Monday 12 January 2015

CLEANER II: Chapter One - Part Ten



DAHLIA

 
The dress came up in my hands easily. It wasn't heavy. The material was cheap.

It wasn't a uniform of course – that wouldn't have been appropriate in these climes... or at this stage – but it had the air of one. The material was plain, thin and figure-hugging, cut to drop to just below the knee. It had a little white Peter Pan collar and matching cuffs on the short sleeves which gave it a suggestion of being the outfit of a maid. It had been inexpensive to buy; practically free; and it was the opposite of what I would normally wear.

Now that I'd reconciled again with this path I got a finger-trace of arousal that floated around the vicinity of my crotch in a pink cloud rather then caressing it as it might normally do. The corners of my lips quivered.

I set it back and undressed, noticing by contrast the quality of the garments I was removing, wondering how long it would be before I felt clothes that well-tailored again. In the dirtiest depths of my heart I fantasised about never wearing things like that again; of taking Melissa's life in its entirety for the rest of my years; becoming just as fat as she was; even going home to England to live her life. The fantasy went on for some distance until I noticed how detached I was being from the present scene and remembered Melissa's presence.

“Sorry,” I said. “Just thinking.”

She smiled, almost smirked, back at me.

There was a new bra for me, again something cheap that wouldn't normally have reached my hands. This one was different though; a size larger. Since I'd put on weight I hadn't bought any new underwear but the extra curves had made my bosom enlarge; not enough to be noticeable to the eye really; but enough to make my current bra uncomfortable. I put the new one and noticed in juxtaposition the unfamiliar fabric as well as the relief of a good fit; the acknowledgement of what that signified about my changing shape.

I noticed in my peripheral vision Melissa fiddling around with her contact lenses; removing her glasses. I was still wearing the corrupting contact lenses that matched the current frame of spectacles I'd trained myself to wear. I'd have to do the opposite switch myself in a minute.

I picked up the dress again and unzipped the back, stepping into it and pulling it up. It fit snugly; a little too snugly; and I realised that, though I'd chosen one bigger than my old size, it was still on the snug size with the bulk I'd put on so far. The cuffs of the sleeves were a little tight and the stretch fabric showed the exact contour of my body. It didn't disguise anything. It felt strange and psychologically uncomfortable to have the amount of fat I'd gained so far on display. Never before I had I really put on weight. In the rare post-Christmas occasions, I had carefully used the cut of my clothes to disguise it for the short time it took my exercise regime to eliminate it. Not now. Now anyone who looked ta me would think me... a little overweight. It wasn't excessive yet but no one would have pegged me for a model anymore, especially with this hair and outfit.

I glanced at Melissa. She was looking excited, maybe even impatient. I smiled nervously and went into the bathroom. I took a look at myself in the mirror, the transformation almost complete, then I worked on taking out the contacts.

When they were gone I used cleanser to remove my make-up. Even subdued as it was, it was still too much for “Melissa” to be wearing. Without it my skin looked pale, my lips almost colourless, my eyes less defined.

The glasses were on the little glass shelf there. They were the last part of my new costume. My vision was just a little blurred now but I could see the mass of them, the questionable fashion of the thick round frames.

Put them on and never take them off again. Become Melissa. Or start to.

She wasn't here now with me to offer counsel or encouragement. It was down to me. My choice and mine alone.

I wanted it. I did want it. And I admitted it was crazy and didn't care. What did I care about craziness? I was rich. I didn't have anybody to answer to anymore. My parents were dead. My brother was... gone too. Even Katherine. I only had Melissa left now and she didn't judge me. She only wanted me to be happy.

I could do this right now and let it go on for as long as I wanted to. There was nothing to stop me.

I picked up the glasses. I looked at my reflection. I slowly lifted them to my face and slotted them into place. I blinked, clearing my vision, then I looked at myself.

I looked like a different person. More than ever before. Alongside the hair and the clothes, the glasses pitched me into a different persona, as did the softening of my angled cheeks. It was so much more complete than it had ever been before. I didn't look exactly like Melissa had before. Of course I didn't. She was several stone heavier than me. But I looked enough like her now for someone to think us sisters perhaps.

And in a way I supposed we were. Had anyone ever shared so much? Touched one another's lives so closely?

All that remained now was to swap names and exchange the other items of identity; to relinquish control to her as I submitted to my new persona.

I looked at myself once more then took a reaffirming breath. Then I turned and left the bathroom.

48 comments:

  1. Well, there's a pleasant surprise! I didn't think that it was coming until 2200 tonight and wasn't sure she'd actually do it when it came (if it did). Now I'm unexpectedly saved from speculation on both counts; a reverse tease to counterpoint your normal keeping us in suspense.

    Thank you - this story gets more and more captivating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well actually I scheduled it early by mistake, but hey! I like to shake things up once in a while!

      Delete
  2. Excellent chapter, it IS happening! Another small step toward the precipice.

    But what would I do now in the next five hours I've set aside for waiting for the next chapter?? See what you've done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why, reread it dozens of times of course!

      Delete
  3. I love the cummulutive nature of this little dance. Melissa didn't need help dressing, her fashion sense is already improving and Dahlia is starting to change physically. its still just a mad idea "she can stop anytime" (anyone who thinks that, can't) but things are starting to build. eyes changes, curves change, already clothing that was too big is now too small. one wonders how much margin she should leave in the next waistline she buys and how long before the material pulls tight around her bulging frame.
    I've said it before and I will say it again.
    well done Ms Finn. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks John. As ever, I value your feedback highly.

      One slight worry is how detailed it is. I can't keep this level of detail up throughout book two because it would be 1000 pages long at least if I did!

      Delete
    2. I agree with you Emma, the level of details in this book is exquisite but it adds tremendously to the volume of words and pages.
      I can imagine though that the developing story can be equally exciting, if not more, if you accelerate matters from now on.
      The moment the full exchange of personas happens then you are free to push as much as you like the development of the new Dahlia and Melissa.
      I am already looking forward to the moment that Dahlia will realise that there is no way back to her old self, even if she asks for it.
      Monica G.

      Delete
    3. My plan is to periodically jump through time then have a detailed scene or two then jump forward again... see how that goes.

      Delete
    4. its a judgement call skip too much and you have the original cleaner's prologue, skip nothing and you have war and peace. everyday is going to be a little different, but mostly the same. there are gradual shifts, try and identify what they are and what would be a good scene for each. its hard to advise, because I find the proverbial 1000 page tome of yours very enticing. :)

      Delete
    5. Heh heh. Well I was reading my favourite book, The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice which covers hundreds of years of time in detailed scenes and that's what she does. It gives the impression that you're getting everything in detail but on reflection it's snapshots of key scenes looked at closely.

      Delete
    6. Gotta love Anne rice, at least preborn again Anne rice.

      Delete
    7. Have you read The Vampire Lestat then? I love that book!

      (Though I've read it just too many times now sadly)

      Delete
    8. No I haven't, but I will now.

      Delete
    9. Interview with the Vampire comes first.

      Delete
  4. A lovely surprise birthday present for me. I was expecting to be waiting until 2200. Thanks so much.

    This is a tantalising story. Like everyone else I'm looking forward to reading more but, in some ways, the steady drip of detail as Dahlia gradually falls into a net of her own making has an exquisite thrill of its own as Melissa cleverly draws the net tighter.

    I can't quite decide if Dahlia's realisation that she really is changing shape from slim to fat is driving her forward or causing her to rethink. She's certainly still conflicted but Melissa equally certainly isn't at all. She knows what she wants.

    Robyn H

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Er... Yeah. I released it because I, er, knew it was your birthday. That's right. Yeah.

      It's unclear just how much Dahlia has changed already but it is having an effect. As for how quickly people can put on weight... I don't know about you but I noticably did over the Christmas period and I wasn't trying to. If I had been gorging actively for that whole time then who knows how much further it might have gone.

      Four big meals per day plus snacks in between... I bet you could put on weight pretty darn quickly if you really wanted to.

      Delete
    2. Of course you knew. Thanks for the lovely card btw ;)

      I put weight on with fewer meals than that. I've been doing about 45 mins exercise on my bike turbo-trainer before breakfast since early November in an effort to keep fit for summer, which is what Melissa needs to do at a bare minimum. I'm sure Dahlia will encourage her to do that as she pigs out on those four big meals per day. The crux will come when their weights cross over and Dahlia realises Melissa can wear clothes she no longer can.

      Robyn H

      Delete
    3. Yeah. Weight loss seems like a tougher proposition, especially in a hot country surrounded by excess and temptation. But a bit of obsessive determination goes a long way!

      Delete
    4. Particularly when someone else lends you their willpower

      Delete
  5. Another delightful morsel! I think you should keep up the detailed descriptions for a few episodes more as this really is the heart of the story, the heart of the transition. The changing of the guard. Also in real life it is changes we notice the most, not the familiar, when Dahlia is used to wearing cheap clothes and Melissa designer ones they won't remark on that any more. as neither of them would notice it as much. Also power exchange is a drug and the first hits of a drug are the most intoxicating! Both women will be almost literally high on the excitement.
    FinnFann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like that concept and I do plan to stay with them for a while longer at this stage. The name change is coming fast and the aftereffect of that will be a tasty morsel.

      Delete
  6. Yes I agree with the comments above, those small details that may be ignored in a broader sweep are oh so crucial. Power exchange, especially under these circumstances, with a degree of semi-permanence, is what adds fuel to the whole fire. That giving up of identity is one thing.. having it laced with the formal changing of role is, well, quite another. _MikeW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, power exchanges with a degree of semi-permanence is what Emmas do best!

      Delete
    2. because that's the wonderful thing about Emmas

      Delete
    3. And you're the special one!
      FinnFann

      Delete
    4. there's that song... the wonderful thing about Tiggers / Emma is.... bouncy bouncy fun... Cannot get it out of my head! - MIke W :-)

      Delete
    5. I am bouncy bouncy fun. Ask anybody.

      Delete
  7. The dress indeed is very 'maidy'. Add a half white apron and Dahlia becomes a maid on the spot. Probably it is a bit early for that but the potential is there and hopefully will happen at a later stage.
    Monica G

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. I wanted the first outfit to emphasise the change more. And as for later...? Who knows!?

      Delete
    2. One option for Dahlia might be to get her to act as a hotel maid whilst still abroad and fattening herself up. That way she could wear a maid's uniform and learn her new role more thoroughly before they return home. Perhaps a 'helpful' Melissa Mistress could suggest or even order Dahlia maid to do this, not least because otherwise she would be doing nothing all day.
      Fnnfann

      Delete
    3. Something like that could happen.

      Delete
    4. what a devious lot we are :-)... has anyone suggested counselling? ;-P - MikeW

      Delete
    5. (Giggle)

      Yeah! Let's have someone suggest it now and the rest of the book could just be scenes of the counselling sessions where Dahlia comes to terms with her issues while going for long reflective walks in the evening.

      Book three could then be about Dahlia restarting her modelling career and getting back in shape, finding love and rebuilding her sense of self worth.

      Or we could carry on with the weight gain, status change and submission plotline.

      Your choice.

      Delete
    6. Continue with her self imposed destruction!
      FinnFann

      Delete
    7. What, stop writing the self-destructive saga? Don't even think it! We're even more determined on it than Dahlia herself.

      Delete
    8. Heh heh. Would I stop now?

      Of course not!

      Delete
    9. Good. You don't let Dahlia off and we'll go for the long evening reflective walks instead. That's (groan) if somebody has to.

      Delete
    10. That sounds like a great idea. You can reflect on the p0lot of Cleaner then stop on a bench and read the next episode!

      Delete
  8. Emma
    Still loving it.
    For what it`s worth, I think the detail should be saved for the pivotal areas of the plot.
    Let`s face it there are plenty of those aren't there?
    I like to see detail when they make a significant decision or when an important change of status occurs, and of course when their respective outlooks are described.
    At the end of the day though you`re the boss.
    Oh, and nice to see Dahlia getting all "tingly" again, I kind of missed that as I feel it`s a big part of what`s driving her desire to " downgrade".
    Who know`s the repression of her masochistic sexuality may have been partly the cause of her "break- down", or am I reading it wrongly?
    BillA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm. Interesting (and possibly true) theory.

      Delete
    2. Mmmm,
      Ambiguity,(it`s what Emma`s do best).
      BillA

      Delete
    3. Moi?

      Maybe we'll learn more about why she had her breakdown as things progress. Reading between the lines in book one it would seem to centre around her parents' death coupled with career pressure. I'd say the cleaning is her escape hatch from jumping back on the career path.

      Delete
    4. Well you should know. (I hope).
      Please remember not to take my museings to seriously as I`m often just think out loud/tossing ideas around.
      Another thought is her new career path a form of Emma-ncipation?(grins stupidly).
      BillA.

      Delete