The Final Donation !

Concluding the story-line initiated and outlined by ewong, to whom many thanks....

Debbi tried her best to make it a normal morning at the office, though the thought of the lunchtime presentation nagged at her. In her still disoriented state, she did not register some of the looks she was getting from colleagues. Carol came to collect her when it was time. "I've written your acceptance speech as we agreed, so that's one less thing for you to worry about" she said. "Thank you Carol, I was wondering what to say." Debbi didn't recall any discussion regarding the content of her speech but Carol seemed certain that one had taken place, so she guessed it must have done.

Everyone was in the canteen. Jeff had set up a small stage and was already standing there with the editor of the local paper and his press photographer. Carol sat with Debbi on a row of chairs at the back, along with the company directors. Jeff began to address the assembled gathering, saying how pleased the company was that one of their employees and a manager no less, had shown such public spirit to deserve this award. The head of the homeless shelter gave a brief speech about how vital their work was and that, while Debbi's clothes had been a useful donation, of more importance was the publicity her selfless gesture would generate.

Debbi was invited to give her acceptance speech before receiving the small mounted plaque which was the award. She dutifully read what Carol had scripted, saying how dreadful it was that there were homeless and deprived people in the town and that she was pleased that , as a privileged and comfortable member of the community, she had been able to highlight the situation and alleviate it in some small way. Debbi read the final paragraph that Carol had prepared. "I am lucky enough to have been able to buy myself a replacement wardrobe of clothes but while there are still people in need in our community, I feel that I must make one final donation to the cause by giving up the outfit I am wearing today !"

This announcement brought forth cries of approval and warm applause. It slowly dawned on Debbi what she had just agreed to ! Carol now stood beside her holding out a large carrier bag. "You can put your things in here Deb" she said helpfully. "Let me help you off with these" she insisted, pulling at the lapel of Debbi's jacket. As everyone watched eagerly, Debbi submissively shrugged off her jacket and stepped out of her skirt. Now in just a blouse and underwear, she looked around in a daze, like a deer caught in the headlights. The blouse swiftly disappeared into Carol's bag. "Must I give my bra and knickers too ?" Debbi whispered to her. "Oh I think so" Carol confirmed mercilessly. "We need the maximum symbolic impact for the publicity !"

So it was that Debbi was stood there naked in front of all her colleagues, posing and smiling awkwardly with the editor of the paper as she held her award. She stood around not knowing what to do as the proceedings wound down, shyly accepting the congratulations of Jeff and the other directors. "Is there anything I can wear ?" she asked Carol when she finally got a chance. "No" said Carol. "But Jeff said you can take the afternoon off and I'll run you home."

The photograph taken at the award ceremony duly appeared in that week's issue of the local paper and online, with three strategically placed black stars preserving Debbi's modesty. But when a recovered and clear headed Debbi returned to work on Monday, she noticed that framed copies of the uncensored version had appeared on many desks !