Welcome to Hawnee - Week 1 - Day 3

Author's note:

Jenny's story progresses slow but steadily and leads to a first small showdown while setting the stage for future events. This chapter contains suggestive erotic themes but minimal nudity or lewdity.

All comments, critics and thoughts on the story are again very welcome. I wish you a good read.

Jay Hawnee

***

Beep-beep... Beep-beep. Jenny opens her eyes as the alarm clock rings beside her. She lies still for a moment as the memory of the naked woman in the library flickers briefly in her mind. This time, however, it feels distant. Like the chirping birds she used to hear in her childhood when she played in the meadows with her friends. A small smile unfolds on her lips as she exhales a calm sigh. The last remnants of unease slowly drift away with the breath.

She swings her legs over the side, yawns, and stretches, and then slowly trots into the bathroom. Refreshed by a shower, she brushes her teeth and ties her hair into her usually neat ponytail. Then she gets dressed in her uniform, grabs her backpack, and heads out of the house. On her way to university, she drops the letter for her mother into a letterbox. A soft smile lingers on her lips.

***

Jenny enters the lecture hall and notices Tina and Steven. Not seeing Sheena yet, she takes the place next to Steven.

A moment later, the front door opens, and a woman steps in. Her presence immediately attracts the attention of the students. Her black updo is flawless, and her structured blouson fits her frame with quiet authority. With one gloved hand holding a bag and a laptop tucked under her other arm, she strides confidently toward the lectern.

Jenny blinks, momentarily taken aback by the appearance of the new lecturer. At this moment Sheena slides into the seat next to Jenny. "Hooh, is this the new lecturer? I hope her fashion sense is not the only thing that sets her apart from Sado."

Jenny nods approvingly. "Yes, her outfit looks really great."

Tina glances at the lecturer and sighs. "Don't let the clothes mislead you. Many in my old school wore Chiton and Urmani like her. But not many of them were friendly and kind."

"Urm... there are surely such and such," Steven weighs in, "but come on, you need to clothe well to make it in this world..."

Tina looks dismissive. "So you think dressing well is all it takes to impress?"

"No, that's not what I mean. She just doesn't look like the arrogant type... And my cousin spent months applying for a job, but he only got a good offer after watching 'Fashion Eye' and replacing his C&M-suit with a proper one", Steven replies.

While Steven and Tina debate, Sheena nudges Jenny with a sly grin. "What about your personal 'clothing experiences'? You look more rested today. No more naked ghosts haunting you?"

Jenny glances around nervously. Her heart quickens for a moment. "N... no... I think it was really just a daydream."

Sheena smiles knowingly. "I told you, just relax a bit and everything is fine."

Jenny smiles mildly. "Yes, but studying is still important. Otherwise, we'll never pass those exams."

Sheena rolls her eyes. "Urm... yeah... we should go studying. But there is also a life after that! And tonight is Ladies' Night in Ronnie's Ranch. Entrance is free and all cocktails only one Dollar. I'd really like to go there after studying. Would you come with me?"

Jenny smiles apologetically. "Sorry Sheena, I really need all time I can get to study."

At this moment, the lecturer's voice cuts through the murmur of the room with precision. "Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Professor Amanda Lambert and today I'll lead you through the beautiful world of viruses, the smallest yet most lethal entities in the microbial universe. Viruses are smart little fighters that defy the ordinary rules of life. Neither truly alive, nor truly dead do they exist to challenge, to provoke, and to push the limits of our understanding."

Professor Lambert pauses briefly. Her eyes scan the room with a glint of strength. "Each virus has its own distinctive style, some as round as planets, others twisted like river serpentines. But they all have one thing in common: They cannot reproduce themselves on their own. They found another way to overcome this restriction. They infiltrate host cells, inject their genetic code, and force them to reproduce their own genes over and over again. Definitely a cruel method, but undeniably very effective."

"And the adaptability they display in doing so", her eyes start to gleam," forces us medical professionals to constantly develop new strategies to keep the upper hand! In the next lectures, I will give you a deep insight into the vicious beauty of those relentless little warriors, which come in totally different shapes. Some of them might even exceed your wildest fantasies, as they are just as unique and individual as human fashion styles."

Sheena leans toward Jenny. "Ha, I couldn't laugh harder." She points to her chest. "Those rags we're forced to wear have nothing individual."

Jenny smirks. "Hey, come on, we still have four styles to choose from."

"Yeah," Sheena rolls her eyes, "four shades of dull!"

Professor Lambert gestures to the canvas on the wall as a series of distinct virus models appear. "After this brief introduction, I'll lead you through the composition, reproduction, and classification of viruses. By the end of today, you'll definitely understand why some people call them nature's most dangerous and intricate paradox..."

***

After the lecture the group heads to the dining hall. They fetch their meals at the food counter and Sheena greets Denver with an intense kiss. Then all settle at a table with their trays.

Sheena grins at Tina and Steven. "Ronnie's Ranch is having a party tonight with cocktails for a Dollar. Does anyone of you wanna join me?"

"That's Ladies' Night, isn't it?" Steven raises an eyebrow. "Are guys even allowed there?"

Sheena smirks. "Ladies' Night just means cheap drinks for anyone who feels like a Lady and meeting hot Ladies for all the other ones. So let's be real - if there were no men, it'd only be half the fun."

Steven smiles. "I'll think about it, but only after some studying. I mean, Professor Lambert was better at explaining than Professor Cavanaugh, but I still only understood half of the stuff she said."

"Fair enough." Sheena nods.

Sheena turns to Tina. "What about you?"

Tina smiles apologetically. "I'd love to, but my boyfriend and I already have plans."

Jenny tilts her head, thinking. "What about Denver, did you ask him already?"

"Yeah." Sheena nods. "He said he'd be hitting the town with some friends, having some beers, so no time for the Lady."

Jenny frowns. "Wait... that's not really what he said, is it?"

Sheena smirks. "Yeah, but his long stretched 'Hnnn...' was pretty clear.

"O... kay..." Jenny glances skeptically at Sheena.

***

After eating lunch, the group walks back to their seats in the lecture hall.

Sheena grins. "And here she comes again."

Professor Lambert strides confidently to the lectern. "Welcome back, dear attendees. This morning I began to introduce you to the beautiful world of viruses. While I talked then about viruses as an entity, I will now focus on the interaction between viruses and the human organism."

The canvas behind her springs to life, displaying an image reminiscent of a science fiction movie - a small group of human immune cells battles a horde of alien-like viral invaders.

"The body's immune defenses are in a constant battle against many of those tiny intruders. The immune system uses a number of clever tactics to neutralize viruses and stop them from replicating and spreading, but it's not able to keep up its defenses indefinitely. In order to help the body prevent a breakdown, medicines can use a variety of methods. Vaccinations for example serve as trainers. They prepare the immune system for the combat against the viruses. When the real viruses attack, the immune system is primed and ready to launch a swift counterattack." Professor Lambert raises her arms dramatically, mimicking a fighter's stance. "And if that's not enough we bring in the heavy artillery - antiviral drugs weaken the enemy with aerial bombardment...", She throws a sharp punch. "... and monoclonal antibodies hit them with surgical precision." She swiftly follows with a precise jab.

Jenny's smartphone suddenly vibrates. She looks down at it and sees a message from the Student Service Office. Her fingers tighten around the device as she checks it nervously.

IMPORTANT! Risk of De-Registration! Missing signature on Enrollment Application!

Dear Mrs. Simpson,

During a routine enrollment review, we noticed a severe problem with your enrollment application. There is a missing signature on page 4, line 20.

Unfortunately, all signatures must be verified by Thursday, 7 a. m. Missing signatures will result in immediate de-registration.

Please come immediately to the Student Service Office to resolve this issue. The office is open from 7 a. m. -- 9 a. m. and from 3 p. m. -- 4:30 p. m. from Monday to Thursday.

Jane Novy

Wayne University Student Service Office

- We're always there for you!! -

Jenny's face loses any color and she shouts out loud: "Oh shit, what is this?"

The sudden noise lets Professor Lambert's sharp gaze cut through the air, landing directly on Jenny. "Is something unclear, young lady?"

Jenny looks up and blushes. "Oh Sorry Mrs. I... I just got a weird message from the Student Service Office."

Professor Lambert throws a sharp glance at Jenny. "Miss, this is a scientific lecture, not the right space to discuss private matters out loud. Please, kindly keep your focus?"

"Oh, sorry,..." Jenny's blush deepens. "I was just surprised... This won't.., won't happen again. Sorry."

Sheena leans over and whispers: "Careful Jenny, you don't want to replace me as the troublemaker, do you?"

Jenny glares, and whispers back, "Of course not..." She sneaks a glance at Professor Lambert, who's still watching her with stern expression. Jenny's face flushes beet red again.

***

After the lecture, Jenny shows the message to Sheena, Tina, and Steven. "I'm quite sure I signed everything."

Steven crosses his arms. "It's probably just another way to weed people out, like those damn entrance exams. They'll use anything they can to make things harder and try to flush us out like the immune system does with those virus-things."

"Yeah," Sheena nods, "that's why you gotta fight back like a virus, hard and without mercy. Run down in that fucking office and show them who's the boss. If they push you, push harder."

Jenny frowns. "That rather sounds like a fast track to getting expelled than a proper solution! I don't think, that works as intended!"

Tina adjusts her bag and says calmly: "Hmm... you could also get some help from outside and call a lawyer. They'd take care of it perfectly, and you'd use the time to focus on something meaningful like studying!"

"Urm..., sure.... but...," Jenny shifts nervously, "isn't that expensive?"

Tina looks genuinely puzzled for a moment, then waves her hand dismissively. "I don't know. They've always been worth it to my parents. It's just easier that way."

Sheena thrusts in with rising voice. "You could also ask Mrs. Lambert to help you! She'd surely storm down there in those fancy boots of hers and crush that fucking office!"

Jenny raises an eyebrow at Sheena. "Urm you mean the lecturer...? Really? Why should she help me?" She shakes her head, exhaling. "I think I'll just go see what they actually want."

Steven nods. "Yeah, but don't let them get to you. This damn system just tries to grind you off. Calm down, get it sorted, and move on."

"Yes, that's probably best." Tina agrees, her face marked with concern. "But make sure they don't try to pull anything shady."

Jenny glances at her phone, her heart racing. "Sorry, I really need to hurry. I have to work later and still want to study tonight."

Sheena leans back in her chair. "Text me if you need backup. I'll bring the cavalry," she says with a wink.

Jenny smiles faintly to Sheena. "Urm... okay... thanks...", then she hurries out of the lecture hall.

***

When she arrives at the Service office, a brisk woman with brown hair pinned up in a bun sits typing at her desk. Spotting Jenny, she stands up and walks to the counter. "Hello, Mrs... how can I help you?"

Jenny asks: "Hello, are you Mrs. Novy?"

Mrs. Novy adjusts her glasses in confusion. "Yes, I am, and you are?"

Jenny..., Jenny Simpson...", Jenny hesitates. "... you sent me a message!"

Recognition dawns on Mrs. Novy's face. "Ah, Mrs. Simpson. I was reviewing your enrollment application and noticed a missing signature from Professor Dr. Brown. Without it, your enrollment is invalid."

Jenny throws up her hands dismissively. "But... but... this is not my fault. Isn't that something Professor Brown should handle?"

Mrs. Novy frowns. "Normally, this should be part of processing. But seemingly not in this case. That's unfortunate but happens. Without having that signature by tomorrow you'll face immediate de-registration according to the study regulations. But you can still prevent this from happening by going to Professor Brown and getting his signature."

"Where can I find him?" Jenny is panicking.

Mrs. Novy gestures toward the window. "Well, you have to go to the university's main administration building, about 2 miles from here. But I suggest you to hurry. I'm only here until 4:30 p. m., and I'll need the completed form by then. Professor Brown is a good man. I'm sure, he will give you the signature."

"But... but... I don't have that much time." Jenny groans in frustration. "What a hell kind of university puts so much pressure on its students?"

Mrs. Novy's tone grows sharp "This is an excellent establishment! It follows rules that have stood the test of time! If you cannot adhere to them, perhaps you should reconsider your place here, Mrs. Simpson!"

Jenny frowns and shakes her head in desperation. "I should really call a lawyer."

Mrs. Novy raises an unimpressed eyebrow. "Oh, you're free to try, but our legal department is quite strong. The last case like this was dismissed within days." Then, without another word, she turns briskly back to her desk. "It was nice to meet you."

Jenny bites her lip and nods. "Urm okay. I'll try my best to get the signature." Then she hurries out of the office.

***

Jenny rushes to the main administration building and enters Professor Brown's office reception area. The secretary, whose name is Mrs. Katelyn Jenkins according to a sign on the entrance door, looks smiling at Jenny under her brown bob. "Good afternoon. How can I help you?

"I have to see Professor Brown," Jenny snorts, "I need a signature on my enrollment application."

Mrs. Jenkins looks apologetically. "Sorry, the Professor is currently busy."

Loud moaning noises come from the office.

Jenny looks confused for a moment, then pleads: "Sorry, urm... it's urgent. If I don't get the signature in time, I get de-registered from my study. Couldn't you go in and ask him if he could take a... well... short break and put his signature under my document."

Mrs. Jenkins looks dismissive. "The professor can only conduct his work completely undisturbed and would be very annoyed if I were to bother him over such a minor issue."

"Urm, okay." Jenny is unnerved. "How long will this last, I need to bring the signature back to the Student Service Office until 4:30 p. m."

Mrs. Jenkins crosses her arms resolutely. "Well, the professor's meetings last as long, as necessary."

Jenny's head and shoulder sink and she puts her hand scratching tensely on her forehead as the moaning grows louder. Mrs. Jenkins starts to smile. "Oh, I think, it's your lucky day. This one will probably be over very soon."

Two loud screams of joy are heard from the office, then silence. Jenny grows nervous, her eyes widen. Shortly after this incident a female student with gleaming blue eyes and disheveled blonde hair leaves the office of Professor Brown grinning. "Goodbye, Mrs. Jenkins"

Mrs. Jenkins smiles. "Goodbye, Mrs. Davis."

Jenny says dryly: "Is this a standard procedure of the professor?"

"Of course not." Mrs. Jenkins glances offended."This is a special treatment only reserved for highly gifted students."

At this moment, Professor Brown emerges from his office, looking satisfied. Mrs. Jenkins' blue eyes gleam. "Good that you're here Professor. There is still another student for you." She points at Jenny.

Professor Brown smiles. "Oh, please come in."

Jenny looks anxious but determined. "Erm... could we handle this outside? I need just a simple signature."

Professor Brown raises an eyebrow. "Ah, so you're not here for a special treatment?"

"Flock, no," Jenny looks shocked, "I have a totally different problem. See, a signature's missing under my enrollment application."

Professor Brown looks astonished. "Did you not sign it?"

Jenny is a little unnerved. "Well, I did sign it, but it seems you didn't!"

Professor Brown crosses his arms. "But I did already sign them all."

"Apparently," Jenny gets totally unnerved, "there was a problem with the signature on my application."

Professor Brown points his finger threateningly at Jenny. "Do you intend to say, that I made a mistake?"

Jenny looks embarrassed. "Oh, well... well... that..."

Professor Brown smirks. "Ha... just joking. Of course, even a professor can make a mistake." He points his finger to his office. "I will of course immediately sign the enrollment application in my office, please come in and close the door."

Professor Brown walks into his office. Jenny looks embarrassed and unnerved but follows Professor Brown and closes the door. Professor Brown sits down behind his desk and points smiling at a chair in front of his desk. "Please take a seat."

Jenny hesitates but sits down.

Professor Brown signs the document and hands Jenny the paper. "Here is your document."

"Thanks, Professor." Jenny smiles relieved.

Professor Brown looks at Jenny. "And you are sure, that you don't want a special treatment?"

Jenny forces a smile. "Unfortunately, I have to turn down this generous offer."

Professor Brown looks disappointed. "A pity, but you look like a perfect candidate for my special training program for highly gifted." He smiles again. "Nevertheless, I wish you a nice day. Goodbye Mrs. Simpson, I hope you overthink your decision."

Jenny rises quickly. "Goodbye Professor Brown." She leaves the office as Prof. Brown winks her. She looks relieved and hurries back to the Student Service office.

***

Jenny arrives back at Mrs. Novy's counter, slightly out of breath. "Here is the missing signature Mrs. Novy."

Mrs. Novy takes the paper, scans it with her eyes, and nods approvingly. "You are perfect Jenny. Thank you very much." She turns her head to Jenny and raises an eyebrow. "Did you register for Professor Brown's highly gifted program?"

Jenny frowns. "What??? Was this all about...???"

Mrs. Novy holds dismissively her hands in front of her body. "Of course not... just personal curiosity." She glances at her watch. "I'm sorry, but my time is running out. I have to go." She smiles determinedly. "Goodbye Mrs. Simpson, would you please leave the office."

Jenny stands there baffled and angry. She leaves the office and heads to 'The Stag' to work.

***

When Jenny enters 'The Stag', visibly exhausted. Lester stands behind the bar, his arms crossed. "Hi Lester"

"You are late." Lester glares.

Jenny looks annoyed but apologetic. "Sorry, I had some stress with my enrollment. It was a mess."

Lester is unmoved. "That's no excuse for not being on time. You could at least have sent a message."

Jenny holds her hands defensively in front of her body. "Sorry Lester, it all happened that fast, I didn't think about it. I'm sorry, okay?"

"Whatever," Lester says angrily, "your work is the same as the days before. You have to wash the dishes for 20 Dollars."

Jenny walks into the kitchen and freezes. Her eyes widen at the mountain of dirty dishes in the sink. She storms back into the bar, and points annoyed toward the kitchen. "But... but... that is much more than yesterday! Twice at least! This work is not worth 20 Dollars, this wouldn't be worth even 30 Dollars. 40 Dollars and I'm doing it."

Lester's face hardens. "First you're late, now you're making claims? You're an awful prick."

"You call me a prick?" Jenny gets furious. "You give me more and more work every day for same poor payment, you are a lousy exploiter."

Lester slams his hand on the bar. "How dare you to insult me like that. I give you a job and I let your tardiness slide without notice and this is the thanks I get...?"

Jenny yells. "Shut your mouth Lester, you're just not finding anyone, who would do this shitty work for you for peanuts. I guess, if you had found somebody, you wouldn't have waited for so long, and just fired me like that!"

Lester points to the door. "That's too much bitch, apologize, or I'll kick you out..."

Jenny replies furiously: "Fuck you, Lester, you don't have to fire me... I quit."

Lester glares at Jenny. "Fine, then just get out... Good luck finding another job in the town, but don't creep back if you can't..."

Jenny looks disgusted. "I will rather lie dead in a ditch than ever return to your shitty place."

On her way out, Jenny passes Caroline, who gives her a supportive smile. Jenny manages a small nod before leaving.

***

Jenny arrives home, slamming the door behind her. The house is empty, the Miltons are out. She drops her bag on the kitchen counter and pulls out some bread and cold cuts, assembling a simple sandwich. She sits at the table and eats, staring into empty space. She eats in silence. Her thoughts race in her head. Once finished, she cleans up, grabs her backpack, and heads to the library.

***

Jenny arrives at the library and finds Sheena, Tina, and Steven deep in their studies. She sits down and flips through her notes on the laptop without much focus. She occasionally checks her phone, visibly distracted.

After an hour, Sheena nudges her. "Hey Jen. What's wrong?"

Jenny sighs heavily. "Uh, Sheena, the world is going down in shit. First I waited for hours to get a signature from a Professor because he had sex with one of his students. And that bastard even asked me if I wanted to have sex with him too?"

"Then I got into a huge quarrel with my boss because I was late and he's been piling on more and more work every day for the same lousy pay. I can't even say if I quit or he fired me, but I really don't regret leaving this job for good. Lester is an asshole, and even if I had been on time, he wouldn't have paid me properly. But the job market here in Hawnee is completely empty. I can't find a single job-ad on the Internet and when I find one and ask, they tell me, that they have too many applicants and they can't accept any more. This is sheer horror."

Sheena smirks. "Hmmm maybe you can hit both birds with one stone and ask that Professor, if he is interested to pay for his sex. I wouldn't have rejected such an offer if he had given me something in reverse."

Jenny groans. "Sheena please, I'm not one of those girls. And he is way too old for me."

"Just saying." Sheena shrugs.

Steven shakes his head in disappointment. "I don't know what else you can do either. And going back to this asshole is really the worst thing, you can do."

Tina looks thoughtful. "Why do you need a job so badly? Don't your parents support you enough?"

Jenny replies: "My mom's a paralegal and studies law alongside her job. So she doesn't have much to help me out. And honestly, I'm saving up for a trip to Sri Lanka. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, and it's the one thing I really look forward to."

"I get it totally." Steven nods. "My parents can't help me much either. My father's a carpenter and my mother's an accountant, and they have to take care of two other children besides me. So I mainly have to take care of myself. There is a small student loan, I got. But this is not enough for the daily living. I do some part-time carpentry to earn a bit. This helps a lot."

Tina looks compassionate. "You both do have a hard life, don't you? I really feel sorry for you. I'll definitely keep my eyes and ears open. I will also ask my parents and my friends. They might know something here in Hawnee, where you can work."

Sheena agrees determined. "Same here. I'll keep my eyes open."

Steven nods. "Me too."

"Thank you very much. You're the best." Jenny smiles touched and hugs the group. "But we have to keep studying now, there was lots of stuff to memorize again today and I haven't learned that much so far."

The group continues to study. Jenny tries to refocus on learning but struggles to concentrate. Later, when Sheena looks up again, she notices Jenny's distraction. "Everything fine with you, Jen?"

Jenny looks up depressed. "No, not at all. Everything is bullshit, everything."

"Jenny, nothing is worth torturing yourself over." Sheena says determined. "Maybe it's just good to leave the books alone and do something other than study. There's still that Lady's Night at Ronny's Ranch. All cocktails for a Dollar. What do you think about just dancing the stress away?"

Jenny hesitates. "I don't know..."

Sheena nudges her. "C'mon, it'll be fun. You need a little distraction." Sheena looks questioningly at Steven. "Steven, have you made up your mind?"

Steven smiles "Hmm... yeah, I think, I'm in too..."

Sheena smirks and turns her eyes to Jenny. "See the party train's growing, we just need our driver."

"Okay, okay...," Jenny smiles, "you may be right. Let's go."

Sheena looks at Tina. "What about you?

Tina looks sadly. "Sorry, I have an appointment with my boyfriend."

"Then let's hurry up," Sheena says. The three pack their things bid farewell to Tina and head out.

***

Jenny, Sheena, and Steven head to Ronnie's Ranch. They drink, dance, and let go of their stress. Around midnight, Steven leaves. Jenny and Sheena continue partying until 3 a. m. when they stumble out of the club clearly tipsy. On the way out she bumps into a woman. She turns to apologize and catches a glimpse of ash-blonde hair falling over bare shoulders - eerily like the naked woman from the library. Jenny shakes her head, but before she can focus, the woman has disappeared into the throng of people, who stand in the hallway of Ronnie's Ranch.

Jenny babbles. "Sheeeena, thish wash sho good."

"Yeah," Sheena slurs, "Shenny, gan you shdill find se right way, I see doo of sem. I mushd go do Muffmello... aye mean... Marsemello Shdreed for..."

Jenny blinks, trying to focus. "Yeh I fink I shdill shee se way."

The two walk staggering along the street, til they get to some apartment complex.

"Is sis your house?", Jenny asks.

Sheena looks up with glassy eyes. "Yeh, looks like sat."

Jenny smiles. "Then goot nite and see you domorrow."

Sheena waves clumsily. "Yeh dil domorrow Shenny."

***

Jenny staggers home and collapses into bed the moment she arrives. She manages to set her alarm clock and then falls asleep exhausted.