School economy

"So the first thing you're gonna have to know about this school is the economy of it," Richard said conspiratorially as he led Mackenzie through the halls. Richard had somehow been roped into being the guide to new students.

"What, like cigarettes or something?" scoffed Mackenzie. She thought Richard was just screwing with her--she was the new kid after all.

"Pfft, no. This isn't prison."

Mackenzie looked around at the small windows and stark walls and then gave Richard a look complete with a raised eyebrow.

"Okay," he admitted, "it's a bit like prison, but really the economy runs on shirt pockets."

"Shirt pockets?"

"Yeah we use them like money here. You can save them up and trade them for other school supplies. The rarer the item, the more shirt pockets you need."

"So do you all just make shirt pockets in home ec or something? Does this school even have home ec?"

"No, I don't think so. At least not for a long time."

"So then how do you all get the shirt pockets?"

"We steal 'em," smirked Richard.

"Steal? From where?"

"Seems like you need a demonstration." Richard looked around the halls for a good target and spied George. Ah, poor George. This will be his third shirt pocket stolen this week. Richard briefly thought of picking another target, but George was just so easy.

Richard signaled for Mackenzie to stay still as he walked up behind George. In a quick movement, Richard reached down George's sweater and ripped off one of his shirt's pockets.

"Aw, come on, man," whined George.

"Sorry," waved Richard with the shirt pocket, "Had to make a point." Richard walked back over to Mackenzie. "See?"

"That's insane." Mackenzie honestly still wasn't sure if Richard was screwing with her.

Richard kindly handed over George's shirt pocket, "Here, have it. Consider it a welcome present."

Mackenzie looked at the shirt pocket that felt awkwardly damp. Gross, she thought. "Uh thanks. I guess."

"Now," said Richard as he continued the tour of the school, "you want to start saving those up. One shirt pocket won't get you much here."

"What will it get me?"

"Probably just a dry erase marker. In your choice of color though, of course."

"And what might I want to save up for?"

Richard paused as they reached Enid's locker. There was a crowd around it with students talking quietly. "Well," Richard said gesturing to Enid, "she's taking bids right now for a swipe machine."

"A swipe machine?"

"Yeah. We have to swipe in to school in the morning for attendance and also swipe to get lunch. The other day, one wouldn't take Enid's card so she punched it off the wall. Now, there are quite a few bids in for it."

Mackenzie blinked at him. "Okay, now I'm sure you're screwing with me."

"What? No. Hey--hey, Enid!" Richard called to Enid above the crowd gathered around her.

"Yeah, what's up, Dick?"

"Ha ha, very funny. Enid."

"What do you want?" she asked, trying to listen to him above the others around her.

"What's the high bid right now?"

Enid smiled, "Fifty shirt pockets, you wanna try and top it?

Richard whistled, "Oooh, too rich for my blood." He turned back to Mackenzie as he continued down the hall, "See?"

"But...why would you want a swipe machine?"

Richard shrugged, "To have it. No one has managed to get one before."

Mackenzie was frustrated, "But is there anything useful in this so called "economy"?" Mackenzie used air quotes for emphasis.

"Well, there are all the school supplies you want. Sometimes people manage to snag food from the cafeteria or test answers or...once...one of the frogs before it was dissected."

"What?"

"Well there have also been several post-dissection, but those tend not to go for as much."

"This school is insane," Mackenzie sighed just as another girl started to reach for her shirt pocket. Mackenzie was too quick for her and smacked her hand away.

"Ah, you'll be fine."

(Prompt by Ruairí Kennedy)