Young Mistress Maja E-Book

Alex Thornfield

• Herausgeber: pinkflamingo
• Kategorie: Erotik
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Beschreibung

As a teenager the Hungarian born Maja is introduced to spanking through her friend Kristina and the vivacious Natalia. She quickly becomes fascinated with spanking, and will soon trick university student Laszlo into a spanking with the wooden spoon and threaten to discipline his mother. Later in London, Maja becomes friends with three Eastern European girls, and together they form a house fraternity with Maja as Mistress. They recruit their English teacher and his wife Sally, who will undergo humiliating but liberating initiations. Once Maja returns to Budapest, she marries Szilveszter and the pair become Master and Mistress of a Spanking society in their home. Natalia is invited to join them, and she wants to accept, but only if Szilveszter can prove he can handle her. After she provokes him, Szilveszter will spank Natalia into complete submission, and she will move in. But what about Natalia’s sexual needs? Can this unusual arrangement work out? And what of the friends Maja initiated back in London?

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Title Page

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Young Mistress Maja

by

Alex Thornfield

ISBN: 978-1-954079-19-9

A Pink Flamingo Ebook Publication

Copyright © 2021, All rights reserved

For information contact:

Pink Flamingo Media

www.pinkflamingo.com

P.O. Box 632 Richland, MI 49083

USA

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Chapter One

Maja was born in Budapest, Hungary in early 2000. She was a child of the New Millennium who had a positive and hopeful outlook. Her father worked in banking and her mother was a housewife and part-time translator.

Since 2004, Hungary had been in the European Union, and Maja’s parents took every opportunity to let Maja travel, to see other cultures. From being twelve she had been on exchange visits through school to a small town, just across the Danube, in Slovakia. Maja got to know a girl called Kristina of a similar age through these visits. They became good friends and began to spend time with each other’s families in the school holidays. Language wasn’t a problem. Kristina’s family were all fluent in Hungarian because of the area’s historical ties to Hungary. Maja also learned Slovak. She seemed to have inherited a feel for languages from her mother.

Her parents also sent Maja on exchange visits to England and Germany, stressing to her how these two languages were key for business in the European Union.

When Maja was fourteen, she went to stay with Kristina’s family over Easter. On Easter Sunday, Maja went to church with the family. Maja and Kristinas’ families were nominally Catholic and went to church for the main festivals.

Maja didn’t like the rituals of the church. She preferred to sense ‘God,’ as the transcendent reality, within and beyond nature. At one point in the service the choir, accompanied by the pipe organ, sang an anthem. The voices were beautiful, the harmonies exquisite. Maja felt a thrill as the vibration caused by the deep, bass pipes of the organ passed through her body. Then the flute and other reed pipes played a triumphant melody as the anthem came to its climax. As her heart was being touched by the music, Maja noticed how the sun shining through a stain-glass window was casting a coloured pattern on one of the stone pillars. The coloured light almost seemed to be vibrating in sympathy with the music.

Maja had a deep sense of the connectedness of things beyond the outward appearance of every-day life. She held a deep intuition, that, somehow, ‘Love,’ was holding it all together at the most fundamental level.

After church they all spent the rest of the day at home, chatting and relaxing. Maja found Kristina’s family easy-going and fitted in well.

“Have you told Maja about our Slovakian Easter Monday tradition, Kristina?” asked Nina, her mother.

“No Mum. Not yet.”

“There’s no time like the present,” said Natalia, with a broad smile. Natalia was Kristina’s grandma on her mum’s side,

Natalia was approaching sixty. She was slim, had a pretty face and thick, wavy grey hair, which had once been blonde, cut in a bob. There was a glint in her eye when she spoke, and Maja found her vivacious. Not like a granny, at all.

“Oh, it’s something we do here on the day after Easter Sunday,” said Kristina, going a little red. “Lots of the women and girls wear traditional clothing, and we spend the morning making cakes and snacks and decorating Easter eggs. Then the tradition is that the local boys and men can visit any house, knock on the door and ask to see the girls and women. The guys have willow sticks bound in bundles and tied with ribbons, which they make for the occasion. They smack the girls’ bottoms with their sticks and in return get served snacks and drinks in the house.”

The comment about what the willow sticks are for caught Maja’s attention. She began listening intently.

“And sometimes the guys take the women outside and throw cold water over them,” added Nina.

“Do you mind them doing all that, Auntie Nina?” asked Maja. Her tone didn’t indicate disapproval but rather a genuine desire to know.

Nina smiled and Maja was aware of how pretty she looked. Her teeth were lovely and white, she had an angular face with a pleasing bone structure and her long, braided hair, which was brownish blonde, was tied with a blue ribbon.

“Not at all, Maja. It’s just fun, and it’s done respectfully. Even Mum enjoys it, don’t you?” she said looking at Natalia, with a grin.

“Of course,” replied Natalia. “What’s not to enjoy about dressing up and having male attention?”

She said this with panache, which made everybody laugh. Natalia gave Maja a warm smile which felt like sunshine to her soul.

“Maja, you’ll have to forgive Granny. She’s a lot to handle sometimes,” said Kristina giggling, as her cheeks flushed.

Granny Natalia crossed her legs and rested her palms around one knee. “And what of it? I’m approaching sixty, but there’s life in the old dog yet.”

This made everybody, including Natalia, burst out laughing.

“Yes Maja, since Grandpa died, Grandma decided to make the most of life which is what Grandpa would have wanted. She’s very sociable and loves going dancing,” said Kristina.

“Yes, that’s really what Grandpa wanted. Ladislav had a long talk with me about that before he died.” There was a brief pause, then Natalia continued after that serious comment. “The problem is Maja, men of my own age can’t keep up,” she said with a cheeky grin.

Nina smiled. “It’s true Maja.”

“Yes. Granny needs a toy-boy,” joked Kristina.

This led to more laughter.

“Oh, and Maja, just so you don’t feel left out, we’ve hired you an outfit for tomorrow.”

“Oh, that’s so kind Auntie Nina. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” said Nina with a warm smile.

Later that afternoon everybody went out for a walk. It was cold so they all wore their winter coats. In the market place, in front of the Town Hall, there was a raised stone platform. A group of men and women were there in traditional folk costume. The men were playing fiddles and accordions and the women were dancing. A small crowd were watching their performance.

Maja thought the women looked lovely. She noticed how their skirts were made so that when they turned their hips and twirled, the skirts rose right up. They had white petticoats underneath and wore a straight cotton underdress, which came half-way down their thighs and hugged their legs. That way, it was the petticoat and white underdress which people saw when they twirled, not their knickers. All the women also looked smart in their leather boots.

The next day passed in a bit of a whirl for Maja. After breakfast, she and Kristina helped clear up and then went and got changed. Kristina’s mum had hired a traditional black skirt and white blouse for Maja. The lovely, white silky blouse framed Maja’s generous bosom nicely. As she pulled her own black, leather boots on, which came just below her knees, Maja loved the way they felt so snug and enjoyed the noise made by the leather as it enveloped her legs. She had tights on and the traditional black skirt, which came just above the knee.

“Oh Kristina, you look lovely in your blouse. And I love the black skirt with floral prints, and your boots are classy,” said Maja, inflecting her voice.

Kristina smiled as she put her flower wreath on her head then handed Maja hers.

“Okay, we should go help in the kitchen now. There’s about an hour before the boys will arrive,” she said.

The kitchen was a hive of activity. Kristina’s mum was there along with two Auntie’s and their teenage daughters and Grandma Natalia. It was a girls-only affair in the kitchen. One of the neighbours was sat at the table with her two young children, decorating chocolate eggs.

Maja and Kristina helped by getting plates ready and cutting cakes which Kristina’s mum was taking out of the oven. Her long, brownish-blonde hair was beautifully braided, and she wore a traditional dress with a white petticoat and red leather boots. Maja thought she looked really lovely with her stately nose, high cheek-bones and hazel eyes. Some lively traditional dance music with Zither and Accordion, was playing in the background.

Maja was told that in some places the tradition was that the males could go to any house and request that the women come out. “That’s how it’s done in the villages, but here that isn’t practical. So, we invite friends and neighbours to come instead,” Nina said to Maja.

A few minutes passed, and Maja heard a loud knock on the door.

“They’re here,” shouted Nina, cheerfully.

Maja felt butterflies in her tummy because she didn’t know what to expect. Nina opened the door and welcomed in a group of four teenage boys, two men and a boy of around twelve. They were neighbours and friends. Then the girls and women began squealing and holding on to each other as the guys began to chase them and flick their bottoms with their sticks. Kristina grabbed Maja’s hand and they ran out into the garden.

“Ouch,” said Maja as one of the boys flicked her bottom on the way out. It stung a little, but she was too busy running and having fun trying to get out of the boys’ way to pay much attention. Then the boys cornered her and Kristina in the garden, and suddenly Maja gasped as she was covered in cold water. Kristina had momentarily escaped. As Maja wrung the water out of her skirt she watched as Kristina was cornered by a couple of the boys. They held her as another one poured a bucket of water over her head. The water ran down her hair, face and blouse and all Kristina could do was squeal. One of the younger boys then came and gently flicked her bottom over her skirt with his stick. Kristina was struggling to know whether to laugh or yelp, so she did both in equal measure.

Then suddenly, the boys turned on Maja and it was her turn to be restrained and have her bottom flicked which made her giggle and squeal, helplessly.

After having their fun, the boys left Maja and Kristina alone. With that, out came Natalia and Nina carrying plates of cakes and Kristina’s dad with a tray of drinks. The group all ate and drank together, and Maja and Kristina dried themselves with towels.

The boys were about to leave, but Kristina’s father said “Wait.” Looking at his wife and the other older women, he said, “It’s their turn now.”

He took hold of Nina, knelt, and put her over his shoulder. He lifted her skirt up, showing her petticoat and undergarment, and gently slapped her bum. She was kicking and squealing and going pink in the cheeks. All the boys thought this was hilarious. They were all encouraged to give her a few slaps.

As Maja stood there next to Kristina, they were both laughing gently. Even though she was a little cold because of being drenched, Maja’s body began to tingle and feel warm all over as she watched.

Then Kristina’s father put his wife down and the boys were encouraged to chase the Aunties and the neighbour. One by one they were cornered and held and spanked as they squealed. The boys only gave gentle smacks to the Aunties. One of them was a little more into it than the other one, but the boys were sensitive about that. The neighbour with the two young children was another matter. Her husband and Christina’s father had great fun, ‘driving’ her round the garden as she helplessly tried to evade them. But she just ran into the boys who were waiting for her. She was wearing jeans, but the loud slapping noises, her yelps and giggles, and the way she was wriggling, told Maja that she would be feeling it.

Then Kristina’s father’s mother, who was around sixty-five, bravely volunteered to let a couple of the young boys give her a few slaps. Then she tussled their hair and cuddled them and they all had a good laugh.

Kristina’s mum looked at Natalia with relish.

“So, Mum. It’s your turn now.”

Kristina’s Grandma, Natalia, was still in good shape, despite her age. She was of average height, slim, and had lovely, wavy grey hair.

Kristina’s mum held her by one hand and her father by the other, and they stretched them out. Grandma had a wry smile on her face as one of the younger boys came behind her and began to flick her bottom over her traditional skirt with his cane. With each stroke, she twisted her hips after the impact as if she wanted to escape. But she was being held firmly in place and all she could do was push her hips forwards and wiggle her bottom in a vain attempt to escape the cane. She was blushing but still had a smile on her face because she was having fun. Grandma even got one of the youngest boys, who was around twelve and a bit shy, to come and ‘whip her bottom.’

As Maja watched she began to feel the beginnings of an excitement she had never felt before. There was something about seeing helpless women that stirred her up. It was related to how boys made her feel, but it definitely had a quality all of its own…and Maja liked it.

After that Maja and Christina got dried and changed. Then they went and joined everybody else, eating cake, Easter eggs and drinking. It was a light-hearted and fun-filled occasion.

***

Maja and Kristina continued to be friends and visit each other’s homes. But it was always Easter at Kristina’s because that was a special time for her family, and they wanted to include Maja.

Over the next couple of years, Maja’s body blossomed into that of a young woman. She grew taller, developed a full, heavy bosom, but had a thin waist and athletic build.

Her parents realised how much Maja enjoyed going to Kristina’s at Easter. She liked the fun they had as a family with their Easter traditions, but she also enjoyed the dancing very much. Maja and Kristina were close, but Maja also liked the respect and friendly attitude her father had to her. And Auntie Nina talked to her almost like an adult. Then there was Grandma Natalia. Maja loved the way she always made an effort to talk and took a real interest in her life. Natalia was also open with Maja about some things in her own life which made Maja feel grown up. She also had the gift of making Maja feel comfortable at being feminine.

The Easter when Maja had just turned seventeen proved to be significant. During the week, Maja, Kristina, Auntie Nina and Grandma Natalia had been learning a traditional dance, called the ‘Bottle Dance.’ It’s a girls-only dance where the women have a bottle of an alcoholic drink and some of them pretend to steal other girls’ drinks. This leads to revenge, all expressed through dance. They were going to give a private performance of this in their traditional costumes to their invited friends and neighbours after the whipping ceremony.

Maja felt so feminine in her black cotton, tapered skirt, which came just above her knees. She wore tights, black knee-length leather boots and had a cotton petticoat and the traditional garment to cover her knickers. On top she wore a frilly, white, short sleeved cotton blouse, a black waistcoat, richly decorated with colourful embroidered flowers, a wide matching waistband and a choker. Maja had braided her hair and tied it with a ribbon. It now came half-way down her back.

The girls bumped into Grandma Natalia on the landing as they were about to go downstairs. She too was wearing a traditional outfit, of waistcoat, red cotton skirt, white blouse and red leather boots, with a ribbon in her hair. It was the same as Kristina’s outfit, and as Maja would find out, the same as her mum’s.

“You two look lovely,” said Natalia with a beaming smile. “Come here and let me cuddle my two favourite girls.”

The girls went for a cuddle and complimented Natalia on her outfit. Just that moment of physical contact felt wonderful for Maja. Natalia just conveyed a lovely emotion of warmth and acceptance to her.

Downstairs, when Maja saw Nina dressed in the same outfit as her mother and daughter, she laughed to herself inwardly. ‘School uniform,’ she thought. ‘But I wish we wore uniforms like that. So feminine.’

Before they knew it, the boys arrived, and they demanded to see the girls. Kristina’s father invited them in and called Kristina and Maja to come. Then he left them at the mercy of the boys as they chased them around the garden. Maja got separated from Kristina and suddenly two boys took hold of one arm each and gently pulled them to her side.

Maja’s heart was beating fast in her bosom as she felt a boy behind her lift her skirt and felt his stick warming her bottom over her protective underskirt. Maja was squealing and laughing. The boys took turns to swap places and whip her. Before she knew it, she was walking back to the others, in front of the house. Two boys had their arms around her shoulders, and Maja was given reassuring rubs on her back. Her bottom felt warm. After sharing some cake, Easter Eggs and drinks, Kristina’s father insisted on his wife and Granny having their turn before the boys left.

The boys approached that with relish, especially lifting their skirts and petticoats up, and the two ladies entered into the spirit of things. Then the boys left, but not before embracing everybody warmly.

Some other neighbours and friends soon arrived. This year they had been at whipping ceremonies with other neighbours. After relaxing with them for a while, Nina said,

“Okay girls, time to perform the Bottle Dance.”

She went and started the music, and the girls did the Bottle Dance. Then they performed a Circle Dance. The girls had a hand on their neighbour’s shoulder or back throughout the performance. There was lots of laughter and squealing as they danced and twirled. Their skirts rode up and showed their pretty petticoats and under garments. Maja felt a little intoxicated by the female warmth and camaraderie. When they had finished, the audience applauded. Then they all embraced and went and sat down.

After listening to music and chatting for a while, Kristina’s dad said, “Girls, I’m introducing a new tradition today.” He looked at Kristina and Maja. “The younger generation of girls are going to whip their elders.”

Natalia and Nina covered their mouths and gasped in mock horror.

“Come here,” said Kristina’s father to Nina as he knelt on one knee. Nina stood in front of her husband and before she knew it, he’d hoisted her over his shoulder and raised her skirt and petticoat up, showing her cotton protector.

“You first,” he said to Kristina.

Natalia looked at Maja and pretended to bite her nails with anxiety, which made Maja laugh.

Kristina smacked her mum six times with her hand. The noise of the smacks seemed delicious to Maja. Nina let out some theatrical “Ohhs” and “Ows.” The last smack was quite hard, and she twitched a little as it struck.

“Your turn now, Maja.”

Maja stepped forwards. She could feel her heart beating in her bosom. Nina looked round at her and smiled and then pretended to look pitiful. Maja landed her palm over Nina’s cotton protected bottom. The sound of the slap delighted Maja. The feel of her palm in contact with Nina’s warm, firm flesh felt lovely. Maja enjoyed having an adult woman in this compromising position. Without thinking about it, the last slap Maja gave was hard. The noise of a firm hand meeting a starched-cotton-clad bottom echoed around the room. Maja felt a thrill at the combination of the loud “Ow,” Nina let out, and the feel of her palm on that smooth, white cotton, which by now, felt warm.

Nina looked round at Maja. She was smiling but had her mouth open in disbelief. Maja was a little embarrassed because of how hard she’d smacked Nina. She covered her mouth with her hand in response, but all the others began laughing and cheering. As Kristina’s father put Nina down, she pretended to pout and feel sorry for herself. That sight stirred something up in Maja.

“Your next Granny,” said Kristina’s dad.

Natalia who had been standing next to the girls walked over to Kristina’s father and went over his shoulder. Before she did so, she turned around and smiled. As their eyes met, Maja felt something of Natalia’s vivaciousness which made her feel strange in a way she couldn’t describe.

Kristina went first again, and she gave moderately firm smacks. When it was Maja’s turn, Natalia turned around and looked pathetically at her.

“Please, no Maja.”

“Please, do Maja,” cried the other’s including, Nina.

“Oh, you’re rotten Nina,” said Natalia, as she pouted.

It was all done in fun. But Maja was still a little self-conscious because she’d accidentally smacked Nina hard once. She gave Natalia six moderate smacks, and Natalia responded with theatrical kicking and protests. The feel of Natalia’s firm bum, that lovely, starched cotton and the sound her hand made was delightful to Maja. She restrained herself but part of her wanted to really let go. In her thoughts, Maja would have enjoyed making Natalia kick and squirm for real.

Once it was over, they all began cheering and embraced. The two ladies got their bottoms rubbed better and they all sat down and continued chatting and listening to music.

A little later the girls went upstairs to get changed. Maja went to the toilet and when she came out, Kristina was already changed. She went downstairs and as Maja passed Granny’s room, the door was open. Natalia was sat on the bed, re-doing her make up. After she’d got changed, Maja said hello to Natalia before she went downstairs.

“Maja, come here please, I want to talk to you.”

“Sure,” said Maja, and she went into Granny’s room.

Natalia patted the bed next to where she was sitting, and Maja sat down. Natalia gave Maja a broad smile which warmed her heart. “That was quite a smack you gave Nina.”

“Yes, I wasn’t thinking, I just let go,” said Maja, going a little flushed.

Natalia’s face lit up as she laughed and touched Maja’s arm reassuringly. “It wasn’t a criticism, Maja.” Still smiling and looking at Maja, she continued. “It won’t have done her any harm. It’s payback anyway, because she can be quite cheeky sometimes. And Maja, when she was growing up, she’s been over my knee a few times when it was needed, even into her late teens. She didn’t forget those times in a hurry,” said Natalia, as she burst out laughing. “But it’s just part of life. She accepted it and got over it.” Then, looking at Maja with a mischievous smile, she added, “Maja, you have to put naughty girls in their place, or they will rule the roost.”

Maja could feel her heart thumping in her bosom during this conversation, especially during that last sentence which etched itself onto her mind.

“Anyway, I’m disappointed. You went really easy on me, and I am a naughty girl sometimes,” said Natalia provocatively, as she gave Maja a cheeky grin.

Maja felt flustered. She decided that she was going to give Natalia some hard, fun smacks. As she moved towards her, Natalia put her hands out in front of her and they grappled for a moment as they both giggled. Because Maja was taller and had a fuller frame, she managed to push Natalia back and onto the bed, on her side. She was just about to smack her when they both heard Kristina shout,

“Come on you two. Foods ready. We’re waiting for you.”

Maja knew there was no time now, so she let go of Natalia. Natalia got up, straightened her clothes and she embraced Maja. But Maja felt unrelieved tension inside.

“Come on, let’s go downstairs,” said Natalia, putting her arm around Maja.

She knew that because Maja was going home tomorrow, that there would be no further opportunity for fun-play. As they reached the bottom of the stairs and walked across the hall to the dining room, Natalia felt very mischievous. Just before they got to the dining room door, which was open, so all the others could see, Natalia whispered in Maja’s ear, “Maja! Granny has won the game. There’s nothing you can do about it, now. Poor you!” With that Natalia said, “Sorry for keeping you waiting folks, but we’re here now.”

Maja went and took her seat besides Kristina. She felt really stirred up but managed not to show it. She managed to enter into normal conversation but as she looked at vivacious Natalia and their eyes met, she had mixed feelings. Maja sensed the warmth Natalia exuded towards her, and it was lovely. But as she listened to her talking, in her confident, jovial manner, Maja felt as if she’d been outwitted. As she looked at Nina and remembered what Natalia had told her about disciplining her, ‘That’s exactly what I want to do to you Natalia,’ crossed Maja’s mind. For a moment, Maja imagined that she had had cause to discipline Natalia for a genuine reason, that she’d done it, and that now an embarrassed Natalia was sitting down uncomfortably at the table with all the family knowing why she was so quiet and subdued. With that, their eyes met, and Maja and Natalia exchanged a lovely, warm, smile.

***

In January 2018, Maja was eighteen, and she was in her A Level year. She was taking Economics, Business Studies and Law, with a view to going to university. Maja wanted to take a degree in Economics and follow her father into financial services.

Easter came and it was off to Kristina’s. Maja was looking forwards to seeing the family again, and she was relishing having opportunity to remind Natalia that she’d not forgotten her provocative behaviour from last year.

It was a great disappointment when she got to Kristina’s to find out that Grandma Natalia had flu and wouldn’t be joining them. Later in the week she’d recovered sufficiently to receive visitors and so Kristina and Maja spent an afternoon with her.

It was so nice to see Natalia. Maja could tell she’d been ill. Natalia was slim, but right now she looked thin. The good news was that she was on the mend. Her appetite had returned, so she’d soon be back to her normal self again.

It was just so nice to cuddle her when they greeted. They had a lovely afternoon talking. Both Kristina and Maja told Natalia about their plans for university and she was especially interested to hear about their escapades with boys.

Natalia joked with them about how useless all the men of her age were. Then she had a serious talk with them about not being so focussed on career and thinking they could have fun with men, that they forgot that it’s much better to settle down and have children early.

“Sometimes I reflect on my life and I’m so glad I met your Grandpa when I was young, Kristina, and that we settled down and had a family. The thought of being my age and not having a family horrifies me. It would have been such a waste. And I can’t tell you how much satisfaction I get out of my children and grandchildren. It’s wonderful. I wouldn’t exchange that for anything.” This advice became firmly rooted in Maja’s mind, and she often reflected on the matter.

Before they left Kristina joked, “Granny is really at the cutting edge of things now Maja. She’s got a laptop, internet connection and uses email. Hey, talking of that, why don’t you two swap email addresses?”

“Great idea Kristina,” said Natalia.

So, they did.

When it was time to leave, Maja cuddled Natalia. She did feel thinner and Maja wanted to make sure that cuddle made up for what they hadn’t been able to share because Natalia had been ill. As she drew Natalia to her and rubbed her back gently, Maja said,

“I’ve really missed you Auntie Natalia. Please get better soon and let’s keep in touch on email.”

Natalia responded as if she was a sponge, soaking up Maja’s affection. She kissed Maja on the cheek and gave her a radiant smile. Maja returned the smile and lovingly ran the back of a finger down Natalia’s cheek, and then it was time to leave.

Maja hadn’t forgotten about taking revenge on Natalia, but that would have to be another time. But seeing her again revived those desires in Maja and she often thought about her fantasy with relish.

***

May half-term holiday arrived, and Maja’s A Levels would begin in a month. She’d been invited to stay with Zoltan and his wife Mira, who had been family friends from before Maja was born. They had a son called Laszlo, who was twenty, and in his second year of a Law degree at Budapest university. He still lived at home. He and Maja had known each other since they were little, and they generally got on well. Zoltan and Mira were a couple of years older than Maja’s parents. They also had an older daughter who had just left home and started work after completing her degree. Zoltan was a criminal lawyer and Mira worked for an insurance company.

It took around three and a half hours to get to their town on the bus. Maja had a small case with some clothes and a rucksack with some A Level notes, for revision purposes. As the bus trundled along, Maja looked out of the window at the passing suburbs and began to think.

‘It’s two years since I last stayed with them, but we see them a couple of times a year. It’ll be good to have a talk to Laszlo about life at uni. I wonder how he’s changed? Will he still be “so laid back that he’s falling apart,”‘ she thought, as she stifled a giggle. Laszlo was a guy who didn’t let things make him uptight, but that could be a bit irritating for others because he did everything to his timetable. That didn’t mean he didn’t get important things done. He usually came up with the goods, on time, but his way of operating could grind against people who liked a more orderly life.

Maja arrived on Friday afternoon. Over the weekend they all went for walks together during the day, and then relaxed together in the evening. It was nice to spend three evenings with Zoltan, because on Monday morning he would be starting a new case which meant being in another town and coming home early the following Saturday. Laszlo was there on the first two evenings, but on Sunday night he went out with his friends.

Mira, Zoltan and Maja were relaxing together on Sunday evening.

“I’m out at quarter-to-eight in a morning, so if you could leave using the bathroom until then,” said Mira. “Take whatever you want for breakfast and Laszlo should get his own. During the holidays we’ve given him some chores to do. He’s to wash up the breakfast and midday-snack things by four in the afternoon, before I get home and start cooking. Drying them and putting them away, plus emptying all the bins in the house is on his daily list too. But I’d appreciate it if you make a snack at midday for you both, if he’s here of course.”

“Yes, that’s fine Auntie Mira. I’ll be here most of the time anyway because I’ll be revising. I’ll make the most of the garden bench to do it, if that’s alright?” said Maja.

Mira smiled. “Great idea. The garden is nice right now. With only the birds singing it should be pretty quiet round here.”

“I think I can deal with that,” replied Maja with a laugh.

Maja, who was wearing a smart, black, shortish skirt, a white blouse, black tights and four-inch heels, crossed her legs and rested both palms on one knee as they spoke.

‘Wow, Maja’s really becoming a beautiful young woman. She’s so stylish in the way she dresses and has become really confident,’ thought Mira.

“One thing to be aware of, Maja,” interjected Zoltan. “Laszlo can be manipulative. He uses his laid-back character to divert attention from the fact that he’s being lazy sometimes. He likes to avoid helping around the house and just passes it off as a joke with his mother, when I’m not here.”

Mira gave a slightly embarrassed laugh at Zoltan’s last comments. “Mother’s and sons; fathers and daughters, Maja. They exploit our weaknesses,” said Mira, apologetically.

“Some of us!” said Zoltan in a light-hearted tone. “Maja, when I tell Laszlo things he doesn’t want to hear, he knows what people feel like when I’m cross-examining them in court. It just doesn’t always work out too well when I’m away though,” he said, looking at Mira, with a smile.

“Yes, Laszlo can be a bit of a handful sometimes,” added Mira, quietly.

“Anyway Maja, don’t let Laszlo play the ‘I’m a couple of years older than you card.’ Otherwise, he’ll smooth talk his way out of doing his duties and leave them for you to do. I’ve told him not to do that, so if he tries to, just put your foot down,” said Zoltan. “Okay ladies,” he continued, in an up-beat manner, “I have to go prepare for tomorrow now, so enjoy chatting. But Maja, don’t let Laszlo wind you around his little finger and don’t back down. Alright?”

“Yes, that’s fine, Uncle. Not a problem.”

Mira went and put some relaxing music on, and the two women continued chatting. “How do you feel about your exams, Maja?” asked Mira.

“I should be fine,” answered Maja, with a smile. “I’ve put the work in, and I feel ready for them.”

“I’m pleased about that. And what about boyfriends? Anyone interesting on the horizon?”

Maja laughed, then un-crossed and re-crossed her legs, straightening her skirt with an elegant movement as she did so. Without consciously thinking about it, Mira found herself doing the same.

“Well, I haven’t got a steady boyfriend. I meet up with a couple of guys but getting involved wouldn’t be sensible as we’re all going our separate ways to university soon.”

‘Really sensible,’ thought Mira. ‘But you’re so pretty Maja. I bet guys are falling over themselves to get your attention.’

“Any thoughts about whether you want to get married in the future?”

“Oh, I do Auntie, because I want a family.” Then, with a smile, she added, “I’ll have a little fun at university but get that all out of my system by the time I start work. Then I’ll start looking.”

‘You’re thinking it through, aren’t you? And with you, I know you mean it. You really are planning your life out. Wow!’ were the thoughts passing through Mira’s mind as she listened.

Maja, un-crossed and re-crossed her legs again, gently pulling the hem of her skirt in the process. Mira followed suit, but this time she was aware of it. She also became aware that she couldn’t keep her eyes off Maja’s legs, and try as she would, she found herself mirroring every change of posture Maja made.

“Would you like me to make us a drink?” Mira asked.

“That would be nice, Auntie. Black tea with milk for me please.”

As Mira walked to the kitchen, dressed in a pencil skirt, blouse, heels, and tan tights, she became aware of her manner of speech towards Maja. It dawned on her that Maja’s confidence made her feel as if she were the younger of the two. In fact, she was thirty years older.

The following morning, Maja went in the shower once the bathroom was vacated, went downstairs and had some toast. Laszlo appeared around half-past-nine and grabbed a bowl of cornflakes and a coffee. The two of them had a nice chat as Laszlo ate his breakfast. He told Maja about the social life at university and how much he enjoyed it. The chance to meet lots of new people of a similar age and outlook excited Maja.

“Flippin heck, Laszlo, the way you describe it, I’m surprised you get around to doing any work.”

Laszlo laughed as he pushed back his centre-parted hair from his face, with one hand. “You know me, Maja,” he said with a cheeky grin and a twinkle in his eye. “I come up with the goods when it matters, still manage to party, and don’t even break into a sweat.”

That made Maja laugh. “Seriously though Laszlo, are you doing okay at uni?”

“Yup, my average assignment and exam grade is a good, Upper Second. I know it’s my personality and I’m lucky in that way, but I can enjoy life to the full and still do well in my studies.”

“Sounds great to me,” said Maja, with a smile. They chatted for a while longer about what Maja should expect in her early days at uni, then Laszlo looked at his mobile as it beeped.

“Okay, Maja, have to scoot. Meeting some friends. See you for the meal tonight.” With that, Lazlo got up and headed for the coat rack next to the door and grabbed his jacket.

“Err, Laszlo. What about your duties?” said Maja.

“Oh, there’s just a couple of things, but I’m sure you won’t mind doing them, as you’re here all day. Right, until tonight then.” With that Laszlo quickly headed for the door.

“Laszlo,” said Maja loudly.

He smiled back at her as if he hadn’t heard her. He’d just put his earphones in to listen to music, and with that, he was off.

“Humph,” said Maja to herself. ‘I’ll leave his duties until four and if he’s not back I’ll do them. But I’m going to say something to him later,’ she thought. Then she put her frustration out of her mind and made herself a coffee. The sun was shining, the garden was in full bloom and she went and sat on the bench and did some revision. As she revised the ‘Theory of the Firm,’ for Economics, Maja had the pleasant experience of the sun warming her body and the aroma of the flowers and bushes in the garden wafting through her nostrils. She looked up momentarily and noticed the towering, white, anvil shaped cumulonimbus clouds in the sky. ‘Wow, they’re majestic. But, if I know my Geography, that could mean it might rain or thunder soon, so I’ll make the most of the garden whilst I can.’ Then it was back to memorising graphs representing different market situations for open competition versus monopolistic and oligopolistic markets.

When Laszlo hadn’t returned by four, Maja did his duties to save Mira any inconvenience. The three of them had a pleasant meal together and chatted for a while afterwards. Then Laszlo excused himself to get ready to go to the pub with friends. Maja made an excuse to go to her room to find something and she knocked on Laszlo’s bedroom door and had a word with him. “Hey Laszlo, that wasn’t very nice the way you left your duties for me to do.”

“No, it wasn’t, was it?” he said with a sarcastic laugh. But look at it this way, Maja, I’m toughening you up for some of the devious people you’ll meet at uni.”

“No, you’re not. You’re just being lazy and manipulative.” ‘Wow, I actually dared to say it to him.’

“Ma-Ja. You catch on quickly, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do,” said Maja, assertively, as she stood with her hands on her hips. “Please don’t let it happen tomorrow.” ‘Oh, why did I say please?’

“Pleeeeease, pretty please,” mocked Laszlo. “Sorry, babe, got to rush. Can’t be late for the pub you know.” With that Laszlo winked at Maja, brushed past her and went downstairs and out of the front door.

‘Drat. You’re not going to beat me,’ thought Maja.

Tuesday morning was similar to the day before. When Laszlo emerged, he grabbed a quick breakfast, said he’d be back for evening meal, and was heading for the door.

“Laszlo,” said Maja clearly, with one hand on her hip. “Your duties.”

“Oh, give me a break Maja. It’s the holidays, and anyway, that’s women’s work,” he said, as he smiled, provocatively.

Maja straightened her body and tilted her head back slightly. “Laszlo, you’re being disrespectful. It isn’t women’s work. Women who don’t work and stay at home do those tasks because it’s a practical arrangement. But you don’t work. So, you can contribute to helping around the house. Anyway, your parents have told you to do it.”

Laszlo was in his element. He laughed, put his hand on his hip, mimicking Maja, then said, “You’re being disrespectful,” in a voice which imitated a crow, cawing.

Maja had to stifle a smile because that was funny. ‘But hey, this is serious. He’s trying to undermine me,’ she thought.

“Got to rush now, babe. Got a social life to attend to, people to see, things to enjoy. See you at mealtime tonight.” With that, he was out of the door, whilst whistling.

Maja sighed with frustration. ‘I’ve got to confront him in a way that leaves no way out,’ she thought. But right now, I need to calm down and do some revision.’

When Laszlo wasn’t home by four again, Maja did his duties. Mira came home around four-thirty, and she asked Maja how it was going with Laszlo.

“Oh, nothing I can’t handle,” said Maja light-heartedly.

“Do you want me to have a word with him?” asked Mira, noticing how asking the question made her voice rise slightly in pitch.

“No, it’s fine Mira. It isn’t anything I can’t handle,” said Maja, gaily.

“Oh, I see,” said Mira, with an embarrassed giggle.

Before Mira could think what to say, Maja had already suggested that she help Mira make their meal.

“Oh, that would be great Maja. I’ll get changed and be back down in five minutes, then we can start.”

The meal and the rest of the evening passed pleasantly. Laszlo was communicative and nice. Maja went up to bed around eleven, but she spent some time thinking about the situation with Laszlo. She knew that the next day would be more of the same, which made her sigh. Maja was sat up in bed deep in thought. ‘What can I do? He’s running rings around me, and he knows it.’ “Bah!!” she said out loud as she gently brought her clenched fist down onto the mattress, in a hammer blow action. Suddenly an image of that Easter at Kristina’s, when Maja had been distracted and had accidentally smacked Nina, quite hard, entered her mind. It was as if the loud slapping noise and Nina’s open-mouthed, loud, surprised “Ow,’ were reverberating across the years. Maja laughed. ‘You wouldn’t dare,’ she thought, with a smile. ‘I wish I did dare though.’ With that, Maja was able to turn her mind to more relaxing subjects and quickly fell asleep.

As expected, Wednesday brought more of the same. Laszlo laughed as he told Maja he had an important appointment to keep and he’d have to leave the washing up to her. After he’d left, Maja felt wound up. Her thoughts from the previous evening returned. As Maja made herself a coffee, before settling down to revision, she thought, ‘He’s far stronger than me, so I couldn’t overpower him. And he won’t just submit, because I say so. He’d just laugh at me.’ Maja brought her clenched fist against the open palm of her other hand, saying a frustrated “Bah!” Then she sighed and smiled as she concluded, ‘That’s just the way it is, and I’ll have to accept it.’ Then she paused and thought, ‘But a woman doesn’t give up that easily. I’ll find some way to get my own back.’ Maja picked up her coffee and began walking to the Lounge in her heels. The clippety-clop sound unlocked something in her mind. She gently ran her top teeth over her lower lip as she thought, ‘I’ve got him,’ rather triumphantly. Then Maja put it out of her mind, opened her notes and began revising.

Laszlo returned a few minutes before his mother which meant that Maja had had to do his duties. He gave Maja a cheeky grin and winked at her before going upstairs. ‘Wow, she looks tasty today,’ he thought. Maja was wearing a smart, pencil-skirt, tan tights, heels and a nice, silky, white blouse. She had a generous bust and today she looked especially, womanly.