Strictland Academy by Breanna Hayse, Carolyn Faulkner Page A

turning to look at the other
two.   "Petry did as she was
told, showing some integrity and desire to comply.   Neither of you even attempted to obey
the Headmaster's order.   It'll go
much harder on you because of that.   Since you're not in classes yet, you won't need study time
tomorrow.   You'll be punished when I
am in the mood.   Don't worry, I'll
find you then.   Put on your
uniforms, ” she clipped, watching them with narrowed eyes as they quickly obeyed.   "You've got one dress.   Take good care of it, because you won't
get another until these become threadbare.   Same with your nightgown and extra socks."
    The
girls were dismayed by what was found waiting for them.   There was one white uniform with the
girl's last name written boldly in red just above the left breast, one
nightgown that was similarly emblazoned, one pair of socks, and one pair of
well-worn slippers.   No
undergarments were furnished, although each was grateful for being spared the
agony of having anything snug touching their scorched bottoms.   Their nipples rubbed uncomfortably
against the rough, crude fabric of the floor-length, high-collared uniform
dress; and the stiff canvas slippers pinched their numb, cold toes.
    Another
bell rang, and they were herded towards the crowd of girls who were corralled
within a large cafeteria.   The eerie
silence was discomfiting as the other inmates moved mutely through the lunch
line with plates that were alarmingly devoid of anything but a plain boiled
potato, a slightly wilted pile of greens, and a slab of unidentified gray
meat.   Each girl was given a glass
of tepid water with a citrus wedge.
    Attendant
Hazel led them to a table, where the silent occupants quickly rose to
attention.   They were briefly
introduced to their prefect and authorized to address her directly at appointed
time periods if there were any questions.   Like the other women, the prefect was clothed in a white uniformed dress
that was set apart by a small amount of black piping around the collar.   Molly's eyes also caught the dark faces
of several men watching them from an observing chamber that overlooked the
area.   She shivered.   Who exactly were they and what were
they looking for?
    The
rumbling of their stomachs did not induce an invitation to eat in the sparse
ten minutes given to complete the meal.   Instead, they were rushed through the area and led to the schoolroom.   Attendant Hazel spoke, her low, graveled
voice rumbling through the room.
    “ In
case you were wondering why the cafeteria is so quiet, it is expected that you
conduct yourselves in contemplative silence at all times and to speak only when
spoken to by a superior.   Conversations among the girls will not be tolerated for any reason, and
you are always being watched and evaluated, either by us or by prospective
husbands who also practice the same type of discipline as we do.   For that reason alone, proper behavior
is expected if you ever hope to leave this place.   These men who are watching you might be
the ones who the State will qualify as your husband.   The better show you put on for them, the
sooner one will subject an acquisition petition to the headmaster, and begin
the process of State approval.   The
competition is high, and no one really knows what each particular man is
looking for. The Rejected tend to be choosier than the others because their tastes lean towards the more aggressive spectrum of ownership."
    She
saw the horrified look on the young faces and a slow, toothy grin crossed her
lips.   "Why do you look like
deer in the headlights?   Did you
actually think you were just going to be released to your own devices?   Did you really believe that you would be
given the privilege of making a choice about your own futures?   Your mothers signed your lives into our
care, and by all intents and purposes, made you into wards of the court.   We have agreed to better your lives by
searching for the right mate for you and