Choices, Choices..! Pt 2.

1st part here!

Always an early riser Mac had showered, dressed and was currently managing her workload and inbox, intent on dealing with any outstanding issues before she left for the breakfast call. Hitting the send key on the last email, she glanced at her watch. Time to get moving. Her laptop shut down, Mac picked up her keys and bag and was out the door heading for her local coffee shop. 

Whilst waiting for her order Mac sent a quick text to Fiadh as a gentle reminder she was on her way over. Laden with fresh baked croissants and pastries plus the all important fragrant coffees Mac headed over to Fiadh’s. 

Pulling up outside she noticed the curtains still drawn both upstairs and down. Hmm, was Fiadh up yet? ‘Well you did tell her 9 Mac’ she said to herself as she glanced at the clock watching as it switched over to 09:00. 

Mac rang the bell and waited. She rang again…and again. A pause then she rang once more. Finally there was a muffled yell and Mac grinned knowing the woman had just woken up. There was a rather prolonged fumbling with the door before it suddenly swung open!

Fiadh was pulled from sleep, gradually picking up a strange noise. She strained her ears but not hearing it again she stretched, yawned and rolled over, snuggling down a little deeper into her duvet more than willing to drift back into the world of dreams not being quite ready to face the day just yet.  

‘DING DONG.’…

Sitting bolt upright she determined the source of the annoying sound. The doorbell. 

“Fer feck sake. Who is gonna visit in the middle of the night!” she grumbled. 

Glancing at her bedside clock, she noted it was 9.00. Not exactly middle of the night but still early by Fiadh’s reckoning since lately 9 am  wouldn’t have seen her in bed for more than few hours.  She grumped to herself, as she threw off the duvet and looked round for her robe. Unable to locate it, she pulled an oversized hoody over her pyjama top and not bothering with slippers she made her way downstairs, another ‘DING DONG’ sounding as she was about half way down. 

“Feck sake! Hang on! M’comin!!!!” she yelled at the front door.  

Fiadh swore in exasperation as she fumbled with the front door key, unable to get it to turn before realising it wasn’t in fact locked. “Shit!” she thought as she flung the door open immediately squeezing her eyes shut tight when hit by the bright morning sun. 

” Yeah? ” she said impatiently. “What’s the big emergency?”

” Well good morning to you too” 

Fiadh immediately recognised Mac’s voice and the last of the sleepiness left her as the memory of the day before together with Mac’s promised 9am breakfast visit, flooded her brain.  Her eyes opened wide in shock before closing again, the bright sun still being too much. She ran her hand through the ever unruly curls now completely wild as was always the case after a few hours in contact with a pillow.

“Oh shit! Mac! M’so sorry. I didn’t know it was you. I slept late, then I couldn’t find a damn robe…

Fiadh was babbling now…her brain had kicked up a gear. In her panic at realising she had forgotten their meeting, She still hadn’t even invited Mac in….

Holding up the bags Mac gestured to come inside. Fiadh stepped back apologising profusely as she led the way into the kitchen.  Mac soon had the bags emptied and the smell of still warm baked pastries and coffee was invading the room. 

“Come on Fiadh let’s eat first, it will give you a chance to wake up properly. “ Mac took her coffee and a couple of the miniature croissants along with an almond pastry and sat at the kitchen table. 

The women spent a pleasant few minutes enjoying the breakfast in companionable silence. Mac took this opportunity to discreetly observe Fiadh. She was pleased to see the woman looking rested and although not long awake, still more alive and alert than yesterday. 

“You managed to get some sleep I see” 

Fiadh looked up from her pastry and nodded smiling through crumbs. 

“That’s a good start.” Mac finished her coffee and soon had the breakfast bits cleared away. Fiadh had stood to help but was ‘encouraged’ to go get dressed! Mac meanwhile went into the living room to make herself comfort on the sofa. As she sat down she felt something against her leg. Running her hand down the sofa side she pulled out a mobile, Fiadh’s. Slightly puzzled as to why it was down there, Mac went to place it on the coffee table but realised the screen had remained blank.  Pressing a key to check, yes the mobile was definitely dead. The Top in her couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Fiadh never got her text and most definitely would not have heard it even if the phone was charged. She placed it in clear view on the table. 

Upstairs, Fiadh found herself getting washed and changed without understanding how that happened. She was about to sort the kitchen bits but here she was. Oh well whatever. Once ready she flew down the stairs not wanting to keep Mac waiting any longer than necessary. 

As Fiadh entered the living room she saw her mobile. 

Ohh,  the charger, where’s that damn charger, she swept her gaze around the room hoping that the errant item would magically appear but no such luck. ‘Ah it’ll turn up’ . She fell into the chair next to Mac 

“A mobile is not much use without charge Fiadh, just a thought”. 

The impassive expression on Mac’s face gave nothing away but Fiadh couldn’t stop the red flush climbing up her neck and heating her face up. 

“No, you’re right, I’m not sure where I put it, but it’s here,“ she looked around the room again praying it would turn up “somewhere,  I know…” No, nothing!  

“Not to worry right now. So what would be helpful to know from you Fiadh is, what is your normal daily routine, you know from the time you get up until you go to bed. Do you have any regular places you go to like the gym or clubs or whatever makes up your life.  What you are doing is giving a picture of your lifestyle as it is at the moment. Now provided you do still want to go ahead with TTWD, and you can change your mind at any time ok…” she sat back waited for Fiadh to nod before continuing “then we can discuss what things you may like to change in any way. So over to you my friend…“

Mac sat back, tilted her head to one side and nodded in encouragement knowing the woman would need a few minutes to get her thoughts together. 

Dragging her mind away from the missing charger, Fiadh thought about her daily life and routine. It was such a simple question and yet she struggled to answer it. 

“I don’t really have a set routine to be honest,” she replied to Mac, with a shrug. 

“What I mean is, these days I kinda just go with the flow…. No two days are the same really…. Depends what comes up….”

Mac took a sip of coffee and studied Fiadh.

“Ok, then just give me an example of what a day MIGHT look like,” she replied. 

Fiadh wrinkled her nose and thought for a second.

” Well my day generally doesn’t start till maybe lunchtime or early afternoon. I don’t like to stay home much in the evenings so generally I’m home late, and then will do some gaming or video calls with friends once I am home. So I go to sleep pretty late or ya know…early, depending how you look at it, ” she replied with a sheepish grin in Mac’s direction. 

“Once I’m up I try to get some work in for a few hours. GENERALLY I mean. Hasn’t really happened lately I know,” she said remembering her overdue reports. 

“Then either friends come over or I go out. That can be to a friends place or a bar depending what everyone is doing. Lots of my friends group are freelancers like me so we can be pretty flexible. I used to run in the mornings and had started a self defence class but haven’t done that in a while” she said, the flitting emotion in her voice not lost on Mac.. 

Fiadh reached for her cup, took a sip of coffee and looked back at Mac.

“That’s more or less it in a nutshell Mac. Like I said, I just kinda wing it.”

As Fiadh was speaking the Top was automatically creating the woman’s timetable in her head. A couple of points were already highlighting themselves. The first was nutrition, the second was clarification of what “work” Fiadh was referring to. 

“Right, so now we have some basis on which to build. I have some queries ok?” This time it was a question. Fiadh nodded. 

“There’s no mention of any mealtimes apart from lunch. When and what sort of things do you eat Fiadh? Also, what did you mean by ‘work’ exactly, is that the freelance stuff only or does it include household chores like when or how often do you shop for food or do you do it online?” 

“By work I mean my contracts and freelance work,” Fiadh replied. ” I don’t follow any plan for household chores or food shopping. It’s really all just as and when really. Usually when I know I have people coming over, then I scramble and clean up. Or if I run outta clothes to wear I’ll do laundry, ” she said, not meeting Mac’s eye. 

“There’s no-one here but me so I don’t really bother with food shopping anymore. Long as I have coffee, I’m generally good. I usually just grab something from the drive through when I’m out if I’m hungry. “ 

Not feeling entirely comfortable describing what she knew was a disorganised way of approaching her daily life, Fiadh jumped up.

“More coffee?” she asked

Mac passed her mug over with a grin not saying a word . Experience had honed her abilities to take in any and all testimony, both witting and unwitting when reaching out to help someone. Fiadh’ actions and body language evidenced a wealth of information to the Top. It was a very good start though for the woman to actually admit all this. Mac was aware how difficult this could be. She had been there herself. 

Fiadh placed the fresh coffee on the table and sat back down. Mac regarded her for a moment. 

“You know you are doing great right now just talking with me Fiadh. Trust me when I tell you I am not judging you in the slightest. We all do things and react to things in our own unique ways. What works for some won’t always work for others. There is no hard and fast rule about how to get things right every time. What we are doing now will hopefully help you achieve what you want. I am also adding we can stop any time you want. We don’t have to sort everything out today. Just say enough, yes? “

She waited for Fiadh’s nod…then continued. 

“From what you’ve told me so far it appears there is no structure as such to your day at all. Possibly that might be a fair place to start. So my next question is what bothers you the most about how you’re doing things at the moment and what would you like to change, if anything? Think about it carefully Fiadh. This is not something that will resolve itself overnight. This will take time and effort and I will support every action you do.” 

Leaning forward Mac picked up her coffee and sat back. 

Fiadh was silent for quite a few minutes lost in her own thoughts as she attempted to list in her head the things that weren’t working in her life. To say she was uncomfortable actually trying to formulate an answer and say it out loud, was an understatement. She knew that Mac was right in that she had no structure to her day but, was that a bad thing? Being impulsive and flying by the seat of her pants always worked until now. Always having been fiercely independent, she had never depended on anyone, not even Teagan and while often chaotic she always got there in the end and got things done, even if it was by the skin of her teeth. So what was different now? 

Reluctantly she silently admitted the fact that the difference was, unlike before, she wasn’t actually getting anything constructive done in her day to day life. She was simply filling her days with any distraction she could in order to get through, and that prevented any time for painful thoughts. Oh, she kept busy, she suddenly realised. Just not busy with the right things.   Fiadh wrinkled her nose unaware that the woman was studying her discreetly as she drank her coffee. 

Sighing deeply, she looked across at Mac. 

“Thats a good question Mac. What would I like to change? How bout it all?” she said with a bright grin, again choosing humour.

“But to start, I guess my work needs addressed and I need to get back on track with that. That’s probably the thing that bothers me most and it’s obviously important if I’m gonna pay the bills”.

Mac held silent for a breath in case Fiadh wanted to say anything further. 

“So your first choice would be work followed by everything else. You may not be aware of this Fiadh but strangely enough the logical way is the reverse. Imagine your work is driving a car. Before you can physically drive it you must make sure it has enough fuel to get to where you’re going, that’s it’s food. You must also ensure it is in a good condition to drive for example the tyres are legal and inflated properly, there’s enough screen wash, the engine oil is good, not to mention simply keeping the vehicle washed and tidy. All this is basic housekeeping. Keeping the car legal means annual MOT inspections as well as taxing and insuring it plus ensuring you hold a valid licence to drive it. That’s the legal and financial side to the whole setup equivalent to paying all living expenses, household bills etc.”

As she was talking Mac kept a close eye on Fiadh watching to see if the woman was following all. Satisfied, she continued.

“Simply put, having fed the car, carried out the basic housekeeping and covered all the bills on it you are able to carry out your work and drive the car wherever you wish.” 

Seeing the look of concentration on Fiadh’s face Mac stopped talking  and waited quietly for a minute or so as Fiadh chewed over her words gradually digesting them. Fiadh’s eyes slowly travelled up to meet Mac’s, a light of understanding dawning in them. 

“Ahh..I think I’m with ya now Mac…I think? So I gotta think about my day like I’m gettin my car ready to drive it.  Cover all the basics cos it’s all linked. Right? So uhh……like…how do I do that exactly? “

The twinkle in the Top’s eye evidenced Mac’s satisfaction that Fiadh had indeed grasped the allegory.

“I suggest a simple daily routine to start with covering meals, chores, work and bedtimes which will build a structure into your day.  I will be there supporting you through establishing this part. You will notice the difference within a day or so Fiadh, particularly based on your life at the moment. The good thing about this way is every aspect of the routine is a goal each time you achieve it. Yes you will find it strange at first. Often reaching these landmarks are positive actions that have a great feel good factor. This carries you through for a time. Naturally there is an opposite to this. There will be occasions that don’t fit into your routine. It’s a natural reaction that you will balk at the routine. Then you will want to ignore it, flout it or whatever. You can always talk with me about this and we can look to accommodate a change or something depending what the event or issue is. You will also think at some point you don’t need all this crap, you’re perfectly able to look after yourself. The most important thing to remember is this is your choice. You can stop it at any time you wish. If you find yourself struggling then call me, text me however you decide. I will listen to you, talk things over with you and hopefully you will make the choice you are happy with. Is that understood Fiadh? “

“Yes I think so. Will you do a routine so as I have an idea?” 

“Of course I will. I had already considered this and prepared this draft for your thoughts. Here, I’ll send it to you” Mac had already accessed her mobile and pressed the send button. Looking up she was startled to see a bright crimson face then the penny dropped 

“Ah! Of course. The first thing you will need to do is charge your phone Fiadh.” 

There was no mistaking the ‘Look’ in the Top’s eyes. Fiadh’s head dropped. 

Mac delved in her bag beside her. She pulled out a charger and a smaller gizmo and handed them over to Fiadh. 

“Please use this for now. “ 

Fiadh took the items and saw the gizmo was a universal adapter. Within seconds her phone was charging…finally!

“Whilst that’s sorting itself out I’ll just add this. I will tell you there can be some additional rules added at times if appropriate especially if you want help regarding something that isn’t covered in your routine. A perfect example is I could say you are required to check and charge your mobile every day. I will also tell you there are two rules that are absolute. One is no taking illegal substances of any kind and the other is no drinking and driving. Breaking these rules will mean facing consequences regardless unless there are truly exceptional circumstances and by that I mean beyond exceptional. Is that clear?” The Top held Fiadh’s gaze with her own, impressing the seriousness of this question. 

The responding nod was equally as solemn in its delivery. Satisfied Mac continued 

“Once you’ve  had a chance to look at the schedule I’ve done and if you think there are any other rules that may help and are agreed, then I’ll draw it up..” they both jumped slightly as a loud beeping sounded followed by a voice shouting… 

“Ya’ve got a text ya have!…” then a further beep and 

“Ya’ve got another fecking text!.. and another beep then 

“Ya’ve got another fec…” 

Fiadh fell over herself diving over the sofa to grab the phone and shut it up! 

Mac struggled not to collapse with laughter knowing how Fiadh must be feeling right now. 

“Ok I’ll pop to the bathroom Fiadh and give you a chance to read your texts “ Mac left the scene finally able to laugh quietly to herself. 

Grabbing the offending phone and switching it to silent, Fiadh swore under her breath as her cheeks burned with embarrassment. 

“Fer feck sake,” she thought. “Perfect timing. Not! ” She was pretty sure she could hear Mac chuckling to herself as she climbed the stairs to the bathroom. Checking the texts and shooting off a few quick responses, she then turned her attention to the schedule document Mac had sent.

She scanned over it quickly and the daily goals seemed straightforward enough. However, the list of approximate times beside the tasks were what caught Fiadh’s eye and she groaned inwardly. Breakfast and daily chores were slotted between 7am and 9am. ‘Feck!’ she thought ‘ this is gonna take some gettin used to. Can’t remember the last time I saw 7 am  unless I was comin home from a night out! ‘

There was a time slot dedicated to work tasks between 9am and 5pm with a half hour cancelled out for lunch, then any evening chores and dinner between 5pm and 6.30pm. “Fair enough,” she thought. Her eyes scanned further and she saw bedtime…11pm…. and bit her lip.

She had just finished scanning the document when Mac joined her again. 

“This schedule seems straightforward enough Mac. I just have a couple of questions.”

” Is…uh…is this bedtime valid 7 days a week? What I mean is…I’m thinking maybe Friday and Saturday could be a bit later just in case I’m going out or anything. Ya know…just in case. ” she grinned at Mac. 

“And,” … she rushed on barely taking a breath “uh…well ya know…ya mentioned consequences again…fer ya know drinking and driving and stuff……not that I would like” she added quickly… “but could you give me an example of theses consequences?”

“There’s no problem having a later bedtime of a weekend at all. Let’s say midnight for the first two weeks and then a rain check, seeing how the rest of it is working out ok?”

The expression on her face couldn’t hide that Fiadh had hoped for it to be later but then that was just two weekends and after that who knows. A grin signalled agreement so Mac carried on. 

“The consequences right. Let me make one thing clear from the outset. Your decision to follow TTWD shows you want to make changes that will enhance your lifestyle. That takes time and effort. Above all else all your actions have consequences…” seeing Fiadh pale slightly, Mac held up her hand a little. “For example, you go to bed at a reasonable time you will hopefully get a decent night’s sleep. You have regular meals and drinks you will have energy throughout the day. Sticking to your daily routine means you achieve your goals for the day. Conversely go to bed later, you oversleep and already you have missed your goals, bedtime and breakfast. Do you see the point?”

Fiadh nodded. 

“The routine you agree to will require you to keep to it. This also applies to any other rules and definitely the absolute ones. So all your actions will have consequences. In the main the consequence will be you achieving your goal. So what happens if you don’t follow the routine or break any rule….then it’s my role to help you face the consequences of those actions, to hold you accountable and for you to take responsibility for your actions…” 

There was a momentary silence in the room whilst Mac allowed her words to sink in. 

“I will always determine all the facts of the case first and then decide the best way for you to learn from it. So minor issues can be dealt with easily by changing bedtimes for a while, lines, even loss of gaming time. To be honest I can be inventive at these times….” Mac smiled even as she raised her eyebrow. 

“Obviously major infractions mean more serious consequences like for instance a spanking. Ironically there is a good benefit to having a spanking. It is the quickest means for the brat to accept responsibility of her actions and at the same time let go of any feelings of guilt she might be holding. I do understand you may not have that view right now though. “ 

The look on Fiadh’s face said it all….

“I know you will have questions so ask away.” 

Keeping her body language totally relaxed and open Mac knew Fiadh’s mind was racing. 

As Fiadh stared at Mac, her eyes like saucers, the skill of blinking having abandoned her for the moment, she became acutely aware of the fact that she likely resembled a goldfish given the fact that her mouth was involuntarily opening and closing of its own accord. 

Mac, for her part was completely relaxed as she waited quietly for Fiadh to respond, a faint hint of amusement in her eyes. 

Again Fiadh opened her mouth to speak. Again words failed her. She managed a slight squeak and then in an effort to compose herself, she jumped up….

“Uhh…uhhh…..lemme see…uhhh…coffee! Yeah! I’ll make some coffee! Ya want some coffee Mac? I’m gonna make coffee.” she babbled . 

“That would be lovely,” Mac replied politely . “While you’re making it you can think of any questions you have ok? Take your time.”

” Uhh…yeah..yep…right….uhhh..ok” Fiadh called over her shoulder as she stumbled her way to the kitchen. ‘Questions? Yer feckin right I have questions,’ she thought.

Fumbling her way through the coffee making process Fiadh made a concentrated effort to compose herself. Did Mac just say spanking? Major infractions could result in spanking? Uhhh…..WHAT???? What was she? 12? 

Her mind was still whirling as she returned to the living room and handed Mac her coffee with a nervous smile.

“Mac,” she said running her hands through her hair and exhaling sharply. “I, uhhh dunno where to start really. I mean….spanking? So you would punish me if I didn’t follow the structure or broke the rules? Is that right? ……uhhh……is this like that BDSM thing?  Is that that what it’s called? And another thing….” she began in earnest, again her speech starting to speed up…. “I mean….what if right? what if I get things wrong? Or break rules? Or don’t manage to keep to the structure? I mean you’re putting in the effort of helping put all this in place! I would be letting you down Mac…disappointing you. Ya know?” she asked, ” I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed or think less of me if I feck this up. I’m far from perfect ya know! Actually at the minute I’m a bit of a feckin mess! “

Waiting for Fiadh to sit back down Mac held her hand up once more .

“Hang on Fiadh, slow down. Let’s take your questions one at a time. First off in this sense a spanking is the consequence of your action. It is a means to hold you accountable for your chosen action and help you accept responsibility for it. The aim is to guide you towards making better choices. It is never a punishment because that is an act that reacts to an offence. In other words, you have broken a rule, there is no discussion, you are given a spanking and that’s the end. There is no accountability, taking responsibility or anything. Where are you assisted to rethink your decision making?in the event of you receiving a spanking I would explain the whole situation to you and you would understand it more. Incidentally TTWD and spanking are nothing at all to do with BDSM. That is a totally separate lifestyle with its own protocols and methods. As for your last points regarding keeping to the routine, I do not expect you to get it all right, up and running from the word go. You are human. Mistakes are made. However I will be there to support and guide you through this so you can find your feet and start seeing the benefits. This will take time so don’t worry about that.” 

A sip of coffee helped Mac pause for a second allowing Fiadh to absorb all she was saying. 

“As for disappointing me, uh no that is impossible for you to do and here’s  why. This whole process is not about me whatsoever. It’s all about you, your choices, your aims, your needs etc. I am merely your support, your guide, your Top for any help your may need as well as someone to look out for you, be there when you need me even when you think you don’t. I will listen to you, talk with you and hold you accountable when needed. Whenever you mess up and you will no doubt at some point, I will not be disappointed in you, I will help you back on to the right path once more because I wish to do that. It’s the reason I am a Top. Seeing someone gain more out of their life simply by changing things and choosing wisely plus the pleasure it gives them as well as the confidence to progress forward is reward in itself for me. So you can safely put that thought right out of your head, yes!” 

It wasn’t a question… the gentle smile that lit up the Top’s face was proof enough of the sincerity of her words. 

“So Fiadh what do you think so far? Ask anything you want…” 

Fiadh took a deep breath and blew out slowly. Mac’s explanation had made sense and she was beginning to see how things would work in this new TTWD lifestyle. What she didn’t quite understand was her own reaction. It was the first time that the thought of having someone in her life to help her achieve her goals and stay on track actually appealed to her. She couldn’t quite describe the feeling but something about Mac’s quiet confidence and her genuine interest in Fiadh’s wellbeing and uncanny ability to read a situation made her feel safe, more secure and more confident she could make things better for herself. 

Realising she had been studying her hands and hadn’t actually responded, Fiadh raised her eyes to Mac. 

“Ya know. That actually makes a lot of sense Mac. I think I’m beginning to see how this will all work. I can see how consequences could help me take responsibility for my actions. As Fiadh tilted her head and wrinkled her nose, Mac could detect a slight blush on her face. 

” I, uhhh, m’not sure I’m in any hurry to experience a spanking. M’pretty sure it wouldn’t be much fun. I know my arse likely wouldn’t appreciate it, ” she said with a grin in an attempt to divert from her embarrassment. 

“So m’not gonna be doin anything to be in that particular situation,” she said with an air of confidence, nodding her head , her ever unruly curls bouncing into her eyes. 

“I think I’m ready to give it a go Mac. I’m excited to see how things can improve for me.” she said with a smile .  

Mac took a moment to study the woman, noting the hesitant yet hopeful air about her. With a sharp intake of breath and a brisk nod Mac’s whole demeanour transformed into her Top persona as she leaned forward, her elbows on her lap, her hands clasped. 

“Right, let’s pull this together and get it rolling. First things first, is your mobile charged fully now?” The piercing gaze dragged Fiadh out of her startled reaction to the change she just witnessed. 

“ uh…um hang on” grabbing the phone Fiadh checked “yes, yes it’s done” as she removed the lead passing it back to Mac. 

“Excellent. One new rule that is being set Fiadh, you will ensure your phone is charged properly at all times. Do you have a charger in your car?” 

A fleeting look of dismay crossed her face “well, ya see that’s what I’ve been meaning  ta get but well…not got it…just yet “ she faltered to a stop.

“I take it you will be getting some food shopping in today yes?” as she waited for Fiadh’s nod 

“Good, on your list will be a car charger. “ 

The Top paused in thought. 

“You already have a basic schedule, 2 absolute rules and now an extra rule regarding your mobile. I would suggest you create a simple rota for for a week or two which you can mark off as you go along. You may find it helpful as you adapt to the new routine. It is your choice though and I would ask, if you do it would you please send me a copy at the end of each week just so I can see your progress. Are you ok with that?” 

Again the unwavering stare had Fiadh nodding and mentally designing the rota. 

Whilst the tone held firm the voice softened as the Top spoke again.

“Fiadh, please don’t worry about this, you will make mistakes, it is not the end of the world. It takes a bit of time adjusting to a different lifestyle. Do not beat yourself up over anything, just call me, text or whatever. I will help you establish this. I truly am on your side and no you will not disappoint me if or when you miss the plan for whatever reason. This is all about and for you. I want to make sure you understand this.” Her deep blue eyes searched the other woman’s face looking for any signs of confusion, doubt even apprehension. A smile appeared when she saw none. The wide-eyed look from Fiadh and the somewhat nervous smile still showed a positive streak as she nodded her understanding. 

Leaning back in the seat Mac checked her watch.

“Unless you have anything else you want to ask right now, I will make a move and allow you to get yourself organised. Shall we say you get some shopping done, and aim for the agreed dinner time and bedtime tonight then the full plan as from tomorrow?”

“Oh sure yeh that’s grand.” Fiadh didn’t realise she was holding her breath as she relaxed. 

“By the way you can ask me any questions at any time Fiadh, I mean that. No question is too simple, crazy or whatever. I will do my best to answer everything. “ 

With that the Top stood and after a brief hug goodbye she was gone.

Fiadh sat lost in her own thoughts once Mac had left. She went over the conversation in her head and was increasingly more sure this new turn of events and embracing the TTWD lifestyle was going to change her life for the better. Structure had been very much absent in her life of late and putting it back was the first step towards her taking back control.

Fiadh was aware she had much to learn about TTWD and that she would have further questions as time went on but for now she was content with the information Mac had given her. The knowledge she wasn’t alone and had someone there to support her in her efforts, increased her confidence. She was feeling positive for the first time in what seemed forever. 

Remembering Mac’s suggestion to make up a rota, she wandered upstairs and grabbed her laptop. It was out of charge, so Fiadh plugged it in and set about doing a chart for her daily routine. She sent Mac a text letting her know she would forward a copy at the end of the week. 

She stood up to stretch and wait for the printed version destined for her kitchen wall as her mobile sprung to life….

“Ya’ve got a text ya have!..

Reading the text, she grinned. Allie wanted to meet for coffee.

Shooting off a quick response arranging to meet in a couple of hours, Fiadh went off to shower and get ready. An hour later which was record time for her, Fiadh was grabbing her keys and heading out the door with a new spring in her step.  Coffee and catch up with Allie and a food shop was on her agenda. 

It was a brand new day!

To Be Contd…