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 ï>¿ONE AND DONE.  Or so I thought. by FunKelly

   ONE AND DONE.  Or so I thought.  Part 14

   My first instinct was to expose Francesca's plan to humiliate me to Mrs.
Slate and the Sullivan's, knowing it was a major breach of 'Life Modeling'
protocol, not to mention a pretty lousy thing to do.  After thinking about
it for a few second, I came up with a much better idea.  I told Amicia that
she should have any players who are able to procure photos of me, as I
posed in front of the students, players, coaches and art instructors, send
the photos to my cell phone.  "Francesca means well, but I see no reason to
bother her with all this", I said, as I wrote down my number on a 'Post
It', note and handed it to her.  "You like to show you naked body to
others, huh Jenifer", she said, as she took my number.  "Yup!  That's me,
Amicia!  The naked American art girl with the bald pussy, who enjoys
displaying her naked body on the internet!" She knew there was more going
on here, but just warmly smiled at me and nodded her head.

   I felt confident enough in the recent bonding between Amicia and myself,
that I decided to drop the subject of Francesca's diabolical scheme.  After
all, even if some unauthorized photos were taken and ended up in the wrong
hands, I was performing the respected, centuries old art form of 'Life
Modeling'.  "There was no shame in it", I told myself.  Amicia told me she
needed to rejoin her players, but that she had come to the art wing to let
me know I would be safe and secure among her volleyball players.  I was
totally moved by her gesture, so gave her a hug, then she started walking
down the hallway.  "Hey Amicia!", I called out.  "How many people are on a
volleyball team anyway?", I asked.  "Twelve", was her one-word answer, as
she continued down the hallway.  I, on the other hand, rejoined the
instructors and students back in Mrs.  Slate's classroom, having a new
perspective concerning my, soon to be second official 'Life Modeling'
experience.

   I entered the room, and said, "Paul's on his way, so I guess we should
head down to the gym".  Everyone was already prepared to move the class
downstairs, so I asked one of the male students who was closest to my robe,
to hand it to me.  "Mrs.  Slate gave me a look that I was unable to
discern, so I simply said, "I won't be walking to Felix's exhibition from
my hotel room in the nude, so I won't be walking to the gymnasium that way
today, either".  Mrs.  Slate smiled, and said, "Just the right amount of
modesty, Jenifer.  Just the right amount".  I took my robe from the young
male student and put it on, as everyone watched.  That's when I heard
Robert Sullivan say, "Felix sure knows how to choose his models".  "He sure
does", Elaine added.  I felt like a celebrity, and knowing their
compliments were infuriating Francesca, made the moment that much more
special.

   I kept in the center of the group as we made our way down to the
gymnasium.  I should have thought to wear my sandals, as the cold tile
floors kept me distracted by my nearly naked body, rather than focused on
the task at hand.  Walking through the quiet, but not empty hallways and
stairways of the college, gave me an ominous feeling.  You never knew who
you might pass along the way, or what they might be thinking, as they first
witnessed a tiny girl wearing nothing but a robe, amongst a large group of
fully dressed people.  That's something you would rarely consider, unless
you were almost naked in public.  The further we walked, the more
inadequate my robe felt.  We had passed several individual students, a
group of students, and a few college staff members, as we walked to the
gym. It was a few minutes of calm, followed by a few seconds of sheer
terror, over and over again!

   We had one last obstacle before getting to the gym.  The main office. 
During a regular semester, I imagined the line could be out the door. 
Fortunately, it was July, and I could see no line, as we approached. 
Still, I maneuvered my way to the outside of the group, as we passed the
large glass windows of the main office.  I let out a sigh of relief, as we
passed without incident.  Just to the right of the hallway before us, was
the entrance to the gymnasium.  "It's time to put on your game face,
Jenifer!", I thought to myself.  I could hear the unmistakable sound of
sneakers screeching on the polished wood floors of the basketball court,
along with the constant thump as someone was hitting the ball.  The next
sound I heard were the large metal entry doors of the gymnasium, being
opened.

   I was still among those in the center of the group, as we slimmed down
to a single file line.  At least nine people walked into the gymnasium
before me.  Once inside the cavernous place, I felt so small, yet somewhat
inspired, knowing I would once again be posing nude.  That inspiration
would all but vanish, when I saw 'Two', yes 'Two', co-ed volleyball teams
at the other end of the gym.  Amicia's team, dressed in their green and
white colors, and another team suited up in blue and gold.  I don't know
why it didn't occur to me that both men and women play volleyball, but I
just assumed the players would all be female.  Just then my husband Paul
entered the gymnasium from the side where the volleyball teams were warming
up to play.  He waved to me and made his way around the players and down
the court to me.

   I could tell by the expression on my husband's face, which was
permeating with excitement, that he was having 'No' second thoughts about
his wife posing nude for an art class, in such a public environment. 
Overflowing with anticipation, he took my hands, and asked, "Are you sure
you're up for this, Jen?" Any answer but "yes" would have been a
disappointment for him, so I simply replied, "It's now or never, I guess".
Truth be told, I was totally up for the experience.  Mrs.  Slate and the
Sullivans joined us and introduced themselves to Paul.  Mrs.  Slate called
Francesca over to where we were standing.  Anxiety accompanied any and all
encounters I would have with Francesca, ever since she discovered me in the
hallway and took those naked pictures of me.  Who could blame me.  Right?

   "Francesca.  Since you were the one who arranged this 'Spur of the
moment class', why don't you have the students take a place on the
bleachers and choose a pose for Jenifer.  Something dignified, please", she
instructed.  "Of course, Mrs.  Slate", she replied, as she led me away from
my husband and the three art instructors.  To my surprise, she was very
professional as she directed the students on choosing positions on the
bleachers.  She had them spread-out in a half circle and used the many
levels of the bleachers as a sort of amphitheater, allowing everyone an
unobstructed view of the area where I would be posing.  As she approached,
she gave me that same sinister smile I had seen before, and said, "O.k. 
Jenifer.  Let's see how best to have you pose".

   Paul seemed right at home in the company of Mrs.  Slate, the Sullivans
and Lizzy, who decided to sit this one out, as Francesca mulled over her
options.  "I got it", she said, "Jenifer.  Place your right foot on the
lowest bleacher and put your right hand on your knee.  I did as she
instructed, as she personally placed my left foot where she wanted it,
while telling me to place my left hand on my hip.  She stood behind me with
her hands placed on the sides of my waist, nudging me right into the
position she wanted me in.  I was in view of all of the student artists
while practically giving the volleyball team on the right side of the
court, and almost full-frontal view of me.  She then instructed me to turn
my head to the left as if I were gazing off into the distance, leaving me
looking in the direction of the team on the left side of the court.

   I immediately recognized that she was making sure I saw the players,
while they were seeing me.  It was devious, yes, but not inappropriate, so
I knew I would have to comply with her chosen position for me.  Everyone
was in place and the moment of truth had arrived.  It was time for me to
remove my robe and take my pose in front of the almost fifty people in the
gymnasium at the time.  It was nerve racking, but I knew I had to remain
calm and somewhat nonchalant in my nudity, if I were to be prepared to
model for Felix.  I removed my robe, handed it to Francesca, then took my
position.  Standing stark naked in the immense space of the gym, while in
view of everyone in attendance, had me feeling so puny and helpless.  The
sensations of vulnerability and empowerment are usually at odds with each
other, but at that exact moment, they were at equally soaring levels, as I
tried to come to grips with my present circumstances.

   Paul had made his way into my view from the left.  Standing totally
naked in front of my new husband, in the midst of almost 50 clothed
strangers, was nothing short of traumatic.  Knowing the distance between
fantasy and reality can be a single step or a mile long leap, depending on
one's attitude and psyche at the time, had me on pins and needles.  Paul
had all but extinguished my anxiety when he gave me a subtle wink, a well
disguised thumbs up, and an endearing reassuring smile, then faded off
behind me, as if to say, "It's all good Jen!" I emptied every thought from
my mind, just long enough for me to understand and accept my circumstances.
"O.k.  I 'm Naked", I thought to myself.  "I was the one who agreed to pose
in the nude, and now I'm naked", I continued thinking.  "I'm supposed to be
naked.", I reasoned, in an attempt to convince myself that my public nudity
was somehow dignified.

   Knowing Francesca strategically had me facing the volleyball player's
practice, in an attempt to test my nerve, I decided to use the view to my
advantage.  Rather than allow it to become a hinderance, "I'll just watch
the practice", I thought to myself.  It wasn't long before I remembered
only half of the players from each team were going to be on the court at
one time, while the others were on the bench, once their practice began. 
This would leave the rest of the players, both male and female, time and
opportunity to get in their short glimpses, long stares or even possibly
acquire some ill-gotten photos, of my tiny naked form.  The idea had me
feeling so exposed, yet totally invigorated.  Knowing my public nudity was
sanctioned my Mrs.  Slate, Francesca and the Sullivans (all members of the
college art program staff), allowed me the chance to at least attempt, to
enjoy the moment.

   The one favorable advantage of my pose was the fact that my facial
expressions were mostly concealed from those directly around me.  Having to
maintain a particular expression can be just as hard as holding a pose. 
The volleyball players had the best angles to see my face, but they were
quite some distance away from where I was posing.  I could barely see Paul
and the others off to my left, yet still reminded myself not to appear to
be having too much fun.  Remember.  It was only a few short days ago that I
questioned my husband about his motives for having me remove my top on the
Carribean beach and go topless among the crowd.  I also remembered him
replying to my question with an honest answer.  He wanted to parade my
naked body around the beach, because it made him feel lucky to be him, as
he so eloquently put it.  Well, there was no beach, but Paul's fantasy had
been realized.  His wife was naked in public.

   I did realize while holding my pose, there was one major difference
between this class and yesterday's class in Mrs.  Slate's classroom, other
than the number of spectators.  It was the noise!  The instructors were
talking amongst themselves, the students were chatting on and off with each
other, and the volleyball players were making all sorts of commotion at the
other end of the gymnasium.  You can't image what a stress relief 'Noise'
can be for a nude model.  You are reminded that people are going about
their business, even if 'You' are naked.  You are not under a microscope,
even if it feels that way for a few minutes.  After a short while, it can
be quite liberating, if you let it.

   My mind was racing yet my body remained still, as I held both my pose
and my line of sight, while surveying the other end of the gymnasium.  I
was watching the two teams play, when I noticed one of the male players on
the blue and gold team, was holding a drink cup and hand towel in his left
hand.  In his right hand was a cleverly disguised cellphone, that was
pointed directly at me.  Every fiber of my being, along with every instinct
I've ever had, told me to cover up my shame and expose the young illicit
photographer, yet I held fast in my position.  I even turned my eyes
slightly right, so as not to be seen looking directly at the young man's
phone camera.  I maintained a slight smile as I was hoping his photos would
make their way to my cell phone.  It was the closest I've ever come to my
version of Utopia!  Or so I thought at the time.

   Knowing I had my husband's approval, I was finally able to relax and
enjoy my circumstances, when I heard Francesca's unwelcome words, as she
announced, "O.k.  Jenifer.  You can take a break now".  I stood up straight
and suddenly realized, I had no idea what it would be like to be totally
naked amongst so many dressed people when not in my pose!  I turned to
Francesca for my robe.  Almost in panic mode, I watched as she turned her
head to her left, indicating my robe was on the bleachers, next to Paul,
Mrs.  Slate, Lizzy and the Sullivans.  I had no choice but to walk across
our side of the gymnasium floor, if I wanted to retrieve it, which I did.
Knowing every eye would be on me, I turned my focus to Paul and started
across the gym floor, hoping he would meet me halfway with my robe, but he
did not.

   Every ounce of my self-esteem, along with every shred of my dignity
seemed to be siphoned from me, with each and every step I took across the
gymnasium floor.  I felt like such a spectacle, in the midst of so many
clothed people whose prying eyes, I was sure, were focused on me.  I made
my way towards my husband, Lizzy and the three college art instructors, but
most importantly, my robe.  The emotional intensity of having no idea who
might me looking, staring, or even snapping pictures of me, had me both
uneasy yet utterly stimulated, as I was finally in reach of my robe.  I
looked to Paul, hoping he was still enthusiastic about my public nudity, as
I felt the terrycloth fabric of the robe, that was draped across the
bleacher seats.

   Paul's expression revealed his continued approval of my public nudity.
He has told me how this scenario was his fantasy, so I used the opportunity
to explore my own agenda.  That's when I suddenly felt a hand pull mine
away from my robe.  "Oh...Forget that silly thing, Jenifer!" It was Lizzy!
She was preventing me from retrieving the robe, as she took my hands and
maneuvered me right in front of her, and said, "Oh, Jenifer!  It's like
visiting my past!" Having no idea how to respond, I just smiled at the old
lady, realizing we were practically the same size.  Lizzy took me by the
arm and started walking me away from Paul, Mrs.  Slate and the Sullivans,
and most importantly, the protection of my robe.

   "Oh, how I miss the thrill of walking around totally naked!", Lizzy
quietly admitted.  "You mean 'Nude', right?", I meekly questioned, feeling
more and more vulnerable as we continued to walk.  "Forget that rubbish
sweetheart!", she said.  "When you are posing, you are nude.  When you're
not posing, you are naked!  Period!", as she continued to lead me away from
any possible cover for my nakedness.  Every step away from Paul and the
others, was a step closer to the volleyball practice that was going on at
the other end of the gymnasium.  Suddenly I heard Lizzy say, in a low tone,
yet with such excitement, "Oh...  The euphoria!", she whispered.  "Can you
feel it?", she asked.  I knew the sensation she was referring too, but it
had escaped me as we approached the half court mark of the gymnasium.

   "Shouldn't I be getting back to pose?", I asked her.  "Most of today's
students are novices when it comes to life modeling", she replied. 
"Continuing to get you more exposure is more important right now.  They can
wait", she said.  "I'm pretty sure I can't be any more exposed than I am
right now", I whispered.  "Not your body sweetheart, your mind and your
psyche", she replied, as she led me across the gymnasium at the half court
line, leaving me in view of everyone in attendance.  Out of nowhere, she
asked, "Will you be posing with or without pubic hair, my dear?" Feeling
the question was overly personal, I replied, "I heard Felix doesn't like
his models to be without pubic hair?" "Nonsense!" was her immediate
response.  "I've posed for Felix more than once without so much as a
stubble of hair on my vagina, and that was before it was 'A Thing'.  I
admit, I mostly did it for the shock value.  I knew those around us felt
much more awkward about my nudity, than I ever did.  It was both liberating
and empowering", she continued.

   Completely taken back by both Lizzy's admission and her candidness as
she spoke about her past, I blurted out, "You've posed for Felix Laconia?"
She was so cavalier in her reply, as she said, "Oh yes dear.  Of course,
that was many years ago, before he became so famous and respected in the
art world.  We met in our late twenties on the Italian Riveira.  Felix
would coax me into removing my clothes everywhere from the beaches to the
public gardens.  "Life Modeling' was such an admired form of the arts in
Italian society, that no one ever said a word.  People would stop to
satisfy their curiosity, then go on about their business, as I posed in the
nude for him.  I posed in all sorts of public places.  We were both so
carefree in those days", she fondly remembered.