Free Ride

Chapter 1

The lush green lawns of the Neven academy were crawling with students and their parents. I looked down on them from my new dorm room window, allowing my eyes to sweep across the scene. Not only the people, but the academy itself. It was a remote campus, an island in a sea of wheat fields in western Nebraska, and an hour drive to the nearest one bar town. The campus itself was lovely, filled with buildings designed back when architecture was a symbol of grace and grandeur. To look at it was to be amazed, especially compared to the cookie cutter, concrete covered world that has taken over everywhere else.

I had fallen in love with the campus on my first visit, and from then on I knew I wanted to come here. The school was a wonder academically as well, with surprising quality in its math and science departments for such an out of the way school. When I received the letter telling me that I had received a full ride scholarship here, I literally fainted. I could scarcely believe it was true, but now I'm here, ready to begin this great adventure.

My mother put her hand on my shoulder as I looked out the window.

"Are you still sure you want to do this, honey?" She asked.

I turned to her, giving my best reassuring smile. "It'll be okay, Mom. I know this will be hard on you and Dad, but I think I can do really great here. It's only two years, then I'll be able to come visit."

The only real problem I had in deciding to go to Neven was their strange policy on leaving the campus. For the first two years of school, underclassmen can't leave the campus. They explained it as a way of reinforcing the learning environment, as class went on continuously. Certainly there would be slow periods, but all students would be expected to keep working all year long. I found the thought of being able to devote myself to my studies very appealing, but still, I knew it would be hard on my parents. The full ride scholarship helped me to convince them, but I knew they would have preferred I go to a local state university instead.

"I know, we're going to miss you, that's all, Ana." Mom reached over and gave me a hug, which I returned happily. I was going to miss them too.

We spent another quiet moment, looking out over the bustling campus before my dad stumbled in with the last of my moving boxes.

"Just like you girls to let me do all the work." Dad laughed as he set down the box.

"Well, you aren't going to have to look after me anymore, Daddy." I smiled as I ran over and gave him a hearty hug.

Dad wrapped his arms around me tightly and held me for a bit. "I'll always look after you, kitten, that's what I'm here for."

We exchanged a few more cautious comments, none of us quite sure what to say. Of course we didn't need to say anything. I knew they wanted me to be happy, and even recognized the opportunity that Neven represented. The separation would be hard, but they couldn't stand in the way of my future. Everything else was just trying to find ways to express these feelings without saying them out loud.

Finally, it was time to go. They would have a long drive back home, and I had my own life to begin as well. We walked down to the car, and held out for the final goodbye.

"Take care, Ana. Keep in touch." Mom smiled as she hugged me, her lip twitching as she fought back her tears.

I couldn't hold back mine, and my eyes began to overflow as we held each other.

Dad was next, and he simply held me without a word. I hugged him back as strong as I could, not wanting to let go of this moment. It would be the last time I would be in his arms for several years.

Then it was over, time for them to leave, and for me to get back to my room and unpack.

I'd barely walked back into my room, when a little wisp of a girl came barreling in with a duffel bag over her shoulder and three boxes in her arms. I grabbed the top two boxes before they tumbled over and set them down for her.

"Thanks, I don't know how I made it this far. I'm Kylie." She smiled as she set down her last box and tossed the duffel off her shoulder. Kylie was slightly shorter than I was with long brown hair running down to the small of her back. She had kind of an elf like face, which seemed appropriate for her slight figure.

"I'm Ana, I guess we're going to be roommates." I offered my hand and we shook.

"Unless this isn't room 329." Kylie laughed, quickly checking the number on the door.

"Nope, this is the right room. It's got a nice view too." I pointed out to the window.

Kylie bounced over to the window and looked out, survey the scene as I had only minutes before. "Ooh, girl, there's some cute guys out there."

I pulled myself up to the window and followed Kylie's gaze. She wasn't kidding either. That was something I hadn't really thought much about. All the way through high school, I'd kept pretty much to my little circle of friends, too busy with classwork to let myself be distracted by boys much. I didn't want to be another girl who lets relationships take over her life. It certainly didn't help my popularity, but then I never had really fit in. I hadn't worried about it then, securing my future was more important, and I had done a good job of that so far.

"Don't tell me you were a bookworm in high school. No time for boys and all that nonsense." Kylie smiled as I sheepishly looked out the window.

I just kind of nodded my head. I could feel my face redden in embarrassment.

"That's okay, but now you can let loose. Besides, with three girls to every guy here, you're going to have to be quick if you want a shot at any of them." Kylie laughed.

That was something I hadn't thought about before. I had considered the ratio beneficial before, less boys meant less chance for distraction by them. Now I began to see the down side, if I waited too long to fire up a social life I wasn't going to find many unattached guys to hang out with.

"It's not like I really need a boyfriend right now anyway." I scoffed, trying to remain aloof about such things.

"Well, you might not have to go hunting, with a body like yours, you might just get a few solicitations." Kylie smiled. "I suppose we should start setting up this place before we get too involved in extracurricular activities. Which side do you want?"

"This one's fine, if you don't mind." I answered, pointing to where my stuff was already sitting. There wasn't much difference anyway, the room was basically a box with two beds, two desks and a closet on each side. Not a lot to choose from. Kylie simply shrugged in response and began to crack into her boxes.

As we set up the room, I thought about what Kylie had said about my looks. I'd never really considered myself anything special, but I guess I wasn't ugly or anything. I kept my light brown hair shoulder length and simple. I didn't work out much, but I wasn't in bad shape, though certainly not a stick figure like the fashion world loves. Sometimes I thought of myself as a bit chubby, but I knew better. Maybe I had some potential after all. It was something I would think about, and I was certain that Kylie wouldn't let me forget either.

Chapter 2

Since the school was so isolated, and self contained, the administration could keep a tight lid on things on campus. The first weekend was routine, setting up our rooms and meeting our floor mates. Each dorm floor was set up as a community, you were supposed to be able to lean on each other for support and hang out together. So the first weekend was filled with getting aquatinted types of activities.

As was normal, I didn't feel like I really fit in with the group. Most of the girls were the same type of vacuous socialites that had populated my high school, and I didn't care for them at our first meeting. There weren't any really objectionable personalities, at least, and I figured we'd probably grow on each other a bit since we were living in such close quarters.

It was really cramped. The rooms were small so there wasn't much space to do much more than sleep and study. There was a nice living room in the center of the floor filled with couches, tables and everything else needed for lazing around, including a TV and stereo. Most of the first weekend activities were spent either in this den or out on the campus.

The really strange thing about the floor was the bathroom arrangements. I knew this was going to take some getting used to. Neither the showers or the toilets were private, they didn't have walls or anything. I didn't really like the notion of using either so publicly, but there wasn't much of a choice, especially for the showers. I noticed a few other girls look kind of squeamish when they looked in as well. At least I wasn't going to be alone on that.

I didn't even see any guys until the first day of class, the first Monday I was at school. True to the statistics, they were badly outnumbered in every class I had. Still, I didn't let it worry me, instead I just focused on the first day of classes and looked forward to a busy course load. I was taking an engineering prep load for the first year. I would decide my specific field after that, so I wanted to get as much of an understanding of the fields as possible now, while I could.

After my last class I went over to the auditorium for the first day welcoming ceremony for first year students. The auditorium was packed so I ended up taking a seat near the back. I was still close enough to make out a figure stepping into the center of the stage and behind a podium.

"Greetings to the freshmen class of Neven Academy. I am President Raymond Portter, the man in charge of this Academy. I'm happy to see so many cheerful faces today, on this first day of school. We at the Neven Academy want to welcome you to a new world, a place where your academic potential will be harnessed. As some of you may be aware, all students here were selected for their outstanding backgrounds, and with the generous support of the academy's patrons, all of you are receiving a free education. In exchange for that, you will all have to make some sacrifices of your own to help us mold you to meet your highest potential. I realize that all of this institution's traditions will be new to you, and I only hope that you will embrace them, and let us become a community strong enough to help everyone succeed. With that, here is a video presentation to explain many of the more routine facts of life here at Neven." Portter finished. With that, he stepped off the stage as a screen dropped down over the stage.

I waited patiently for the film to start. It didn't take long and soon I was being bombarded with the trivialities of life at Neven Academy. The film covered such things as dining etiquette and usage of the campus ground. All in all the school was fairly tame. The main message emphasis was that students shouldn't go wild. It certainly wasn't an exciting movie, and it didn't take long before I felt my eyelids drooping.

The sounds of people moving snapped me out of my little nap. I looked up to see the auditoriums clearing out. I followed the rest of my groggy peers out of the hall and into the welcoming sunlight. The fact that it was nearly dusk surprised me, and I quickly noticed that I'd lost three hours to that stupid film. Worst of all, I'd slept through most of it, so I wondered if there was anything important that I missed. I just hoped that Kylie had seen it all.

Kylie had started to grow on me too. She was a bit high strung and certainly a socialite, but she also seemed to understand me. She didn't bug me about my lack of initiative over boys, but she did make me promise not to turn down any dates out of hand. Of course I made her promise to double with me too, so it was only fair.

I was almost halfway back to the dorms when Kylie caught me. "Hi, Ana, did you just love that movie or what? I haven't had a nap like that in the afternoon since kindergarten."

"Yeah, it was pretty dull. I wonder what they were thinking when they came up with it." I laughed.

"So, how much homework on your first day?" Kylie asked, pulling her own book bag up to emphasize that she had been hit with a load of material.

"Oh, just a couple chapters to read for next week and some basic problems. Nothing that should keep me too busy, unless they load more onto me tomorrow." I answered.

"Good, then you can come to the movie on Friday. They have a movie every Friday at the auditorium, they've got some really cool ones too. I also got a couple of cute guys to meet us down in the dining hall before we head over. A little dinner and a movie." Kylie giggled.

I thought about turning her down flat, but then I remembered my promise. The wicked grin she flashed told me that Kylie hadn't forgotten either.

"Okay, just promise to consult me next time, ok?" I sighed. This wasn't exactly my first choice for ending the week, but it could be worse. At the very least I'd get to see a good movie.

"Not quite the enthusiasm I was looking for but it'll do. Don't worry, it'll be fun, you'll see. Besides, they're both really cute, I'm sure you'll like them." Kylie replied.

I just shook my head. I was beginning to see that I would have to be really firm with Kylie if I ever didn't want to do something, and it wouldn't be easy. Still, my curiosity was piqued and there couldn't be any real harm in going off for a simple date like this.

Chapter 3

"Oh, you're just impossible, Ana! I can't believe you did that in front of the whole theater!" Kylie boomed as we walked back to our dorm. For a little girl she sure could carry her voice when she wanted to.

"But he was putting his hand, you know." I blushed just thinking about it. My date had decided to try copping a feel after he put his arm around me. I was paying attention to the movie as he slipped his hand under my arm. Before I knew it, he was wrapping his fingers around my right breast. I jumped out of my seat and screamed in shock before I'd even thought about it. Of course, everyone around me pretty much saw what was going on and broke out laughing. My date stormed out, and Kylie quickly escorted me out as well after apologizing to her date.

"I wish I'd known you were so jumping. You really haven't been out on a date before have you?" Kylie asked.

"No, not really. You didn't help any either, leading those guys on like that." I replied. Kylie had spent pretty much the whole meal pouring over her date, and tickling my ribs to get me to engage as well. Even I could tell where Kylie was going with her flirting, and I was pretty sure now that my date had expected the same kind of treatment.

"He was cute, and now you've forced me to write him off, along with his sidekick. Too bad, really, we could have had a lot of fun together." Kylie huffed. "So is this the way you want your life to go, Ana?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, if you don't want to play with boys, there are other options. Otherwise, we're going to have to find a way to take the edge off the deer in the headlights look you've got going." Kylie smiled.

"What do you have in mind?" I asked, not so sure I wanted to know.

"I'll have to think about it, but you should too. You aren't a caged animal, Ana, and you're going to have to control those impulses if you want to date. Besides, boys can be a lot of fun if you give them a chance. They can be jerks too, but you can't win them all." She answered.

"I'll think about it." I said as we walked into our building. As we did, I noticed a soft music playing in the halls. It wasn't the first time I had noticed it, but now, with only the two of us, I could hear it better.

"I wonder what that's about?" I wondered aloud.

"I don't know, I'll ask our RA tomorrow. It's kind of nice though. I think I heard it last night when I was going to sleep, just like a lullaby." Kylie cooed.

I felt kind of peaceful too. It was definitely some kind of mood music, and not just some objectionable elevator music. With the academic load they put on the students, touches like this were perfect. It helped keep the stress of school in check, something that has always been beneficial.

With that we made our way to our room and went to bed. It had been a long week, capped with a terrible date. Now I had a couple days off and I was ready to make use of them and relax.

Chapter 4

Over the weekend, my thoughts returned to Friday's events repeatedly. I couldn't help but consider just what had happened. I didn't want to be some kind of prude, I just hadn't ever done anything like that before. When the final realization hit me, I was a bit stunned with myself. I was scared, I was in unfamiliar territory and I had been too comfortable in my old rut to care. Now, it was coming back to bite me. Kylie remained silent on her plans for me as well. I did try some gentle coaxing, but it was obvious that she hadn't figured anything out either.

I was paging through one of my math books on Sunday morning when Kylie bounced into the room. Her wicked grin told me that she had some kind of scheme for me. I had a bookmark in place before she could open her mouth.

"Come on, Ana, I've figured out something to help with your shyness problem." Kylie giggled as she grabbed my hand and pulled me from my desk.

I resisted a little, but not much. I really didn't want to fight her. In truth, I was just a little worried as to what she was planning. Still, I was willing to follow her for now, and see just where she was going to lead me. "Where are you taking me?"

"Down to the shop, I was doing a little browsing when I figured this out. Promise you're not going to chicken out on me!" Kylie insisted even as she pulled me by the hand down the hall.

I considered it for a moment. She couldn't have anything that terrible planned for me I reasoned. "Okay, I'll go along with this, just don't make me do anything I'll have to hate you for."

"Oh, Ana, if everything goes as planned you'll be thanking me when I'm done." Kylie said.

Kyle quickly led us to the campus shop. Since we were so far from civilization, the shop was more than just a convenience store. It was virtually a department store filled with anything a college student might need, and some things they probably shouldn't bother with. I hadn't taken more than a glance at it myself, not being much for shopping, another of my quirks.

Kylie dragged me through the store and into the clothing section. She finally stopped in a relatively closed off section in the back, complete with several three pane mirrors, and rows of swimsuits.

"Here we are. I was thinking for our first step, we can get you a little more comfortable with your looks. I'll bet you never went sunbathing in public before have you?" Kylie smiled.

"No, I've never went sunbathing." I answered. It just wasn't something that seemed like a good way to spend my time. There were so many other things to do, and I wasn't exactly a very appearance oriented person either.

"I thought as much. Their nothing better for your self esteem than showing off your body, especially when you've got one as nice as you, Ana."

My cheeks flushed at Kylie's comments. I still wasn't too keen on my looks, but I promised Kylie I'd go along with this and I would.

"Okay, then, pick out a few suits and try them on. We've got to get to the pool soon or everyone will have left for supper." Kylie prodded. She quickly helped me pick out a few selections.

For the next half hour, I tried on everything Kylie had picked out, even the thong bikini, though I couldn't bring myself to leave the dressing room like that. Aside from that selection, I came back out and checked myself out in the mirror and in front of Kylie. I found it kind of fun too, posing in the mirror, and seeing myself in outfits with varying coverage.

"So is this the one?" Kylie asked as I twisted in the mirror looking at myself. "It compliments you nicely, Ana, don't you agree?"