(Author's note: Hi everyone and thank you, once again, for checking out my stories and commenting on them - please keep them coming as i always enjoy reading them! This series is the novelisation of the film, The Gift, which will feature Bethany Starr as Florence and Noa as Lulu. The plan is that at some point, the events depicted in this series will be reflected in other stories in the present day - for example, (Rock Chick) Bea will attend the premiere of the film, alongside Noa, and of course, Chloe herself is making her proper debut in the film version... all to look forward to! - I hope you enjoy!
Chloe)
Lulu found herself being awakened by the sudden daylight invading her room.
"Good morning, sleepyhead!" called Florence, as she flung open the curtains, making Lulu cover her eyes momentarily with her arm. It took her a moment for her brain to catch up -- where she was, who this woman was, robbing her of her dreams.
"Oh, my head..." she said, as she slowly sat up.
"That brandy does pack a punch, doesn't it, dear ward. Don't worry, some breakfast will help sort you out!" Florence beamed as she left the room. Lulu waited until her eyes had fully adjusted to the bright sunshine, then slowly pulled herself together.
She followed the thick aroma of cooked food coming from the other end of the apartment and found her mentor placing some toast and soft-boiled eggs on the table. Florence placed a cup of black coffee and a small glass of orange juice in front of her.
"Drink the orange first, then help yourself to an egg and soldiers!" said Florence, indicating the thin slices of buttered toast.
Lulu did as she was told and found the cottonmouth and headache soon dissipated.
"I've had too many rough nights to count, Lulu. Everyone you'll meet has their own cure for the morning after, and I daresay at some point you will find one which suits you. But I think you'll find this is a good starter!"
"I do feel better, thank you Miss Florence." Lulu smiled.
"Good girl," Florence replied. This made Lulu blush, and Florence chuckled, "oh, you like me calling you a good girl, dear ward?" She reached across to stroke Lulu's cheek with the back of her hand. Lulu's eyes were downcast, and she blushed even more heavily, nodding her head in response.
"Well, darling, you were certainly a good girl in bed last night. I'm looking forward to more of that later, if it interests you."
"Oh, God...Miss Florence, it was wonderful."
"Well, I'm sure today will be even more so. We have a lot to do, so go and have a shower and I'll pick out some clothes for you."
-----
It was the middle of the afternoon, and the pair of women were inside Harrods in Kensington. Florence had guided her ward on several purchases already, to ensure she had plenty of skirts and dresses and shoes, perfumes and makeup for all occasions. They were now in a secluded part of the store, sitting waiting patiently while some models got ready for them. A man wearing a three-piece suit was serving them, paying all his attention on Florence as she was clearly in charge.
"And now, ladies," he said, "Our latest selection, straight from Paris..." As he spoke, four young women appeared through a doorway. Each model was wearing a matching set of lingerie. Lulu swallowed hard as she gazed upon the very attractive ladies in their provocative attire. Throughout the day she had witnessed other women modelling the clothes she ended up purchasing, so logically this was the same -- except, of course it wasn't. She glanced at Florence, who seemed to be most accustomed to such sights. The four women paraded around in front of them, turning, twisting their bodies slowly, before standing in front of them. Lulu was taken with their demeanor, a laid back attitude as if parading in sexy lingerie was completely natural.
"Well?" said Florence, turning to Lulu, "see anything you like, dear ward?" Florence idly played with Lulu's hair, twirling it around her fingers.
"The black lace, Miss Florence. I think it makes a strong contrast to my skin colour. And... the red set, also."
Florence motioned for the assistant to come over.
"Two of the black set, one red and one white, please. You have her measurements and the address?"
"Yes, Ma'am, he replied."
"Good. Thank you so much," she said, shaking the man's hand and ushering Lulu out of the area and towards the restaurant.
The pair sat in silence for a moment. Florence ordered them some tea and sandwiches, then placed her hand on her ward.
"Penny for your thoughts?" she said.
"Um...that last boutique...the lingerie... I never expected... models, Miss Florence."
Florence moved her chair a bit closer to her ward, so she could whisper conspiratively.
"A little different from the other girls you've seen today? More... provocative?"
"I couldn't help myself; I was almost drooling at them Miss!" she laughed bashfully.
"They were rather tasty, weren't they? Would you like to bed one of them?"
Florence chuckled as Lulu blushed and stammered. "Oh, darling, look at you! If it's of any help, I certainly would. Especially the redhead, don't you think she was cute? Perhaps we can convince her to join us some time soon."
Lulu gulped her cup of tea and sat in silence for a moment, allowing her complexion to calm down, before turning to her mistress.
"I've never known anyone like you, Miss Florence. The way you talk about," she looked around and leant in, lowering her voice, "about sex, and your desires. It amazes me, honestly."
Florence finished her own cup of tea and looked at Lulu appreciatively.
"We're living in an age where women still cannot vote or take agency for the things that matter to them, Lulu. However, we should not act as meek maidens waiting for a man to dictate our own desires. You and I have shared the most intimate of moments," she gently squeezed Lulu's hand, "so is it not right that we share our intimate thoughts as well?"
"Agatha and I," said Lulu, "we would often talk while we were laying together, but this feels different, Miss. You are talking of such things in the cold light of day, not while in an intimate embrace!"
"I do not see the need to have to wait to discuss such matters, dear ward. Again, who dictates that there is a time and a place for such conversations, if they are to happen at all? We are intimate friends, lovers, even. And I am enjoying sharing my thoughts and desires with you."
"And I am enjoying this so much, Miss Florence! It is beyond anything I could have comprehended at St Cath's."
"I'm glad to hear it, Lulu!" Florence looked over at the clock hanging above the doorway; it was a quarter past five.
"We have one more appointment to make, dear. I hope you are not too tired from the day so far?"
Lulu stretched in her chair, and said, "I still have some energy left, Miss Florence, although it has been a busy day. I've lost track of all the packages we've sent to the apartment today. So, what do I need now?"
Florence thought for a moment before answering.
"Do you trust me, Lulu? Do you trust my judgement, and my desire for the best for you?"
"I absolutely do, Miss," Lulu said earnestly.
"Good, then I'll keep our next destination a surprise, for now. Come on, it's time we were off!"
The pair took a taxi from Knightsbridge, and headed into the throng of central London, past Piccadilly Circus and down to the Strand, where Florence instructed the driver to stop and let them out. Lulu looked around and marveled at the large, imperious buildings, wondering why her mistress had brought them there. She was happy when Florence held out her hand, as she felt as if she'd get lost very easily. This feeling increased when Florence turned them away from The Strand and along a side street. This was lined with smaller shops and boutiques, specialising in different things -- books, shoes, antiques, as well as a couple of pubs and cafes. They crossed the street; Lulu noted that Florence had increased their pace, as if she were getting impatient to reach their destination, whatever it may be.
Most of the traders were either closing, or had already done so, and the street was a lot quieter now that the hustle and bustle of the day was done. Florence suddenly stopped, taking Lulu by surprise as she couldn't see any place they could have been heading to.
"We're here," Florence said. Lulu could detect an element of excitement in her voice. She looked around, perplexed.
"Where, Miss?" she asked. Florence pointed up, and Lulu saw a barber's pole. She glanced at the building they were standing in front of.
