The truth

Alice knew she had no way to construct a full proof lie on the spot, especially if the girl really did know everyone around the area. She sighed, and said “I..It’s a family tradition thing. I have to run home like this, and I thought I could stop under this tree and rest up before I keep going down the road...”

The girl looked perplexed, and confused. “...So the tradition requires you to dress like... that?” She asked, motioning towards Alice’s whole body. She moved closer, looking closely at Alice, trying to see if she really was bare from head to toe.

“...Y-Yeah. Some rite of passage thing I have to do now that I’m an adult.” Alice said, embarrassedly blushing all over. As the girl moved within arms reach of her, her blush only deepened.

A long silence followed, Alice too embarrassed to speak, and the girl trying to figure out what to do. The girl turned towards Alice again, and extended a hand. “Well my name’s Kristen. I live with my parents over there.” Kristen said, motioning towards a small dirt road that led into the woods behind another gate. “What’s your name?” She asked curiously.

Alice couldn’t help but be confused, she hadn’t expected the girl to act friendly towards her after learning the truth, much less seeming to believe it. “...A-Alice. My name is Alice” she said softly, extending her right arm towards Kristen, and awkwardly shook her hand.

“Alice huh? Do you happen to know a girl named Michaela?” Kristen asked, a slight grin upon her face.

At the mention of the name ‘Michaela’ Alice’s ears perked up. She turned to face Kristen, and said “...Yeah. That’s my cousin. Do you know her?”

Kristen gleefully shook her head yes. “Heck yeah I do! She stays here at her grandma’s house sometimes in the summer. She’s always fun to hang out with. How is she anyway?” Kristen asked happily.

Alice was now amused with Kristen’s derailment of the original conversation. Deciding to keep the focus away from her, Alice responded “She’s fine. She’s at some beach right now, but she should be coming back soon. How did you know she’s my cousin?”

Kristen moved to sit directly beside Alice, leaning her back against the tree. “Oh. Well she talked about a tradition thing kinda like this. It wasn’t as much of an issue for her though, me and her go skinny-dipping in the river near her grandma’s house all the time, we don’t have any problems with modesty” Kristen said proudly.

Alice’s blush returned full **** when Kristen sat right next to her. Now not only was she being seen fully naked by someone she had met barely a few minutes ago, she was also sitting shoulder to bare shoulder with them. She shyly turned away, looking back at the ground. “I wish I could say the same. I’m mortified right now.” Alice said, emphasizing the word ‘mortified.’

“Oh, I’m sorry. I hadn’t thought about that. Lemme help you out. I can go get you something to wear if you want?” Kristen said apologetically.

Alice remembered what her mom had said. “...wearing nothing. Not even shoes.” Alice shook her head, a sorry grin across her face.

“Sorry. I can’t wear anything at all the whole time, not even shoes. That’s the worst part. I can’t even ask someone for something to wear.” Alice said, shaking her head in frustration.

Kristen looked shocked, her eyes widened. “Wow. That’s a little ****. You’ve got to walk all he way to your Grandma’s house like that? Does she really expect you to go through town?”

“...I guess so. They never specified how I have to get there, but that’s the only way I know how.” Alice said thoughtfully.

“Well... I might not be able to get you any clothes, but I know a shortcut that won’t take you through town. If you want I can take you?” Kristen asked politely.