Jack Peacock


Views: 409 Created: 2007.07.25 Updated: 2007.07.25

Your Master Requires Your Attendance

A Phone Call

Cathy looked up from her magazine as the phone rang. She watched as Robert answered it and began talking. She looked a question at him to see if he needed anything. Seeing her gesture he shook his head. She went back to reading, unconsciously touching the ring of steel around her neck. The magazine article was interesting, a commentary on the apparent rise of what the author called "traditional marriages". Cathy smiled as she thought, if this woman only knew just how traditional it could be.

She and Robert had been together for several years and were now in the second year of making it official with marriage. He was a good husband and even better as her master. She wondered what that author would think of their marriage, especially if the part about Cathy being owned came out. Or the time when he had sent her to that school. Outrage and horror would be the most likely result, followed later by curiosity.

Robert finished and hung up the phone. As he turned back to Cathy she saw the odd expression on his face. She knew that look; he was making a tough choice, one she probably wouldn't like. She put down the magazine and looked up at him. "Who was that on the phone?" she asked. She knew it helped for him to talk through his reasoning at times like this, so she gave him an opening to start.

He sat down in the chair across from her and took her hands in his. Oh oh, Cathy thought, this isn't going to be good news.

"It was a call from someone I've known for many years, Frank Ferren. We aren't close friends but we've worked together in the past and often cross paths. He called because he needs my help, and a big favor, right away. Our help to be precise." He paused for a moment, thinking. She waited patiently, letting him sort out what he was going to tell her.

Holding her hands he looked directly into her eyes. "This isn't easy for me Cathy, but I'm going to ask you to go back to the school."

Cathy's eyes went wide in shock. She knew he could only mean one particular school, the one where he had sent her two years ago. What had she done to bring him to this? Her heart sunk into despair, somehow she had failed him. "Master, I'm sorry for whatever I did. Please, tell me and it won't ever happen again. I can do better if you help…" She stopped as Robert held up a hand.

"No Cathy, it's nothing you did. You aren't being sent there as a punishment or for any type of correction." She heard the sincerity in his voice, and the strain that told her this was not easy for him. She looked at him, puzzled as to what was going on. What other reason could there be to send her back?

"It has to do with Frank's call. His wife tried to walk out on him. He didn't allow it, and is sending her to the school. He is worried about her though, not sure how she will handle the upset of being thrown into an environment like that. He wants someone to be there to help her adjust. He asked me if you could be that someone."

Cathy sat back, surprised at the request. She had made it through the school that last time, but it wasn't an experience she wanted to repeat. "Master, is it important to you that I do this?" she asked him. That was the deciding question. If he thought it was necessary, she would go. Not that she was going to refuse. Cathy had an uneasy feeling that he had already decided to send her and was trying to justify it to himself as much as to her.

"Yes it is important. I owe Frank a lot, for some things he's helped me with in the past. He's a decent guy, someone I respect for his honesty and integrity. I know he wouldn't have called unless he was desperate. I want you to go, to do whatever you can to help her. Her name is Laura, by the way. And Cathy, I would never ask you to do something like this unless there was no other way."

That settled the matter for Cathy. She was heading for the school once again. On better terms in some respects, but she also knew what it was going to be like. "Will you come to see me?" The worst had been the loneliness, being forcibly separated from him for so long.

He stood and drew her up to him, then put his arms around her. "Of course I will. And bring you home again, as soon as I can. One thing, no one must know the real reason you are there. The school Director knows, as well as Frank and I, but no one else. If anyone asks, you are being sent back for a bad attitude, okay? Frank asked the Director to admit someone to help his Laura. The Director agreed, primarily in recognition for all Frank has done, but that was the condition to get you in. The Director will see to it you have the opportunity to help Laura, but in all other respects your status will have to be the same as everyone else."

"I understand. When do I leave?" She started to think of what she needed to do around the house first.

He grimaced, more bad news. "In about half an hour. They just picked up Laura and are on the way here now. That way you can be with her right from the start. The next few hours are going to be especially hard for her, but you know that."

Thirty minutes? Cathy thought it would be a few days. She had to get ready, pack and…no, she thought, one thing I don't have to do is pack. Where there any loose ends to take care of? "Master, I was supposed to have lunch with Lori tomorrow. Can you call her and explain I can't make it? Umm, I'm not sure what reason to give; I guess you will have to come up with something. I can't think of anything else that's important, but you will know where to find me." She smiled, trying to make this as easy as possible for him. He didn't say it, but she could tell it was bothering him. His reluctance was real, and in an ironic twist that was reassuring to Cathy, for it confirmed that she hadn't brought it on herself.

He took her face in his hands. "I wouldn't do this if I had any other options. I love you Cathy, don't ever forget it. I promise you this, I will come for you, just as I did the last time. I can't tell you how long this will last, but never doubt that it will end. There will be a day you are back here in our home once again." He kissed her, then held her close, his strong arms holding her in a tight embrace.

She melted against him. This man was her whole world. Whatever he wanted she gave him, and gladly, with all her heart. She didn't need to think about it. Once again they would be separated, but it was for a good cause. Still, she didn't look forward to the unforgiving conditions. In retrospect she had come to understand the reasons for the isolation, the regimented routine and strict adherence to rules. No question it was effective, she was living proof of that.

For the next half an hour they sat together, talking quietly. She knew he was doing it in part to keep her from brooding over her departure. She welcomed the distraction, treasuring the few moments they still had. The lights of the van turning into the driveway came all too soon.