Chapter 16: Day 116

It was Saturday and my 24th birthday. Let me restate that. It is Kara's birthday. My birthday was actually more than a month ago, and I had sent myself a gift. Rather, I had sent my body a gift, since I no longer occupied it. But until Kara and I switched back, this would be considered my birth date. Carol had insisted on serving me breakfast in bed this morning, and had made me promise to stay in bed until she brought it. But when I woke up, I had had an urgent need to use the bathroom. So I quickly and quietly used the toilet, and hurried back to bed, where I waited until she came in. She was carrying a covered tray in front of her totally naked body. Naked that is, except for the slippers on her feet, and the bright red ribbon around her neck. I suspected what my birthday present might be.

Breakfast was delicious. Crepes with fresh strawberries and fresh whipped creme, tea, and chocolate mousse for desert. Carol wanted to sit and watch me eat, but I insisted that she have some too. When we were done, she took the tray off me and set it on the floor. From under my bed she produced a small, elegantly wrapped gift. I smiled when she handed it to me, and I said, "What is it?"

She said, "Open it and see, Mistress."

I carefully unwrapped the present. When I opened the box, I found a silver-white metal choker. It was about 2 inches wide, and incredibly light. It felt like it might be aluminum, but the finish was different than aluminum, and it was highly polished. At three points around the choker, it had small o-rings attached near the bottom. A tiny bell hung from one. It wasn't really my taste, but I told Carol that it was beautiful and I loved it. I remembered an old movie with Michael York called 'Logan's Run' where Logan's girlfriend, Jessica, wore a similar looking choker. Her's had a small ankh symbol hanging down, instead of the bell, which was supposed to be a key to 'Sanctuary'.

I picked up the choker and was about to put it on.

Carol quickly said, 'Mistress, don't."

"Why not. What's the matter?"

"It's not for you. Read the inside."

I held up the choker and saw that it was engraved around the inside. I read it out loud. "Slave Carol, Property of Mistress Kara for all time. If found please return this slave to her rightful and beloved mistress." I smiled at her and said, "Thank you for the wonderful present. Can I unwrap you now?"

"Of course, Mistress."

I started to hand her the choker.

"No, Mistress, that is only for you to put on me."

"Oh, Okay. Can I try it on first though?"

"No, Mistress. This slave collar can only be put on once."

"What do you mean?"

"Once it's put on, it can only be removed by being cut off, and even then, only with special tools. I shall wear it for as long as you keep me, which I hope will be forever."

"You're saying that it locks on, and that there's no key."

"Yes, Mistress. This is the ultimate in slave collars. There's not even a keyhole. It's made from titanium. You know, the stuff that they make the space rockets from because of its strength and super lightweight. I had it made special. The closure mechanism is a one time lock. Once sealed, it can never be unsealed because there's no key hole, and no way to access the lock."

"So once I put it on you, that's it. You shower with it, sleep in it, everything?"

"Yes. I will wear it forever."

"You're really sure about this?"

"Yes, Mistress. I love you and will stay with you for as long as you let me."

I hesitated for a second. I had been trying to wean Carol away from the 'slave' identity. This would make it more difficult, but I couldn't very well ridicule her gift. She had obviously put a great deal of thought into procuring it. So I said, "Very well. Turn around, Slave Carol."

She smiled broadly and turned around, then lifted her hair so that I could place the slave collar around her neck. I first removed the red ribbon that she wore. I had to pull with all my strength to separate the sides of the solid collar enough to get it around her delicate neck. When I relaxed my grip, it closed back down to its original size, leaving just a tiny gap at the seam. Then I had to push with all my strength to get it closed the rest of the way. When it did finally close, I heard a small 'snick' sound as the lock engaged. It was so well machined that it was difficult to even notice the seam once it had locked closed. The little bell tinkled as she moved.

She turned after I finished. She dropped her hair and threw her arms around my neck. I heard her choke back a little sob as she said, "I love you, my Mistress. Even if you stop loving me, I will love you always. And thank you for trying to help my stepsister. It's my fault that she's dead. I only hope that my other step-sister is OK."