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By @Madison
The people who came in to teach us about the general business of fooling around
Way back in middle school
Made one thing very clear.
While they laid down the basic facts
To ensure that we all wouldn’t be parents by the time we were freshmans
They sold us a sentiment, as well
Making the lesson a two for one deal of sorts.
As a gaggle of seventh grade girls sat in front of her with rapt attention
Their eyes filled with a mixture of horror and fascination
Acclaimed health teacher Mrs. Callahan desperately attempted to tell us that one of the dirtiest things we could think about, talk about, or, — gasp, — do
Was also a beautiful, utterly sacred act
All the while balancing a healthy mix of fear mongering.
“Now, I’m not trying to scare you girls,” she proclaimed.
“But make sure that you’re aware of the issue at hand.”
Maggie Hart’s hand shot up
Her long, Silly Band clad arm rising above the rest of the class.
Mrs. Callahan pointed her pen at her.
“Yes, Maggie?”
“What do you mean by being aware, Mrs. Callahan?”
She put her arm down against the desk.
“What do you want us to know?”
Mrs. Callahan sighed
Obviously becoming uncomfortable with the schtick she was getting paid a meager amount to deliver to us.
“I want you to know,” she lowered her voice.
“That when you lose your virginity, you are, to some extent, giving yourself away to someone else. That shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
But, oh, take it lightly we did
The entire classroom bursting into a fit of giggles
As Mrs. Callahan sighed loudly.
Honestly, what did she expect?
‘Giving yourself away?’
As if you only have an identity
As long as you’re celibate?
Sure, Mrs. C.
You are a gentlewoman and a scholar!
Of course, I’m not concerned.
Four years later
I know everything that everything Mrs. Callahan preached to us
Is bull.
I haven’t given Todd anything too important
And I certainly don’t belong to him
By any means.
Besides
How can I suddenly pass myself over to him
If I’ve never belonged to anyone else
In the first place?
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