Ann: The Married Years Ch. 47

© 2021, All rights reserved -- mimaster

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Have another nugget, sweetie," Ann cooed, having broken up the small bites of chicken into even smaller ones. She smiled at her son, happily chewing one of the pieces she'd torn apart. Cradling her cellular phone against her neck and cheek, she listened to it ring.

"Hello?"

"Hey baby, how are you?"

"Hey Anna... I'm good. How are you guys?"

"We're great."

"Where are you now?"

"We stopped for lunch. We're at a McDonald's somewhere in Eastern Ohio. I can't remember the name. I'm pretty sure it starts with a 'Z'."

"Zanesville," he laughed.

"Yeah, that's it. How do you remember things like that?"

"You already know that, babe. I used to look at maps when I was a kid."

"That's right... because your dad traveled so much. Still, how do you remember every town?"

"I don't remember every town... just the ones where I've been, especially when I've done it so many times. We've driven by that town every time we go home, babe. It's right off the interstate."

"Yeah, well, that's your gift. I can't remember stuff like that."

"As long as you remember the way home, that's all I care about."

"Me too. I can't wait to see you."

"I can't wait to see the new you. Everyone keeps telling me how amazing you look, but no one will give me a hint, other than you look a lot like someone famous now."

"I wouldn't go that far. There's a bit of a resemblance, I suppose. I just really hope you like it."

"Do you?"

"Me? I love it. I feel sexier than ever."

"Well then why wouldn't I love it too? After all, I love you."

"I love you too, baby. I have to go... we've been on the phone too long as it is. We'll see you later this afternoon."

"Okay, Anna. Give Owen a kiss for me... and please drive safe."

"I will. Bye."

She flipped the phone shut, setting it onto the table so she could finish eating. Owen was busy chewing another French fry, his bubbly voice chirping away as they took a break from the long drive home. She kissed him on the top of the head.

"That's from Daddy, sweetie," she smiled before taking a bite of her Big Mac.

"Da!" he said in response, making her laugh.

"Yes, we're going home to Daddy!"

It was nice to be just to be out of the van for a bit. They'd been on the road for hours, and it had been good just to get out and stretch her legs. She knew Owen must have felt the same way, what with him strapped into his car seat, unable to move. That's what made it so surprising when he readily sat down to eat. She assumed he'd be ready to bolt like he usually did, but instead he was sitting calmly next to her in a booster chair, eating his Happy Meal.

They sat in a booth in a corner of the dining area, secluded from the noise and distractions of the restaurant. She needed to unwind from the tension of driving, and the more privacy the better. It allowed her to keep Owen focused on his meal, not wanting to turn their stop for lunch into a long layover.

It helped that Ann had the foresight to instruct the person at the counter to put the toy prize that came with his lunch in a separate bag instead of the box the meal came in. She put that into the big bag she was carrying, knowing he'd never eat his food if he had a new toy to play with. Instead, she pulled out one of his favorite picture books; one she knew would occupy his attention while he ate.

Turning the page in the magazine she'd been casually perusing while she'd been talking on the phone, she watched as he did the same to his book. He looked at the brightly colored pages, mimicking his mother as she returned to the article she'd been reading. Well, it wasn't an article really. She was scanning letters written to the editor, finding them fascinating. But she was honed in on one in particular. She'd already read it three times before, but she couldn't help search it out again once she opened the magazine.

She started reading it again, looking for nuances she hadn't caught before, certain she'd find some. After all, it was elegantly written, unlike most of the letters submitted to the magazine. She'd read them all, but she kept circling back to that one, finding that it hit home with her in so many ways, as if it were speaking to her.

There was one particular line that brought smile to her face. It brought her back to the first time she read it when she originally picked up the magazine at the Thomas house. She was now so thankful that her mother-in-law let her keep it.

"You know Owen, your Grandma Betsy is one hell of a woman," she chuckled.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For the most part, she and Owen had been doing well on their return trip. They'd left a little before seven in the morning, and he'd been a little angel, babbling and chirping along with the children CD's she'd play for him. Her father Marlin had helped pack the van the night before with most of their things, and so she simply had to put in her overnight bag and Owen's diaper bag... and of course, get Owen in the car seat.

Her goodbyes to her parents were quick and relatively smooth. They'd had a wonderful time... much better than she thought it might turn out to be. Her mother had been low maintenance during the visit, likely because she had a grandson to fawn over, which took the pressure off her a great deal. Still, Jean was teary eyed as they said goodbye. Marlin kissed his grandson on the head, and his daughter on the cheek, the proud look in his eyes saying it all. With a wave, they were off, one quick stop yet to be made.

She'd pulled into the Thomas driveway just two minutes later, hopping out of the van to give Darren a big hug and a kiss. She did the same to Betsy, quick to catch the look in her mother-in-law's eyes.

"I see you've been busy this morning," she chuckled as Darren slid open the van door to say goodbye to Owen.

"What do you mean by that?" Betsy asked sheepishly.

"Mom, remember who you're talking to. I'm a slut, just like you are, remember? So... tell me."

Betsy giggled like a teenager, leaning in closer to Ann. "He fucked me on the patio just before you came over. It was incredible," she whispered.

"Putting that new fence to good use again," she winked. "How many times is that, now?"

"Three. And he's threatening to make me stay back there all weekend. I should have never told him about Annabelle."

"You told him? I thought that was just between you and me," Ann playfully scolded, knowing all along that she would probably tell her own husband some of the things she and Betsy had discussed, including things she'd confessed to her. She also knew it would end there; the trust she had in Darren and Betsy to keep what she'd said a secret was unwavering. After all, they were Neil's parents. She trusted them with what she held most precious... namely Owen. They wouldn't do or say anything that would jeopardize her family, because they were family.

That didn't stop her from picking at her mother-in-law about it though. "If you can't keep your mouth shut, how am I supposed to trust you in the future?"

"Anna, you know Darren won't say anything. Besides, I know you're going to tell Neil what I told you."

"Why in the world would I do that? The last thing I need is for him to have to go into therapy if he finds out his mother is a slut."

"Trust me, sweetie. He already knows that. He might be in denial about it, but he knows."

"Regardless, I think you need to be punished for breeching my trust."

"Punished?"

"Well of course. If you want the entire Annabelle experience, you have to know there's gonna be punishment involved. Some pain too."

"Again, I would think you'd know from our talk the other night that I've been on the business end of a paddle a time or two... hundred. Hell, I showed you my closet," she laughed.

"I know you've obviously done it from time to time. But it's a whole different ballgame when you're committed to a day of it instead of a couple of hours. Or, there was that time I was Annabelle for over a week in the dungeon."

"Over a WEEK?" she exclaimed.

"Yeah," she snickered. "Ten days, to be exact. I'll have to tell you about that another time... we have to get going."

"Okay. But I can't believe Neil would do that to you for so long. That seems a bit too much, even to a girl like me."

"Oh, I wouldn't be too judgmental about Neil, Mom. He knows what I need more that I do when it comes to Annabelle, or any of my other boxes on that shelf I was telling you about. And I loved every second of it, no matter how hard it was at the time. Besides, if it wasn't for those ten days, you wouldn't have a grandson right now," she chuckled.

"What are you talking about?"

"Like I said, I'll have to tell you about that some other time," she grinned.

"You promise?"

"Of course, Mom. I love sharing with you like this."

Ann let her semi-confession sink in as she moved away, allowing Betsy and Darren to say goodbye to Owen. She didn't want him getting out of the car seat. Otherwise it would take forever to get him back in it, and they'd be delayed too long. So the grandparents climbed in to say their goodbye, finding plenty of room inside the spacious van.

The not-so-innocent exchange she'd just had with Betsy had given her an idea... a naughty one. Of course, that was to be expected of someone admitting to her slutty ways to her in-laws. She and Betsy had had a wonderful talk the night before, and Ann shared with her all about Annabelle. She told her about the first night she submitted to Neil, in the cabin in Colorado, as well as her time in the hotel in West Virginia; both before they were actually married. She also told her about a few other times, and even went as far as to confess Neil had made her a dungeon in the crawlspace. But she only shared the things he'd created, and how he got her to down there. She withheld almost all of the details of that incredible ten days, not because she was hiding anything. The conversation somehow switched to talking about Anna Renee, and they never circled back.

Spilling the premise that she'd committed to being a submissive for Neil for such an extended period of time, and adding to that Betsy's playful statement that Darren was teasing about keeping her in the back yard most of the weekend, she became inspired. Moving to the back of the van, she lifted the hatch and began rummaging through her overnight bag, eventually finding what she was looking for.

Walking up behind Betsy, she waited for her to back out of the van. Betsy turned to see Ann holding something out for her.

"What's that?"

"That's one of my collars. I'm letting you borrow it."

Absentmindedly taking it, she looked it over. "One of your what?"

"It's a collar."

"What's it for?"

"I suppose it's different for everybody. For me, it's all about the symbolism it represents. When I wear it, it means I'm Annabelle, and that I belong to Neil."

She laughed out loud. "So, you want me to belong to Neil. That's a bit too kinky, even for me. He will need therapy if I do that."

"Funny. And pretty gross, actually."

"Sorry, sweetie. But seriously, why are you handing this to me?"

"I'm letting you borrow it because I'm thinking that, like everything else when it comes to our Thomas men; they're like father, like son... and sometimes, vice versa. Besides, you can't pretend it doesn't intrigue you. I saw the look in your eyes last night. You even showed me your secret closet... the only thing you're missing is that. So...."

"What's that?" Darren asked, pointing to the leather piece in his wife's hand as he slid the van door shut, knowing Ann needed to be hitting the road.

"It's a collar," Betsy replied matter-of-factly, her eyes staring deep into her husbands, looking for a reaction.

"A collar? For what, a dog? We're not getting a dog, Betsy. Geez... I put up a damn fence, and now you want to get a dog?"

"I don't want to get a dog, dear. The only thing this has to do with a dog would be if you want to take me doggy style," she said sexily as she carefully put the strap in place, buckling it snuggly against her elegant neck. Standing there with her hands on her hips, she gave him a playful shrug. "What do you think? Want to take your sex slave for a spin?"

He blinked, looking back and forth between a grinning Ann and a winking Betsy. "You're kidding, right?"

"You've already threatened to keep me captive in the backyard the rest of the weekend anyway. I've just put on my new slave collar."

"Uh, that's my slave collar. I'm just letting you borrow it, remember?" Ann teased, while letting Darren know that she used it for the same reason.

"Oh, absolutely, Anna. I'll make sure I send it to Neil when we're done." Turning her naughty eyes back to Darren, she cooed, "So, I'm game if you are. What do you think?"

"Goodbye Ann. Drive safely... let us know you made it," he said hastily, dragging Betsy by the arm just like he did the day Ann showed up with her new hairdo.

His wife let out a now familiar squeal as she lurched forward, his strong grip tugging her toward the garage. Naturally thinking from the way he pulled her that she was in for a repeat performance, she asked playfully, "Dining room table again, sweetheart?"

"Backyard Betsy... now!" he grunted.

Ann called out as she opened her van door, teasing, "You know, if you put something on the ring of her collar, it's a lot easier to lead her where you want her to go."

She laughed as Darren froze in his tracks, hearing what she said, his eyes scanning the shelves in the neatly organized garage, and then toward the pegboard. It was eerily similar to the one her house... one Neil created. Indeed, they were like father, like son in so many ways... including having such incredible wives.

"Rope! I need rope! Lots and lots of rope!"

"Bye Anna!" Betsy laughed, offering a wave of her fingers. "I think it's going to be an interesting weekend!"

"Maybe you should write about it," Ann retorted.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ann was thinking about that scene as she pulled back onto I-70 to head toward Pennsylvania. She checked her mirror, seeing that Owen was already about to fall asleep. On the one hand, she had worried that he might sleep too much on the way home... she had almost five hours to go. On the other, she looked forward to the peace. He'd oddly stayed awake ever since they left Indiana. She thought for sure he'd nod off after having been woken up at a time that was so early for him. And he'd started to between her parents' house and the Thomas home. But the playful interaction with Neil's parents had him up for the morning.

Not that he'd been bad. He'd played with his toys, and he'd been jabbering joyfully the entire way. The music she played for him helped a great deal. But she had to keep checking on him to make sure he was okay, and that grew tiresome, especially since most of the roads she'd been traveling were the two-lane variety. Now with lunch behind them, and traveling at a steadier speed on the interstate, he'd fallen asleep, leaving her to her thoughts.

The vacation had been everything she hoped it would be and more. She'd gotten the new look she was dreaming of. That alone seemed pretty incredible, since she had no idea what she wanted when she left her house two weeks before.

Tina had proven without a doubt that she was a true artist when it came to her profession. Having the guts to trust her friend and go with a look that could have been mocked or ridiculed proved to be the hardest part. It needn't have been. Every place she stopped, she was getting lingering stares, and more than a few catcalls. She loved being ogled. Even some women were doing it, although it was in more of a congratulatory manner. She didn't feel many jealous stares, but she was sure there were a few. If anything, the reaction was shaded more toward envy, with even a few 'good for you for pulling off that look' nods of approval.

Driving with a sleeping youngster, she didn't need to entertain any longer. Out came the children's CD she'd had to endure for the last couple of hours. In popped a soft jazz album, one that she used to listen to when she was pregnant. She knew it would help her mindset, and it was one that Owen would find soothing as he napped.

"I wonder what they're doing now?" she daydreamed, her thoughts drifting to Betsy and Darren, although she was just as curious about Neil and Heather. Could they be doing the same kinds of things at the same time? She hadn't discussed with Neil the details of her friend submitting to him. She only knew they'd kept doing it for a couple of days after they started. He even made Heather call in, taking some paid personal time off of work so she could remain in his control. With it now being Saturday, it was supposed to be their last day together. In fact, the instructions for the sex account game stated that the branches closed for the rest of the weekend at 4:00 PM. She fully expected her to be gone from the house when she came home. Then again, it was Neil, and he was in charge. Maybe he made some special arrangements she wasn't aware of.

It didn't bother Ann if he had. After all, it was just a game. Time limits were always a hassle when it came to sex and their role-playing. Instead of dwelling on a clock, they liked to keep their playfulness on a rather loose schedule. There was no reason to expect that he would be more rigid now just because his focus on that particular game was Heather instead of her. Then again, being a Master was all about discipline, and time management was one of the lessons she'd been taught well as Annabelle. Conflicted, she could see her arrival home happening either way. Heather might be there, and she might not. She decided to plan on her being there, just in case... not knowing what that would even mean, but wanting to be prepared mentally just in case.

It was unrealistic to expect it to mean much though, at least as far as any sexual fun went. Owen would be showing up with her, and he'd be excited to see his Daddy after a two-week absence. There was some family time that was going to be needed. Neil would know that... and want it. Knowing whatever might happen when she finally arrived home was in his control and not hers, her thoughts drifted back to her In-laws.

She chuckled as she drove, thinking of how quickly Darren had a privacy fence put in. When she and Owen left their house mid-Thursday morning after spending the night, a work crew had already arrived. She wondered when he called them. Did he have a friend that did that sort of thing for a living and he called in a favor? Had he had an estimate done prior, and he finally decided the timing was right? Or was it just a spur of the moment decision? It all seemed so out of character for him, and yet there was the crew, working earnestly to erect the fence.

Regardless of the circumstances, the reality of it was that it was ridiculous how soon he reacted to Betsy's challenge when she fucked him in the inflatable pool the night before. All she had to do was hint they could be having more fun like that, and a lot earlier in the day, if he'd finally put up the fence she'd been asking for. Somehow, less than twelve hours later, one was being installed.

When Ann returned on Friday evening with her parents for an end of vacation cookout, she was stunned to see it was finished, the wood already stained in a deep brown that looked magnificent against the landscaping in place. The fence looked like it had been there for years, and it had Betsy grinning from ear to ear. The unmistakable joy in that smile brought Ann's mind back to that moment, and the incredible conversation the two of them shared that night. Then again, maybe it was the magazine on the passenger seat that helped conjure up those vivid thoughts.