Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 ï>¿A Year to Remember by QuietCustom

   "Hello," I say.  "My name is Odessa.  I'm a shameless exhibitionist who
loves being nude."

   That caught their attention.  Mr.  Grey in particular, wide-eyed,
concerned.  "Excuse me?" He asks.

   I shut my eyes.

   "Hello," I say.  "My name is Odessa.  Thank you for accepting me on my
first day."

   "And thank you, Ms.  Pratt, for gracing our classroom." Mr.  Grey
smiles. "Could you tell us where you're from?"

   It's Monday morning and no one wants to be here, least of all me.  I
survey my classmates, my soon-to-be peers, each of them listless, tired,
half-dead.  Did Mr.  Grey make everyone do this?  We're not in first grade,
this is senior year.  But it's my first, yes, my first day attending; so he
called me to the front.  I sigh, and respond.

   "I'm from Minnesota." Nobody cares.

   "Any hobbies or interests," he asks, "Any dreams?"

   My hands behind my back, I fiddle with the ring.

   "Yes," I reply, "I long to be naked."

   Mr.  Grey recoils for the first time, the third time.  The whole class
perks up, all eyes on me, as if I hadn't just walked in here naked this
morning.

   They say first impressions are everything.  I suppose that's true.  They
say you only get one chance to make them.  Turns out they're wrong...at
least when you're me.  I still remembered standing there, completely buck
naked, shivering, shuddering, outside the door.  I was late to arrive and
the halls were empty.  Class was in session.  They were waiting for me.

   I would've been on time if I hadn't stopped to strip.  I'd run to the
window and thrown out my clothes.  The dumpster below accepted my donation.
Stranded, naked, I trembled with delight, wearing nothing but a ring with
an eye-shaped jewel.

   "Ah~...ha ha ha~...I'm naked...at school." The word alone, 'Naked,' was
delicious on my tongue.

   At my old school I was known.  I'd gained a reputation.  I wasn't just
anyone, you see: I was me.  But today was a blank slate, a brand new
beginning.  I was no one at all, and I just had to know.  Before they knew
me, or learned my name, I wanted to see myself naked in their eyes.  I
needed to be known for nothing but my body.  At no point should they ever
even think of me clothed.

   Fumbling for the handle, I threw the door wide.  Thirty pairs of
eyeballs snapped to attention.  Puffing out my chest, I'd offered a salute.
"H-hello," I'd said, "My n-name is Odessa!"

   Puberty had been unduly kind to my sister.  Two years my junior, she'd
matured into a stunner.  I was the lean one, flat-chested, mousy.  With my
hair cut short, I resembled a boy.  "Resting bitch face," did me no favors
either.  But when I was naked, none of that mattered, with everyone's eyes
caressing my form.  Sixty seconds ago I didn't exist.  Now I was naked in
their memories forever.  My heart beat faster.  I could feel myself squirm.

   It was something you'd think I'd grow numb to eventually, but every time
was as wonderful as the first.

   Mr.  Grey turned and nearly stumbled backwards.  Boys and girls alike
were quick to grab their phones.  I put my hands behind my head and cut a
dashing pose, consigned to history by a series of flashes.  The thought of
online circulation made me quiver.  It was a million times better than
sneaking through the park.

   "Ms.  Pratt," the teacher stammered, panic in his eyes.  Emboldened, I
spun, like a dancer on a stage.  "Y-yessir?" I asked, consumed with nervous
mischief, an uncomfortable smile fixed firmly on my face.

   "Any hobbies or interests," he asks, "Any dreams?"

   "Yes," I reply, "I like board games and movies.  When I graduate I'd
like to be a director."

   "Very good," he nods, and directs me to my seat, accompanied by a
smattering of dutiful claps.  Mine is the corner desk next to the window:
perfect for a somber, curt girl like me.  Sitting down in my chair, I
become invisible.  Just one more body in a room past capacity.

   Beneath my desk, I fiddle with the ring, fighting a grin of
anticipation. For everyone else it was just another year.  For me it would
be a year to remember.