Well-Worn Pumps

For Vikki

“What the hell are these?” asked Sasha, dangling pale pink heels in front of Gloria.

“They’re heels,” muttered Gloria.

“They’re my heels, in your closet,” snapped Sasha. She hated when Gloria did this. She would let Gloria borrow her clothes whenever she wanted. All she had to do was ask. But Gloria never asked. “This is the third time this fucking month.”

“Jesus, you’re keeping track?”

“It’s not hard to count to three.”

“Whatever.” Gloria turned to leave. They were just heels. Sasha never wore heels. She never wore that mini-skirt or the crop top Gloria borrowed.

“I’m putting a new lock on my door,” said Sasha as Gloria walked away.

“Fine.”

“And if this happens again, you can look for a new apartment.”

Gloria turned around. “What?” she snapped.

“I said, if this happens again, you can find a new place to stay. This is my apartment.”

“You’ll kick me out over borrowing your stupid heels?”

“Stealing my heels.”

“Fuck you,” hissed Gloria.

“That’s it!” Sasha stomped past Gloria and grabbed her cell phone from her desk. “I’m calling my father and we’re cancelling your lease.”

Gloria wheeled on Sasha and ripped the heels out of her hands. “Then I’m taking the heels with me.”

Sasha put down the phone and shrieked, “Give those back!” Sasha reached for the heels but missed. Gloria ran out of the room and into the kitchen. Sasha ran after her, but as soon as she rounded a corner, Gloria turned and hit her in the back of the head. Everything went dark.

********

The floor was cold on Sasha’s naked body when she woke up. There was a clicking somewhere in the distance, but Sasha couldn’t tell where it came from. It was everywhere and nowhere, like the back of her mind. She was in her kitchen, she could tell, but she doesn’t remember being naked or being tied and gagged. She pulled on her restraints, her arms tied behind her, but got nowhere. She tried to scream through the gag, but it was kept in place with duct taped. Sasha’s legs were tied together and connected to her arms behind her with some rope, but she was able to start rolling and scrunching along the floor. The clicking was getting louder. She needed to find her phone. She was sure she could text with her arms bound behind her back. Then she could text her father or boyfriend or the police and they could rescue her. She had to hurry; the clicking was getting louder.

She made slow progress back to her bedroom, but her phone wasn’t where she left it. Whoever tied her up must have taken it. And the clicking was approaching. Sasha’s mind was fuzzy. She wondered if she had a concussion. She wondered if she was safe. Somebody tied her up. Somebody took her clothes. Somebody was clicking towards her.

The clicking stopped.

“Hello, Sasha,” said a husky voice. Sandra tried to roll over to look at the voice, but a sharp stab in her side pinned her in place. “Ah, ah, ahhh,” taunted the voice. “Not yet, kitten. I need to tell you the rules.”

The pain cleared Sasha’s head a tad as adrenaline rushed through her body. “Gloria?” she asked.

“Not Gloria anymore,” said the voice. “You can call me Miss.”

“Miss?”

“That’s better.”

Sandra tried to roll over again, but the sharp pain in her side kept her from moving. “What’s going on?” she gasped.

“Take a look,” said Gloria. The pain receded from Sandra’s side and she rolled over to face Gloria. The first thing she saw, were the controversial heels. They were soft pink with a pointed toe. The heel itself was 4.25″ on a narrow point. Wrapping up from the heel and up Gloria’s tan calf were pale pink leather laces. Sasha’s eyes followed the line of Gloria’s smooth and dark leg up to Sasha’s favorite black mini-skirt. Sasha could see under Gloria’s (Sasha’s) skirt where Gloria wore Sasha’s favorite red lace panties. Above that was Sasha’s pink crop bardot top and Sasha’s thick velvet choker. Above that was Gloria’s smirk in Sasha’s deep purple lipstick. Sasha’s rich black hair was done up in a bun with ringlets dangling over her ears. It must have taken her an hour to get dressed up and rummage through every one of Sasha’s possessions.

That. Bitch.

“Tell me, Sasha, how do I look?”

“Fuck. You.”

Gloria stepped on Sasha’s stomach and drove the sharp heel into her. Sasha hissed in pain. “Now, now, that’s no way to talk to your Miss.”

“I’m going to kill you.”

“I doubt it.”

“When I get out of here, I’m going to throw you out of this apartment, have my boyfriend beat the shit out of you, and have you arrested. In that order.”

“From where I’m standing, you’re in no position to give orders.”

“What? You’re going to kidnap me? Hold me hostage?”

“Not quite, dear.” Gloria removed the heel from Sasha’s side and stepped out of Sasha’s vision. “Just make sure whenever you call Daddy to tell him all about the cocaine in your bedroom.” Sasha’s skin shivered to life with goosebumps. She wouldn’t. “And then, make sure to tell your hunky boyfriend about the pictures of you fucking him with a strap-on and him sucking your strap-on. I’ll make sure those get to his fraternity.” Sasha’s vision blurred. How did she? Where did she? “You should put a lock on your phone, kitten. And a lock on your door while you’re at it.”

“You wouldn’t,” whispered Sasha.

“I wouldn’t? I have nothing left to lose. I mean, I could get a new apartment, but I can’t afford one near campus. I can’t afford a car. It wouldn’t be the end of my life to lose this place, but it would dramatically lower my comfy standard of living.”

“Over an apartment?” asked Sasha.

“Oh, not just the apartment. Keeping the apartment is a start. Getting your wardrobe is a plus. Getting access to your daddy’s money is fine. But the real perk will be having you as my personal servant. And maybe I’ll get to fuck Jose’s face with your strap-on when I’m bored.”

“You’re bluffing.”

“I’m not.”

Sasha stared at Gloria’s face. Gloria was beautiful. Her face was soft, and she was a little but plumper than Sasha, but it was a beautiful curviness. Gloria had always been shy, but this version of Gloria was strong and terrifying. There was no doubt or fear in her face or voice. Sasha knew she was serious, at least to some degree. Even if she didn’t call Gloria’s father about the drugs, she could call the police whenever she wanted.

“Listen, I’ll forgive you for wearing my stuff, just untie me. I won’t call my father. I promise.”

“I’m in too deep now, kitten. We both are. I’ve assaulted you. I’ve held you against your will. Besides, how are we going to pretend this never happened? You know I know about your drugs, and I could use that against you whenever I want. We can’t go back now. The only way out is through.” Gloria squatted down next to Sasha. “Besides, how could I ever forget that Jose’s name in your phone is ‘My Slut?'”

“You can’t do this.”

“I can.”

Sasha flung herself with all her might at Gloria. Sasha rolled onto Gloria and knocked her backwards onto her ass. Sasha didn’t have her hands or arms, but she wriggled on top of Gloria. She bent down and tried to bite Gloria, but Gloria held back Sasha’s face with her hands. She threw Sasha off of her and rolled away.

Gloria climbed to her feet and wobbled on the heels. “Fine,” she sighed as she stood. “I guess I’ll have to prove it to you.” Gloria took out her phone and dialed.

“What are you doing?” asked Sasha.

“Proving a point,” said Gloria. Sasha could hear the phone ringing on the other side of the line. She hoped, it was foolish but she hoped, that no one picked up. Maybe father was busy. Maybe Jose didn’t care about Gloria and ignored the phone call. “Voicemail,” said Gloria. “Perfect.” Sasha’s heart stopped beating. Who was she calling? Why was she doing this? Over some heels? Over some stupid heels?

“Hello, Jose,” said Gloria. “Or should I say, ‘Sasha’s Slut?'” Gloria smiled at Sasha. Sasha blood went cold. “Or do you call her Mistress?” asked Gloria. “Or Queen? Or Goddess? Whatever it is, she told me she doesn’t want you anymore. She doesn’t feel much like a strong dominant woman. In fact, she’s serving me, right now.” Gloria moaned. “Oh, Sasha, deeper,” she sighed. “She’s my kitten now. You let me know if you want to be my pet too. I have her strap-on, I can fuck your ass whenever you want, slut.” Gloria’s switched the phone to her other hand and her tone changed. “And if you tell anyone about this, or threaten me, I will post the pictures online. My favorite is the one with you covered in your own cum and a dildo in your mouth.” Gloria’s tone changed back to her pleasant demeanor. “And if you ever want the same treatment from me, let me know.”

Gloria hung up the phone, and Sasha hung her head. “Why?” asked Sasha.

“To show you I’m serious,” said Gloria. “Do you believe me now?”

“Yes,” whispered Sasha.

“Yes, what?”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Better.”

“Now, we need to alter your behavior,” said Gloria. “I’m going to help you move. If you attack me or flail around, I’ll call your father or the police next depending on how much you annoy me, understand?”

Sasha nodded. She tried to think how she could fix things with Jose. She could tell him it was a joke. She could say she invited Gloria in for a threesome and things went wild from there. She could say she was drunk and it slipped. She could say Gloria stole her phone, which is part of the truth.

But would Jose care? Or would he prefer Gloria anyways? Gloria was stronger. Sasha could tell from Gloria’s tone. Gloria took what she wanted. She always did. It was part of her nature. She was a taker, and she would take Sasha’s things. She would take Jose. If she wanted, she could take Sasha’s life.

But Sasha could stop her if she was patient and strategic. There was no way Gloria had thought of everything. There had to be an opportunity out of this, a change to get away and get help.

Gloria stooped down and grabbed Sasha by the ropes. Sasha didn’t resist or go limp. She helped Gloria bring her to her feet, and let Gloria help her as she hopped and hobbled to her bedroom. Gloria’s bedroom now? Whatever.

Gloria sat Sasha down in front of Gloria’s computer. Gloria grabbed more rope and bound Sasha to the chair. She took the bindings off of Sasha’s body, and made sure to keep Sasha’s hands and feet tied to the chair. Sasha sighed with relief without the pressure across her body.

“Better?” asked Gloria.

Sasha nodded.

“See? I can be reasonable. As long as you’re reasonable, I’m reasonable. That’s a perfectly fair arrangement. Yes?”

Sasha didn’t say anything.

“Yes?” repeated Gloria.

“Sure,” muttered Sasha.

“See, that right there,” said Gloria as she paced around the room behind Sasha. She was messing with something, but Sasha couldn’t see. “That’s the problem: your attitude. Where’s the gratitude? Where’s the pep? Where’s the perky girl I’ve seen bouncing around the room?”

Sasha opened her mouth to speak, but then imagined Gloria calling her father. She nodded.

“I appreciate the effort, but we don’t want you to force yourself to be pleasant. It should be a delight to be pleasant.” Gloria leaned forward and hissed in Sasha’s ear, “it should be a delight to serve me.”

Sasha shuddered as her body blossomed with goosebumps. She’d toyed with BDSM before with Jose, but she was always the domme, the one on top. The power turned her on. But now, being at the mercy of someone who hated her and wanted to rule over her. It was an angle she’d never seen before. She was helpless against Gloria, and part of her, some sick and dark and weak part of her, liked it.

“Now, time for your educational material. I’m going to go shopping. The movie should be done in twelve hours or so. After that, we’ll introduce the new Sasha.”

Sasha turned to look at Gloria, but there was another screen to her left. She turned to her right, but there was another screen. In front of her, Gloria’s laptop blocked her vision. Each screen showed the same thing: a swirling galaxy that was slowly zoomed into. As the camera zoomed in, it showed another swirling galaxy. Each galaxy was slightly different, but all had the same glowing, soft pastel colors. Each time the camera zoomed in, another galaxy appeared: a fractal.

Sasha heard the bedroom door close, but the soft sound of rain filled the room. Somewhere in the music was a chime, or soft bells, making some kind of melody. But Sasha couldn’t focus on it. It felt random, but she should be able to predict it. She felt she should know what part was coming, but whenever she tried, it surprised her.

She leaned into the screen, trying to hear it. She watched the swirling galaxy, trying to find all the differences between each beautiful vortex. But she couldn’t. Everything was the same. Everything was a shade of the same color. All things were connected.

Sasha could feel connected, too. She was connected to the music, to the bells, to the rain, and to the galaxy. She felt an overwhelming peace. She was connected. She had nothing to fear. She was just like everyone else. She was connected to everyone one else. Everything was going to be okay. Everything was going to be okay.

A soft voice behind her asked her to drop, and everything went black.

**********

When Sasha woke up, she had a splitting headache. It was dark in the room, no lights or monitors on. She looked around the room as best she could. Why the hell was she in Gloria’s room? Were the windows covered? If not, it was definitely night. How long was she out?

From the other side of the bedroom door, Sasha heard people talking. There was even some laughter. She pulled on the rope around her feet and arms. The restraints were still tight. There was no chance in hell she was breaking out through physical strength alone.

She stopped struggling and tried listening. There were two voices. One was feminine, and the other was masculine. One was … Gloria? Yes, Gloria. Gloria was here. Gloria could help her get out. And the other was … Jose? Were they waiting for her? Did they know she was trapped in this room?

“Hello?” shouted Sasha. “Gloria? Jose? Is that you?” She waited for a response. The talking died down, but there was nothing else. “It’s me, Sasha! I’m trapped. Can you help?”

There’s a scuffle of noise, and then a knock on the door.

“Sasha?” asked Gloria. “It’s Gloria.”

“Come in!” begged Sasha. “I need your help.”

“Of course, honey,” said Gloria.

The door opened, and Gloria came in while wearing beautiful lingerie. Sasha had seen it somewhere before, like in a dream. Gloria was wearing what looked like a power outfit. She had a black leather corset with purple lace fringing the top and bottom. The corset ended in a peplum of ruffles that moved seamlessly into a garter belt. The straps led to dark purple stockings that ended with bright, beautiful, black pumps.

Sasha’s mouth went dry.

Why was Gloria dressed like a … like a … queen? A goddess? A dominatrix? Was it for Sasha? Sasha blushed at the thought? Was Gloria finally going to make her move on Sasha? Could Sasha finally tell Gloria about all her dreams and fantasies?

Gloria smiled when she saw Sasha blush. “You like?” she asked and twirled.

“Where did you get those?”

“My other bedroom across the hall,” said Gloria. She smiled wickedly. “I came into some new clothes recently.”

Sasha nodded. “You look gorgeous,” she whispered.

“Awww, thanks, hun.” Gloria twirled again. As she finished, she kicked her heel up for flair. Both girls giggled. “And you look naked and bound,” said Gloria pointing. “Got a new fetish you want to share?”

Sasha blushed. “No. I don’t think so …” Sasha tried to remember how she got here. All she saw were swirling galaxies and … She looked at Gloria’s beautiful new shoes. “Yes,” she muttered. Gloria laughed at her, and Sasha blushed, both embarrassed and turned on to admit it.

“Such a slut,” muttered Gloria. Sasha blushed again, but didn’t protest. “Here,” said Gloria, “let me help you.” Gloria moved the monitors out of her way and began to untie Sasha.

“What time is it?” asked Sasha.

“It’s almost two in the morning.”

“What are you doing up?” asked Sasha. “And who are you talking to?”

“Jose and I’ve been up most the night.”

“Jose?!” squeaked Sasha. “He’s here?”

“Don’t worry,” said Gloria. “I won’t tell him what you were doing in here. Or the fact that it’s a fetish and I can smell how wet you were when I walked in the room.” Gloria sniffed the air. “I also won’t mention you need a shower.”

Sasha blushed. What was her boyfriend doing here at two a.m. without her? What were he and Sasha talking about? Why was Sasha wearing that outfit in front of her boyfriend?

She’d have to ask Jose when she got a moment alone. She’d never be able to ask Gloria. Gloria hated when Sasha invaded her privacy or overstepped her bounds. She was lucky to get what she got in this apartment: a couch to sleep on. Anything else was asking for too much and would risk Gloria throwing her out.

“Is Jose still out there?” asked Sasha.

“I’ll take care of it.” Gloria went to her closet. She took out an ugly, oversized t-shirt, and tossed it Sasha. Gloria grabbed jean shorts, they were short and trashy, and also threw them to Sasha. “This is all I can spare,” she said. “You can borrow them.”

“Is that all you have?” asked Sasha. How could she face her boyfriend in this with Gloria dressed like a sex bomb?

“Is that a problem?” snapped Gloria.

Sasha shivered and shook her head. “No. Thank you.”

“Good. Here.” Gloria handed Sasha some grey heels. “I don’t want to embarass you in front of your boyfriend.” Gloria walked out the room without waiting for Sasha’s response.

Sasha smelled the heels before she really saw them. They smelled awful, as though Gloria had recently worn them all day in the midst of thick summer heat. They looked beat-up too. There were scratches and scuffs on them, and one of the heel was only a strong breeze away from snapping off entirely.

But Sasha didn’t hesitate to obey. She always took whatever clothes Gloria was generous enough to lend her. She couldn’t afford anything else. She was grateful for what Gloria gave her, and shivered with pleasure. Gloria was good to her. She sniffed the shoes again and stifled a moan at their scent.

The scent of Gloria.

In the living room of their apartment, Gloria sat and stretched out on their couch. Jose was there, on his knees, at her feet. Gloria got comfortable, and Jose put his head on her thigh. Sasha hesitated at the door. Jose was in his collar. He was naked except for a tight pair of briefs she’d gotten him for his birthday. He looked amazing. Gloria looked amazing.

Sasha looked shabby, pathetic, and poor.

“Don’t stand there looking like a lost toddler,” said Gloria. “Come join us on the couch.”

Sasha obeyed.

“Perhaps you can help use settle a little bet,” said Sasha.

“What’s that?” said Sasha as she sat on the far side of the couch from her roommate and boyfriend.

“Jose says that you aren’t very kinky. He says you’re a bit of a bore in bed. What was the term you used, darling?” She stroked Jose’s head as she asked.

“Vanilla,” said Jose.

“Yes,” Sasha laughed. “Vanilla. The least favorite ice cream.”

Sasha blushed.

“But I told him that he’s wrong. Sasha has all sorts of kinky fetishes. Don’t you, Sasha?”

“Y-yes?” Sasha couldn’t take her eyes off of Jose. Gloria ran her hands through his thick black hair absentmindedly. What did Sasha do wrong to lose him? She tried to keep him interested sexually. She offered herself to him whenever he wanted, even when she would never want it. She tried to keep him from Gloria. She thought she was careful. They only ever met at Jose’s apartment. She didn’t even text him on her phone, using only messengers on her laptop. She knew that once Gloria wanted him, she would take him. She took everything. And Jose would go with her. Who wouldn’t want Gloria? She was flawless. She was powerful. She was sexy. She was rich. She was smart. She was so smart, she made Sasha do her homework because she already knew how to do it.