Car Seat 

By Daring Diane

Prolog

Melissa Martin was a successful real estate agent in town.  She worked at one of the bigger offices and was often in the running for top sales person each month. 

Melissa was the envy of all the young agents coming into the company.  Melissa started as every agent did answering the phones and doing the grunt work.  She worked long hours.  Melissa put in that extra effort that many people were unwilling to deliver.  She rose to the top of the sales ranks in just a few years.  She fielded cold calls, she sought out new listing opportunities and she closed sales.  She sold property other people could not move. 

Melissa had style and she dressed the part.  Melissa wore expensive, stylish suits.  Her blouses were the envy of every woman in the office.  She always wore heels of 3 inches or more.  Her make-up was perfect and she wore her hair in a longer style which emphasized that she was a professional but still young. 

Melissa kept her personal and professional lives separate. 

Melissa was still young 

Melissa had her daughter, Mary, while still in high school.  She had given herself to a boyfriend believing that was how she would hold onto him.  When she turned up pregnant, the boyfriend and any others she had known evaporated.  The first few years were hard and her mother helped them a lot. 

Melissa never dressed casually in public because she claimed she had to protect her professional image.  The real reason was she looked young enough in casual clothes that people were more likely to think she was Mary’s sister than her mother.  No one but Mary ever saw Melissa in casual clothes. 

Melissa could be a task master.  She raised her daughter to be self-sufficient.  She was protective of Mary.  She wanted her to take responsibility for things that were her fault.  But if someone tried to hurt or take advantage of Mary, they would find Melissa ready to confront them to protect her daughter. 

If Melissa had a flaw it was that she was willing to do almost anything to close a deal.  Nothing unsavory, mind you.  She got sellers to take a little less and over-estimate the conditions of homes.  She got buyers to ignore potential issues which might cause large surprise expenses in the first year or two of ownership.  She believed that once the deal was done, she was no longer responsible.

Melissa always said, “If you read the rules, you will always know what you are getting yourself into.”  Melissa would point out to people that most of their problems could be attributed to their not reading disclosures or rules ahead of time.  Complaining about them later was tough for them.  If you don’t read the rules, you will pay the price.

Chapter 1

“No one in this school understands the meaning of the word DISCIPLINE!” Melissa stated.  She and her daughter Mary were in the principal’s office.

She continued, “You send home notes about my daughter being late for school like it is the end of the world.  But when people steal her things, or harass her, you ignore the situation.  School should be a safe place.  People should know the rules and follow them.  If they do not follow the rules, they should be punished.  I’m just asking you to enforce the rules.”

Melissa’s daughter Mary was being picked on by a couple of seniors in the high school.  Mary was a little shy and kids will be kids.  However, Melissa did not believe that the principal was taking her daughter’s complaints seriously. 

“Miss Martin, we always take student and parent complaints seriously.  We just try to be careful what is put in the student files since those files are around for a long time.  What we write in the files can affect a student’s college admission or future job prospects.”  The principal looked across her desk at Melissa Martin and gave her what she hoped was a compassionate smile.  “We have talked to the girls involved and I believe things are going to get better. Let’s give it a few days.”

Mary was sitting in a chair, obviously uncomfortable.  Children never like it when they are the center of a complaint and this felt like tattling. 

Melissa was a little full of herself, at the moment, and had to press on to make her point, “Well, I expect it to be fixed.  I always tell Mary to learn the rules.  Do what you are told or discipline will follow.  You need to learn to control these people under your tutelage.”

The principal was upset that her leadership was being challenged, but tried to hide her frustration.  There was always some parent complaining that their child was not being fairly treated.  It comes with the territory.  But, Melissa Martin was always there to give her favorite line or some variation thereof; learn the rules, follow them or be punished. 

“Miss Martin I will take your advice to heart and try to do a better job in the future.  We can schedule a meeting later in the semester and try to see if I have a better handle on things.  Would that be alright?” 

Melissa felt she had gotten her message across.  “That sounds like a good idea.  Let’s say the Tuesday after Thanksgiving?

“Perfect, I’ll put it on my calendar.  “

Melissa and Mary said their good byes and headed home. 

As the pair walked down the hall away from the principal’s office, The Principal noticed that even in her heels, Melissa was still a good 2 inches shorter than her daughter.  She had never realized that Melissa Martin was so short. 

*****

As they were driving home from their meeting, Melissa saw red lights in her rear view mirror. 

“Oh, no!  What is wrong now?” Melissa stated in frustration. 

She pulled over and a big burly officer approached her door. 

“License and Registration, please.”

“What did I do wrong officer?” Melissa inquired.

“You made an illegal left turn at the last corner.  There is a sign stating that you have to wait for the turn signal.” The officer explained.

Without thinking, Melissa unfortunately allowed her pent up frustration to guide her words and said, “Are you fucking kidding me?  What between donut breaks, you harass mothers driving their children home from school?”

To the officer’s credit, he did not lose control.  He simply stated, “Please step out of the car and let’s move over to the passenger side of the car away from the traffic.”

Both Melissa and Mary exited the car and were standing next to each other.

“You know I was only going to give you a warning, but your attitude is out of line.  I have a couple more questions.  ” 

The officer was taken aback when she climbed out of the car.  She had a pillow behind her on the driver’s seat so she could sit forward on the seat.  Even though she was wearing heels, she was really short.  And unluckily for Melissa, she had pissed him off.

“How tall are you miss?”

“Just under five feet.” She proudly stated.

“And how much do you weigh?

“That is none of your business.”

“Miss, there is a weight on your drivers license.  We are allowed to ask to verify that this is actually your license.  How much do you weigh?

“Let’s call it ninety two pounds.”

“Really.”  The officer turned to Mary and said, “Young lady how tall are you and how much do you weigh?”

Before, Melissa realized the impact of this question, Mary stated, “I weigh about ninety pounds and I’m 4 foot eleven inches tall.  Pretty much the same as my Mom.”

The officer turned back to Melissa, “That is interesting.  Your daughter is an inch shorter than you say you are.  Yet, standing here she is taller than you.  And you are wearing heels that are at least 2 inches.  Also, I would venture to guess that she weighs more than you. You look like a pixie.  Let’s try this again.  Height and Weight?”

Melissa had her head down.  She was embarrassed to have been caught in this simple lie.  I guess I’m almost 4 foot 8 inches, maybe a little under, and my weight is usually in the low eighties.  It just sounds so ridiculous. “

“It appears that you may have lied on your driver’s license application.  Also, I never thought I would be saying this, but there is a new law that you need to be aware of.  The state has been passing tougher seat belt laws.  A new law went into effect recently and it is probably poorly worded but let me give you the essence.  It says that if a person is over the age of 4 and not over 90 pounds and taller than 4 foot 9 inches they have to ride in a car seat or a booster seat.  The booster seat or car seat has to be in the back seat unless there is no back seat, like in a pick-up truck.  I know it sounds preposterous, but that is the law and it applies to everyone including you.” 

Mary started giggling.

Melissa exploded, “That is for children. Only a complete idiot trying to pick on me would be so insulting as to suggest such a thing.  I can’t help my size.  I am an adult and I have responsibilities.  I can’t live in this community without a car.  You’re being an ass.  I am going to report you to the chief of police and the state ethics commission.  I have never been so insulted in all my life.”  Melissa was yelling up at this huge hulk of a man. 

Surprisingly, he seemed unfazed by her ranting.  He was coolly writing her a ticket. 

Melissa continued to hurl insults.  He continued to write.

Finally, he held up his hand. “Whoa, hold up there little lady?  Shut up and give me a chance to speak.”

“I am giving you a ticket for an illegal turn.  I am ignoring the errors on your license. However, I am issuing you a ticket for violating the seat belt law.  I am going to allow you to drive home today.  We will see how the courts rule on this.  I expect we can get a hearing on the seat belt issue early next week.  But, I’d get a lawyer. “

Chapter 2 Legal Problems

Late Friday morning, Melissa was sitting in the offices of Susan Shelton, her lawyer.  The mood was not good.  Susan Shelton had a serious look on her face and it was clear that at least part of her message was not going to be satisfying to her friend Melissa.  Susan began, “Well, Melissa this is one of the strangest cases I have ever been involved in.  The new law as it is written has some serious flaws.  Unluckily, these flaws and the assumptions that went into writing it coalesce around you.  You are the perfect example of the problems with the way in which this law is written.  However, the fact that there is a problem with the law does not change the fact that it is the law.  “

Susan paused and then continued, “I have talked to the prosecutor.  The prosecutor and I talked to both the judge and the Governor’s office to discuss the law and the problems your situation have highlighted.  The purpose of the law is to limit potential damage to persons who fit a certain body profile and the law specifically does not address age due to medical consultations at the time the law was written.  This law was a pet project of the Governor and several of his large supporters.  Therefore the Governor is going to need the legislature to reconsider and submit changes to the law.  He will not and cannot legally declare the law invalid.  The Judge seems unwilling to challenge the law and says that we are going to need to take this to the appeals court to get a judicial clarification or get the legislature to modify of the law.  The Judge says he is not willing to bend on this.”

Melissa exploded into an all too familiar rant regarding her right to drive and asking how they could take away her rights after years of driving.  Susan let her client rant for a few minutes while nodding and then held her hand up.

Susan began, “Melissa, I know.  And I have heard you and I have made our case to the judge.  I pointed out how successful you are in business and that this will impact your ability to do your job.  I pointed out that where you live there is no public transportation and that travel by walking or bicycle is clearly unacceptable.  I also told them that if they prevent you from driving then they need to provide a way for you to get to and from your job.  I think we may have worked something out.”

Susan continued, “First of all, the judge is going to suspend your driving privileges. The prosecutor and the Judge were sympathetic to your problems.  We have worked out an agreement where you will be able to ride the school bus into town and home.  You should be able to get someone from the office to help with getting you around during the day.  Understand that this is all temporary while we try to get this case through the court system so that the higher courts can fix this law.  Hopefully, you will soon be back to life as normal.  I have your back and I will do everything I can.  Work with us on this and I’ll start the appeals process.”

Melissa was seething and Susan spent another 30 minutes trying to get her to calm down.  Up until now, Melissa had continued to drive her car with a special temporary waiver provided by the court.  Susan explained that next Monday, she would no longer be able to drive until the appeals process had been worked out. 

Susan explained that Melissa would need to ride the school bus into town each day with her daughter and then she would be able to walk to work.  Melissa needed to drop by the school after leaving Susan’s office to get some paperwork done.  Susan assured her it was all worked out with the principal.

Chapter 3 Student Registration

“Miss Martin, so nice to see you again.” The principal greeted her. 

Melissa took a seat, “Thank you for helping me out with this ridiculous situation Miss Adams.  What is it we need to do right now?”

“Well we need to get some demographic information from you for our records and for insurance purposes.  If you could please fill this form out with your vital information that would be a good first step.”  She handed Melissa a form titled Student registration information.

“This looks like the student data form.  Why am I filling this out?”

Principal Adams said, “Our insurance covers employees of the school system like teachers and bus drivers and the students.  Parents have to sign waivers to ride the bus.  But one of our provisions is that Parents can’t ride the bus more than 5 times per semester.  I talked to the prosecutor and the school board about this and after reviewing the policy, we determined that we can simply sign you up as a special student and place you in the registry.  Therefore, you are a student and covered by insurance because you are registered.  It sounds silly but it does fit within the rules.  And as you love to say, we need to know the rules and follow them.” 

Melissa was not happy to have her words thrown back at her.  But it seemed that they had found a way to twist the system to help her out with this problem. 

Melissa filled in her name address and other pertinent contact data.  The form asked what previous grade school Melissa had attended and she wrote down this school’s name since she had attended here herself.  It asked for a relative living with her and she put her daughter’s name in the space provided.  Melissa signed the form at the bottom. 

The principal then asked her to come with her and they walked out of the office.  The entered the nurse’s office down the hall and the Principal handed a form to the nurse.  “Miss Martin, the nurse will check your basic health and fill out the state required forms and we should be done.”

Melissa turned to the nurse. 

The nurse asked Melissa several health history questions and filled in several pages of data. She then asked Melissa to please disrobe and put on a gown which she provided. 

“Why should I have to disrobe?” Melissa stared at the nurse.

“Melissa, the state requires me to provide a full health exam to new students and according to the principal, I am filling in those forms for you.  One of the things I have to do is check your body for rashes, ringworm, lice and other similar problems.  I am a professional and I have no intention of signing the forms unless I do the inspection.  Now, off with your clothes, young lady.

Melissa disrobed down to her bra and panties and put on the gown. 

“Melissa, please step onto the scale.” The nurse continued through the tasks and soon had all the information necessary.  After taking her temperature, she took a swab of the inside of Melissa’s mouth and placed it in a glass vial.  Melissa asked what it was for and the nurse indicated it was required by the state and was used in case DNA was required to find or identify any students. 

The nurse now started talking to Melissa in a motherly, adult to child tone, “Melissa, I need you to slip the gown off along with your underwear and sit on the table”  The nurse began to help her take off the gown.

Melissa pulled away.  “Why do I have to take off my underwear?”

The nurse had slipped into her dominant mothering personality, “Honey, I have to look everywhere and some of the problems I am looking for are often hidden under our underwear.  Do you understand?”

“Of course I understand.  This just seems ridiculous.”

“Well, we have to get this done.  So let me help you.”

“NO!!” Melissa pulled away.  “I can do it myself.”

The nurse smiled and shook her head.  “Of course you can honey.”

Melissa slipped her underwear down to her ankles and put it with her other clothes.  She faced away from the nurse and unbuckled her bra.  Melissa was fighting not to cry.  She never took her clothes off for anyone.  Hell, she had worn a bra to bed when she first got married.  She pulled the gown up to her neck and climbed up onto the table. 

The nurse examined Melissa’s hair, face and neck.  She looked at her back and had her lay face down on the table.  Finally, she said, “We’re almost done honey.  I need you to turn over on your back so I can examine your front.”

Melissa struggled to turn over and keep the gown against her body.

The nurse began at her feet and worked her way up her legs.  As she proceeded, she moved the gown up.  She asked Melissa to spread her legs a little and Melissa complied.  The gown was in a ball on Melissa’s chest and stomach. 

The nurse looked her in the eyes.  “Melissa, honey, I’m almost done.  Let me get this done and you can get dressed.  Remember, I’m a nurse and I’ve seen it all.  I can keep a secret.”

The nurse worked the gown out of Melissa’s hands.  A tear flowed from her left eye and she held her eyes closed.  Melissa had virtually no breast development.  Her areola were larger and her nipples stood out when excited.  But she was barely an AA in the bust department.  She had some growth when she got pregnant.  But it all disappeared quickly thereafter.

The nurse was taken aback my Melissa’s lack of breast development.  She realized that all of Melissa’s chest was in the bra.  Melissa had her eyes closed and the nurse looked down at the small patch of neatly trimmed hair below Melissa’s waist.  Her body was surprisingly similar to many of the kids in this grade school. 

“Okay honey, I’m done.  Go ahead and put your clothes on.  You are clean as a whistle.” 

Melissa dressed quickly and just wanted to get out of the school. 

Chapter 4 First Day on the School Bus

Monday morning, Melissa and Mary waited for the school bus with several other parents and children.  Mary wore her school uniform and Melissa wore her work uniform of skirt suit, jacket, white blouse and heels. 

Several of the parents seemed surprised when Melissa boarded the bus with Mary. 

Melissa, smiled to Shelly Winters, the bus driver, “Hi Shelly.  I assume Susan Adams spoke to you about me catching a ride on a temporary basis.”  Shelly and Melissa had gone to school together.  They had never been close friends but they ran into each other occasionally and were usually cordial. 

Shelly responded, “Yes, the principal told me and I am supposed to go in for the details later today.  Welcome aboard.  Everyone have a seat and we’ll get going.”  Shelly always thought Melissa was sort of full of herself.  Sometimes she felt Melissa looked down on her and others. 

At the school, Melissa said good bye to Mary and walked to work at her real estate office a few blocks away. 

*********

Melissa had explained the situation to her boss at the real estate office and they seemed to be understanding.  She left work a little earlier than usual and met Mary to board the school bus for the return trip home. 

Melissa greeted Shelly as she boarded the bus, “Good afternoon Shelly.”

“Afternoon Melissa.  Hey can I talk to you off the bus for a minute?” Shelly asked.

Melissa and Shelly exited the bus and stepped away from the door.

“Listen I talked to the Principal and she explained everything to me.  I understand this is only temporary.  But, I need you to sit in the back of the bus behind the blue line on the floor of the bus.  Since this problem has something to do with your physical size, the principal says you have to sit with the kids who would otherwise need to have a car seat in a car.  And those kids all have to sit behind the blue line.  It’s really no big deal.  I just need you to sit farther back in the bus.  Mary can sit back there with you if you want.  Is that alright?”

Melissa thought Shelly seemed to be begging her to do this to avoid any problems.  Melissa was annoyed at being told where to sit.  But, she could not see any real harm in the situation.  She wanted to avoid a confrontation with Shelly so she agreed and they re-boarded the bus. 

Melissa whispered the problem to Mary and they both moved farther back on the bus.  Most of the kids on the back of the bus were in the grades 1^st through 4^th.  Mary was a little annoyed at being separated from her friends, but went along with it. 

Chapter 5 How do you sell houses and not drive?

With Melissa’s new schedule riding the school bus, Melissa arrived at work before her co-workers.  Few people looked at houses or called their realtor before 9 in the morning.  The second person who came into the office was the receptionist, Brittany.  Of course, Melissa had to leave a little earlier than her co-workers to catch the afternoon school bus.

Brittany was surprised the first week that Melissa began arriving early.  But, it was soon a pattern.  Melissa cleared up all her paper work in the mornings and then she made her calls. 

The first problem that Melissa and her boss, Mrs. Dolan encountered was that Melissa needed someone to drive her to and from appointments.  The first few times Melissa needed a ride, one of the other agents gave her a ride.  However, it became clear that this was going to have a negative impact on the overall company sales since, only one agent was getting a commission. 

It was Mrs. Dolan who suggested that Brittany could drive Melissa to her appointments.  Brittany was excited to have more work.  Mrs. Dolan said that the company insurer said that anyone driving Melissa to or from sales meetings needed to be an employee to be covered by company insurance.  The situation was supposed to be temporary and Mrs. Dolan did not want to lose her best saleswoman. 

Brittany had an old 2 door car that showed all of its age.  Brittany explained that it was all she could afford.  Mrs. Dolan and Melissa discussed this and they decided that since Melissa could not drive, that Melissa should bring her car to the office and Brittany could drive them in Melissa’s nice big SUV.  Mrs. Dolan allocated a parking spot on the lot for Melissa’s car.  Melissa’s insurance company was informed that Brittany was to be added as a driver. The company insurer was informed that Brittany would be driving Melissa’s car for business meetings and should be covered under the company policy. 

Mrs. Dolan offered to drive Melissa and Brittany out to Melissa’s house to get the car.  When the three of them got into Mrs. Dolan’s car, Melissa offered the front seat to Brittany saying, that she was supposed to ride in the back.  On the ride out to Melissa’s house, Brittany learned more about the problem Melissa was having and why she needed to be in the back seat.  Melissa neglected to mention the car seat issue in the conversation. 

At Melissa’s home, they retrieved the car and Mrs. Dolan went her own way for another appointment.  Brittany took the key from Melissa and Melissa got into the passenger seat in the back. 

As they made their way back into town, red lights suddenly appeared and Brittany pulled over.  Momentarily, the same policeman who had pulled Melissa over previously walked up to the door.  He was surprised to see Brittany in the driver’s seat.  He asked for her identification and the car registration.  Brittany looked over her shoulder at Melissa and Melissa shrugged. 

As the officer reviewed her information, he realized that Melissa was in the back seat.  He knocked on the back window and Melissa lowered the window. 

“Afternoon little lady.  I see that you are in the correct part of the car, but the judge said that until this is resolved you will need to comply fully with the law.” The officer shook his head and turned to Brittany.

“Mam,” he said, “I assume you know that the woman in the back seat is not allowed to drive this car?”

“Why yes. That’s why I am driving her.” Brittany answered in a much too perky voice.

The policeman continued, “Well I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt.  The little lady was informed that under state law she is required to not only ride in the back seat.  But, she is required to ride in a car seat due to her size and weight.”

Brittany started to laugh, “That’s pretty funny.  Do you think that is the kind of joke you should be using to insult people because of their size?”

Melissa was surprise by Brittany’s response and obvious displeasure with the insult. 

The policeman looked at Brittany hard and said, “I am giving you a one-time pass.  The next time this little lady is found in any car without an appropriate child safety seat, the driver will receive a ticket for $500 and points on their license.  This state considers the physical safety of riders in cars as a major priority.  And I am not kidding.  That is why she is not driving her own car.  She knows she is supposed to be in a car seat.  I pulled you over because I thought she was driving again.”

Brittany explained, “I had no idea.  I will head into town right now and find the appropriate car seat.  I would have never taken such a risk if the “little lady” had told me the whole story.  Please accept my apology for my earlier retort.”

The policeman returned her documents and mentioned that the firehouse often got donations of car seats and they were given away free on a first come basis. 

Brittany was clearly pissed off.  They quietly made their way back into town and stopped at the office.  Brittany firmly told Melissa to get out so she could go get her an appropriate car seat.

Melissa did not want to push things so she returned to the office.

Chapter 6 We better get a Car Seat

Meanwhile, Brittany headed over to the firehouse.  She entered the firehouse and found several hunky guys polishing the firetruck.  She straightened her back and held her chest out, smiled a 100 watt smile and dove in.  It turned out that the policeman had called ahead and alerted them that Brittany might come by.  She explained that her needs were not for some infant but for a person at the higher end of the car seat range. 

Mark, an EMT who had been talking to her said they might have exactly what she needed.  He went into a back storage room and returned with a large car seat.  It looked a lot like a regular car seat. But it was clearly designed for a larger person.

Mark explained that it was designed for special needs kids and could hold someone up to 115 pounds.  He explained that the seat would be held in place by the existing seat belts and the child/passenger would be held by straps in the seat. The straps on the seat came across both shoulders came down to a center mounted harness junction between the rider’s legs.  A strap came in from each side across the riders thighs and joined at the same place.  The center harness was attached to the center of the seat.  This 5 point system is highly effective.  In addition, there was a clip a few inches below the chin that held the two shoulder straps at a fixed separation on the rider’s body.  An unusual feature was that the center harness came up out of a large foam pad that separated the rider’s legs.  Once the rider was in the seat, the harness could be cinched in to ensure it was not loose and that it provided the ultimate protection for the rider. 

Mark highlighted two other features of the chair.  There was a removable head pocket which was designed for riders with little or no neck control.  It prevented the head from lolling back and forth uncontrollably.  Basically the riders head was held so that they looked forward.  If they tried to turn their head to the side, they were looking at the protection headrest support and they view out the side windows was limited when this was in place.  The second feature was a security feature on the harness lock.  The security required a three point concurrent press with the center button to get the harness to release.  This feature was designed to prevent unruly riders from releasing themselves while the car was in motion.  With the straps of the harness cinched in, it was virtually impossible for the rider to release the harness themselves.  The driver, parent or guardian was at a different angle and the release was actually reasonably simple. 

The seat included an integrated cup holder and mounts on the sides of the chair allowed the parents to purchase add-ons like spring rods with little animals on them or dancing toys to keep the rider occupied while driving.  He noted that there were teething rings and other play toys available at local children’s stores which would snap into the integrated mounts.  The cup holder was molded and had a slimmer insert which was removeable.  The insert allowed the parent to leave a skinny drink container like a bottle or sippy cup in the chair for use by the rider.  With the insert removed, the cup holder held a regular soda or fruity drink. 

Mark helped Brittany install the chair in the back seat of the car on the passenger side.  He advised that this was optimal so that the driver could look over their shoulder or in the rear view mirror to observe the rider while in motion.  Mark showed Brittany how to tilt the seat a little which kept the rider in a slightly leaning back position which allowed them to sleep and helped to prevent the rider from leaning forward.  Mark mentioned that this was more often used for smaller children.  Brittany smiled to herself and asked Mark to leave it a little tilted.

Once that was complete, Mark continued to talk to Brittany and got her number before bidding her good bye.

Brittany decided that it was fun to be out of the office.  So she stopped at a local coffee shop to get a drink.  She thought back over her talks with Mrs. Dolan and Melissa.  Brittany was upset that Melissa had risked Brittany’s driving privileges by not informing her about the car seat requirement.  The potential ticket would have destroyed her finances.  She couldn’t afford a $500 ticket.  And If that had happened her insurance rates would have gone up.  The more she thought about it the madder she got.  She was excited to get out of the office.  But she vowed to herself that Melissa was going to suffer for risking Brittany’s financial wellbeing. 

Brittany returned to the office and hung Melissa’s car keys in the company key box. 

Later in the afternoon, Brittany took a moment to talk to Mrs. Dolan about Melissa’s oversight regarding getting a car seat.  Mrs. Dolan was not happy. She assured Brittany that she would not have any expenses associated with helping Melissa and she assured Brittany that she would back her up in ensuring Melissa rode in her car seat if the company was arranging for her driver.

Chapter 7 Melissa is introduced to her new car seat.

The next morning, Melissa informed Brittany that they had showing that afternoon.  She told Brittany that she wanted them to get to the house early to make sure everything was setup correctly. 

After lunch, Brittany retrieved the car keys and her purse and she followed Melissa out to the car.  Brittany was excited to see Melissa’s reaction to her new car seat.  Melissa had asked Brittany if she had gotten a booster chair and Brittany told her she got what the fireman told her was required.  Brittany knew that was probably stronger than what she was told.  But Melissa wasn’t driving over to the firehouse to check up on her. 

Melissa stopped cold as she opened the door.

“What the hell is that?” Melissa demanded.

Brittany in her happy babysitter voice said, “Melissa, this is the car seat the firehouse said was required.  They gave it to us for free.  It is a $900 chair.  They installed it and showed me how it works.”

Melissa was staring at Brittany like she was a complete idiot.  “Are you fucking kidding me?  I’m not riding around in a baby seat.”

Melissa had not noticed that Mrs. Dolan had slipped out behind them.

Mrs. Dolan said, “Oh yes you are.  We have gone out of our way to accommodate you during this period of inconvenience because you are a valued employee. However, you put the company and Brittany at financial and personal risk by failing to mention that you were required by law to have a car seat.  Brittany went to the firehouse to ensure she got the correct type of seat and this is what they gave her.  If they had not had one, I frankly would have bought it based on their recommendation.  We did not need it for free and I will be giving them a charity gift to cover the cost.  If you want the company to provide you a driver and facilitate you getting around during this period, you will ride in that seat and do whatever Brittany tells you to do when she is the driver.  Is that understood?”

Melissa was dumbfounded and caught off guard by this tirade.  However, the company was working with her and she needed to show houses to sell them.  She quickly answered, “I understand.  I’m sorry I put Brittany or the company at risk.”

Mrs. Dolan nodded and instructed Brittany, “Show Melissa how to get into her car seat and then get going to your appointment.”  Mrs. Dolan turned and re-entered the office. 

Brittany how felt that she held some power over Melissa.  Getting her into this car seat was going to be fun for her and humiliating for Melissa. 

Brittany said, “Well Melissa the first thing you need to do is get seated in the chair.  I can help you up.”

Melissa pulled her arm away.  “I can get into the car by myself.”

Melissa climbed into the car and realized the car seat added an addition 3-5 inches of height to the seat and getting in was not going to be as easy as she thought.  In her professional skirt suit she did not have a lot of leg freedom without pulling her skirt up to her waist.  Brittany was getting impatient.  Melissa finally tried to climb up on the seat next to the car seat and then climb over the arm rest.  While she was eventually successful, her skirt was all bunched up under her and her coat had bunched up behind her.  She also felt like she was leaning backwards instead of sitting up. 

Brittany noticed this and said, “We need to take off your blazer in the car.  It is bulky and getting caught on things.  Melissa tried to sit up.  She could not.  Brittany leaned in and pulled Melissa forward and helped her remove her coat.  Brittany folded the coat and laid it on the seat next to Melissa along with her purse.

Melissa was still trying to pull her skirt out from under her when Brittany reached in, gripped her under the arms, pulled her up and forward over the front of the seat and then slid her back down into the seat.  At that moment, Melissa realized that the final motion would have been the same if Brittany had simply helped her get in 4-5 minutes ago. 

Brittany asked, “Isn’t that better?” Again in that babysitter voice.

Melissa said, “I guess.”

Brittany then fed a strap over each of Melissa’s arms.  Melissa was trying to understand the straps when Melissa flipped a cushion which seemed to be on a hinge and was on the front of the chair.  The cushion folded up towards Melissa’s crotch and separated her legs.  As she started to complain, Brittany pulled a harness through a hole in the cushion and snapped one of the shoulder straps into it.  After securing the other shoulder strap, Brittany clipped the two straps together above Melissa’s chest.  Two more straps were secured across her legs and then Brittany pulled on two side straps which cinched all the straps tight.

Brittany smiled and said, “You are all strapped in safe and sound.  Let’s get going.”

Brittany had left the head restraint in place and Melissa looked like an overdressed newborn unable to move about in her chair.  Since it was laid back slightly, Melissa had trouble picking herself up and besides that, the straps held her in place.  She could only look out the front of the car and it was a weird angle.  She was looking between the headrests and Brittany’s head.  And she was looking down instead of straight ahead.  Because of the angle of the seat, if she looked straight ahead, she was looking at the roof of the car. 

Melissa was unhappy and felt foolish.  She felt like she had suffered another huge loss of freedom. 

When they arrived at the house, Brittany gathered her purse and slowly made her way out of the car and around to Melissa’s door.  She did that to allow Melissa to try and release herself from the chair. 

By the time Brittany had opened the door, Melissa was almost in a panic. 

Melissa exclaimed, “I can’t get the seat belt off.  What is wrong with it?”

Brittany smiled and remembered her babysitter voice, “The firemen said that the harness can only be opened by someone not sitting in the chair.  It has something to do with the angle.  Let me show you.”

Brittany reached in and easily popped the harness.  Melissa was so caught off guard, she had no idea what Brittany had done.  While she was thinking about this, Brittany reached in and again grabbed her under her arms and picked her up out of the chair.  After placing Melissa on outside the car, Brittany reached in and opened Melissa’s blazer.  She reached down and snatched one of Melissa’s arms and fed it through the arm of the coat.  She finished helping her get the coat on and then handed Melissa her purse and briefcase. 

Brittany had babysat for years and once you got the kids out of the car seat you always had get their coat on and hand them their toys.  This situation was not much different from her perspective.

Brittany did anything Melissa asked and stood back as Melissa showed the home.  They left with a signed contract.

Melissa waited to ensure the couple had left and drove down the street before going outside.  Melissa handed her purse and briefcase to Brittany.  Brittany put them in the car while Melissa removed her coat.  After placing Melissa’s coat in the car, Melissa started to climb into the car. 

Brittany smiled and asked, “Are we going to go through this again?”

Melissa’s shoulders sagged and she said, I guess not.”

Brittany picked her up and settled her into the chair.  Melissa slipped her arms behind the straps and Brittany folded up the leg separator.  Quickly, Melissa was harnessed into her car seat.  Soon, they were returning to the office. 

Over the next few days, Melissa and Brittany got into a system.  They tried to arrive early for appointments and leave after the clients left.  When they were going to sign up listings, they often parked a house or two away and walked up to the house. 

Chapter 8 Attendance Records and Homeroom

Things started to fall into a pattern.  Mary begged off on riding in the back of the bus so she could talk to her friends.  Therefore, Melissa usually sat alone back behind the mysterious blue line. 

On Monday afternoon of the third week, Melissa got a call at work and was asked to drop by the Principal’s office before boarding the bus. 

Melissa wondered what the issue was about as she waited in the office for the principal. 

Susan Adams signaled for Melissa to come into her office. 

After Melissa was seated, the principal began, “Melissa, we have a strange problem.  I was called by the state department of education today.  Each week we provide them numbers on attendance and several other things.  These numbers are used to determine how much state money comes to the school.  Well we have had a weird statistic for the last two weeks.  We have more people on the bus than in classes.  You and I of course know why that is.  But the state has no way of keeping track of this and they are threatening to pull some of our funding.”

Melissa added, “Well I understand.  But what can we do?  This is what the judge and the prosecutor have worked out while my appeal is handled.  What choice do we have? I have to be able to go to work.”

The principal had obviously thought about this.  “To resolve my problem with the state, I need to have my attendance and bus riders be equal.  So, since riding the bus gets you to work way before normal starting time.  I propose that we simply have you come into the school after the bus drops you off.  I’ll assign you to a room near the exit you would use.  You go to the class room for the 15 minute homeroom in the morning.  You will be counted for attendance.  When everyone moves to change rooms for class, you can leave and go to work.  Everyone is telling the truth.  The numbers are fixed for the state.  And it is the only thing that fits within the rules.  Can you live with this?”

“Susan, you want me to go into a grade school class room just so someone can say I am here.  Then I leave.  That seems silly.  Can’t we just agree I’m here if I’m on the bus?”

Susan Adams paused and took a breath, “Melissa, as you remember, we registered you with the school to be able to let you ride the bus.  All the state is asking us to do is count the registered individuals at the start of the school day.  There is really no way around it.”

The principal seemed pretty firm in her stance.  Melissa and Susan went back and forth.  But, in the end the principal said, “These are the rules.   We’re just trying to follow the rules.  Isn’t that what you always ask us to do?”

Melissa finally agreed.  “How will you assign me a room?”

“Well since you are not going to classes, it really doesn’t matter.  So I figured the room closest to the exit.  It’s a fourth grade class.  In addition, several of the kids in that room ride on the bus with you.  So, I asked two of them to show you the room tomorrow morning.  Teresa Murphy and Jennifer Warner will show you where to go.  Mary probably knows who they are.  They both have older sisters.”

Melissa was depressed by this news but it did not seem like a big deal.  Just another task to waste her time during her ordeal.

*********

Mary identified the two fourth grade girls for her mother on the way home. 

On Tuesday morning Teresa and Jennifer escorted Melissa into Miss Thompson’s fourth grade homeroom.  Miss Thompson pointed out an empty chair and Melissa had a seat.  She placed her purse on the desk and her briefcase next to her chair.

When everyone was seated, Miss Thompson announced that they had a new student in homeroom and she introduced Melissa to the class.

Melissa was stunned and embarrassed.  She mumbled hello and waved to everyone.

Miss Thompson said, “Melissa, we have rule.  Nothing on your desk during homeroom.  Please place your bag on the floor or in your locker.” 

Without thinking, Melissa said, “I don’t have a locker.” As she was moving her bag off the desk.

Miss Thompson responded, “No problem I’ll find out where your locker is so you can put your things there tomorrow and not disturb the rest of the class.” 

Melissa felt very small and just wanted to run away.

Miss Thompson handed out milk to everyone in the class along with the morning breakfast.  Their school provided a breakfast to every student every day. 

While people were eating, announcements were made.  The principal came over the announcement system and told about happenings at the school today and this week. 

Then Miss Thompson had everyone clean up their desk area. And finally, she took attendance.  Soon thereafter, the bell rang and the students filed out to go to their next class.  Miss Thompson stopped Melissa and escorted her to the office.  The administrator quickly assigned Melissa a locker.  Miss Thompson led Melissa to the locker area to show her where the locker was.  She then told Melissa she could leave. 

As Melissa walked to work, she kept going over the last few weeks in her mind.  She found this morning very disturbing.  It really shouldn’t be such a big deal.  But Melissa felt like she was losing something; responsibility, control?  She wasn’t sure. 

Over the rest of the week things fell into a pattern.  Melissa would arrive at the school and put her purse and brief case into “her” locker.  Then she went to homeroom.  She started drinking the milk and munching on the breakfast since she had nothing better to do.  She would clean up her table area and get counted for attendance.  When the bell went off, she would gather her things and leave the building to go to work. 

She still got to work before anybody else. 

*********

The kids in her homeroom asked questions on the bus and talked to Miss Thompson.  They were told that because of a special situation, Melissa was a student in their homeroom class and she rode the bus.  But Melissa was not going to classes in the school at this time. 

Teresa Murphy was at times a suck up to the school administration and at other times, she just seemed to look for ways to stir the pot.  Teresa asked Principal Adams why Melissa did not have to follow all the rules like everyone else.  The principal found this an interesting question since she was trying to follow all the rules. 

Teresa pulled out the handbook and said, “It says here that Students must wear the approved uniform when riding the school bus or when they are in the class room.“

Teresa looked up at the principal, “So you say she is a student and is registered here.  She rides the bus and comes to my homeroom and she is the only person not in uniform.  Why?  It’s just clothes.  Why doesn’t she have to follow the rules?”

Principal Adams was taken aback.  She thought for a moment and then responded, “Teresa, this is a very good question.  Let me think about it and I may have to ask the superintendent.  I will let you know.”

Teresa felt like she had won the lottery.  She may have caught the school breaking a rule.  At no time did she care or have any consideration of the impact of this question on Melissa.

Chapter 9 School Uniform

The next day, Miss Thompson told Melissa to stop by the office after homeroom.

Melissa entered the office and was told to have a seat.  She sat on the comfortable couch and waited to be called.  She soon found herself back in Principal Adams office. 

“Melissa, Melissa,” Miss Adams began, “It seems that we keep running into issues.  Do you have any idea how long your court procedures are going to take?”

Melissa shook her head, “Not really.  I think it is going to take at least 6 weeks but it could take longer.”

The Principal looked at her and asked another question, “Did you keep Mary’s old school uniforms from before her last growth spurt?”

While the question seemed odd, Melissa did not yet realize its import.  “Yeah.  I think they are still in Mary’s closet.  Why, do you know someone that needs them?”

The principal said, “Yes, unluckily I do.  We had a complaint filed and we have discussed our options and they are limited.  We implemented a rule that says all students have to wear their uniform when in class and when riding the bus.  We did it because kids were bringing other clothes and changing before boarding the bus or changing on the bus.”

Melissa nodded.  She knew this and she had been one of the supporters of the uniform requirement.

She continued, “Since you are a registered student and you are required to go to a homeroom, the rules say you are supposed to wear the school uniform.  And someone complained.  Therefore, we have to take action to resolve this.  I know it sounds stupid, but under the circumstances, I think you are the one who needs those old uniforms.  We have to follow the rules.  That was always your mantra.  So, I know you understand.  I’ll expect you in the standard regulation jumper style uniform worn by all the other girls in your homeroom tomorrow.  You can just change afterward.  You will have to put the uniform back on at the end of the day to ride the bus home.  I’ll inform Mrs. Winters and Miss Thompson.” 

“This is crazy.  You expect me to get dressed in a child’s school uniform, come to school go to homeroom, then change into regular clothes for work, work the day, then change back into the uniform to ride the bus home?” Melissa thought this question sounded incredulous.

Principal Adams, thought for a second, “Yes, I think you understand exactly what has to happen.  Those are the rules.  You will be expected to wear the full uniform as specified in the student handbook.  I’ll see you tomorrow Melissa.”

Melissa was stunned as the principal opened the door and began ushering her out of the office.  By the time she got her thoughts together, she was outside the office and the principal had closed her door and moved on to her next issue. 

On top of everything else, Melissa was annoyed that the more they interacted, it seemed that the Principal no longer noted her last name.  She always used to call her Miss Martin.  Now it seemed she was just Melissa.

Chapter 10 First Day in Uniform

When they got home, Melissa went to Mary’s room and looked in the back of the closet.  There she found Mary’s old school uniforms.  There were the jumpers and blouses.  Since Mary had entered the upper grades, she had changed to the skirt and polo shirt version of the school uniform.  The pattern on the skirt was the same as the jumpers.  But the skirt version obviously looked more grown up. 

Mary asked her mother what was going on.  As Melissa related the uniform issue, Mary began laughing.  Melissa’s frustration rose and as it did, Mary’s mirth increased to the point she was on the floor holding her side because she could not stop laughing.

“You have to dress in the 4^th grade uniform and go to school, then change clothes and go to work and then change back again to be able to ride the bus home.”  As Melissa nodded trying not to cry, Mary continued to laugh.  “Can’t you see the humor in this?  It’s ridiculous.”

“I know it is.  But Miss Adams keeps saying, ‘It’s the rules!’” 

Mary stopped laughing and looked at her mother.  She suddenly asked seriously, “Isn’t that your line?  I mean I’ve grown up listening to that line my whole life.  And now when the rules apply to you, you don’t want to follow the rules.  That’s rich.” 

Mary was smiling and looking at her mother.  As Melissa thought about it she could not help seeing the humor in the situation.  While she was frustrated, her daughter was right.  That was her favorite line.  

*********

The next day, Melissa put on her long sleeve suit blouse and slipped the school jumper on.  Beneath she wore her normal underwear and pantyhose as well as her basic black 3 inch heels.  It seemed silly.  She placed her suit skirt and coat in a satchel along with the normal items from her briefcase.  She grabbed her purse and went down to the kitchen. 

Mary looked at her and shook her head.  “Mom, you look like an adult that pulled a school girl’s dress on over her clothes.  You know I think you are supposed to wear one of the short sleeve blouses that were with the jumpers.  That is the actual uniform.”

Melissa looked at Mary, “Who cares what blouse I wear?  I have on a nice white blouse and I have on the uniform.  I can’t spend all day changing clothes at the school.  This is dumb enough already.” 

“Mom. It’s just that I thought they said this was due to the rules.  And what you are wearing is not the official uniform.”

“Mary, I appreciate your concern.  But I don’t think that is what they meant.”

Mary looked skeptically at her mother.  “Wellllll, Okay.  Just remember, I told you so.  Once they start talking about the rules, they usually check to see if you are following them.”

Several of the mothers did double takes when they saw Melissa in a school jumper walking with Mary.  They snickered and whispered.  One noted that she was smaller than several of the other kids.  And, they all wondered why she was wearing the jumper and riding the bus.

Melissa greeted the driver as usual, “Good morning Shelly.”

Shelly nodded at the odd site of Mary’s mom in an odd looking school uniform.

As Melissa made her way to the back of the bus, Teresa and Jennifer immediately noticed the uniform.  Teresa was thrilled and several of the girls complimented Melissa on her new uniform.  Clearly they all thought it was in good fun.  Only Teresa knew of the complaint.  She also noted that Melissa had on the wrong blouse.

*********

Melissa made her way to the homeroom with the other students.  After the homeroom session, as Melissa made her way to exit the room, Miss Thompson called to her.

“Melissa, I understand that you are supposed to be wearing the school uniform for our morning sessions from now on.”

Melissa nodded, “Yes that seems to be what the Principal wants.”

“Well, since you have an older daughter here in the school, I assume you know that your blouse is not consistent with the uniform rules.  I’ll have to make a note of it.  Make sure you wear the right blouse tomorrow or I will have to send you to the office for being out of uniform.  You may go.”  Miss Thompson’s dismissal, was firm and it was clear the conversation was done.  And like any other student, Melissa found herself hanging her head and walking out the door.

Melissa went into the girl’s room and changed her clothes in one of the stalls.  She quickly exited the building and made her way to work. 

After work, Melissa made her way to the school, quickly entered the bathroom and changed before boarding the bus.  Arriving at home, Melissa quickly removed the school uniform.

Chapter 11 Uniform Blouse

The next day, Melissa packed her suit along with a blouse in her bag.  She wore the regulation school blouse and jumper. 

After homeroom, Miss Thompson again asked Melissa to come to her desk.  “Well Melissa, I see you found the right blouse for the uniform.  However, students are not allowed to wear pantyhose.  And you know that the uniform shoes are a saddle style which ties with laces.  I’m afraid I need you to go by the office before leaving today.  Take this form to the office, please.” 

Melissa went to the office before retrieving her bags from her locker.  Melissa handed the note to the principal’s secretary.  She asked Melissa to wait a moment and went to retrieve a file.  Melissa noted that the secretary had pulled a manila folder with her name on it. 

The secretary looked in the file and looked at the note.  She found a note from the previous day regarding a uniform violation.  After placing the new note in the file, the secretary returned the file to a cabinet. 

“Melissa, I am giving you another copy of the school uniform code.  You have two uniform violations in your file now.  If you get any further violations, you will have a discipline or detention.  I suggest that you read the rules and follow them.”

“Discipline or detention?  You must be kidding.”  Melissa was looking at the secretary like she was crazy.

The secretary never blinked.  She stared back at Melissa as she held out the uniform code and said, “According to the principal, you are a registered student and you are expected to wear the uniform.  The only way we can enforce the uniform code is to discipline you or suspend you.  If you are suspended, you will not be riding the bus and you will not be able to get to work.  So you can follow the rules in which case there are no issues at all.  Or you can break the rules and we will decide how to punish you.  Seems like an easy decision for a smart girl like you.”

Melissa took the proffered copy of the school uniform code and left the office to gather her belongings and get to work. 

Chapter 12 No Heels or Stockings

The next morning, Melissa placed her suit, blouse, stockings and heels in her bag.  She wore the school jumper and blouse along with knee socks and Mary’s old saddle shoes.  In this outfit, she was almost three inches shorter than in her heels. 

When she entered the kitchen, Mary towered over her. 

Mary looked over her mom and nodded in approval.  “Now that looks like the school uniform.  This should help you avoid further problems.”

Melissa now looked like any other school girl.  Other than her purse and satchel, she was indistinguishable from the other bus riders. 

She said hi to Shelly and moved to the back of the bus.  Mary often sat with her mom in the morning. 

Each day, Teresa and Jennifer watched with interest the evolution of the lady who now looked just like everyone else, almost. 

After some whispering during the ride that morning, Jennifer and Teresa waited until they saw the Principal in the hall before school.  Jennifer, trying to act nonchalant, asked the principal if she could carry her books in a nice satchel her mother gave her for her birthday instead of the school backpack everyone else carried.  When the principal said no, Jennifer said, “Why does the new girl get to carry her stuff in that nice bag then?”

After homeroom, the principal watched as Melissa pulled her satchel out of her locker.  She approached Melissa and informed her that she would have to carry her things in the school backpack as required by the uniform code.  She also informed Melissa that she needed to read and know the code.  There would be no more exceptions given. 

Chapter 13 School Book Bag

On Friday, Melissa folded and packed her suit, blouse, pantyhose and heels into Mary’s old school book bag.  She wore the uniform, shoes and socks.  She felt silly.  Grabbing her purse, she and Mary made their way to the bus.

Teresa and Jennifer were thrilled by the further changes in their newest classmate. 

Miss Thompson approved of her newest charge’s look and complimented her on wearing the correct uniform. 

Principal Adams had been thinking a lot about Melissa in the last week.  She remembered Melissa yelling and stomping around her office.  And she realized that she was getting a disturbing amount of enjoyment by using her authority to force Melissa to follow the rules and wear the appropriate uniform.  She could not help smiling as she thought about it.  She wondered what other ways she could get Melissa to embarrass herself or how else she could get Melissa under her thumb.

At the end of the day, she saw Melissa approaching the school in her professional clothes with just her purse.  Slipping out of her office, she watched as Melissa went to her locker and retrieved her backpack before going to the bathroom to change.  She thought, if the rule says students have to wear the school uniform on school property, then Melissa should probably change somewhere else.  Yes, she thought, I think we will find more ways to get back at that woman for trying to embarrass me and yell at me.  But, she figured this had been a big week and new rules would make Monday much more fun.

Chapter 14 Wear Uniform On School Property

On Monday morning, Melissa found herself back in the principal’s office after homeroom. 

As she entered the Principal’s office, Susan asked Melissa to please stand in front of the desk.  She had done this for years because it made the students uneasy and gave her a psychological advantage. 

Melissa simply did as asked without wondering why she could not sit down as usual. 

“Melissa, I appreciate your wearing the uniform and using the school back pack as required in the student code.  However, I noticed that you are changing on school property both in the morning and afternoon.  I think we need you to arrive and leave the property properly dressed.  That means you need to change either at work or somewhere else.” 

“Susan, you can’t expect me …“

“Excuse me Melissa.  I don’t mean to cut you off.  But at this moment, we are having a school conversation regarding the rules.  You need to refer to me as Principal Adams.  Not by my first name.  This is my school.  I have earned and deserve your respect.  At this moment you are a student who is being corrected regarding the rules.  You will only address me properly.  Is that understood?”

Melissa was stunned.  “Uh, yes I understand.  What I was trying to say, was how can you expect me to go to work in a grade school uniform?”

“I don’t expect you to go to work in a grade school uniform.  I expect you to go to school in a grade school uniform.  I expect that whenever you enter the school grounds you will be dressed appropriately.  I expect you to follow the rules of the school just like you always lectured me.  And, if you don’t follow the rules, you should expect the consequences associated with whatever behavior you decide to participate in.” 

The principal continued as Melissa stood mouth gaping, “So Melissa, I suggest you gather your book bag and other things and leave the school grounds.  We’ll expect you back this afternoon dressed appropriately for the bus ride home.  That will be all, honey.”

And with that the principal ushered her out of the office.  Susan Adams sat at her desk with a weird smile on her face.  That “honey” at the end had to be eating away at Melissa.  It was so patronizing.  It was perfect.  This whole confrontation was actually fun.  She had just told an adult woman to go to work wearing a school girl uniform. 

Melissa gathered her book bag and purse and wandered out of the school in a bit of a fog.  Suddenly, she realized that if she ran, she could still get to work before any of her co-workers.  Melissa got to work and changed before anyone else saw her inside of work.  She wondered what she would do in the afternoon.  Of course there were people in town that saw the school girl dashing through town away from the school with her book bag.  On that day, no one said anything. 

At the end of the day, Melissa was able to change clothes and slip out the back door without anyone seeing her.  She was able to slip on a coat she had left in her office as she was leaving to hide the uniform.  She felt like she was trying to get away with something.  But, she was too embarrassed to let the people at work see her in the school clothes.  It was just too much.

*********

Chapter 15

Susan Adams smiled as she watched Melissa in her school uniform arrive at the school and board her bus. 

Melissa smiled and said, “Hi Shelly.”

Shelly asked Melissa to join her for a moment off the bus.  Shelly said, “Melissa, I know we have known each other for a long time.  But, you are now wearing the uniform and the other kids are looking at you to see if you are getting extra privileges.  It takes away my authority when you call me by my first name on the bus.  From now on, you have to call me Mrs. Winters.  It is one of the rules and if you do it again, I will have to report it to the office.  Do you understand?”

Melissa nodded.  Another snip away at her old life.  She re-boarded the bus and took her seat.

Melissa felt like a fool but after a few days, she told Mrs. Dolan about the uniform requirement.  She was afraid of what would happen if someone saw her.  Mrs. Dolan was sort of amused.  She wondered what Melissa might look like in a school uniform.  She agreed that Melissa could change an leave by the back door of the office until she came up with a better solution.  Mts. Dolan informed her that either herself or Brittany would ensure no one else entered the area when she was changing. 

Mrs. Dolan wanted to see what she looked like.  And, that afternoon, she was stunned by the contrast to the serious woman who was one of her best sales people.  As she observer Melissa making her way across the lot back towards the school she shook her head in amazement. 

Mrs. Dolan figured she would delay getting Brittany involved for as long as possible. 

Meanwhile, Jennifer and Teresa asked the principal if they could wear earrings and lipstick like the new girl.  The principal told them no and told them the other student would be dealt with.

As Melissa stood in front of Susan Adam’s desk the next morning she felt very small.

“Melissa, are you not the same person that told me to know the rules, follow the rules or be disciplined?” Susan Adams was throwing her favorite lines back at her.

Melissa nodded and agreed, “Yes that is what I said and have said for a long time.”

Susan Adams opened a copy of the student handbook on her desk and asked Melissa to read out loud. 

Melissa began, “Jewelry.  Students may wear a simple watch. Teachers and administrators will alert the student if the watch is unacceptable.  Boys may wear no other jewelry.  Grade school girls in fifth grade and above may wear simple gold or silver hoop or ball earrings, one in each ear.  No more. No other jewelry is acceptable.  Grade school girls in fourth grade or below may wear no jewelry of any kind. “

Susan Adams waved her hand and pointed to another section and nodded.

Melissa read, “Makeup is not allowed in school except on special occasions. Teachers will alert students if makeup will be allowed.”

Melissa looked up at Susan Adams with hooded eyes.

Susan asked, “Well, why do you think you are here?”

Melissa was fidgeting and started saying “um, well, um”

Susan could not believe that this terror who had berated her in this very office just a few weeks ago was acting like any little grade school girl caught breaking the rules.

Susan said firmly, “Knock that off.”

Melissa closed her mouth and stared wide eyed at Susan Adams.

Susan asked, “Are you wearing makeup?”

Melissa nodded.

Susan demanded, “I don’t hear you.  Yes or no?”

Melissa said, “Yes, I am wearing makeup.  But I have to wear makeup for work.  And”

Susan hushed her with a wave of her hand.  “Are you wearing jewelry?”

Melissa seemed to regain some of her fortitude, “Of course, I am wearing jewelry, you can see it.”

Susan seethed, “Don’t get smart with me young lady.  Yes or no?”

Melissa lost whatever fortitude she had and whispered, “Yes.”

Susan asked, “What grade are you registered in young lady?”

Melissa was caught off guard for a moment.  She just came to home room.  What grade were the girls?  She answered tentatively as if asking a question, “Fourth?”

Susan nodded.  “Yes.  You are registered in Miss Thompson’s fourth grade class.”

Susan paused for effect and continued, “So you are a registered fourth grade student and you are wearing jewelry and makeup.  In looking at your student file I see we have had several incidents with lots of outside excuses.  But the last time you came in here, you told me you would read and follow all the rules.  Right?”

Melissa slowly said, “Yes.”

Susan continued, “And, I told you that if there were any further violations you would be??”

Melissa answered haltingly, “P P Punished?”

Susan Adams smiled.  “That is right my dear.  And, since you are such a proponent of discipline, I know you have no problem with my enforcing the rules and handing out discipline for students who repeatedly violate the rules and obviously either don’t read the rules or figure they are above the rules. Don’t you agree?”

Melissa could see no way out of this situation.  She answered, “Yes.  I agree.”

Susan was beside herself.  Never in her wildest dreams did she think she would get to give Melissa Martin her comeuppance.  But the day had arrived.

Susan said, “Then let us not dilly dally.  Lay forward on my desk and grab the far side.”

Melissa was dumbstruck as she realized, she had just agreed to be punished for a grade school uniform violation.  Susan Adams opened her door and asked the secretary to come into the office.  After closing the door, the secretary appeared on the far side of Susan Adams desk and took hold of Melissa’s arms. 

Susan Adams had a small wooden paddle which she reserved for the few occasions where she felt that corporal punishment was needed.  With an adult who was flaunting her rules after berating her just weeks before, Susan had none of the trepidation which typically preceded these punishments.  

Susan reached down and flipped Melissa’s school uniform skirt up onto her back and was greeted by a snug pair of white Victoria Secret silky panties.  Susan smiled to herself.

She declared, “Five strokes for Makeup and Five Strokes for Jewelry.  Don’t you think five strokes for each uniform violation is fair Melissa?”

Melissa didn’t know how to answer, but figured she had to agree, “Yes that sounds fair.”

Susan instructed Melissa, “So after each stroke you will say the number of the stroke and then say you are sorry.  No other words and if you lose count we will start over.  Do you understand?  I am going to give you five strokes for each clearly obvious uniform violation.”

Melissa mumbled, “Yes mam.”

Susan added, “I discipline the children under my charge so they will grow up to be better adults.  You want to be a good girl don’t you Melissa?”

Melissa said, “Yes, I want to be a good girl.”

Susan Adams reinforced her message, “Good Girls follow the rules and do what they are told. When I am done, I want you to tell me that you are a good girl and that you will follow all the rules.”

Melissa was ready to cry anticipating the degradation she was expecting.  “I want to be a good girl.” 

Susan Adams swung the paddle and struck Melissa on her thin white panties.

Melissa yelped and said, “One, I’m sorry”

Susan Adams had years of experience at paddling and she knew how to spread the strike points around.  She knew how to build up to the hardest strikes to ensure a reddened bottom that would be painful to sit on for the rest of the day. 

Melissa held back crying until the sixth spank. She still croaked out, “Six, I’m so sorry.”

By the ninth spank Melissa was crying continually, but she still got out, “Nine, I’m Sorry.”

After the tenth spank, Melissa said, “Ten, I am Sorry.”

Susan knew it was a heartfelt apology.  But Melissa relaxed.

When the eleventh stroke hit her bottom, Melissa’s personality reared its ugly head as she yelled, “What the hell?  We were done.  You said ten strokes.”

Susan smiled and so did her secretary.

Susan said, “Oh dear, you seem to have lost count.  Now we will have to start all over again.  If you focus on the punishment and really being sorry, this will all be over sooner.  I told you five strokes for every uniform violation.  And you agreed.  But, when I went to apply your punishment, I found another uniform violation.  Your underwear is against the rules.  I wonder if I have found any more.  We’ll just have to wait and see.  Now let’s start over. 

Susan laid into Melissa with a hard swat. 

Melissa was bawling as she yelled, “One, I am so sorry.”

With each stroke, Melissa was having trouble breathing or speaking.  But she got the count right.  And when Susan delivered the 15^th stroke, Melissa did not relax.  She was ready for more.  Susan applied one additional to ensure Melissa’s mind was focused on being a good girl and being sorry for breaking the rules. 

Melissa simply stated, “Sixteen, I am so sorry.”

When Susan declared, “I think that covers the required discipline for this session.”  She asked, “What do you have to tell me young lady?”

Melissa declared, “Miss Adams, I want to be a good girl and I will follow all the rules.  Please forgive me.”

Susan decided that she believed Melissa.

She asked her secretary to look after Melissa and send her on her way. 

The secretary helped Melissa wash her face and she gently rubbed some cream into Melissa’s sore rear end.  Soon thereafter the well spanked little girl moped out of the school to go to work. 

Melissa stood in the restroom at work for several minutes before changing into her skirt suit.  The pressure on her rear end was a reminder of her humiliation.  She had to remove and reapply her makeup.  Her rear end was still on fire when she exited the restroom.  When she tried to sit at her desk, she bolted upright.  She knew it would be at least an hour before she would be able to sit down. 

That afternoon, Brittany took Melissa out to a showing.  When Brittany helped Melissa into her car seat, Melissa winced.  Brittany asked what was wrong.  Melissa said it was nothing.  Brittany knew it was something, but she just assumed Melissa did not want to tell her and moved on.  Melissa had the same reaction on the return trip to the office.  Melissa asked Brittany to stop at a store so she could pick up a few things on the way back.  Melissa entered the store and went to the girls section.  She found the white cotton full cut panties the school dress code required and she picked up a few of the camisoles while she was there.  She grabbed a tube of ointment for her rear end and checked out.  Brittany helped her back into the car seat and they returned to the office. 

Mrs. Dolan was surprised when Melissa exited the washroom.  It looked like Melissa had removed her lipstick and her necklace.  Mrs. Dolan realized that another thing she had missed was that Melissa was carrying all of her things in a school book bag instead of her brief case.  She looked like any other school girl in town.  It was kind of funny.

Melissa walked gingerly back to the school.  Susan Adams watched through her window.  Melissa had removed all of her jewelry and from a distance it looked like she did not have her makeup on.  

Susan resolved to have a dress code check the next day just to ensure her new good girl was actually following the rules.

Melissa climbed into the bus and sat slowly on one of the benches.  Her bottom still hurt but she did not want anyone to know. 

Teresa and Jennifer noticed that the new girl did not have on her jewelry from this morning and it did not look like she had lipstick on either.  They both smiled and giggled at their private joke.