She plugged the lights in and watched as they twinkled. She sighed, and fell into her sofa. "why does this always happen?" she asked herself, flicking...through her phone. She watched as all her friends celebrated with their families, tables packed with jolly people and hearty food. "if only my family lived closer, then I'd be able to visit them" she moaned, pulling herself off the sofa. She grabbed a box of decorations and started hanging them on the branches of her artificial tree. Suddenly,. I didn't think it was all that fair to him, but he never once complained. One evening as I was waiting form Jim to pick me up I was hit with the most intense cramps I had ever experienced. I knew my period was due, but hoped it would wait until tomorrow, or at least until Jim brought me home. I was in the bathroom cleaning and putting on a pad when I heard the back door bell ring.Jim didn't seem to be totally upset when I told him I felt horrible and just wanted to stay home, but I also knew he. .. this slave would humbly ask if you could spend the rest of the weekend as Sir..." She faded out, not meeting my eye."Ann. Look at me." I said firmly. Her head shot up. "What did I say last night about simpering acolytes?" Her eyes widened a bit."That ... um ... you didn't want any, Sir?" She looked a little worried."Exactly. Why did you ask me like that?" I said in a gentler tone. I didn't like that 'this slave' bullshit, but I needed to know if it was something she wanted."I guess I was. She’d seen it. Then it came!“Amy? Are you OK?”Amy started a rehearsed reply but her emotions let her down and she just started crying, managing to reveal that Chris had dumped her before her head dropped to her chest and the sobs took over.Maria moved behind Amy’s chair and wrapped her arms around her, kissed her cheek and whispered comforting words in her ear, trying to hug the sadness away. Amy felt the warmth run through her and suddenly felt cared for and secure. Maria held her tightly and.