SOLD
Written By: Crystal Dawn Helman
Dedicated to my Daddy who has been an inspiration for this story and reminding me that I can write even when there are times I doubt myself. 11/11/2011
Bad News
1
“Elizabeth, come here for a moment,” called my mother. I came running from my room knowing she hadn't been feeling well, I figured I ought to get there quickly. I walked into her room and she smiled at me. “Sit down, dear; I need to talk with you.” “Yes mother,” I replied as I sat at the edge of her bed and held her hand. “There has been something going on that I should have told you a while back but I wasn't sure how to say it,” mother said. “As you have figured out I am very sick but what I haven't told you is that I only have 4 more weeks to live, I realize that is right after your 18th birthday but it is the reality of the situation. I worry about you and I have made an arrangement to make sure that you are taken care of after I am gone. It wasn't the ethical thing to do but I know that you will be taken care of for the rest of your life, have a place to lay your head at night, and food in your stomach.”
I look at mother cautiously and reply, “Momma I knew you were sick but not that sick, I can take care of myself you needn't worry about me. I am sure I can find a job somewhere doing something. Why didn't you tell me you were that sick before now?” Mother smiles at me and replies, “You know me I didn't want you to worry. As far as the job well don't worry about it you will be receiving a weekly salary, room and board, and all you have to do is what he tells you to.” My eyes open wide, “He.... what do you mean? Do what He tells me to?” I can't believe it my mother had sold me out as a maid to some man, how dare her; I think to myself. Mother starts to cough as tears start to run down her cheeks. I lean over to her and wipe them away and hand her a tissue to cough in. “I'm sorry mother I know you are only looking out for me but I am practically an adult and I don't understand why you would make a deal like that and not at least ask me how I feel about it.” I tell her as she wipes more tears away, mother's voice cracks a bit as she replies, “I know I should have spoken with you about it but it is my job to make sure you are taken care of and that is all there is to it. Now you are going to do as you’re told because this man has also agreed to make sure that you are set for the rest of your life and take care of me in my last days and thereafter.”
My eyes start to mist over as I realize that my mother really is going to die. I lay down next to her as the tears start rolling down my cheeks begging her, “Momma please you can't die, you are the only person in this world that I know. I don't know what I would do without you.” Mother raises my chin to look at me, “Now my dearest Elizabeth, you will be just fine without me. You have a strong head on your shoulders and are so grown up for your age. I am sorry that I have not been able to provide better for you in your life, but this is my final word, you will go with me to his house tomorrow morning to meet Him and from then on you will be in his care, his property, and do what he tells you to do. I know it was wrong of me to sell your freedom so to speak but I can't be sitting on my death bed worried that you will be killed in some alleyway or worse freeze to death without anyone knowing how to help you.” The tears continue to flow down my cheeks as I nod my head and tell her, “Yes ma'am I will go with you tomorrow and do as I am told Momma.”
I get up from the bed, just needing to be by myself I walk to my room and start to pack my belongings knowing this will be the last time I ever stay in this room. I ponder what the future will hold and can't help but be angry. How could she sell my freedom to some stranger I don't know. What will become of me, what is He going to want to do to me, what if.... I dared not continue thinking that way. I would just have to hope that my virtue would never be taken against my will. I fell on my bed crying until I fell asleep.
When I woke in the morning the first thing I saw was my mother asleep in the chair next to my bed. She must have come up at some point during the night and covered me up and watched over me. I took a moment to study her while she slept, she looked so fragile. I was ashamed that I hadn't noticed how sickly she looked. I was ashamed at being angry last night it was obvious she was only doing what she could to make sure that I was taken care of. I blushed as I moved to cover her with the blanket and went down to make some coffee to warm her frail bones.
As the coffee finished my mind wandered again on what would happen today. I turned around to get a mug to bring my mother her coffee when she was standing there watching me cautiously. I smiled at her and said “Good morning Momma, you shouldn't have slept in that chair it can't be good for you, and I am sorry for how I reacted yesterday I know that you were only trying to make sure I was taken care of. I will be ready to go whenever you are and I will do as I'm told no matter what. I will make you proud, Momma.” Mother smiled weakly and told me, “You are such a good girl I didn't want to do this but with no other options I had to make sure that you were taken care of above anything else. Thank you for coming along willingly I was afraid I was going to have to drag you by your hair.” Mother started laughing at her own joke and I smiled and laughed nervously, I wasn't all that confident that my mother wouldn't have done just that if I had decided to fight.
As my mother took her coffee she told me, “Elizabeth, please be ready by 1 o'clock sharp, He will be sending a car for us that will take us to his house, and I saw that you had packed last night. I really appreciate that. I want you to take a shower and get some fresh clothes on before the car comes; I have already packed as well so there is no need for you to have anything extra today since all of the arrangements have already been made.” I nod my head and started pulling out the makings for a goodbye breakfast. My mother taps my shoulder and says, “Sweetie, let me do that you go enjoy your shower or bath whichever you feel up to and I will have it ready by the time you get done.” I smile and tell her, “If you’re sure then I’ll head off to my room to get my clothes.”
A New Home
2
I go into the bathroom and turn the water on as hot as I can. All I can think of is how much I don't want to think about 1 o'clock. When I get into the water I sigh as it burns my skin red and makes all my thoughts leave while I lay there in pain as my body adjusts to the water. I must have fallen asleep at some point because my mother was knocking on the bathroom door asking me if I was okay. I sat up quickly and told her, “I'm okay I accidentally fell asleep and I will be out shortly”
I let out the water that was now cold and turned the hot water on and flipped the shower on. “Ahhh much better,” I said to myself. I washed up quickly, shaved my legs to make sure that I was good and clean I didn't know when the next time I'd be able to take a long leisurely bath and shower. I rinsed my hair of the conditioner I put in it and turned the water off. I dried off and put my clothes on, we were in for another cold day so I put a sweater on with a long skirt, and I would add my hose and boots later. I left my hair up in the towel and walked out of the bathroom.
As soon as I walked out I could smell the fresh baked biscuits, and fried bacon. I hurried to the kitchen not sure how long they had been done figuring I'd probably get a cold breakfast. As I walked into the kitchen my mother pulled a plate out for me and her from the oven, leave it to momma to make sure I had a hot meal on one of the hardest days of my life. I smiled at her and thanked her for cooking breakfast. As I sat down she brought me a cup of coffee and sat down across from me with her breakfast. “Did you enjoy your bath?” she asked. “Yes I did, thank you Momma for letting me relax for a bit.” We began to eat our meal in silence just enjoying each other’s company. As I was finishing my food I checked the clock on the wall and realized that it was already going on 12 o'clock. I told my mother what time it was and she told me, “go ahead and go finish getting ready, I have my things already by the front door I'll call for you when the car gets here. I went up to my room and stood before my floor length mirror taking everything in, wishing I wasn't leaving today but knowing I had no choice.
I sat down on the bed and pulled a garter belt on following it up with my thigh highs. As I clipped them into place I reached over and pulled my boots out then slipped them on. As I stood at the mirror I realized that I would definitely need to invest in some more practical clothes. All of mine were older but I liked the style and I definitely wouldn't be much good as a maid in 3 inch boots. Although I knew I wouldn't get rid of them, I loved them and they made me look taller that was really the only reason I tortured myself by wearing them.
I grabbed my brush from my bedside table and began brushing my hair, it was almost dry thankfully. I debated which way I should wear it, tossing it up one minute just to pull it back down letting it float over my shoulders and down my back. I hoped that he didn't make me cut my hair, I hadn't cut it in over 10 years and I really didn't want to start now. Well I guess it will stay down for now I decided telling no one in particular, besides I don't know when the next time I will be able to keep it down like this. I put a little gloss on my fresh young face, knowing I didn't need much make up. I pinched my cheeks to add a little color as my mother called me from downstairs.
I gave myself one more look through then looked around my bedroom knowing it would be the last time I would be in here. “Elizabeth, we need to go, NOW!” my mother yelled from the front room. I quickly grabbed my bags and went running to meet her knowing that she would go through every room till she found me. Chuckling to myself, she probably wondered if I had run off so I hollered back, “Coming Momma.” She was standing there at the door with it open, my coat over her arm waiting for me.
The driver of the car was standing behind her waiting on me to come out with my luggage. As I walked in he smiled politely at me and held his hand out for my bags, I handed him two and juggled the other two so that I could grab my coat from my mother. I set them down and slipped my coat on and before I could even pick my bags back up the driver was there grabbing them and walking back to the car.
I looked at my mom and said, “Well either he is in that big of a hurry to get us going or he is just that good.” My mother chuckled and said, “Probably both.” I put my arm around her and we walked out of the door together and turned around to look at our house for the last time. Mother smiled at me and wrapped her arm around me as well, gave me a squeeze, and said, “I know you don't believe it now but you are on to much better things, dear.” I sighed and said, “I doubt it seeing how I pretty much am going to have the rest of my life planned out for me, but I will take your word on it for now, Momma.”
We walked down the walk to the car where the driver was waiting for us with the back door open. As we got into the car I realized maybe my momma had been right. The car was elegant to say the least, with plenty of space in the back seat as well as another across from us. When my mother said that a car would be sent to pick us up I hadn't expected a limo. The driver got into the front seat and picked up a phone, he seemed to be only answering questions that were directly asked by the person on the other end of the phone.
I shuddered thinking what I would be like if I was forced to be like that. His response was quick on the phone as I listened in. “I've got them in the car, Sir. Yes Sir, I will check. No Sir, I didn't ask. Yes Sir, I should have thought about that beforehand. Yes Sir, I understand, okay bye.” I sat there wondering who he was talking to that would make a grown man act like that. I hope he wasn’t talking to the man I was supposed to be working for; I shuddered as I figured it could only be him.
The driver caught me looking at him in the rear view mirror and shook his head and raised the window between the two. My mother had just started to doze, so I scooted over to the other seat and tapped on the window. An intercom came on and I heard the driver's voice, “Yes ma'am what can I do for you?” I looked around to find a button finally finding a black button next to a speaker I pushed it and said, “Well you could roll the middle window down for just a moment please.”
The driver chuckled as he started rolling down the window, “You are a curious one aren't you, little one?” He said once the window was down. I blushed and told him “I couldn't help myself, I only learned that I was going to be leaving my house last night and I don't know anything about where I’m going or who is there.” He looked back in his mirror the look of sympathy in his eyes. He quickly hid it then asked, “How old are you, honey?” “17, but I will be 18 in three weeks,” I replied trying to put on a brave face that this wasn't really happening to me. The driver then said, “Well you’re just a babe compared to me aren't you. Well don't worry I'll let you know what you’re in for. The Boss is a jolly old chap who plays with toys all day long.”
My mouth dropped open in shock. How could a grown man just sit and play with toys. Seeing he had thrown me for a loop the driver chuckled and told me, “I'm just teasing you honey he doesn't play with toys. He is a good man though. He is kind, patient, and doesn't get upset too quickly. All he asks for is your respect and to do what he asks you to do and there won't be any problem.” I raise my eyebrows looking at him like I don't quite believe him. “What's your name, unless you want me to just call you the chauffeur? My name is Elizabeth.” I said. He chuckled and told me, “My name is Chuck, and yes I'm the chauffeur but hey not too bad of a job. Oh and earlier, little girl who can't help but eavesdrop. The Boss was asking if I had made it close to home and when I did offer to get you ladies something to eat. Then wanted to know why I hadn't thought of it. Which of course knowing the Boss I should have.” Confused now I asked, “wait, what, why on earth would he offer us lunch if I am going to work for him and my mother is going to be living out the rest of her days under his roof. I'm so confused.”
Chuck just grinned and told me, “See I told you he was kind, I realize that you are afraid but I promise you he will be good to you and your mom. I have been told of the circumstance of your coming to join us at the house, we are like a big family so when something happens we are told about it. Hope you don't mind big families by the way.” My eyes teared up learning this new information I was so scared and for nothing. I smiled upon learning everything I could about my new boss, no owner shuddering as I said the word in my mind. I sighed heavily and Chuck looked back at me again, “Are you okay honey?” I answered him, “I just can't believe my mom sold me of all things to a complete stranger.” “You will learn to love him, we all do and I give you my word he will take very good care of you.” Chuck told me with a smile.
I looked down for a moment nervous to ask but I had to, “Do you know what I will be doing there or what he wants me for?” Chuck went very quiet and watched the road before carefully answering, “It is not my place to tell you what the Boss is going to need you to do but so far, what we have heard is that for the first few weeks you will be doing simple chores and taking care of your mother, until things change. After that you will be the Boss' personal maid, making sure that he is tended to, you will have a room across the hall from him so that if he has any need of you any time of day you will be available. Your mother will be in the room right next to yours so that she will be close by anytime you need to see her. But as I said it’s not my place and I am not sure if that is all or if he has changed his mind about what he wants you to be doing.” Relieved that it was simply maid work I told him, “Thank you and I promise not to say a word about you giving me a heads up about it. So how many people work for the Boss?”
It was easier for me to think of him that way than any other way. Chuck started counting off people that worked for Him, “Let's see here, there's Brianna the cook, Sally the housekeeper, Tony the gardener, and Joey, he just kind of does everything, from maintenance to helping cook dinner to dusting. The Boss doesn't much care for idle hands.” Oh okay well at least I won't be the only girl there that does make me happy.” I replied with a smile on my face.
As Chuck turned a corner he looked back at my mother then asked if we needed to stop and get anything to eat. I told him that we had eaten a big brunch and we should be good till dinner. So Chuck excused himself for a moment and called the Boss again. About that time my mother started stirring and looked over at me and told me that I shouldn't be bothering the driver. I smiled at my mother and said, “Oh momma its okay, Chuck here has been helping me understand that I don't have anything to worry about.” My mother smiled and said, “Well thank heavens for that I was for sure that you were going to brood the entire drive there.”
We turned a corner and pulled into the driveway of a beautiful house, it was white, three stories tall, and stretched out for what looked like a mile though I wasn't sure. As the car pulled up in front of the house a woman opened the door and stepped out on the porch smiling. I wasn't sure what I had expected but she was beautiful, she was maybe in her mid thirties, with long black hair, she wore a simple dress that she could move around in, and the best part she was in slippers. I couldn't believe my luck. Slippers, all my anxiety dropped at that one sight.
I had been so worried I was going to have to wear some gray sack all day long. As Chuck came around and opened the door for us. I hopped out then helped my mother out of the car. She stepped out of the car and whispered in my ear, “You need to behave in here; I will not have you disrespecting him or his house.” I quickly became somber as I remembered why I was here and the situation that I was in.
Meeting the “Boss”
3
Sally walked up to my mother and me and welcomed us, “Hi my name is Sally, I'm the housekeeper here, and you will be both meeting with Mr. Wheeler in the library. Now if you follow me, Chuck will take your belongings to your rooms.” My mother grabbed my hand and all but pulled me into the house with her. I was slowly walking through the house looking at everything I could possibly see. As we walked into the library I couldn't help myself, my mouth dropped and all I could say was, “Wow this is a lot of books. Has Mr. Wheeler read all of these?”
Before Sally could respond a voice came from a corner of the room, I peeked my head around and saw an older gentleman standing at one of the bookcases. “Not yet young lady but I'm working on it. Do you like to read as well?” Mr. Wheeler turned around and faced me, he was 30 years my senior but he was still handsome and had plenty of life in him. I quietly told him, “Yes Sir.” “Speak up girl I won't have mumbling around me. If you are going to speak with me then you need to be sure of yourself and what you think, believe in and speak up.” I just stared at him, I hadn't even had a chance to get used to him and I was getting in trouble. I sighed and responded again raising my voice slightly, “Yes Sir I do enjoy reading.” Much better girl, now come over here and have a seat so I can get a closer look at you and have a little chat.”
Sally please, have Brianna bring us some tea and take Ms .Lane to her room, Ms. Lane I will send your daughter up to you as soon as I finish speaking with her.” My mother nodded towards Mr. Wheeler and smiled at me then turned and followed Sally out the door. I look nervously at Mr. Wheeler and walk over to a chair in front of his desk. I sat opposite of him in the high back chair he had pointed to. He smiles as he looks me over appreciatively. "Now I know this has to be hard on you but look at it this way. You will never want for anything from here on out. As long as your mother lives she will be your primary priority, you will bring her, her food, sit with her, keep her company, help her with bathing, dressing, and any other needs that she has. Are you still in school?"
I shake my head no, and he replies, "You will answer me properly, young lady. That means yes Sir, No Sir is that understood?" I answer him, "yes Sir I understand and no Sir I am no longer in school, I graduated early last summer." He smiled at me, "Good and much better I like to be able to get words from people that are around me. Now when you are not attending to your mother you will be attending me, anything I need you will be responsible to take care of. Even if it is just to go get me a cup of tea that will fall to your responsibility. Once your mother is gone you will continue to attend me and whatever I need. You will be expected to run errands and be professional in anything I ask of you. You do know how to run errands and such correct and am I going too fast for you?"
I start to shake my head then stop myself, “yes Sir I know how to run errands, I am always professional when dealing with people, and no Sir, You are not going too fast for me." I reply looking him in the eye. How dare he think that he can treat me like some little child who is a nuisance? He chuckles as he sees the defiance in my eyes. "Oh am I making you upset? Well here is the deal till you can prove to me that you can do this job competently and you don't cause any problems you and I will get along just fine. Also as time goes along and we get to know each other better I am sure that we can be friends at some point." He said smiling at me. He looked much friendlier when he smiled maybe I could convince him in time that he should do that more often.
Learning the Rules
4
There was a soft knock at the door and he called for them to enter, Brianna came in with a tea set on a serving tray, and set it before him. As she started to pour his tea she glanced over in my direction and smiled shyly. As she did so she missed the cup and poured tea on His desk. Mr. Wheeler's smile disappeared; as Brianna realized what she had done she immediately apologized and started soaking up the tea with a few napkins. Mr. Wheeler then explained to me. Brianna is one of the newest on our staff and she is still learning how to conduct herself around people properly. Either way let me show you what happens when you aren't a good girl or you make me upset. You see Brianna was in a tight place as you are and we have an arrangement but it will not be quite the same as yours. Brianna looked at Mr. Wheeler and apologized and promised that it wouldn't happen again and please don't punish her for spilling the tea. Mr. Wheeler sighed and told her that if he skipped on her punishment then he would have to skip on everyone's punishments and it just didn't work that way.
Brianna had tears well up in her eyes as she looked at me, and then proceeded to bend over the desk. Mr. Wheeler walked up behind her and swatted her twice on the ass. Brianna bit her lip trying not to cry out. My jaw dropped I had no clue what to even say about what I had just witnessed. Brianna wiped away a tear that had slipped down her cheek. Mr. Wheeler went back to his chair and sat down. "Now Brianna you know how I hate doing that and being the bad guy, now please finish cleaning up this mess and you may be excused I will have her pour the tea, she needs the practice anyway." He told her pointing over to me.
Brianna quickly finished cleaning the mess up and walked quickly to the door, shutting it quietly behind her. Mr. Wheeler turned his attention back on me and said, "Now let’s see if you can do it better." I sat there frozen by what I had seen and replied, "Do you spank all of your staff that don't do as they are told or make mistakes?" Only the ones that I own, I hate to be this blunt with you but there is no other way to say it. I own you just as I own Brianna, you will do what I say, when I say, and you will learn to do it right or there will be consequences. Now without biting back words I am pretty much your Master, I will be obeyed and I will not tolerate any direct disobedience or ignoring my will. Now as I said before, please finish pouring the tea for the both of us."
I stood shakily wondering who this man really was and if he would really put me over his desk and spank me like a little child, he had already spent half the time I had been in here calling me girl. Surely he knew my name. I reached over and grabbed the tea pot and delicately poured both him and myself a cup of tea without touching the spout to the cup or dropping one drop, just as my mother had taught me. After I handed him his cup I took mine and sat down across from him again, waiting for him to say something smart about my tea serving skills. He took a sip and sat there quietly contemplating something. I took a drink and sat my cup down and waited for him to talk to me.
When he finally spoke there was a softness that wasn't there before. "You are definitely going to be a great addition around here, I love your feisty attitude, and the fact that you actually believe that you are grown enough to challenge me with that look in your eyes. I never want you to lose your spirit. You will learn to listen and obey but always keep that strength." I looked at him with a new respect it was the first time he had complimented me in a roundabout way but still it was a compliment none the less.
I looked at him and smiled and replied, "Thank You, Sir. I will do my best not to let my spirit break but I have to admit I am very strong headed and I don't bend my will too easily.” Mr. Wheeler laughed, "I do believe, my dear little Elizabeth, that you have issued me a challenge which I will gladly accept." I smiled back at him knowing this would be the most exciting challenge I had had in my life, knowing that he wanted nothing more than for me to bend to his every will like everyone else probably had. I couldn't wait to show him just how strong my spirit was.
Mr. Wheeler picked up a phone and told I guessed it was Sally that I was ready to be shown my room and to please come get me. He then hung up the phone and told me that I was to follow Sally to my room and that she would then show me where my mother's room was. He was going to be eating dinner in his study and he wanted me to bring it to him promptly at 6:30 pm.
Great I thought I had 3 hours to get myself settled in and figure out where his study even was. I followed Sally out of the library as she took me up a flight of stairs; the design of the house was so grand I was afraid to touch anything. “Sally, can you tell me where Mr. Wheeler’s study is? I am supposed to bring him dinner there at 6:30 but I’m not sure how to get there or even where the kitchen is.” I asked. Sally smiled and said, “Well the kitchen is to the left at the bottom of this staircase and we will be walking by the Boss’ study so I will show you when we go by it. It’s Elizabeth right? How old are you anyways?” “Yes, to Elizabeth and I’m 17 but I will be 18 in three weeks.” I reply.
“Ok I was hoping I had gotten your name right,” Sally said with a chuckle. “Now here we have the Boss’ study, and right up here are your’s and your mother’s rooms. They have a door that connects them in the middle. It is one of the guest suites.” Sally said as she walked up to a door just past the study. “All of your things have been brought to your room and unpacked. I hope you don’t mind but I took the liberty of setting up some of your things, you can move them around as you wish. This will be your room till further notice.”
“Thank you Sally I really appreciate everything you have done for me. Also for helping my mother, find her way around this place. Now I know that Mr. Wheeler asked me to bring his dinner, what time is it usually ready so I can bring my mother a plate as well?” “Dinner will be ready by 6 o’clock so that should give you time to get your mother a plate and get back downstairs to get the Boss’ plate. I know I shouldn’t remind you but you need to remember to have it there by 6:30 on the dot. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” Sally told me then left me to my thoughts after dropping me off outside my room.
A Room with a View
5
I walked into my room and my mouth dropped my room had to have been bigger than our whole house. There was a canopy bed, a fire place, thick rugs scattered the hardwood floor, on one wall there was windows and a door that opened up to a balcony, a sitting area around the fire place that had big comfy looking chairs, there were 3 other doors so I decided to peek and see what was in them. One of them was a huge closet; all of my clothes were hung up nice and neat though it still was rather quite empty. I walked out of the closet and opened the next door figuring I would find my mother’s room instead it was a big bathroom.
I walked in and I wanted to jump in the tub right away. It was a huge garden tub with jets and lots of room for candles and everything. I was so excited I couldn’t wait to be able to relax for the night in it. There were 2 sinks, the toilet, and a walk in shower big enough to hold at least 2 people I peeked inside of the shower and there were 3 shower heads. I sat there and pondered what on earth could someone possibly want with 3 shower heads. I walked out of the bathroom and knocked lightly on the 3rd door and walked in my mother lay there sleeping I quietly backed out of the room and shut the door. I figured I would check on her before I went to take the Boss’ dinner to him. I decided since it was so warm in my room and the house that I would go ahead and change my clothes, I walked back into my closet and found a light blue blouse that showed just a hint of cleavage and pulled out some khaki slacks, I went ahead and left my hose and boots on. I hung up my clothes that I had been wearing and went down to find the kitchen.
As I walked down the stairs I took a left as Sally had told me and followed the smells of food. I walked in and saw Brianna and I could only assume Joey running around the kitchen stirring things in pots here and checking the oven there. I walked over to a bar in the middle of the room and sat down and watched them work not wanting to disturb them. Joey was the first to notice me. He stopped mid sniff and smiled brightly and said, “Hiya honey you must be Elizabeth, I’m Joey, and I think you have met Brianna and if not this is Brianna.” Brianna shut the oven and turned and smiled lightly before blushing and turning away to go stir something in a pot.
I asked, “Can I help with anything I know my way around a kitchen pretty well and my mother is asleep so I have some free time. Brianna turned and looked back at me wide eyed and said, “But Elizabeth it’s not your job you don’t have to worry yourself with helping us I have Joey to help me out.” I looked at her and asked again, “I know but still I need something to busy myself with so I don’t think of my current situation too much can’t I please help with anything?” Brianna smiled and told me, “Yes I’m sorry it’s just I have been doing this so long by myself. I need the salad mixed together if you would like to cut up the carrots and tomatoes I will pull the bowl and lettuce out.” I jumped off the stool and smiled brightly, “Thank you so much I really appreciate that. I figure I will take my mother up a plate then come back down and get Mr. Wheeler’s tray and take it to him after that.”
“As long as you’re not late,” said Joey. “The Boss hates to be made to wait and it doesn’t always end well on your part.” I looked at Joey cautiously and said, “What exactly do you mean by that?” Joey looked at Brianna and then said, “Well as you could tell earlier that the Boss always expects perfection and that is out of all of his employees. Though don’t get me wrong I have been kind of fortunate never to be over his desk. Not that I haven’t had to be punished but the guys are a bit different from the women. I won’t go into that though simply because well it is a bit embarrassing and you will see soon enough.” I looked at Joey as he turned to stir something in a pot and wondered what he could possibly mean.
Trying to put things on a lighter note I asked them, “This smells wonderful what exactly are you two cooking?” Brianna smiled, “Thank you for the compliment and it is chicken parmesan with bread sticks, fresh steamed vegetables, and a salad, finishing it off with a nice chardonnay.” “Wow when you cook you go all out don’t you?” Brianna smiled brightly, “Well the Boss likes his dinner prepared a certain way and he definitely didn’t take me in for my looks.” I laughed, “Awww Brianna you’re not that bad looking and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. But if you don’t mind me prying how did you come to be with Mr. Wheeler?” Brianna blushed again.
I could tell she was shy so I said, “If it isn’t any of my business then just tell me. I have often been told I’m way too curious or for those that are blunt just plain nosey.” Laughing as I finished telling her. “No, no, you’re fine I am just a bit ashamed of my life earlier on that is all. Mr. Wheeler found me on the streets half starved to death. He took me in and got me back in good health then offered me a job. We found out that I love to cook so that became my position. I learned all there was from the last cook there was here and she retired and I took over and have been cooking here for about 2 years now,” Brianna said. “He really is a sweet guy he just doesn’t take mistakes well. He figures if he is going to pay someone to do something then they need to do it to the best of their ability.”
The First Mistake
6
During all this talk I had completely lost track of time, I looked over at the clock on the stove and realized that it was already 6 o’clock. “Oh no I didn’t realize it was that late,” I said suddenly. Brianna smiled, “Not to worry dinner is finished and here is a plate for your mom, go ahead and put it on that tray over there and when you get back I will have the Boss’ tray ready as well.” “Oh thank you so much Brianna and thank you for letting me help.” I told her as I grabbed my mother’s tray and hurried for the door.
I walked carefully up the stairs so I didn’t drop anything and walked into my room and through her door. She was sitting up in the bed reading a book. “Hi Momma, are you feeling any better? I came to check on you earlier but you were sleeping.” I told her as I set the tray beside her in the bed. “Yes dear I am I believe that today has really worn me out. Oh my, this smells delicious.” She exclaimed as she lifted the lid. I told her, “I would love to stay and chat with you while you eat but I have to take Mr. Wheeler his dinner at precisely 6:30 and Brianna is waiting for me down in the kitchen with his plate.”
“Oh of course dear you go on and take him his dinner.” She replied as I hurriedly excused myself and went out the door. I ran down the stairs took a fast left and ran right into Mr. Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler dropped the book He was holding and almost fell over, catching himself on the banister before he fell. With his other hand he caught me from going face first into the floor.
I stood up and blushed. “I’m so sorry Mr. Wheeler,” I stammered while I picked up his book and handed it to him. Mr. Wheeler stood himself back up and took his book back. “You have 10 minutes to be upstairs with dinner. I will see you there.” Mr. Wheeler turned on his heel and walked up the stairs. I watched him go thinking “Crap I haven’t even been here 24 hours and I’ve already messed up majorly.”
I hurried to the kitchen, looked at Brianna, and started crying. Brianna dropped the towel she was using to dry a pot and came over to me and wrapped an arm around me and said, “There, there now what is wrong sweetheart?” I tried to tell her what had happened but it came out all jumbled. “Okay let’s try this again take a deep breath then tell me.” I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. “I just practically wiped out Mr. Wheeler coming around the corner trying to hurry up and get in here.” “Oh my” said Brianna. “What did he say?” Sobbing again I told her, “Just that I had 10 minutes to have his dinner upstairs and he would see me there.”
“Well I guess we had best get you straightened up and get you out the door.” Brianna said as she pulled me over by the sink and turned on the water. Splashing water on my face I hurried and straightened myself back up. Brianna told me I had 5 minutes to be upstairs and handed me the tray and bucket of ice for the chardonnay. I quickly juggled it and went running out the door. Getting to the stairs went accident free as I climbed the stairs I started to get a little worried when I lost my balance but I quickly regained it and got up the rest of the stairs and got to Mr. Wheeler’s office right as the clock turned to 6:30.
I knocked on the door and Mr. Wheeler called back, “It’s open.” I struggled for just a few seconds to get the door open; when it finally came open I hurried in with his tray. “Here you go Mr. Wheeler,” I told him as I set the tray down but he wasn’t at his desk. I looked around and finally saw him standing at a door that led onto the balcony. I wondered if it was connected to the one off of my room. “Come here Elizabeth,” he said. I walked over to him my head bowed low knowing I was probably going to get in trouble for almost knocking him to the floor earlier.
I couldn’t imagine getting a spanking I mean I was almost 18 and I hadn’t been spanked since I was like 10. Mr. Wheeler turned and faced me I kept my head bowed not willing to look at him. He studied me for a moment then said, “You have to be careful where you are going around here young lady. I have to admit that is the first time I have almost been ran over by one of my servants. Now I know it is your first day here but; as I told Brianna earlier I can’t do for one what I wouldn’t do for the others. Now come here.” Mr. Wheeler turned and walked over to a chair and sat down. I was a little confused by this; but followed behind him waiting for my next instruction.
“Well don’t just stand there girl let’s get this over with so I can go to my dinner.” I looked at him oddly and then it dawned on me he wanted me to lay across his lap. I blushed lightly and bent over his lap. He took one hand and placed it on my back to hold me in place and said, “Now if those hands go in the way I will give you more and they will be harder is that understood?” “Yes Sir,” I replied. Mr. Wheeler brought his hand down hard on my backside. I cried out and out of habit I put my hands over my butt. Mr. Wheeler stopped for a moment and pulled one of my hands between His legs to keep it out of the way. He smacked me again and I fought to get my hand out to block him from giving me anymore, while I put the other one over my ass.
“You don’t listen well do you?” Mr. Wheeler growled in my ear. I hurried and dropped my hand. I apologized and he said, “It doesn’t matter you are going to make this harder so I am going to make sure you learn your lesson. But I am going to make you wait until after I eat my dinner.” Thinking that I had been reprieved for the moment I went to stand up and I felt another swat on my ass. I jumped and tried to get away from him. Mr. Wheeler said to me then, “Did I say that you were to get up girl?” “No Sir,” I replied with tears running down my cheeks. “That’s what I thought; now you may get up. You will pour me a drink then you are to sit in the chair across from my desk with your hands under your butt till I tell you otherwise.”
My mind went racing wait I had to sit here and wait but what about me needing to get back to my mother. After I poured Mr. Wheeler his glass of chardonnay I sat down like I was told. Sitting there I realized that my mother would be okay till I got back and even if I did try and say that I needed to get back to her she would be upset because for her my most important concern had to be for my new Master. Speaking of him, he picked up the phone punched a number in and told Sally, “I’m keeping Elizabeth with me for a while so would you mind going and spending a little bit of time with Ms. Lane please. Thank you Sally, yes after you are done please go ahead and take her dinner plate downstairs then you may retire for the night. Good night Sally. Great I thought now everyone in the house was going to know that I was in trouble.
As Mr. Wheeler continued to eat in silence I couldn’t help but wonder what he was planning on doing with me. I didn’t know him that well and I was really worried what was going to happen. He must have read the look on my face because he then asked, “Elizabeth do you have a boyfriend or anyone that I should know about?” I shook my head and said, “No Sir, I don’t have anyone special in my life other than my mother.” “Okay good so I don’t have to worry about you trying to run off on me just yet.” He replied. I couldn’t help myself any longer I had to talk. “Why on earth do you think I would run off? I realize that I am not happy about what my mother did but I do understand why she did it and I have my own ways of coping without running off.” I said to Mr. Wheeler.
Mr. Wheeler’s eyebrow raised, “Yep there’s that spirit I was waiting for and just because I would like to know what ways do you cope?” I blushed not ready to tell my darkest secret just yet, I just looked down and tried to adjust in my seat to make myself more comfortable. “Well I am waiting,” he told me. I blushed harder and finally forced myself to tell him. “I cause pain to myself it helps me not think about what is happening in my life. I have done it since I was 13 years old. I sometimes but not often use a small knife to cut my leg a little for the pain and other times I burn myself with as hot of water as I can handle in the bath or shower.”
I looked down ashamed that I had just shared that information with practically a complete stranger. Mr. Wheeler dropped His fork and just stared at me. I guess that wasn’t the answer he was expecting. I looked up at him for a brief moment and I couldn’t decide if the look in His eye was happiness or frustration. He then told me, “You are never to cut yourself again am I understood. If you ever do it again and I find out there will be serious repercussions.” “Yes Sir” well that wasn’t what I was expecting; maybe something like what are you a freak or something; but definitely not acceptance.
I looked carefully at Mr. Wheeler as he ate his dinner and began to think there was more to him than met the eye. After Mr. Wheeler was finished with his dinner he told me to stand as he did and follow him. I asked, “Ummm Sir should I take your tray downstairs first?” He replied, “That’s not necessary I will have Brianna come pick it up now do as your told and follow me.” I quickly stood and walked behind him out the door of the study. He walked to another stair case and turned around and said, “You are never allowed up these stairs unless I tell you is that understood little one?” I looked up the stairs then at him and said, “Yes Sir.”
He started walking me up the stairs and opened the second door on his right. I followed him into the room and felt him grab my hand he led me into the room and told me to stand still. He let go of my hand and walked away. The room was eerie and quiet without him standing next to me. Suddenly light flooded the room and I stood there amazed not sure what to think. In front of me was a wall that had shackles attached to it, off to the right there was some sort of bench with cuffs attached, and to the left of it was what I could only guess were stocks. I slowly turned around in the room taking it all in. There were rows of paddles, whips, canes, and what looked like riding crops. The more I looked around the more I realized that this room was designed to punish people.
My jaw dropped open as I realized what he had planned for me. As Mr. Wheeler walked toward me I slowly backed up. He just smiled and kept walking before I knew it I had backed into the wall. Mr. Wheeler told me, “Turn around Elizabeth.” I was rather scared but I did as I was told and turned around. “Place your hands on the wall.” I slowly put my hands up to the wall placing them right where the chains were. Mr. Wheeler reached up and placed the shackles around my hands. I tried to pull my hands away from the wall seeing if I could get out of this. Mr. Wheeler walked away from me and chuckled watching me try to get out of my binds. What kind of man was this I wondered?
Mr. Wheeler walked back over and said, “Now this is going to hurt little girl and probably a lot but after it is all said and done you will have learned your lesson. You will get 3 swats for not paying attention and running through my house. Then you will get another 5 because you disobeyed a direct order and put your hands in the way earlier in the study.”
I placed my hands fully on the wall and braced myself. He brought a paddle down hard on my ass. I cried out from the pain. As the pain took all thoughts away from me I started crying. He swatted my ass 3 more times back to back, the pain began to turn into something else, and I no longer felt all the apprehensions again. My mind floated without any stress or feelings of hurting myself. As the pain started to subside and turn to a burn he brought the paddle down again causing it all to flare up again. As he gave me my last spanking my cheeks were soaked with my tears, and I was crying loudly. When he started to unlock the shackles I asked Him, “Please Sir don’t stop I don’t want the pain to end can I please have another one?”
I later realized this threw him; he seemed to stand there and just look at me for a moment. Then he stepped back and gave me one more, hard swat. I cried out then thanked him for it as I continued to cry. He undid the shackles and I fell to the floor sobbing.
Then Mr. Wheeler did something that shocked me. He sat down on the floor with me and wrapped an arm around me. I leaned over and buried my face in his chest and balled. He just wrapped his arms around me and rocked me, softly rubbing my back and telling me, “It’s ok little one, you will be just fine.” I wasn’t sure how long I sat there crying but finally when I was spent I sat up and looked at him. He still sat there with so much understanding in his eyes. I looked down at his shirt and realized I had stained it with my tears and He had a huge wet spot.
I told him, “I am so sorry Mr. Wheeler I didn’t mean to get your shirt wet; I can wash it for you.” Mr. Wheeler looked at me and smiled, “Your ok sweetie, it can go in the wash tomorrow. Now look up here at me.” I looked up at him. “Good now do you feel better now that you got all that out?” I sniffled and said, “Yes Sir thank you.” “Well that’s not what I usually hear when someone gets a spanking like what I just gave you but you’re welcome.” He said as he smiled down at me.
Mr. Wheeler then stood to his feet and helped me up. We walked to the door and he told me, “Go on down and get something to eat then go to my room and turn down the covers. I will probably be coming to bed around the time that you finish.” I told him, “Yes Sir,” as I quickly left to go get dinner. When I walked into the kitchen it was dark. I felt along the wall and flipped the light on.
There was a note on the counter that said “Since you didn’t come right down I figured you would be a while so I made you a plate of food and left it in the oven to keep it warm, there is a bowl of salad for you in the fridge so it didn’t get warm. I wasn’t sure what you like to drink but there are some cans of soda in the fridge or if you prefer tea or hot chocolate those are in the cabinet above the dishwasher. Have a good night and sweet dreams. Love Brianna.”
Oh she was so sweet to have thought about me and here I had figured I would have to settle with a bowl of cereal for dinner or something. I walked to the fridge and pulled out the salad. Right next to it was 7 different dressings for me to choose from. I picked up the ranch and put some on my salad then put the dressing back in the fridge and looked around to see if I could find a soda. I leaned over and peeked in the bottom shelf, there they were I thought as I smiled. I walked over to the oven and pulled my plate out. It was still warm I thought happily. I pulled the plate out, grabbed the bowl and juggled the soda and sat down at the bar.
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