Capricorn Part I

My name is Laura. I say this because I have no recollection of what my real name is. When I was 5 years old, I was sold to a man who I was told was my uncle. I wasn’t until I was 10 that I understood why I was sent away. I don’t know for certain if I was sold, but speaking to other girls, I believe this is what happened.
We travelled very far in a small car to a house that had many girls. I was excited because some were my age, but there were many more of various ages. I was happy for the most part because I was fed, clothed and allowed to play all day. I started going to “school” when I was ten, and I remember it wasn’t like the school I attended when I lived with my parents.
All the ten year olds were gathered in a room that had desks. It almost looked like a classroom, except there was no chalkboard. My uncle (we only knew to address him as uncle) was standing at the front of the classroom as we chatted away with each other. I was wearing a short pleated pink skirt, white knee high socks, white Mary Jane shoes, a white collared t-shirt and a pink thong. The thong bothered me at first we were never given anything else to wear. We were told it was our “uniform” and that we must wear it at all times.
“Settle down girls,” uncle said. “Today you begin school.”
“School! We don’t like school!” many of the girls replied.
“It’s not like the school you attended before girls. This is a “special” school, for very special girls,” he explained.
“A special school?” Candy asked. Candy and I slept in the same bed and we were very good friends.
“Yes, a special school. Not many girls get to receive this kind of education. How many of you can’t wait to be a teenager?”
We all raised our hands. The teenagers at the school got to drink, smoke and had their own beds. They seemed so cool to us. When you were a teenager, you could leave the house to go to “parties.” We were all so curious and jealous of them.
“Well, today you begin to learn what it means to be a teenager. A good teenager always obeys her uncles. She doesn’t complain, or ask questions when she is with an uncle.”
All men were called uncles, although I knew I could never be related to some of the men I saw coming and going.
“That is rule number one. Never complain or ask questions to an uncle. Say it with me.”
We all repeated it in unison. Just as we finished, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” said uncle.
In walked 16 teenagers, all dressed in the school uniform. As they entered, they walked down the aisles between the desks and stood next to each of us.
“Class, say hello to your big sister. She will help you with your studies.”
I was so excited. I didn’t know any of the older girls and they looked so beautiful and confident.
“My name is Laura,” I said to the girl standing next to me.
“Hi Laura, my name is Alison.