It was raining as her mother stopped the car in front of The Richmond House, a rehabilitation center for girls. Setting in the office of Claire Jackson, the director. Annie just listened with a totally disinterested look as the woman explained the program offered at Richmond House. "We accept girls with all sorts of what the courts want to call social disorders." Claire said.
When Annie's mother started to discuss all of Annie's failings like running away and lying and stealing money, Claire just waved her off. "That simply is not what's important to us." Claire said. She looked at Annie. "I assure you that I will deliver back to you a respectful, conscientious daughter who is ready to function well in this world of ours."
"Well, I guess that's all I can ask." Annie's mother stood and thanked Claire, ran a hand over her daughter's head and left. Claire stood and said. "Follow me."
Claire walked Annie up a flight of stairs and down a long hall to what would be her room for the next three months. The meager allotment of clothing and personal items she had been allowed to bring along, a single suitcase, had already been removed from the trunk of her mom's car and placed on her bed.
Claire said. "Set down." And pointed to a chair against the far wall next to a window. As Annie moved to the chair, Claire unzipped the suitcase and dumped it on the bed.
Annie objected. "Hey, that's my stuff."
Claire walked around the bed and up close to Annie. She placed a single finger on the girl's lips. "Shush." She instructed.
"Shush?" Annie said. "What the fuck does that mean?"
Claire knelt in front of Annie and took her face in both hands and looked at her. "Now listen to me." Claire said. "I never like disciplining, but I promise you I will. When I do, you won't like it either." She stood up but was still looking at Annie. "Do you understand me?"
Annie set still for a few seconds but when Claire's stare failed to end, she just nodded. Claire went back to her objective on the bed.
As she sorted through Annie's clothes, she made no comment until she picked up a bra. She walked it over to a trashcan and held it. She looked at Annie and put a finger to her lips indicating that she should be quiet. She dropped the bra into the can. She returned to the bed. "Black lacy bras do not belong here." She said.
As Claire continued to sort Annie's clothes, she began picking out underwear. When she had gathered up all five pair she had brought, she looked at Claire as she held out the tiny bikini panties. "Disgusting." She said and proceeded to toss them into the can as well.
"What am I supposed to wear?" Annie said. Claire immediately stopped what she was doing and walked back to in front of Annie. Annie reflectively covered her face.
Claire set down on the edge of the bed near Annie. "Is that what you're wearing now?"
Annie nodded.
"Give them to me." Claire demanded.
"But." Annie started. Claire leaned over and put the fingers of her left hand under Annie's chin, then she raised her right hand and Annie flinched.
"It would be so easy." Claire said. "It would be so much easier if you just did what you were told. Give them to me."
Annie slowly stood and unbuttoned her jeans, pulling down the zipper. Her hands were trembling as she lowered her jeans and stepped out of them. With her thumbs now in the waistband of her panties, she eased them over her hips and down her thighs. She stepped out of them. Claire looked at the girl. She was tall and slim and tan and gorgeous. 'I do love my job' she thought.
Clair held out her hand and Annie placed the pair of panties in it. Claire then bent down and pulled out a drawer in a nightstand beside Annie. She removed a package of six white cotton boy's briefs. She ripped the package open and handed a pair to Annie.
Annie looked at them and started to object again. Claire unfolded the briefs and held them by the top. "In." She ordered. Annie lifted a foot and stepped into them and then the other. Slowly Claire worked the briefs up her legs and over her butt. When they were in place, Claire ran her hands over the girl's hips and bottom. "Good fit." She said. "Now the bra."
Annie pulled her tee shirt over her head and unsnapped the front clasp of her bra. She pealed it off and handed it to Claire.
Claire dropped the items in the can and went back to the bed to sort the rest of Annie's clothes. Everything else she had brought was apparently acceptable except for one top that was cropped at mid stomach. That was also tossed. "Put your things away. Your dinner will be at six." Claire looked at her watch. "Thirty minutes." She picked up the trashcan and left the room closing the door.
Annie heard the door click so she immediately went to try the knob. The room locked from the hallway. Claire stood on the other side of the door and watched as the knob tried to turn. She smiled.
Shortly after six, a girl about her own age, arrived to lead her to the cafeteria. At six forty five, the same girl returned and looked at the barely touched food and led her back to her room.
Annie had read a long list of house rules framed on the wall. So when the lights blinked at ten P.M. she knew it was bedtime. She removed her jeans and crawled into bed in her tee and new little boy pants that she hated.
