participate. The problem was, what could she do that wouldn’t stretch her poor throbbing ass? She finally hit on something: the swings. While she couldn’t sit on one, she could use a maneuver she’d done as a kid—she could lie on the seat and swing. It wasn’t much, but it did help to pass the time. Iva got behind her and pushed, careful to push the seat and not Jessica’s seat. Lying there, swaying through the air, Jessica momentarily got lost in her own little world.
She actually had fun. Pulling her knees up toward her chest, she held herself in place, despite stretching the skin over her tender behind, and put out her arms in the classic airplane mode. The wind played across her face and fluttered her hair. The sights, the sounds, the scents all combined to soothe Jessica and let her calm down. Her stress levels dropped, and time just slipped along.
“Dinner time, girls,” a cook called out.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Anya,” Iva said. “I lost track of time, and the table needs to be set.”
“True, true,” Bela said, nodding. “But don’t worry, we’ll help you.”
Jessica snapped out of her euphoria, and chided herself. Damn it, stop lowering your guard! Focus, your interest is in escape, nothing else, especially not ‘fun time’ with these brats. Now, get to it.
Climbing off the swing, she slowly trod toward the back door. The pain in her ass helping to restore her sanity. Starting tomorrow, she’d work out the details of her escape plan.
Once inside, Jessica went to work setting the table. As before, Iva helped her. However, this time Jessica had to put forth a bit more effort because Misha was there watching.
Jessica groaned as they all moved to take their seats. Her chair looked so very hard, and she knew there was no way she was going to be able to sit without major pain. Yet, she also knew better than to ask for mercy, like a pillow. Viktor and Misha were too cruel to allow that.
“Anya, you may pull your chair aside and stand to eat, if you like,” Viktor said.
Jessica couldn’t help it; she literally did a double take. Mr. Ogre was showing her mercy? Something else had to be at play. Still, she wasn’t about to pass on a chance at relief, albeit a minor bit. After all, standing for an entire meal would be tiring. That’s when it came to her.
Ah-ha, that’s what Viktor wants; me standing will be an abject reminder to all the other girls as to what they’ll get if they dared defy the Master of Pain.
“Thank you, sir,” she said, moving her chair.
She almost rolled her eyes. Even standing, her head wasn’t that far above the table. Once grace was over, they started eating, and Jessica was careful not to complain about the food. This time, she was ready: she used the delicious bread and butter to augment each mouthful of the powerful meal. After that, it was like before: clean up and get a treat. Tonight it was huge: freshly baked sugar cookies and an equally big glass of milk, and another Disney movie.
Then came bath and bed. Jessica just about died of embarrassment at having to display her glowing red ass in the shower; she sported four red cheeks for quite a while. But, as always, the supportive girls had to be so… so supportive! At least this time Jessica didn’t overreact and earn any of them more discipline.
Once in her bedroom, she found a stack of coins on the bedside table, an obvious gift from the girls. She actually managed a small grin.
Ha, the simpletons fell for my lame story. She did a quick count. Hmmm, several korunas. I wonder if it’s enough for a train ticket. I’ll have to find out.
The next moment, she heard Misha coming down the hall. Between the creak of the floor and her well wishes to the girls, she knew exactly when the Monster-Mom would appear at her door. She hid the money, turned toward the door, and feigned surprise to see Misha standing there.
“Oh, there you are, ma’am. Uh—I’m just going to bed now. Uh—good night.”
“Good