We're driving to our next appointment. Every time I shift slightly in my seat, I feel and hear an embarrassing crinkling sound. I'm reminded that I'm wearing a diaper... I try to summon resentment for you- for treating me like an infant- for utterly humiliating me in front of a beautiful friend of yours but a stranger to me. I'm feeling sullen and bratty- but I'd be a total liar if I said none of this aroused me.
You're turning my whole concept of 'what is sexy?' completely upside down. You're taking the confused state of horniness I've lived with my whole life thus far and sharpening it- focusing it- refining it. I'm coming to grips with the truth; from now on sex will never be the same. You're breaking down my mental barriers and taking control, but it still scares me to admit it- even more scary to think of admitting such a thing out loud. I'm still resisting developing such a dependency on another human being; it seems too dangerous.
I look over at you confidently driving. You're a picture of sheer beauty. I get the same feeling one might feel looking up at some huge granite cliff- the kind of cliff Ansel Adams would have photographed. My love and lust are mixed with awe.
I check my face in the mirror and see a not unattractive woman's face looking back at me. At least Jenn managed to make me look half-way passable again. I think back on all the embarrassments I suffered at the last appointment and wonder what the hell could be worse. Where are you taking me next? I have no idea, but a nervous feeling stirs inside of me as I admit that wherever we're going- it's going to be especially designed to tear away my remaining shreds of dignity.
My nervous stomach does another flip. You're turning; pulling into a new parking lot and hunting for a spot. The sky has become overcast and droplets of rain begin to sprinkle the windshield. A bolt of lightning and thunder and now the rain is really coming down.
"Let's make a run for it!" you laugh as you open your door then an umbrella. You have an umbrella? So well-prepared! You peel around and open my door and offer me your hand to help me out. Now we're both keeping dry under your umbrella and you're guiding me to another little store with a sign that simply says, "Esthetician." I'm not even sure what an esthetician does... I'm sure I'll find out presently.
We're out of the rain now standing in a covered walkway. You close the umbrella and hold open the door. I summon some composure and as I walk inside whisper, "Thank you, my Queen."
***
If Jenn had the cute-college-coed mystique, the stunner that is standing at the front desk across the reception area from us now is more of a classic statuesque- very Euro looking and elegant. The way her face lights up when she sees you, I can tell you are old friends. Also, we're not completely alone- the three of us. Two other women are seated reading Vogue and People in the waiting lobby. They barely look up from their magazines as we walk in. I'm beginning to tense up, feeling exposed. I hope you manage to navigate us through this room and fast.
"Hello, Jessica! My God- it really just started coming down in sheets all at once out there!" You are speaking loudly and proudly- it seems to me. Drawing attention to us?
"Amanda, I'm so pleased to see you." Jessica's voice is mellifluous and refined. She seems like the type that would feel right at home at a debutante ball- high-maintenance- expensive. "And this must be our Buttercup?!" she picks up my hand in both of hers warmly- sincerely. Her black dress and perfect makeup would seem more appropriate for a big date at an expensive restaurant.
I glance nervously over and see that the other patrons are peaking at us now.
You say, "Yes, of course! She's the one I made this appointment for... or shouldn't I say, 'for whom I made this appointment?'"
We all laugh- me very nervously.
"Splendid! I have a room all set up for you, Ms. Buttercup. Amanda you don't mind waiting out here do you, dear?"
"Not at all," you smile, "We'll catch up in a bit."
I panic. I need you to accompany me! I need you to explain... me... this... to her... in private... away from these other women! What will I say to her alone?! What service am I even here to receive?! You take a seat and pick your phone out of your purse.
"Right this way, my Dear," Jessica smiles and turns to lead me past the desk around a corner and to small room with a medical exam table inside. Soft meditation music designed to put me at ease is not.
"Have you ever been waxed before, Ms. Buttercup?" she asks conversationally
"No, Mam... Ms. Jessica..." I answer nervously. It occurs to me that my voice sounds rather feminine and it's quite possible that Ms. Jessica thinks I'm actually a woman. Maybe you've told her absolutely nothing about me.
"You may call me Ms. Jessica." She smiles, "Just lie back and relax, it's really not too painful despite what you might have heard."
I've heard nothing, in fact I'm totally in the dark about what she's even going to wax- my chest? my back? I saw a movie once about a really hairy guy getting waxed and he seemed like he was in pure agony with every rip, but that was a comedy- a hyperbole- and I'm not even close to being that hairy. In fact...
"I shaved my chest recently, Ms. Jessica. Can you even wax me if I've recently shaved?"
She doesn't answer me. She just smiles and gives me a look that says: aren't you adorable! She walks over to a little electrical device on the wall, pushes a button, and says, "Ms. Amanda, if you can hear me would you mind walking over to the little intercom on my reception desk? I have a quick question for you."
a few seconds later we hear your sexy voice chime through the little intercom on the wall, "I'm here, how can I help, Ms. Jessica?"
"Just wondering if we're doing a full Brazilian like you booked?"
Her words send my hammering heart up into my throat. The women in the lobby will be hearing whatever is said over that intercom!
"Yes, Dear," you say patiently but with a little laugh.
"No need to come back here, just relax and enjoy my reception room, have some coffee- its fresh. I'll call again if I have any more questions."
"Please do."