SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO
By Jo
EnyaJo@aol.com
WEEK 22 TRIO CHALLENGE: croquet mallet, a chemise, orange
QUOTE 1: When the head aches, all the members partake of the pain. Don Quixote
WORD: discommode
~~~~~
Her chemise flowed down over her body, then she pulled it down and turned for Marta to put the corset over her torso and start to tie it. She grabbed her orange and started to peel it. "I am still not sure that I want to go, Marta."
"It is just an afternoon with Montoya," Marta said with a candescent smile. "What could possibly be the harm in that?"
"I have a headache. I should send word that I cannot make it."
"You do not have a headache."
Marta pulled tightly on the ties of the corset that made Tessa react with "Ow!" She added, "When the head aches, all the members partake of the pain."
"What are you so worried about? All the afternoon will entail is to be with a group of wealthy Dons and Donas, Montoya, Dr. Helm, all enjoying a game croquet."
"I am afraid of what I will do with a croquet mallet in my hand."
Marta turned her around. Tessa noted the quizzical look on her face. Tessa said, "It just may find itself being bumped against a certain doctor's head."
Tessa pulled off a piece of the orange and popped it into Marta's mouth. Tessa moved toward the window to chew a piece of fruit and hope for rain so the party will be called off.
Marta said, "Come back here. I hate to discommode you, but you cannot fit into that new yellow dress I just finished--specifically for this afternoon--without a tied corset. Come back here."
"I do not want to go, Marta."
"Why? You usually leap at the chance to see Dr. Helm."
"I am getting tired of it. He seems to cannot wait to see the Queen, but when he sees me, all he can do is try to keep himself from sneering. Why can he not see what is right in front of him?"
"You are a good actress, Tessita." Marta walked over to her charge and softly massaging her shoulders. "You are keeping your identities separate and no one is the wiser. It is what is keeping you alive."
Marta started again to tie up the corset as Tessa pondered that. "But miserable," she whispered.