Leighton English had never had a girlfriend. At least never in the traditional sense. Leighton always found himself quickly relegated to the friend zone. While in school, he was always the last boy chosen in his PE classes for any team sport. Frequently, when it was a coed team, many girls were picked first over Leighton. Some were tomboys, but frequently even Feminine girly girls were chosen before him. By the time Leighton got to high school, he found himself either by himself or in the ever-widening friend zone with the girls. And still he would frustratingly try to ask a girl to go out with him. And when they said yes, Leighton was intimidated by their Femininity. No Girl had a problem taking out her lip gloss from her purse, opening her compact, and touching up her makeup...right in front of Leighton. Some of them would even solicit his opinion on a shade of new lipstick that they "just had to have." Others would ask him if he liked the new dress they had just purchased. Was the hem too short? Did their shoes match their dress? And on and on and on. One time a really pretty girl even asked him to hold her purse while she dragged him through a dress shop. It never stopped. And Leighton never said no. Never. When the "date" ended, if Leighton was lucky, he would get a sweet girly peck on his blushing cheek. Then one night, in a quiet restaurant, sitting by himself, Leighton saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Sitting at the small bar. By herself. Sipping on a coc-ktail. Long shiny black hair. Her stunning red silk minidress. Chatting and laughing with the bartender until she reached into her small black leather Gucci clutch and removed what Leighton knew had to be a tube of lipstick. As Leighton sat nearby, mesmerized, his breathing suddenly became more labored and his heartbeat more rapid. He waited and he watched with great anticipation. And with even greater envy...

Part 2
 
     Helen explained, “SFI is a privately held company with a highly select and exclusive clientele. Because of the discreet nature of our work, we do no advertising at all. We have public-private partnership agreements with various cities and states across the country to offer a bespoke juvenile diversion program for young men and families who meet very specific criteria. Because we take no public or taxpayer funds, the families of the young offenders bear all the costs of the program. In fact, we pay a small percentage back to our public partners to cover administrative costs. That of course, means that not all families have the resources to take advantage of our services.”

     Beth listened intently and nodded occasionally as Helen spoke. Then, she watched as Helen took a paper from the folio and placed it on the table.

     “Before we go any further, I want to share the cost schedule of our program with you. Because of the terms of our agreements and the auditing required, I’m afraid there are no discounts offered.” Helen spoke matter-of-factly but also deliberately as she gauged Beth’s reaction to the costs on the printed sheet. In previous years, it was at this point that some parents unfortunately realized that SFI was just not a financial possibility for them. Thankfully, that rarely happened anymore. Over time, Helen and her team had refined the screening process for SFI so that that they knew anyone who walked in their door had the means to pay. She added a little uncomfortably, “and of course there would be the matter of parental consent from… both parents.”

     Beth looked at the numbers on the sheet. Although she was a woman of quite significant means, she was still a bit taken back by the annual program cost. It was indeed substantial. But, in the end it really didn’t phase her. She looked back at Helen and replied in an even, business-like tone, “Steven’s father lost all his parental rights in the settlement, so his consent won’t be required. As I said, he basically washed his hands of us. His opinion on the matter is of no concern, legal or otherwise.”

     “I see,” Helen said again. She felt she had a very good grasp of the situation now.

     “And as far as the cost is concerned, I’ll just say that the divorce settlement was very favorable to me financially… I have extremely good lawyers,” Beth added. She seemed to perk up slightly at the memory of taking her ex-husband to the cleaners. “The cost is acceptable… the money will not be an issue,” she concluded.

     “Excellent,” Helen replied. “Now that the ugly business part is out of the way, let me explain our services,” she added more cheerfully. “I think the court clerk gave you a very brief overview of SFI, so you understand the general nature of what we do, is that right?”

     “Yes, I think so, but of course she didn’t have all the details,” Beth nodded. “Again, I had no idea this sort of thing even existed! Incidentally, is ‘SFI’ an acronym?  I mean, do the letters stand for anything?”

     Helen responded with a slight chuckle, “That’s a great question, and in fact ‘SFI’ actually stands for ‘Sissy Factory Incorporated!'”
 
     Despite the gravity of the situation, Beth emitted a small giggle, “That’s a bit on the nose, isn’t it?” she asked.

     “Yes,” Helen responded brightly, "which is why we generally go with ‘SFI’ on most agreements and correspondence.” She continued, “it’s just more professional and discreet, and our clients place great value on discretion.” She added, “we are not cheap, but if you choose to engage our service, I’m confident you will come to view it as a wonderful investment.”

     Helen continued, “Our program begins with a highly structured induction process. In Steven’s case, our team would retrieve Steven directly from the juvenile facility where he is right now. Because of our close working relationship with the court and the state, these transfers are very rapid and efficient. That could happen as soon as tomorrow morning if you wish. His safety and security would be ensured every step of the way.”

     “What if he were to try and slip away from your team?” Beth asked with a questioning look, "as I mentioned, he's become quite the handful."
 
     “Oh, I assure you that is highly unlikely,” Helen assured her. “If anything, our SFI team is much better trained and equipped than the state authorities to handle the most rambunctious young men! Our staff of matrons here is quite capable. We hire only the best!” She continued, “I can assure you that our matrons will maintain firm control of the young man every inch of the way.” Then with a slight grin, she added, “they have ample experience dealing with our often reluctant charges!”
   
     Beth nodded agreeably, and Helen could see that she seemed to be growing more comfortable as she listened.

The plot deepens. Looks like Leighton is hooked. Both frightened and excited at the prospect of visiting the shop and seeing that blue little girl dress. Eagerly awaiting next chapters.

Interesting start please continue with it

Part 1

     “Please come in and have a seat,” Helen Madison said as she welcomed her visitor.

     “Thank you so much,” Elizabeth Winslow replied gratefully.

     As the lady entered, Helen immediately noticed the expensive and well-tailored business suit she wore.  She also couldn’t help but see that the woman was upset, although she appeared to be marshaling significant energy to maintain her composure. Helen gestured to a small round table with two comfortable looking chairs, and they both took a seat.

     “Thank you again for seeing me again on such short notice… Ms. Madison, is it?” Ms. Winslow began.

     “Yes,” her host interjected politely, “but please call me Helen.” She flashed a warm and knowing smile designed to put her guest at ease. “May I offer you something to drink, Ms. Winslow?  Tea, water, coffee… something stronger, perhaps…?” she added sympathetically.

     Grateful to be received so kindly, her guest thought for a moment, and then replied with a nervous smile, “You’re too kind and thoughtful, Helen, and I’m Beth.” Then, looking slightly sheepish, she added, “you know, perhaps a glass of wine would hit the spot right now, if it’s not too much trouble.”

     “Of course not,” Helen replied at once, “it’s after lunch, and I have a lovely rose chilled.” 

     Beth Winslow watched as her host stepped over to a counter and opened a cabinet to reveal a small refrigerator. Beth took a moment to survey the well-appointed office as her host procured two wine glasses and placed them on the table. The furniture and décor were sleek, modern… and expensive. Beth Winslow was very knowledgeable about such things. The entire ambience was one of understated luxury.

     “I’ll join you if that’s OK,” Helen replied a touch conspiratorially. She knew instinctively that it would put Beth more at ease. She gracefully poured two glasses of the rose and then placed the bottle in an ice bucket which seemed to magically appear out of nowhere.

     “Please let me know if you like it,” Helen said as she raised her own glass slightly in a half toast.

     Beth obligingly took a small sip, and she immediately appreciated the quality. She savored the wine’s delicate notes of fruit for a moment, and then she set her glass down appreciatively. “It’s quite nice,” she said a little more calmly. “I don’t normally indulge like this, but it’s been quite a day.”

     “I understand,” Helen replied sympathetically. “Most of our clients find us when things have already gotten… complicated. But that’s why we are here.”  Helen smiled again. It was time to get down to business. She opened the black leather folio on the table in front of her and looked down for a moment. Then she looked back up, and said, “Please tell me about Steven’s situation.”

     After a brief pause, Beth began slowly. “My son was well behaved as a younger child, but around the time he turned fourteen, he just started finding trouble. At first, it was normal teenage mischief… minor misbehavior in school, average but not horrible grades, talking back to teachers, and the like. He would get detention, or I would ground him a week or two. He would behave for a bit and then slip again.”

     “I see,” Helen said with understanding. “And if my notes are correct, Steven is now almost sixteen?” she asked.

     “Yes, he turns sixteen next month,” Beth confirmed. Then she continued. “But his father and I were having difficulties in our marriage, and Steven probably didn’t get the attention he really needed. Then, a little over a year ago, I caught Steven’s father in an affair, and our marriage ended abruptly. He ran off to Europe with his new girlfriend, and he basically washed his hands of Steven and me. Steven’s father is an extremely successful business entrepreneur, but he is also an immature and spoiled brat. After the initial shock, I understand now that I’m much better off without that man-child. Steven’s behavior, however, seemed to nosedive after his father left.”

     “Oh dear, I’m so sorry Beth!” Helen exclaimed. The two women exchanged a silent glance, and then they both took another sip of wine. 

     “There was underage drinking, two bad speeding tickets while he only had a learner’s permit, a shoplifting incident, and now he’s been caught at school with a not insignificant amount of marijuana!” Beth looked so worried now. “As I told your secretary earlier, I just came from the juvenile court hearing this morning. It’s a more serious drug charge due to the quantity and the fact that it was at a school. Considering his previous offenses, the judge is inclined to keep him in juvenile detention!”

     Beth looked more dejected now. “After reviewing all aspects of Steven’s case, the judge encouraged me to meet with one of her clerks who gave me your information. To be honest, I’ve never heard of anything like this diversion program before, but at this point I’m desperate,” she ended almost in defeat.

     “That would be Judge Lawrence, correct?” Helen asked politely, although she already knew the answer.

     “Yes, that’s right,” Beth affirmed, “She seemed to be a very no-nonsense woman, but she also seemed to care.” 

     Helen had listened closely as Beth talked. She was already very familiar with the details of Steven’s case, but she felt it was important to let the client tell their own story.  She also knew Judge Andrea Lawrence very well.

     Helen gave her guest the most sympathetic and confident smile she could muster, and then she said gently, “Beth, you are in the right place. We can help you and Steven.”

     “Let me tell you about SFI and our services,” Helen began.