Wow, Jerry! Robert shook his head. Youre such a romantic for a bodyguard. Youll get a raise. I need to make sure that Im keeping someone like you on board with all these extra talents.
That comment confused the youth for a second, but when he recalled Robert saying to Mary: I am quite a romantic person, he took this phrase as a compliment from the Master that he adored as a god. The gladdened youth felt a sweet wave of pride fill his soul, and Roberts next comments added even more fuel to the fire of his devotion.
You are very special to me, Jerry. Robert was saying with his deep alluring voice. For the first time someone has gone from being nobody to one of the closest of my servants in one step. I believe in you, Jerry.
You can count on me, My Lord! Touched to the bottom of his soul, Jerry knelt.
Robert helped him up. I know, Jerry. I know I can trust you.
After a mind-numbing pause, he continued to play Jerry. Sounding uncertain, he said; You know, Jerry, all these years Ive led such a tense life. Short of relaxing with whores, studying and struggling, Ive had almost had no time for fun. And the weird thing is, Ive never had either the time or the chance to court a girl. Then I met Mary
Robert saw Jerry freeze at her name.
Ah you stupid puppy! the proud Son of the Devil thought, making an effort to suppress his anger. Fucking babe magnet. How dare you, you miserable youngster, even think that Mary could prefer you over me! But when he started talking again, his voice was still soft and intimate, as befitted a heart-to-heart talk. But for all the good that has come along with spending so much time with her, you know, Jerry, it is far from ideal. My business life is the only cover for my real activities, and I have to attend these worthless events, pointless conferences, and stupid presentations! Im fagged out.
Oh Master, Jerry thought, trembling all over. How I so understand what you are saying!
And now my partners are worried and angry. Last night the President of the Corporation even dared to try and threaten me!
Jerrys mind clouded with rage. Just say the word, My Lord, he started resolutely.
Its okay, Jerry, never mind! Robert shook Jerrys hand. As you know, Roger, my valet, is a demon in human form. He literally kicked that stupid old man out of my apartment, but its not the solution to the problem!
They almost reached the campus parking lot, and they could see Ron waiting for them next to the limousine. Robert stopped again.
You see, what I mean? he said forlornly. I have no time for anything important not even to ask your advice about how to get into Marys panties without ruining my official business life.
Totally confused, the youth gazed at his Master, but Robert did not look at him, and Jerry realized that the talk was over.
Lets go home, guys, Robert murmured, getting in the limousine, and a light smile was still on his serpentine lips.
The Dress
Robert kept his word.
When she opened her eyes the next morning, the first thing that Mary noticed was a large box, wrapped beautifully in blue shiny paper, on the table beside the bed.
Just clicked my fingers! Mary remembered the line from the first date with Robert.
She yawned, stretched, and in an effort to prolong the pleasant feelings of surprise just a little longer, she wandered into the bathroom in readiness for a shower.
In quiet excitement, since it was her birthday, she sat in front of her mirror, and opened the box. A greeting card was on top, the invitation and the voucher for the jewelry shop next to it. First she took the card.
The birthday card displayed a hand-drawn picture. Flying above the flame-like red digits twenty-one, a white dove held a banner with her name. Mary smiled, and looked inside. She read: Dear Mary, you are a big girl now. Hugs, best wishes, Robert N.
She adored his handwriting so clear, legible and definitely recognizable, showing his ability and self-confidence. She kissed the birthday card, and hid it in her jewelry box.
Afterward, Mary took the invitation, looking for the date of the event.
So I have three days to get ready, the girl mumbled to herself.
She put the invitation into a drawer, the coupon into her wallet, and carefully took the garment out the box. It appeared to be a light brown dress.
She had never seen a designer dress up close before. The brand name meant nothing to her, and the girl still wouldnt have liked the color. Beige? Yuk!
Naively, she tried to find labels with the size and type of fabric, but in vain.
She shrugged her shoulders and tried to put the dress on. The design seemed very simple, and she had no problem putting it on. Mary stood up straight, tried to straighten her hair out as best she could, posing elegantly. She looked intensely at herself in the mirror.
The sight before her eyes affected her deeply. For one, she could not recognize herself, because, for two, she was admiring a princess, a fairy, a goddess! For a long time, she was only able to gaze at her reflection, feasting her eyes on this miracle.
Gradually, though, her excitement subsided.
Not bad, she murmured, turning around to study herself from all angles. It hugged her shapely breasts and tight tummy, and she loved the way her hips and buttocks appeared. Fabulous! But coffee-and-cream Hmmm.
It makes my skin look kind of dull, she thought. Better if it were green.
She had some free time to spare, so she carefully folded the dress up, and left the campus.
From her schoolmates she had learned of an actual good dry-cleaner. Very expensive, Jewish or Italian, Mary did not remember which, for sure, but she had heard they provided an excellent service.
She found the store, a simple building with a basic all-glass facade completely out of tune with the rest of the neighborhood, and laid the dress carefully on the counter.
The venerable cleaner perched a pair of horn-rimmed glasses on the end of his long hooked nose. His eyes bored into the gown, searching, assessing.
His hands were trembling when he lifted the dress, treating it as if it were an ancient fragile vase. Mary watched with amazement how delicately he held the fabric and how hard he studied it, inch by inch. He even took out a magnifying glass, and checked the stitches.
Wow, he said finally. What seems to be the problem, miss?
I would like to dye this dress a different color, Mary said uncertainly.
What? His mad howl startled the girl.
I I Mary stuttered, carefully taking the dress and walking back towards the exit.
Get out, you blasphemous monster! the wild-eyed man screamed at her. Dont ever, EVER come here again!
Scared to death, Mary shot outside and ran down a few blocks before she regained her senses. She looked at the gown in amazement.
Whats the big deal? she wondered. She looked around. Well, its not the only cleaning service in town.
Not fifty yards from where she had been somewhat brusquely evicted, she saw another cleaner, and went in.
The clerk, obviously of Chinese origin, took the dress from her, and checked it out.
What you would like to do with it, Miss? he asked politely.
Not fifty yards from where she had been somewhat brusquely evicted, she saw another cleaner, and went in.
The clerk, obviously of Chinese origin, took the dress from her, and checked it out.
What you would like to do with it, Miss? he asked politely.
Mary sighed with relief. A friendly face.
Id like to dye it bright green. Emerald-green to be precise.
The clerk nodded. Tomorrow after 10, he said.
A worrying pang squeezed Marys heart. Are you sure you wont ruin it?
The clerk nodded again. Youll pay nothing unless you are completely satisfied with the results.
Thats not exactly what I wanted to hear, she thought, hesitant.
***
She was on her way back to campus, when her cell-phone rang.
She answered, and smiled on hearing Roberts voice.
Happy birthday honey! he said. Have you received the dress?
Oh! Marys cheeks blushed in embarrassment. Yes. Sorry, I didnt call!
How do you like it?
Its magnificent! Mary admitted. How did you deliver it? Click of the fingers?
Exactly, sweetheart! I did not want anyone disturbing your beauty sleep.
Agh, you are considerate. What time will I see you?
There was a pause.
Hi Robert? Are you still there?
Yes, Im still here. Look, this is why I called you, my little lamb. I have a lot of things to finish. Im afraid until the party, I wont be able to get any time off to see you.
Oh, Mary mumbled, feeling a bitter taste into her mouth.
But Ill keep in touch with you, my heart.
Okay, she smiled, thinking; Maybe its for the best. What would have I done if he had asked me to show him the dress?
***
Mary went to the dry-cleaning store, and handed over the receipt.
The clerk with an expression of indifference took out something green, and put it on the counter.
Mary looked down and froze with shock; it was a ghastly verdant rag, which didnt even appear as a dress.
You can have your money back, the worker said calmly.
Choking, like a fish without water, Mary tried to inhale in vain; her legs went weak.
I said, get out, you blasphemous monster! The mighty voice thundered.
She looked at the clerk again, but to her horror, it was Robert.
He stared at her as he had before, a few times. This gaze always made her blood curdle, as if she faced a tiger, preparing to make his mortal attack.
Thanks for ruining my gift, he uttered with such menace that Mary fell to the floor as if she had roped down dead.
***
Covered from head to toe in a cold sweat, she sat up in bed, startled, and pressed her hand to her chest, trying to get her palpitations under control.
My God, she almost cried. What have I done? What was I thinking about?
She looked at her clock.
Its five in the morning, she mumbled, falling back on the pillow. Just a nightmare, thank God! Oh, dear Lord, dont let it happen! She pressed her palms to her cheeks.
Mary was not able to go back to sleep, the images of a disfigured gown were implanted in her subconscious and she could not rid herself of the flashing nightmare scenario.
She knew, what could help her to regain her self-control.
Reverting to type, she went to the gym, and worked out until the time arrived to go and cope with her dress-related Fate.
***
Moving like a somnambulist, she neared the counter, and passed the receipt over. With her teeth chattering, Mary stared at the rack full of plastic bags with clothes. Her eyes ran over everything on display, but she didnt spot a green one. Her legs couldnt hold her up properly, and the girl leaned on the counter almost fainting with the terror of waiting.
The clerk put something in front of her. In her state of mind, Mary didnt understand at first. She gasped, made an effort, and took the gown.
Dizzily bright green, the dress looked like it was made with real emeralds!
Mary carefully checked the whole garment. Not even the tiniest imperfection could be found! The shiny fabric shimmered brilliantly, and all Marys worries had immediately disappeared. She laughed with happiness, and pressed the gown to her chest.
Do you like it? the clerk asked, smiling at her reaction.
Its wonderful! Mary mumbled, hastily taking out her wallet. Usually thrifty, that day she left generous tips, and rushed home.
***
When she dashed out the elevator, she collided with Father Frank.
Sorry, she murmured, showing a drunk smile.
Mister Noirson called me about the party you are going to attend, the priest said, and the girl gazed at him. Its a very important event. For the first time youll present our team all by yourself. Come to my office, Ill give you the promotional material.
Right now? Mary wanted to try on the dress first.
No, dear, when you have time, of course. The priest nodded.
***
In the apartment, Mary literally jumped out of her clothes, and with a broad smile, hastily put the dress on.
She sucked in a deep breath, patted the fabric against her thighs and tummy and looked in the mirror.
Hah! she said, satisfied. Its much better!
She noticed that her color of choice showed her as less the innocent one and more the sexy young woman. It affected her likewise.
When she turned, she resembled a magic lizard. She was a goddess, but a goddess of lust. She loosened her hair and the gold mane made her look like a Nereid or mermaid.
She twirled and pirouetted enjoying the feel of her wonderful frock, so smooth and swishy against her body, so complimentary to her figure, so reflective of her joie de vivre as a young woman in love with a rich powerful sweet man like Robert. She was flushed, blushing and extremely sensitive when she finally took a breather.
Wow! Mary enjoyed the result of her experiment. Watch out, party! Here I come!
Keeping her eyes on her reflection, she took the phone, and dialed the number.
Yes? She heard Roberts reserved voice and hazarded a guess.
Are you busy? Mary closed her eyes, desperate for her instincts to be completely wrong.
Im in the middle of a conference, he answered. Is everything all right?
Yes, sorry! Take care! Mary quickly hang up, disappointed not to be able to share her excitement.
***
In the accessories store another wonder was waiting for Mary.
This time she surprised herself.
She could not choose the pumps! She liked them all. Never in her life had she experienced the choice of such fabulous footwear; so comfortable, light and soft!
I cant even feel them, Mary mumbled, trying on the next pair. My Goodness! Its like Im barefoot! I bet I could even prance wearing them! But which ones should I take? Im not a centipede, for Gods sake!
The pile of the shoes on the floor became bigger, and bigger. Mary wanted to cry.
You can take a few pairs, the worker finally offered.
This phrase sobered Mary up. Ashamed and amazed about herself, she chose the three pairs that she liked the most, and left the store.
***
As Farther Frank requested, Mary went to his office, and over the course of two hours, they discussed and browsed the orphanages promotional material.
Mary took a pack of brochures, and leafed through them. She adored the design.