Mandy awoke with Sandra tightly spooned to her body. She untangled herself without waking her lover, crept to the shower and rinsed the sweat and other residue of the previous night from her body. She slid across the floor and to the bedroom door; her lover was now on her back snoring (such a cute sound!), perfect in her innocence. Mandy carefully moved into the front room.
William sat with his paper; Beth's head was in his lap, her body sprawled on the couch. She glowed, her world perfect in every way with William right there. Mandy sighed; she would never become that submissive, but the temptation of an uncomplicated world...
Rebekka was fighting with the stove; she did not have her uncle's flair for eggs or pancakes. Jerome was watching her struggles, trying not to laugh at his petite lover. It looked like it would be scrambled eggs, after all.
Mandy thought for a moment no one had noted her entry. "Good morning," William's voice carried without booming in the room. "I want you to know I am proud of you, proud of Sandra. You did well last night." He turned the page of his paper, never having moved his head. Mandy didn't know what to make of William; she'd known him over five years β had been a sometimes lover for most that time. Until this two weeks she'd never known he had family β hell, never known he could cook, or bleed, or be angered. She moved to the counter, nearer Jerome. He was an easier puzzle to work; still complicated but human.
Sitting centered on the counter were eleven pale yellow roses. The card sat below them. She reached for it; Jerome's hand flicked out, slapping her. "Not until your lover rises, dear." He smiled gently while saying it; Mandy knew he was right. Still, she wanted the envelope now. Rebekka put a plate of eggs with ham, not too badly mangled, in front of her. A cup of coffee followed.
Rebekka looked at her with a sparkle in her eyes. "Did you see my mother's face when Sandra took the head chair at the table? Or when Jerome took second?" She was giddy with amusement. Mandy shook her head, not recalling. She didn't know the significance of what Rebekka was saying. Mandy smiled and nodded.
The coffee was wonderful. William and Beth came over to eat, Beth holding on William's arm. She slid next to Mandy, leaning over to whisper. "You know you two are now a couple, right?" A soft giggle, then, "You get to be bottom in public, lucky you. Sandra will have expectations; you just get to play around." She stretched like a cat, flexing her back.
Mandy hadn't thought of that; the thought of being the submissive in the relationship had never crossed her mind. Sandra was compliant; Mandy was impulsive and domineering. Nah, they'd redo this. Maybe. Well, they should. The confusion played over Mandy's face. It was nice to be cared for... Sandra did so well. Mandy had a lot to consider.
Sandra crept out of the bedroom quietly, wearing a robe. She came up behind Mandy, hugging her close. "Morning, lover." She snagged a piece of toast off Mandy's plate. "You can open the envelope now."