Chapter 6

Lucia wasn’t quite as excited about pizza as Alexia, but she was happy for her cousin. Jane hated paying for delivery, and so she decided to do pickup, and take Alexia with her, leaving Robert home alone with Lucia.

Lucia stands awkwardly, looking at Robert in the living room after Jane and Alexia leave. “What should I be doing, Master?”

“Umm ... nothing in particular right now, I guess.” Robert says, recognizing that she would feel better with something to do, but not sure what Jane would appreciate someone doing without her instructions.

“Yes, Master.” And continues to stand there awkwardly.

“What did you used to do at the apartment during the day?” Robert asks.

“I would cook Alexia breakfast, and pack her a lunch, clean up a bit, start preparing dinner, laundry, maybe clean a bit more. If I ran out of things to do, I would watch something on my phone, usually.” Lucia says, fidgeting a bit.

“We can incorporate some of that for you tomorrow. Perhaps you could wake up early, and cook me breakfast? Jane might just have cereal, but you could offer to make her something too.” Robert says. “For now, maybe go through the fridge and pantry, and make a list of a few things you could cook for dinner with what we have in the house? I end up cooking most nights, and it would be nice to have someone take on that responsibility.

“Yes, Master.” Lucia says. “Is there anything you do or don’t like?”

“Plenty, but let’s just start with what you would make, and Jane and I can adjust the menu from there.” Robert laughs a bit, thinking of Jane’s pickiness. “Chances are, she will want to alter anything you suggest at least a bit, so be a bit detailed of what ingredients go into what.

“Yes, Master.” She says as she walks towards the pantry.

“If there is something you think we should have, but you can’t find it, feel free to ask.” Robert says.

Robert turns the TV onto YouTube, planning to find a report on the latest BAA news before realizing what an awful idea that is with Lucia able to see and hear the TV. He quickly changes it over to a nature documentary, and settles in to wait for Jane and Alexia to return.

Thirty minutes or so go by when Robert hears the garage door. As he gets up to help bring in the pizza, Lucia asks “Should I set the table sir?”

“umm ... Sure.” Robert replies. He and Jane usually just eat in the living room, but perhaps it isn’t a bad idea to start sitting at a table like proper adults.

As he walks towards the garage door, it opens, and Alexia comes in with the pizza. She is a bit more subdued now compared to when she left.

“Everything go ok?” Robert asks Jane, who comes in behind Alexia.

“No issues with the pizza, traffic is a bit weird. Main drag going out of town is very busy, and it looks like they have road blocks set up. We didn’t get close enough to tell for sure, but it looks like they are checking IDs on everyone leaving town.” Jane responds.

“I suppose that isn’t surprising.” Robert says. “Lucia is setting the table, maybe we should talk about this later.”

“Great, let’s have some pizza.” Jane says, nudging Alexia playfully. “Just set it down in the kitchen so everyone can figure out which pizza is theirs.”

The pizza was good, but the atmosphere was a bit subdued. Towards the end of the meal, Lucia caught Robert’s eye, and then glanced at the table next to her, where her meal list had been written up.

“Jane, I was talking with Lucia earlier, and she is willing to do some cooking and cleaning for us. I didn’t want her to start doing anything before we checked with you, so I just had her make up a list of a few meals she could make with what we already have in the house. Maybe you could take a look, and give her a few things to do tomorrow?” explains Robert.

“Sure.” Jane says, holding out her hand for the list. Lucia hands it to her, and she reads it as she finishes her last slice. “I think we can make one of these work. Let’s talk a little about some of the ingredients. I’ve got a bit of a sensitivity to a few foods we may need to work around. How about this, once Robert and Alexia finish dinner you and I can go over this, and any other chores you think you can help with?”

“Thank you, Mistress. I will feel better knowing that I am contributing, and it will keep me busy.” Lucia says with a pleased expression.

“That’s a great way to think of it. I will appreciate fewer chores to do, and I’m sure Robert will too.” Jane says.

As Robert finishes, he gets up and starts to clear his place. “Leave that honey, Lucia and I will take care of it while we talk.”

“I’m done now Mistress, may I start my next assignment?” Alexia asks.

“Go ahead. Have fun.” Jane replies with a smile.

“Master, will you come with me?” Alexia asks, holding out a hand.

Robert is clearly surprised, and looks at Jane, who nods and says “Go on. I’ll be up in a bit. Alexia knows what to do.”

Robert takes Alexia’s hand, heading upstairs. “And what is your assignment?” Robert asks her.

“I’m going to give you a haircut, help you shower, and then Mistress suggested that I work on your feet.” Alexia replies.

“And where did you learn to do those things?” Robert asks.

“I was in the cosmetology program at high school for a bit.” Alexia responds. “Initially I was going to go to Cosmetology school after I graduated, but with Lucia and I being on our own, I needed to work as much as possible to make ends meet. Mistress suggested this is something I could do that you would both appreciate. I wouldn’t mind getting to use some of the skills before I lose them.”

As they walk into the bedroom, she closes the door behind them. “We should probably strip so we don’t get hair all over us.” Alexia says.

“Good idea. Where are you going to do the hair cut, though?” Robert asks.

“Mistress suggested the shower.” Alexia says. “She mentioned it is large enough.”

“Hah, probably. We’ve fit 3 people in there before, with room to spare.” Robert laughs.

“Can you go ahead and get out whatever you usually use for haircuts, and the foot things too?” Alexia asks.

Robert worked on getting two piles together, one for the haircut, and the other for his feet. As he finishes up, he notices Alexia has already stripped. “Maybe the haircut should wait a bit?” Robert suggests.

“Mistress said you would say that, and she said to say that you were to wait until she got up here. She wants to be see everything live this time.” Alexia replies with a bit of blush.

“She knows me too well. Alright, let’s get moving then.” Robert says a bit sadly as he finishes undressing.

“Don’t worry, the shower can be fun.” Alexia says.

Alexia directs Robert into the shower, and has him sit on small stool. She works efficiently on his haircut, having him turn a few times during the process so she can get a new angle on things.

“All done” she declares a few minutes later. “Do you want me to get a mirror so you can inspect?”

“I’ll trust you this time.” He says and starts to stand.

“Oh, just stay seated. I’ll get the water warmed up with the handheld, and then make sure we get it all rinsed first. That will be easier, so I can get to the top of your head.” Alexia says.

Alexia works on this diligently, alternately spraying him down with the handheld and using her hands to make sure there are no more clippings hiding anywhere. She then proceeds to wash his hair, which he enjoyed far more than he expected.

“Ok, you can stand now.” She says, and moves the stool to the corner of the shower. She then grabs a loofah and begins to soap it up.

“You going to wash me too?” Robert asks with a tiny grin.

“Absolutely. Mistress said full coverage, and I have no intention of letting her down.” Alexia says. “Plus, I would like to show my appreciation for the pizza.” She gives a small smile.

Robert quite enjoys the pampering, ending with one last full rinse with the handheld. Alexia quickly rinses, but Robert notices she hasn’t washed. “You aren’t the last shower I’m giving tonight.” She says.

“Oh. I guess I should have realized that.” Robert replies.

“Let’s get you dry.” Alexia says as she steps out to grab his towel, and proceeds to dry him. “Go ahead and wait on the bed, and I’ll get to work on your feet as soon as I’m dry.”

Downstairs, Jane and Lucia go over the menu. Once Jane is satisfied, Lucia asks “Is there anything I can make you for breakfast? Master already gave me his order.”