Page 16
You only live once
A fter the roaring success of opening night, the cast holds an after-party at a bar near the theater. Naturally, everyone wants to congratulate Gwen, and they end up crowding me out.
I don’t mind and move to the back to observe.
This is the moment Gwen has been fighting for ever since grade school. I fondly recall the day that perky little girl, my new best friend, shared her dream to be an actor.
And this…is only the beginning.
Watching the energetic chaos of the cast party as a casual observer allows me to soak in the incredible moment. To commemorate Gwen’s success, I take a bunch of candid shots, wanting to capture this moment for her.
Standing far back from the fray also allows me time to reflect on my own life. Gwen met her fears full-on tonight, proving to herself and the world that she is not only capable of taking the lead—but completely owning it.
Gwen’s investment in her dream created this moment.
Fishing my wallet from the clutch purse, I pull out Mr. Wallace’s business card and stare at it.
Awaken the power within…
Those four words resonate deep inside me, feeling like a challenge and a promise. I’m unsure if I have a submissive bone in my body, but I’m curious enough to want to find out.
A course that encourages self-discovery and exploration is exactly what I need right now!
Even though my work schedule is full, I’m willing to carve out time to invest in myself. It’s something I’ve avoided for far too long.
Walking outside the noisy bar, I take a deep breath of the frigid night air and take out my phone to call Mr. Wallace. It’s not until I hit the call button that my mind registers it’s already past eleven.
Before I can hang up, I hear him answer. “Miss Lane?”
Hearing concern in his voice, I blurt, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was so late.”
“That’s fine. I’m still at the office. Do you need assistance?”
“No, no…” I assure him. “I just had an epiphany tonight and felt the need to act.” I pause for a second, my heart races when I tell him, “I’d like to take the course.”
“Have you completed all of the forms, then?”
I chuckle uneasily, realizing my call is premature. “No, but I’ll make an appointment with my physician’s office and get the other forms to you tomorrow.”
“May I ask what spurred your decision tonight?”
The answer is easy, and I smile when I share it. “Seeing my friend Gwen push through her fears and realize her dream this evening has inspired me.”
“Very well. Since we’ve already spoken, I’ll exempt you from submitting the required video, which will save time with the application process. Once our team has a chance to evaluate the application, you can expect a timely response in the mail.”
Thrilled to hear it, I gush, “I can’t thank you enough, Mr. Wallace!”
“Fortunately, I happened to be working late tonight,” he chuckles before ending the call.
I schedule the doctor’s appointment through the online portal, then mutter to myself, “I guess I’m really doing this…”
I’m hit with a rush of excitement and return to the cast party, pulling Gwen aside. “I’ve decided to take the course!”
Her eyes light up. “You have?”
“Yep! I just called Mr. Wallace to let him know.”
Gwen squeezes me tight and asks, “When do you start?”
I laugh nervously. “Two weeks from now, if I get accepted.”
She raises her eyebrows. “Whoa, that’s coming up fast.”
“You know what they say…go big or go home.”
“That’s how we do it!” Gwen shouts, high-fiving me.
I notice the theater group keeps glancing at Gwen, waiting impatiently for her to return to the bar. Bumping shoulders with my bestie, I announce, “I have to head out so I can complete the forms.”
“So soon?” she pouts.
“The future waits for no one, G.” Glancing at the large flower basket, I ask, “Would you like me to take that back to my place so you don’t have to worry about lugging it around tonight?”
“Hell no!” she states possessively. “That beauty stays here with me.”
I’m secretly elated to know she loves my gift that much. Before I leave, I lean in and tell her, “Enjoy all the accolades and attention tonight. You’ve worked long and hard for it.”
Inspired by the evening’s events, I return home and spend the next three hours filling out every form. Coming across the long list of BDSM tools and practices, I read through them again. Excited that there are things on the list that I might get to try in real life, I decide to add a couple more to the “Want to Try” category before I send off my forms.
Three days after uploading the completed medical form, I return to my apartment to find a key in my small mailbox. I unlock the parcel locker to find a sizeable box waiting for me from the “STC of New York.”
I had expected to receive a letter, not a box, which can only mean I’ve been accepted into the program!
Dying to find out what’s inside, I lug the box up to my apartment. Grabbing a table knife from the utensil drawer, I open it to find an official invitation sitting on top. I stare at the gold envelope with my name handwritten in bold letters.
I pull out the fancy invitation and let out a delighted gasp. The front has two golden gates that open vertically down the center, reminding me of the double doors to the private suite at the hotel.
I open them and read:
Miss Lane,
Congratulations! You have been chosen to attend the prestigious Submissive Training Center of New York. The opportunities our world-renowned staff provides are second to none.
Class begins in one week and will start promptly at 8:00 PM. A school uniform has been provided for you.
Based on your entry submission, we believe you will excel in our program. Expect to be challenged, but know that our experienced staff is committed to your success and well-being.
We look forward to advancing your knowledge in the weeks to come under our expert training and guidance.
Sincerely,
T. Wallace, Headmaster
The signature is handwritten in dark ink. Holding the physical invitation makes it feel official!
Tucked inside the box, I spy another envelope. When I pull the letter out, a keycard falls out. Picking it up from the floor, I stare at the logo in confusion because the keycard is for the Luxe Escape.
Is the Training Center located inside the hotel???
My hunch is confirmed when I quickly read through the letter. Included are directions to the hotel and a set of detailed instructions for new students.
If you are driving, pull up to the valet station and inform the staff you are a guest of Mr. Wallace.
All students must report to the front desk. Let them know you are part of the Freshman Class. On the first night, you will be required to present your driver’s license to verify your identity.
Once you have been verified, you will be given the room number for your first class of the evening.
*Note that the keycard assigned to you allows you limited access to the hotel. You are required to keep it with you at all times.
Curious about the uniform I’ll be wearing, I take out the bundle wrapped in tissue and gleefully rip into it. Now I understand why they asked for my exact measurements…
Instead of a formal uniform worn at private schools, like I was expecting, I hold up a black miniskirt and a dark purple corset. Setting them on the couch, I blush when I pick up a black thong and a pair of sheer black, high-waisted tights with a peek-a-boo opening in the crotch.
I’ve never worn anything this scandalous in my life!
Laying out all the pieces of the sultry uniform, I feel it is better suited for someone like Gwen—not me.
At the bottom of the box is a set of black heels and a heather gray princess coat with black buttons up the front. To complete the ensemble, the school has provided an expensive makeup kit with instructions to emphasize my lips and eyes.
Although I was warned this course was going to challenge me, I never imagined I would be challenged in the wardrobe department.
Unsure how this “boudoir” uniform will look on me, I’m pleasantly surprised that the short flouncy skirt is flattering. I put on the peek-a-boo tights next, along with the thong, before tying up the corset.
Thankfully, it has laces up front so I can easily tighten them. When I do, I’m uncomfortable with how much the corset emphasizes my ample cleavage.
Knowing that the right kind of shoes can make a difference, I slide into the black heels. Attempting to walk like a lady in the heels, I head to my bedroom to look at myself in the mirror.
The flirtatious skirt is much shorter than anything I’ve ever worn, but paired with the high heels and sheer tights, it makes my legs look shapely and alluring. The satin corset has a feminine styling that emphasizes my curves.
I have an even greater appreciation for the power clothing can have on how you feel. When I wore the elegant gown, I felt beautiful and glamorous. But my school “uniform” makes me feel desirable on an entirely different level.
I snort, realizing that if I were to walk into the Luxe Escape dressed like this, I would invite a lot of unwanted attention from strangers. Heading back to get the coat, I button it up and return to the mirror.
I’m pleased by the transformation. The cut of the princess coat causes it to flare out at the waist and end just above my ankles, so all you see is the stylish coat, a hint of my sheer tights, and the high heels. I look completely classy.
No one would suspect the level of sexiness hidden underneath.
I take off the coat and lay it gently on my bed. Twirling in front of the mirror to admire the uniform, I stop mid-twirl and frown.
I’ve honestly never thought of myself as “sexy”. I’ve always been dependable, hard-working, and smart.
Staring at my reflection, I realize I’m about to explore this unknown side of me. Although I feel some trepidation about exploring BDSM, I’m excited for the first day of class to begin!