Adjustment of Attitude

Part 13

I take Evan's hand and he helps me stand. Next to him, I'm very dishevelled. I don't know how long it's been since I showered and I'm sure it's a well a situation which needs to be corrected.  

"At heel, please." His tone is formal and direct. When he takes a step, I fall in, three steps behind him and to his right. The position is odd to my sensibilities. I've always held a dominant position over him and he's often found at heel. Parts of me come alive in a rebellious yell and I work to quell the sudden urge to walk away from the entire thing. Nothing in this moment seems right. It grates against my normal position. Still, I push through my sudden irritation and follow at a heel.

We enter the main room of the house. The open floor plan allows us to easily do multiple things in the same area while being near one another but not necessarily in the same space. Today, they've pushed all the furniture to the edges of the room, which seems immense. Ambient light is created with an abundance of LED candles throughout the space while blackout curtains close the outside world from view.

In this space, I am small in a way I've not experienced in our home. The space looks like a grand throne room. This is punctuated by a two large chairs at the other end with tall high backs. Normally these chairs are in our playroom, used for fun and games. Today, however, they are foreboding and sinister. To the right of the one on my left, a senza bench is positioned. In front of me, a long black yoga-style met creates a runner a few feet in front of the chairs. When Evan's feet touch the edge of the mat, he turns towards me. 

"May the Universe grant you want you need." The words send a shiver down my spine. He motions me to the edge of the mat and turns to the table next to it. Black bands are placed on each bicep and thigh. Long wires run back to a small box on the table and Evan appraises his work. Once I'm properly positioned, he walks to the senza bench and gracefully kneels beside Garrett. 

My heart palpitates in fear and my body quivers in anticipation. With a deep breath, I brace myself and look. Garrett sits upon the chair to my left in a regal relaxed position. One leg tucked toward the chair, while the other one extends outwardly, clad in black leather pants with dark biker boots and taking up all the room he desires. His body leans toward the left. The picture in front of me is sexy as hell. A white t-shirt and dark leather jacket round out a look that makes me weak in the knees. I drink in the look with an open appraisal.

The minute our eyes meet, I realize my mistake. His eyes are appraising and I know I am found wanting. at once my eyes drop to the floor but the damage is already done.

"Tess." My name is a statement and his tone makes me jump. "You are here for many reasons. The household voted to convene this Reset trial to offer you a way back home. To find this path, you must acknowledge and confess. Humble yourself before us and we will begin the process."

The words cause my early peaceful state to erupt in a tsunami of emotions. How dare they presume to judge me when they themselves are not perfect! Who do they think they are to tell me all of my wrongdoings while they sit there high and mighty on their throne? Do they think I will give into this mockery of a confession and trial for their own sick satisfaction?

My body tenses. Without thought, my legs spread in a fight stance and my mind prepares for the verbal onslaught taking me under. Thoughts of dignity and inequality scream through me while I prepare to do full battle. The internal fight is already raging between understanding and dominance but in this moment, I don't care. My emotions sit on a knifes edge. Everything in me is ready to prove my independence and ability to stand on my own. Blood rushes through my ear. Each heartbeat rushes into the silence of the room.

"Don't." Garrett's strong voice cuts through me like a knife.

For a long moment no one moves. There's not a sound. Garrett and I lock eyes in a contest of wills, neither willing to give up ground. I continue to fight but lose the reason. Each second I push my body to ready for the next move. Emotions leads the charge. In the background, logic screams to cause a cease fire. Somewhere in my depths, I know they have my best interest in mind but I can't seem to back down. My mind spins with all the reason weakness cannot be shown while giving false ideas of the weakness I refuse to both acknowledge and allow in my life. My breath comes in small pants. 

"Tess," my name is a growl on Garrett's lips and still I challenge him.

"Please, Mistress. Please." It's Evans whispered plea that breaks the standoff.   

Immediately I break the contest of wills and look over at Evan. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Garrett shift triumphantly, in his chair but my focus is on Evan. Fear radiates from him and the war ends.

"Humble yourself, Tess." Garrett seizes the moment, his voice full of command.

I fall to my knees and take a deep breath. With as much grace as I can muster, I fall back on my heels then bend at the waist and place my forehead on the mat with my hands extending toward the chairs in front of me. An audible sigh escapes Evan's lips and I imagine Garrett's look of disapproval.