It was the biggest mistake of my life and I had done it for just two scant weeks before I realized how big a mistake it was.

My father noticed during that two weeks of bad judgement and said 'Don't you dare leave this house dressed like that, like a tramp" and he threatened to ground me and told my mother to talk to me, talk some sense into my head."

She told me weakly to "listen to my father" and not make trouble and bring shame to the family."

I was sure that the school vice-principal had called and talked to her because the very next day, me in my huge over-sized sweat shirt was called to the vice-principal's office and informed of my need to do so by my teacher who announced it like a death sentence in front of the entire class and each and every one in that class guessed or was told why I was in trouble. That was the first whisper I heard of the "S" word.
 

I walked the corridor, escorted by a hall monitor, knowing what it was all about, but angry, feeling picked upon, feeling blameless but also feeling partially to blame but not deserving to this kind of humiliation.

Mr. Hamilton the vice-principal was blunt, "Emily, we expect our students to behave with certain standards, certain standard of decency and I have reports that you have violated that code in terms of how you come to school and how you dress, a revealing dress I mean."

I stared dumbly at him, knowing what he was referring to but dumbfounded that I was to be executed for it.

Other senior girls wore tight clothing. Why was I being singled out?

So I said so. "You mean my tops?

He said "Yes I mean your uh, tops. Are your parents aware of how you come to school or you change clothes after you leave home?"

He struck at my heart, because that is exactly what l had done.

"I see I have struck a nerve" he said staring at my reddened face and said "Look here Emily what do you think ought to be your punishment here in this situation? What do you think is fair.

I didn't answer.

I had fainted.

(Completed story is to be included in upcoming collection of short stories and novellas)