Left Naked at the Library Pt. 02

Left Naked at the Library

Part Two

by G. Lawrence

Abandoned by the frat brothers, Danny must find his way home

Author's Note: Having been a short, introverted chess player when I was a college freshman (quite some time ago), I was an unlikely candidate to pledge a powerful blue-collar jock fraternity. I was on Dean's List my first semester, which never happened again. I had never drunk alcohol or taken drugs. That changed, too. On Hell Night, I was separated from my clothes. So, this is a fantasy based on some things that happened to me, stories I heard, and a few that are invented. Don't bother analyzing it.

In our last episode, we saw Danny stripped in the library and encounter various embarrassing situations. Donna and Sandra gushed over him on the third floor. Mrs. Brubaker confronted him in the basement outside of the copy room. Diane Parker had him pose for her drawing class. Mr. Lincoln, the janitor, said he was the subject of a campus-wide prank. At the end of part one, Danny had reached the library lobby and was preparing to escape unnoticed when the art professor suddenly announced his presence. He was quickly surrounded by excited students. There is nudity and mild sex in this chapter. All characters are over 18 years old.

* * * * * *

Suddenly revealed in the vast library lobby, Danny tried his best to be polite to the curious onlookers who quickly surrounded him, all the while taking baby steps toward the reception desk. Though he wanted to be stealthy, no one doubted what he was trying to do. One person or another kept getting in his way, eagerly asking questions about classes, exams, or the weather. None of them were cruel, but they couldn't suppress their grins. It was embarrassing. Danny wouldn't have minded so much if he was wearing clothes.

"Want help carrying your books?" Julie offered, reaching for the clear plastic grocery bag he was holding in front of him. The golden-haired cheerleader was aware that, without the bag, Danny would have nothing to cover himself.

"Do you need to borrow my bus pass?" Matty asked with a giggle, her bright brown eyes dancing with excitement.

"Let's go to the coffee shop," Mindy suggested, the slender blonde taking his elbow. "They have a flexible dress code."

"It's getting late," Danny pleaded. "I'm usually in bed by eleven."

"With who?" Matty asked, getting a laugh.

A dozen others gathered around, both men and women. Mr. Lincoln, the janitor, had said his situation was known all over campus. And that no one was going to give him clothes, not wanting to ruin his exhibitionist journey. It was not a journey to Danny. The three Alpha Mega frat brothers had stolen his clothes on the third floor and not brought them back. Was it a prank? Or revenge for not getting the book reports they wanted? Danny didn't know, only that his only hope now was returning to his tiny dorm room on the far side of campus.

Danny finally burst through the ring surrounding him, grabbed the photocopies from the front desk that the librarian had promised, and made a mad dash for the doors. Though his privates were covered by the jiggling grocery bag, he was completely naked from the back. Were they taking photos? Like Mrs. Brubaker had in the basement? He didn't know and wasn't going to stop to find out.

In an instant, he found himself out in the quad on an unseasonably warm night. Hundred-year-old lampposts provided ghostly illumination in a misty fog. There were stone benches, a fountain, leafy trees, and a marble statue honoring the college's founder, an ancient fur-trapper. It was quiet, at first. He had hardly taken a few steps when he noticed a strange procession following him. Not chasing him, exactly. Just loitering, as if watching a show. He ran around the old brick building, ducked into a niche, and backtracked to lose the curiosity seekers. It was humiliating and thrilling. Danny wondered if there was something wrong with him to be so turned on. If the campus hadn't been so populated, he would have snuck off behind a bush and relieved his excitement.

The center of campus had a rowdy Friday nightlife with restaurants, a theater, and a concert stage. He couldn't go that way, too many people, which forced him out to the main boulevard. The rambling college was behind an ivy-covered wrought iron fence to his right. Small shops and stores were across the street, many already closed. Traffic moved past as he stayed on the wide sidewalk.

There weren't enough trees to keep him hidden for any length of time. Horns honked at him. A few cars slowed down for a better look. A passenger leaned out to take pictures, but Danny was holding the grocery bag up with one hand and shielding his face with the other.

He had been walking about five minutes when he noticed someone sitting on a bench shadowed by an overhanging oak tree. It was a young woman.

"Hello, Daniel," Donna said. "I knew you'd have to come this way."

"How is that?" he asked.

"You don't seem the type to walk naked through the theater district," the Theta sorority sister answered.

"Truthfully, the thought isn't quite as alien as it was a few hours ago," Danny responded, getting a quiet laugh. She motioned for him to sit. He kept the grocery bag in his lap.

"I know this must be awful for you," she kindly remarked.

"I just don't understand why everyone is picking on me. What did I do? Mr. Lincoln said the whole campus is in on this."

"It's what you don't do. You've been at Midvale since last fall. You didn't go home for Christmas, looking sad and lonely. Now it's spring and you're still huddled in the library. You help everyone, but you never talk to anyone. You're convinced you have no friends. People feel sorry for you."

"And the answer is stripping me naked?"

"Sometimes we need to break things down to the essentials before building them back up. Isn't that one of your engineering principles?"

"I'm not the Brooklyn Bridge," Danny replied.

"Everyone says you're the smartest student at this school. Maybe the smartest who has ever attended Midvale."

"Which isn't remotely true," he denied.

"How is it not true? You know math. Chemistry. Biology. Literature. My girlfriends say there's nothing you don't know."

Danny paused. Talking about himself wasn't easy.

"I could have gone to Washington State on a full ride," he explained with a sigh. "Instead, to get away from my parents, I took a reduced scholarship here. I'm living in a dingy dorm room the size of a closet. I'm still wearing the same clothes I had in high school. That is, when I'm wearing clothes at all. Even if I had the courage to ask a girl out, I don't have any money. The only part-time job I've found is making scrambled eggs at the Pancake House three mornings a week for minimum wage. How smart does that make me?"

"You see?" Donna said with a smile.

"See what?" he asked.

"We're talking! This is a real conversation. You've spoken more just now than on our entire date. Does it take getting you naked to draw you out of your shell?"

"I hope not. That would sure be embarrassing at a science conference."

"You're funny," she said, taking his hand and gazing into his eyes. Maybe Danny was only 5'4 and a hundred pounds, but he wasn't delicate. She sensed good muscle tone. His hairless chest was not thin, and the long arms looked strong. Even in the poor light, she could see he got plenty of sun. For a bookworm.

Danny waited, trying to think of the right thing to say. She was so pretty, with soft auburn hair, gentle blue eyes, and a body to die for. Her top was lowcut, revealing plenty of cleavage. He struggled not to get too excited, embarrassed enough already.

"So, why is a beautiful cheerleader and theater arts major interested in a science nerd like me?" he asked.

"You think I'm beautiful?" she replied, lowering her eyes.

"I know you're beautiful. I'm a scientist. It's an empirical fact."

"Hell, Danny, I don't understand why you can't get dates," she said, blushing. "You're getting me hot just sitting on a public bench being leered at by highway traffic. If we were still in the library, hidden behind the stacks--"

Danny hunched over, desperately trying to hide his arousal. He really liked Donna and was terribly flattered. His manhood was firm enough that the grocery bag was lifting up.

"Okay, fella, I don't want to make this worse for you than it already is," she sympathized. "Though it's nice to know a girl is appreciated."

"Maybe someday we can try another date?" he shyly inquired. "When I'm not running around naked being pranked by the entire campus."

"I would like that," she agreed. "Though seeing you naked like this is a lot of fun. I know you don't get it, but this is a good thing."

Donna got up to leave, paused, and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek.

"I'll be seeing you later," she whispered.

And then she was gone.

Danny had just resumed the walk back to his dorm when a car stopped up ahead. Three young men jumped out. He didn't know what it meant, but running wasn't an option. Not without abandoning his books, and he wasn't willing to do that. In high school, regardless of what any bully threatened, Danny never ran.

"Dan, sorry we're late," Jack said, emerging from the darkness.

"It was hard getting away from the party," Simon explained.

"Did you bring my clothes?" Danny asked. They looked at each other.

"Your keys and backpack are in the trunk," Collyer said. "I'm not really sure where your clothes went."

"You left me naked in the library. With all kinds of people asking questions," Danny said, more assertive than usual. "I had to pose for a drawing class."

The guys burst into laughter. Collyer was laughing so hard it hurt. Danny frowned.

"Kid, we really are sorry. But I don't see why that's a bad thing," Jack said. "Diane's night classes are all girls. Most of them are pretty. Did you get any phone numbers?"

"Phone numbers?" Danny asked.

"Dan, I really don't know what the hell is wrong with you," Jack said, exasperated. "You were bare-ass naked with half a dozen girls and you didn't make a move on any of them?"

"Why would they be interested in me?" Danny said.

"You're not that bad," Collyer insisted.

It sparked a thought in Simon. He circled Danny in a slow loop, occasionally poking a shoulder or rib. When the light wasn't strong enough, he dragged him out under a bright streetlamp for better inspection. More cars were honking. Danny wasn't happy to suddenly be a roadside exhibit, but Simon was determined.

"You seem to be in good shape," the would-be coach said in surprise. It wasn't a sexual observation. "What sort of exercises do you use?"

"Not much," Danny confessed. "I just run in the mornings."

"I haven't seen you in the gym," Simon said.

"I use the forest trails near the lake," Danny said. "Sometimes I get sweaty and take off my shirt. I don't like people seeing me like that."

The guys laughed again. Danny was missing a lot more than his shirt now.

"How far do you run?" Jack asked.

"Sixteen kilometers," Danny answered. "It helps me concentrate."

"Ten miles! You run ten miles every fucking day?" Collyer asked.

"Every other day, but not Sundays. I go to church," Danny replied. "My route on Saturdays is usually shorter. Sometimes I see skinny dippers at the lake and get embarrassed."

"You've never gone skinny dipping?" Collyer said.

"Oh, gosh, no," Danny replied, instinctively covering himself tighter with the bag. And then he lowered his head sheepishly. "I've thought about it a few times."

"How long does it take you to run ten miles?" Jack inquired.

"About seventy minutes. Sometimes eighty, depending on the weather. It takes longer in the rain," Danny answered.

"Are you kidding me? Seventy minutes? Do you have some kind of special training?" Simon asked.

"No. I don't weigh very much and my legs are long for my body size. My dorm room is up four flights of stairs, so I get plenty of exercise," he explained.

"I need to see this," Simon insisted, kneeling.

Danny started to shy away as Simon's hands went into sensitive areas, but the coach wasn't checking out his equipment. He was feeling Danny's legs. The firm thighs. Powerful calf muscles. A runner's feet with strong arches. He probed deeper for the underlying ligaments.

"Fuck!" Simon announced. "He's all muscle down here. Why aren't you on the track team?"

"Me? On the track team?" Danny responded. "Eight inches shorter than everyone else? I'd look like a leprechaun."

"Dan, you need to wake up," Jack lectured. "For a little guy, you have nothing to be ashamed of. We're going to prove it to you."

When they reached the car, Collyer held the back door open for Danny, who gratefully climbed inside, holding the large bag across his legs. It was nice to be out of the night.

"Buckle up," Collyer said, watching as Danny secured the seatbelt. And then he grabbed the grocery bag off Danny's lap, holding it up for all to see.

"We'll put this in the trunk for safe keeping," Collyer declared, going to the rear of the car and throwing it in. The books made a loud crash as they landed, and then Collyer slammed the trunk shut. Danny reacted too late. He was completely naked again.

"Collyer, goddamn it! Give it back!" Danny demanded, losing his temper for the first time.

Danny unbuckled the seatbelt, jumped out of the car, and charged at Collyer as if ready for a fight. His fists were clenched. Feet set. His eyes were both frightened and fierce. Collyer stepped back, taken off-guard. It was a naked runt against a broad-shouldered football player. That Danny had no possible chance against a much larger opponent didn't seem to matter. The guys couldn't believe it. Jack rushed up before the situation got out of control.

"Now, now, don't lose your cool," he urged, drawing Danny back. "Take a deep breath. Relax. You're okay."

"Hell, Dan, it's just us guys," Collyer chastised. "Chill out."

"Is this because I didn't write your book reports for you?" Danny asked. All three turned to look, startled. And unhappy.

"We'll discuss the reports later," Jack said. "Just so you know, this is not revenge. Not for trying to do us a favor."

"Then what is it?" Danny dared to ask.

"You'll find out when we think you're ready," Jack replied.

The car started up. Danny had no clue where they were going. Until he did.

"Your frat house?" he fearfully wondered.

"We call it a fraternity house," Simon corrected. "And the party is still in full swing. You're going to love it."

* * * * * *

The Alpha Mega fraternity house was in the heart of fraternity row, with sorority houses not far away. Danny was surprised how large the old Victorian mansion was, until remembering that as many as twenty members lived in the upstairs rooms. The ground floor had a huge party room, long dining areas, a massive kitchen, and cubbyholes providing privacy in a mob scene. Collyer held the car door open, waiting.

"You've got to be kidding?" Danny said, feeling more naked than ever. "Give me something to wear!"

"Nothing to worry about, kid. We're all friends here," Jack replied.

"No, no, please," Danny said as he was pulled to the front yard. They could hear the party chatter, and the music. It sounded very festive. Jack nodded to Collyer and Simon, who went inside and closed the door.

"Danny, calm down and listen for a moment. Please. Please listen to me," Jack urged, only the two of them on the quiet porch. "I'm not forcing you to go inside. Turn around and go home if you want. We've had our fun with you today, I won't deny that. You've taken everything we've thrown at you with a lot of guts, and it may surprise you, but the Alpha Megas admire that. We admire that a lot. I brought you here for a reason."

"I don't understand. If you're not trying to humiliate me, why are you doing this?"

"I'm asking you to trust me. Can you do that?" Jack requested.

Danny needed to think, and it was hard. He always had answers for everything, except when it came to interacting with other people. There was no math for that. He remembered what it was like back home in Spokane. His parents smothering him. Friends thinking him so simple that he couldn't take care of himself. Even teachers treated him differently, differential and cloying. He had come to Midvale to get away from that. To get away from it forever.

"Okay," Danny decided, taking a deep breath.

"Really? Okay?" Jack said, sounding amazed.

"If you say I need to do this, I will. That doesn't mean I've never been more scared in my entire life."

"Fear is good, kid," Jack said, slapping him on the shoulder. "It tells us we're alive."

Conversation halted when Danny walked through the door completely nude, covering himself with his hands. It looked like comments would be made. Then Jack appeared next to him, eyes offering warning. Surprisingly, no phones were raised.

The party resumed. The frat guys were wearing their blue jerseys with Alpha Mega in gold letters across the front. They were known to wear their jerseys all over campus, showing great pride in their brotherhood. The women were dressed in colorful spring party outfits with silver pins indicating their sororities. The majority were Theta sisters.

Danny wasn't allowed to hide in the corner like he wanted. There were curious looks from the seventy or so watching. Lots of good-looking guys and better-looking girls. Danny noticed many of the students he had tutored over the last few months, including Donna, Sandra, and Julie. It appeared very genial. Danny started to think it might be okay when Rance Baskins walked up to him with an evil grin, stopping only five feet away. He was a tall, frizzy-haired guest from another frat house.

"So, the little science nerd is naked and on display," he bellowed. "Think any of these guys will fuck you? Are you tonight's entertainment?"

The room grew quiet. And then it wasn't. Suddenly, Rance felt himself grabbed from behind. One hand was on his collar, the other twisting his arm back painfully between his shoulder blades. It was Jack, as angry as anyone had ever seen him. He dragged Rance over to the punchbowl, dunking his head in.

"You think that's funny?!" Jack shouted, holding his victim under longer than anyone thought possible. Rance fought, but Jack was a wrestler with all the leverage. Anyone who hadn't been in the room before was there now. Perhaps eighty. No one attempted to intervene.

Jack pulled Rance's head up, allowed him a quick breath, and shoved his face back down. After another long session, Jack pulled him out, throwing Rance on the floor. He was soaked. Gasping for breath. Jack gripped his hair, yanking his head up.

"Daniel is our guest. Me, Collyer, and Simon. He helped us with our homework. And you mock him? Insult him in front of all our friends?" Jack cursed. "Who the fuck do you think you are, you motherfucking asshole! Want back in the punchbowl?"

"No. No, please," Rance begged, spitting up red juice.

"Then apologize. Now. Apologize to Dan, and me, and our guests. Tell us what a miserable piece of shit you are."

Rance did, crawling on his knees before everyone as a crew of frowning fraternity brothers loomed over him with arms crossed. Danny was shocked. He'd seen physical confrontations in movies and on TV, he'd never seen such a thing in person. Donna came to his side, taking his hand.

"Don't be scared," she whispered. "You have friends here."

"Okay, this is how it is," Jack announced, raising his hands for attention. "Rance is going out to the front lawn, take off his wet clothes, and rinse himself with the garden hose. And then he is going to walk back to his dorm naked. Everyone is invited to take pictures and post them on the campus website. Do you have a problem with that, Rance?"

"No, sir," Rance replied, happy to learn he wasn't going to be beaten up.

"Just so it's clear," Jack explained. "Danny may feel humiliated by all of this, but that's not why I brought him here. This is an exercise in self-confidence. Danny is ashamed of his body. He thinks he's a worthless runt that no one can respect. Simon, Collyer, and I are proving him wrong. Anyone who doesn't like that can get the fuck out. And if anyone else feels like insulting him, be prepared for the consequences. Insulting my guest is insulting me."

"And me," Collyer said.

"All of us," Simon declared, daring anyone to disagree. Two dozen fraternity brothers were standing behind them.

Many watched Rance hose off on the lawn, laughing and making videos as he shivered in shame. Then he stumbled away into the darkness, nude and alone.

Once the party settled down again, Danny found himself surrounded by enquiring young men and women. Mostly sorority girls. Everyone was sympathetic regarding his awkward situation, making small talk, asking about classes, and whispering innocent jokes. When Danny nervously made a joke, it got more laughs than it deserved. Danny discovered he felt more relaxed, and accepted, than he ever had in his life. Donna and Sandra made a point of staying close.

"Don't be embarrassed," Donna confided. "My sorority sisters thought I was too shy. They took me to the shopping center, stole my clothes while I was in the changing room, and made me run out of the mall naked in front of hundreds of people. I thought it was so terrible, but actually, it was really exciting. I fantasize about it all the time."

Sandra stepped up, putting a gentle hand on Danny's arm. Her eyes were filled with naughty thoughts.

"If you ever want to be stripped naked at the mall, let us know," she generously whispered. "We'll take you there, steal your clothes, and give you a ride home after you escape. Unless we decide to leave you there. We might go to lunch instead."

"If you can't find our car in the parking lot, it's only a three-mile walk home," Julie advised.

The ladies giggled. Danny had to press down on his private parts, feeling an embarrassing arousal. The ladies pretended not to notice.

"What do you think, little buddy?" Jack asked, handing Danny a beer.

"I still feel naked," he confessed. Though Jack noticed that he wasn't hunched over anymore. Danny's shoulders were straight, head held up. His dark brown eyes were alert and observing. Only one hand casually covered his private parts, the other holding his beer cup.

"It looks like you've developed a lot of confidence to me," Jack replied. "Will you finally start dating now?"

"Danny? Ask a girl out on a date? Now that's funny," Simon remarked. "Doesn't everyone know he's still a virgin?"

The room fell silent. Danny blushed so deeply that both hands covered his face. He was totally exposed. Collyer rushed to wrap a tablecloth around Danny's waist.

"Danny, is this true?" Donna asked.

They saw it was.

"This is unacceptable," Sandra declared, clenching her fists. "Sisters! Sisters, come here."

The women huddled in the corner.

"You're in trouble now, kid," Jack whispered.

The room grew excited. More drinks were served. Many were placing bets. When the conference concluded, Donna came forward to take Danny's hand.

"Come with me," she ordered. Danny was frozen, unable to move. Much to the amusement of all. Finally, as Donna tugged, he took a step, and another, following her to the stairs. The hall filled with lewd whispers.

"Use my room," Jack shouted after them.

Donna kept a tight grip on Danny's hand, going up the stairs and through the second door on the left. The room was reasonably tidy with a queen-size bed.

"Donna, I ... that is ..." he mumbled.

"This is going to happen," she insisted. "At the rate you're going, you will be a 40-year-old virgin. We can't have that."

She pushed him on the bed and stepped back into the middle of the room. Her ferocious resolve lightened up as she unbuttoned her blouse, dropping it to the side. She was wearing a black bra. The slacks went next, leaving red panties. Danny was staring. Barely comprehending. She was loving every moment of it.

"Ever seen a naked woman before? In the flesh?" she asked.

"No. Never," Danny struggled to answer.

Donna unhooked her bra, tossed it away, and dropped her panties, standing nude before him. Her breasts were large, with upturned nipples. She had a firm stomach, necessary for a cheerleader. Strong legs, delicate knees, and perfect feet. Her vagina was visible under a thin auburn landing strip.

Donna noticed a pronounced bulge under the checkered tablecloth, softly smiled, and knelt before him, pulling the covering off. His erection was bigger than expected, about five inches, not thick but strong. The frightened expression on his face was priceless.

"Let's get this one out of the way," she said, briefly sucking the tip while working him with her hand. He burst within seconds, spraying her and part of the carpet.

"I'm sorry," Danny said, hunching over. Donna laughed, wiping herself off with the sheet.

"Don't apologize, that was 100% guaranteed to happen," Donna said, climbing on the bed while pushing him back. "Now you're going to do something for me while we wait for you to get ready again. Put your face between my thighs."

As was to be expected, Danny froze again. His eyes were caught between excitement and terror. She guided his head down, settling back.

"A smart woman doesn't expect a man to know what she wants," Donna explained. "We tell a man what we need and help him get there. Now this is how it works."

Donna guided him throughout, not surprised that Danny proved to be a fast learner, feeling him steadily tongue her folds and center before finding her clit when her excitement was greatest. She suddenly lurched up with a moan, not having expected to orgasm with a neophyte.

"Okay," Donna said, recovering her breath. "Now get on top. Don't think about it, just do it."

"Don, I never thought ... that is ..." he seemed to doubt.

"Damn it, Danny, if you're thinking this isn't romantic enough, you're wrong. It's goddamn fucking romantic," she whispered, clutching him tighter.

Danny moved up, positioned on his forearms, and felt her guide him in. She put her hands on his hips, using them to pace his movements. Slowly, and then faster. He had strong legs. Good thrusting power. Once he found the rhythm, she laid back, feeling new sensations. She would need to tell her girlfriends.

Still stunned by how fast everything was happening, Danny was just trying to hang on. Donna was great. Everything he could have ever hoped for. Beautiful and passionate. And she seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself, not faking like he'd heard stories of. He tried harder, seeking to feel her, and sense her, for the best reactions. He didn't give his own needs much thought, just happy to be with someone so special.

It didn't take long for Danny to climax. Though Donna's second orgasm was not as intense, she felt a sense of tremendous satisfaction.

"Was this okay?" Danny hesitantly asked, lying next to her.

"Can I tell you a secret?" she whispered, cuddling close. "It's true that most of the time, we girls just want a dumb jock with a big dick to pound us. It's erotic, and easy. But every once in a while, a girl wants a guy who's quiet, and considerate, and sincere. One who cares about us more than himself. You've got a niche here. Play your cards right, and you'll bang every girl in the sorority."

"I'm not looking to bang every girl just to have a scorecard," Danny objected.

"That's exactly my point," she answered with a long kiss.

Downstairs, there were discussions.

"Jack, you've had Danny running around naked all night. What's that all about?" Julie asked. "Not that I'm complaining. Seeing him turn bright red in the art gallery was classic."

"He's a decent looking guy. For a shrimp," Jack answered. "Everyone needs to see that and let Danny know it's true. This inferiority complex needs to end."

"We've seen plenty tonight," Matty said with a chuckle.

"Couldn't you have done the same thing with Danny in his underwear?" Sandra asked. "Why let everyone see his dick?"

"Danny's a stubborn kid. A scientist," Collyer explained, raising his beer cup. "He needs imperial proof to believe anything."

The crowd was having a good time.

Forty minutes after going upstairs, Donna and Danny appeared at the top of the landing. Not one person had left the house. Donna gave a thumbs up and they cheered. Once again wrapped in the tablecloth, Danny was too embarrassed to speak. When they reached the ground floor, beer was served. Congratulations offered.

"Wait a minute. How do we know it was done right?" Julie questioned.

"What do you mean?" Donna asked.

"Being so quiet and bashful, maybe Danny couldn't do the deed," Julie clarified. "You might be covering for him."

"I am not covering for him," Donna protested. And then she noticed her friends' mischievous expressions. "I'm pretty sure we did it right."

"Pretty sure isn't good enough," Julie said, taking Danny's hand. "What do you say, sisters? Is 'pretty sure' good enough?"

"No, no, not good enough," the Theta sisters chanted.

Before he knew it, Danny found himself being dragged back up the staircase as the party shouted their approval. Julie and Danny were gone another thirty minutes. She returned bounding down the steps, her blouse still unbuttoned, excited to tell her friends. Danny was a little slower, desperately out of breath.

"My turn," Sandra announced. It inspired a lot of snickering. The beer keg stayed busy. The guys started placing more bets.

"Sandy, wait," Julie said, pulling her friend aside. "As much as I love this, Danny may have had enough for one night. He's not a dog like these Alpha guys."

To her disappointment, Sandra saw it might be true. Danny looked a little dazed.

"Okay, not tonight," she conceded. "But I'll still get my turn, won't I? Wasn't he worth it?"

Julie nodded. "No disappointments," she whispered back.

The crowd gathered in the main room as Collyer and Simon issued a summons. Danny was led to the center, again the focus of attention.

"I think everyone agrees we've given Mr. Carpenter a tough time today," Jack announced. "We stole his clothes in the library. Sent Donna and Sandra to check him out. Ordered him down to the basement where Mrs. Brubaker herded him to Diane's art class. We made him leave the library covered only by a plastic bag, and then we brought him here. And now we are going to ask him to strip one last time."

Snuggly wrapped in the now soiled tablecloth, Danny looked surprised. But for all the embarrassment and humiliation he had received, none of it had been mean-spirited. Far from it. He dropped the covering to the floor, once again using his hands.

"Danny, raise your arms," Jack ordered. Danny hesitated for a moment and then did as he was told.

A big shirt was suddenly draped over him. A blue cotton sports jersey, the sleeves longer than his arms and the hem falling to his knees. He glanced at the front where gold lettering read Alpha Mega.

"It's too late in the year to accept new pledges," Jack said. "That will need to wait until fall. In the meantime, Mr. Daniel Carpenter has been unanimously elected the fraternity's first official tutor, with all the rights and privileges of an Alpha brother. If he accepts."

"As sisters to the Alpha Megas, Mr. Carpenter would also become a brother of our sorority," Sandra said.

"What do you say, Danny? Ready to get out of that shell?" Jack asked.

Danny was trembling with tears in his eyes. He nodded.

"Speak up, kid," Jack insisted.

"Yes, I accept. I accept very much," Danny gratefully agreed, clutching his new shirt.

Something he never thought to wear, for it meant he belonged.

The party died down at dawn. Danny sat on the patio with Jack, Simon, and Collyer, now sipping coffee. The fraternity boys were smoking weed but Danny wasn't ready for that.

"You bagged two cheerleaders on your first night out," Collyer congratulated. "You're going to be a legend."

"Let's be honest, they bagged me," Danny corrected. "I'm sorry, but I need to ask. I really appreciate everything you've done for me. This has been the greatest night of my life, but why did you have to get me naked?"

That inspired a round of knowing laughs. It was merriment combined with relief for a job well done.

"Your stories," Jack said. "The ones you post on that erotic website. We know what turns you on."

"Those are only fantasies," Danny protested.

"You've read Sigmund Freud. You know how our fantasies define us," Jack insisted. He was, after all, a psychology major.

"I have read Freud. I never imagined you did," Danny answered, kidding him.

"We also knew this would get your attention," Simon added. "You can be a little insular."

"Quite frankly, I thought you would totally hate this," Collyer said. "I expected you to be curled up in a corner crying, but you actually seemed to thrive on it. I had no clue the girls would steal your virginity like that. I wish it had been me."

"I'm glad I won't be a 40-year-old virgin," Danny conceded.

"Now that you have your clothes back, what are your plans?" Jack asked.

"Finish the semester and make money over the summer," Danny answered. "I've been working mornings for Mr. Sanderson at the Pancake House. I'm not a bad cook, but I can't stay there. Not at minimum wage. I want better clothes. An apartment. I want enough money to date girls."

"You've been working at a diner?" Simon questioned.

"There aren't a lot of parttime jobs for theoretical physics majors studying paranormal phenomena," Danny explained.

"Now that you're a brother, we can get you a better job than flipping pancakes," Jack offered. "Our alumni members own all kinds of businesses."

Danny looked down, red-faced again.

"I already have a new job," he confessed, showing the boys his phone. They ran through a series of exchanges with Professor Parker.

"You're going to pose nude for Diane's art classes?" Simon incredulously said.

"The sessions pay a lot of money," Danny answered. "A lot more than I'll make at the Pancake House."

"The Thetas will be happy to hear this," Collyer said. "I've heard they are signing up for her classes in droves."

"Mrs. Parker assures me they'll get bored soon enough," Danny defended.

"I think one of these is a photography class," Simon snickered, squinting at the screen. "A million people are going to see you naked."

Danny knew there was no photography class on the list. Simon was teasing him. He appreciated the camaraderie while wishing he wouldn't be so provocative.

"Diane has this other gig, too," Danny said, showing a new screen. "I'm not sure what a gig is. It's at the art museum."

Jack read the text message from Diane and referenced the link. His eyebrows shot up before showing Collyer and Simon.

"This is hilarious," Collyer said. "Who would have guessed we were grooming you for your new career?"

"My new what?" Danny said. Jack showed him the screen.

"Did you check this program out before agreeing?" Jack asked.

"No, I didn't," Danny answered. "I checked out the $2,000 a week they are going to pay me."

"This is so great," Jack said. "Diane signed you up for the Traveling Artists program. You're going to be posing nude before art classes all over the state."

"They might put you in the brochure," Simon warned.

"Are you serious?" Danny asked, taking the phone back.

As the guys were chuckling, he read the screen with a frown. And then he had to laugh.