Fate and Love

The lovely cloudless night was mythically exquisite. The deep dark sky showed no moon. In the middle of the city the stars were invisible. The lights from the buildings and cars, colored rays beaming from commercial signs and streetlights lit up the paths in the park.

Moving lightly the leaves of the many trees featured in the park, the tender humid wind was playing its own enchanting role. In Jerry’s mind, the enigmatic shades, and the storming, dancing shadows turned Mary into some exquisite fantasy creature.

Her blond hair appeared luminous in the darkness just like a nimbus cloud appears in moonlight, and her black blouse, invisible in the dusk, hid her body; it seemed as if only her head was gliding through the air.

Firefly! Jerry thought adoring her. Come on! He looked hard all about, checking every shadow, every moving leaf. It’s dangerous to walk after dark, isn’t it? Where, in the name of Hell, are all the damned crooks, maniacs, gangsters and druggies? Not even a noisy paparazzi. Why can’t one of Mister Noirson’s competitors send an assassin along to give me something to do?

Alas! Mary was not aware in the slightest of his efforts to protect her from the perils of his imaginary world where, at a stretch, he would transform into a knight in shining armor and ride in to save the girl from danger. She had forgotten about him the instant Robert had offered her the walk.

They moved slowly, without saying a word at first. When Robert asked with a smile;

“Are you cold, dear?” Mary looked at him questioning, and he specified; “You are hugging yourself.”

“Oh! No.” The girl felt a hot wave instantly wash away her chill. She dropped her arms. “I’m fine, thanks.”

“Don’t catch a cold,” Robert said very serious, casually hugging her shoulder. “Next week, you are going in for a very serious competition, if I remember correctly?”

Mary was taken aback by his comforting gesture. Should I ask him to remove his arm? the girl thought, confused. But why? It would be hypocritical to pretend that I don’t like it! It’s not like he’s gonna rape me… She flushed momentarily at the thought of him actually imposing himself on her in a more romantic sense, but brought herself back to earth. Loosen up, girl, she scolded herself, I’m so paranoid at times! He’s just trying to be nice to me, I feel good in his arms, and all I’m doing is walking like a stupid frigid doll!

“I’m sorry, Robert, what did you say about the competition?

“Just that you have one next week!”

“How do you know?” she replied.

He gave her a look that insinuated he knew everything about her. Again she flushed, wondering if he knew how warm it made her feel that he took such an interest in her simple life.

“Nah, it’s just a usual event; a Gymnaestrada for the five local schools. Some charity activities as well…” she gazed at him with a fleeting hope. “Will you attend it as well?”

“I’m afraid not,” Robert replied, sounding sad. Mary nodded.

“I understand…”

They crossed the road, and Jerry noticed almost with despair. Oh, no, the campus is here already! Please, cue the mad dog or a raccoon, sick with rabies! a snake…

Perhaps an anaconda, eh? an inner voice mocked him. Maybe a t-rex, a mammoth? Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! Not your day to be in a fairytale, buddy. Let’s face it, whichever way you look at it, it’s not your lucky day!

He gloomily glanced at Robert and Mary – they walked hugging each other – and Jerry again looked around trying to find a reason to show off his abilities. In vain!

They entered the campus area. The modern buildings contrasted sharply with the aging structures all covered with moss and ivy. The usual noises from the city were muffled, and occasionally the light chirping from birds falling asleep up in the trees could be heard. The breeze was light, yet gave the atmosphere a soft and warm feeling as if being cradled by Mother Nature.

Mary rubbed her head against Robert’s shoulder, and smiled with happiness.

How many times she had paced along the same alleyway. How different it was with Robert! Usually she almost ran through the darkness, clutching her brass-knuckles, ready to defend herself. She was always cautious, always on the lookout for possible sources of dangers.

And now she felt so safe and comfortable, enjoying the feeling of her beloved man next to her. They walked in silence until they reached Mary’s building.

Mary, you are such an impolite fool! suddenly flashed in her head. You have been dating two months already, but have you ever asked Robert about HIS plans and events?

“You never told me about your life,” she started, carefully choosing the words. “I don’t want to worm myself into your confidence. But I’d like to know you better.”

“Wasn’t there enough about me from the searches you did in the library?” Robert asked, smiling.

They stopped by the building entrance.

“How did you know?” Mary sighed. “Well, I asked that question so many times that it has lost all its meaning. I suppose I should just accept that you know everything about me. I guess I feel a little bit guilty. Yes, I did check some newspapers and Internet sites. You have done a lot, haven’t you? But besides all the boring facts, what kind of things do you like? What do you do for fun? What are your beliefs?”

“Ow-ow, slow down, girl!” Robert laughed. “It’s not easy to reveal everything at once. Okay, let’s see. I expect you’ll find this funny after reading about my business life, but away from the madness, I am quite a romantic person. If you ever come to my house, don’t be surprised. It has Renaissance décor in every room.”

“Renaissance? That is interesting,” she chirped, nodding.

“How I miss that time. If it was up to me, I’d prefer to wear a French aristocrat’s wig, and see you dressed in a crinoline!”

Mary gaped at Robert, who paused, then continued; “By the way, I’ve never seen you in a skirt. Why?”

It’s because of my short legs, Mary thought, embarrassed. I believe I look like a turtle, when I’m wearing a dress. But I’d rather die than admit to that aloud.

“Don’t you have one?” Robert insisted. “I think you have very shapely legs, if you don’t mind me saying.”

Mary went scarlet at his compliment then quickly regained her composure.

“I do have a dress,” the girl replied slowly. “The one I wear for going to church. But the rest of the time, I wear pants or shorts, because I need to do a lot of exercises.”

“What, for your gymnastics?”

“Yes.” His positive comment on a part of her figure that Mary hated had struck a cord in her and opened her heart to him more than she hoped he could tell. “Look!” Mary gabbled in a wave of excitement. “Can you imagine if I did this, togged up in a dress?”

She stepped aside, onto the grass, and performed a few leaps and gymnastic jumps.

Jerry did not hear their talk, and now, seeing Mary prancing and pirouetting, he was astonished, and slowly went close.

What the hell is she doing? Wow! He couldn’t believe his eyes. Did the Master ask her or is she doing it to show off and make him even crazier for her? Damn, for me, at least, it works. Look, she can bend in every direction known to man! I forgot she was a gymnast. Wow, what a girl, what an amazing body, just look at her go. He licked his lips and felt a surge of butterflies in his stomach. I bet not even Kama-Sutra has got enough moves to push the capabilities of her lithe little body… But I’d love the chance to try and find her limits.

Mary finished her performance with the splits, and all giggling and eyes bright, she got up elegantly in one movement. Suddenly realizing that she had done her routine unasked, the girl blushed again, as she approached Robert.

“Impressive,” he said calmly. “But don’t you remember I’ve seen you in action before?” He saw a sheepish look flash across her young face and tried to banish it immediately. “But it was fabulous.” He hit the jackpot and then went on with his principal line of thought. “Mary, we see each other so rarely, is it at all possible for you to wear a dress for me?”

How could he demand something from her! Jerry felt himself going insane. Oh well, he paid for it, I suppose.

“I feel more comfortable wearing pants!” Mary argued.

“But you make the effort to wear a dress in front of God. Why don’t you want to do me that favor too?”

That request struck Jerry, his head full of biblical lessons, and he stood rigid.

Instantly Mary’s face became stern, and she stepped back.

“Never try to compare yourself with God,” she retorted almost inaudibly.

“Why not?” Robert asked arrogantly. He resembled a proud Roman patrician, and Mary involuntarily adored his look. Caught on the back foot she made an effort, and answered; “Because it won’t work with me.”

Robert’s eyes narrowed, when he searched the girl for signs of her seriousness over religion. “So, you don’t like meeting with me?”

“Eh? I do like it, and you know that,” Mary said, barely holding back her tears.

If she cries, I’ll hit him, Jerry thought resolutely. To see her suffering is worse than a “Ride to Hell’!

“I was hoping you’d respect my feelings and faith. Of course I can wear a skirt to please you. I do want to please you, really, and if you don’t like me in these shorts and pants, I won’t wear them again when I’m with you, but you turned this subject into a religious issue, and don’t count on me giving up my beliefs. I’d rather die on the street, starving, than take 30 pieces of silver.”

“I didn’t ask you to do that, honey,” Robert uttered it so tenderly that the girl forgave him at once. Amazed, Jerry looked at his Master.

Robert opened his arms to Mary, and the girl drew close, gazing up at him like a wounded gazelle. He embraced her, and after a brief hesitation Mary hugged him as well.

Jerry’s spirits plummeted, and he looked around, checking the security of the situation, as he was assuring himself, not because he envied his Master, who held his loved one in his arms.

“I didn’t mean to offend you, my honey-drop,” Robert said. His soft tempting voice percolated Mary’s soul. “And I will not force you to change your style either! You are a beautiful girl, and your blouse is very flattering. But you can’t wear sports pants everywhere. That was my point.”

“I don’t get it.” Mary looked at him.

“I want you to attend a party. But you have to wear a dress. A posh dress.”

“I don’t have anything like that, and you know it,” Mary mumbled, confused and embarrassed.

“Tomorrow I’ll send one to you.” He paused, and specified, “As a gift for your birthday.”

“You didn’t forget!” Mary beamed.

“How could I?” He squeezed her affectionately.

“Cool! But what party, and why am I going with you?”

“It’s a charity party, of course.” Robert winked. “You’ll present your gymnastic team. I’ll send a car for you. You’ll receive the invitation along with the dress, and a special card so you can borrow some jewelry. The address of the store is on the back. I know you’ll refuse if I try to give you the jewels as a gift, but if you keep them – I’ll be happy. But if you feel uncomfortable with that idea, just return everything to the store.”

“What about shoes?” she asked, excited.

“You can rent evening pumps in the same store too.”

“I can easily walk and even dance like a butterfly on high heels,” Mary said proudly. “I won’t look like a tottering sow, you know.”

“I know that only too well, sweetheart.”

“How…” Mary stopped short and laughed. “I feel like a Cinderella!”

“You are…” Robert whispered, bringing his face close to her. Mary opened her lips, and their breathing intermingled. He felt her youthful energy swamp his body and she felt his power overwhelm hers.

Both instinctively released their intense hold so as to not give an inappropriate impression. The girl slid off Robert’s arms like mercury, and ran to her building.

Turning, her excited body highlighted in the lighted doorway, she shouted “Good night!” blew a kiss, and closed the door behind her.

Robert laughed, tapped Jerry’s shoulder, and took out a pack of cigarettes.

Jerry helped his Master with the lighter. Robert inhaled deeply, and sighed.

“Call Ron to drive to the campus,” he told the guard, and when the youth had fulfilled his order, added with a sly grin on his sardonic lips. “Let’s take a little walk, Jerry.”

They had only walked side-by-side for a few yards when Robert broke the silence.

“You know what, Jerry, I envy you, my boy.”

Amazed, the youth gazed at his Master, who continued; “You are young and handsome. Your entire life is in front of you. No girl can resist you and your boyish charm.”

Jerry’s expressive face clouded with that comment. Robert inhaled, hiding his smile. “You can smoke, Jerry.”

The youth nodded, and he dived into his pocket, but Robert offered his own pack, a cigarette magically poking out. Robert noticed Jerry’s hands were shaking as he took it, and he seemed nervous as he gulped down a lungful of smoke.

The charming nighttime breeze was gently rustling in the leaves of the trees above them. The usual sounds of the big city sounded so far away, as if from another dimension.

“Did you see the new girl in the Building C?” Robert asked suddenly.

“Which one?” Jerry grinned, relaxing.

“Fresh strawberry. Cute little blonde. She’s very petite, I suppose, tiny. But a great butt and big tits for her size. Very nice.” He puffed his cheeks out and blew out some fake hot air. “Looking at her angel face, it is hard to imagine she was killing innocent old people for their money! But life can change,” he added with a grin. “Now my soldiers take advantage of her lovely little body, whether she likes it or not.”

“I think I saw her…” Jerry thought hard. “Sorry.” He smirked again. “I like shrimps on my plate, though, not in my bed.”

Robert laughed, and tapped Jerry’s shoulder, then they continued his walk.

Damn, Robert thought. The situation is worse than I expected. I thought he liked Mary for her looks, but it seems she’s not his usual type. The following monologue confirmed his guess.

“Leggy girls are much better!” The young guard said with naïve sincerity. He paused, ashamed for a second. “Maybe it’s because of my height. But when, you know, you’re behind a girl, playing with her sturdy tits… And when she bends over, shapely ass, and those cute bones above her hips. Thin legs, long like streams of a waterfall…”

“Wow, Jerry!” Robert shook his head. “You’re such a romantic for a bodyguard. You’ll get a raise. I need to make sure that I’m 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 Robert’s 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 I’ve led such a tense life. Short of relaxing with whores, studying and struggling, I’ve had almost had no time for fun. And the weird thing is, I’ve 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! I’m 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!”

Jerry’s mind clouded with rage. “Just say the word, My Lord,” he started resolutely.

“It’s okay, Jerry, never mind!” Robert shook Jerry’s 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 it’s 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 Mary’s 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.

“Let’s 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 wouldn’t 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. “Don’t 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.

What’s the big deal? she wondered. She looked around. Well, it’s 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.

Mary sighed with relief. A friendly face.

“I’d like to dye it bright green. Emerald-green to be precise.”

The clerk nodded. “Tomorrow after 10,” he said.

A worrying pang squeezed Mary’s heart. “Are you sure you won’t ruin it?”

The clerk nodded again. “You’ll pay nothing unless you are completely satisfied with the results.”

That’s 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 Robert’s voice.

“Happy birthday honey!” he said. “Have you received the dress?”

“Oh!” Mary’s cheeks blushed in embarrassment. “Yes. Sorry, I didn’t call!”

“How do you like it?”

“It’s 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, I’m still here. Look, this is why I called you, my little lamb. I have a lot of things to finish. I’m afraid until the party, I won’t be able to get any time off to see you.”

“Oh,” Mary mumbled, feeling a bitter taste into her mouth.

“But I’ll keep in touch with you, my heart.”

“Okay,” she smiled, thinking; Maybe it’s 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 didn’t 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.