Marianne’s Apartment

Marianne’s apartment was two blocks south of the Salon. As I followed behind her, my mind was racing. I was almost amazed she remembered me. To even go out of her way to come to the salon where mom used to work… well no, that was surely because of her skill. My mother was the best, that’s all there was to it. I’m sure she was hoping to see her, not me.

More than anything I wondered, Just what was she planning on doing once we got there?

Before long we were standing in front a small apartment complex. It was kind of fancy. There was a big patch of grass with trees and bushes out front, and a little sign that said something like “Paradise Acres.” It looked more like a hotel than an apartment complex to me. I became a bit self-conscious about the run down place that I was living in.

She opened to front door with a card key, and I walked into the lobby. There were some vending machines and chairs lining the walls. We took the stairs up to the third floor. Finally we reached her door, and she pulled out the card again.

The inside was spacious. The wall opposite the door was a floor-to-ceiling window with dark brown vertical blinds. The whole place was decorated in a neutral modern style, with accents of bright color. To even be able to attribute a certain decorative style to the room meant I was definitely out of place here.

Marianne showed me around. We walked around the kitchen, the living room, and her bedroom. When she showed me the bathroom, I silently thanked God that I only saw one toothbrush there.

Finally she gestured for me to take a seat on the couch. She offered me a drink and I declined, so she sat right down beside me.

“So, Adrian… How have you been? I feel like its been forever.”

“I’ve been good. I tried college, but it didn’t work out. Getting a job at the Salon was great, that was what I wanted to do anyway, but Mom always insisted on education, you know?”

She laughed

“Yeah, I feel the same. I’m glad I was able to get my degree, but I’m really eager to start my life for real. I hope I’ll find a job soon. The market may not be great here but… I wasn’t sure where else to go.”

“What’s your field anyway?”

“Math. I’d like to find work in Data Science.”

I just nodded.

We went on like this for a while longer. Catching up on basic life facts. Soon enough she had her head in my lap and I was stroking her hair. After about half an hour of that, she suddenly shot up.

“I want to ask you something. It might be a little weird. So… please promise not to laugh at me, ok?”

She was avoiding my gaze and fidgeting. I had no idea what she could possibly be referring to but…

“Of course. What is it?”

She bounded away toward her room. She was gone for a minute before I wondered if maybe I was meant to follow her. I got up and walked to her door.

She was inside, facing out toward me. She had changed into a more causal outfit, a tank top and shorts. However I didn’t really notice that.

Around her neck there was a thick leather collar, and attached to it was a black nylon leash. She held the end of the leash in her hand and thrust it out toward me. Her face was deep red, and she couldn’t look at me.

I stood still for a few moments, and then grabbed hold of the leash. When I did, she suddenly looked at me right in the eyes. She looked so embarrassed she might cry.

“Would you… be my Master?”