Page 33 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

Traci leaned her hip against the long marble vanity, crossing her arms before answering. "Well, by the look of things, you're old enough to read. I suspect you've been made aware of the dangers of smoking and yet you've made your informed decision to smoke anyway. From where I stand, that means I pretty much have jack to say about your choices."

"Wow, where have you been all my life? I've never met an adult who didn't want to stick their nose in my business." The girl moved to a nearby sink and washed her hands, using the damp paper towel to fix her smeared makeup before popping a stick of gum in her mouth.

"Did you ever think that maybe the adults in your life might want you to stop smoking because they love you?"

"Oh, I know they love me, but that's not why they want me to stop."

"Okay, I'll bite. Why do they want you to stop?"

"Because it embarrasses them. They want me to be the perfect little girl who never breaks any rules."

"Sorry, but sounds like good parenting to me. I bet your mom loves—"

"Mom's dead. Listen, this has been fun but..."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. Don't go. There are some jerks out there I really don't want to talk to. I could really use someone to talk to for a while until they leave."

The teenager stopped at the door, turning around slowly. "You want to talk to me?"

"Sure. If you have time."

"But why? About what?"

"I don't care. Anything you want. Just don't make me go out there yet."

"You act like you're afraid or something. You're beautiful and smart. What in the world could you be afraid of?"

Traci chuckled, plopping down into one of the cushioned chairs in the lounge area, sweeping her arm in an invitation for the teenager to sit. She wasn't sure why, but she felt a connection to the teen.

"I've got news for you. Being afraid of things isn't exclusive to teenagers."

"Hey, I'm not afraid. Who said I was afraid?"

Traci pulled a bottle of water out of her briefcase, taking a swig before offering it up to her new friend.

"Don't be paranoid. I was just making a general observation. No offense, but you did seem somewhat afraid I might call security when I found you smoking."

It was the girl's turn to chuckle. "That doesn't scare me. Jimmy can't do shit anyway."

"So, you're on a first name basis with the security guard. That's interesting. If you don't mind me asking, whom are you staying with at the hotel?"

Silence.

"Are you here on vacation? You're in a school uniform, so you go to school around here?"

Silence.

"So, you're a big talker I see. How about we start with something easy. My name is Traci.

Do you have a name?"

Silence was finally broken by a quiet reply, "Ashley."

"It's nice to meet you, Ashley." Traci extended her hand. The teen hesitated, but eventually offered her hand for a shake.

"So, Ashley. Seems I've lost my lunch and there's no way I'm going to the welcome reception here at the hotel. Any restaurant recommendations in the area?"

"You mean it? You aren't going to lecture me about smoking?"

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