We had changed into the assigned skirts with grey knee high socks, and light colored blouses. We didn't dare slide down the banister as we went down for dinner, and to meet Aunty's hubby.
He looked great, and more important he didn't look as stern as her, it was a relief! With a smiling face he gave us each a peck on our cheeks, and told us to call him Uncle.
The maid had left, and we helped Aunty with setting up the table and the service. While in the kitchen with Jojo, I asked. "He wears two lapels ribbons, a red one for the Legion d'honneur and another one that's blue, white and red. What could it be?"
She didn't hesitate. "Its the US Silver Star."
"Impressive!"
The mysterious ribbon was later partially explained. He told that he was a liaison officer during Desert Storm. As military brats we knew better than to ask for details.
We cleared the table, filled the dishwasher, and were invited to watch television. It was real nice, but we didn't get to see one of our fav series.
Next morning after breakfast Aunty gave us our admission letters for the Institut Polytechnique Saint Mathieu. She also had us close the second button of our blouses, and Tanka blushed crimson when she told her to raise her approved grey pleated skirt.
With small backpacks we rode our bikes to St Mathieu. It was fun to ride through the streets of Paris with street side cafes, and boys looking us up. At Polytech, we soon discovered that we weren't the only girls with the Paris 16th look of grey or tartan pleated skirts and navy cardigans over light colored blouses. Some were even wearing ankle socks!
Tanka mused. "I want a French boyfriend with a big motorbike."
She must have been quite loud, as one boy turned to his friend parking a 750 Honda. "There! That raven haired babe is scoping you bro!"
"Nah! That's a martinet club girl."
"Ah!"
We heard him explain to his pal. "These uppity Paris 16th girls with pleated skirts still get their butts tanned with the martinet as if little girls. They are goody-two-shoes and always top of the class, so boring!'
Having said that he showed his friend a tall blonde with tight jeans. "That's more like it, and she won't have to ask for midnight permission."
Tanka whispered. "Its going to be hard to compete with those bimbos!"
Jojo giggled and told us. "Look over there, there's another local breed of chicks."
We saw girls who had rolled up skirts similar to ours, and one had rolled it so short that Cricri taught a new French expression to our American friends. "That short is called à ras le bonbon!"
I translated. "Up to the bonbon."
We exchanged high five and marched on to be registered while humming Britney's song, but we didn't dare dancing it !
Don't you know I still believe
That you will be here
Just give me a sign
Hit me baby one more time
Hit me baby one more time...
Morning was about a briefing by the Deputy Dean. "Your are postgrads, we won't be monitoring your attendance, but we believe in performances. Your work will be graded, and you will be given a monthly report card..."
Lunch was about the local McDo or Burger King, we followed girls like us, Paris 16th girls with more or less rolled up skirts, and discovered a great self service. It offered a better choice than the Franco-American fast food places.
Liliane (Lili), Christiane (Cricri), Jolene (Jojo), and Tanka Rae (Tanka)
To be continued...
./.
Oaks and Pines Role Play Game
You are invited to join our free role play game