always initiated by Bob. So what kind of investigation were the police conducting? Was Bob accused of a crime? She needed something to take her mind off things. She wanted to feel safe and secure and forget her worries. If only Brad were here and would take her in his arms and just hold her. But she realized that wasn't going to happen. Face it, she really needed to be comforted... but she'd settle for sex. She felt weak and vulnerable at this realization, and disappointed in herself. But there it was. Of course Brad was nowhere around. He was at his frat house. Just like so many other times. What the fuck, maybe she'd just go over there and surprise him. And get a glimpse of what was so important that had him going over there all the time. * * * * * Amy slumped in her seat on the couch in the frat house lounge. She was absolutely miserable. Her head throbbed and she felt like she was going to vomit. Her body ached dully; her muscles, breasts, and genitals all had the pounding feeling of having been abused for hours. The room was filled with a fair majority of the frat brothers. She was the only girl in the room. What was so important that Tom would make her wait before he took her home? She tried to remember the details of last night. It was all such a blur. She remembered with a surreal sense of disbelief feeling uncontrollably turned on. Her genitals ached dully and there'd been dried fluid everywhere when she awoke. She was ashamed that she could only vaguely remember having sex, but knew she must have. Very intense sex. All she wanted was to go home. But Tom had been so solicitous since she awoke in his room this afternoon. He had practically begged her to stay for just a few minutes. What really disturbed her even more than her aching head and body was Tom's comment that 'E' sometimes gave a really bad hangover, especially when mixed with booze. She didn't remember taking Ecstasy and couldn't believe she'd agreed to it. She *never* took drugs. Period. The last thing she recalled clearly was Tom bringing refills to their table at the club. When had she taken any drugs? She sighed heavily and leaned her head back; she felt so miserable and she just couldn't think about it clearly at the moment. "Okay guys, this will really go down in history," Johnson was bragging to the group. He was standing next to the big plasma screen holding up a DVD. He slipped the DVD into the player and added, "Get ready to be blown away!" Amy could not believe her eyes as she saw herself appear on the television. She was naked and on her hands and knees on a bed. Tom was behind her, pumping into her vigorously. Hoots and guffaws from the frat guys all around her cheered on the action. Amy felt herself blushing and she couldn't seem to catch her breath. She was mortified but couldn't pull her eyes off the television, completely unable to summon control over her body to get out of this hellish nightmare. "Come on Johnson, git 'er done!" Brad's voice yelled from offscreen. "Keep your dick in your pants, Franklin," Tom turned to the camera and spoke to his heckler. "You'll get your turn." Amy closed her eyes and tried to become invisible. This simply could not be happening to her, she though miserably. This must all be a terrible hangover dream. "Hey, anybody seen Brad?" Robyn said from the doorway. She had just arrived and saw the group sitting in the lounge. "Shit," Brad muttered under his breath and quickly stood. He made a chopping gesture to Tom as he rapidly went to head off Robyn's entrance. He stood in the doorway blocking her way and positioning himself so she couldn't see what was happening behind him. "Hey, Babe, what are you doing here?" "Just thought I'd drop by and surprise you," Robyn smiled sweetly up at Brad. She craned her neck, trying to see past Brad's intervening bulk. "So what's going on?" Robyn caught sight of Amy with tears rolling down her cheeks and noticed peripherally that some kind of porn was playing on the TV. "Amy?" Amy stared up at her dumbly with utter despair written on her face. "Come on, Robyn, let's head upstairs," Brad took Robyn by the arm and tried to lead her away. "Wait a sec, I want to see what this is all about." "You don't want to see this," Brad said urgently. "Oh, but I think I do!" Robyn ducked beneath his arm where it rested on the doorjamb and slipped into the room. Robyn got a good look at the video for the first time. Amy on her knees with Tom pounding into her from behind. He reached around and grabbed her breasts roughly. "Oh yeah, baby, I love these big honkin' cantaloupes!" Tom slurred out onscreen. Amy's image onscreen had a glazed uncomprehending expression. She appeared totally out of it as she just rocked back and forth and squealed loudly at what was being done to her. The cheers and catcalls from the fraternity members grew louder at the sounds she was making. "You go girl!" "Holy shit! Look at those thangs! They're ginormous!" "Johnson, you de man!" Amy had just sat eerily still on the couch. Her mouth was hanging open in horrified shock. Silent tears slid down her face. But Robyn's entrance seemed to break her out of her trance. She slowly turned to Johnson with a disbelieving look. "Tom?" she quavered. "Why? I... I thought..." "You thought, what, bitch? That I *cared* about you?" Johnson sneered. "Some little piece of ass with big fake titties? I got what I wanted, baby. Thanks for the great ride!" Amy seemed to crumple into herself. She started to tremble and sobs wracked her small body. A tiny whimper escaped her. Robyn hurried forward and swept her friend up in her arms. She quickly steered her toward the exit as she sent a scathing look around the room. "Assholes!" Robyn snarled at the disgusting group of hooting jerks. "Every last one of you!" "Robyn, wait," Brad reached for her as she approached the door. Robyn turned on him and glared. She looked him up and down as if seeing him for the very first time. She shook her head and practically screamed, "Get out of our way! You *knew* this was going to happen. Don't you *dare* lie and say you didn't. You're as bad as the rest of them. I can't believe I let you..." Robyn cut herself off and pushed her way past Brad. She felt tears of rage burning her eyes. How could she possibly have been so blind? Amy was like a zombie. She allowed Robyn to lead her out the door and into the chill winter air. She was sobbing uncontrollably with drool running down her chin, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Robyn practically had to support her entire weight as the distraught woman leaned heavily on her. As the frat house door shut behind them they heard the laughter and derisive comments fade to nothing. "It's okay, Amy," Robyn whispered over and over. "Those jerks just aren't worth it. You're better than them, just forget them." What she would never, *ever*, tell her friend was 'I told you so'. * * * * * Jim stepped into the apartment. He was drenched in sweat from a brutal run. His lungs and legs burned from the intense pace he'd set himself. He glanced over to Robyn seated on the couch, her eyes and nose were red; she'd obviously been crying. Her cell started ringing with Brad's tone and she stabbed the ignore button with an angry gesture. "Robyn? Are you okay?" She nodded and turned her head to look away from him. "I'm fine." He shuffled his feet, feeling off balance. They'd fallen into a pattern of avoiding each other and he'd begun unconsciously scheduling his runs and work at the computer center to be absent whenever he thought Robyn would be in the apartment. He hesitated. In the past he would have naturally offered support. She was so obviously upset. "You sure? You don't look fine to me." Robyn swiped at her eyes with an angry motion. Her emotions were traitorous. Why did she have to wear her heart on her sleeve for all to see? She turned to him and her lips were quivering and she felt a lump in her throat. "Okay!" she snapped. "I'm not fine. You were right. You're always right. I was wrong. I was so wrong. I can't believe how stupid I've been. So, are you happy now? Go ahead and say I told you so!" She leaned forward with her elbows on her knees and dropped her head in her hands, sobbing. Jim quickly went to her side. He crouched down in front of her and ducked his head to see her face. He reached out and tenderly touched her arm. "Hey, it's me. I'm not going to say anything. I'm sorry, Robyn. Whatever's the matter, I'm here for you." Robyn threw herself into Jim's arms and gave in fully to her emotions. Sobs wracked her tiny frame. She didn't deserve a friend like Jim. After a time her tears subsided and she pulled away from Jim. He looked at her awkwardly and rose from the couch and muttered something about getting a shower before heading off to work on the summoning program. She stared dumbly at his retreating back. What could she do now? Her best friend was avoiding her like the plague and she'd just made a total idiot of herself with the biggest stud on campus. She swiped at her tears and drew a deep breath. First off she'd have to help Amy get through this. * * * * * "You going to answer that?" Cathy asked as Robyn's cell phone rang. They both knew from the ring tone the call was from Brad. "Nope." "Okay. You going to tell me what's going on?" "Brad Franklin and all his jerk-off frat brothers can go straight to hell." Robyn tossed her head and straightened her shoulders. "Ah ha. So you finally begin to see the light." Cathy saw the look of fixed resolve in Robyn's eyes and added, "Do you want to talk about it?" Robyn shook her head. "It's not for me to talk about. Let's just say I saw his true colors." "Okay." They rode the rest of the way to Amy's in silence. When they arrived Robyn asked Cathy to wait in the car while she went to get her. "Amy?" Robyn tapped on her door. She'd stopped in to see her several times since the fiasco at the frat house two days ago. Each time, Amy seemed to have sunken further into a dark depression. "It's me, Robyn." She waited. She thought she heard movement inside. She tapped again. "Come on, Amy, open up." The door slowly opened. Amy stood there in sweats with an extra bulky sweatshirt covering her top. Her eyes and nose were red and her hair was a mess. Robyn bustled past her before she could protest. "Okay, girl, I'm here to take you to kickboxing. Vacation's over." "I don't wanna go," Amy said sullenly as she flopped down on the couch. Crumpled tissues were everywhere. The room was a mess. "Well that's tough. You're going if I have to drag you myself." Amy started crying. Her body was wracked with sobs. She lifted her arm in a shooing gesture and reached for a Kleenex. Robyn knelt down on the couch beside her and pulled her into her arms. "There, there. It's awful, I know. They're all assholes. But you can't let them win. Come with us. You'll feel better, I promise." Amy lifted her face to look at Robyn. She nodded silently. "I... I'm so sorry... I should ha... have listened to you, Robyn." "No, you couldn't have known. We're going to get through this. You and me together. You'll see." "Robyn... oh... you're such a good friend..." "Shhh. It's okay, Amy. Now let's get you dressed and head out for practice. A nice hard workout is just what you need right now. It'll be good for you." * * * * * Brad flung his cell phone across the room. It shattered into a hundred pieces. "Shit! Fucking bitch!" The little twat wasn't taking his calls. Fuck. Now he'd have to buy a new phone. Goddamn the bitch. If she weren't such a great lay he'd just forget about her. But she'd gotten under his skin. He loved having her in his bed. She was the hottest girl he'd ever had. Fucking Tom Johnson and his goddamn ego trips! If that stupid jock had sense enough to pour piss out of a boot he would have kept his fucking home made porno movie to himself. What a fuckheaded move to show it to Amy. He got off on humiliating women. Dumbass misogynist. Of course, Brad had to admit, it had been seriously hot fucking the little bitch, even if it was sloppy seconds. But he suspected Johnson got off more on the public humiliation than he did from the actual sex. Brad kicked a table and knocked over a lamp, breaking it. His tantrum continued until he was left panting amid a trashed apartment. He'd buy all new stuff tomorrow. It was only money. After all the kicking, smashing and cursing he felt little sense of relief from his frustration. Breaking things wasn't really satisfying but it was the reaction he'd always had when he couldn't have his way. His nannies had been powerless to stop him; those that attempted to discipline him were immediately discharged. Now as an adult the pattern was set. If he could just get a chance to talk to Robyn he was sure he'd be able to convince her. His charm was his greatest asset. He just needed a chance. Fucking bitch couldn't leave *him*. No fucking way. He was far from done with her. * * * * * "Wow, you *really* worked out your aggressions today, Amy," Robyn joked with a wince as she rubbed her sore arm. I think I'm going to have bruises. Amy smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "Sorry, Robyn. Let's stop for a latte and I'll buy to make it up to you." Cathy, Donna, Amy and Robyn all headed off to Starbucks for a little post kickboxing pick me up. Amy's mood was a little improved; the exercise seemed to have done her good. But she was uncharacteristically reserved and she hunched in on herself all the time, completely opposite from the proud flaunting of her body she'd done before the incident at the frat house. When the girls had their orders and were seated at a table Amy reached across and took Robyn by the hand. "Thanks again, Robyn," she smiled a bit weakly and said, "You were right. I did need to get out of the house. And the exercise really helped." "Awww, forget it Amy. You'd have done the same for me." "I don't know... I... I treated you so *awful*... and you were just trying to help. I should have trusted you. You're a really good friend." Cathy and Donna had been silent witnesses, glancing from Robyn to Amy. Finally Donna spoke up, "What's going on you guys?" Robyn looked at Amy and raised her eyebrows; it wasn't her place to tell the story, if Amy wanted to talk she would. After a pause Amy shrugged her shoulders and lowered her eyes and spoke in a nervous voice, "I guess it's going to be all over campus anyway. I'm sorta surprised you haven't heard the story already." "What Amy? You can trust us," Cathy said gently. "Well... Robyn warned me that Tom Johnson was a jerk, but I didn't listen. I went out with him He... he treated me so nicely..." she drew in a long ragged breath and continued, "Anyway... we went to the 'Trap, then he brought me to his frat house. He got me a drink... and another... anyway... I guess I got pretty drunk..." Amy's face flushed even redder and she looked away, embarrassed. "Apparently sometime during the evening I took some ecstasy... I... I guess I must have... I mean, I can remember being really horny ? really, *really* horny. But I don't remember taking any drugs. Even though he said I had the next day when I woke up." She dropped her head into her hands and moaned. "I just can't believe I let him talk me into it." "The rest of the evening is a blur to me. I know I had sex, a lot of sex based on what I looked and felt like the next morning... but I had no idea what all was going on around me. Tom woke me very late the next day and I felt very ill. Tom said he 'let' me rest and apologized about the previous night... at least that's what he claimed. I was pissed about the 'E' but he was so sweet and sounded so sincere. Plus the way I felt I just didn't have the energy to confront him. He said he'd take me home but first he wanted me to see something. All the brothers were in the living room and he asked me to wait for him there. Robyn showed up just as he was... just as he put in a DVD to show all his frat brothers. It was me. Naked and getting fu..." Donna and Cathy each reached across the table to hold her hands and made shushing noises. "We get the picture, Amy, it's okay, you don't need to go into details," Donna said. Amy shook her head and gave a wincing half smile. "Well... Robyn, she was great! She screamed at them and got me out of there. She got me home and took care of me. I was a basket case. I've never felt so betrayed in all my life." She glanced down at her chest and mumbled, "I wish I never did this. I wish I were *ugly* and no man would ever want to look at me ever again." "You don't mean that, Amy," Robyn said softly. "This will pass. A few assholes may make comments but we'll all be here for you, won't we ladies?" "Of course we will," Cathy said. Donna nodded. "Thanks. That helps. I'm such an idiot." "No, it's not your fault. Johnson is a true perv. He'll get his someday, I'm sure of it. Maybe you should go to the police?" "Yeah!" Donna interjected with vehemence. "I'll bet the jerk spiked your drink. Long as I've known you I've never seen you take drugs. That's so unlike you, Amy. He *must* have slipped it to you without your knowledge." Amy shook her head. "Robyn suggested that too. Except it's too late for a blood test, and there's no proof he gave me E. What's worse, from the bit of video I saw it looks like I'm a willing participant." "Oh. Then we need to think of a way to make them pay for what they did," Cathy said with a determined look in her eye. "Well... maybe. I don't know. I just want to be left alone. I hate the feeling that everyone will be looking at me and whispering. I don't even feel like going to classes. Maybe in a few weeks people will start to forget... anyway, I called Mr. Peeps and told him I couldn't waitress anymore." "No!" Donna said in shock. "You loved working there." Amy shrugged. "I used to love it. But I know those frat guys would be there and I'd run into them sooner or later. In that skimpy uniform..." She shuddered and hunched her shoulders to minimize her bosom. With a hopeless expression she whispered, "It would just be too weird." "Well, you need to do what's right for you, but I hope you change your mind. You can't let a few assholes force you into hiding." "This is the first time I've been out of my apartment since... I've just been sitting around playing video games... I don't think I can face the world by myself." "Well we'll go with you anywhere you want, Amy," Robyn said. "There's strength in numbers. If anybody says anything we'll just destroy them with girl power!" Amy grinned and her eyes welled. "Thanks guys. I really appreciate your support." * * * * * Robyn stared at the email from Jim. He was only trying to help, she told herself for the fifth or sixth time. Jim had been sending her updates nearly daily on his progress with recreating the summoning program. Robyn rarely even read them. How could she tell her best friend that she wanted him to stop trying to run her life? But how could she live her life when her best friend was so obviously freaked out by it? Robyn lifted her pendant to her mouth and absentmindedly rubbed the butterfly across her lips. She needed to start living for herself and stop doing what others expected of her. How could she convince all her well- meaning friends that she must be allowed to make her own decisions, right or wrong? Her eyes lit upon the delicate butterfly pendant which she'd been toying with. A mischievous twinkle sparked in her eye and she kissed the tiny ornament as her lips spread into a satisfied smile. * * * * * "This one," Robyn pointed out her selection. The girl behind the counter smiled and handed some paperwork over to Robyn. She had short spiky green hair, perhaps 9 or 10 earrings in each ear, and her left arm sported an intricate brightly colored tattoo from wrist to shoulder. A nametag on her chest proclaimed her name was Hannah. "Are you sure about this, Robyn?" Cathy asked. "These things really hurt. Or so I've heard." "I'm sure." Robyn nodded resolutely as she filled out the paperwork. "Yeah, but what about if... you know, Bob comes back? How d'you think it'll look on you then?" Cathy whispered so she couldn't be overheard. "If... I mean *when* Bob returns I'll just tell our 'friend' to wipe it out as a part of the change. No problem." Robyn glanced up and winked confidently. She didn't want to get into it with Cathy just now, but she'd definitely been having doubts about ever returning to her former life. Her mind was so confused. She was comfortable, *happy* as a girl. She was popular and had friends. The only fly in the ointment was Jim. She was afraid she'd lose her oldest friend. But the way things were between them now, she might as well have already lost him. Did she have to sacrifice her life for Jim? Wouldn't a true friend accept her no matter what? "I mean it's pretty and all, but it's permanent. So... are you sure?" Cathy asked one more time. Secretly she saw this as a good thing, one more demonstration that Robyn was accepting her new life. But she had to play Devil's advocate, make her examine what she was doing. Hopefully her friend would start to realize how much better off she was as a girl. Robyn drew a deep breath and let out a long sigh. She looked Cathy directly in the eye and said, "For the last time, Cathy, I'm really, really sure. It's cool. It's just a tattoo." Robyn finished the paperwork and handed it back to the girl behind the counter along with her money. "It's a *girly* tattoo, Robyn. Really, *really* girly," Cathy said, practically hissing in emphasis. "I hope you know what you're doing." "It's a beautiful choice," Hannah said. "The colors are really vivid. It's going to look very cute." "Thanks," Robyn said with a grateful smile. "Do you need me to sign anything else?" "Nope, this consent form is all I need. So if you'll follow me on back we'll get started. I take it this is your first time?" Hannah talked nonstop as she led the way down a hallway with alcoves leading off on both sides. Curtains hung at the entrances, affording a modicum of privacy. At the third alcove on the left Hannah pulled the curtain to one side and ushered Robyn inside. Robyn glanced around her. Most of the space was taken up by a vinyl covered adjustable couch. There were kitchen type counters along two walls cluttered with a jumble of equipment. A small doctor's type rolling stool was pushed back into a corner. A large full length mirror was positioned near the door opening. A kaleidoscopic array of posters covered the remainder of the wall space, some featuring outlandishly tattooed people, others depicting scenes from Indian mythology with blue skinned elephant headed and many limbed gods and goddesses "Take a seat and I'll get things ready," Hannah directed with a wave at the couch. Robyn sat and nervously looked around while Hannah busied herself at the counter. Finally she took the rolling stool and scooted up next to the couch. "Lean back and extend your leg. Try to get as comfortable as possible," Hannah gently guided Robyn to a reclining position with her right leg extended. She then rubbed a solution on her ankle and applied a thin sheet of paper over it. When she peeled back the paper a picture had been transferred to Robyn's skin. She asked Robyn to check the results in the mirror. She kept up a friendly chatter explaining what she was doing while she went through various preparations to help distract her client. Finally she poised over Robyn's ankle and said, "Now I'm going to go over a small spot with no ink just to show you how it's going to feel. Let me know if you're okay." Robyn tensed slightly as Hannah flicked a switch and the room filled with a buzzing noise. "Here goes," Hannah said as she applied the needle to Robyn's skin. Robyn felt a mildly uncomfortable sensation on her skin. It was almost like one of those old time novelty handshake buzzers was pressed against her. She immediately felt a wild sense of relief, it was so much less than she'd been dreading. "How's that?" Hannah asked, glancing up at her. Robyn swallowed and grinned self confidently. "No problem. Let's do it." "Okay." Hannah paused a moment to make some adjustments to her instrument. Then she bent over Robyn's ankle and started to work. Robyn tried to relax. All the while the sensations coming from her ankle gradually intensified. At first she felt only barely noticeable discomfort and leaned over curiously to watch as Hannah worked. Soon Hannah took a cold disinfectant soaked cloth and wiped the spot she was working on. Robyn suddenly felt queasy as she realized the cloth was red from blood and immediately looked away. She glanced around the room and studied the various posters hung on the walls but they provided little distraction from the pain. As Hannah continued working the feelings changed to an itching burning like a bad case of sunburn. And the pain just got worse and worse as it felt like Hannah was going over and over already tender skin, almost like she was digging into her with fiery hot razors. Before long she was sweating, biting her lip and fighting back tears. Several times Hannah glanced up and asked if she was okay. Early on Robyn confidently smiled and said it was a piece of cake, but as the pain intensified her responses grew terser. Near the end all she could do was bite her lip and nod while tears welled in her eyes. Eventually Hannah reassured her that she was almost done and Robyn closed her eyes and mentally recited 'almost done' over and over like a prayer. When Hannah finally straightened and announced she was finished Robyn drew a deep cleansing breath and tried to relax her tight muscles. Her fists were so tightly clenched they ached. When she finally opened her hands she could see the imprint of her nails in her palms. She darted a look at her ankle and was dismayed to see a constellation of blood droplets. Hannah began explaining how to care for the tattoo during the next week and picked up a disinfectant cloth. As she gently wiped the skin Robyn saw a glorious butterfly appear from under the blood. Rich pinks, purples and greens formed the wings of the insect rendered in full flight. It was about silver dollar size and poised just above her ankle bone. "What do you think?" Hannah asked. Robyn wiped beads of sweat from her upper lip and smiled. "It's perfect. Thank you, so much!" Hannah wiped away a new crop of blood drops and applied a bandage. "Congratulations, you made it!" Robyn smiled and went out to find Cathy. She felt wobbly but tried not to show it. Faking assurance she didn't feel, she grinned widely at Cathy and said, "I did it!" Cathy noted how pallid her friend looked and saw a few blood droplets that had bled through the bandage on her ankle. "You sure did." "Next stop the salon." * * * * * "Chop it all off!" Robyn said. "Are you sure, Miss? Your hair's just so lovely," the hairstylist said uncertainly. "I'm sure. It might be lovely but it's a pain in the butt. I want an easier style to deal with." Jenny, the stylist, looked her over carefully. She was an older woman who owned her own small shop. She'd been doing hair for longer than the girl in her chair had been alive. Every now and then she got a walk-in like this one who wanted a radical change. She was always cautious since occasionally a customer hated the end result of their rash decision and got quite angry. It was always smart to double check. Besides this young girl, barely out of her teens, was just so pretty it seemed a shame to 'chop it all off'. "How short do you want it, dear?" "Just a few inches. Something like Mandy Moore or... umm... what's her name, Meg Ryan?" "Okay... short and cute... kind of sassy?" Jenny asked and Robyn nodded in agreement. She considered the girl's face and thought how she'd do the cut. "Yeah, that ought to look really great on you." She nodded to herself. "Okay, hon, let's get started." Robyn was draped in a smock, whipped around in the chair and Jenny gathered her long locks up into a huge ponytail. "Did you want to donate this to make wigs for cancer patients, hon?" Robyn looked surprised. "Yes! That's a great idea! Yes, I would." Jenny nodded approvingly. "Good. A compassionate choice. I'm proud of you hon." She patted Robyn on the shoulder. "Some lucky patient is going to get a beautiful wig from this hair." While she talked she'd tied the ponytail securely and prepared to cut it off. She turned Robyn back around to face the mirror. She held the mass of hair up and spoke to her customer's image in the mirror. "You sure about this, hon? Last chance to change your mind." Robyn looked at her long lustrous hair held up in Jenny's hand. She did like how she looked with long hair but it was such a lot of work to keep up. She nodded her head decisively and said, "I'm sure." "Okay. Here goes." Jenny began cutting the thick tail about five inches from the scalp. Robyn watched as she worked her way through the tail until it came loose in her hand. She felt a strange lightness in her head, the constant weight and presence of hair was missing. Jenny held up the shorn hair for Robyn to see. It was a beautiful cascade of coppery blonde waves and curls, almost alive in its shimmery bouncy movement. "You really worked to grow this out, dear. I bet we've got three feet of hair here!" Next Robyn was shampooed, conditioned, cut and styled. Jenny fussed at her endlessly, all the while chattering away, liberally dispensing advice on life as well as styling tips for her new look. Robyn had never had such attention to detail given for a mere haircut. Bob had always gotten a basic cut and didn't really care how it looked. Jenny was an artist who prided herself on how her customers looked each and every day, not just when they were fresh from her salon. Robyn was grateful for all the styling tips and asked intelligent questions. By the time Jenny was finished with her Robyn felt certain she could duplicate the style on her own. Finally Jenny turned her chair around to face the mirror and held up a hand mirror so she could see the back. Robyn was delighted with her short flirty new hairdo. "It's fantastic Jenny! I love it!" Jenny smiled acknowledging the compliment. "Anytime, Hon. Come again." * * * * * "I'm thinking of changing my major," Robyn announced as she blew on her cup of hot chocolate to cool it. The four friends were sitting in a coffee shop after a furious round of kickboxing. Amy had been more aggressive than ever and Robyn had aches from being battered repeatedly. "Oh? To what?" Cathy asked. "I dunno. Marketing maybe." She glanced over at Donna and smiled. "I'm fascinated with the material in the class I'm taking with Donna. It takes more than just numbers and procedures. You need insight into psychology, how people think. Programming seems so dry and tedious to me right now." "You've been making a lot of changes lately, Robyn," Cathy replied. "How about it!" Amy chimed in. "I love your new hair, and girlfriend's got herself a 'tat! What's next, a nose ring?" "No, pierced nipples!" Donna said with a teasing wince. All four giggled and offered increasingly outlandish suggestions on possible new changes. "How about a sex change?" Amy said. Robyn choked on her hot chocolate and blushed bright red. "Yah! Now *that* would be a real change!" Donna snorted out between hysterical laughing. "I can just see our itty bitty girly girl Robyn as some hairy ol' dude." "Just imagine her adjusting her package," Amy said. She slouched back in her chair and put her hand to her crotch and affected a deep voice, "Hey babe, want some o' this?" Robyn felt her face burning. Her friends thought she was a girly girl? If they only knew the truth. Or did they guess? Of course she knew nobody could possibly suspect the truth, except Cathy. She sat in numb silence and listened to her friends teasing for a minute or so before she finally clamped down on her rising panic. Trying to appear as if she were joining in the fun she said, "I'd be a real babe magnet, too. You betcha!" Robyn and Cathy exchanged a look. Cathy lifted her shoulders in commiseration and said, "Nah. Never happen. I'm much more the macho type." "Yeah right! Me too," Amy snickered. "You? I'm way more butch than you!" Donna said with a fake bass voice. Finally the laughter died down with happy sighs and they all sipped their drinks. "So what's got you making all these changes, Robyn?" Donna asked after a moment's silence. "I don't know. It's weird, but I feel like I've been being the person people perceive me to be. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of living up to others' expectations." Her breakup with Brad had leant her a new clarity. She always did just what he wanted, no matter what her own wishes might be. She wasn't going back to that ever. "Hmmm," Cathy said, thoughtfully. "How far are you thinking of taking these changes?" Robyn shrugged. She thought guiltily of Jim and how he'd been driving himself so hard working on the summoning program. If he succeeded would she sacrifice all her new friendships to return to her old life? His was her oldest and dearest friendship. He'd stood by her in her darkest times. But then why couldn't he accept her as she was now? "Who knows? Maybe all the way. Maybe even a sex change!" She lifted her chin and raised one eyebrow almost in a challenging gesture, then glanced at her watch. "Whups! I need to run. Got a class." * * * * * "Robyn, it's for you," Jim called. He didn't invite Franklin inside, but just stood silently blocking the doorway. Robyn came padding barefoot out of her bedroom and stopped in the middle of the living room when she saw who it was. "What do you want?" she asked coldly. "Robyn, c'mon give me a chance. You don't take my calls. You don't answer my emails. You ignore my IMs. Sheesh, even a criminal deserves a fair trial." "I don't think she wants to talk to you," Jim said as he prepared to close the door in Brad's face. "Just give me a chance to explain, Robyn!" Brad said. He held the door open and craned his neck to see around Jim. Robyn sighed dramatically. "Let him in, Jim." Jim gave her a questioning look. "Are you sure?" "Yes, it's okay." Brad quickly stepped around Jim and approached Robyn. He started to reach for her but she held up her hand to stop him. "Make it quick." Brad looked at Jim and said, "A little privacy, please?" Jim shook his head. "I'm not leaving you alone with her. You've hurt her enough already." "It's okay, Jim. Really. I can deal with this. Please leave us for a bit. I appreciate your concern but I might as well get this over with once and for all." Jim gave Brad a menacing glare and turned to leave. "Okay, but I'll just be in the next room if you need me." "What did you do to your hair!?" Brad noticed her new haircut for the first time and was shocked. He loved that long strawberry mane. It was so sexy to grab it and pull her head back. He couldn't believe she'd cut it off. The little bimbo was showing much more independence than he liked. If it weren't for the fact that she was an amazingly hot lay he would have said good riddance. But he wasn't ready to turn her loose yet; there was much more he planned to do with her. So, like a fisherman playing a trout, he'd give a little then he'd start reeling her back in. Robyn tossed her head and glared at him icily. "What's it to you? It's *my* hair." "It... it's just different is all." He needed to calm her down before he could work on her; a bit of humility went a long way. "Different is good. I love it." She sat down and pointedly crossed her legs so he couldn't miss her new tattoo. "I've made more than a few changes now that I've realized what an idiot I've been." She crossed her arms under her breasts and lifted her chin defiantly. "Go ahead and say what you came here to tell me. Although I don't know what good it'll do you since there's nothing you could possibly say to make me forgive you." "Robyn, don't be like that," Brad made to sit beside her but she glared at him in challenge so he changed his mind and sat on the far end of the sofa, gingerly perching on the edge of the seat. He noticed the tat' and thought it looked hot; well at least some of her changes were for the better. "Please believe me, I had no idea what Tom was up to. If I'd known I would have stopped him. Come on, you know me. I would never condone that sort of awful stunt on such a sweet girl like Amy." "Then why were you sitting there in the audience watching his sick little porn video?" "I didn't know what it was about! I swear. He just got everybody together to show us something. He was all secretive about it and acted like it was the greatest surprise ever. Nobody had a clue what was going on. That's the God's honest truth!" Robyn was wavering, Brad just seemed so sincere. All the time they'd been together she was always the one off balance and now the roles were reversed. He was acting so charming and sweet. Could he be telling the truth? Why would he be begging her forgiveness if he were an asshole like Johnson? He wouldn't; he'd forget about her and move on to his next victim. "Robyn... it's been over a week. I miss you. I... I... I thought we had something special..." Brad's voice choked up; he felt a flash of pride in his ability and silently thanked his Sophomore year Drama professor. Robyn stared at him. She'd never heard this much emotion from him. Maybe he really was innocent? "Can't you just give me one more chance?" Brad pleaded. He'd gradually moved closer to her until his thigh was touching hers. She was vaguely ashamed of herself for being so weak but she felt warm where he touched her. Brad put his arm around her and drew her closer. Her body responded to his nearness with familiar excitement. His lips were mere inches away. "Please?" he whispered. He knew he had her when she hadn't moved away. Just a bit more and she'd be right back in his pocket. Her gaze became unsteady and she lowered her eyes. Then she felt his lips on hers and she closed her eyes. She let out a tiny involuntary moan of desire as his tongue parted her lips. Jim stood listening intently just inside the door to his bedroom. When the silence stretched for several minutes he cursed and pulled on his running shorts. He stormed out of his room and shot an accusing look at the couple on the sofa. Robyn was startled by Jim's entrance and guiltily tried to pull away from Brad's embrace. Brad just sat there looking smug with his arm around her. Jim stalked angrily across the room and pulled open the front door. "Jim! Where're you going?" Robyn cried. "Out!" Jim didn't even turn to look at her as he slammed the door behind him. * * * * * To be continued