Amish No More Ch. 05

We made very good time after leaving the old abandoned railroad bridge. My arms were wrapped tightly around Mickey as we rode with my helmet pressed up against his back.

My mind was racing like the lines in the road whizzing by as I thought about what Mickey and I discussed, still wondering if he can ever love me again as he did when we were first married. I was wondering if I'll fit in.

I remember very little of my brief stay at Mickey's home before I went to the Clinic except that everyone was very kind to me.

Katherine is away at Medical School while Mandy has a business to attend to during the day which will leave me home with Sarah and Minerva.

I will be number five in Mickey's hierarchy of gentle ladies. That's how he refers to them as "his gentle ladies" or sometimes his girls, yet interestingly they sometimes address him as Master, including Maud.

Maud is a woman not to be trifled with. She rules Arthur's estate and hired staff with a velvet covered iron fist when he is away, although she defers and obeys Arthur and Mickey in everything it seems.

I'm a bit afraid of Maud and if Mickey wasn't there I wouldn't have dared to challenge her as I did; much to my displeasure of the bare ass spanking I received from Mickey.

We were approximately an hour from home when we stopped to stretch our legs and use the bathroom. While we were enjoying a hot beverage; I had green tea and Mickey ordered black coffee.

Mickey telephoned Mandy to arrange for my hair appointment while sipping his coffee and then telephoned Salvatore's to ensure an extra waitress was available for us.

"Why do we need an extra waitress" I asked sipping my green tea.

"I have a booth permanently reserved. When I call ahead, Vito or Sal see to it we have our own waitress. "

"Isn't that a bit extravagant?"

"Perhaps it is, but it's also convenient. Everybody benefits from this arrangement including the help. The waitresses take turns you know.

Bonnie Bell most likely will be our waitress this evening. You'll like her. Bonnie is a lovely woman and of course I will tip her extravagantly because it pleases me to do so. Someone once said "The glow of one warm thought is worth to me more than money."

"My mother thought you were a dreamer and a crackpot inventor; a fool of no substance reaching above his station in life and now..."

"Your mother's opinion never amounted to a plate of lima beans Martha. Please finish your tea so we may leave. I'm looking forward to seeing my other gentle ladies...

I was and am very impressed with Mandy's Salon "The Cutting Edge; wow, talk about expensive and upscale! Mandy employs 8 stylists; like she they are renown in their profession. I should mention there are also four others working there as a support team for cleaning, reservations, shampoos, etc.

There is a kiosk inside that serves every kind of coffee or tea imaginable; hot or cold, as well as designer bottled water, fruit juices and smoothes.

The decor and furnishings of "The Cutting Edge" boast expensive and exclusive while being austere and functional. Basic haircuts start at one hundred dollars and they cater strictly to women or girls.

Appointments are mandatory...except for a chosen few who guard this privilage jealously and there is no lack of loyal patrons. Mickey told me Mandy is a genius with a pair scissors.

When Mandy met us in the foyer of the salon, Mickey's face lit up noticeably when he saw her and she him. He put his arms around her waist kissed her lips passionately as lovers do.

His affection wasn't a show for my benefit; it is the real thing and of course they are lovers as are all his gentle ladies.

Mandy melted into him. They whispered to each other quietly as he hugged her; a silent and gentle understanding passed between them that I would learn comes naturally between Mickey and them...the same quiet understanding we once had.

Looking at Mandy, I understand why Mickey and Arthur say we are identical sisters from different mothers for we are petite and small women with almost identical figures.

I didn't notice our similarities after the violent incident when Mickey and his women rescued me from Frank Abzug...the day I showed up on Mickey's doorstep.

I was too terrified and distraught. Afterward Katherine gave me medication to calm and help with the debilitating nausea and vomiting; the uncontrollable crying.

I vaguely remember Mandy and Sarah bathing me because I soiled myself. They helped me change into soft flannel pajamas before putting me to bed.

First Sarah and then Mandy held my hand. Mandy's face was the last one I remember seeing until I finally fell asleep, before I was whisked off to the clinic the following day.

Coincidence in our appearance that Mickey took her as a lover because she looks like me; perhaps, however what if it's not?

The shape of our faces is a perfect oval; our lips, nose, ears, chin and forehead; everything is very similar although Mandy is a natural honey blonde with blue eyes and has a fair peaches and cream complexion.

It makes me wonder; does Mickey sometimes fantasize he's making love to me when he's with Mandy or is it wishful thinking on my part?

Mandy walked over to me and hugged me saying "Goodness Martha. Let me look at you...you look so much better. Isn't it wonderful; we will be sisters? Your bedroom is next to mine and my door is always open in case you need me. I've volunteered to be your mentor to help you learn our ways."

"Thank you, Mandy" Was all I could think to say hugging her back; overwhelmed by her kindness and genuine warm greeting as I felt my eyes tearing.

"Please, don't cry on my account, honey" Mandy said squeezing my hand and handing me a tissue "You'll do just fine. Besides, that's what family and sisters do; share and help each other.

Now dry those happy tears because you're going to get a proper haircut followed by a welcome to the sisterhood dinner at Salvatore's. We might even allow Michael to join us"... And she laughed at Mickey's pretend scowl "I'm just kidding, Michael..."

I received much more than a haircut which was shorter than I would have preferred given how long Mandy's is. I have no say in such matters now that I am under Mickey's roof.

Mandy attended to me personally; first she shampooed my hair. This was followed by a leave in conditioner that was left in while she gave me a facial.

Following the rinse and my face glowing from the facial, Mandy combed me out parting my hair several ways while taking notes for my folder; each of her clients has their own folder.

Mandy took into account the texture and thickness of my hair which she described as incredibly straight and thick, exactly like hers.

Mandy sectioned my hair several times, twisting and clipping it up, while taking notes and making sketches, until she was satisfied and intimate with my wet hairline, and until it was precisely sectioned and clipped up to her satisfaction.

Although I have no say about my haircuts, or how short it will be cut, I'm allowed to ask questions. Mandy answered them all explaining exactly what she was doing and why; step-by-step as she brought each section down and cutting, using the previous cut section as the new guide for a blunt straight perfect line.

"I've incrementally shortened the bottom of each underlying section so that it will curl under naturally, Martha. When Michael allows you to grow your hair long for him, I'll trim it the same way. This is how my hair is cut. I'll let you see mine down. I'll then blow dry your hair to tweak and fine tune the finished bob cut.

Mandy styled her hair for work that day in a simple low chignon; when she took it out of it, Mandy's thick honey blonde hair fell in a blunt and straight, precise cut to the top of her bra strap.

Sighing, I reached out to touch it and it felt wonderful. Mandy's long hair is beautiful; thick and soft, the way mine used to be when it was long and hopefully will be again.

"While yours is the shortest... Sarah's almost waist length hair is the longest of the five of us. Katherine's was longer than mine; however Michael is practical in such matters and will allow her to keep it shoulder length until she graduates Medical School and moves back in with us.

Minerva's hair is almost as long as mine and hers grows incredibly fast. It's well on its way to being waist length again. Michael had me cut her beautiful waist length red hair into very short boyish pixie when he acquired her. Just as he allowed me to grow out my identical short pixie and stop bleaching it platinum blonde. After Minerva's Tribunal he acquired me and Katherine from her.

"What do you mean by acquired from her? What's a Tribunal and why did Michael make you cut Minerva's hair short?" I was thankful he didn't plan that for me.

"You've said quite enough, Peaches" Michael sternly interrupted "Martha will be told what I deem to be appropriate when the time is right."

"Yes, Michael," Mandy conceded and she started blow drying my hair.

"You may have noticed none of us has bangs including you. Michael promised I may grow my hair to the bottom of my ass cheeks and Michael always keeps his promises; good or bad."

I glanced at Mickey to see if he would comment and when he didn't, "Yes, Michael has always been that way."

"Why does he call you, Peaches?"

"It's a pet name and term of endearment; does he have a pet name for you?"

"Yes, it's mi Niña. Roughly translated from Spanish or Portuguese it means my baby."

"Michael's pet name for Sarah is Princess or Lady from the Hebrew."

"What about Minerva?" I asked.

"Minerva...Minerva is simply Minerva" Mandy hesitated and I sensed she was holding back, "Michael has no pet name for Katherine. We are very proud of her; Katherine is going to be a doctor."

"Yes I know; do you love Michael?"

"What an odd question...of course I love him" Mandy replied surprised as she turned the bottom of under of my hair with a cylinder brush applying warm air from the hairdryer.

"Do you love him, Martha? You were married to him once, so you must have loved him at one time?"

We glanced over to where Mickey was sitting... he was gone.

"I fell in love with him again at Arthur's Estate. After much soul searching I realize I never completely stopped loving him."

I told Mandy how we first met, hoping she would share and tell me how she and Mickey met, however she didn't, concentrating on cutting and shaping the finishing touches on my now dry hair.

"Since Michael is not here, and just between the two of us, will you tell what you mean by acquired?"

"Michael said no and no means no. Never mistake Michael's politeness or good manners or kindness as weakness. Obedience and discipline will be maintained; it is our way, as is loyalty and honesty" and I could hear the annoyance in her voice for asking. Mandy turned the chair towards the mirror to show me my new look.

My hair was cut in a blunt slightly below ear length bob that curled under slightly as Mandy described and it hugged my head like a luxurious and shiny black helmet.

"Now that the horrid bleached blonde is gone, all that remains is healthy virgin hair" Mandy commented, messing it about while I watched it fall naturally back in place. I shook my head and watched it move with me to fall again neatly in place.

Mandy tucked it behind my ears to show me a different look and said "Your natural part is slightly off right. The good news is you can wear this style parted to the right, slightly off right or in the middle."

She took something from a tube and rubbed a pea sized portion on her hands and then in my hair.

"This will give your hair a bit more polish and shine. You will receive a hot oil treatment once or twice a month as needed; all of us do. I believe Michael will be pleased with your new haircut."

It was then we noticed that Mickey had returned. He was wearing a navy blue pin-striped suit and well shined black loafers instead of his worn out and scuffed engineer boots.

Mickey's shirt was white, nothing new there because he always wears a white dress shirt; however it was the tie tack on his solid red silk tie that caught my immediate attention.

"My good old engineer boots are shot and in the trash; it's time for a new pair" he sighed "I'm pleased and you do look cute, little girl, that hairstyle does compliment you. Your hair will remain like that until I say otherwise" he was running his fingers through my hair "I told you Mandy is a genius."

"Thank you, Michael" we said at the same time, looking at each other laughing. We again said together, "And you look handsome, Master."

"You're welcome and thank you my gentle ladies" he replied laughing in turn and then kissing our cheeks affectionately.

This brings us back to the story behind tie tack; a time when I first loved him so and Mickey had eyes only for me. It was first year we were going together and money was tight for me then. I looked everywhere to get him something special for his birthday.

I was browsing in a small curio/second hand shop for fun trying on jewelry that I couldn't afford, specifically one of a kind and unique estate jewelry when I spotted it. It was ½ inch in diameter handmade Native American sterling silver with a turquoise stone tie tack; the pin type with the bar and chain.

I was bubbling over with excitement when I told Mr. Jinks the elderly proprietor about Mickey and what a perfect gift it would be...bubbling over until he told me the price.

I didn't have near enough money having paid my rent the day before. Crestfallen, I thanked Mr. Jinks for his time and turned to leave when he asked if I had a photo of Mickey.

I didn't have a photo of Mickey alone; just one of the two of us sitting on the seat of a Ferris wheel. We were at a Fireman's Carnival and the ride operator snapped the picture for us.

The ride operator used the disposable camera Mickey bought from the Fireman who were selling them to raise money for Women & Children's Hospital.

After studying the photograph, Mr. Jinks suggested he would consider taking the inexpensive gold-plated Timex watch I was wearing in trade towards the tie tack. Mr. Jinks explained he had a rather eccentric private customer who collected these older Timex watches and would pay him well for it.

I left the wonderful little shop with Mickey's birthday gift thanking that fibbing but sweet man profusely and actually hugging him I was so happy; I also left with enough money to buy Mickey a birthday cake.

Mickey is still wearing this modest tie tack when he can easily afford solid 18kt gold with diamonds or solid platinum with rubies or emeralds.

"Minerva and Sarah will be here in approximately an hour" he said "Please get dressed for dinner..."

I really shouldn't have been surprised that Mickey ensured Mandy had clothing for me when we went into her office with the large private bathroom to get ready. There was a nice dress, stockings, undergarments, shoes, a small red clutch purse, plus a soft cream-white cashmere sweater if it were to become chilly later this evening or we merely chose to wear it.

My dress was an off white cream colored strapless maxi-style made of luxurious linen and cotton with a full flouncy skirt and a fitted bodice. The skirt was a full floor silhouette that came down to my ankles. My shoes were red, and I was to discover, all our shoes and clutch purses were the same, except in color to coordinate with our dresses and jewelry.

Mandy's dress was a pale violet. She told me that Minerva's dress would be a pale sea green and Sarah's a pale yellow; all of us may wear a soft cream-white cashmere sweater.

"Michael has an eye for details" Mandy explained "and Minerva's eye is better still. Did Michael tell you we have our own seamstress and dressmaker even though Sarah and I know how to sew? Do you know how to sew, Martha?"

"Not a stitch unless you include replacing missing buttons" I admitted "Although I am a good cook."

"Sarah is the mistress of the kitchen in a manner of speaking while Minerva and Katherine are the intellectuals among us. Now if you are wondering; Michael often mandates we dress the same to remind us we're his women and share a common bond. Tonight we'll be wearing our hair down and loose" Mandy informed me as she brushed hers to a golden honey blonde shine.

"Our jewelry for the evening is in this green velvet pouch. Yours is red garnet and sterling silver.

Your jewelry will always be a type of precious or semi-precious gem stone set in sterling silver until you earn your 18kt. gold hoops; when you truly become one of us.

But wait until you see the size of the Jewelry Chest in our dressing room let alone our dressing room! The room is complete with floor to ceiling mirrors and a walk-in-closet. The closet contains identical items of clothing in each of our sizes, including for you. The room has vanity tables and chairs, one for each of us to hold our makeup.

The antique jewelry chest is the size of a large chest of drawers and is filled exclusively with sterling silver jewelry; earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. It contains pins, broaches, plus hair accessories and jeweled combs and barrettes.

It contains just about every semi-precious gem stone available: turquoise, ambers, and garnets. It holds amethysts, and onyx: lapis lazuli, tanzanite, sapphires and citrines; tourmaline and spinals, corals, jade, carnelian, jasper and aquamarine, to name a few, and five of everything."

"What do you mean by gold hoops, Mandy?"

"You'll be told many things in the privacy of our home" she assured me putting on a sterling silver choker with a large deep purple amethyst stone to match her dress, followed by a bracelet, earrings and a ring "and it's Minnie"

"Minnie? Is that Minerva's pet name?"

"Michael will often call her Minnie, although I warn you, you call Minerva that at your own peril."

'And if she's anything like Maud' I was thinking 'I can believe it!'

"Thank you, I'll take that under advisement" I replied smiling and making light of it "Does Michael often wear the turquoise and silver tie tack?"

"Yes, always; it's the only tie tack he owns. Michael is not one for jewelry for himself. He has one expensive Chronometer, a birthday gift from us, his gentle ladies. He wears in when he gets dressed up. He has his gold signet ring of the Sanctorum; that's it. Most of the time Michael uses his cell phone to tell the time if he has to be anywhere."

"Why must we call him, Master? Do we mean that literally?"

"Yes and enough questions for now, Martha. It is time to listen and our Master is waiting. I chose your makeup to match your skin tone. I'll apply your makeup this special occasion for that's what I do; hair and makeup; please sit down; I'm almost finished with mine.

"Sarah is Michael's first. Its Sarah's right to hug and kiss him first on any occasion. After that it's me, Katherine and Minerva, depending on the situation. Minerva has known Michael the longest and..."

"But I've known Mickey the longest, Mandy!" I exclaimed interrupting.

"Honey, that only counts for your old life; that doesn't matter with your new life with us.

You will not address our Master as Mickey or Mike in front of us; what he allows in private is between you two. You will call him Michael or Master depending on the situation; and believe me; you will show him the proper respect.

I love Michael and I insist...no! I demand that from you; we all feel this way; especially Minerva. She usually is in charge when Michael is away and we must defer to her; that it's complicated is all I may say for now. You have a temper I'm told, but so does Minerva and my money is on her.

Michael is a Master of the Sanctorum; no doubt he will soon be a Grand Master. It's a rare privilage in our world to be allowed to call our Master by his first name. I was raised a Southern Baptist and it seems to me in many ways our relationship and living arrangement with Michael is somewhat Biblical in nature.