#discoveringoneself

Lassiter: Mhonroe had been in the clinic for some days, her injuries were healing nicely but I felt she was once again a prisoner in different surroundings. I had to come up with a plan, put on hold my own mini-quest for her. Wondering the manse the answer came to me, the theatre. Mhonroe had enjoyed the movie when she was in the clinic. Coming to theatre not only will it get her out of the room, but it will show her that she can wonder the manse without no one questioning her. Running down to the clinic I knocked on the door where Mhonroe was since she had been rescued from the cave.

Mhonroe: <It has been about a week since I arrived here in what they called a clinic. All white walls and their sterile instruments and machinery. The constant beeping was my company as I was kept in this room. Mine sisters and the Primale had visited but I wanted to be outside instead of being stuck in this room. I had not seen Lassiter in a few days and I felt bereft. I felt safe with him. I sighed as I read through a book one of mine sisters. hearing a knock at the door, I bade entry.>

Lassiter: Hearing Mhonroe telling me to enter, I opened the door.

“Get your glad rags on girly, you and I have a date tonight.”

“But where are you taking me?”

“You’ll see.”

Helping Mhonroe off the bed, I held my arm out for her. She slipped her arm in mine, escorting her out of the room, down the corridor to the office. Entering the supply cupboard, punching in the code on the number lock pad, the back wall opened revealing the corridor up to the mansion.

Mhonroe: <I slipped on some shoes that the doggen had provided for me and followed as Lassiter lead me outside the room. Finally.

We entered into a hallway and into a room with mats on the floor, then into an office to a shelf. Strange.

Then the shelf magically opened and opening another door and down a long dirt hallway and into another door to a beautiful foyer with the tile duplicating a beautiful apple tree blossoming. I stood there in awe as all the vibrant colors bombarded me.>

Lassiter: Watching Mhonroe while she took in the wonder of the foyer, she then looked up to the ceiling looking at the mural of the warriors fighting against the enemies.

“Is this my surprise Lassiter? It's beautiful.”

“No, it's not. If you care to follow me.”

Mhonroe followed as I made my way up the grand staircase, turning left once I got to the top. Walking along the corridor, way back in the mansion. Stopping at a door I opened it.

“This your surprise Mhonroe.”

Mhonroe: <I looked into the room and viewed all the comfortable seating facing one way. I looked at the direction and realized it was some sort of cinema!!>

Are we going to watch another movie? <I asked excitedly. It was so magically when we had watched our last movie. Technology had changed so drastically over the century. It was quite amazing. He just smiled as he leads me to a seat in the middle.>

Lassiter: “Yes we are. Today we will be watching the Wizard of Oz, a classic. Judy Garland is amazing in this movie”

Heading towards the front, flipping the switch on the popcorn machine comes to life. While the popcorn was popping, I went behind the screen, finding the DVD, opened the box and took the disc out. Taking the remote, opening the DVD tray, placing the disc in and closed it. Taking two boxes, filled them both with popcorn and took them to where Mhonroe was sitting, handing her a box.

Mhonroe: <Lassiter handed me some popcorn which I had enjoyed the last time and sat back on the huge comfortable chair and relaxed. Taking off the shoes and put them out in front of me and waited for Lassiter to return.

The screen slowly started to glow and the words appeared on the screen. All the colors and sounds were something I still found fascinating. After centuries in white then in browns and grays … being here was giving my senses all kinds of different sights and sounds. It was overwhelming yet exciting.>

Lassiter: Sitting next to Mhonroe, the movie started off in black and white, till after Dorothy has landed a house on the wicked witch of the East, the ruby slippers appeared on Dorothy's feet, she opened the door to a technicolour landscape of Munchkinland. Quickly giving a side glance to Mhonroe she was taking in all the colours that were on the screen.

When the Wicked Witch of the West appeared Mhonroe became scared.

“She's a horrible female.”

“That she is.”

Watching Dorothy dance and sing along the yellow brick road to the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion. They all make the way to Emerald City to see the Wizard of Oz.

Mhonroe: <We watched the movie, enjoying the colors and entertainment. Seeing a movie this way was so different from the scrying bowls and on the box called television. The screen was huge and the sounds surrounded us everywhere.

The popcorn was delicious and Lassiter handed me other foods, the small colorful discs that tasted chocolate and sweet with little letter m’s. Delicious. He also gave me a drink that was dark in color, created bubbles and fizzed. It tasted strange but was yummy as well.

The characters in the movie finally arrived to see the Wizard of Oz and realized that the whole time the Oz was just a man behind a big voice. Then the good witch Glinda appears and tells Dorothy that the ruby slippers will take her home. Then she taps her heels together three times and repeats “There's no place like home.”>

Lassiter: The movie went back to black and white then ended.

“That was fun. Want to watch another movie?”

While I waited for Mhonroe to answer, I handed her some more M & Ms, popcorn and refilled her beaker with coke. I gave her vanilla coke this time.

Sitting back down next to Mhonroe I put my arm around her shoulder while she took in the tastes of the coke. Such innocence in those eyes, I'd kill anyone who would hurt her, and to those who had held her captive for all those years.

Mhonroe: I would like that. <I replied to his question as he handed me another glass. This time the drink was more sweeter. He handed me more circle candy and popcorn.

He put his arm around me and could not help but to snuggle close, it’s been so long since I had human contact, besides the doctors. I felt like everyone was treating me like delicate glass. I had been alone for so long with no one to talk to and very little contact, that it was I craved. Though I didn’t want to be inappropriate in my need when Lassiter was close … I just couldn’t help it.

I laid my head on his shoulder and hugged him tight hoping he didn’t reject my need for this intimacy.> Is this alright?

Lassiter: “This is fine, you don't have to worry about anything. Now that you're free what would you like to do? I can show you around the mansion, show you the kitchens and the billiards room.”

We watched another movie, “Monster Inc.” which was a classic. Mhonroe came closer to me when Randall appeared.

The movie finished. Getting up I held out my hand. “Where to now m’lady?”

Mhonroe: How about around the mansion? Am I able to roam anywhere? <I asked as I took his hand and he led me out the movie room into the hallway.

We roamed around the hallways and he showed me to the different rooms and floors. Every now and then, a Brother would appear. I bowed reverently as we were introduced. We also ran into their spouses and others who lived in the household.

We headed to the kitchen as my stomach rumbled.>

Lassiter: Watching Mhonroe as I walked her through the mansion, I introduced her to the people we came across. There were a couple she was hesitant over, Mhonroe moved more to my side as she said her greetings to them. Eventually, we came into the kitchen.

“Take a seat and I'll make you something to eat.”

Knowing her time as a prisoner with the males she wouldn't come across many delights with the taste of food.

Heading to the fridge, opening it I took out a half-eaten turkey out and placed it on the counter, I

then took out lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber. I then took out a jar of mayonnaise. Shutting the fridge door I went to the bread bin, lifting the lid and brought out a sliced loaf of bread, taking out four slices of bread and proceeded to make two turkey salad sandwiches. Putting everything away when I had done and placing the sandwiches on two plates, I brought them over to where Mhonroe sat, placing a plate in front of her.

“Enjoy.”

Mhonroe: <I watched as Lassiter moved about the large kitchen after dismissing the doggen, though the one called Fritz did not look happy. He moved with such grace considering his large over six-foot frame.

He eventually completed his task and placed a dish before me that looked colorful with colors and I proceed to mimic his movements and used my hands to eat the object.

It was delicious, the meat was moist and the vegetables were most colorful. Lassiter was introducing me to a whole different world and it was exciting yet scary all at the same time.>

Lassiter: After we had finished the sandwiches I picked up Mhonroe’s plate, placing it in the sink. I was wondering what to show Mhonroe next when I have an idea.

“Do you like to swim?”

Before Mhonroe could answer I took her hand leading back into the foyer. Heading to the secret panel, punching in the code we re-entered the tunnel. Coming out back out onto the office I looked at Mhonroe. She had a perplexed look on her face.

“I'm not taking you back to your room.”

Leading Mhonroe to the swimming pool, I opened the door to see her reaction.

Mhonroe: <I was relieved when he told me I didn’t need to go back just yet. Then it quickly passes as I looked upon an inside reflecting pool. It was vast much like the river that ran through the Sanctuary. Though different. It was made of tile and stone.>

I have nothing to swim in. <I looked towards Lassiter. Then of course, Fritz appeared from the doorway with a garment. I smiled and followed the doggen to a room to change.>

Lassiter: Fritz was there as always with a swimsuit for Mhonroe and led her to the changing room.

When she came back she looked stunning in the swim suit. The cloth snuggled her curves, she looked different out of those robes all the Chosen wore.

“You ready to dip a toe?”

Mhonroe went to the shallow end, gingerly making her way into the water. Her face was full of wonder as she felt the water around her legs.

Mhonroe: <I put on the swimsuit and felt quite naked though technically I wasn't … It was quite a change from the Chosen robes mine sisters brought to me when I was rescued.>

Yes, I think I will. <I answered Lassiter as I stepped into the water and it felt heavenly. It has been so long since I have immersed myself in water. The water lapping against me from my movements felt nice and I swam into the depth enjoyed becoming weightless and free. I began to swim towards Lassiter.>

Lassiter: Taking my shoes off, pulling up my jeans legs, I put my feet into the deep end of the pool. Mhonroe swam towards me, her expression was that of being free.

“Think this is the happiest I've seen you."

Mhonroe stopped in front of me, she eased herself out of the water and sat next to me, she snuggled up to me.

“Don't stop if you're enjoying yourself.”

Putting my arm around her shoulders gently.

Mhonroe: The feeling of weightlessness is very appealing. It has been a long time since I felt so free. Thank you.

<I said as I sat next to him on the ledge wanting contact and felt warm when he placed his arm around me. We sat and talked for a while and I swam some more around the water as he watched. I laid on top of the water and floated a bit and looked up at the ceiling as I floated wondering where I go from here, now that I’ve been rescued.>

What happens now?

Lassiter: “Whatever you want to happen. This is your destiny now, for once you're in control.”

I didn't like that I'd have to leave Mhonroe in the clinic again, I'd rather leave her in one of the guest rooms in luxury.

“If I talk to Manny, would you stay in the guest room in the mansion? You'd have a big bed with fluffy pillows and crisp white cotton. You’ll have a direct line to the kitchen, you can ask for whatever you want Mhonroe. Would you like that?”

Watching her floating on top of the water while I waited for her to answer.

Mhonroe: My own guest room? I can have my own room? Here? That would be nice. I don’t have to go back to the Sanctuary?

<I asked as I waded along the water I wondered what to do with my life now. As Chosen, we had a purpose given to us by the Scribe Virgin. What would my purpose be now? Did I want to return to that life?>

My own destiny? What do I do from here? I have never been my own person. The Chosen has always been one unit … had a purpose.

Lassiter: “I will hold your hand while you discover yourself. And yes your own room. In fact, I’ll go ask Manny now.”

Standing up I walked over to the door, taking one last look at Mhonroe before walking out.

Heading towards the clinic, opening the door I find Manny on the computer. “Hey man, was wondering does Mhonroe have to stay in the clinic? Personally, I think it's about time she spread her wings.”

“I agree with you she doesn't have to stay in clinic no more.”

Going out of the clinic I headed back to the pool, walking in I find Mhonroe still in the water looking up at the ceiling.

“Good news, you can have your own room up at the mansion. Would like me to take you up there now?”

Mhonroe: <I heard Lassiter return with the news. I swam towards him and he helped me out of the water. He wrapped a towel around me.>

I would love to leave the clinic, would I be able to roam around … is that allowed? What can you tell me about this time? Everything has changed so much. I’m not sure where my place is anymore.

<I dried myself off as I pondered what I should do.>

Lassiter: “Yes, you can wander around the mansion, there are only a few rooms you're not allowed in and that's the Royal Chambers and the study. That's where the Brothers meet to plan out what they are going to do before each rotation. Fritz will help you with anything you want, he's adorable.”