“Thank you,” she turned to Mark watching him until he left and then turned her attention back to her mom. Mark’s wants children but I’m afraid…that is, I was afraid. I’m open to the possibility of children, but not anytime soon.”


“You have no choice in the matter,” a voice said sweetly.


“It’s you,” Sydney covered her mouth smiling. “I didn’t think I’d hear your voice again.”


“Why not? I never left. You closed yourself off from me. You had so many walls built up around you, Sydney.”


“I was afraid of disappointing you.”


“You could never disappoint me. I’m so…,” her mother stopped speaking as Sydney giggled slightly. “Why are you laughing?”


“Your voice sounds just like mine. It’s not at all how I remember it.”


“You were so young when I came here. I’ve been with you ever step of the way.”

“You were the presence we felt in Iowa--our last night there.” Sydney gasp lightly.


“Yes,” her mother said brightly. “I was there when during your first run in with Margret. I have to hand it to you, you handled yourself well.”


Sydney sat upright in the bed; her eyes darted around the room. “You saw that?”


“Yes, I did. Did you ever wonder why you reacted so calmly? The old Sydney would’ve mopped the floor with her.”



“No, I…I didn’t think about it.” she made a small scoffing noise.


“You’re embracing your softer side. Don’t get me wrong, you’re hundred and ten percent Domina, sweetheart, however when tensions rose over dinner and you saw Mark about to attack Margret, you took of a submissive role just long enough for me to slip in and talk to your better sense,” she exhales. “You’re just like your father. I had to work my ass off to calm you down.”


“I felt you. I thought it was daddy. But it was you the whole time.” Her voice dropped to barely a whisper. “You’ve been here for the past few days, weren’t you?”


Her mother spoke gently. “Every step of the way, baby and I’m proud of your for not falling bad on your old habits,” She smoothed Sydney’s cheek. “I know what you’ve been through; it broke my heart but I had to let you go through it alone. I was there.”


“Mom, it was difficult but I’m happy,” she stuttered. “I have new friends and I’m just now realizing that I have a core group of people who genuinely care about me. They’re not self servicing, they care.”


“They do care about, even the one that stabbed you in the back.”


“Ha!” Sydney laughed. “You sound certain of that.”


“I am certain she cares. Your relationship with those girls had been strained and she may have been acting out. But Sydney, you have to accept your responsibility for what’s happened as well. This didn’t happen in a vacuum.”


Sydney dropped her head. “I know, momma but I don’t know what to do with her. I can’t keep her around and loose face nor can I fire her when I know that it was partially my fault.”


“I won’t advise you however you said it yourself, there is power in forgiveness. Talk to Mark; he’s an intelligent man, you make good choice.”


“You think so?”


“I have no doubt. He’s the one you’ll spend the rest of your life with.”


“Mark wants babies, momma”


“And you’ll give them to him.”


Sydney laughed. “Not anytime soon.”


“Sooner than you think.”


Really?” Sydney bit her thumb nail smiling.


“Give it time.”


“Thank you, mom,” New tears pooled in Sydney’s eyes; silence filled the room, louder than words. “I love you. Please don’t leave me now.”


“I love you to. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be with you but never forget you have Helen and Jane to turn to.”


“I do, don’t I?” Sydney stood and wrapped herself in her robe, feeling lighter than she’d felt in days.


“They’re good people.”


“Yes, they are. Well, I have to be going. Tell daddy that I’ll coming to see him in a few days,” Sydney went towards the bathroom and turned back briefly, gazing around the walls of the room. A sense of peace enveloped her. “Mom.” She called.


“I’m here,”


Sydney smiled. “Just checking.”


“Your father used to do the same thing,” Her mom laughed.


“I know,”

“Sydney, tell Mark that they are looking in the right place and Kenneth will be home soon.”


Sydney drew a deep breath. “Oh my God. Mom…I …can’t tell you what that will mean to Mark; to his family.”


“You don’t have to tell me,” she said with a smile in her voice. “Now go, get moving. And bring Mark with you the next time come.”


“Will do.”



                                                        ******



Seeing Sydney with everyone gathered around discussing the latest development with the Doms, she showed some semblance of herself. She seemed to be on the mends.


What Sydney couldn’t figure out was why everyone was staring at her. Every move she made was being analyzed and picked over for any signs of madness. She felt like running from the room screaming just to freak everyone out. That would have surely send #3, whose appearance toggled between glum and pathetic, into open tears. She avoided Sydney’s eye contact and when she couldn’t, she’d quickly looked away.


The atmosphere was more relaxed than normal. For once there was banter and laughter. Sydney was actually beginning to enjoy their continuous chatter. It reminded her of being around Mark’s friends and family. Her eyes beamed. This was all brand new to her. As they talked, slowly the faces of her assistants began to appear. Charles and Lee’s faces had always been there but her assistants were always missing. Her little circle was finally taking shape.


“Drink up,” Mark handed her a cup of tea and took his seat beside her. “So as far as we know, everything is going as planned. No hiccups.”


“We’re fine. All of my Doms are in order. How are yours?” Charles responded.


“Never better,” Mark answered than turned to Lee. “I would like to you remain in town for the time being just in case we need your muscle.”


Lee smiled at Charles with a raised eyebrow.


“Dude, why are you so violent?” Charles burst out laughing along with everyone else.


“I’m not violent!” he shrugged. “I just don’t put up with the same level of bullshit that most people do.”


Sydney covered her mouth laughing. “Lee, you are violent. Out of all my apprentices, you were the most difficult to break,” She turned to Charles. “How long did it take me to break you?”


“Four hours total.”

“You see,” she gestured at Lee. “You took me six hours. Six hours! I could have had you in four but you were so goddamn stubborn!” she chuckled.


“I am European. We’re stronger than you Americans.” He threw his hands up innocently and was met with hiss and laughter. “What? It’s a proven fact that we are stronger.”


“Oh fuck off.” Charles walked to the kitchen to grab another beer.


“Wait Charles, he maybe on to something,” Sydney followed him and teased. “He may be “strong” but little ol’ me…a mere American women, half his size broke him,” she bowed to everyone applause. She turned to Lee grinning from ear to ear. “How many years had you been begging to whip your ass?”


Lee shook his head; he knew he was caught, “Should we be talking about this in the front of our submissives?”


“Don’t try to change the subject. You opened your big mouth,” Mark pulled Sydney down into his arm. “You should know never to talk shit in front of her.”


“I may be under the weather but I’m still your Mistress.” She held up her O-ring like a princess for him to kiss.


“Madame, I won’t gladly bow to you any day,” he kissed her hand with a wink. “I’d better be going. I have to pick up my tux.”


“By yourself?” #4 chimed in to everyone’s surprise. She immediately lowered her head and spoke meekly. “I mean…I’ll go with you since you don’t have any assistants traveling with you. If it pleases my Mistress.”


All eyes fell on Sydney. She more than anyone, was surprised by this outburst. “Um, sure. #2, you’ll go along as well. Natalie and #3, I need your help.”


#2 looked none to happy about playing chaperone for these two but she drudge on like a good submissive as they walked to the door.


“Lee,” Sydney called. “You know the rules. Don’t try to sleep with my girls. I mean it!”


“I promise I won’t try anything with them.” He gave a crooked grin.


Sydney only half way believed him. “Get out of here.” She stood and headed upstairs as he left.


“Is there anything I can get you for, Mistress?” Natalie asked.


“No, I’m going to take a nap. Please be sure the girls dresses are ready. I don’t want to wait until the last minute.”

“Yes, Mistress,” Natalie’s heart twisted in her chest. She passed Charles without a word.


“I’ll be upstairs if you need me.”


“Mistress, can I talk to you for a second?” #3 asked earnestly.
 

Sydney gave her a long piercing stare.


“Excuse me,” Mark gave Sydney a quick wink as he passed her on his way upstairs.


“No, will call for you when I’m ready to speak with you,” Sydney said coldly turning her back and retreating upstairs. Far too much time had lapsed, and she knew the longer she postponed their conversation, the more painful the wait would be.


#3 stood paralyzed.