Aaron entered the school uniform shop, the smell of fabric and leather wafting over him.
Blazers and skirts hung from faceless mannequins in one corner and the walls were lined with bolts of black and white fabric.
Black leather Oxford shoes and black leather pumps with 4-centimeter kitten heels lined the bottom shelves of the walls.
A beautiful young blond woman greeted him. "Hello, are you here for a uniform?" she asked him politely.
Aaron’s analytical gaze roved over her slender body.
She was wearing the girl’s uniform of a black blazer, tie, blouse, pleated skirt, pantyhose and black leather pumps with 4-centimeter kitten heels.
Her long blond hair was done up in a high ponytail with delicate blond tresses framing her oval-shaped face.
She had a gold badge pinned to her blazer lapel with the name Sophia in black letters.
"Are you a student here, Ms Sophia?" he asked.
"U-um no, I’m an alumnus. I’m actually in college, working here part-time. I just really like the uniform," Sophia mumbled flustered by Aaron’s demeanor and gaze.
Unlike the undressing stares she got from the store’s usual male clientele, Aaron’s stare seemed to study how the uniform looked on her.
Aaron inclined his head at her answer and stepped closer. "I’m here to be outfitted in the uniform. Would you be able to help me with that, Ms Sophia?" he asked her.
Sophia shook her head slightly to regain her composure. "Of course, sir," she said leading him to a large mirror and a raised platform at the back of the shop.
"If I may ask, how old are you, sir?" she asked Aaron. She wondered why she had slipped into a more formal and respectful tone with him despite her being almost 21, but it felt very natural.
"I will turn 13 this September, Ms. Sophia," answered Aaron.
"I see. Well I’m done with your measurements, how would you like the uniform to fit sir? If it is a little loose, then you can grow into it, and you won’t have to buy new ones too often." she asked.
Aaron gave her a look, that made her squirm uncomfortably. "I believe the uniform you are wearing fits you perfectly does it not Ms. Sophia?" he asked her.
"Y-yes sir." Sophia mumbled, suddenly feeling that she had asked a very insulting question.
"And if it were loose, would you have the same feelings on it?" probed Aaron.
Sophia went red with embarrassment. "I apologize for my suggestion sir. I’ll tailor it to fit you perfectly" she said quietly, feeling very small despite Aaron being at least 2 heads shorter than her.
Aaron inclined his head in acknowledgement and stepped down from the platform. "When will it be ready?" he asked.
"Two days from now, sir," said Sophia. Aaron nodded his head again and left the shop.
----
Father Abel sat surrounded by various psychology books and research papers, rubbing his temples in exhaustion.
"Strong desire for control and order, aversion to emotional appeals, superior intelligence, and an ability to intimidate without overt violence. It can’t be," muttered Father Abel to himself, as he poured over a dissertation written by one of his psychology professors, a Father Viktor Goering.
Seizing his phone, Father Abel dialed a number, hoping that it was still valid.
"Hello, Father Viktor Goering speaking" came the answer in German accented English.
"Father Viktor, it’s me Abel Chang. Class of 2021. I need your expertise with a particular case" replied Father Abel, relief washing over him.
"Abel Chang? Oh! Yes I remember. Very well, I’m now based at St. Joseph’s church in Boston. When do you wish to meet?" answered Father Viktor.
"Is it possible to meet now? I’m at St. Ignatius Academy, it’s only 15 minutes away" asked Father Abel eagerly.
"Well, yes I suppose. There isn’t much intellectual stimulation in this back-water parish that has been my exile" chuckled Father Viktor.
"Thank you, Father! I’ll be there as soon as I can!" said Father Abel, springing up to gather his jacket, gloves and helmet.
----
"I see why you decided to reach out to me," chuckled Father Viktor as he looked over Aaron’s case file.
"I’m still unsure on whether Aaron’s case, or even the symptoms are legitimate," said Father Abel, nursing a cup of coffee.
"Skepticism is indeed a much-needed quality in a scientist. However, you must not let sociocultural norms color your skepticism.
I believe you have found a legitimate case. Young Aaron here exhibits a classic case of natural dominance," said Father Viktor.
"I tried to find concrete evidence of it, but research seems extremely scant.
Many in the scientific community feel that natural dominance is some sort of Nazi pseudo-scientific hoax invented to justify sadism and authoritarianism," grumbled Father Abel.
"It is the reason for my exile," sighed Father Viktor.
"How severe would you say his symptoms are?" asked Father Abel.
"I would say that they range from mild to moderate. It appears that he is somewhat self-aware about them, and is using Stoicism to keep himself in check.
Quite commendable for someone so young. Another person would be engaging in typical juvenile delinquent behavior to satiate these tendencies" said Father Viktor.
"Aaron Zakhrov is proving to be quite the enigma," sighed Father Abel.
"Indeed. However, I believe you are up for the task.
Even during college, you exhibited a very admirable sense of empathy and excellent psychoanalytical skills," said Father Viktor gently, causing Father Abel to flush.
"Thank you for your insight Father Viktor. I shall take my leave now," he said solemnly, standing up.
"It was a pleasure Abel. And feel free to consult with me any time," said Father Viktor as he bade the younger priest farewell.