The Wrong Decision

Holly sat in the Cafe opposite Professor Jarvis as, ever the gentleman and class act he was, he insisted on paying for her lunch. She had chosen a neutral, public venue to make her revelation, just to be on the safe side. Though she was feeling quite optimistic that this was a smart move, and that she was in no danger, either immediately or in the long term, from such a respectable and trusted public figure.

Pushed into action by her sisters actions, this felt like the safest option available to her. Her former university professor was a hugely respected pillar of his community. He was at least thirty years her senior, and happily married with children of Holly's own generation. He was someone she had always admired and looked up to, and he had given her special attention when she had been in his class. He'd always understood her potential, her ambition and how important it was for her to be a positive role model to her younger sister. Sure, telling Professor Jarvis her dark and unbelievable secret would be highly embarrassing. But once she had done so, that should be it. No more worrying about the curse. No more sleepless nights fretting about who might uncover it and what they might do to her. If Maisie's friend was as reliable as she seemed to think, both sisters might be in the clear soon. This could turn out to be a wonderful day.

"When I tell you what I am about to, there is a strong chance you will think I have lost my mind" Holly warned her old tutor "Or you might think I am trying to play a joke on you, or wasting your valuable time. But please don't walk out on me. I need to explain this so you understand fully, for my own safety"

"Holly, the chances of me walking out on you or questioning your mental capacity are precisely zero, especially where your well being is concerned" Professor Jarvis assured her "In my profession, you should never really say this. But you were always my favourite student. I am here for you, whatever you need"

"Thank you Professor, that means a lot" Holly blushed a little as she prepared herself "So, as crazy as this may sound, I am under a curse. All of the women in my family are. And the first adult male who finds out about my curse, which I suppose is now you, gets to control me"

"Control you?" the Professor asked with curiosity.

"In any way you like. You can make me do anything, you can do anything to me, you can change me in any way. There are almost no limits. I know this all sounds pretty far fetched, but I can prove it" Holly scanned the room to check nobody was paying much attention to them "Change my hair colour, or style now. Just say my name and then what you want to see happen. That's all you have to do with my curse."

The Professor raised an eyebrow doubtfully, but nonetheless went along with it.

"I'm probably making a fool of myself here, but I'm fond enough of you to humour you. Holly, change your hair colour to purple, and in the style of a short, polished pixie bob"

"My word, that is extraordinary!" the Professor gasped in genuine astonishment as the change happened exactly as requested "So this power can be used to do anything to you?"

"Just about, yes" Holly nodded.

"And there is no limit to the number of commands? Or it's duration?"

"No, it is lifelong and can be used endlessly" Holly confirmed "You can see why I was so worried about this falling into the wrong hands. I'm so relieved I had someone like you I could trust with this, Professor"

"Oh, I hardly think it's appropriate for you to still be calling me Professor at this point, Holly" the academic chuckled.

"Oh, right" Holly looked happy at this, if a little self conscious "Thank you, Daniel"

"No, you misunderstand me" the Professor informed her, a wicked smile playing on his lips "Holly, from now on you will refer to me as My Lord"

Holly's face fell and she turned white as a sheet. In an instant, she knew her calculations had been wrong and she was in as much trouble as her aunt. Maybe even more.

"Do you understand? Holly, answer me"

"Yes, my Lord" Holly replied sadly.