Culture Shock

They hugged and Elaine caught her up in private messages while also answering random questions in the chat room. A general discussion of 'how to go about planning and meeting with someone' ensued, covering lots of stuff that wasvery familiar to Elaine, which made her smile. As Simone babbled on about how amazing the weekend was going to be, Elaine began to feel a strange swelling of her self-confidence.

She reallyhad done everything right.

Time passed easily before Elaine found herself yawning. On checking the clock, she was pleasantly surprised to see that Gary was due to arrive at any moment. Perking up, she courteously sent everyone in the chat room her farewell. Amid another outpouring of good luck and congratulations messages, she smiled and waved and assured them she'd be back, before clicking out of the room.

It crossed her mind that Gary hadn't once let her down. Though he'd been late a couple of times, both times he'd managed to inform her about it. She understood that occasionally an inaccurate guess might have to be taken regarding someone's, or her own, estimated time of arrival. But she never agreed with the concept of being 'fashionably late'. First of all one had to assume they were entitled to inconvenience another person on the basis of it beingfashionable, or, as was more likely, someone was basically saying, 'I'm so busy with other commitments that I couldn't possibly be here any earlier.'

Unless it was to a really big party where one's absence wouldn't be missed, to Elaine's mind, being 'fashionably late' was a put down, particularly in 'one on one' situations.

It's sad when people have to put others down in order to feel better about themselves, she thought wistfully.

"Hello, Elaine," popped up on the screen.

A big grin covered Elaine's face as she typed, "Hello, Sir."

"I see by your journal you've had a fun-filled day." He winked.

"You're mean, Sir." She sent the face with the tongue poking out.

"Oh, c'mon. You're lucky I'm not mad at you for playing with your clit while you worked that big fat butt plug up your ass, little one."

Now Elaineknew he was teasing her. "Oh, Sir!" she sent, quickly followed by the blushing face. She couldn't help but giggle.

God, there go my nipples again!

"Bring your toys with you tomorrow, okay? All of them. We'll see what you've got and I might add a few things to your collection, if you're good."

More toys? Elaine bit her lip as ripples of pleasure zigzagged across her skin. "Thank you, Sir."

"Anyway, I am pleased by your bravery, Elaine. Not to mention your audacity. How are you feeling?"

"Um," she typed. A wicked thought came to mind. Quickly assessing the feelings tumbling about her stimulated yet frustrated body, her cheeks burned as she honestly typed, "Ready to fuck at the drop of a hat!" She squealed and covered her mouth with her hand as she witnessed her words on the screen in front of her. She doubled over in fits of giggles, fuelled in equal parts by the trembling mortification of her brazenness, and the unbridled joy of being completely and utterly honest.

"Chuckles," Gary typed. "I must remember to wear a hat then."

All Elaine managed to respond with was, "lmaoofkjjdlfkg..." The succession of hilarious images of Gary wearing ridiculous hats paraded themselves through her mind. Elaine howled with laughter for what seemed like minutes. At some point she realised how good it felt to let go. A good laugh was just what she needed. When she finally managed to dry her eyes and focus on the screen again, her heart started pounding.

"I would like to speak to you as if you had signed the contract tomorrow night. May I assume you will be signing it and accompanying me on the weekend, Elaine?"

Sitting up straighter, she took a deep breath and typed, "I will be there, Sir."

With bells on, she thought, giggling a little and trying to control herself.

For the next hour, Gary talked about their schedule, beginning with meeting her atDéchaînée,which was, according to Gary, 'the best French restaurant in town'. Elaine had never eaten French before, and hoped she could avoid the snails. She smiled softly to herself. Gary's enthusiasm was infectious, and she soon found herself looking forward to it. She hoped she wouldn't be too nervous to eat.

"So after dinner we'll be heading home and I wouldn't be surprised if I teased you all the way there."

"Shakes my head."

"Which of course calls into question your dress. I know it's 'late in the day', but have you chosen what you are going to wear?"

"I've had a few ideas, but I haven't decided. No, Sir."

"I'll be wearing the one decent suit I own, with a mauve shirt and a black tie. I'd love to see you in something elegant, but if you really want to knock my socks off, you'll wear a floor length dress and no underwear."

"No underwear?"

"I will regularly require that you are nude under your outer layer of clothes. While we are together, I plan to enjoy everything your body has to offer. That includes admiring it and/or taking advantage of it at moments you may or may not be prepared for, Elaine."

She swallowed. "I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't mean to question whether or not I'd go without underwear. Of course I will. I was just surprised, that's all."

"Because it's our first time together?"

"Well," she said, hesitating. "Yes."

"Okay. Two things. Firstly, from the moment we sign our contract, you will be my submissive, and I will be your Dominant, in mind, body and soul. As soon as we are seated at the restaurant, and the waiter or waitress has left with our drink's orders, I will be placing the contract in front of us for our signatures. From then onward, you and I are bound by its words. Turning back means taking you home. Make sure you understand that."

Elaine trembled. "Yes, Sir."

"Secondly, I was giving you an opportunity to be pleasing. I told you how to dress to do it. It won't be the last time I tell you how to please me. Think about it."

"I'm going to have to get used to this, aren't I?"

"Mhmmm."

"How? I mean, do I have to think of whether something pleases youfirst? And try to ignore how it makes me feel?"

"Only if you trust me and want to please me."

"Ido want to do those things. You just... You make it sound so easy. I'm worried that my inexperience is going to get me into trouble."

"Chuckles. It probably will. Don't worry, Elaine. I'll always explain things to you, point things out, and give you chances to change your mind. I'm going to be gentle with you. But Iam going to dominate you. Just concentrate on me when I speak to you. You've done it before. Remember coffee?"

She sure did. The feelings that overwhelmed her the first time she'd met Gary rushed over her skin like wildfire. Had she been so self-absorbed that she'd forgotten how much she liked him? She was going to be a mess! She giggled. "Just concentrate on you. I've got it." She sent the smiling face.

"You are adorable. You do know that, don't you?"

"You're making me blush." She sent the blushing face.

"That's what I want you to be wearing when I meet you. A blush and a beautiful dress. And that's all."

"Then that's what you'll get."

"I can't wait to be alone with you."

"Me either."

A moment passed. Elaine was wondering if they'd ever get to 'the specifics'.Gosh, she thought.Maybe that's what they HAD been talking about. She had to know, so she typed, "Sir?"

"Yes, Elaine."

"Are you going to tell me what else I should expect?"

"Yes, I was planning to do just that." He sent a smile. "After our meal I'll be taking you home. I doubt whether you will be a virgin by the time we get there. Depending on the weather of course."

"Of course." Elaine blushed harder.

"Unless you have a particular aversion to being fucked on the hood of a car."

She squirmed. "Um, no. That would be fine."

"Good. So after getting home I'll offer you brandy or something else in the house. Do you have a preference?"

"Cointreau?"

"Cointreau it is then."

"Grins. And then what?"

"Then I'll show you to the basement. I've been working hard down there, getting things ready. I hope you're impressed. Lots of brickwork and stained and lacquered wood. Lots of leather too. Chains here and there. Right up your alley I imagine." He winked.

Elaine could hardly believe this conversation. "I'm sure I'll love it."

"I hope so. We'll 'scene' and I'll take my time and be patient with you. I'm very mindful of my responsibility here. I want you to enjoy this. I'll be building sensations upon sensations, and I'll be relying on your reactions and your words to guide me. I'll be paying a lot of attention to you. You are going to love this. At various times during the weekend I will be doing the same. Scening with you, teaching you, explaining things to you, and maybe even disciplining you. I don't know. That will be up to you. It's going to be everything you expect and more."

"It's still a culture shock."

"It's everything you want and need, Elaine. It will be everything we've talked about, and everything you've imagined. When you leave my house on Sunday, you will be an experienced submissive. You'll know yourself better than ever, and you'llknow that this is right for you."

Elaine nodded subconsciously. There was only one way to find out. "What time?"

"Seven-thirty."

"I'll be there."

"So will I. Don't be late. I'm not hanging around to be stood up."

"I'll be early."

"Good girl. Is that specific enough for you?"

"Um, will you be spanking me?"

"Yes."

She swallowed. "Using a flogger?"

"Yes."

"A crop?"

"Yes."

Her heart was hammering. "A paddle?"

"Yes, but I'll be gentle."

"You won't restrain me?"

"Not unless you want me to."

"I might have to be."

"Then we'll play it by ear."

"Yes, Sir."

"Any more questions?"

"Um... No, Sir.Smiles softly."

"Okay. Then I'd like you to go to bed."

"Must I?" She glanced at the clock.

"Try."

It was getting late anyway. "All right. I will. Thank you again, Gary."

"If you are thanking me on Sunday, I'll be happy."

Elaine smiled.

***************************

At breakfast she was on autopilot. After describing the dress Gary wanted, both Chelsea and Kendra had ideas on which store Elaine should visit. They both offered to come with her to the mall but she declined. She felt she knew what Gary wanted, and didn't want to be swayed in her opinion. Besides, she was going lingerie shopping too, and having Kendra there would have been too much.

School went slowly. She fell asleep during the damned two-hour Accounting lecture and her finals were just next week. She was going to have to cram, but she'd be glad when she was finally done with the stupid course. She didn't even care if she ended up with a B.Ugh. She did really.

She had Metaphysics last and she picked up a few pointers when others asked questions about the big essay due Monday. She was so relieved that she was on the right track with hers she almost peed herself. The sound of the bell made her jump out of her skin and her tutor even asked if she was all right. She said she was fine as she packed up her books mechanically and headed out.

Seconds and minutes seemed to melt together. One moment she was in a hallway at school, the next she was keying open her front door. The next she was changed and on a bus, and before she knew it she was walking through the automatic doors at the mall.

There were only a few stores she needed to find and she was excited. She almost giggled aloud at the thought that her prospective purchases weren't even for her. Knowing Gary would be happy with what she was planning to buy made thingsmuch easier.

And sheloved to shop.

Usually she felt guilty when she bought things for herself. But not today. Today she was on a mission but the first store had nothing in her size. The second store,Cargo, had a twenty percent storewide discount that made her drool. She crossed her fingers as she described the dress to the obviously gay guy serving her. The first one he brought her was whathe wanted, but the second one made her eyes bug out. It wasperfect.

Lying across his arm was the most exquisite purple silk dress that she had ever laid her eyes on. She was crying while she tried it on, and the stiff lace bodice was awesome. Elaine was a full B and it was a tight B, but was on the sassy side rather than trashy. And it was backless, advertising her lack of a bra. The fall of the skirt reminded her of Fifties dancers, though it wasn't nearly as full. She just shook her head as she dried her eyes and looked in the mirror.

I'm beautiful!

AtVictoria's Secret her heart almost leapt out of her chest when the saleslady brought her exactly what she was after. She was then outfitted in a matching sexy little black bra and was railroaded into a sheer black teddy.

Elaine was quite stunned when she stepped into the bright sunlight outside the mall. With a couple of bags hanging from her hands, strangely she felt unsure of what to do with herself. Remembering she had a bus to catch, she looked around and figured out where she had to be.

After confirming with the driver that she was on the right one, she sat by the window with her bags beside her and stared as the streets rolled by.

My God, she thought.

It's Friday.

Chapter 22

Woodenly Elaine made her way up the stairs. She held the railing, steadying herself. Her legs were like jelly and she had to stop a couple of times. Despite the feeling of taking one step forward, two steps back, she was wiping her feet on the mat and sliding her key into the front door in less than a minute.

I wish I could stop thinking. Maybe I could take a nap...

Inside the apartment Elaine was somewhat surprised. Her roommates were on speed! Or at least that's how it seemed. Before Elaine stepped two feet inside the door Chelsea raced past, handing her a glass of wine. Had she been watching from the window? Unlikely.

"Thanks," Elaine said, taking it and raising her eyebrow.

Half naked in a loosely held together towel, Kendra rushed by in the opposite direction. "There's cheese and crackers on the kitchen table and the shower is all yours!"

"Um, okay," Elaine replied as Kendra disappeared into her room. "Thank you!"

What was going on?

Elaine dropped her backpack by her bedroom door and sat on the side of the bed, sipping the wine. She smiled and shook her head at the commotion outside. It was like a military exercise. Someone yelled, 'Five minutes!' which was kind of funny because Elaine was sure Kendra and Chelsea didn't have to be at work until seven.

She sighed. Everything seemed strange. Even her room looked different. She needed to rest. After placing the wineglass on her bedside table, Elaine lay on her back and relaxed.I'll just close my eyes for a minute. But as soon as she did, the thoughts that had haunted her all afternoon bubbled to the surface yet again.

I'm closing one chapter and opening another. An ending, and a new beginning. Will I be the same person after I sign my name? Or will I become someone different? I couldn't have been wrong, could I? I feel like a bomb, about to explode. Ticking... Ticking...

Elaine glanced over at the clock.

Five twenty-two P.M.

Two hours and eight minutes.

She took a shuddering breath.

Aw, man. I don't know if I can do this... I don't have a life-long friend in whom I can confide. Parents? Grandparents? Aunts or uncles? No. The kids I grew up with in high school? No. The weird kid my brother played soccer with in the fourth grade? Sighs. No. Counsellors? Librarians? Workmates? The guy on the bus? No. A complete stranger I met on the subway one time? No. A barman? A hairdresser? A taxi driver? A waitress? No. No. No. No.

It's such a personal decision. People on the outside can't help.

Thank God I have a beautiful dress to wear. If this all gets shot to hell, at least I'll go out in style...

Knock, knock, knock!

Nervously Elaine sat up.

Her smiling roommates appeared in her open doorway, almost like twins in their matching uniforms. "Hiiiii!!!" they said in unison.

Elaine's hackles bristled. When her roommates worked together like this, it was rarely good news. "What's up?" she asked.

Chelsea and Kendra looked at each other and giggled. Chelsea said, "We're all done, and we're more than an hour early. Everything is ready for you. Candles, bath is drawn, oils, the lot."

Kendra piped up. "I'll iron your dress, where is it?" Incredulous, Elaine pointed to the bags by the door, next to Kendra's feet. Kendra smiled and picked them both up, quickly looking in the Victoria's Secret one and saying, "Cool," then passing it to Chelsea who also took a peek.

"Nice," Chelsea said, smiling and placing the bag back by the door. "Now, did you think of shoes?"

Elaine figured she'd wear her off-white pair. They didn't exactly match but she didn't have much choice. It would be fine. The dress went all the way to the floor. She certainly couldn't afford new shoes anyway. "Yeah, I was going to wear my off-white pumps, the open-toed ones."

"Oh, wow," said Kendra, holding Elaine's dress in front of her. "This isgorgeous."

"You can't wear off-white with this," said Chelsea, holding out the shimmering skirt and admiring it. Turning to Elaine, she asked, "You're a nine, aren't you?"

Elaine nodded, again speechless.

"Then you can borrow something of mine. C'mon, come and choose." Chelsea held out her hand and Elaine climbed to her feet, stiffly walking across her room.

Kendra folded the dress over her arm, and the three of them stood in the doorway. Elaine finally managed to form words. "This is really weird."

"Is that all you can say?" asked Chelsea, nudging Kendra.

Elaine wasn't surewhat to think. "Why are you doing this?"

Kendra and Chelsea looked at each other. "She never 'gets' anything, does she?" asked Chelsea.

Kendra smiled and spoke as if Elaine wasn't even there. "She's incredibly literal, suspicious, and unfortunately very smart. If she were more of a dope she could communicate on our level."

Chelsea giggled. "You're a nut, Kendra."

"Yeah, well I still sayyou should have been a cheerleader."

"Whoa, whoa. What are you two talking about?" asked Elaine. The girls looked at each other, then at Elaine.

"It's a special night for you," said Kendra, shrugging.

"Yeah," agreed Chelsea.

"Huh?"

"We wanted to do something for you," said Kendra. "Look. To this day, even though we don't exactly get on, Chelsea and I have never had a problem with you. You more than pull your weight. You're even a steadying influence on us."

"She's right, you know," said Chelsea. "We've both started to look at ourselves differently because of you. Seeing you get all excited about this guy has shown me how jaded I've become. I need to get on with my life, and you've shown me that."

Kendra said, "And I need to be more honest with myself and less defensive. I ah," she hesitated and glanced at Chelsea. "I told Chelsea I'm gay."

"No way," said Elaine.

"Uh huh. She's gonna take a while getting used to the idea." She shrugged. "So am I."

"I just don't believe it really," said Chelsea. "I mean, girl, I'veheard you."

"And I've heard you,squealer. Doesn't mean I connect, though. Honestly, I never have."

"Well, anyway. It doesn't bother me either way," said Chelsea. Turning to Elaine, she said, "Kendra thought it would be a problem, but there are girls on the basketball team who are gay. It's never worried me before."