Christmas Bound

Chapter 18: Devious intentions/High Ropes (I mean, hopes)

Aaron: 

     Weariedly, at 10 am, I plod down the stairs while clutching the metal railing. As I reach the living room, I become keenly aware of the lack of Christmas decorations. The tree still needs to make it's way out of hiding, the stair railing could use some shiny garland, and the dining room table has no lustrous centerpieces. 

     Unfortunately, I cannot plan out an indoor wintry landscape without some coffee. Shuffling into the kitchen, I begin to contemplate how I will get all the superfluous adornments out of hiding. It's going to be a lot of work. I pour a large cup of coffee from the large pot that is already brewed. Oddly, I realize that my family is no where to be found.  Maybe they went out to breakfast, I muse. 

      At any rate, I need to create some holiday cheer around here. It's a welcome distraction. After I finish my cup of coffee, I go into the storage room and scope out the Christmas trimmings. Dragging them all out to the living room proves to be quite the task, but I manage it all in about half an hour. 

     Once I have everything spread out in front of me, I open the tree bag. Immediately, an odd stench hits me. My parents have probably had this same artificial tree for about 15 years. And, it is starting to show (and smell). I zip the bag up and carry it back into the room I just pulled it from. Next up, getting an acceptable replacement for the faux Christmas tree. 

     I have to get another fake one, because my Mom was always so adamant about not killing perfectly good trees for holiday amusement. I suppose it is her contribution to saving the planet or slowing climate change. I feel like making artificial trees most likely causes just as much damage to the environment, with the energy expenditure. How can you argue with your, mom, though? This is a battle I am not willing to entertain.

     Hurriedly, I bound up the stairs and change into some clothes I can wear out to the store. After donning a red long sleeve henley, Jeans, leather jacket, knit cap and black leather boots, I trudge back downstairs. 

     Grabbing my keys, I ramble out the front door and into the carport. I tear away from the house and spin down the road. It occurs to me that I have no idea where I am going. I don't spend enough time down here to know the best place to buy Christmas decor. Luckily, I happen upon an ACE Hardware after only about ten minutes of searching. Introspectively, I appreciate that this is one of my favorite stores. Anything, and everything, I could want for the bondage lifestyle can be found here. They have rope, cable ties, duct tape, wood for building bondage devices, carabiners, locks, pulleys, eye hooks, bungees, etc...the list goes on and on. My second favorite destination for bdsm appurtenances is Amazon.com. Where else can you get everything your heart desires in complete anonymity?

     As I meander through the small section of artificial trees in the store, I remember the twisted ornaments I made and gave Rachel not so long ago.  She liked them. She liked me. We were making excellent progress. Especially in the bondage department. How could I have soured her feelings for me so quickly? And, am I stupid? Why did I allow Jennifer to take advantage of me? I could have pulled away. Jenny can be enchanting, but she doesn't hold a candle to Rachel's beauty and charm. I am not even sure what she does for a living. If she had more going for her, I would have found out.

     After settling on a 9 foot pre-lit green monstrosity that I hope I can fit in my Jeep, I decide to get some other accoutrements. I bet my parents would love some new glass ornaments and ribbon to freshen up their collection of aging decorations. And, while I am here, I might as well get some fresh bondage supplies. Picking out a couple Christmas bandannas and red rope, I fill up my cart and head to the register. This is my affliction. I cannot walk into a hardware store, or look at a piece of furniture for that matter, without thinking about how I can cunningly tie up someone of the fairer sex.