Chapter 1
Stephen sighed as he watched the world go by. "I still don't see why we
have to move," he told his wife as he turned to look at her.
"Because honey, the company is opening a new store in Stepford and they
asked me to run it," Emily replied, not taking her eyes off the road.
"Besides, the offer was too good to turn down and the house came as part
of the job," Emily continued. "I'd thought that you'd be proud of me,"
she added.
"And I am. Really," Stephen added as his wife gave him a look. I just
don't see why we have to move. All our friends and family are back at
home and I had to leave my job. I mean what am I supposed to do when we
get there?"
"I'm sure that you'll be able to find something sweetie," Emily replied.
"You've got good qualifications. You'll find something in no time. And
hey, worst comes to worst you can always work at the store with me."
Stephen laughed. "Thanks but no thanks," he told her. "You know that I'm
not suited to that sort of work." Emily shrugged her shoulders. "Suit
yourself," she said as they both fell silent on the matter.
The drive to Stepford was long and windy. Stepford was a small community
out into the country and the only way to get there was through narrow
country roads. They took it in turns to drive parts of the root but
Emily insisted that she drove the last part.
"Here we are," Emily announced finally. Stephen awoke from his nap just
as they saw a sign pointing to the town. Emily turned the vehicle down
the road. "Wow!" She said as they rounded the corner.
The road they were on was surrounded by trees. It reminded Stephen of
something out a fantasy movie. He had to admit that it did look very
dramatic. Heading further into the town they saw that all the roads were
decorated in a similar fashion and every house was just as immaculate.
It seemed so perfect. "Almost too perfect," Stephen thought to himself.
"And here's our house," Emily announced as she pulled over. Stephen's
jaw dropped. This was theirs? The house was amazing. It was more like a
mansion than a house to Stephen. "How can we afford this?" Stephen asked
turning to look at his wife. She just smiled at him.
"I told you. The company's paying for it. They're so confident that the
store will be successful that they offered it as an enticement to anyone
who took the job. That's one of the reasons that I applied," Emily
explained as she took out her phone.
"What are you doing?" Stephen asked curiously. "Well I got an email from
the members of the council before we left. They wanted to meet us as
soon as we arrived. I was just replying to let them know that we're
here." Stephen nodded.
"That's nice of them," he commented as Emily soon got a response. "What
did they say?"
"They've given us directions to the country house and have offered us
lunch if we're hungry." Stephen's stomach growled in coincidence and
they both laughed. "I guess that's a yes then," Emily said chuckling as
she started the engine up.
Chapter 2
There was a roar of laughter as Stephen and Emily entered the club
house. They looked towards the source and in a large open lounge there
were four women sitting in armchairs. What surprised the young couple
was that a couple of the women were smoking cigars. Also their attire
struck them as odd. They were all wearing business suits and their
hairstyles were short and almost masculine.
Stephen looked at his wife who looked just as confused as one of the
women put down her wine glass and stood up. "Ah! You must be Emily and
Stephen!" She stated as she approached them.
"Um yes. That's us," Stephen replied offering to shake her hand. The
woman just smiled and nodded. "Splendid, splendid," she said as she took
Emily's hand and shook it. "I hope you're hungry?" She asked as she
gestured for them to sit down.
Stephen looked again at his wife who just shrugged her shoulders as she
followed the woman. "Yes we are actually," she replied. "Excellent," the
woman replied as she picked up a bell and rang it. A few moments later a
butler appeared but like the women, she was a bit odd.
The butler bowed as she entered, she wore the traditional butler's
uniform along with the white gloves. Her hair was also cropped short.
"Jenkins, could kindly set the table ready for our guests?" The woman
who greeted them ordered.
The butler nodded. "Of course Madam." She bowed again before closing the
doors behind her.
"I'm sorry, where are my manners? My name is Fiona Masters," the woman
said finally introducing herself. "And these fine gentlewomen are Gemma
Rhodes, Olivia Gordon and Rebecca Hamilton." The three women nodded in
greeting. "Gemma here, owns the club," Fiona continued.
"Oh, it's very nice," Emily commented earning a smile from the older
woman. She turned to look at her husband who was staring at all four of
the women. Emily rolled her eyes and nudged him. "Huh?" He asked as he
looked around. "Oh, yes. It's very impressive."
Stephen noticed two of the women exchange glances with each other. He
was about to confront them about it when the butler reappeared.
"Dinner is ready," she announced.
"Excellent!" Fiona Masters said as she stood up fastening one of the
buttons on her suit. The other women did the same. Stephen and Emily
followed the women through to the main dining hall. Like everything else
that they had seen the dining hall was spectacularly decorated. The
butler showed them each to their seats.
Chapter 3
"Would you two like something to drink?" Fiona asked them.
"I'll have a large beer please," Stephen requested. He noted the two
women exchange a smirk again but decided to ignore it. "I'll just have a
glass of white wine," Emily said. Fiona nodded and snapped her fingers
before adding "and the usual for us Jenkins."
"Well I hope that you'll like living here in Stepford," Fiona continued.
She seemed to be the leader of the group. The other three hardly said
anything.
"Yes it all looks very nice," Emily replied. "I can't wait to start
work." Fiona nodded. As the butler came round with their drinks.
"And what do you think Mr. Thompson?" Fiona asked drawing their
attention once more to Stephen. "Well as my wife said it's a very nice
place," he started. "I haven't got anything planned yet but I hope to
find a job very soon."
"I'm sure you will," Fiona replied with a knowing look in her eye.
Stephen ignored the other women.
"I'm very glad that your company decided to set up shop here in
Stepford, Mrs Thompson," Fiona said continuing the conversation. "It's
been awhile since we've had any new business in town and our local store
is only really a small convenience store."
"Yes, so I heard," Emily replied. "But don't worry our stores provide
everything that you need. My only concern is the supplies. You say that
the route we came in is the only point of access?"
"Oh don't worry about that," Fiona Masters replied. "We're actually
planning on expanding the town a bit. Rebecca's actually in charge of
the construction."
"Indeed," Rebecca added finally speaking up. "We plan on adding a few
new roads into the town very soon but as you understand it could take
while."
Emily nodded. "That's good to hear and actually if you require any more
workforce. I'm sure my husband wouldn't mind lending a hand," she added
nudging Stephen in the ribs.
"Oh yes, actually my last job was in construction," Stephen told them.
Rebecca leaned forward and whispered to her companion. After a lengthy
discussion she leaned back. "Thank you for your offer Mr. Thompson but I
think that we have enough staff at the moment. However if you wish you
can send in an application form tomorrow and we'll consider it."
Stephen opened his mouth to say something but Emily tapped him and shook
her head. At that moment the butler returned along with some waitresses.
"Dinner is served," she told them.
"Excellent!" Fiona exclaimed. "I hope that you both like steak."
Chapter 4
"Well that was odd," Stephen commented as he carried the last of the
bags into the house. "Did you notice the way those women were dressed?"
He asked his wife. "I did," Emily replied. "But who are we to judge?
It's a small community and they could think the same way about us."
Stephen looked a his wife before shrugging his shoulders. She did have a
point. "And what about those 3 women?" he continued. "They hardly said a
word through dinner and they all seemed to ignore me. It's like they
only wanted to talk to you." Emily sighed as she put her bag down. "Oh
come on honey," she said as she explored the kitchen.
"I'm sure your just imaging things." "Well then, how do you explain
where all the men are?" Stephen asked. "We haven't seen one man since
we've arrived," Emily shrugged. "They're probably out working," she
suggested. "It's a Sunday," Stephen pointed out. "And when I offered to
help them out they just dismissed as if I wasn't worth their while."
"I'm sure they have their reasons," Emily told him. "Now come on why
don't we unpack?" she suggested, grabbing a suitcase and heading
upstairs.
Stephen frowned. Why was his wife being so defensive? Did she know
something that he didn't? He shook his head and dismissed it as her
wanting to make a good impression. He picked up the other suitcase and
followed her upstairs.
Chapter 5
"I wonder who that could be?" Emily pondered as they heard the doorbell
ring as they just finished unpacking. Stephen shrugged as they headed
downstairs.
"Oh hello," the woman outside said as the couple opened the door. "I'm
Natalie Goodman," she said extending her hand out. "I guess we're your
new neighbours," she told them. "Very nice to meet you," Emily said as
she shook Natalie's hand. Stephen offered his but Natalie ignored him.
Stephen frowned but decided not to make a scene.
"My husband would love to meet you both I'm sure but I'm afraid he's out
with some friends. We didn't know what time you would be arriving," "Ah
yes. It was a long journey," Emily explained. "Would you like to come
in?" she offered. Natalie shook her head.
"No thank you. I can't stay long. I've got some things to do," she
explained. "I'll let my husband know that you're here though. I'm sure
that he would love to come over and chat for bit. You know how men are,"
she said winking at Emily. Both of them just looked at her confused.
Seeing their reactions Natalie coughed.
"Oh, well yes. Must dash. See you soon," she said as she gave them a
wave before heading back down the drive. "What did she mean by that?"
Stephen asked rather crossly as soon as the door was shut. "I'm sure
that she didn't mean anything by it dear," Emily replied. "But it was
very odd. I'm not sure that I like her."
"Finally something that we agree on," Stephen thought to himself.
"Still," Stephen continued. "I still think something strange is going on
here. And I want to find out what it is," he said as they headed in to
the kitchen to put the kettle on.
Chapter 6
Stephen and Emily both went to bed early that night. They had spent a
long time travelling and Emily had to get up the next morning to start
her new job. Emily fell asleep straight away but Stephen stayed awake
thinking about all the strange things that he had seen. What was with
the way the women dressed? And where were all the men? Sure Natalie
Goodman had explained that his husband was out with some friends but
that didn't account for the rest of them. Unless they all knew each
other and were all out together. That seemed to make some sense, Stephen
thought. It did seem a very tight community and everyone probably knew
everyone. With that last thought Stephen finally drifted off to sleep.
"Hold him down!" a voice shouted waking Stephen up with a start.
"Wha...What's going on!?" Stephen asked as he shook the sleep off and
tried to get his bearings. "Welcome to Stepford Mr. Thompson!" the voice
told him. Stephen recognised that voice and as his vision cleared he saw
Fiona Masters standing over him with a wicked grin on her face. She was
surrounded by other women in lab coats.
"We're ready Madam," one of the scientists said to Fiona Masters. She
nodded. "Good. Begin the process," she commanded. The scientist nodded
and moved over to a console and began flipping some switches. It was
only then that Stephen noticed that there were some wires attached to
his brain. "What's going on?" He asked again looking directly at Fiona.
"Allow me to explain Mr. Thompson," Fiona said with a smirk. "You may
have how things work around here," she said as she began pacing around
the room. "All the women are in charge here," she explained. "When our
founders founded this little community, it was founded on the believe
that women are superior and that the men should be what you call "the
fairer sex." Stephen looked at her shocked.
"Now some people came here willingly accepting those beliefs but for the
ones who discovered upon our society by accident. Well we had to come up
with something to ensure that our community would not be disturbed. So
we had our scientists come up with away to alter peoples brains," Fiona
told him. "A process which you are about to go through with," she added
with another smirk.
"The only downside to this process is that it is slow," Fiona continued
with a sigh. "You might not notice anything different at first but on a
subconscious level your brain will already be reacting to the program,"
"What about Emily?" Stephen asked concerned for his wife, but then he
thought back to her defending this place. "Did she know about this?"
To his surprise Fiona chuckled. "Oh no, my dear," she said brushing her
hand against his cheek. Stephen jerked away quickly. "She had no idea
about any of this but she will eventually. We'll give her a choice."
"A choice?" Stephen asked worryingly. Fiona nodded. "Yes. She can either
accept what's going on and keep her mind as it is or... We'll have to
change her as well," she explained rather menacingly. "The only problem
with the second choice is that her personality might alter drastically
in the process. She may not be the same loving wife that you fell in
love with."
"You monster!" Stephen shouted as he struggled against the restraints.
Fiona chuckled again as she lit a cigar. "Yes I have been called that a
few times," she said smiling.
"The process is almost complete madam," one of the scientists told her.
"Excellent," she said. She whispered something to the scientist and then
everyone left the room. "Enjoy your new live Mr. Thompson," she said
before she closed the door leaving Stephen in complete darkness alone
with the machines whirring away.
Chapter 7
Stephen awoke with a start in a cold sweat. He looked around and as his
eyes adjusted to the darkness it was clear that he was in his own
bedroom. He looked beside him and sure enough his wife Emily was sound
asleep seemly undisturbed. Stephen quietly got out of bed and went into
the bathroom to wash his face.
Once inside he closed the door and put the light on. He then gripped the
edges of the sink. What had just happened? Had it really all happened or
was it just a dream? There was no way that they could have moved him
without disturbing Emily and yet...it all seemed so real. After washing
his face he checked himself in the mirror. He still seemed normal
enough. The same chiselled face stared back at him.
He shook his head and decided that he's ask his wife about it in the
morning. Switching the light off, he crept silently back in to bed.
Surprisingly, he drifted off quickly and when he woke up the next
morning the memories of the night were beginning to fade.
Chapter 8
"Morning honey!" Emily greeted Stephen cheerily as he entered the
kitchen. Stephen was still feeling groggy from last night so he plonk
himself down on a seat at the table while Emily poured him a cup of
coffee. Stephen pondered for a moment about whether he should tell Emily
about last night and then decided that he should.
"Hey sweetie?" he asked getting her attention. "You didn't notice
anything going on last night did you?" he asked as he took the coffee
from her. Emily poured herself some cereal and sat down. "No. Why?" she
asked.
Stephen considered her answer for a moment. Normally she was a light
sleeper and awoke at the slightest noise. If there really had been
people in their room last night she would have heard it. Stephen shook
his head as he sipped on his drink. "No reason."
"Are you going to apply for that construction job?" Emily asked him.
"I'm not sure." Stephen replied as he grabbed his breakfast. "They
didn't really seem keen on the idea and I might look elsewhere." Emily
looked at him. "Really honey, you can't let other people put you off.
They hardly knew you. I'm sure that if you went there determined then
they might change their minds about you."
"Maybe you're right," Stephen replied. Although what he had heard last
night troubled him, real or not." "Well, either way." Emily said perking
up a bit. "You could go and do some shopping. Here, I've made a list of
what we need." she slid him a piece of paper.
"Alright." Stephen said. "I can do that. It'll give me a chance to
explore the town." "That's the spirit sweetie," Emily said smiling. She
then looked at her watch. "I've got to get going. Don't want to be late
on my first day."
"Break a leg," Stephen said. Emily blew him a kiss before she left,
leaving Stephen to finish his breakfast.
Chapter 9
Stephen finished his breakfast and then cleared before heading upstairs
to get changed. He wanted to do the shopping quickly so he hurriedly
took a shower and got dressed. Emily had taken the car to work this
morning so Stephen had walk. Fortunately one of the women from last
night had mentioned (more to him) that there was a small grocery shop in
the centre of town so he made his way there.
Fortunately Stephen got there early enough and there weren't many people
around. He quickly the list that Emily had given him and then proceeded
his way down it. After collecting all the items he pushed his cart to
the checkout. Unsurprisingly there was a woman manning the till. She was
dressed similarly to the women back at the club house and Stephen's mind
absently went back to last night.
"Can I help you Sir?" A voice said bringing him out of his reverie.
"Huh?" Stephen asked as he came to his senses. He had been so lost in
his thoughts that he hadn't realised that he had left the grocery store
and he now found himself staring at a shop window.
He turned towards the voice. A woman was looking at him quizzically and
by her uniform he guessed that she worked or maybe owned the shop. "Oh
sorry," Stephen said embarrassed. "Just looking." The woman gave him a
stiff nod as she looked him up and down before entering her shop.
"What's her problem?" Stephen thought as he turned back to what he had
been staring at. It was a mannequin or rather what the mannequin was
wearing to be precise. It was a yellow flower printed dress and what was
more worrying was that Stephen actually thought that it looked rather
pretty.
Shaking his head. Stephen picked up his bags and quickly hurried back
home. He had to talk to Emily when she got home.
Stephen made it home without anymore distractions. He was fumbling with
his keys to the house when he heard someone come up behind him.
"Oh sweetie. Let me help you with that."
Chapter 10
Emily pulled into the car park outside her new store. She noted that
there was a space that had her name on it. "Emily Thompson - Manager"
she smiled as she saw it. Parking in her spot she killed the engine and
then got out, straightening her skirt as she did so. She had wanted to
make a good first impression so this morning as she got dressed she
chose her best skirt suit.
After checking her appearance she strode confidently into the store. To
her surprise she found Fiona Masters inside waiting for her. Fiona
smiled when she saw Emily and she approached her. "Ah Emily. I'm glad
that you managed to find the place alright."
"Is everything alright?" Emily asked. She hadn't expected anyone to meet
her. Fiona nodded. "Of course. Everything's going splendidly," she told
her with a grin that unnerved Emily. "I just wanted to go over some
things with you before you started." "Oh, ok," Emily replied. Fiona
gestured towards the offices and Emily started moving in that direction.
The next thing that she knew, everything went black.
"Huh?" Emily groaned as she began to come to. When her eyes adjusted she
found herself tied to a chair with all sorts of machines surrounding
her. She then noticed Fiona Masters standing in front of her along with
some women who wore lab coats. "What's going on!?" Emily demanded.
Fiona, who had being talking to the scientists turned around. "Ah Emily,
good to see that you're awake." She lit a cigar and then smiled at her.
She then began to tell Emily everything that she had told Stephen. Emily
could only sit and stare at her in horror as she learned what was in
store for her husband. "What about me?" Emily asked gulping once Fiona
had finished. Fiona smiled again as she inhaled her cigar and then blew
a big cloud of smoke in Emily's face causing her to cough.
"You're lucky my dear," she told her. "Unlike Stephen, you get a
choice," "What do you mean?" Emily asked once she had stopped coughing.
"You can either go along with everything that you have just learnt and
keep your own personality." "Or?" Emily asked. "Or we will be forced to
make some changes and alter your personality."
"You can't do this!" Emily shouted as she tried to struggle against her
restraints but it was no use. "Oh but we can," Fiona told her. She
motioned to the scientists and they all moved, starting to attach wires
to Emily's brain. "So what will it be Mrs. Thompson?"
Emily struggled a bit more before stopping. Maybe she could play along
for a while as she tried to work out a way to stop the brainwashing?
Defeated she looked up at Fiona. "Fine," she said. "I'll do it."
"Excellent!" Fiona said and she snapped her fingers. The scientists
stopped what they were doing and then started to pack away all the
equipment. One of them untied Emily and she sat up rubbing her wrists.
"Welcome aboard," Fiona said shaking Emily's hand. She looked her up and
down before shaking her head. "But first, we'll have to get you out of
that ridiculous clothing," she said.
Chapter 11
Fiona had insisted on accompanying Emily to local mall. Emily suspected
that she wanted to make sure that she didn't run away. They had taken
Emily's car and headed to the mall. There they were met by none other
than Gemma Rhodes. She smiled at them as they got out. "Emily! My girl,"
she said rather loudly. "So glad that we could come to an
understanding," she said. "It would have been a shame to have to loose
that wonderful mind of yours." Both Fiona and Gemma laughed while Emily
just offered them a weak smile. She figured that she'd just bide her
time until she figured away out of here.
As they wandered through the mall Emily noticed that a few patrons were
out and about. She took a close look as one passed by quickly and sure
enough, it was a man. What worried her was that the man had long blonde
hair and he wore a dress. They all did. Was this what was to become of
her husband? She had to get him out of here.
The first store that they approached was a barber shop. Like all the
other shops this one was owned by a woman. She wore a white tank top
along with denim jeans. It looked like she worked out a lot as her top
showed off her muscles.
"Morning Sarah!" Fiona said as they entered. Sarah looked up. "Morning
Mrs. Masters, Mrs. Rhodes. New customer?" she asked as she returned her
attention to the customer currently sitting in her chair.
"Indeed," Fiona said. "This is Emily Thompson. She's going to be the
manager of the new store." Sarah looked up again. "Is she now? My
husband will be happy," she told them. "He's been going on about this
new store for weeks. I tell you, Mrs. Thompson," she added pointing at
Emily. "You're going to make a lot of the men around here very happy."
"I'm, happy to help," Emily managed to get out weakly. She was just too
stunned to say anything else. Sarah finished up her customer who got up
and paid for her service. The woman then took a hat off the coat rack
and put it on. She tipped it towards the 3 women as she left.
"Now what can I do for you?" Sarah asked as Fiona pushed Emily towards
the chair.
Chapter 12
"How's that?" Sarah asked as she showed Emily her work in the mirror.
Emily opened her mouth to say something but Fiona interrupted. "I think
she looks very handsome now. Don't you Gemma?" Fiona asked her
companion. "Oh yes, very handsome indeed," Gemma said with a grin. Gemma
walked up to the till and left a large wad of cash. "Thank you very
much, ma'am," Sarah the barber said as the three women left.
Emily could do nothing but follow the two women. She was stunned. Her
beautiful blonde hair had been cut short and dyed black. When she saw
herself in the mirror she looked like a man. Their next destination was
a clothing store. Emily stood there while Fiona and Gemma picked out
what they thought would be suitable clothes for her.
These included polo shirts, jeans and trousers. They even brought her a
new watch and a wallet. Again Gemma paid for the purchases, leaving a
similar amount of cash on the desk much to the employee's delight. They
then went and brought some shoes for Emily. Once they had brought
everything that they needed Fiona and Gemma made Emily change into her
new clothes. Each nodding in approval when she came out.
Once they had finished shopping Fiona and Gemma helped load all of the
purchases into Emily's car and then they drove back to the store. Emily
couldn't believe that she was expected to work after all that had just
gone on. Fiona and Gemma introduced Emily to all the members of staff
(mostly women) and then left leaving Emily to process what had just
happened.
Chapter 13
Emily sighed as she got into her car at the end of the day. It had been
a weird day. First she learned about the truth of Stepford and what was
going on here, then she was given a choice. A choice to which Emily felt
that she had no reason other than to accept. At least until she could
figure a way out of this place. Emily spent the rest of they pretending
to play along while she came up with an escape plan.
When she got home she would grab Stephen and then under the cover of
darkness, they would drive out of here. Maybe they could find a doctor
or scientist who could reverse whatever programming that Stephen had
been subjected to. Emily turned the engine on only to hear a loud bang
and see smoke coming out of the engine. "Great!" Emily thought to
herself as she got out. "There goes that plan." She opened up the bonnet
only to be covered in smoke, she coughed.
"What's up Mrs. T?" Emily heard through the smoke. She stepped away from
the engine and saw Stacy standing there. Stacy was one of here younger
employees fresh out of school. Her clothes and hairstyle were in the
latest trends. Emily sighed.
"My car's broken down," she explained.
"No problem Mrs. T" Stacy whipped out her mobile and dialled a number.
"Hello? Yes, we've got a broken down car here outside the new store.
Great, thanks," Putting her phone away Stacy explained that the mechanic
was on her way with a tow truck.
"Thanks," Emily said. Now what was she going to do?
"If you'd like I can give you a lift home," Stacy offered.
"Um, sure," Emily replied. They waited for mechanic to arrive. When she
did she got out of her truck and inspected the engine. The mechanic wore
blue overalls and was covered in dirt and oil stains. Emily noted that
she didn't have any hair on her head, and like the barber, she worked
out.
After a while the mechanic came over to them with a grim look on her
face. "It's a tough job I'm afraid," she told them. She explained all
the details but to Emily, not knowing much about cars, it went straight
over her head. "It's going to take a few weeks," the mechanic finished
as she looked at them waiting for a response.
"A few weeks!?" Emily exclaimed, shocked. "How am I supposed to get
around?" she asked.
"Well we have a car rental service. It's nothing spectacular but it'll
get you to A and B," the mechanic replied.
"I suppose that it'll have to do then won't it?" Emily replied shaking
her head. What was she going to tell Stephen? The mechanic returned to
her truck to get some paperwork. Emily filled it in including giving her
new address. She then handed the mechanic her keys.
"I just need to get a few things out of the boot first," Emily told the
woman. The woman nodded as she watched Emily and Stacy get her new
purchases and transfer them into Stacy's car.
"We'll be round shortly to drop off the hire car," the mechanic told
them. Emily just nodded as they drove off.
Chapter 14
"Wow Mrs. T!" Stacy exclaimed as they pulled up outside Emily's home.
"Is this place yours?" she asked. Emily nodded and Stacy whistled.
"Thanks for the lift," she told the girl.
"Anytime Mrs. T. Do you want me to help you with the bags?" she asked
but Emily shook her head.
"No thanks. I can manage it from here."
"No problem Mrs. T. See you tomorrow." Stacy waited until Emily had
unloaded before she sped off like all teenagers do. "I guess some things
never change," Emily said as she watched the car disappear. Emily picked
up her bags and headed to her house.
After fumbling with her keys for a moment she finally opened the door
and dropped her bags in the hall. "Honey! I'm home!" she called out but
she got no response although she did hear some voices coming from the
living room and to her surprise a couple of giggles. Intrigued Emily
made her way to the room.
"Now who's this handsome fellow?" she heard as she entered the room.
Inside the living room she found her husband talking with another man
only the man was all dressed up like a nineteen fifties housewife. Both
men were giggling.
"That's my wife Emily," Stephen told the man rather proudly with a
little giggle. The man got up and hurried over excitedly.
"Ooh, Stephen's told me all about you," he said gushing. "But I had no
idea that you were so handsome." Emily just stood there confused. "Oh
goodness, where are my manners?" the man asked himself. He held out his
hand daintily. "I'm Richard, Richard Goodman. Natalie's husband."
Emily took the man's hand and shook it. "Oh, um, yes we met your wife
last night."
Richard nodded. "I do wish that I could have been there as well but one
of my friends' wife is pregnant so we were holding a baby shower for
him." Emily looked at Stephen who seemed in a bit of a daze.
"Goodness is that the time?" Richard asked noticing Emily's watch. He
turned to Stephen. "Stephen dear, I must be off. Natalie will be
expecting her dinner anytime soon. I'll see you again tomorrow?" Stephen
in a haze nodded slowly. "Excellent," Richard said smiling, and with
that he saw himself out.
"What the hell was going on!?" Emily yelled once she heard the front
door close. That seemed to break Stephen out of his daze.
"Huh? What do you mean?" he asked, clearly not remembering all of the
details.
"I come home from work to find you and another giggling like a pair of
girls." Stephen shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs.
"You're right," he said remembering. "I don't what happened," he told
her. "I came home from the shopping and Richard offered to help unload
everything and then the next thing I know, you're here," Emily calmed
down. It wasn't Stephen's fault. It was that stupid programming. It
seemed that whenever he spent time with someone he would lapse into his
new personality, however far along. She sat down next to him and put her
arm around him.
"I'm sorry sweetie," she told him. "I'm sorry I ever agreed to come
here."
Stephen shook his head. "It's not your fault honey," he replied. "You
didn't know what was going to happen to us. Besides, you're home now. So
we can try an escape," he said hopefully. Emily sighed.
"I'm sorry honey. The car broke down this afternoon. It's going to be in
the shop for awhile," Stephen looked crestfallen. "Hey, come on now,"
Emily told him. "We can work through this," she said. "Together we'll
figure something out," Stephen nodded and then he looked at her.
"What happened to your clothes?" he asked.
Chapter 15
Emily was about to tell him what had happened this morning when the
doorbell rang. She looked out of the window and saw the mechanic
outside. "That's mechanic with the hire car," she told Stephen. Stephen
got up, smoothed his shirt out and then checked his appearance in the
mirror. Something, Emily noted, that he never did. Sighing Emily watched
as he went to open the door.
"Oh hello. You must be Mr. Thompson," the mechanic said as Stephen
opened the door.
"Yes that's me," Stephen replied.
"Is your wife around?" the woman asked. "I need her to sign some
documents," she explained. Stephen nodded.
"Of course," he called Emily over and she entered the hallway. "I'll
leave you two to it," Stephen told them.
"Lovely home you have ma'am," the mechanic told Emily.
"Thanks," Emily replied bluntly. "Let's just get this over with," The
mechanic showed Emily the car first. It wasn't as beaten down as Emily
thought that it might be but it wasn't fancy either though, it was kind
of in between. Emily was then given the paperwork which she signed and
the mechanic then handed the keys to her.  Emily saw the mechanic off
before heading back inside. To her surprise she could smell something
cooking. Stephen rarely cooked, that job usually fell to her. So she
went into the kitchen to see what was up.
"I thought I'd get started on dinner," Stephen explained as Emily
entered. "It's getting rather late." Emily looked at her new watch and
decided that he did have a point. "I chose steak," Stephen told her. "I
at least know how to cook that," Emily laughed.
"I'm sorry honey. I hadn't realised how late it was. Thank you for
taking over." Stephen nodded as he turned his attention back to the
dinner. Emily decided to retreat into the living room while dinner was
being cooked.
Chapter 16
It was Emily's turn to sleep not so soundly that night. She lay awake
thinking about what they were doing to her husband, and herself for that
matter. She also tried to think of ways that they could escape. Sure
they could take the hire car but Emily had a feeling that they could
probably track it somehow. Walking was out of the question. It was too
far to the nearest town and they be caught before they even got halfway.
Eventually Emily drifted off into an uneasy sleep.
When Emily awoke the next morning, she found Stephen's side of the bed
empty. Normally she woke before he did. She went into the bathroom to
get dressed and momentarily surprised herself when she caught herself in
the mirror. She was still a bit sleepy and it took a few moments before
she remembered what had happened yesterday. "That's going to take some
getting used to," she thought to herself as she stepped into the shower.
After her shower Emily got dressed in her new clothes and then headed
downstairs for breakfast. She was a bit worried about leaving Stephen on
his own. Worried about what she might come home to but what could she
do? Entering the kitchen she found Stephen at the table having his
breakfast. "Couldn't sleep?" she asked trying to start a conversation.
Stephen shook his head. "I slept fine," he told her. "I just woke up
early for some reason and I couldn't get back to sleep so I'd thought
I'd get breakfast ready," Emily smiled. She had to admit. It was nice
not having to worry about these things. As Emily poured herself some
cereal Stephen got up and poured a cup of coffee for her. It took them a
moment before they both realised that Emily normally did this for
Stephen.
They both started to say something but then the doorbell rang. "I'll get
it," Stephen announced. He had finished his breakfast anyway so he
headed out into the hall. Stephen checked his appearance in the mirror
before he caught himself. He shook his head and answered the door.
"Oh hello dear. Lovely day isn't it?" Richard asked as Stephen opened
the door. Today Richard wore a flower printed circle skirt.  On his arm
hung a white handbag and he wore matching gloves. On his feet he wore
white pumps. Richard's blonde hair was perfectly styled into an elegant
updo.
"Yes I suppose it is," Stephen replied, staring at Richard's clothing
choice. He coughed. "Um, if you don't mind. I actually don't feel too
well today," he feigned hoping that Richard would take the bait but
Richard shook his head.
"Nonsense my dear!" he said. "You look fine. A bit pale, but we can fix
that."
At that point Emily appeared having finished her breakfast. "Oh hello
Richard," she said once she saw who it was.
"Hello handsome," Richard replied with a giggle, causing Emily to blush.
"I was going to take Stephen out for the day, do some shopping. That
sort of thing," Richard told her. "I hope you don't mind," he asked.
Really Emily did mind. She didn't want her husband prancing around in
dresses acting like a woman. But what could she do? So she shook her
head. "No not at all," she said. "Now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to
be late for work."
"Don't let us keep you dear," Richard said with a wink. Both Stephen and
Richard waved Emily off. Once Emily had disappeared Richard turned to
Stephen. "Let's get started shall we?" he asked.
Chapter 17
"Let's get started shall we?" Richard asked Stephen gleefully. Stephen
sighed.
"I've got to clear the table," he said trying to stall him. Based on
what had happened last time, Stephen wanted to spend as little time as
possible with the man but Richard shook his head and placed a gloved
hand gently on Stephen's shoulder.
"Oh don't worry about that dear," he said with a smile. "I can help you
with that," And he almost barged in taking his gloves off as he did so.
Stephen shook his head as he watched Richard place his gloves and bag on
the table in the hall before moving into the kitchen. Stephen followed
him.
To his surprise Richard was running water in the sink. He fumbled in the
cupboards before he found what he was looking for, washing up liquid.
"We have a dishwasher," Stephen pointed out. Richard nodded.
"I know dear but I prefer to do them by hand," he told Stephen.
"Besides, it's good practice for you," he gestured for Stephen to come
closer. "Come here, I'll show you," Stephen realised that he was about
to get his first lesson in housekeeping.
Richard picked up the bowls from the table and then placed them in the
sink. He then showed Stephen what to do. When they had finished, Richard
placed them on the rack to dry.
"There. Now that that's done, we can go shopping," Richard said. He left
the kitchen to pick up his bag and put on his gloves.
"What did you have in mind?" Stephen asked fearing the answer.
"Well dear, seeing as your wife got some new clothes. I think that it's
time that you did as well. After all don't you want to fit in?" Richard
asked.
Stephen shook his head and backed away. "You mean wear a dress like
you?" he asked. "No way. I'm not dressing up like a sissy," he said.
Richard looked a little hurt but then he composed himself and placed his
made on his hips.
"I'm afraid that you don't have much of choice dear. Didn't they explain
all of that to you?" He shook his head. "Oh you poor thing."
"You know about the programming?" Stephen asked.
"Uh hum," Richard replied nodding. "Every so often we get an outsider
and they remind us of the process. "Everyone gets paired with a newcomer
to help ease them into their new roles," Richard explained getting
rather excited. "This is the first time that I've been paired with
anyone." He clapped his gloved hands excitedly. "This is going to be
fun," he said before composing himself and checking his appearance in
the mirror.
Stephen sighed. "Great!" he thought to himself. "So I'm stuck with him."
"Come on then dear," Richard said and he took Stephen's hand and led him
out of the house.
Chapter 18
Stephen tried to resist but Richard was relentless as he drag his
companion over to the mall. Stephen was worried that he might lapse into
his "feminine" persona again so he tried his best to focus. All the way
Richard gossiped about how much fun they were going to have and he
promised to introduce Stephen to all of his friends once he was ready.
Whatever that meant.
Their first stop much to Stephen's dismay was the salon. There were
groups of men all similarly dressed to Richard chatting away but they
all stopped and stared when they entered. Richard excitedly explained
that Stephen was new in town and that he needed a makeover. One of the
younger men, a teenager, rushed over as fast as his high heels could
carry him and gestured for Stephen to sit down.
"Don't worry Mr. Goodman," the young man said. "We'll make him
beautiful. Now what colour shall we go for?" he asked. "Blonde?"
Richard shook his head. "No dear, I don't think so. We don't want people
to think that he's some sort of himbo now do we?" he asked.
The young man giggled. "Oh of course not. What was I thinking? Hmm." He
paused for a moment giving it some thought. "I know!" he said suddenly.
"How about a redhead? Everyone loves redheads."
Richard considered it for a moment and then nodded. "Yes I think that'll
work." It seemed that Stephen would be getting no say in the matter.
"My names Andrew by the way," the man said introducing himself. "But
everyone calls me Candi." Richard nodded and let Candi get on with his
work. As he did so he started gossiping away. Stephen tried to get a
word in but Candi went on and on. He talked about his family, then he
talked about his hunk of a girlfriend Stacy, who had just graduated from
school and actually now worked for Stephen's wife. Stephen started to
grow bored and drifted off.
"All done honey," Candi announced waking Stephen up from his daze.
Stephen took a look at his reflection in the mirror and gasped. "I think
he likes it," Candi said proudly. Stephen hated to admit it but he
looked stunning.
In fact, he hardly recognised himself. His once short black hair had
been completely transformed. It was now a dark red and had been styled
into a beehive. Stephen also noticed that he was wearing makeup. He wore
dark blue eye-shadow and over his lips he wore a thick coat of dark red
lipstick.
"So dear," Richard said coming up behind him. "What do you think?"
Stephen just sat there in shock but a small part of him wanted to admit
that he liked it. Candi took the cover off him and allowed him to stand
up. That was when Stephen noticed that they had done his nails as well.
They were now a few inches longer and he noted that they were painted in
the same shade as his lipstick.
"What?" he asked stunned as he looked at his hands.
"I don't see what the problem is sweetie," Richard said as he paid Candi
for a job well done. "You asked for them."
"I what?" Stephen replied. He would have remembered if he had wouldn't
he?
Richard nodded. "As Candi was doing your hair you sat up and asked if
you could have your nails done like mine," Richard explained holding up
his own hands to demonstrate. Stephen's were done exactly like his.
"Stupid programming," Stephen muttered as he realised what must have
happened.
"There's no point fighting it sweetie," Richard told him. "Everyone
succumbs to it eventually," he said as they left the salon.
Chapter 19
"Stop touching it. Richard told Stephen as he kept fiddling with his new
hair. "You'll ruin all the work Candi did."
"Sorry," Stephen said glumly. Candi must have used a lot of hairspray on
his new hairdo as he could still smell it. He stopped dead when he saw
where they were headed next. "I can't go in there," he said to Richard.
"Why ever not dear?" Richard asked. "This shop caters to men only. Of
course you can." He took Stephen's hand and dragged him in to the store
past the display board that read "Victor's Secret".
Stephen felt embarrassed as Richard led down isles and isles of
lingerie. Richard chatted on as he picked out pairs of bras, panties,
girdles and stockings. They even picked out some nightwear including a
pink see through baby doll and a pink fluffy bathrobe.
To further Stephen's embarrassment Richard made him try on every piece
of item they brought. He also insisted that Stephen showed him what they
looked like on him. Stephen's face went red as he went into the changing
rooms and got changed into a lacy black bra and pantie set. Richard
whistled as Stephen showed himself and announced that Stephen would wear
that out of the shop.
Stephen felt weird after walking out of the shop dressed in his normal
clothes but wearing makeup, a bra and panties and with his hair all done
up. Stephen should have realised that that feeling wasn't going to last
though.
Their next destination was a clothing store. The very same one that
Stephen had found himself standing outside of yesterday. Today he found
himself drawn to the same window display which held the yellow dress.
"It is really pretty isn't it?" Richard asked him coming up beside him.
Stephen nodded slowly. "Great! We'll buy you one."
They must have tried on every dress in the shop Stephen mused. They
ranged from short dresses to long dresses. Casual to formal. Stephen
never new that there were so many different types. He also learnt (as
Richard explained) that different dresses were suited for certain
occasions while others weren't. He also learnt that he would have
coordinate his underwear with the piece of clothing that he planned on
wearing.
They eventually came out of the store carrying dozens of shopping bags
between them. Again Richard insisted that Stephen should wear one of his
purchases out of the store.
They decided on a red and white polka dot housedress. Richard had chosen
it because it matched his hair and nails. Richard had shown Stephen how
to wear pantyhose so he also wore a pair that was in black. They had
brought several pairs of shoes as well.
Stephen was now wearing, much to his dismay, a pair of black 2" inch
heels. Richard had showed him how to walk in heels although he stifled a
laugh when Stephen stumbled on his first go. "Oh don't worry sweetie,"
he said lowering his hand from his mouth. "You'll get used it."
"I doubt it," Stephen muttered quietly so that Richard wouldn't hear. He
was beginning to wonder if this trip would ever end when they stopped
outside a small café.
"Let's stop for lunch shall we?" Richard asked. "I don't know about you
but I'm hungry." Stephen nodded in agreement. He had no idea what the
time was but he guessed that it must be lunchtime. The café was starting
to fill up with other patrons.
They both sat down at a nearby table and placed their many shopping bags
around them. Richard scolded Stephen as he sat down. Reminding the
confused man that he needed to sit like a gentleman. Richard made him
stand up and then showed him how to sit by smoothing his skirt out first
and then cross his legs afterwards.
Stephen sighed as he followed Richards instructions. Once they had sat
down a waiter came over to take their order. He was a young lad, no
older than Candi back at the salon and Stephen had to admit that he
looked very pretty.
Stephen didn't get much choice in his order as Richard ordered them both
a skinny latte and a salad. Richard explained to him that he would now
have to keep an eye on his diet if he wanted to stay pretty to Emily.
Something which deep inside of Stephen appealed to him.
Once their meals arrived Richard then showed Stephen how to eat. Taking
small bites and being careful not to smudge his makeup. This was getting
to be all a bit too much for Stephen.
"Well sweetie," Richard said as they ate their meal. "I think that it's
time to show off the new you. Don't you?" he asked. Stephen looked
shocked.
"What do you mean?" he replied fearing the answer.
"I suggest that we all get together for dinner tonight," Richard
suggested. "I'll show how to cook and be a proper host to our wives."
"I can't let Emily see me like this," Stephen said. "What would she
think?"
"Well I'd think that she would think that you look stunning," Richard
told him with a smile. He placed a hand gently on Stephen's arm leaning
in to him. "And I would have to agree," he said. "In fact. I'd even say
that you look better than me."
Stephen blushed and playfully batted Richard's hand away. "Oh stop," he
said giggling and then he looked at his friend. "You really think so?"
Richard nodded. This made Stephen feel really good inside. Perhaps it
wasn't all bad to be beautiful.
Chapter 20
The two men spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for accessories.
They giggled and gossiped as they browsed through the many items on
sale. Stephen had unwittingly slipped into his new persona and was
having a ball.
"Ooh!" he squealed as he spotted something on display. "Look at this,"
he said calling Richard over.
"Oh sweetheart. It looks wonderful," Richard said as he saw what Stephen
was holding. It was a beautiful silver necklace that had a heart shaped
pendant.
"Do you think that Emily will like it?" Stephen asked as he tried it on.
"Sweetie. I think she will love it," Richard replied honestly causing
both men to giggle.
They made several more purchases which they placed inside their other
bags and then when it was time for them to go home Richard pulled out
his mobile. "I'm calling a cab," he explained.
"Good idea," Stephen said nodding. Richard ordered a taxi and then the
two men went and found somewhere to sit and wait.
They didn't have to wait long as a cab soon pulled up. The men started
to pick up their bags but the driver, a pleasant looking woman got out
and came over to help them.
"Oh thank you," Richard told her as she took several bags. "You are
sweet," Once the bags were all in the boot. Richard thanked the woman
again by kissing her on the cheek. This caused the woman to blush and
shocked Stephen.
"But Richie," he said. "You're married!" Richard told Stephen to keep
his voice down.
"I know but it doesn't hurt to tease them once in a while," he
explained. "A stunning young man such as yourself will find that you'll
get a lot more favours from women if you do."
This was a revelation to Stephen and he pondered what Richard had told
him on the ride home. Maybe he could tease Emily a bit?
They arrived at Stephen's house and the woman again helped them with
their bags to the front door. Again Richard kissed the woman on the
cheek and then he looked at Stephen expectantly.
Stephen got the message. He strode over to the woman stumbling a bit in
his heels, placed an arm over her shoulder and gave her a big wet kiss.
This action caused the woman to stumble backwards blushing a deep red
from cheek to cheek. She quickly hurried back to her cab.
"How was that?" Stephen asked turning to Richard. He was confused when
he saw his friend trying hard not to laugh.
"I think that you over did it a bit," Richard said and he burst out
laughing. Stephen grinned as they picked up their bags and headed
inside.
Chapter 21
"I've called Natalie and let her know that we're having dinner over
here," Richard said as he reentered the bedroom where Stephen was
finishing unpacking. Richard looked at his watch. "That gives us about 4
hours to get ready," he told Stephen.
"Get ready?" Stephen asked as he looked down at himself. "I thought that
I was ready?" he said.
"Oh sweetie," Richard replied shaking his head. "No, no no. You can't
wear the same dress that you've been wearing all day," he said. He went
over to Stephen's newly filled wardrobe (They had thrown out all of
Stephen and Emily's old clothes) and started browsing.
"Ah ha!" he said after some searching and pulling out his selection.
Sticking with the red theme he had chosen a silk off the shoulder party
dress with short sleeves. He then went over to a set of drawers and
picked out a red bra and panty set. Laying them on the bed next to the
dress he looked up at Stephen.
"Go and take a shower, but be careful not to get your hair wet, and then
put these on," Richard told him. Stephen was about to enter the bathroom
when Richard motioned for him to wait. Richard rummaged through one of
the bags and picked out a pink razor and some cream.
"Make sure to shave every hair off your body," Richard instructed.
Stephen took the items, nodded, and entered the bathroom.
Once he had showered Stephen peeked around the door. "Can you hand me my
underwear?" he asked his friend. Richard shook his and pushed the door
open.
"Come on dear, there's no need to be ashamed. We're friends aren't we?"
Stephen nodded and slowly stepped out. He wasn't used to this sort of
intimacy between males as he stood there in the nude in front of
Richard.
Richard handed him the panties and Stephen slipped them on. He then
helped Stephen with the bra, telling to take notes because he would have
to put it on himself later. Stephen then put on the dress which zipped
up at the back so Richard helped him with that as well.
Next came the makeup. Richard sat Stephen down at the vanity table which
used to be Emily's and showed him how to do his makeup. At the jewellery
store they had got Stephen's ears pierced and so they selected a pair of
white pearl shaped earrings and a matching necklace.
"There," Richard said as he stepped back to admire his handy work.
Stephen looked at himself and squealed.
"Oh my god Richie!" he said posing this way and that. "I look amazing!"
Richard nodded in appreciation.
"Now why don't you go downstairs and put the oven on?" Richard
suggested. "I need to head home and get changed myself," Stephen nodded
as he got up. Slipping into a pair of red heels he headed downstairs.
While he waited for Richard to return Stephen decided to let Emily know
of their plans. He went to fetch his purse and got out his mobile and
then he dialled Emily's number.
"Hi sweetie," he said in a breathy tone when Emily answered.
"Stephen?" Emily replied sounding confused. "Are you alright? You sound
different."
Stephen just giggled. "I'm fine honey. Richie and I were talking and we
decided to have dinner at our house tonight," Stephen explained. "I hope
that's ok with you?" he asked hoping that he hadn't crossed a line.
There was a pause before Emily replied.
"That's fine honey."
"Great!" Stephen replied happily. "Richie and I will cook you the best
meal you've ever tasted," he told her, wanting to impress her. "Oh and
honey?" he added.
"What?"
"I've got a surprise for you," he giggled and hung up leaving Emily to
wonder what was going on and what Stephen's surprise was.
Chapter 22
Emily couldn't concentrate at work that afternoon. She was worried about
Stephen, worried that he had slipped into his new persona again after
spending all day with Richard, worried what she might find when she got
home.
So as soon as her shift had ended she almost ran to her car which caused
her braless chest to bounce freely. When she had been given her makeover
Fiona had explained how it was the men who wore bras not the women.
This had confused Emily a bit because men don't really need bras but at
the time she was in no position to question the logic.
She got to her car, started it up and drove as quickly as she could
home. After parking in the drive she rushed to door and flung it open.
There she quickly came to a stop as her jaw dropped to the ground.
Standing in the hallway in front of her, giggling and holding a bunch of
flowers was Stephen. But this was not the Stephen that she recognised.
His hair had been dyed a dark red and styled in to a beehive. The red
party dress fit him like a glove.
"Wow!" Was all that Emily could say. She was speechless. This apparent
reaction was what Stephen had been hoping for and he squealed excitedly.
"Oh Richie!" he called. "She likes it! She really likes it!" he giggled
again, put the flowers down and rushed over to his wife. He then put his
arms around her shoulders and gave a big wet kiss on the lips stunning
Emily.
"Of course she does Honey," Richard (or Richie) said as he came out of
the kitchen. He too was dress similarly to Stephen only his dress was
pink and he currently wore a pink fluffy apron over it.
"What woman wouldn't like that? He said proud of his handiwork.
"A gay one," Stephen wittingly replied causing both men to burst in to
fits of laughter.
"Oh Stephie. You are quick," Richard said as he regained his composure.
"Now why don't you see to our wives and then come and help me with the
casserole?"
"Of course," Stephen said still giggling a little. He took Emily's coat
off and hung it on the coat rack. He then led Emily in to the living
room where Emily saw Richard's wife Natalie already there.
She nodded at Emily as she entered. Natalie was currently holding a
glass of cherry in her hand and there were some nibbles on the coffee
table in front of her.
"Now, Honey?" Stephen asked as Emily sat down. "What would you like to
drink?"
"She'll have the same as me please love," Natalie replied for her. She
could tell that Emily was too stunned to reply.
Stephen nodded. He even gave a little curtsey as he left. Natalie
chuckled.
"This wasn't what you were expecting was it?" she asked Emily as she
reached for some nuts.
Emily slowly shook her head slowly. Trying to come to grips with it all.
Chapter 23
"This wasn't what you were expecting was it?" she asked Emily as she
reached for some nuts.
Emily slowly shook her head slowly. Trying to come to grips with it all.
"Don't worry," Natalie said with a smile. "You'll get used to it."
Stephen returned a few minutes later with Emily's drink. While he had
been in the kitchen he had donned an apron similar to Richard's.
Emily watched with a mixture of fascination and shock as Richard handed
her her drink. He gave Emily a wink as he did so. As he headed back to
the kitchen Emily noticed that Stephen stumbled a couple of times.
"He doesn't realise what he is doing does he?" Emily asked as she took a
sip of her drink.
Natalie shook her head. "Well, I suppose on some level he does. The
programming doesn't completely remove his personality or his memories.
It just enforces our ideals onto him and makes him want to comply."
Natalie then continued to explain how the process worked and how each
newcomer was given a partner to reinforce the programming. Emily just
sat and listened as she took in everything that she said.
"There must be some way to reverse it," Emily said to herself but she
must've said it too loudly because Natalie chuckled.
"I don't think so," she said as she passed the nibbles to Emily looking
at her suspiciously. "No one has found a way to yet," she told her.
Emily continued to ponder this new information as they sat there
drinking and nibbling. "I have to get Stephen away from Richard," she
thought.
She was distracted from her thoughts when Stephen and Richard both
entered the room and curtsied.
"Dinner is ready," they announced.
"Excellent," Natalie said. She gave a sniff as she stood up. "It smells
wonderful." Richard accepted the compliment as Stephen blushed.
Chapter 24
It was getting quite late by the time the Goodmans decided to leave.
Both Emily and Stephen saw them out with Stephen helping Natalie with
her coat.
"Well thank you for a wonderful evening," she said after she had
straightened it out.
"Yes, it was really lovely," Richard added. "We should do this again
soon."
"Oh, and that casserole was amazing," Natalie told Stephen, she took his
hand and kissed it. Stephen blushed.
"Thank you," He said giggling. "But really Richard did all the work, I
just helped out," Stephen told her modestly.
Natalie nodded. "Come along dear," she said to Richard and as they
turned to leave she slipped her arm around Richard's waist.
Stephen closed the door and then turned to face Emily. He had a rather
seductive look on his face. "And now Honey. It's time for your
surprise."
For a moment Emily wondered what the surprise was but she shook her
head.
"No," she said firmly catching Stephen by surprise. "This has to stop,"
she told him. "Stephen you're not acting like yourself."
But Stephen, who was under the influence, looked at her coyly. "That's
because I want you baby," he said in a breathy tone.
Emily shook her head. She grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him.
"Come on Honey, wake up!" she said. Stephen tried to kiss her but she
shook him again and slapped him in the face.
That seemed to do the trick. Stephen looked shocked for a moment and
then he shook his head and looked at himself.
"Oh my God! What am I wearing!?" he asked out loud. He then looked at
Emily.
"I can't believe that I was acting like that," he said. "I'm sorry
Honey," He said apologetically.
"It's not your fault Stephen," Emily said trying to comfort him. "It's
that stupid programming."
"I can't control it," Stephen told her breaking down. "Every time I'm
alone or spend time with Richard I seem loose control."
Emily nodded. She put her arms around him. "I know Honey. Natalie told
me how it works."
"What are we going to do?" Stephen asked sniffing a little.
"I don't know," Emily replied shaking her head. Then suddenly she
stopped.
You know what?" she asked. Stephen looked at her. "Screw it. Let's take
the hire car and get out of here."
"Really?" Stephen asked unsure.
"Yep," Emily replied firmly. She then looked at him. "But first, let's
get you out of that ridiculous clothing." She took his hand and led him
upstairs.
Emily quickly ran up the stairs with Stephen in tow. She went into their
bedroom and opened their wardrobe only to find...
"I'm sorry," Stephen sobbed. "I forgot. Richard and I threw everything
out."
Natalie sighed.
"We'll have to go as we are then," she told him. Stephen looked at her
fearfully.
"But what happens when we get to civilisation?" he asked. "What if
someone sees..."
"We'll figure that out when we get there," Emily said interrupting him.
Stephen thought for a moment but nodded. Emily took his hand again and
they rushed downstairs grabbing the car keys as they went.
Emily helped Stephen into the car. He automatically smoothed his skirt
out before he sat down. Emily didn't say anything, she got in and
started the car up.
As they drove through the small town Emily kept looking in the mirror to
see if they were being followed but it appeared that they weren't.
They entered the narrow road, which was the only way out, and they both
breathed a sigh of relief as they thought that they were in the clear.
Their relief was premature, however, as they rounded a corner a car was
coming the other way. Emily swerved to avoid it, but they ended crashing
into one of the many bushes that lined the road.
Chapter 25
Emily groaned as she slowly came to. She blinked, trying to adjust as
she opened her eyes. She was in a dimly lit room.
She lifted her head and after a few moments, she realised that she was
in the same room that she had been in when she first arrived in
Stepford. That seemed like a lifetime ago.
Emily realised that this time she was lying down. She tried to sit up
but found that she had been restrained. Her struggle must've have made
some noise because Fiona Masters soon appeared in her vision.
"Where's Stephen?" she asked concerned, struggling again.
"He's alright," Fiona assured her. "He suffered a bump to the head in
the crash but other than that he's alright."
"Crash?" Emily asked still a bit dazed. Fiona nodded.
"Yes. It seems that the two of you were in rather a hurry last night
weren't you?" she asked Emily.
Emily stopped struggling and looked at Fiona who tutted.
"My poor dear," she said as she began pacing. "Didn't we tell you what
would happen if you tried to resist?" She looked at Emily and shook her
head.
Emily realised what she meant by that and suddenly grew worried.
"Please," she said. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again I promise."
Fiona shook her head again as she lit a cigar.
"I'm sorry dear but I can't take any chances. Especially now that I know
that I can't trust you."
She snapped her fingers and the machines in the room began to hum.
"I can only hope," Fiona said as she leaned towards Emily, blowing a
cloud of smoke in her face. "That your personality doesn't get altered
too much," she said as she leaned away. "I rather like you."
"Wait!" Emily shouted but it was no use. Fiona ignored her and had
closed the doors behind her. Leaving Emily in the dimly lit room alone
with the machines.
Chapter 26
Stephen was in the waiting room of the hospital when Richard found him.
He rushed over to him.
"Oh Sweetie!" Richard said feeling sorry for the man. He was a mess. His
hair was all dishevelled and his dress wrinkled. His makeup was ruined
as well because he had been crying. Richard sat down next to him and
handed him a tissue out of his purse.
"I came as soon as I heard," Richard told his friend. Stephen nodded as
he blew into the tissue and dabbed his eyes.
"Have you been here all night?" Richard asked. Stephen nodded.
"Once they had seen to me. They let me go," he explained. "But I didn't
want to go without Emily," he added, Richard nodded. "They told me that
they had to keep her overnight but they didn't say why."
"I know Honey," Richard said as he pulled Richard into a hug. Little did
Stephen know that they had both been subjected to the programming again
and that Richard was there to reinforce it.
"Do you want something to drink? Tea, Coffee?" Richard asked. Stephen
nodded and ordered a coffee. Richard got up and went to find the nearest
machine.
While Stephen waited for Richard to return, the door to Emily's room
opened and the doctor came out. Stephen stood up immediately.
"How is she doctor?" Stephen asked fearing the worst but the doctor's
warm smile seemed to comfort him.
"She's fine," the doctor replied. "A little shocked but nothing too
serious," she told him. "We needed to keep her overnight to run some
tests," she explained.
Stephen nodded. "May I see her?" he asked.
"Of course."
Stephen nearly knocked the doctor over as he hurried in to see his wife.
"Oh Honey, I'm so glad that you're ok!" Stephen said as he flung himself
onto her.
Emily coughed and then pushed him away slightly.
"Woah, steady on babe," she said smiling at him. "You're crushing me,"
she chuckled. Stephen backed off blushing.
"Sorry," he said grinning a little. "I'm just so happy that you're ok,"
Emily nodded.
"I know baby," she replied. "We had a little scare there, but
fortunately we both came away unharmed."
"Oh good, she's awake," Richard had returned with Stephen's coffee. He
handed it to him and then placed a hand on Emily's shoulder.
"How are you feeling?" he asked. Emily perked up a bit.
"A lot better now that my two favourite men are here," she said causing
Richard to blush and giggle.
"Oh stop!" He said giggling as he gave Emily a playful push.
They sat and talked with Emily for a bit before the doctor returned
telling them that Emily needed to rest. She also told them that Emily
could be discharged that afternoon. This seemed to cheer Stephen up.
"We'll head home and get cleaned up," Stephen told his wife. "And then
we'll pick you up and I'll take good care of you," he promised as he
gave Emily a little wink.
"I can't wait," Emily replied with a smile.
The two men left Emily alone to rest.
Chapter 27
Natalie, who had taken the day off, was waiting for them in the car
park. When she saw them exit the hospital she got out and opened the
doors for both of them.
"How is she?" Natalie asked.
"The doctor said that she's fine," Stephen explained. "They said that we
could come and pick her up this afternoon."
"That's great," Natalie replied as she started the car up and drove off.
When they reached Stephen's house Richard asked, "Do you want me to come
in and help?"
Stephen shook his head. "No thank you, I'll be fine." He got out and
headed inside.
Stephen wanted to make sure that he looked absolutely perfect for when
his wife returned and he also wanted to do it all by himself so he
headed upstairs.
The first thing that Stephen needed to was to take a shower. He had
spent all night in this dress and so it was wrinkled. Once in the
bathroom, he peeled it off along with his bra and panties, then threw
them in the hamper.
After waiting for the water to get warm Stephen then stepped into the
shower making sure to rub his body all over with that new strawberry
scented shower gel that he had brought. Then he washed his hair
thoroughly, making sure to get rid of any tangles or knots.
Finishing his shower, Stephen stepped out making sure to cover his chest
with a towel and then wrapped another around his hair allowing it to
dry.
As he waited for his hair to dry he decided to pick out his new clothes.
He smiled as he picked out a lacy black bra and matching panties. He
just knew that Emily would love these. Placing them on the bed he then
opened his wardrobe.
After carefully selecting the appropriate outfit, he laid that out as
well. He then set to work on his makeup.
He made sure to use plenty of foundation to cover up the bruise on his
forehead and then, after applying the finishing coat of red lipstick, he
blew himself a kiss in the mirror. Figuring that his hair was now dry,
he removed his towel and then set to work.
Once he had finished styling his hair he stood up and then got dressed.
Before he zipped up his dress though he gave himself a once over in the
floor length mirror and nodded.
The black wiggle dress hugged his figure while the pleated twist
sweetheart neckline gave a good view of his chest. You could just see a
hint of the black lacy bra underneath. The pencil skirt showed off his
legs nicely.
His brunette coloured hair was of course elegantly styled into victory
curls which showed off his diamond shaped earrings, while his makeup was
just as immaculate.
Satisfied with his appearance Stephen then reached behind him and sipped
up his dress and then slipped into a pair of black ankle strap wedges.
He then headed downstairs to make sure that everything would be just
right for when Emily returned home.
Stephen was just finishing dusting the living room when Natalie and
Richard called round. He put the duster down, checked his appearance,
and then answered the door.
"Wow Stephie!" Richard said in amazement. "You look absolutely
stunning." Natalie nodded in agreement. Too stunned for words.
"Thank you," Stephen replied blushing a little.
"Are you ready to go?" Richard asked.
"Hold on," Stephen told his friend and he bustled off into the kitchen.
A few moments later he returned with a thermos flask.
"I made a hot drink for Emily," he explained as they made their way to
the car. "I know how horrible those hospital coffees can be."
Chapter 28
Emily was discharged from the hospital later that afternoon. They had to
wait a little while as the doctor had some paperwork to sort out. Then
after giving her a clean bill of health and recommending a lot of rest
(with a wink towards Stephen), the doctor let her go.
"Here you are Honey," Stephen said as he handed her a cup of coffee from
his thermos.
"Thanks, babe," Emily replied as she took a sip. "This is lovely," She
told him with a smile.
Stephen beamed and then he took her arm and helped to the car. Richard
sat in the front while Natalie drove. Stephen snuggled up to Emily and
couldn't help but fawn all over her but Emily didn't seem to mind.
In fact, she rather enjoyed all the attention. When they got home Stephen
ushered her into the living room and sat her down in an armchair facing
the TV.  He handed her the control and told her that she could watch
anything that she wanted.
Natalie came in and joined her. After flicking through the channels Emily
for some reason lingered on some football highlights. She wasn't normally
a sports person but the game looked quite entertaining so she left it on.
"Hey, babe?" Emily asked as she concentrated on the TV. "How about a beer
for us girls?"
"Of course Honey," Stephen said and he hurried off to the kitchen before
returning with two glasses of beer.
"Thanks babe," Emily said. She pulled Stephen close to her and gave him a
passionate kiss which took his breath away.
After breaking away from the kiss Stephen giggled and then announced that
he and Richard would get started on dinner. Emily nodded and gave Stephen
a little slap on his behind as he turned away, causing him to let out a
squeal of delight.
Natalie watched all of this with a smile on her face.
"What?" Emily asked as the two husbands headed into the kitchen.
"Nothing," Natalie replied with a chuckle. She took a sip of her beer.
"You seem to be rather enjoying yourself. That's all."
"Well, I should think that after all I've been through that I should be
allowed to," she retorted.
"Of course you are," Natalie replied. "I didn't say that it was wrong. I
was just pointing it out."
Emily was about to reply when one of the teams scored a goal.
"Oh wow!" Natalie commented, she was a football fan. "Did you see that?"
Meanwhile from the kitchen, Stephen smiled as he heard his wife cheer.
"You seem happy," Richard commented as he laid the table. Stephen nodded.
"I'm just glad that she's home safe," Stephen replied as he prepared the
meat to go into the oven.
Richard nodded. He had finished setting the table and moved on to the
vegetables.
"I know dear," he replied with a smile.
"Another beer please babe!" Emily called from the living room.
"Already?" Stephen asked Richard surprised. Richard just shrugged his
shoulders while Stephen opened the fridge.
When Stephen returned Richard came up with a suggestion.
"You know, I think that we're allowed a little treat ourselves," he said.
"What did you have in mind?" Stephen asked.
Richard opened the fridge again and pulled out a bottle of wine. Catching
on, Stephen turned around and took a couple of wine glasses out of the
cupboard behind him.
Perching himself on the counter Richard opened the bottle and poured the
wine. Picking up his glass he toasted to Stephen.
"To our good health," he said.
"To our handsome wives," Stephen replied which caused both men to fall
into fits of giggles.
