The lady, whose name I learned was, Kaitlin and she preferred to be called Kat, unlocked my shackles, all of them. I didn't move to get up because Michael Clark Duncan guy was still there and I was still naked. Kat stepped outside the door and handed me a strapless white bra, a royal blue satin dress, and strappy sandals.
She turned to muscle guy and said, "Excuse us, please."
"Please change, I know it can't be comfortable for you like that."
"Um, thank you." Kat politely turned and faced the door. "What is that guy's name? He looks like he could be Michael Clark Duncan's brother." She said in a quieted voice, since he was standing just outside the door.
"Oh, that's funny. I hadn't put that together, but you're right. Actually his name is Duncan Owens."
At this point she had put on the bra and had started pulling the dress over her head when a sharp pain caused her to gasp. She stopped in the middle of putting her dress on leaving it draped on her shoulders to feel the spot that was now aching.
"That's where Duncan kicked you. You were drugged, but when they got you in the van you started to thrash and flail about. For a minute they thought the drugs hadn't affected you enough because you only drank half of your drink. And then your leg hit him in the crotch, and he reacted."
I was still clutching or rather caressing at the bruise on my side; it was so tender and sensitive. It reminded me of the time I got hit with a softball when I was in high school, it hurt like hell and it took near two months for it to completely fade. I would swear this one was darker.
She continued when I still didn't say anything or move to continue dressing. "It wasn't intentional and it wasn't part of the plan, but it happened. Turns out you had a small seizure, you were allergic to the drug they gave you. Don't worry; when you were unconscious we had a doctor thoroughly check you over. The doc said it was luck that you had had so little of the drug, and you wouldn't have any other side effects."
"Can you help me finish, I'm not sure I can."
Kat moved in behind me to ease the dress down my back then helped me get my arm in the one shoulder strap. The dress came to about mid-thigh, shorter than my usual, but the color was great-my favourite actually. It had a bit of frill at the top, chiffon I think but I don't really know much about material or dresses. I normally go with what feel comfortable. The frilly part for the bottom started around my waist, then layered to the end. I had to think it looked good. I slipped into the shoes and turned to Kat.
"No underwear?" I hated that I had to ask for something I assumed was simple.
"Oh. Apologies I forgot that."
She reached around the door and grabbed what she knew must be there then tossed it at me, I caught it reflexively.
"Thanks." It was a thong, so the enthusiasm wasn't really behind the word, but it had to be said.
She took my hand after I had finished putting them in place and making sure The dress lay flat and not tucked in anywhere. She laced our fingers together and started down the hall. Duncan was right on our heels.
I asked her, "Are you the mother of my.."I still couldn't say the word.
"Of Andre, no." It was the first time his name was said. "His mother died giving birth to him. I married Alphonse 5 years later. I do love him though, and his father." Her eyes got that glow-kind of twinkle, you know the one. It tells anyone watching her that she loves and adores this person. It kind of made my heart warm to hers. Then I suddenly realized something.
I stopped and nearly pulled the woman back with me when I turned to face Duncan.
"Sir, I would like to apologize for my actions in the van. I hope you know I was not aware of any of it. I didn't mean to hurt you, or anyone for that matter. It wasn't me, I hope you know that."
Kat was smiling broadly, I saw from the corner of my eye-though I had no idea why, and Duncan seemed stunned. He stammered for a second, looked m right in the eye, then said,
"No apologies necessary, I understand. And I apologize for my reaction. I was afraid I had broken your rib, I was happy when the doc said there was no fracture. Please accept my sincere apology for your injury." This man had been raised right, as I was.
"Apology accepted. And thank you."
Again I shocked him, and Kat.
"For?" he raised an eyebrow.
"When you came into the room, I must confess I was scared to death. I honestly thought I might have an attack right there. But when I saw how unaffected you were by your surroundings it filled me with comfort, somehow; you didn't speak, try to touch me, and you showed no emotion. I tried to do the same it may very well be why I am taking this situation as well as I am. And I'm trying to thank you for your stoicism. It helps me."
He just nodded. So I nodded once then turned to Kat, and she started leading me again. Duncan stayed right behind us. All the way up two flights of stairs, and down a long corridor, to the big double doors at the end of that hallway.
Inside that door, he waited. The crime boss Alphonse Stewart.
**********
The room as long, and filled with fine furniture. Wood paneling on the walls told me this house or at least this room was at least 35 years old. The couches and single comfy chair surrounded the fireplace near the center of the room, while a large sturdy looking wood desk and bookcase took up the other half of the room. The man who must be in his 50's, showed every minute of that age. His hair was silvering on the sides but he still had a full head of dark hair. He was sitting on the couch facing the door, awaiting our arrival I suppose. Kat let go of my hand and practically skipped to wear he sat, kissed him whole heartedly, then she sat next to him.
He signaled for us, me and Duncan, to sit across from him on the other couch while Kat quietly filled him in on everything that had happened; everything she told me, almost all the questions I asked-the more pertinent ones anyway, the ending with the two little conversations we had on the way up here.
He turned on me and his sharp grey eyes were fixed on my face. The grey was just like his hair, it still had a dark twinge to it. He said, "And what is your name?" It was the first time someone asked me, and it was the first time he spoke to me, or loud enough for me to hear him. His voice was so calm and commanding; it sent chills down my back. But I remembered Duncan's stoic approach to things and remained calm.
"Jasmine, sir."
"Ah, good name."
"Thank you, sir."
"And you understand that you are here to become the wife of my son? That there is no alternative to you, that you must do what we ask?"
"I ..I understand." I said with a shaky breath. "And I don't really see it as asking. Nor do I see that I have another choice."
He smiled lightly, for a moment. Then relaxed, "True, on both counts."
"I understand." She near whispered.
"My son is a good man. He will do as he was told and marry. He will treat you right, and you both will learn to love and trust each other."
