Convent Education

Chapter 2:

Welcome to Hell

Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in my ankle and I gasped, my eyes flicking open, I was back from my reverie and, heart sinking, I saw I was still in the Mother Superior's Room.

"Answer girl" my Aunt hissed. I realised she had kicked my ankle.

I gulped " Sorry Mother Superior " I stammered; having missed the last few minutes " what did you say"

My Aunt interjected " You must forgive Phillipa, I had to sedate her as she was so out of control She is still not quite recovered"

"I asked if you were still a virgin, girl and did you have any explanation for your conduct? " The wizened old Nun repeated.

I felt my face getting warm and flushed, stammering I replied ."I am a virgin Ma'am and I am truly sorry for my behaviour." I wanted to try and explain but I was too choked up to speak properly.

"Mmmmmmml " the Nun's eyes bored into me and then she turned and addressed my Aunt.

" I will need to discuss this with our Religious Adviser who is currently taking Benediction but if we accept Phillipa there will have to be strict conditions, and I am sorry but as all our bursaries are allocated fees will have to be paid.

My Aunt leaned forward "Fees are no problem to be sure Reverend Mother " she said... "Phillipa has a large inheritance in Trust and I and her brother are the trustees. We have absolute discretion as to her welfare and custody. As to conditions " she continued " we will be happy to accept any, we are only concerned for her moral and educational needs".

I blinked as I heard this, I wanted to protest, I didn't want to stay here, I hated this place, it scared me but I bit my tongue still feeling ashamed, lost and worthless.

The Old Nun smiled as she heard my Aunt and continued.

"Very well, you would have to sign a commitment form. This will be binding till Phillipa reaches the age of sixteen; at that time we will have the discretion to keep her for a further two years till she reaches her majority. There will be no outside contact with anyone, not even you or her father for the first six months and only after that with our permission. You will also have to sign a waiver as we occasionally have to use corporal punishment" as she finished she turned and looked at me hearing me gasp in protest.

My Aunt nodded "That's no problem either; I think the little trollop needs a firm hand" She glared at me, her eyes cold and hard. I swallowed and dropped my head, silently shaking with trepidation as to what was in store for me. The Nun rang a bell, a white robed figure entered.

"Take this little one to the infirmary please for evaluation and to await final acceptance " the Mother Superior directed.

If I had but known what awaited me in this dreadful place I would have screamed and fought, ran for my life. But still dazed and embarrassed, lost, frightened and ashamed I meekly acquiesced

I picked up my case and followed the young nun down a long hall to some steps, which led down into a long white- painted room. There were some 8 beds along each wall, each with a cabinet alongside. Most of the beds were empty. Crosses and other catholic symbols the only decorations. The young nun smiled kindly at me. "Sit on an empty bed and wait here " she said. I sat and waited, my hands folded on my lap. The white robed figure left.

I looked round still shaking a little. On the next bed to me I saw mass of blonde hair splayed across the pillow. The owner was lying face down. I looked across and saw only one other bed occupied, a dark haired small form just visible under the white sheets. I coughed nervously, my fingers white knuckled as I grasped my hands tightly. The figure in the bed next to me moved and the head turned. A pale face looked at me from under the tangle of blonde hair. She seemed to be somewhat older than me- about fifteen I guessed. I smiled nervously at her. Her deep blue eyes regarded me solemnly, and then she smiled. "Hi " she said in a soft Irish accent " I am Anna what's your name".

"Phillipa " I stammered.

"Welcome to Hell Phillipa " she whispered. Looking round cautiously she slowly sat up, the sheet falling from her, showing a wide white bandage bound tightly around her breasts. She sat on bed, the sheet covering her lower body to the waist and faced me.

"When did you arrive" she asked.

"Just a little while ago" I replied keeping my voice as low as hers.

She sighed, "Poor you- how old are you and where are you from"

"I am thirteen and from England". I looked at her upper body as I replied. " What's that I asked - are you injured?"

She chuckled ruefully "Nope - well not yet- but my breasts are bound like this to prepare them for caning."

"Oh my God " I gasped "that's awful, they can't do that surely?

"They can do whatever they like" She retorted and slid out of bed. " I have been here three years and believe me breast caning is not the worst penance I have had to endure". She wore only a pair of off-white loose fitting knickers, tied at the waist and legs by draw strings. "Look at this " she added as she padded over to one of the other beds and drew down the sheet from the figure I had seen earlier.

It was a young girl of about my age, dark haired; she was quite plump and breathing shallowly as she lay on her tummy. I gasped in horror. From just under the same type of knickers as Anna's both of her bare legs were a mass of red angry looking bruises that extended down to just above her ankles. It must be excruciatingly painful I thought, every inch of tender bare flesh was striped with thick raised welts. I shuddered

" She must be in agony" I said to Anna, Why is she so still"?

Anna beckoned me closer and reaching down she rolled back one of the girl's eyelids, the pupil was dilated and vacant. The young girl's face was streaked with tears but she didn't move.

" They have shot her full of Tramadol or some opiate I expect " replied Anna "they usually do that after a severe beating if the girl is repentant". I shivered, a thousand questions buzzing through my head. I was just going to quiz her further when we heard footsteps outside.

"Quick" Anna hissed " get back on the bed and keep your mouth shut OK "?

The door opened and I looked up. The young white clad nun entered together with my Aunt and a short fat priest. He was in his 40's I guessed. Almost bald with tiny little piggy eyes. They walked over and stood looking down at me. My Aunt smiled coldly.

"Well miss " she almost spat out the words "That's you settled for the next three years- all signed and delivered, Monseigneur Xavier has decided to accept you. May god have mercy on your soul"

I shuddered at the venom in her voice, I know I had been bad but I didn't deserve this. I looked up at her, my eyes begging for mercy. She stared at me and then turned away. The priest waddled closer, his piggy eyes making my flesh crawl as they washed over me. He spoke in quite a high pitched voice, almost squeaking.

"Phillipa, I am Father Ignatius, you will be staying here in the Infirmary for a few days at least until we have finished your evaluation. We can't have you contaminating the rest of the girls. Ms Bridie please empty her case on the bed".

I felt like a leper or pariah. I was only just thirteen, how on earth I am going to contaminate anyone I wondered? My heart felt like lead and I longed, oh how I longed to be back again with my friends in England. I groaned realising that only my Aunt and Dad had any idea where I was.

They then proceeded to sort through my clothes leaving only a school skirt, long white socks, black shoes and blouse on the bed. The rest, including my underwear, they loosely piled in the open case.

"That's all she will need" the Priest said indicating the pitifully small heap of clothes left on bed "We will provide everything else".

Hearing that my aunt packed up my case with the rest of my clothes and left without a backward glance. I looked after her my heart sinking. I felt a wash of despair flooding me. I dropped my head in my hands and burst into tears. The fat priest shot out his arm, his podgy hand pushing my hands aside. He gripped my face, fat fingers squeezing my cheeks hard.

"Stop snivelling brat " he squeaked "Or I will really give you something to cry about". With that he turned to the white robed young nun watching. "Get this wretched girl showered and dressed appropriately- Monseigneur will hear her confession later and "Oh " he added leering at me " Don't forget to give her a full body search, there's no knowing what she may have brought here concealed on her person."

With that he turned and stepped close to where Anna lay and grabbed her by the back of her neck as she lay prone " This little slut should be ready now for the punishment room".

The nun reached down and dragged me unwillingly to my feet. Her eyes flicked momentarily to the fat black-cassocked priest.

"Wouldn't you prefer to wait to punish Anna with me present Father" she enquired a little anxiously? He grunted something and ushered her away. I followed the young nun through a door into what seemed to be a combined bathroom and examination room.

The floor and walls were tiled white, with three open shower stalls immediately to the left next to a toilet closet with no door. A series of cabinets lined the wall opposite the door we had entered and a large stainless steel table, partly covered in a white sheet, occupied the middle. There was a desk and chair against the wall to our right, which also had a closed door with glass window at eye level. I stumbled in, my legs shaking. I felt like a zombie unable to really believe this was happening to me. Praying this was a dream from which I would soon awaken.

The young nun spoke "get stripped and showered Phillipa, use a shower cap, as we don't have time to dry your long hair". She took a towel, shower cap and a bar of soap from a drawer and handed them to me indicating I was to use the first shower stall. " Drop your clothes on the floor you won't need them again as you will wear the standard uniform of a Penitent girl.

I was so stunned and bewildered I didn't even ask what on earth a Penitent girl was. "Yes Sister" I mumbled.

"Don't call me Sister- I am not a Bride of Christ girl, I am still a novitiate, you may address me as Miss Caitlin "

She looked at me as she spoke, saw me nodding my understanding then went to stand near the far wall by the windowed door. Slowly, arms shaking I slipped off my clothes till I stood naked on the cold tiles, my clothing in a heap on the floor. I stepped into a shower, turned on the taps, pleasantly surprised that the water was hot and proceeded to wash myself. I looked down the length of the room at Miss as she peered out through the window grille in the far door.

I dried myself quickly then wrapped the towel round me and stood shaking as I waited by my clothes piled on the floor. Caitlin beckoned me to her and I padded across the tiles. She put her finger to her lips indicating that I was to be silent and then gripping the back of my neck in her hand pulled my face next to hers and I looked through the glass window.

I gasped in shock, my heart sank and my tummy flipped. There in the centre of a brightly-lit room I saw Anna spread-eagled naked on a table. Her wrists and ankles were strapped to each corner. Her face was contorted and streaked with tears. A sort of thick wide dummy was held in her mouth by straps fixed round her head. It stretched her mouth cruelly wide and saliva drooled down covering her chin. Her blonde hair was matted and flew around as she tossed her head frantically from side to side. Her body sheened with sweat arms and legs straining as she twisted and fought against the restraints holding her. Across her sweet breasts were thin wicked looking red stripes.

I winced as I saw a cane lash down cutting into the underside of her breasts. I saw the fat priest, his face red and sweaty with exertion, his hand holding a thin whippy cane that he was using to lash her. He turned and looked at us watching. His eyes were manically wide, his open mouth panting. He grinned evilly then turned his head away, looked down at Anna and continued to rain blow after blow on the young girl's unprotected breasts.

I felt sick and pulled my head back, not wanting to see such cruelty. The novice Nun thrust my face back against the glass "Look round the room " she hissed in my ear. I closed my eyes not wanting to see anymore. Then realising that she wanted me to learn something I opened them and let my gaze travel round the room. It was large and windowless; cream coloured walls and white tiled floor.

I tried to avoid looking at the table where Anna lay. Against the far wall I saw a large wooden frame. It was shaped like a large X and had metal manacles on each leg and arm. As I looked round further I saw a wooden stock with small platform just in front and also a long wooden rail, like a barre that I recognised from when I had gone a few times to ballet classes. There were bolts and chains attached to the floor in front of it.

The walls were lined with racks and shelves holding a variety of whips, paddles, canes, manacles and cuffs. I blinked not wanting to see anymore. It was horrid. Such an air of brooding menace. The room seemed to vibrate to all the wicked cruelty that obviously took place inside its walls.

Just before I pulled away I saw in one corner a small metal cage. The bars were quite close together. It was not much bigger than a dog kennel. There were some weird metal attachments fixed at one of the narrower sides of the cage. They were large iron thick rods, one just above the other about two feet off the bottom of the cage secured from the outside but pointing in. I couldn't bear to see anymore and I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling sick and pulled away.

The young novice nun dragged me back to the table in centre of the room. " I wanted you to see what the punishment room looks like Phillipa" she whispered softly. "Just remember to behave yourself, obey all orders and perhaps you may avoid being taken there". She smiled at me and her green eyes were strangely gentle.

"Hop up on table and drop the towel, I have to do the body search". I groaned and looked at her whispering

" Can't you just say you did it please Miss, I really don't have anything concealed". She shook her head, hissing in my ear,

"All rooms have CCTV if I don't do it then either Father Ignatius or the Punishment Sister will and believe me you don't want that". She smiled "Come on don't be a baby it won't hurt, otherwise I will have to sedate you".

I dropped the towel feeling my face flush as I realised that I would never have any privacy again. I thought of the open toilet I had seen next to the shower stalls and groaned softly. I sat on the table; naked thighs pressed modestly together, arms crossed round my breasts. She pushed me back, firmly but not roughly till I was lying flat on my back. She pulled my legs apart and pushed them back against my chest folding my knees under so I was resting on the small of my back my lower half almost clear of the table. "Put your hands under your knees and hold your legs back and open like this Phillipa "

Reluctantly, face flushed with shame at being so exposed to her and the cameras I complied.

She smiled and nodded, went to a drawer in the desk and took out some latex gloves and a large jar. She snapped a glove on her right hand, dipped a finger in the jar, held it for me to see that the middle finger was coated in some kind of cream. She stepped between my wide spread thighs. I tensed as I felt her finger at my sex. She slowly pushed it between my labial lips. It slipped in quite easily. I held my breath as she slid it deeper moving it from side to side, twisting it slightly as she probed inside my sex. I gasped as a wave of sexual excitement flooded through me. My nipples hardened and I bit my lips to suppress the soft moan of pleasure that bubbled up from deep within me.

"From the tightness of your cunny I guess you are still a virgin or at least you have not had a cock inside you yet?" She said softly, looking at me from between my spread legs. I nodded weakly.

She slowly withdrew the finger and I tensed my buttocks knowing where she was going to check next. I had never had anything pushed inside my bottom and I was frightened and embarrassed. She moved so I could see her clearly. Her face, framed by the wimple was flushed; she licked her lips as she looked at me. She smiled and then stripped off the glove, tossed it to the floor, took a clean glove, slipped it on and dipped the middle finger in the jar again.

" First time ?" she asked, her green eyes showing traces of amusement. I nodded.

"Relax " She whispered," Some girls adore this" , then stepped back between my thighs again.

Her finger lightly brushed against my puckered tight anus. I tensed my buttocks. Slowly she increased the pressure. I felt my anus open as her finger entered my secret place. I winced as it pushed against my sphincter. I grunted and tried to relax. She twisted her finger a little and I felt the latex finger sliding between the tensed muscles inside my rectum. It felt strange, sore but not unpleasant, she moved the finger gently rubbing against the ribbing of my sphincter muscle, twisting and sliding in and out. I grunted and raised my bottom a little.

She pushed harder and I felt the knuckle of her finger against my anal opening as her finger drove deep into me. She wriggled her finger a little more and then gently slid it out, removed the glove and stepped round to the side of the table and looked down at me. Her face was smiling.

"That wasn't so bad now was it Phillipa" she asked softly. Weakly I nodded; I felt such a mixture of emotions. It had felt nice once I had got used to it; she was kind and gentle and I suddenly flushed as I realise I wanted her to like me and that I had enjoyed being so intimately exposed to her. Her small kindnesses magnified by the horrors and strangeness of this place that were threatening to overwhelm me.

"Thank you for being so gentle with me" I whispered back. She looked at me "All clear so far; just one more orifice to check" she said "and you had better not bite!"

She moved behind my head and I dropped my legs and lay flat and still, my trembling thighs pressed tightly together. I realised with a sense of embarrassment that I was aroused and my sex was moist. I rested the back of my head on the table; looked up at her from my upside-down position and slowly opened my mouth wide in offering to her. She leaned forward, the material of her white robe brushing against the top of my head. With her bare middle finger she traced the outlines of my lips. I held my breath; her touch was so erotic and sensual. The finger snaked inside my warm wet mouth, sliding over my teeth, exploring my gums and inside my cheeks. It felt so intimate. She hooked back her finger and stroked the underside of my soft palate. I could taste her finger and my lips felt suddenly dry. My heart was pounding and I felt a little shiver of excitement run through me centring at my sex.

I looked up at her trustingly as she slowly forced her finger a little deeper. My mouth strained wide, my jaws starting to hurt. Her finger slid under my tongue. I moved it making it dance against her finger. Her finger was still as she let my tongue stroke it. My tummy was trembling as if it were full of fluttering butterflies. I was astonished at how intimate and erotic it was, giving someone such access to my mouth. Slowly the finger started to withdraw. I felt a sudden sense of loss. I adored having her finger inside my mouth. Closing my lips a little I sucked on the finger, not wanting it to leave. She pulled it free past my pursed lips. I felt a sudden twinge of conscience realising I had momentarily forgotten about poor Anna being so cruelly caned not more than ten yards away. I swallowed and closed my eyes.

Her voice, now a little harsher rang in my ears "All done now girl, get off the table and if you have made a mess on my sheet you will have to wash it later"

With that she picked up my discarded clothes and the gloves, dropped them in a bin and took some folded garments from a drawer. "Here" she said " put these on while I check on Anna".

She left and I unfolded the clothes. There were only two items. A white shift with pink "P" on the left breast and a pair of large knickers with ribbon ties at the waist and legs similar to those I had seen on Anna and the unconscious girl on the bed. I presumed the "P" stood for my name. Quickly I put them on tying them at the waist and legs. I was still in a daze, still not believing what was happening, hoping against hope that I would wake up soon in my own bed safe and warm. The material of the shift and bloomers was quite rough and scratched a little.

I waited, standing by the table, shuddering with fear. I realised with a sinking sensation in my belly that it wasn't a dream and I was completely abandoned in this mad house, cut off from my friends and the life I had known. Tears trickled down my cheeks and I longed to die, the feeling of utter desolation made me feel sick and I tasted bile in my throat as I wretched dryly.

I heard raised voices from the dormitory where I had been previously. I recognised Father Ignatius's whiney shrill voice "Anna is fine, just countersign the punishment book, six strokes as was specified and stop bitching Caitlin or you will find yourself in the pit for a week"

I heard Caitlin answer softly but determinedly " Father you gave her many more, you can see from her file she has been bought and paid for. She is scheduled to be collected in four weeks and if she is badly marked or scarred it is I who will be held responsible". I gulped as I heard this, not really understanding but knowing that there seemed to be many more horrors here than I had realised as yet.

I jumped as I suddenly heard my name "Phillipa get out here now " it was the piggy priest, and I stepped quickly into the main room knowing he wasn't someone to be crossed or made to wait. I stood trembling, eyes looking down, my hair shrouding my face.

"Has she been searched? " He enquired of Caitlin.

"Yes Father" she replied " she is clean."

His voice dropped an octave as he barked "Is she a virgin, I see from her file she attempted to seduce her father, God save her soul".

I raised my eyes and looked at Caitlin as she answered.

"Yes Father, anally and vaginally though it appears her hymen had been broken some time ago"

"Hmm " he replied " well I hope you made sure she was properly displayed for the cameras, she should get a lot of interest from our customers".

He glared at me and then turned to Caitlin "I will review the tapes later, get Anna back here and doped up and cleaned. Benediction is almost finished and the Monseigneur will be hearing confessions soon so make sure Phillipa is ready".

With that he waddled to the door, it closed it behind him with a dull thud as he left.

Caitlin sighed and then turned to me. " Quickly now girl " she said, "help me with Anna". With that she glided down the room to a door at the end. I followed quickly and we entered the punishment room. I avoided looking anywhere except at poor Anna, still spread-eagled on the table. The thought of what all the equipment and apparatus was for was too horrid to contemplate.

Anna looked awful. Her breasts were a mass of angry looking red welts. Her nipples were bruised and dark, almost purple. I shuddered as she lay twitching, her wide eyes reflecting the agony she must be feeling. Her naked body was covered in sweat; her cunny looked so bare and vulnerable, the tight lips forming a split in the sweeping softness of lower belly. The obscene plug that still stretched and filled her mouth was covered in saliva. Her face tear streaked. The harsh white overhead lights revealing every detail of her shocking condition.

I heard Caitlin growl "That sadist will kill a girl one of these days ". She took a hypodermic from a drawer under the table, checked it and then plunged the needle into Anna's left arm. Anna's body jerked for a few seconds and then went still. Caitlin dropped the empty syringe in a nearby bin, rolled back Anna's eye lid and then sighed.

"Ok she is out now, thank God for fast acting Valium, now help me get her untied and back to bed so we can attend to her wounds."

I helped untie the motionless girl; Caitlin undid the straps round her head and slowly and tenderly pulled the plug from her mouth. I winced as I saw the fat obscene plug. It was covered in saliva and teeth marks. We carried Anna back to the dormitory and placed her on a bed gently. I could feel the heat from her welted flesh and I shuddered. Caitlin handed me a pot of cream,

"This is a mixture of cortisone and steroid " she told me "massage it into her breasts, it will speed the healing and reduce the pain when she comes round". I nodded, trying to quench the sick feeling in my belly. "I am going to the refectory before it closes for the night, I need to get my supper and no doubt you are hungry and thirsty also. So just attend to your sister here and I will be right back" with that she left.

I scooped the cream into my hands and started to gently apply it to the red angry skin of Anna's breasts. I could feel the heat from her skin even through the cool cream. My head was buzzing with a thousand questions; I was in a daze. I groaned softly and concentrated on trying to help Anna. I would save my questions till later. I sensed Caitlin could be a friend and could explain to me what on earth was happening.

I smoothed the cream round and round. My fingers light and gently as I stroked Anna's abused tits. Despite lying flat, Anna's breasts were still well shaped. Rising like two pert red streaked hillocks , each topped by a bruised dark nipple. The flesh was firm under my fingers and my cream covered hands glided easily over her skin tenderly massaging the ugly welts. I felt a flush of shame as I realised I was getting aroused. I had an intense longing to kiss and lick her bruised nipples. I wanted to kiss them better, but also I longed to know how they would feel in my warm wet mouth.

I shivered as I softly stroked her caned breasts, so mottled red against the ivory colour of the rest of her naked body. My gaze travelled down over the slight swell of her tummy to her slit. I had thought it hairless but I now saw there was the faintest of golden downy hair just above the tight dark pink folds of her labia. She looked so beautiful lying there so still, even her breasts bearing the cruel marks of the cane now looked erotic and exciting. I continued to stroke them with my cream covered fingers and hands. I groaned softly and then shook myself.

"Christ pippa " I scolded myself "stop looking at her as if she were your lover, you aren't a les".

Despite this self-admonishment it was all I could do to stop myself from leaning over and kissing her soft lips and touching her pussy. Face flushed and warm I stepped away guiltily and hurried into the shower room. I filled a bowl with warm water, grabbed some soap, flannel and a towel and returned to the Anna's side. I looked over shamefacedly at the plump girl with the caned legs I had seen earlier but she hadn't moved.

Tenderly I bathed Anna's face, gently wiping away the tearstains and dried saliva from her cheeks and chin. I carefully bathed her bruised lips and smoothed back her blonde hair from her forehead. Lacking a brush I combed it with my fingers and arranged it so it looked tidier. I purposely didn't stare too long at her breasts now glowing darker red under the layer of cream.

I remembered Caitlin's remark about her being bought and paid for and I shuddered still not really understanding but knowing her fate was not going to be pleasant. I prayed whatever drug induced dreams she was experiencing were happy ones. I knelt by her bedside and held her hand, my head bowed in weariness and despair, tears streaming down my cheeks.

The door behind me opened and I heard voices. It was Caitlin and another white robed nun. I scrambled to my feet and swallowed. Caitlin was carrying a tray laden with a bowl, plate and a mug. I wiped at my eyes with the towel I still held. Caitlin looked at Anna and then smiled at me kindly " Ok little Phillipa suppertime - soup, bread and water and be quick as it will be confession time soon"

I realised that I was hungry and thirsty and taking the food offered I sat on the bed allocated to me and ate greedily. I was aware of the other novitiate watching me, an amused smile on her face. I looked up at her anxiously.

I am Miss Aisha " she said, her accent wasn't the soft Irish brogue I was getting accustomed to,

"You must be the latest Penitent girl"

She pointed at my white vest and I realised that the initial wasn't for my name as I had first thought though I still had no idea what Penitent signified.

" Yes Miss " I replied " I am Phillipa".

Her eyes were dark brown and her complexion was coffee coloured. She looked Asian and it was hard to tell her age. Certainly older than Caitlin , perhaps late 20's I thought. Her lips were stretched in a thin parody of a smile and I shivered sensing she wasn't going to be as kind as Caitlin. She turned to Caitlin; "only three girls in the infirmary I see, guess the Nun's are slipping or at least being more lenient." Caitlin didn't answer, just nodded eyeing Aisha carefully.

Aisha moved to the plump girl opposite I had seen earlier, still lying on her tummy but covered by a sheet. She pulled the sheet back exposing the raw welted legs. "Hmmm " She almost purred "Nice striping there, presumably that was Sister Theresa's handiwork". It was obviously a rhetorical question as without waiting for an answer she leaned down and started pinching the welts. I saw the prone girl jerk and start moaning softly.

I gasped at such wanton cruelty; Aisha looked across as she heard me and her eyes grew cold. Glaring at me she gripped the back of the poor girls legs tightly, digging her fingers into the raw red bruised flesh. The intense pain must have broken through whatever drugs they had pumped into her and she howled in anguish. Aisha kept her eyes fixed on me as she pinched and twisted the flesh; talon like fingers digging ever deeper. I looked at Caitlin but she ignored both Aisha and me.

The cruel novitiate stopped, drew the sheet back over the trembling sobbing young girl and strode back, stood towering over my seated figure. "Well now Phillipa" she hissed " did you want to say something?" I looked up at her, shuddering at the malice in her voice. I wanted to tell her what I thought of someone who could be so cruel to anther girl like that; one who had already been punished and didn't deserve to be tormented further. But I somehow knew that I shouldn't interfere. "No Miss" I replied hating the way my voice trembled; eyes looking at the floor.

"Look at me girl not at the floor "she barked. I looked up at her trying to conceal my feelings. I was terrified. "Stand up pinkie " she ordered " and take off your shirt".

"For goodness sake Aisha leave the wretched girl alone, she only arrived a few hours ago, she is bewildered and scared, stop teasing her". Caitlin's voice was conciliatory and I looked at her

thankfully.

"Oh " Aisha's voice was playful now "you looking to make her your pinkie pet are you Caitlin, I thought you had decided never again after what happened with poor Alice?"

I saw Caitlin shrug " Don't be so stupid" she retorted, " I don't care but she is supposed to be seeing Monseigneur Xavier any minute".

I stood there trembling, my heart sinking as I heard Caitlin's remark. My tormentor glared at me and motioned with her hands. " Off with it girl".

I looked at Caitlin but she avoided my eyes. Some sixth sense warned me not to refuse; I had already seen how callous and cruel she could be. I reached down and slowly pulled the vest over my head, dropped it to the floor and stood there semi naked, arms hanging loosely by my sides.

Aisha chuckled "Are you sure this is a girl Caitlin, I have seen bigger tits on a boy. I think Father Ignatius will love her, Phillipa will remind him of all the altar boys he buggered before he was exiled here to pussyland. Perhaps she had better drop her bloomers just to show she has a cunny and not a cocky?"

Just then a bell rang on the wall and Caitlin sighed and got to her feet.

"Confession time" Aisha muttered reluctantly "guess you are saved by the bell Phillipa."

Caitlin motioned me to put my top on and to follow her out. She called back over her shoulder to Aisha as we left "She is a girl all right dear sis, and she has the sweetest little cunny".

I blushed as I heard Caitlin' comment, thankful also for this reprieve from the attentions of Aisha. I felt a sense of dread at what life here promised for me. I tried to remember the confession ritual as, stumbling a little on tired legs, I followed Caitlin up the wooden stairs. As we reached the top Caitlin hissed to me...

"Be warned Phillipa, Monseigneur Xavier is in complete authority round here in all matters religious and this being Ireland that means secular as well. He is answerable to no one so tell the truth when He asks, obey his commends promptly and pray He doesn't take a dislike to you or your manner. He could make your life here hell. This is a closed Order and Community; so ordinary rules don't apply. Call Him "Monseigneur" at all times. Understand?"

I nodded weakly; too weary, frightened and confused to do anything else.