The New Assistant       (Trieste & Dabria)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Bruja on 21-05-2008, 18:45:50</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 18:45:50</strong>
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				Mara straightened the pale straw flapper hat in the glass of the window as she waited for the bus to come to a halt at her stop. She stood up and pulled the sweater closed at her throat and tried very hard to make her way to the exit without disturbing anyone. Her quiet little "excuse me's" were all but lost on the other passengers. She looked down and skittered off the bus in such a hurry she almost tripped on the steps. A gentleman in a slightly worn tweed suit caught her arm and smiled at her. He inquired if she was alright and she bumbled a yes thankyou, before not quite snatching her arm from his grasp. Mara's smile was small and tight, she did not care to be around people in general, largely inpart because they frightened her. <br><br>People were unpredictable and flighty and not very trustworthy at least in her experience.She felt safer in her world of books. Especially the great old stories of men both dastardly and honorable, as well as women of refinement and the less savory the tragedies composed in eloquence with comdey and suspense. She loved them all. Her great grandmother said she had a hunger for adventure as long as she wasnt the subject. She missed the gentle old woman immensly.It was because of her great grandmothers up bringing that she was dressed as she was now. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Granmere as Mara used to call her said in her time women were women. They could never be confused with boys as they are now days wearing pants and not even the slightest hint of makeup. Instead she insisted on Mara wearing the kneel length skirts , silk stockings with garters, and of course sensible shoes with slightly rounded toes and slight heels. Her hair and her makeup both were of the demure style of the 1920's. Ladies should always were a hat when they were out and about, Granmere had said, the hat and the sweater had been Gran's when she was Mara's age. <br><br>Mara sighed as made a bee line for the old bookstore. The outward appearance of the building was as she most loved, old. The bricks the trim, even the jingle of the brass bells as she opened the door and stepped inside. The woman on the phone said she was to be trained for an assistants position, helping cataloge and prepare books for sale.Taking a deep breath she opened the door to the store and walked over to the counter. Looking up at the woman behind the counter she smiled shyly "My name is Mara Livingston I am here about the assistants position."<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>22-05-2008, 07:19:59</strong>
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				The woman behind the counter - well, more a girl, really - looks up from her book and blinks at Mara. Looking the new arrival up and down, the girl turns her head slightly and calls, "Grace! New girl is here!"<br><br>There's no answer, but the girl makes no real attempt at conversation, simply looking Mara up and down for a few seconds. Eventually, she slides off of her stool with a tight smile at Mara, then turns and heads to a back room. "Grace?" Her voice is a bit muffled as she leans around the doorway. "Didn't you hear me?"<br><br>The quiet voice that answers is a good bit more cultured than the girl's voice, with the hint of a clipped English accent. "Yes, Danielle, but I've asked you not to bellow at me from across the store several times." The voice shifts closer as it speaks, and finally its owner comes through the doorway. Grace turns out to be a rather petite Asian woman in her late twenties, with long, straight black hair and absolutely perfect posture. She gives Mara a warm smile as she sets her dark brown eyes on the new girl, coming around and extending her hand. <br><br>"You must be Miss Livingston. I'm Grace, the shop's owner. You spoke to Danielle over there on the phone about the position." She gives Mara a glance-over, adding, "What a charming hat. I love it." She beckons Mara toward the back of the store, already beginning to speak about the job. "The assistant's position is one I'd like to fill right away, so the sooner you can start, the better. The storefront itself isn't growing so much that it needs it, but I have several private collectors that order from me on a regular basis, and I'm afraid I'm starting to need some help keeping things sorted." She gives Mara another smile. "Can I take your coat before I show you around?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>24-05-2008, 12:13:17</strong>
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				A little shocked at first to see the petite woman walk around the corner, Mara had envisioned someone much taller to fit the voice she initially heard speaking to Danielle yet Grace's warm smile set her at ease. Taking the proffered hand with her own and shaking it timidly before returning to holding the strap of the small beaded purse. Mara smiled softly and turned a light shade of scarlett at the compliment to her hat. Granmere would like this woman, Mara thought to herself. Grace seemed to wheel them around to the back of the shop rather directly and Mara stepped a little more lively to catch up with owner who began a brief summary of what she was looking for in an assistant. <br><br>Mara nodded as the initial expectations were laid out before her, small mmhhmm's of agreement emitting from her lightly glossed pink lips. Removing the hat she reached up and smoothed her dark blonde hair making sure the little barrette holding the long cut bob out of her face was secure. Then taking off the pale sweater and looking around for a moment to see where she might hang the garments and her purse. "Yes, thankyou.." she said in a soft voice, her dark blue eyes trying not to stare at the woman who was not taller than she. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>09-06-2008, 06:03:10</strong>
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				With a nod, Grace gently takes the hat and sweater, turning to set them both on a darkwood hat-rack just inside the small office. "Most of the work you'll be doing is in the back storage. On Danielle's days off, I take care of the front, and those are the days you'll use in the office to catch up on whatever paperwork you may have. I have a stocker who takes care of the lifting, so you won't need to worry about actually moving product, but you will be taking care of shipping it out, which means carrying to the post office and the like."<br><br>As she talks, Grace guides Mara around said back storage, weaving her way through shelves upon shelves upon shelves of books, most of them looking very, very old. "Most of the newer product is kept up front and <em>this</em>," she pauses by a glassed-in shelf at the back, "is the rare section, which will never see the front store. I have the only key for now, but you may eventually find yourself handling them." <br><br>Turning to smile at Mara, she asks, "Do you have any questions, Miss Livingston?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>11-06-2008, 00:23:18</strong>
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				Mara listened intently as Grace led her through the store, her eyes settling on the glass case with the old books. She almost reached up to touch the glass but thought better of it. Her eyes taking in all the old titles in a hundred different languages, it was like a dream come true. Mara looked at the woman and thought for a moment. Speaking very softly "What days and times would you need me, and I know this a rather crass question, but do you pay weekly?" <br><br>She hated to ask such a question but she was working on her budget very carefully, not letting her own desire to buy such books that lay in the case at random. It was the other reason she wanted this particular position, maybe she could arrange to have some time to read the fine vellum and leather bound manuscripts. Tucking a stray blonde lock behind her ear she watched the woman's reactions. Always keep your eyes on the speaker, Gran would say.<br><br>"Please call me Mara..." she smiled shyly.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>15-06-2008, 03:06:00</strong>
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				Grace's smile is easy, and kind, though the woman doesn't seem to ever shed the mantle of easy propriety that clings to her. "We are closed on Mondays, but I use that day to catch up on orders, so it will likely be your busiest day here. I believe you said you were looking for a full time position, but as long as you are here Monday, you can feel free to take any other day off that you like." She rests her hand on the top of the glass case, long, slender fingers stroking it almost protectively as she names the rate of pay, a figure that's more than generous for the duties described. <br><br>"I like loyalty in an employee, and I try to pay well enough that you will not decide in a week or a month that you prefer another position." She tilts her head. "I don't think the question crass; you have every right to ask what your time is worth to me." She drops her hand from the case and beckons to Mara. "You may call me Grace, if you'd like, Mara, and if the terms sound agreeable, you can start tomorrow, assuming you have no prior engagements."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>16-06-2008, 01:13:52</strong>
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				Mara steps forward tentatively and offers her hand to shake. "I think this is the perfect position for me, and I dont see any reason that Monday's would be a problem. Thankyou for allowing me the opportunity. I hope I will not disappoint you." she speaks softly still. A slight blush coming to her cheeks. The job was hers! And now she would be working with books, old books at that. The excitment vertibly leapt from her eyes, but she remained quiet. <br><br>"Tomorrow will be fine, eight o'clock?" she queried as she looked to collect her hat and sweater. "I really do appreciate you giving me this opportunity Grace." she smiled a little wider and looked down at the floor shyly, the stray blonde lock that was so tidily tucked behind her ear coming free and falling against her cheek again. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>16-06-2008, 01:26:02</strong>
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				Grace took Mara's soft hand in her warm one, shaking it firmly, but gently. Her grip is strong, but the last thing she wants to do is squish that delicate hand in hers. Her smile at Mara never wavers, and she nods. "I appreciate your interest, Mara." She guides the girl back toward the hat-rack as she speaks. "Tomorrow morning at eight will be more than fine. Danielle won't yet be here, so the front door will be locked. There's a doorbell outside, though, usually for deliveries. It rings in my office, so you can let me know when you arrive." <br><br>She watches the strand of pale hair brush against Mara's pink cheek almost absently. <em>Such a pretty girl has no reason to be so shy,</em> she reflects, but says nothing, and her manner remains professional as she pauses long enough to let Mara collect her things.<br><br>As she escorts the young woman toward the front of the store, she adds, "I'll have the paperwork waiting for you to fill out in the morning, so that you can get those taken care of first thing. If you don't have any other questions, I'll wish you a pleasant day and a good night's sleep, so that you arrive tomorrow rested and ready."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>16-06-2008, 02:02:09</strong>
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				Mara was estatic as she put on her sweater and hat, noddind quickly she said her goodbyes to her new boss and left the little store. Waiting for the bus she could not stand still, she was employed! If she was not so shy she would have danced right there in the street. It was a joyous moment for her, and her Gran would be so proud. During the ride home and <br>making her modest meal that night Mara could not contain her excitement. Even her sleep was exciting, yet she had some of the strangest dreams and they made her feel tense like some type of dam was ready to break. There was all of this touching and groping that made her warm and tingly. She woke up a minute before her alarm went off. <br><br>Mara made doubly she looked her best for this first day of work, she showed up at the shop ten minutes early. Her dress was once again a simple cut small flower print with an a-line skirt that buttoned up the front, the hem falling just past her knees. The black flats she chose to wear today she felt might be more comfortable than heels as she fully expect the rest of her day to be spent on her feet. Pressing the button to the back entrance she waited with excitement, hoping her boss would not mind if she was a little early. She straightened her hat as she waited patiently for the door to open. It was a new adventure Gran and for once she was the protagonist.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>16-06-2008, 19:36:57</strong>
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				Hardly does Mara's finger land on the bell when she finds the door being opened in front of her and Grace standing there. She's dressed today in a smart charcoal suit, the skirt ending only just above the knees. The white silk blouse she wears is smartly tailored, tucked into her skirt, with the jacket already hanging on one side of the rack in her office. Her heeled shoes click softly on the floor, their smart black leather polished and without a single scuff. Her long, black hair has been brushed back from her face and pulled into a simple ponytail, the dark strands fanning out across her back as she moves. Though not many customers see her, Grace clearly dresses as if she deals with customers face to face every day. <br><br>"Ah, Mara." Grace smiles and stands to one side, holding the door for her newest employee. "I have everything ready for you." The girl had seemed like the type to show up early. Grace had pegged it for about 15 minutes - this woman did not seem like the sort to show up a half hour early, then ask to go home early at the end of her shift; good lord, Grace hated that - and she was pleased to see that she'd been nearly right, having glanced at her watch on the way to the door to find it 7:51AM. "Your desk is over here; I had Danielle help me set it up yesterday after you left. The front counter is somewhat of Danielle's area; she has it all arranged in her own way, and of course I have my office, so ..." She stops by a writing desk near the hallway leading from the store to the storage. <br><br>The positioning is such that Mara has her own space in the small warehouse at the back of the store, close enough to Grace's office that she can easily hear the woman call for her, but far enough away as to not overhear any conversations taking place in there. The desk has a vantage point along the hallway such that Mara can see anyone coming toward her through the store, affording her a slight amount of privacy for her work. Behind the old-fashioned secretary's desk is a wheeled chair, though not of the modern office sort. The chair is made of old wood, polished to a dull shine, its back hard and straight. The chair is the sort that Mara's granmere may well have encouraged, for it prohibits bad posture - or, at the very least, makes slouching quite uncomfortable. The desk has, of course, already been stocked with pencils, pens, paper, envelopes, stamps. On the top of the desk sits a paper Rolodex, some of its cards already filled out in Grace's small copperplate script, and a small stack of employment forms. <br><br>Laying a hand lightly on Mara's shoulder, Grace nods to the desk. "Let me know if you need anything. Those are for you, and when you're finished with them, we'll get you started." She squeezes Mara's shoulder lightly for a brief moment, then turns to head to her office. "I'll be in here if you have any questions."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>18-06-2008, 05:14:16</strong>
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				The excitement Mara felt could hardly be contained, she almost jumped out of her skin when Grace appeared at the door. Keeping her eyes down as she walked into the store greeting Grace with a soft "Good morning, I hope you don't mind that I am little early." Mara removed her hat and her sweater, following Grace to the area prepared for her. <br><br>Looking at the roll top desk and old wooden chair, the chair was like the one Granmere had left her. Seeing the item of furniture she smiled a little brighter and walked over to the wooden chair she touched it gently. "My grandmother had one just like this.." she giggled, looking over at Grace. "Sorry, I miss her quite a bit." the smile on her face lessening a little. Taking a deep breath she smiles brightly again at Grace, looking to the paperwork on the desk "Yes Ma'am, I will get these taken care of right away." she spoke with a little more assurance. <br><br>Mara placed her purse on the desk and then made her way over to the coat rack to hang up her sweater and hat. Taking a moment to smooth the tiny wrinkles out of her dress again, she walks back to her desk and fills out the papers for taxes and what not. She collects her drivers license and social security card out of her walked, carrying the completed papers and the identification back to Grace's office. Knocking on the door frame gently she speaks "Grace...I have the paper work completed". Looking to see if her new boss in the office. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>19-06-2008, 01:58:49</strong>
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				Grace is leaning back in her chair when Mara comes to the office door. Her own desk is a bit larger than Mara's though a corner of it is taken up by a slender, lightweight laptop, currently closed. With the amount of paperwork on the surface of the desk and the various standing files along the side, Grace doesn't have much more surface to work with than Mara does, really. The office is not really decorated for guests, instead filled with filing cabinets and various equipment - a printer, a letter scale, the like. <br><br>She is on the phone when Mara comes to the door, and she looks up, smiling and waving Mara in. The hand that isn't holding the phone to her ear drifts down to her leg, fingers smoothing down her skirt to make sure it hasn't crept up too far along her leg; wouldn't want to scandalize the poor girl. <br><br>She apparently does not get an answer on the other end, because she hangs the phone up after a few seconds without saying a word. "I can take those for you, then, if you have everything all set." She holds out a hand, and as soon as Mara places the paperwork in her palm, Grace holds it in front of her, scanning over each form briefly. "Looks like you got everything." She smiles at Mara from her chair, a slightly more comfortable version of Mara's chair in that it's upholstered in supple leather, or a good imitation thereof, and a bit roomier. It has the same straight back, however, and stiff posture. <br><br>"I'll show you the order forms in a bit, but the post office should open soon." She glances at the slender wrought-silver analog watch on her wrist, then reaches for a manilla packet, already sealed and addressed in the same precise handwriting as is in Mara's Rolodex. "I need you to ship this out, registered and insured." She glances over her desk for a moment, then picks up a couple slips of paper, and a twenty dollar bill. "Please get a receipt when you come back. You know the way?" She smiles as she offers the bundle to Mara.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>24-06-2008, 03:18:36</strong>
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				The little office was not unlike the space assigned to her in the warehouse area, right down to the stiff backed chair. Grace smoothed her skirt and it was like a subliminal cue for Mara to do the same, running her hand down the soft fabric of the dress before handing the papers over. When her new boss hung up the phone and took the papers, a shy smile seemed to hang about the girl's face. Though she did not normally stare at people, Grace was appealing to Mara's eyes in such a way that the girl admired the woman's distinct level of sophistication.<br><br>Listening to Grace's instructions very carefully, timidly reached out to the proffered package and cash. Nodding that she indeed knew exactly where the post office was located, hugging the manilla envelope close to her chest she smiled and gave a small curtsy "Yes Ma'am." she responded softly, taking a step back from the office area, Mara turned quickly and went back to the coat rack. Putting on her sweater and hat, she quickly picked up her purse from the little desk and made her way to the post office. <br><br>Once again it was like walking on air as Mara made her way to the post. Making sure she sent off the package registered and with insurance, Mara also made sure to get the receipt and the exact change, putting both in the hidden pocket of her purse. It was no time at all when she mounted the steps to the back entrance, taking the exact change and receipt to Grace's desk before going back to her own little space.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>03-07-2008, 05:40:37</strong>
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				Grace looks up from her desk as Mara comes back in, then stands up. "Very good." She glances down at the receipt and the change on her desk, checking it briefly before moving toward Mara. "Let me show you something." She moves through the door, placing her fingers lightly between Mara's shoulderblades, guiding her back toward the glass case. <br><br>"I have one of these going out today," Grace explains as she unlocks the case. She pulls a pair of cloth gloves from a box of them beside the case, pulling the disposable covers onto her hands before selecting a book from the lower shelf, halfway across. "The oil that keeps your skin from drying out, that keeps it soft, also does the same to books," she comments, glancing at Mara with a smile. "Most of mine are not old enough for it to matter, but these ... are." She turns the book so that Mara can see the cover of an early treatise on 'The Prince'... the treatise itself is only half the age of its subject matter, but it's still clearly ancient.<br><br>"It will be wrapped and shipped... I prepare them mostly myself." Grace's face is alight with interest and pride. What she does is clearly her passion, and the smile she gives Mara is still professional, but less reserved. "This is what I do... find, store, and sell books like these. Paper that's several multiples of my own age."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>07-07-2008, 16:28:07</strong>
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				Quickly removing her hat Mara turned, the feeling of Grace's fingers between her shoulderblades gave the young woman a bit of a shock. Yet she allowed herself to be guided to the case, the books that had drawn her gaze and held it so easily. Listening intently to Grace, Mara nodded at almost everything the woman had said, her eyes never leaving the beautiful leather bound volume. Taking a moment she could almost smell the past lifting up from the pages of the ancient tome and it made her hold her breath for a moment. As if any impurity in the air might damage the book. She wanted to touch it so badly but held her hat and pocket book tight instead.<br><br>"What is this one about?" she queried Grace managing to tear her eyes away from the book long enough to look inquiringly at her new boss. Her pale pink lips stay slightly parted as her eyes take in the features of the delicate woman's face. Mara felt she would like this job very much. A small shy smile broke her reverie of staring, looking down self consciously she stepped back and removed the sweater she was wearing.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>09-07-2008, 06:44:42</strong>
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				"This is ..." Grace smiles. "An analysis on Machiavelli's most famous work, 'The Prince'. It was written nearly two hundred years after the original publishing date ... which still makes it about three hundred years old." She caresses the page with her gloved hand reverently, then adds, "It calls Machiavelli a genius, and a visionary who was well before his time." She grins. "The author, Bernei, was a very solid supporter of the end that justifies the means."<br><br>Reaching up, Grace pulls another pair of gloves from the box. "Eventually, you may be handling the works in here, but it won't be for a long time yet, at least not without my supervision." She offers the cloth gloves to Mara. "But since I am here..." She looks at the girl, meeting Mara's eyes. "Would you like to touch it? Through the gloves, I mean."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>14-07-2008, 21:40:22</strong>
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				As Grace explained the premise of the book, Mara's azure eyes widen when the offer to touch the book was made. To touch it! that would be more than she would have expected on her first day. She was a little hesitant in her response, but nodded softly looking over her shoulder she placed the hat and the purse on the table. <br><br>Gently plucking two gloves from the box, sliding the soft thin material on her hands made her think she was getting ready to enter into a whole new world. She dared not attempt to hold the book, but tenatively reached out her fingers to caress the ancient vellum. Mara stared at the words with reverance, she would love to just sit and read this tome, so her eyes could take in every beautifully printed word and roll them upon her tongue.<br><br>Mara looked over at Grace and blushed a deep shade of crimson, as if the kind woman had given her payment before the work day had really started."Thankyou" she whispered.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 08:01:33</strong>
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				"You're welcome." Grace gives Mara a pleased look, delighted that the girl has such an interest in what is clearly Grace's passion. "The original isn't much of a read unless you speak sixteenth-century Italian... the original title is <em>Il Principe</em>. But the translations are fine enough... and this treatise happens to be in English, albeit centuries-old English." She shakes her head. "I found it amazing that a book could be older than a building when I was growing up. But this building is only just barely as old as the book." <br><br>With a quick grin, she gently withdraws the pages from Mara's gloved fingers, then closes it and picks up a plastic bag from above the bookshelf. Deftly working the book into the bag, she forces most of the air from the bag, seals it, then closes and locks the shelf full of ancient books once more. "What I want you to do today, mostly, is to acquaint yourself with what we have here, so you begin to get a knowledge of what is in stock, and what we'd have to order or find. Danielle can help you with some of that, though she deals largely in..." Grace's voice takes on perhaps the very faintest note of disdain, "modern fiction." She shakes her head a little. "Not much interest in anything older than last year."<br><br>With a smile and a shrug, Grace turns and heads back toward her office, clearly expecting that Mara will follow. "Which certainly holds some interesting writing, but only some."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>21-07-2008, 12:57:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sliding the gloves from her hands, Mara keeps a grip on them as she did not know where to put them at that moment. Following Grace back towards the office, she tries to keep up with everything the petite woman is saying. Nodding her head at the instructions given to her, blond locks bobbing in agreement. Aquaint yourself with stock, Mara mentally noted. A slight frown played upon her lips as Grace mentioned Danielle's limitations in reading. Why in the world would anyone only want to read recent work?! The older literature is really where all the good ideas came from, and they are so inventive as some levels of propriety had to be maintained in the work. It was exciting to read into the stories and glean those tid-bits of dark understanding. <br><br>Picking up a little pad and paper as they passed Mara's desk, she left the gloves there and began to write the instructions down as fast as her neat little writing could muster and walk behind her boss at the same time. Though multi-tasking was not a new concept, she was not used to taking notes standing up. Somehow Mara managed to trip a little on her own feet and fell forward a bit, grabbing the wall with one hand and brushing her boss' back with the other. Realizing that she has just touched the woman, a blush ran across the bridge of Mara's slightly upturned nose and spread to her cheeks. Stammering her blue eyes widening she began to apologize completely "E..e...excuse...me Grace...I..I..I..am so..sorry..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>27-07-2008, 23:31:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the stumble, Grace herself doesn't lose her balance, but merely pulls the book in her hand protectively against her chest, making sure she doesn't drop it. She glances at it as she regains her balance, to make certain it's all right, then turns her attention to her assistant.<br><br>"Oh, Mara," Grace says, turning around immediately and catching sight of the notebook in Mara's hands and whatnot. She rests her hand on Mara's shoulder. "It's all right. I know this must be very new to you, but you'll learn to keep up." She gives Mara a sympathetic smile and glances over her. "You look to be all right, though, so no harm done." She nods and removes her hand from Mara's shoulder, turning toward her office. "Come sit down."<br><br>She doesn't rattle anything more off until she's back in the office, sitting at her desk. Crossing her ankles and tucking her feet under the table, she pulls out an envelope and wrapping, starting to package the book up for shipment. Only once Mara has had sufficient time to get to the desk and sit across from her does Grace continue - and if Mara doesn't move quick enough, she can't particularly help that. "Another thing I want you to acquaint yourself with is some of the customers. Not the ones in the front shop, but the history of orders, here." She nods toward a cabinet. "They all have their likes and dislikes, and I try to anticipate what sort of thing they'll want next."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>09-08-2008, 01:22:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Righting herself with an embarassed smile, Mara followed Grace back to the office feeling somewhat foolish. She continued to take notes as they each settled in their chairs. Nodding as she looked over at the cabinet, wow that was alot to remember she thought to herself but steeled her resolve and listened to the instructions with impunity. Mara's blue eyes watched as Grace packed the antique book with such efficency she wondered if she would be able to do it nearly as well.<br><br>Her neat handwriting appeared like so much cuniform on the little notepad. Mara attempted to take in everything and resorted to her strang sort of short hand that made no sense to anyone but her. She made distinct little notes about what to do with her free time. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>16-08-2008, 18:47:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grace watches Mara take notes out of the corner of her eye, smiling a little to herself. This one <em>should</em> work out nicely. She smiles to herself and looks down at the work in front of her, settling back in her chair and lapsing into comfortable silence. Unlike many people, Grace has the ability to simply sit with someone and not feel the need to fill the air with aimless chatter. <br><br>In the following weeks, Grace keeps Mara fairly busy, having her run various errands and learn her way around the shop. Mara is not allowed into the rare works case other than the first day; Grace always takes care of that, being more than a little protective of her treasures. She watches Mara subtly, though she lets the girl have her space, simply observing and only stepping in when Mara seems to need help. <br><br>About a month in, Grace finds herself rather overwhelmed with front-end customers while Grace herself is preparing a rather substantial order for a long-time customer. Though she knwos Mara will not be keen on the idea, she sends the girl out front to help Danielle out, putting her under the charge of the other girl...<br><br>Danielle, for her part, has been largely too busy to notice Mara, let alone interact with her, and so she seems more than a little surprised when she comes back from the stacks of the shop to find Mara behind her counter. "Hey. Does Grace need something?" Danielle is a tall woman, somewhat willowy, with light brown hair and intense hazel-brown eyes. She looks Mara up and down, raising one fine eyebrow and tilting her head. She normally dresses much less elegantly than either Mara or Grace, taking almost a perverse sort of pride in her attire that consists of men's jeans and oversized t-shirts, artfully-worn suit pants with vests, the occasional crazily-coloured skirt, and other various pieces of clothing that look like they came from (and probably did come from) one of the many thrift stores and basement-level art shops around downtown. <br><br>Today, she is wearing a rather worn pair of pink leather pants that fit loosely enough not to be lascivious, and a bright green band t-shirt with a claddagh symbol across the front and the words "Flogging Molly" scrawled overtop of it. Underneath it all is the well-worn pair of Docs she can normally be seen in, and her shoulder-length hair is pulled back into a somewhat messy ponytail. She folds her arms across her chest as she waits for Mara's answer, though she looks rather more frazzled and less patient than normal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 08:02:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Being sent up front made Mara very nervous, she did not do well amongst many people. As Danielle questions her, the waifish blonde looks down and then up again "Grace sent me up here to help you." she said softly feeling very out of place with agressive young woman. Fidgeting with the papers on the counter Mara seemed to organize without thinking feeling rather out of sorts in Danielle's area.<br><br><em>What do I do? What do I do?</em> the words resounded over and over inside Mara's head. <em>Just do what she tells you to and try not get in the way</em>. Was all she could come up with for the moment. Tucking a non stray lock of her page boy blonde hair behind her ear Mara looked up at the other girl. She straightened her own blouse as she looked over the other woman's clothes.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 12:34:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"To help..." With a sigh, Danielle rolls her eyes a little. "Just try not to faint if someone talks to you, 'kay?" Danielle's tone of voice is irritated, but not unkind. Her venom is not meant for Mara. She turns instead toward the register. From the front, the register looks entirely like an antique. Numbers and figures pop up on stiffened paper tabs at the top of the register, underneath a long line of glass. It even makes the loud ringing bell-noise that old-fashioned registers are famous for. The keys on the register are like those of an old type-writer, round and stuck out from the machine. <br><br>The employee's side of the display is entirely modern, however, and some of the keys on the register are certainly modern. Someone paid a lot of money to make a modern register look like an antique, without sacrificing functionality. "Do you know how to run one of these?" Danielle demands. She looks Mara up and down, and really expects the girl to shake her head timidly, then possibly melt through the floor. Really, Grace could have hired someone a little less shy... but Danielle doesn't need help often.<br><br>"Miss? Miss!" One of the customers has approached the counter, trying to get Danielle's attention.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 07:18:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking at the register Mara shook her head "No..but it could not be that hard could it? Wouldn't you just put in the amount, select the line item and then hit subtotal?" she asked softly. The condescending tone of the other girl was a little irritating to Mara, she was shy not a moron. <br><br>Nervously tucking another blond lock of hair behind her ear, she took a deep breath and looked up at the customer waving at them. Smiling gently at the customer "How can we help you?" she said a little louder than softly. She may not know how to run the register but she did know her way around the store after spending hours identifying herself with it. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>13-09-2008, 04:32:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Danielle looks from the register to Mara to the customer and back to Mara. With an exasperated sigh, she mutters, "Call me if you need anything, Mara." She gives the customer a quick smile, then disappears off through the sales floor, seeking out another who might need some help. <br><br>The customer that had been trying to get their attention, a woman who looks to be in maybe her fifties or sixties, steps forward and immediately starts to speak with Mara, looking for a book that they don't actually have in stock. <br><br>Danielle returns to the register after the latest wash of customers have left, which is a couple hours later. She leans her back against the counter next to Mara, looking over the workstation. "Good job," she says, having expected to come back to find it a crazy mess - and partially expecting to find Mara in a crying heap behind the counter. "Thanks for the help, Mara. I really appreciate it." She smiles at the girl.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>15-09-2008, 02:46:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mara smiled at the customer and proceeded to help her in the only way she knew how, realizing they did not have the book in stock, took a few moments to call another used bookstore and locate the book. It was with a timid smile that she bade the older woman goodbye and turned her attention to helping ring up another customer. The credit card machine was something of a hang up for Mara, but she managed after using the quick guide setting next to it. <br><br>Once the wave of customers had relinquished and Danielle had returned, the blond girl merely smiled at being thanked and lowered her lashes a little. The blush of embarrassment coloring across the bridge of her nose "Your welcome...I am glad I could help.." she replied. The compliment was not the first for her, but still she was not used to it. "Was there anything else you needed help with Danielle?" she asked quietly. <br><br>This place was beginning to feel a little like a home to Mara, after her Granmere passing away, the little apartment she lived in was empty and a bit lonely. Though her books kept her busy most nights, it was human contact that someone as delicate as Mara craved, yet she was unable to achieve it because of her shyness. Working with the customers had helped Mara overcome a fear, and she felt proud of herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>27-10-2008, 06:05:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Danielle immediately wrinkles her nose as Mara addresses her by her full name. "You sound like Grace." She grins. "She's the only one besides my mother who calls me that. Everyone else calls me Danny." She shrugs, pulling herself up on the counter and sitting there, leaning back on her arms and swinging her legs idly. "I think it's covered for a little while, but you're welcome to stay out here if you're being driven along ahead of Grace... she can be a little bit of a slave driver sometimes. You should see her when she gets ..." Danny pauses, then grins at something over Mara's shoulder. "... stressed. She's a bear."<br><br>Grace's voice floats over from behind Mara. "Really," she says wryly. "Obviously you don't have enough work to do, Danielle." Grace raises her eyebrows sternly, although something in her expression seems amused.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>20-11-2008, 02:23:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mara turned beet red to the roots of her hair as she tried not laugh at Danny's comment, stifling the giggle behind her hand. It was Grace's distinct tone that made all amusement in Mara diminish. The color drained from her face as she looked over at her employer.<br><br>"We were just finishing up ma'am" Mara said softly, her eyes barely raising to look at the woman addressing them. Smiling meekly, Mara nodded to Danielle and turned around, seeming rather small and fragile she tried to make a beeline for her office. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>18-12-2008, 18:07:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grace looks slightly surprised as Mara just about jumps out of her skin. She manages to hide her amusement until Mara is out of the room, at which point she murmurs quietly to Danny, "Didn't mean to scare her quite that much..." Danny simply rolls her eyes and turns back to her register, while Grace follows Mara back to her desk. <br><br>".. Mara..." Grace pauses as she studies the graceful line of Mara's neck, and the way the petite girl never seems to slouch or slump. Grace does have a thing for beautiful posture ... if only Mara would stop ducking her head quite so much. Drifting closer, Grace very softly runs one cool fingertip down the back of Mara's neck, tracing the line of her spine. The touch is over almost before it was begun, and Grace folds her hands in front of her once she has the girl's attention. "You did well in front today. Danny said your help was invaluable." <br><br>With that barest hint of a compliment, Grace continues, "Which orders have you managed to send out today, and what have you left to do?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>26-01-2009, 21:36:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mara turned her head slightly as the electric shock of someone touching her caught her attention. Her shoulders squared and back, the hard chair was comfortable for Mara, where for most it would be unseemly and stiff. Looking up at her employer the barest hint of a shy smile crept across Mara's lips as the young woman handed Grace the completed invoices. Her grandmother had always wanted Mara to be efficient in all of her activities, so to Mara is was of the utmost importance to have things ready. She had typed most of the invoices the evening before at home, knowing the packaging the next day would make the afternoon chaotic. <br><br>"I just need to finish the packaging Ma'am, there are still some rare books that need to be wrapped for Mr. Boilinger in Seattle that are in the case according to the inventory database." her voice just above a whisper. "He was rather...assertive that the books be on their way by the end of the day if at all possible." The embarrassed flush from earlier still colored Mara's face. <br><br>She raised her delicately manicured fingers to the nape of her neck where Grace had caressed her. The electricity from the touch still lingered on her skin and sent shivers all the way down her body. It was a very confusing moment for Mara, as she was not sure what the feeling meant. Book wise it could be described as something the heroine might feel in the romance novel when first meets her hero. But this was a woman. Worse it was her boss! More color rose to Mara's cheeks as she stood up slowly and looked at the woman standing in front of her. <br><br>"Would you excuse me please?" she barely managed to get the question out before sliding by Grace and making her way to the lavatory.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>01-04-2009, 00:36:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grace nods once as Mara details her to-do list, while meanwhile studying the girl's manner. She watches those wide eyes and the blushing cheeks, while Grace's face remains a professional mask. She watches through expressionless eyes as Mara struggles, and not one eyebrow even quirks when Mara squirms loose from her seat. The mad dash to the washroom is observed with cool eyes and a cooler expression.<br><br>Grace does not speak to Mara when she comes out of the lavatory, nor does she have much to say to the woman when Mara returns to her desk. Grace is quiet for the rest of the workday, leaving Marra to her own devices and giving the girl both space and time to consider. <br><br>That evening, Grace gives Mara only a quiet, "Good evening" and returns to her home with a lot on her mind. She dwells on it all night, in fact. The following day, Grace is the picture of manners to Mara, behaving herself flawlessly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>01-04-2009, 03:54:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sun sets with rosy hue ending Mara's day with confusion, and then blazes again the next morning showing resolution. Her dreams have been not trouble so much as active, in her mind's eye she sees the glimpses of Grace and the shop, and the pale hand reaching out for her. The sound of heels clicking against the aged wood of the floor resonate inside of the young woman's ears as she dreams, along with the creaking of the wooden chair and the hiss of the fabric as if passes by the book shelves. Something is waiting for her.<br><br>&nbsp;Rising before the sun to prepare, Mara buttons her white blouse and smooths the kneel length blue pleated skirt. But for the swell of her very adult body, Mara has the appearance of prep school girl, not quite graduated. The wicker hamper containing freshly made blueberry scones does nothing to add maturity. <br><br>It is with a happy yet nervous heart that Mara makes her way to work, almost humming. She is wearing her grandmothers peep toed grey leather heels, and the silk stocking that go with them. Not too high, yet enough to grant more than enough swing to Mara's step. It is not certain what moved her to make this change in her wardrobe, though it is not an great leap,but it is certainly a....change. Not unlike the first seductive petals of a rose unfurling to the world, beckoning the onlooker with an innocent gesture. <br><br>"Good morning Grace, I have made some blueberry scones to go with the coffee this morning. I hope you will enjoy them..since it isn't an official open day, I thought it might be OK." she smiles cheerfully with a little uncertainty her words carrying a twinge of excitement in them. <br><br>After hanging up her jacket and hat ,Mara makes her way to the coffee pot to make sure it is brewing and arranges the scones on a the china plate. Something in Grace's perfect manners disarms Mara. Was she mistaken in her choice? Reaching up and touching the nape of her neck again, she can still feel yesterdays tingle. What is this strange feeling she is has? 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>11-04-2009, 08:22:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The scones are a mild surprise to Grace, but she doesn't bother to show that to Mara. She'd expected the girl to get even more withdrawn and shy. She'd been bracing for it, in fact. When Mara does the opposite, Grace finds herself quite confused. She withdraws solidly into manners and etiquette to avoid the danger of a faux pas. The scones do smell wonderful, and Grace accepts one graciously when Mara offers. She sits in her office, poring over papers while she lets her mind wander.<br><br>The whole day goes on like this, with Grace giving Mara no cause to be skittish, treating her politely but distantly. She does compliment Mara on the scones, telling the girl that they're very good. And they are. Still, Grace mulls. By the end of the day, she's got a better idea of what to do, and before they leave, Grace calls Mara into her office. She lets Mara stand there, without saying a word. The slow minutes tick by with each turn of the clock, while Mara stands in Grace's office, and Grace finishes writing on an order. There is no sound in the office other than the tick of the clock and the scratch of Grace's pen on paper. The office smells very faintly of coffee and scone and flowers, but mostly of Grace's hair and perfume, a musky, milky combination that smells a little like oiled wood, but much less stuffy. <br><br>Finally, Grace looks up, setting her pen down and folding her hands on the desk. She's silent as she looks Mara over, her eyes drifting from the top of Mara's bobbed hair all the way down her generous figure and toward the tips of her shoes. Her heeled shoes. Well, that's a change. Grace finds herself smiling softly, raising her eyes to meet Mara's gaze. "You did well today, Mara." Grace speaks softly, her formal accent and flawless diction carrying the words to Mara's ears better than volume ever could. "Thank you for your hard work. I enjoy having you here, and I would like to keep you, so I'm going to give you a raise." She slides Mara's paycheque for the week across the desk, in an envelope. Mara cannot see, just now, how much said raise is, and Grace seems disinclined to wait while she opens the envelope. "That's all. You may go." With the clear dismissal, Grace turns back to her work, then pauses, speaking up just before Mara can quite escape out of the door. <br><br>"Those are very pretty shoes, by the by." She doesn't look up from her desk as she hands out the compliment, letting it glisten in the air like a sole shiny coin, leaving it there for Mara to grab and run home with it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 19:59:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Though the tension is almost scrawled across her face in crayon like writing, Mara stood in Grace's office holding her breath a moment while her boss spoke. A raise! The surprise made her faint blond brows arch up, lips turning is a small smile. Realizing she is looking Grace in the eye, Mara lowers her own cobalt irises. "Thankyou Ma'am" she whispers. <br><br>Stepping towards the desk Mara picked up the envelope with timid fingers and turned to go. The dismissal from the office stung a little. She had done well, a small feeling for pride swelled, but the sudden coolness of Grace's demeanor deflated it rather quickly. The last compliment threw even more confusion into Mara's brain. Looking over her shoulder she smiled softly"Thankyou Ma'am". <br><br>It is hard to be out going when your painfully shy. Gathering her things Mara tried to work out the issue in her mind, distractedly she put her desk in order and began to step out of the rear entrance to the shop. Missing the first step she fell down the last two twisting her ankle painfully. A resounding pop of the heel coming apart from the leather shoe as it skittered into the alley and yelp echoed in the doorway as the young woman crumpled at the base of the stairs in tears. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>19-07-2009, 05:57:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grace is left to feel guilty as Mara scurries away, hardly seeing the page in front of her as she mulls over what to do about the girl. Mara is beautiful, and something in Grace simply longs to reach out and place a firm hand on Mara's arm, to guide and push the girl. Grace is one to push people, even if it's only by way of expecting the best from them. She has always been that way.<br><br>It's the yelp that drags her from her reverie, and it only takes Grace a few moments to get out of her chair and out the door of her office. Coming upon the sight of poor Mara crying, Grace hurries down the stairs and kneels beside the girl. She doesn't reach out, doesn't touch Mara, but her eyes sweep over the body of the girl - no, the young woman. Mara is obviously a young woman. "Are you all right, my dear? Mara? Mara, what happened?" Grace's firm, assured voice cuts through Mara's sobs, demanding an explanation in tone as well as words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>23-07-2009, 03:48:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mara manages to gain some level of control as her ankle begins to swell painfully, trying to breath slowly she looks up as Grace demands and answer. Turning a deep shade of crimson from sheer embarrassment, Mara slowly speaks "I am sorry to have disrupted you Ma'am, it seems I missed the step and the heel broke on my shoe" tears slowly filling her blue eyes.<br><br>Her blond hair disheveled the basket that once contained scones rolled to the side with the heel of her peep toe shoe, Mara's shoulders shuddered under crying. Trying to control it she manages to speak again "I am OK, I just think I twisted my ankle" she whispered, keeping her eyes down. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>13-09-2009, 03:10:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grace looks at Mara's ankle and surveys it. "We'll put some ice on it," she says. "Come on. Let's get you back inside where you can have a proper sit." She doesn't ask for permission, but slides her arm around Mara's waist and eases the blonde girl up. "Don't lean on it," she coaches. "Lean on me, that's it..." Keeping a steady stream of encouragement directed at Mara, Grace gets the girl into her office and sitting on a comfortable, upholstered chair in the corner. <br><br>"Stay put." Grace turns away from Mara, then returns a few moments later with a cloth-wrapped bundle of ice. "Poor thing," she murmurs, looking at Mara's ankle again. "We can ice it for a little while, and then I can bring you home." None of what she says seems to be a question. Grace just assumes, naturally, that Mara will be happy to have her boss at her apartment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>17-09-2009, 04:38:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Embarrassed by the situation Mara did exactly as she was told and tried not to move. Her shoe was broken, she had made a complete fool of herself in front of her boss and now Grace was going to take her home? What was she to do? It was not a matter of the house being a mess, because it wasn't, it was neat as a pin. But it was Mara's collection. An old collection of books that lined almost every wall of the apartment, something she never shared with anyone. <br><br>One of the reasons the bookstore appealed so much to Mara was its resemblance to home. But there was someone else there and she was functional. When her Granmere was still alive she had taken care of the older woman. Run errands, did the cooking and the cleaning. But once the old woman was gone, Mara was so alone. No one to read to or talk about the stories. No direction. Plus her very modest inheritance would not last forever. <br><br>The lawyer said she could sell the collection but such a thing was unthinkable. It was not as elaborate or as old as Grace's books, but they were her most treasured possesions and she refused to part with them. Looking up as Grace returned with an ice pack, Mara folded her hands in her lap. "Thank you for helping me Grace. I very much appreciate it." her voice soft and sincere if a little shy.<br><br>Once they would arrive at the apartment the few flights of stairs would be a bit of a trial but Mara would not complain, her heart would hammer like the wings of a hummingbird though when Grace entered the apartment. It was neat, dust free and well kept. Most of the furniture were antiques from the early part of the 20Th century. Yet on every wall there were shelves and on those shelves sat hardback and paperback books. There was a roll top desk with a hard straight backed chair in front of it. A small laptop sat open on the desk but not on. There was no television but two wing backed chairs in front of an old radio. One of the chairs held a folded pale blue shaw. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>28-09-2009, 09:13:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It is, of course, rude to stare. So Grace does not stare at Mara's apartment in the least. She escorts the girl into the living room and helps her to one of the wingback chairs. Settling the girl into place, Grace goes into the kitchen and makes another ice pack. "I don't want you trying to come to work for the next two days. I'll come and check in with you, but you're in no shape to hobble around the store." She returns with a small smile for the girl. "Does the ice help at all?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>28-09-2009, 10:00:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grace had settled Mara in her grandmother's chair. It was strange to sit in the old velvet covered chair, it was worn in places. She had kept it just as the old woman had left it, save the gentle brushing the fabric had received. The lace arm overs were still pressed and in place. When Grace returned with the fresh ice pack, Mara had tucked her blond locks behind her ears.She listened to her boss very intently nodding as she was ordered to say home. <br><br>"Yes Ma'am" She whispered "I understand and thank you" Mara managed a weak smile. The icepack on her ankle did seem to help the swelling a bit. "Yes, thank you for all of your help Grace. I do not know how to repay you.." The girl looked down into her hand as the blush rose into her cheek, coloring her fair skin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>10-10-2009, 22:57:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Grace looks her over and nods a little curtly. It's odd to hear Mara address her by first name, but understandable given the day the poor girl has had. Grace does her best to make sure Mara is set up comfortably for the evening, then smiles. "I'll send one of my staff over in the morning, to make certain you don't need to move around much." She pats Mara on the shoulder, then slips out of the small home.<br><br>In the morning, there is the rich smell of coffee brewing, as well as fragrant eggs being cooked. Mara can hear a soft feminine voice humming to herself in the kitchen, and it doesn't sound at all like it could be Grace.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Bruja</strong> on <strong>10-10-2009, 23:17:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Standing by the book shelf at work, the usual stray lock tucked behind her ear Mara looked over at the woman at the desk. Her exotic features giving little softness to the cool dark current of her eyes, yet Mara found herself riveted. Her heart hammered a little harder in her chest as suddenly the woman was there in front of her. They looked each other in the eye, Mara's brow knit in confusion as she felt herself lean forward towards the other woman, her breath hanging on her lips in a whisper. Then there was this humming, was it coming from the lips of the woman in front of her? It sounded far away, a sound behind doors echoing on wood. But the woman bent ever closer to her, soft pale lips so close....</em><br><br>Mara blinked slowly as she awoke, there was someone in the house with her. Did she leave the door unlocked? Panic began to work through her brain as she tried to breathe slowly and quietly creep out of the bed. The shooting pain through her ankle reminded Mara too late as she tried to stand and collapsed on the floor. Trying to pull herself up she knocked over the free standing lamp with a loud clatter. The noise would surely bring the person in the other room as Mara tried and tried to get up, clutching at the covers of the bed. Panic and tears over taking her face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The New Assistant       (Trieste &amp; Dabria)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Trieste</strong> on <strong>23-11-2009, 04:51:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The noise does indeed bring sensibly shoed feet running swiftly to the bedroom. "Oh!" The girl who darts into the room is a little younger than Mara, though she's quite plain. Where Mara's beauty shines through no matter how simply she might clothe and coif herself, the young woman that faces her has rather frizzy brown hair, light blue eyes, and rather smarmy skin. Her face is friendly, but ... well, plain. "Oh, Miss Mara." Her voice is soothing, at least, pleasant and a little bit lilting. "You poor, poor thing. Here, let me help you." The girl comes forward, dressed in a sensible navy dress and a starched white apron that only has a single smear of egg on one corner.<br><br>"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to wake you with my humming. The flowers on your windowsill in your kitchen are so lovely, though, and I couldn't help but give myself a little tune while I made your breakfast. Here, let me help you up on the bed. Goodness, it's a good thing the lamp isn't broken, isn't it? There would be shards all over the place. The name is Emily, and I'll get you a handkerchief for your pretty cheeks, but please don't cry. How's your ankle feel? Miss Grace sent me over here to make sure you didn't have to get yourself up for a thing, so if you need anything you just call out for Emily, all right? I'll get you some ice, too, and make sure the biscuits haven't burned."
			</dd>
		</dl>
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