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 The Estate (C)2004 d.  edwards/san francisco

   Chapter 51

   Coming back to work the next week was a painful experience, both
physically and mentally.  The staff, sensing some essential change, treated
her more kindly, letting her rest often and giving her more simple tasks
until she began to recover.  Unlike in the past, she accepted their offers
thankfully, sincerely grateful for the moments of peace they offered. 
Coming across Randy in the hallway she had braced herself for a mocking
smile and a suggestive comment and was surprised instead to find genuine
concern on his face and a small bouquet of lavender and rosemary being
pressed quietly in her hands.  Saying nothing she turned away quickly, not
wanting him to see the sudden tears in her eyes.  She was also surprised
and relieved to find out from several close associates that nothing of what
happened in the surgery had made it to the grapevine, sparing her the
mental anguish of that humiliation.  It also began to change her opinion of
Randy.

   After Pierre had left her she was relieved to feel the urgency of desire
recede, giving her some respite from the constant reminder of the mesh
tugging at her.  She began spending more time at the estate, staying long
hours after work reading and helping prepare the other specialists for
their next day with patients.  Everyone appreciated the change, and it
didn't fail to get the attention of Dr.  Collins who looked on with
approval, seeing something in the young nurse she didn't expect to happen
so quickly.  There were still several things left for Jasmine to do before
the doctor would consider freeing her and she was content to wait and watch
patiently.

   Chapter 52

   John woke up slowly, groggy with lack of sleep, his mouth sticky and dry
around the pacifier.  Groaning slightly he started to roll over onto his
side, curling his legs to ease the pain of his lower back, and bumped into
the sleeping form of Delores next to him, his surprised face brushing
against the sheer fabric of her nightgown and the soft swell of her breast.
He suddenly remembered that he wasn't in a crib and that it was her arm now
draped over his head and shoulders.  He relaxed slightly, only mildly
uncomfortable at the unexpected change of sleeping quarters.  The last four
weeks had tempered him from the anger and panic of the first few days at
the Nursery.  Now, with the constant attention of these women, he'd slowly
been bent to their will, cooperating just enough to ward off any further
punishments.  He still suffered the constant anguish of not being allowed
to speak and of being treated as an infant, and was no less confused with
the reason he was here in the first place; but the relentless schedule had
worn down almost all will to fight and he'd slid into the state of
complacence that now garnered the pleased smiles of the nurses.

   A deep sigh, fully awake now, he now knew where he was and recalled the
day when he'd first been moved here from the Nursery.