Maggie did not get a minute of sleep. Her mind was racing with thoughts of the prior day's events and of what the immediate future could hold. When Pedro awoke from his slumber, he first turned and gave Maggie a light kiss on the cheek. Arising, he informed her that he would be busy all day with business matters. Consuelo would be up soon to take the two of them to breakfast. Then, Consuelo would take her shopping to get things she would need here and also take her for a medical examination. They needed to be showered and dressed when she came for them. With that, he marched across the room and was out of her life--however temporarily.
With a sigh, Maggie arose and slowly made her way over to Lisa's bed on the other side of the room. Bending over, Maggie lightly touched her daughter on the shoulder. "Lisa, honey, we need to try to get up and get ready for the day."
Raising her head from the pillow, Lisa snapped, "Mom, how could you let that man whip me? And then you turn right around and let him fuck you. Do you know how hard it was for me to lie here and listen to what he was making you do?"
Maggie pleaded, "Lisa, I had no choice. Now, all we can do is try to survive this ordeal." Grabbing her firmly by the shoulders, Maggie continued, "As long as we can survive, there is hope. That is all we have right now--hope. So we have to do what is necessary to survive. Promise me you will try not to alienate him again," Lisa looked away, "Promise me," Maggie insisted.
Lisa responded, "Okay, Mom, for your sake, I will try.
The two of them showered and dressed for the day,. No sooner had they finished than Consuelo appeared to take them down for breakfast. They were surprised to see that they were alone in the banquet room. When they were through, Consuelo informed them that she was supposed to take Maggie into town for some shopping and to see a doctor. Lisa would have free time.
As Consuelo drove her into town, she confided to Maggie about her situation. It seemed that everyone in the town worked for Pedro. There really were no other jobs. Consuelo said that her brother had worked for him. Pedro had accused him of stealing drugs. The claimed amount of the theft was far more than he could possibly pay back. Pedro had agreed that if Consuelo would join his household, then he would not harm anyone else in the family. She had no choice. Everyone here, including police and judges, were on his payroll. He was untouchable.
All this gave Maggie a sinking feeling in her gut. They arrived at what Consuelo described as the best clothing store in the city. Entering, Maggie was prompted to pick out some nice outfits to wear. When she picked out a pant suit, Consuelo shook her head. "I am sorry. But Pedro will not permit you to wear pants. He considers it not 'feminine.'" You can only wear dresses or skirts and blouses. And we also need to get you a few gowns for formal wear." When this task was completed, Maggie moved toward the intimate apparel. Consuelo apologetically informed her that that section was off limits to her. She was not permitted to have underwear of any kind. Bras and panties were strictly forbidden, If Pedro ever caught her wearing those items in the future, both of them would be punished.
Angrily, Maggie snarled, "I am 'forbidden' to wear bras Who does this guy think he is?" But then she caught herself. Of course he could tell her that. Who was going to stop him? "Okay, well, you tell me what I can have."
Consuelo suggested she would need a bathing suit. As they examined those, she found a one-piece number she did like. Consuelo again shook her head. "One-piece suits are not considered 'sexy' enough. You must get a two-piece suit. And you are only allowed to wear it when in the pool area."
When they made all their selections, Maggie expected to be directed to the check-out area. But Consuelo just pushed her out the door, explaining, "Pedro owns this store. We do not have to pay."
Down the street, they pulled into a shabby storefront. To Maggie's surprise, Consuelo informed her that this was the doctor's office. As they made their way in, Consuelo, holding back tears, confessed to her, "I am so sorry I have to bring you here But if I don't, Pedro will know and my family will suffer." Maggie was just curious as to what she meant by that comment.
When they entered, Consuelo went to the receptionist. After a brief discussion, she returned and the two of them took seats in the waiting area. Soon, the receptionist came to the door and motioned for them to follow her. Leading them down a dimly lit hallway, she took them to a small office. It was sparsely furnished with an exam table and a smaller table and chair. A lone light bulb dangled from the ceiling. It certainly did not look like any doctor's office Maggie had ever seen.
As Maggie pondered what would happen here, the door swung open and in came an elderly gentleman that Maggie guessed to be near seventy. He motioned for Consuelo to wait for him outside. When she left, he closed the door, He began pleasantly, "Well, Maggie, how are we today?"
"Just fine," she lied.
"Any particular health problems that I need to be aware of," he inquired?
"Not really," she answered.
"Okay, I need for you to undress for me." She was familiar with this routine with physicians and did not necessarily think it out of line. But when she had disrobed, the next round of questions was very unsettling to her. "Let's see," he continued. "You are forty-four years old. You are single with one child." (How did he know all this, she wondered.) "How many sexual partners have you had in the last two years?"
