Rebecca Anne Stewart's
Hot Crossings
by Becky Stewart & RickkiB
With thanks to Christy, Misty, BobA & a big hug to Jenna Hitch.
~Part # 28: HERE WE GO AGAIN~
~[]~
Becky and Pip decided to make something nice for the boys for dinner. Unfortunately that meant a trip to the Safeway, for the necessary supplies. As the duo cruised the aisles looking for the staples to replenish the larder, they carried on joyfully with their occasionally animated conversation. "You know." Pip announced. "I should really do something with my hair. I wonder if Marcie could create anything with my mess?"
"I'm sure she could. Look at the job she did on mine for that dance at Halloween. It was amazing." Becky replied as she quickly drifted off into 'Bobland' thinking about the very romantic evening.
"Yo! Earth to Becky! Come in Becky! Ah. Houston, we have a problem."
The tall blonde giggled. "I'm not that bad!"
"Ya right! I'm just glad you aren't driving, when you do that, gone for a cruise around the stars thing you do."
"SOT!" Becky stage whispered, as she reached over to check the quality of the lamb in the display case.
"Becky. Do you really know how to make lamb souvlaki?"
"Sure. It's easy. I can even make rice piaff to go with it. You look a bit apprehensious there Pip, why?"
The buddy shrugged. "I don't know. It's just that I'm not so sure about lamb."
"Pip. Don't you like lamb? If you don't, just say so. We can easily make something else."
"Well I remember eating mutton when I was a kid, and I hated it. Since then I haven't tried it because of the taste, I just can't get passed the smell. So I'm not so sure I will like it now."
Becky casually placed a reassuring hand on the smaller woman's shoulder. "Pip. Mutton and lamb are really do different things. Mutton comes from adult sheep. It has a much stronger flavour and is not as tender."
"HA! You can say that again. It's like eating an old sneaker."
Becky smiled at her friend's little barb before she continued. "Lamb is from young sheep. It is very tender and has a nice flavour to it. They taste completely different. I can remember when I was a kid back in Scotland. We had very little meat back then and we ate a lot of mutton stew."
"Is this the, we had to walk five miles to school everyday, uphill, both ways, in the freezing snow story?"
"No it's not!" Becky giggled along with her friend. "My point is I hated mutton. In fact, to this very day I refuse to eat mutton anything, but I do like lamb."
"Hmm. Okay. But if I hate it I'm ordering a pizza!" Pip pouted.
"God. Don't let Bob and Martin hear that, they'll never eat lamb for sure."
Suddenly, the pair was almost knocked over by a pair of 'hellions' screaming up the aisles creating a wake as they went. Becky tried to regain her composure while Pip contemplated going after them and giving the misbehaving pair a lesson in proper etiquette. "You okay?" She asked Becky has her friend gingerly up righted herself from the sprawled position she had been forced to assume over her shopping cart.
"Ya. I think so. What was that all about?"
"A couple of unruly kids without proper parental control." She said loud enough to be heard several aisles away. Becky gave Pip a dirty look and, the pair returned to their shopping and soon forgotten entirely about the bad experience.
When Becky and Pip were perusing the produce section, Becky was softly humming 'The Beatles, In My Life' that she could faintly hear coming from somewhere. Pip watched her pickup and smell, a cantaloupe, before discarding it before she said something. "You going to answer that?"
"Whaa?"
"Your phone. Are you going to answer your phone? It's ringing."
"It is?" Becky asked, deep in a blonde moment. She opened her shoulder bag and the gentle tune now became a lot louder. With a look of surprise on her face, "I thought my phone played Beethoven?" Suddenly her brain registered that Bob had reprogrammed her phone the other day at the new office. She flipped it open. Covering her other ear to drown out an announcement of cleanup on aisle four she said, "Hello… Hi." She smiled. Pip knew it was Bob, and Becky would be tripping around lost in space until the conversation was over. Pip directed both the cart and Becky towards the checkout with a minimum of effort. She paid for their purchases and had installed Becky in the car and stowed away the foodstuffs in the trunk before Becky had finished her trip to Bob World.
"He signed the deal for the new office this afternoon, and wanted to go out for dinner."
"Oh?"
"I told him no, of course. I said that you and I had been shopping and I was going to make something special for us tonight."
"Oh okay. What time did he say that him and Martin would be home?"
"Oh darn! I forgot to ask!" Becky exclaimed as she knocked herself in the forehead with the flat of her hand. "Oh, but he did say he had something he wanted to discuss with you and Martin later tonight."
"Oh?" Pip wondered.
Becky helped Pip as best she could, bring the groceries up into the suite. She was all but unable to bend over to lift anything and walking with a load was an experiment in torture she did not wish to repeat anytime soon. Pip completely understood when Becky begged off after the first trip up the stairs and offered to put everything away, while Pip completed the task by her self.
Becky was 'hurriedly' trying putting everything in its proper place when she recognized the insistent chatter of the precocious 12 yr. old from down the hall.
"Hi Becky. I saw Pip downstairs loading up your groceries and I came over so I could give her a hand, hope you don't mind, cuz it looked like she needed it, cuz there was lots of bags to be carried up. Wow you got lots of stuff today. Oh cool! Vanilla yoghurt! Did you know that vanilla was my favourite?
Becky groaned as she straightened up from putting the produce in the crisper drawer of the large commercial stainless steel fridge. "Hello Maggie. How are you today? No, no I didn't? Would you like some?"
"Maybe later. I gotta help Pip bring up the rest of the groceries. Bye."
Becky said bye, but she could have saved her breath. Maggie was already bounding down the hallway before the word had even been spoken. "Oh, to be young, and have so much energy." She thought as she flopped into the white bistro chair before her. She gazed at the clock on the wall, "Oh my lord. No wonder I'm knackered. It's passed four. Definitely tea time." Becky drug herself from the chair and managed to swallow some dilaudid before Pip and Maggie returned with the last of the groceries.
"You okay?" Pip asked, a bit concerned for her friend. "You don't look so good. Becky you're white as a sheet. You gonna be okay?"
"Just a bit tired." She explained. "It's been a pretty busy day."
"Becky why don't you go lay down for a few minutes. Maggie and I can put the rest of the groceries away."
"Uh huh." The preteen agreed shaking her head up and down.
"Can't. I have dinner to make. The boys will be home soon. There isn't time." Becky explained reaching for one of the plastic bags on the counter.
Pip quickly lashed out and with very little effort convinced Becky to take her hand off the bag and follow her. She directed the tall blonde into the bedroom and quickly threw back the accent pillows and comforter, making way for Becky to lie down.
"Sit!" Was the one word command, which our heroine complied with instantly. Pip then quickly undid the buckles on Becky's sandals and slid them off her feet. She then grabbed both legs and swung them both up onto the bed in a single smooth motion.
"Lay down!" She then pulled the comforter up to Becky's chin and gave the last command she would need to for the next hour or so. "Go to sleep!" Pip pulled the bedroom door closed after turning down the phone in the room, and drawing the blinds.
~[]~
"Lucy! I'm home!" Bob announced, in his best Ricky Ricardo, as he burst thru the apartment door. Pip was in the kitchen and painted the picture of the perfect wife, as she was busy chopping onions wearing a frilly apron that Becky kept on hand for messy situations.
"Ahh! I didn't know you cared." Bob remarked when he saw Pip's tear laden eyes. "Where's Becky?" He asked depositing his satchel on the bistro table in the eating area part of the kitchen
"I sent her for a nap about an hour or so ago. Don't wake her up!" Pip added as she observed Bob making his way in that direction.
He flopped into one of the chairs as Martin was starting to let Pip know how much he had missed her today.
Minutes later they were joined by a very sleepy looking Becky as she entered the room and started to apologize for falling asleep. "I'm sorry. I slept so long. It's late I'll get started on dinner right away."
Bob grabbed Becky and pulled her onto his knee before she could take another step.
"Becks! I got it covered." Pip explained. "The only thing I need you for is to cook the lamb an…"
"We're having lamb?" An eager Bob enquired.
"Apparently, and these things here." Pip replied holding out a plastic bag with fresh calamari in it as if it were something she just discovered on the sole of her shoe.
"We're having calamari's? Great! Hope that's a Greek salad you're making there Pip?" The exuberant man asked.
"Actually Bob," Pip smiled. "It's a GEEK salad. And I'm making it special, just for you."
"Uh Ha!" Bob replied in a mock laugh. "That is so funny. Did you write that yourself?" He said imitating Eddie Murphy's SNL character.
Becky had managed to extract herself from her lover and had made her way over to inspect the progress of dinner and start the lamb. Soon she had it laid out on a cooking sheet with some olive oil, course black pepper and a lot of onion. Ready to be slid into the oven when the light went out. She prepared the calamari for a quick stir-fry, in peanut oil, and was busy making a Tzatziki sauce to go with it when she had to slap Bob's fingers away. "Out! Both of you!" She ordered as Martin had quietly started to impede Pip's progress with her chores. "Go set the table the pair of you." The two lads shuffled out of the kitchen to reluctantly work at their assigned task. "And use place mats, and napkins this time." Becky shouted after them.
"Yes mother." One of the smart alecks voiced from the dining room.
"I heard that!"
"Told ya." The other one replied.
Dinner was a screaming success. Becky was very impressed. Even the rice pilaf was perfect. Of course Pip refused to even look at the squid, but Martin and Bob quickly consumed her portion without so much as a whimper.
"Well. How do you like lamb?" Becky asked Pip.
"Um. It was pretty good actually. I liked it 'specially with that minty stuff you put on it. That made it taste really good."
"Good I'm glad you liked it." Becky passed Martin the last of the rice, without even asking him if he wanted more. The human garbage can did not disappoint as he quickly scraped the remainder on his plate with the last of the calamari and a healthy portion of feta cheese on top of the remnants of Pip's 'geek salad.'
Bob chuckled at the amount of food the giant man consumed. "Looks like someone else enjoyed that delicious dinner too Luv." He then leaned over and gave Becky a quick peck on the cheek, just to let her know he appreciated the meal as well.
"Well since we cooked. You guys get to clean up." Pip announced.
"Whaa?"
"SNAP!!!" Bob shouted shocking everyone almost out of their seats. As their pulses were beginning to return to normal, Becky rose and started to clear the table. Recognizing their cue, the boys followed suit and soon the wash up was completed and the house was able to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening together.
Bob went and got his satchel and logged on his computer while he sat on the love seat next to Becky. "Pip, Martin. I have a business proposition for you two."
Both of them looked at their employer with questioning eyes.
"I have decided to help Miss Hardiman out in her business. She has some very sound ideas for research and development, and I think I see a market for diversification. This is where you two come in. I need a separate business to operate a security firm. It will be mostly a protection business, but it will be very high tech."
Pip and Martin were still confused as to where this was heading. Bob sniggered a bit before continuing. "You know those little ear pieces you two wear when you are out with us somewhere together?"
Both shook their heads. They like them for obvious reasons it made their jobs a lot easier when they could verbally communicate with each other from a distance.
"Well those toys aren't just so you two can talk kissy face to each other all night. They are capable of doing a lot more than just that. Lori has developed a system where we can utilize a computer to provide round the clock personal security for clients anywhere in the world."
It took a few seconds for Pip had finally stopped blushing after Bob had openly declared Pip and Martin's little secret. "Bob. We already have jobs. It's full time looking after you and Becky. I can't speak for the hulk here, but I'm sure he feels the same way I do. We are perfectly happy doing what we are doing right now."
"Don't worry. That isn't going to change. I'm not giving up my buddy here, just so I can retrain another linebacker to take his place, and Becky needs you a lot more than I need Martin. So don't worry about that. I need to form another company for this. And I want you and Martin to own it. I'll advance you all the capital you will need, and the debt structure plans will be very liberal. I just thought that this might be a opportunity for the both of you to be involved in something together."
"But. Who is going to operate it and man it? You are gonna need people to do this and they have to be trained and someone needs to do that as well." Martin objected.
"So, we hire someone. You hire a manager to run the operation. You get a few ex security CSIS types. Hell Pip I'll bet you know a few cops that would love to jump at this."
Pip smiled she knew of two senior police detectives you would be coming up for their twenty-five years very soon.
"So whata' ya think? Good idea?"
Pip looked at Martin, who was staring back at her with the same bewildered look on his face. "Ya. I guess so." She replied.
"Excellent! I'll get the ball rolling. Oh! And I even got a name for it too." Lifting his club glass of single malt scotch he toasted the new partnership "To PM Securtec. It's going to part of another company I'm forming called Anwar Communications Group." Bob proclaimed.
"PMS, a division of ACG." Becky announced in a deep voice, trying to sound professioinal, as titters and snorts were heard round the room
'The family' spent a very quiet evening cuddling and lazily staring at each other and the TV. Becky told Bob how she had made an appointment to get her hair done at Christensen's on Wednesday.
"Is that the same person that did your hair for the dance?" He enquired.
"Uh huh. I wish I could have booked more time with Marcie to get a complete makeover, but his time is at a premium. Bob did you know they have a spa there and they do facials and massages as well?"
"No, but it sorta makes sense that they would, right?"
"Pip even wanted to get her hair done there, but they were so booked up they could only squeeze me in."
Bob had that little smile on his face that told everyone he had a plan. Becky unfortunately did not notice it, as she had gone back to laying her head against the strong mans chest. She must have drifted off into 'Bobland' because, Becky could barely remember taking her 9:30 anti rejection drugs, and Pip had to wake her to take the last dose of them at 11:00.
~[]~
Becky had a fitful sleep. She had woken up just in time to rush to the washroom to take care of a very pressing matter, and had quickly downed some dilaudid to help take the edge of. Unfortunately her mind was still awake and she began to stew about the days to come, and how her life was changing so rapidly. She admitted to her self that she was scared, very scared, but she was resolved to see it thru. "After all." She told herself, "What am I gonna do? Give up and quit?" Sleep finally found her as she sat cuddled up in the big wingback chair adjacent the bed. This was how Bob had found her the next morning when he awoke.
"Hey." The gentle man said as he kissed her lightly on the backs of her hands. "Whatcha doin' sleepin' in the chair?"
"I woke up, and I didn't want to wake you."
"What's the matter kiddo? Have a rough night?"
"Ya. I guess so."
"Come here baby." He stated as he gentle pulled the waif from the comfort of the chair. He sat on the edge of the bed with his bundle balanced on his knee slowly rocking back and forth while Becky's arms hugged him tight. "I'll make you feel better." He pulled her in against him, and Becky could smell the man that was her lover. She found his scent comforting, and at the same time it made her feel very secure
Unfortunately the tender and nurturing moment had ended all too quickly. As reality set in, both of them realized that this was the start of another day and there was plenty to be accomplished. As Bob stepped into the shower we mentally counted off the things he wanted to accomplish this morning. "I have to contact Michel, and make arrangements for the remodeling to begin as soon as possible. I also have to be at the city-planning department this morning with my proposal so that he can get the ruddy building permits. Oh. And darn it! I have to go to the architects office to get the bloody plans first." He shook his head, it was mostly to get what was left of the water off of it, but it felt good to give it a good shake to clear it.
Bob joined Becky at the little bistro table and she poured him the first of many cups of coffee he would consume today. He plunked away noisily on his laptop while Becky sipped her tea and watched the man at work. She smiled at the efficiency that Bob did things. Even when drinking his morning coffee, not a wasted movement to be seen.
"What's so funny?" He enquired barely looking up from the computer screen as his cup found his mouth.
"Um. Oh nothing. Just watching you work."
"Oh. Okay. Nothing special happening here." He replied as he made a small face in wonderment as to what was so interesting about watching him punch a bunch of computer keys.
"Would you like me to make you some breakfast?" Asked Becky rising from her chair to go see what was available in the fridge
"No. Not this morning. Thanks anyway Sugar. Just don't have the time. I have a lot I want to get thru this morning, so I can get home as fast as I can to be with you."
Becky fell into his lap. Her arms snaked around the large man's neck hemming him in as she kissed him full on the lips. He responded, as she knew he would, his coffee and computer completely forgotten.
"Do you want us to come back in a bit?" Martin asked from the kitchen door.
"Yes!" Bob responded, barely breaking stride.
Becky giggled and released her lover from her grasp to accommodate Martin and Pip at the small wrought iron table and chair set. "There's fresh coffee in the carafe by the sink." She informed the late pair as she slid back into her own chair.
All too soon the business day had begun for the male portion of the house. As Becky and Pip were left to fend for themselves for at least the morning, it was clear just exactly what was on the agenda for them. It was the time honoured, and popularly despised chore associated with housewives the world over.
"Well," Becky stated. Drawing it out as if she really hated getting started. "Nothing for it I guess."
"And just where do you think you are going?"
"I'm gonna get started with the housework just like you."
"Not!"
"Come on Pip!" She pleaded, "I can help. It won't kill me."
The small blonde thought for a second what tasks Becky could safely do without doing herself an injury. "How about you do the dusting and the 'windexing' while I vacuum and put on a load of towels."
"Okay. I can do that. And then I can clean out the fridge and throw away some of those science experiments we have growing in there."
"Becky!" Pip shook her head. "You just don't listen do you?"
"What?"
"You can't be doing things like that."
"I can too."
"Okay. What happens if you bend down and reach for something, and you tear something inside? I can see me explaining that to Bob and the doctors. Well you see Doc," Pip stated, as she went into a pretend conversation that she might have with the inquiring practitioner. "Becky was cleaning out the fridge on her hands and knees and decided the main compressor pump needed realigning, so she proceeded to haul it out and strip it down. Because it was all dusty." Pip teased.
"SOT! Oh and STEW too!" Becky shouted. As she proceeded to do that very thing just like an impetuous child would do.
Becky screeched and then giggled, when Pip hit her in the chest with a well thrown dishtowel. She quickly retrieved it to fire right back at Pip but all she could see was the foot of her would be attacker as it disappeared out the door.
The duo worked and slaved cleaning up the small 3400sq.ft' flat, and soon had restored it to Becky's uncompromising standards. They had also managed to do all the laundry and even had time to devote to more personal pleasures, such as waxing their legs as in Pip's case, and filing their nails, which both agreed were in sad states of disrepair. Becky sat reading a book she had extracted from the impressive library and was lost in the world of Raymond Chandler when the 'boys' returned from the office.
"Tough day at the office today Dear?" Becky asked noting that it was just shy of 3pm. "I bet you are just wore out with all that hard work you did today. Ahh you poor baby."
Pip was trying hard not to giggle, made easier by Martin doing his best to fit all of his tongue into her petite mouth.
Another quiet evening at home, the scene once again domestic bliss, as the two couples enjoyed each other's company. They were becoming accustomed to each other and now they would react as a unit when the situation called for. Already they were in sync with each other's emotions and feelings, and each passing day the bond grew stronger.
Becky beamed, as she lay curled up at Bob's chest she thought to her self, how good life was, how fortunate she is to have been blessed with such good friends.
~[]~
Another fitful nights sleep. Becky's protective wrapping was a bit uncomfortable. Add to the fact that the anti rejection drugs she had to take every 12 hrs to stay alive caused insomnia, she would frequently prowl the house in the wee hours of the night. This caused Pip to get little sleep as well. Her ears and the monitoring device were attuned to the slightest noise from Becky's bedroom, and had her up and ready to do battle with any foe. She would frequently spend time napping on the love seat while her friend walked around the room or sat reading in one of the comfortable wingback chairs.
Becky moaned, as Bob was busy putting the finishing touches on his outfit for the day. He leaned over a lightly brushed his lips across her forehead.
"Morning." He said, smiling at his very comfortable looking girlfriend. Her hair had that 'just tossed look', and that excited the big man.
"Morning." The wee voice replied. Her eyes had still not focused properly as they began to flutter, squinting at the bright light that had invaded her dark sleeping world. "What time is it?" His lover asked, rolling over so she could hug more of him.
"Just about eight." He announced. "Martin and I are just about ready to go. If you like I'll tell Pip to put on a pot for you?"
"Nooo. Stay here." The woman protested, in her best child like whine she could muster, her small arms grasping the cashmere jacket that her lover had selected for the day. "Just stay here and cuddle with me all day today. Okay?"
"Wish I could Luv, but I can't. You have a pretty busy day today remember?"
"Why what's today?" She asked. Her mind just not quite awake yet.
"It's Wednesday." Bob stated, as if that was supposed to explain everything. "You know? The day you go to that what's his face guy, to get your beauty treatment, I mean hair done." Bob mentally cursed himself for the slip of the tongue. "Damn! Hope I didn't just blow it?" He thought.
"Oh. Oh ya." Becky was well awake now. She had been looking forward to this all week long. She tried to move the giant man out of her way so she could get out of bed. There was a lot to accomplish this morning before heading out to Christiansen's, and she had to get her buns in gear. Unfortunately the laws of physics prevailed here as there was insufficient force applied to overcome inertia. Therefore no work was performed as the energy was wasted. "Bob."
"Ya?" The large man teased. He was purposely holding her back.
"Let me up I have to pee."
"So." He shrugged.
"Bob. I'm serious."
"And your point is?" He teased.
"Okay." Becky resigned. "Have it your way. I'll just stay right here. Good thing I'm on your side of the bed."
"Oh! Well why didn't you just say so in the first place." Her tormentor announced, as he scooped her up off the bed and delivered her to the ensuite attached to their room. He carefully set her down on her feet, gave her a kiss, and announced. "I'll go tell Pip to put the kettle on for you. Don't forget your robe. It's a bit chilly this morning. The weatherman said it might snow today."
"Oh. Okay."
Snow in the lower mainland of Vancouver was not a good idea; because of the warm winds that constantly blew in from the south it was always a bit cool and wet. When the wind changed and blew down from the mountains on the outskirts of the city, everything changed. Drivers were unable to negotiate the treacherous roads due to black ice and those people whose homes backed up onto the mountains, often had to shovel themselves out before they could even think about venturing down the steep roads. In short it created a commuting nightmare. So it was a good thing that Vancouver rarely got to see snow.
Good byes were made and the 'duo' were alone once again sipping their teas, watching the grey morning get bleaker and bleaker. Soon it was past time to 'get tings ahappenin' Pip announced. Becky sped off to have a quick bath and get herself ready for her date with Marcie. She knew there wasn't much sense in doing anything with her hair this morning so she brushed it back and with the help of an alice band managed to exert some control over her unruly locks.
Meds all consumed, and a bit of toast with peach jam washed down with the last of the tea, and the pair was off to do battle with the thousands of commuting hordes heading towards the downtown core.
As they pulled up to the entrance of the glass and steel tower, Becky knew this place was exclusive. The concierge offered to park the sleek Volvo for the ladies, which Pip was very reluctant to let someone else do. She was very concerned about the care and maintenance of 'Posh.' The nickname that Becky had christened it with one day when she had remarked that the Volvo T80 was indeed a very posh car. She finally relented and surrendered the keys, giving the poor lad a look that said 'if there is just one scratch on my car, you life will be over.
The elevator emptied them out on the 22nd floor. There were immediately met by a very well turned out woman in her mid thirties who greeted them as the doors slid open.
"Good morning ladies. Welcome to Christiansen's. My name is Charissa and how may I help you today?
"Good morning." Becky returned. My name is Rebecca Stewart. I have an appointment with Marcel this morning."
Pip was busy taking in the opulence of the place. The marble floor reflected everything back into the viewer's eyes it was polished so much. She noticed that the wood was rosewood with teak accents, and not veneer by the looks of it, but the real mc coy.
"Ah yes. Miss Stewart, and this must be Ms. Knight." Charissa announced. "Please ladies just have a seat and we shall be with you momentarily. Would you care for a cup of coffee, or some tea perhaps?" The efficient woman offered.
Both woman shook there heads no and exclaimed "No thank you."
(Snap! Allright I win this round! -ed.)
As they sat in the leather chairs amidst all the exotic flora and fauna, Pip asked Becky, "Hey Beckers."
"Yes Pip." Becky was listening to the strings of Strauss gently playing in the background.
"How did that lady know my name? You made the appointment for yourself if I remember correctly."
"I have no idea Pip. It is a bit weird. Maybe Marcie remember us from Halloween and mentioned it to her."
"Hmm." Pip wasn't entirely convinced of that explanation. There was something fishy going on here and Pip did not like being kept informed.
"Ladies if you will please come this way we will get you started." Charissa indicated with a slight movement of her arm that they were to follow her down the short corridor to the changing room. Miss Stewart, this will be your room, and Ms. Knight you will be using this room next to your friend."
"What do I need a room for? I'm supposed to keep watch over Becky here. Tough to do that when we are not in the same room."
"Oh." The surprised woman exclaimed. "I guess we can let you share a room if you so desire." Getting over the shock as to why these two would want to share the same changing room, Charissa quickly regained her professional demeanour. "Why of course Ms. Knight. Please just give me a few moments to prepare the room so you can share."
"What's to share?" A very concerned and confused Pip asked.
Becky began to suddenly laugh uncontrollably. The other two women stared at her as if some demonic spirit had possessed her.
"Of course!" She giggled. "Oh it all comes together. Pip. We have been duped!"
"Pardon me!" A rather indignant Charissa remarked.
"Oh sorry not you. Please let me explain." Becky snorted, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Pip we have been had. Bob got us again."
"Huh?"
"Let me explain. The other night I mentioned to Bob that I had arranged for Marcie to do my hair today. I also mentioned that I would like to have had a full body treatment, but because of Marcie's schedule it wasn't possible."
"Ya, okay, so?" A still confused Pip asked.
"Pip, I also mentioned that you had said that you wanted a little TLC as well at the same time. I'll bet you a buck right now that we both have appointments for today."
Both women looked over at Charissa for confirmation. She smiled, as she now was aware of why Pip was so apprehensious of the proceedings. "Yes I have you both booked for a total package today." She stated. She then lowered her voice and leaned in a little closer to Pip and Becky, so that their conversation could not be over heard. "Honey. He must love you very much, He wants both of you to have the works."
"Ahh, what a sweetheart." Becky grinned. "Pip remind me to give Bob a big fat juicy kiss when we get home."
"Ha! I'll be racing you to kiss him first, after this." Pip kidded. "Please excuse our confusion earlier Charissa, now that we know what is happening, you may have your way with us." She added.
"Very well Ladies. Shall we. Please remove all, your clothes, and place them in the closets. Don't worry about valuables. You will be the only ones using these rooms today. If you do have some things that you feel not comfortable leaving in your room, we have a locked safe and you can put them in the bags provided and seal them up. Also your room will be locked and secured when you leave it. There is a pass card that will permit you re-entry whenever you wish to return here. Okay?"
Both women shook their heads affirmative.
"Oh. Did you mean all our clothes, as in everything?" A now fearful Pip enquired.
"Well, you may leave your panties on if you feel more comfortable, but everything else comes off. You two are gonna love this. We start at your toes and end up with the top of your head, and believe me we make sure to pamper each and every spot along the way." The perky attendant said with a saucy giggle.
"That's what I was afraid of." Pip said to herself.
It would be almost two hours later before Pip and Becky had a chance to say hello to each other. Both had started with a herbal bath. The aromatherapy had made Pip sneeze at first until she became accustomed to it. Once her sinuses had opened up, she quite enjoyed the experience. Next came a total body massage. Followed by a wrap, then another massage. By the time they got to the pedicure, Becky was like Jell-O. She and the small Korean woman had chatted the entire time she tenderized, scrapped, filed, shaped and buffed Becky's ticklish feet.
As both women sat at a small table munching on cucumber sandwiches in their thirsty terry robes, Becky asked Pip in her best 'hoser' accent. "How's it goin' eh?"
"Not bad eh. How's it goin' with you eh?" Pip shot back trying to sound like the other half of The McKenzie Brothers comedy team.
"I don't know about you, but I am enjoying this immensely." Becky matter of factly stated.
"Ya me too, 'cept for the foot thing. Every time that girl would touch my feet it would tickle. I swear she was trying to make me laugh on purpose."
"Becky giggled lightly. She could relate. Only sheer will and the fact that she had had a few of these before had stopped her from going mental every time Kim ran her nails up the arch of her foot.
Lunch was finished and our two princesses were off to be babied some more. Becky reclined back in the chair having her nails done while she was given a facial. She couldn't remember a time in her life where she had been more pampered. She had forgotten the number of times today she had been so relaxed that she had dozed off to sleep. All too soon though, the facial was over and she padded her way to yet another room for more luxurious treatment. She had asked for a glass of water earlier, so that she could take some meds, and was presented with a crystal champagne flute full to the brim with sparkling water and a circular ring of lemon hanging off the rim of the glass. It was served on a silver tray by a woman in what appeared to be a maid's uniform with a linen napkin draped over her wrist. "Very impressive." She thought.
Becky sat back in the reclining chair with her head dipped back into the wash sink. She smiled as her scalp was not only washed and treated with a conditioner twice, but it was also massaged. She almost purred when she thought about excess of self-indulgence she was experiencing today. A turban was wrapped around her head and she was finally ready for Marcie.
She didn't have to wait very long. Marcie announced himself with the click clack of his one inch heeled court shoes as they noisily made there way across the polished marble floors. He was wearing a long smock, almost as long as a lab coat except it looked more like a shirt-dress in it's cut. His hair was pulled tight against his scalp and he sported what looked like a stylized top not on his head. Of course he wore a light dusting of makeup, just for colour mind you.
"Good afternoon my Cinderella. How are you this lovely day?"
"Hi Marcie." Becky gushed.
"I read about you in the newspaper after the dance. That is a very handsome and romantic man you have. I am very envious of you dear. I hope you keep him, but if you don't please give me his number."
"No. I think I might keep him, for a while anyway." She giggled.
Marcie's helpers had aligned themselves along one wall ready to scurry to do what ever their bosses bidding may entail. One of them quickly ushered forth and drew a light pink smock around Becky at the slightest hand indication from Marcie.
"So how have you been enjoying your day today? Are they treating you like the princess that you are?"
"Oh. It's just been marvellous today. Thank you. I don't know when I have been so well looked after before."
"Well I'm glad you have been enjoying yourself. So my dear, how young do I get to make you look today? Shall we go for a teenager, like I am doing for your friend in the next room?"
"You are making Pip look like a teenager?" Becky laughed.
With a goodhearted chuckle Marcie declared. "Believe me it is not that hard with her, she is barely out of her teens as is."
Becky returned with her own little giggle. "No Marcie. A ravishing early thirties beauty shall suffice for me today thank you."
"But that has already been done. You leave nothing for me to do today." The flattering beauty expert stated.
"Thank you. You are a dear." Becky blushed, taking Marcie's offered hand in hers, "But we both know that's not true. I do thank you for trying to cheer me up though."
"Uh oh! I detect that things are not all that rosy in the magic kingdom. Is that handsome man of yours giving you grief? If so, you know you could always give him to me. I'll straighten him out for you." Marcie joked, as he started to carefully exam Becky's hair.
"Oh no, nothing like that. Remember I told you that I am here get treated for an illness I have?"
"Humm… Yes. Cancer wasn't it?"
The little mouse voice was back again. "Uh huh." It squeaked. She cleared her throat and slowly continued. "I had to stop treatment for a while because of a small accident. Now on Friday I begin… begi-" Becky couldn't finish the sentence. The reality and the horror finally struck home. She visibly began to shake as the tears streamed down her face.
The concerned beautician rushed to her side and hugged her as tight as would allow. "It's okay girl. Everything is gonna be just fine. Just wait and see." He comforted.
Marcie looked at one of his assistants. "Please, get us a box of tissues and a bit of privacy for a moment please." It was worded as a request but it was more of an order.
Becky let it all go for several minutes before she had cried herself out. Marcie continued to hug her the entire time, as he tried to comfort and talk to her.
"You know. I had a good friend who had cancer. He is all better now, and is celebrating his fifth year cancer free. I can understand what you are going thru, really I can. Mike and I were very close for a long time. You see he was my lover at the time of his treatment."
"That must have been very hard on you." Becky blubbered.
"A little bit." Marcie added. "But we made it thru. Mike is alive and well, and today we are the best of friends."
"That's nice." She snorted before blowing her nose.
"Now come on let's get you to the washroom so you can wash that face. Lord knows how much more difficult you have made my job today by making those red puffy eyes for me to deal with." Marcie flippantly joked.
Order was restored and soon Becky had relaxed and let Marcie have her way with her face and head. The proficient expert had massaged and creamed and carefully smoothed Becky's face until it felt alive.
She smiled slightly as she lay back with her eyes closed and let her work away. She felt her hair being rolled and treated and basically had a through going over. Marcie's voice broke thru the gentle fog, as Becky finally realized someone was talking to her.
"Princess. I really hate to remind you of this however, have you thought about what you are going to do when the chemo has its effects on your hair?"
"No" She gulped.
"You know I could fit you for a wig. No one would know the difference. I promise."
"I never really though about it."
"It might make you feel better about yourself if I did make one up for you. You know I am very good at this sort of thing you know?"
Becky smiled. She knew exactly how talented Marcie was at her profession. "Okay. You talked me into it, but how and when are we going to be able to do this? You are booked solid till after Christmas, and I start treatment again on Friday, and I won't be going anywhere for a while after that."
Marcie stopped fiddling with Becky's hair, looked her in the eyes and smiled. "That's okay. Don't worry. I understand, and I'm sure we can figure something out."
Becky returned the smile and nodded.
"I know!" Marcie suddenly exclaimed. "I can come to your place and do it there? Would you mind? I can bring everything with me, and we can do that and have a little party. How does that sound?"
Becky smiled even more now. "Thank you Marcie, but I couldn't possibly allow you to do that. You have other responsibilities here. What about your other clients? Won't they be just a tad upset after waiting a month to get an appointment with you to find out that it's been canceled at the last minute?"
"So I do it on my day off, or on the weekend. You aren't going to be exactly ready to receive company for a few days after your session, so I can do it then."
"You really want to do this don't you?"
"Of course. If I didn't I wouldn't have offered."
"Thank you. You are the best, thanks."
"Think nothing of it my love, besides that gorgeous creature you seem to have tied around you little finger will be paying for the entire process." Marcie teased. "So, not this Sunday, but next Sunday, expect me on your doorstep with all the fixins for a make up party."
Becky giggled. She was feeling so much better now. "Okay. I'll make sure the boys are away for the day."
"Boys? You have more than one of those delicious hunks around? Why you naughty little girl you." Marcie taunted, as she seductively ran the tip of her tongue across her upper lip.
Soon Becky was pronounced complete. She stood in front of the mirror provided and beamed at the results of Marcie's labours. "Oh Marcie. It is just fantastic!" She exclaimed. Becky tried to concentrate on the top part of her body. Although she had worn a nice skirt and blouse combo with her cardigan, she knew that it would not do justice to what Marcie had done to her once she was dressed again. Making another corporate decision, she once again thanked Marcie and her staff and made sure that the beautician had the address for Xanadu safely tucked away in her bra, or so she said.
Charissa once again escorted Becky back to her change room and declining the offer of help quickly dressed and carefully examined herself in the mirror. "Definitely needs to be changed!" She nodded examining her outfit she had selected this morning. "I almost look dowdy in this."
She soon joined up with Pip who was still examining herself in the mirror when Becky tapped on her change room door.
"Wow! Look at you! You look incredible. Pip is that really you?"
"Yup!"
"Wow! That is fantastic. You don't look a day over seventeen."
Pip giggled like the schoolgirl she appeared to be. Marcie had taken Pip's traditional straight wash and go style and had created a bob that curled under at the ends. The look was entirely schoolgirl, and she also managed to use a lot of pinks in the process, giving Pip that essential innocent look.
Becky slipped $100.00 into an envelope, and scribbled a thank you note. She then had Pip do the same thing. "Come on!" She announced as she looked at her watch. "We have to go somewhere before the boys get back."
Becky grabbed Pip like you would a small child and all but dragged her out of the changing area. Leaving their envelopes with Charissa, to divvy up amongst the rest of the staff they said their good byes to everyone they met along the way, with a promise to return as soon as they could arrange it.
As the powerful Volvo jockeyed for a position on the clogged downtown core, Pip enquired. "Hey Becks, where we going?"
"Mona's of course. We both need new outfits for when the boys take us out for dinner this evening."
"Of course. How stupid of me." The other half of the duo shot back.
~[]~
Next: Part # 29 Decorations and Declarations
Would you like to contact me? Please, I would like that very much. I invite your comments, criticisms, and complaints to:
RickkiB@hotmail.comThank you for continuing to read Becky's story. Sincerely: RickkiB.
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