Message-ID: <53952asstr$1148933402@assm.asstr.org>
From: Shalon Wood <dstar@pele.cx>
Subject: {ASSM} Prudence, TX Population 1276 44 (Mff ff Mm rom)
Lines: 346
Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 16:10:02 -0400
Path: assm.asstr.org!not-for-mail
Approved: <assm@asstr.org>
Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.sex.stories
Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d

************************************************************************
************************************************************************

   SPECIAL NOTE FOR READERS OF _Jason and Kylie, Naked In School_:

   You may or may not be aware, but Shalon broke his arm in two places
three weeks ago; Jason and Kylie is temporarily on hold (he had a nice
cushion built up on Pandora's Box, which is why he switched to that). 
Please see http://playground.pele.cx for details, including news on when
Jason and Kylie will return.

   If you have any questions, please email us, or visit our forums at
http://playground.pele.cx/forums and ask. 
************************************************************************
************************************************************************

   Standard disclaimers apply; this story may or may not contain, in any
given part, graphic depictions of lesbianism, homosexuality, group sex,
bdsm, underage (teen) sex, magic, occultism, violence, and biting sarcasm.
If you're underage, or if for any other reason it's illegal for you to read
this, or you're disturbed by the content, please don't read it.

   Archived at http://prudence.pele.cx, and we've got a web-forum at
http://playground.pele.cx/forums as well, for discussion of both Prudence
and our other stories.  Send an email to velvet@pele.cx and I'll add you to
the mailing list to be notified when Prudence updates.

   Comments *greatly* appreciated.

   Enjoy,

   Velvet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Their weekend was spent quite pleasantly.  A nice hotel suite in Dallas,
complete with a jacuzzi by the bed, made a comfortable home base, and a
dance club that allowed all ages wasn't too hard to find, either.  They
spent quite a bit of time in bookstores, too, buying books on paganism and
witchcraft.  After picking up those books, though, he called Steven to
suggest a installing a decent safe in the basement.

   Kristen's fitting for her new wardrobe went smoothly, as did Kayla's
measuring, despite her protests.  Aaron obeyed meekly when Mark told him he
was to be fitted for a suit, and Johann eyed him slightly lasciviously. 
"Ja, we can do that just fine," the old man said.  "Wish I were younger,
though.  Come along young man." He stopped and grinned at Mark.  "You, as
well.  Mr.  Davis said."

   Mark sighed.  "I should have expected it, I suppose."

   "Ja, you should have."

   Sunday night they returned to a house that was, as promised, completely
unlivable.  Floors were torn up, walls had holes in them, machinery and
supplies were everywhere.

   Kristen frowned, looking at the devastation.  "I hope we're not hurting
the ghost with all of this."

   Mark winced with the sudden pang of guilt.  "Oh...  I didn't think of
that.  On the other hand...  maybe it will set her free?"

   "I...  don't know," she said.  "But I guess if the renovations ten years
ago didn't hurt her, this probably won't, either."

   They gathered what they needed as quickly as possible and headed for
Steven's house to spend the night.

   Monday morning was surprisingly calm, though there was a bit of gossip
going around the school about the emergency meeting of the School Board
that had been called for that night.  Mark wasn't surprised to receive the
note that the principal wanted to see him.

   "I'm meeting with the School Board tonight," Ward said without preamble.
"If you want there to be a chance of this working, you'll need to be there.
She and her father should be on-hand, as well."

   Mark nodded.  "What else do I need to know?"

   "We need to decide on a tact to take.  Was it love at first sight, did
she seduce you and then honor and guilt forced you to make an honest woman
of her, did her father arrange your meeting and encourage the relationship
in hopes of marrying off his difficult offspring, or what?"

   Thoughtfully, Mark stared at the desk for a moment.  "Which one do you
think will go over best with them?  The truth is love at first sight, but I
don't know if they'll buy it."

   Ward shook his head.  "I honestly don't know.  Love at first sight is
hard to believe, but might appeal to some of the more romantically inclined
on the board.  A combination of that, which _caused_ you to stray from the
moral path and thus feel honor-bound to propose marriage, might be the best
strategy." He shrugged.  "On the other hand, it might be best to avoid any
hint that you were sexually active with her before marriage, even though no
one will believe it."

   Mark chose to ignore the slight sneer to the man's voice....  for now,
anyway.  "How about love at first sight, but me not doing anything about
it, and her father noticing and encouraging the relationship to get her
safely married?"

   "Within a month?" Ward asked.  "Endangering your career?  They'd want to
know why you didn't simply avoid her."

   "Hmm...  What do you suggest then?"

   "I _suggest_ that it has to be your choice," Ward said.  "Which part can
you most convincingly play?"

   "Most convincing would be the truth -- love at first sight."

   "Then we'll play it that way.  You saw her, you loved her, she felt the
same." Rolled eyes showed what Ward thought of the likelihood of that. 
"You tried to fight it, but you couldn't help yourself when you saw how
miserable your rejection of her was making her.  Her father would do
anything to make his daughter happy, and was delighted to give his blessing
to the marriage.  You never even _considered_ not marrying her...  you're
just that kind of guy."

   "I shouldn't have any problem with that," Mark said coolly, "considering
that it is, in all respects, the truth."

   "Right," Ward said with a skeptical look.  "Whatever you say.  Make sure
her and her father will back up your little story, and just be here
tonight."

   Mark reminded himself that they needed the man for this, and just
nodded. "I shall."

   ***

   The meeting started at 7:30, but they were asked to wait in the library
for the first thirty minutes or so, while Ward explained the situation to
the Board.  The wait did nothing to soothe Kristen, who was a mass of
nerves from the beginning.  When they came to get him, asking Kristen and
Steven to wait further, she released him reluctantly, trembling and looking
up at him with pleading eyes.

   He smoothed her hair.  "It'll be okay, love," he whispered.  "No matter
what.  I promise." She tried to smile, but he could feel her unhappy eyes
on his back as he followed Ward out the door.

   Upon entering the cafeteria, where the meeting was being held, he was
greeted by a tall, thin, balding older man standing behind the podium. 
"Mr. Hasseran, I don't believe we've met.  I'm Reverend Marshall.  I'm
chairing this meeting." He went on to introduce the other members of the
School Board.

   Mark nodded pleasantly.  "It's good to meet you."

   Marshall folded his long, thin hands in front of his chest, in what
seemed to be an unconscious gesture of prayer.  "I wish it could have been
under other circumstances.  You do realize, I'm sure, why you're here
tonight?"

   "Yes, I do."

   "And you realize that under most circumstances, such a thing would be
cause for _immediate_ termination of your employment?  A blatant contract
violation, especially one so morally questionable as this, usually requires
no hearing."

   "I do understand it's unusual," Mark said.  "But...  Can you really
choose who you fall in love with?" He shrugged.  "I couldn't.  I tried."

   The look Marshall gave him was full of disapproval.  "No.  Perhaps you
can't.  But you can choose how you act upon your feelings.  When one has
inappropriate feelings towards a child...  one of his _own students_, he
should seek out help."

   Before Mark could answer, a grey-haired woman in the front row
interjected, "With all due respect, Reverend, a girl of Miss Davis'...  I
mean _Mrs._ Hasseran's...  um...  sophistication, should perhaps not be
considered a child."

   "In the eyes of the law, Emily, a child she is," he replied.

   "In the eyes of the law, _Jacob_, their marriage is perfectly legal,"
she retorted, and they glared at each other for a tense moment.

   Mark decided the wisest choice was to stay out of it, so instead took
the opportunity to study the other members while their attention was
focused on the pair.  They seemed to be pretty evenly divided in their
support, though, with as many nods of approval as frowns and head-shakes.

   Finally, Marshall turned back to Mark.  "Perhaps you would like to give
us your side of this sordid little story, Mr.  Hasseran?" he asked, his
voice dripping with disapproval.

   "Certainly," he said, with a polite smile.  "It may sound...  well,
corny...  but it truly was love at first sight, Reverend.  For both of us.
I tried to deny it, but all that did was make Kristen miserable.  Her
father is more than just a little observant, and figured out why she was
upset.  When he told me that not only would he not object to our marriage,
but that he actively approved of the idea and was willing to help us with
the legalities..." He shrugged, spreading his hands with a smile.

   Marshall raised an eyebrow.  "The father of the girl _gave_ her to you?
Just because she thought she loved you?"

   "Reverend, are you denying that she knew her own mind?" Mark asked.

   "A child must be gently guided to adulthood, Mr.  Hasseran.  Kristen was
a particularly lost little lamb, lacking a mother, with a father who was
constantly away on 'business', and not even the comfort and counsel of the
church.  I can't imagine a heart _more_ vulnerable to the silken promises
of an older, wiser man."

   Mark frowned, his eyes narrowing.  "I'm not sure I like the implication
in that, Reverend."

   The older woman, Emily Rogers, spoke up.  "Neither do I.  We're not here
to slander the young man, Reverend.  We're just here to see if
circumstances warrant a waiver of our policy.  Frankly, according to the
other teachers, _and_ my daughter, he's the best science teacher Prudence
has ever had.  I have no idea how we enticed him out here in the first
place.  If he really loves the girl, then he did the right thing by
marrying her.  I don't see why he should be punished for it.  Yes, he
should have waited." She smiled, the light of fond memories in her eyes. 
"But sometimes, love just can't wait.  He sought out the blessing of her
father and the law, which is more than many men would do."

   Marshall frowned irritably.  "I can see we are divided on this issue,"
he said.  "Mr.  Hasseran, tell me...  did you _expect_ to keep your job
after this rash act?"

   "To be blunt, Reverend?" He regarded the man calmly.  "It wasn't a major
concern.  I enjoy teaching; that's why I do it.  I was privileged to have
several very good teachers when I was in school, and I want to be able to
provide the same inspiration to my students.  But if I had to choose
between Kristen and teaching..." He shook his head.  "Frankly, it wouldn't
even be a choice.  She means more to me than any job, no matter how
satisfying."

   "There," Emily said.  "I think that is quite strong evidence that his
feelings for the young _woman_ are quite genuine, Reverend."

   "Very well," Marshall said, his face twisted as if he'd bitten into
something nasty.  "Before we vote on the issue, we should hear from her and
her father.  Please retrieve your...  wife...  and her father, Mr. 
Hasseran."

   Mark caught the hesitation, and his hands tried to clench, but he forced
them to relax and just nodded with apparent amiability before heading for
the door.

   Kristen jumped up as he entered, whirling to face him.  "Mark?  How's it
going?" She sounded scared.

   "Not that badly, love.  Just try not to get rattled."

   She nodded nervously, and Steven squeezed her shoulder.  "C'mon, honey.
It'll be fine," he said.

   Mark took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and let them back to
the cafeteria.  She flinched visibly under the glare the Reverend leveled
at her as they entered.

   "Miss Davis, do you know why you're here?"

   Her jaw tightened.  "It's Mrs.  Hasseran," she said stiffly.  "And yes,
I do."

   "Kristen, dear, you're not on trial," said Emily, more kindly.  "No
matter how melodramatic certain parties seem inclined to be.  We just want
to ask you a couple of questions."

   She nodded.  "Of course, Mrs.  Rogers.  I'm happy to help."

   "How did it come about that you found yourself married to your science
teacher, Kristen?" Marshall demanded.

   "I love him, Reverend.  I don't care who or what he is."

   "Don't you think you're a bit young for that sort of commitment?"

   She raised an eyebrow.  "Why, Reverend, what on earth do you mean? 
Biblically speaking, I'm practically an old maid.  I should have two kids
by now!"

   He flushed angrily as a few people laughed, and Kristen turned away from
him.  "Mrs, Rogers, it wasn't on purpose, and Mark tried hard for it not to
happen.  We both did.  He was terrified of taking advantage of me, and I
was scared to death I was going to ruin his life.  He..." She blushed,
looking down at the floor.  "He first offered to marry me when he thought I
was pregnant.  By someone else.  He didn't want me to have to have a baby
on my own, without a husband."

   Several Board members gasped, and Mark was surprised himself.  He hadn't
expected her to mention that.  That hadn't been part of the plan.  But
apparently, she didn't care...  if it made him look more noble, it didn't
matter to her that it made her look worse.

   "So you _TRAPPED_ him into marrying you when you're carrying some other
man's bastard?" Marshall roared, jarring Mark out of his shocked stupor.

   "Reverend, I'll thank you to be civil to my wife," he snapped.  "And for
the record, she refused me."

   Kristen was trembling, barely perceptibly but Mark could feel it.  "I
did refuse him.  I wouldn't do that to him.  Not when there wasn't even a
chance of it being his.  It was only later, well after we found out that I
was _not_ pregnant that I couldn't stand not being with him anymore." She
glared.  "He did _not_ take advantage of me.  Not ever.  If anything, it
was the other way around.  I wouldn't leave him alone.  I just _couldn't_.
No one else in the world is like him, no one ever cared fro me like he
does."

   The preacher sniffed skeptically.  "Mr.  Davis?  Do you have anything to
add to these proceedings?"

   "I do," Steven said, firmly, stepping forward.  "Since the start of the
school year, I've watched my daughter change from an unhappy, insecure
little girl into a happy, self-assured, young woman.  She's taken firm
control of her own life, and learned how to determine her own heart.  I've
never seen her happier.  I owe this change to Mark, entirely, because I
never knew how to bring it about myself.  Of course I let her marry him. 
He's the best thing that ever happened to her.  She would have been
miserable if I'd made her spend the next four years without him.  Not being
with him was breaking her heart.  He's not the kind of man who could let
that happen to the woman he loved, no matter what the stake." He smiled. 
"I am extremely happy and proud to have him as a part of my family."

   Marshall banged his little hammer once Steven was done, the sharp crack
echoing loudly in the quiet room.  "Very well.  Having heard all parties
involved, as well as the principal's testimony on Mr.  Hasseran's behalf,
we will now vote on this issue.  Please indicate your vote by placing
either an X if you feel Hasseran's employment should be terminated, or an O
if you feel we should retain him to teach our children despite the example
he sets.  Place your votes in the bin, and Ms.  Shawning will tally them.
We'll reconvene in fifteen minutes." He banged the hammer again, glaring at
the three of the before marking his paper with exaggerated motion and
tossing it in the bin, then stood and stalked out of the room.

  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

   If you like this, you might want to take a look at Strange Love, an
e-zine of sf/fantasy/paranormal erotica.  The first issue is on sale now
for $2 at:
http://strangelove.pele.cx
   Take a look!  

------- ASSM Moderation System Notice--------
This post has been reformatted by the ASSM
Moderation Team due to inadequate formatting.

-- 
Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights
reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| alt.sex.stories.moderated ------ send stories to: <story-submit@asstr.org>|
| FAQ: <http://assm.asstr.org/faq.html> Moderators: <story-admin@asstr.org> |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|ASSM Archive at <http://assm.asstr.org>   Hosted by <http://www.asstr.org> |
|Discuss this story and others in alt.sex.stories.d; look for subject {ASSD}|
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+