'FULFILLMENT'

by Alex Birch

Category:  First and Last

Words: 499


Rosemary sleepwalked through her husband's funeral. Thirty years of
loving companionship wiped out by a coronary in an instant, two weeks
after her 50th birthday.  She'd  have crumbled but for her son , so
strong when it mattered.  Determined to cope she applied for a job,
digging up her secretarial qualifications long dormant, and applied to a
small firm of solicitors.

Rosemary warmed to Mr Phillips at the interview. Around her own age,
greying and very distinguished, the twinkle in his eye made her feel
quite light headed, and she was overjoyed to be offered the post despite
her age.

Weeks went by and she gathered from office gossip that her boss was
divorced. He was viewed as very 'tasty' and the girls sometimes
exchanged blushing glances but would say no more. Rosemary's working
relationship with him was wonderful and, she realised guiltily,  she
took his generosity for granted. She took an afternoon off to meet an
old friend, feigning sickness, but worked twice as hard next day to
catch up.

The next day he had been to a business dinner and Rosemary was leaning
over her desk reading a magazine way after lunch was over.  She heard
him come back but was determined to finish the article as he walked past
her desk. Without warning she suddenly experienced a sharp slap on her
bottom.

For a second she was stunned and very confused as her bottom tingled
delightfully.

She meant to say "How dare you!" but instead she rubbed her bottom and
said plaintively "That hurt!!"

There was no apology, instead he grinned.

"Good..he said firmly "..I dont pay you to read magazines in the firm's
time.  Now come into my office , we have things to discuss!"

Like a small child sent to her room, Rosemary followed him in, heart
pounding, strange feelings coursing through her body.

" The magazine is not your worst offence! Do you know what happens to
secretaries who behave like little girls, who lie to me about being sick
and who are then spotted in a pub? " he demanded.

Rosemary was like a rabbit trapped in headlights, incapable of logical
thought or movement as she stared into his eyes and whimpered something.

He seized her hand gently, for she made no attempt to escape, and pulled
her toward him.

"They get their knickers taken down and their bare bottoms smacked!"  he
smiled as he hauled her gently over his knee and to Rosemary's
embarrassment began to pull up her skirt .  A million thoughts flew
through her mind as the shame of what was happening sank in.  I'm 50
years old being treated like a child..and its turning me on!  Im
betraying my dear husband's memory..what if my son found out ..what
if..."

She turned her head in despair as he began to ease her knickers down but
the thrill in her loins was inescapable.

"Please Mr Phillips..." she whimpered "..what if somebody hears?"

He began to laugh.  "Frankly my dear.." he replied "..I dont give a
damn!"