Chapter 1
As I lay in my suite, at the exclusive Royal Retreat private facility, waiting for the surgeon to finally remove my bandages, I reminisced about the night Brendon had arrived on my doorstep. Desperate for my answer, he had whisked me back to his place, where I agreed to his proposition, his ultimatum.
After spending the rest of the night within his arms, I didn’t think I could be more content. I was wrong. The following night, New Year’s Eve, we went on our first official date to a small night club in West Perth. I was wearing a beautiful creation; a turquoise cocktail dress, silver stilettoes and diamond drop earrings. But the highlight of that last day of 2013 was when he sang to me on the dance floor.
We were slow dancing, arm in arm, to a romantic song. The DJ then played Are You Gonna Be My Girl? The rest of the dancers changed tempo, while we continued to dance cheek to cheek, with Brendon singing along to the lyrics. I almost melted every time he sang, “I said, are you gonna be my girl?”
My surgeon, Dr Chris Taylor, entering my private room, brought me back to the present. After carefully removing my bandages, he handed me a mirror.
“Now remember, there will be some bruising and swelling. It will diminish gradually over the next few weeks.”
I took my first look at my new self. It was hard to overlook the purplish patches and the puffiness, but I could definitely see an improvement. My nose was narrower and more defined, more correct.
Even so, I was immensely relieved that Brendon wasn’t there to see me like this, transformed but not quite healed; a definite turn-off. I recalled our conversation about my procedure. He had demanded to be involved every step of the way, but I had been adamant we were not to have any contact whatsoever.
I insisted on going ahead with the operation on my own. I even stipulated that he was not allowed to drive me; I had arranged for mum and dad to take me there and pick me up. Thanks to Brendon’s organising and anticipation of my agreement, I had virtually no waiting time before being admitted; no doubt in case I changed my mind.
After the doctor left, I gazed out my window, not even noticing the panoramic water views of the bay below, as I wondered about my family and friends. I had to lie to them about the reason behind having cosmetic surgery, stating I had always hated my nose and that Brendon had offered to pay. I did not like lying or keeping the truth from people. I had been doing it quite a lot since I had met him. Brendon was the only person that I did not lie to, I didn’t dare.
Every so often he would text me and while they weren’t the words of a person in love, they still gave me some comfort and I would reread them on my bad days, if I was in some pain or discomfort, or just feeling lonely. It was hard not to reply to any of his messages, especially the ones asking about the operation.
But I hadn’t trusted myself enough not to let him know how I was feeling; resentful and with some indignation at having to put myself through all this, as a way of showing my total commitment to him. What did it mean anyway? I had asked myself that question many times. Were his words just a cover-up for what he really meant, so I would be pretty enough to be his girlfriend?
Yes, I still did have moments when he was not my favourite person and, although I had never considered having a nose job, I was starting to come to terms with everything. After weighing up what I had endured, in comparison to what I was gaining, I was in a win-win situation.
I spent several more weeks recuperating, incorporating multiple visits from my surgeon. I had been out of action for all of January and the first two weeks of February. It was just as well that Brendon was spending a lot of time training, in the lead-up to the start of the AFL season.
“So, what do you think of my handiwork now?” Dr Chris was again standing before me.
Once again, I was looking at the hand-held mirror, gazing intently at the finished product now that the major swelling had gone down. The person who stared back at me was quite attractive, but I couldn’t help wonder if I would pass muster in Brendon’s eyes.
“With results like this, I don’t know why women aren’t throwing themselves at your feet.”
He laughed and replied with a wink. “Who says they’re not?”
Dr Chris had become almost like a friend and, if not for Brendon, I would have been interested in the young, good looking surgeon with the startling hazel eyes, although I suspected his friendliness was just his usual bedside manner. I did think, though, that he took pity on me because I received no visitors during my stay. It had been my decision because I didn’t want anyone to see what an ordeal I was going through.
‘I’m going home 2day – do u want me to come over 2moro nite? Thanks 4 the texts – sorry I didn’t reply Suzie x’
The next day was a Friday, as well as being Valentine’s Day, making it the perfect day to be seeing Brendon for the first time since my transformation. I received a reply text within a minute, ‘looking 4ward 2 it – come @ 6’
After spending an inordinate amount of time choosing what to wear, I finally settled on my red strapless dress. It was now special to me, in that I was wearing it the first time he saw me. So in a way, it was fitting to wear it the first time he would see the new me.
After gaining entry through the gate, I pulled a black veil over my face, to prolong the suspense. I parked my car near the steps where Brendon was standing and saw the puzzled look on his face. As he helped me out of the car, I noticed him looking at what I was wearing. In addition to the veil, all he could see was a black ankle-length coat, my stockinged feet and high heels.
He reached for the veil, but I pulled back. “Let’s go inside first.”
He held my hand in his. With his other hand on the small of my back, he ushered me up the steps and through the front door. He was handsome in his black trousers and matching jacket, a pristine white long sleeve business shirt, with the top two buttons undone.
After closing the door, he turned to me. “We’re inside, so can I look at you now?”
I shook my head. “Turn around.”
Once he had complied, I removed both the veil and coat. “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
He took his first look and I saw he was happy, but not surprised as I anticipated he would be.
He came towards me. “I like the dress and what’s inside it.” I had tied a red silk ribbon in a bow around my neck, indicating that I was his Valentine’s gift. He leaned down and cupped my face, as he passionately kissed me. I fought to keep my arms at my sides. I had resolved that I would let Brendon make all the moves, as I didn’t want to appear too clingy or needy, even though I was.
He gently kissed me on his newly-paid-for nose, then nodded his apparent approval. “I like it.”
Once again, his reaction was somewhat understated, not what I had expected. The first thing that came to mind was he had already seen my nose, but that was impossible, wasn’t it?
“Dr Taylor said there’s still minor swelling, which should be gone within 2-3 weeks.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Did you have any contact with Dr Taylor after my operation?” The words were out before I could stop them.
He hesitated slightly. “Of course I did. I wanted to know how the operation went and I couldn’t get any details from you, could I?”
Okay, so what else did Dr Chris reveal, photographs of me perhaps? “Did he send you a report, complete with photos?”
“Let’s not talk about this anymore, you’re here now and you look great.” He took my hand and led me to the breakfast bar. “What about a drink to celebrate?”
“Brendon, I want to know. I didn’t want you to see me before, before I was healed.” I began to tear up as I said the words.
“Hey it’s okay, I didn’t see any pictures, all right?”
I watched his eyes as he spoke. I had received dating tips from police officers I had worked with over the years. One that had come in handy was being able to tell if someone was not telling the truth. According to my source, if someone lied their eyes wen
t upwards to the left. It wasn’t definitive, but a good indicator. Sadly, I suspected he was lying.
After our champagne toast, Brendon stated, “Your Valentine present is up in your room.” He glanced at his watch. “I have made dinner reservations for seven o’clock, so don’t take too long,” as he motioned for me to go upstairs.
At the top of the stairs, I saw the door to the secret room was still firmly closed. I made a mental note to ask him about it and its contents, once and for all. But not tonight, I didn’t want anything to spoil our reunion.
On entering my room, I saw there was another new dress for me to wear. So much for my carefully chosen outfit. My new one was floor length, off-the-shoulder in white chiffon, as well as some more stilettos, also white.
But I received the biggest shock upon opening the velvet jeweller’s box. Inside, was a gold chain with a huge tear-drop emerald pendant and as I fastened the clasp, the stone sat nestled between my breasts. As well as the necklace, were some beautiful emerald earrings, which perfectly matched my eyes.
During our candlelit dinner in a secluded corner of La Grange’s, a quaint Italian restaurant, I told myself he was lying about the photos in order to protect my feelings. I didn’t want to ruin the most romantic evening we had spent together, so I let the subject rest.
Later, back at Brendon’s, he told me to have a shower and he would come upstairs, “to take possession of my Valentine.”
I smiled as I washed myself, eager for the sex to come. I could not believe it had been six weeks since we made love, although ‘made love’ were probably not the right words to describe our sexual encounters.
As I was reaching for the shampoo, I heard the glass door slide open. Half turning, I saw it was Brendon, naked and looking magnificent. Obviously he couldn’t wait either.
Before I had a chance to fully turn towards him, he put a hand on my shoulder and faced me back towards the wall.
“Bend over.” His command was softly spoken, but resolute.
I leant forward, placing my palms against the wall, but he still wasn’t satisfied.
“Lower! Touch the floor!”
As soon as I was in position, he grabbed my hips roughly and thrust into me with forceful strokes, staking his claim over me as he growled, “You belong to me now slave, only me, got it?”
I whimpered, “Yes,” as I felt his release pulsing through my body.
Chapter 2
I was back at work on Monday morning, typing away as my good friend, Peter Hampson (Hammer), approached me. “What the hell?”
“You like?” He shook his head in obvious disbelief and continued to stare at my face, or more specifically, my nose.
“What have you done and why?” He sat on his corner of my desk, waiting for my explanation.
“For a detective, you’re not that cluey, are you? I would have thought the answer to both questions would be obvious.”
I broke eye contact and turned back to my computer screen, to give him the hint that I didn’t want to talk. I knew it was hard to avoid a detective who wanted answers, especially a Homicide detective.
In response, he simply spun my swivel chair so that I was once again facing him. “So, this is what you did on your annual leave? When did you decide this?”
“I told Steve about it. I’m sorry, I didn’t realise I had to inform the whole squad!” I couldn’t keep my frustration at bay. It was none of his business anyway. I decided to tell the Sergeant, Steve Jacobs, about my operation, just in case I needed extra time off. Steve was a good person to confide in; once you told Steve something, it was in the vault.
He leaned closer. “I’m cluey enough to know that you couldn’t possibly afford this, but I damn well know who can, Brendon bloody MacIver.”
I clapped my hands slowly in front of his face. “Very good, looks like you get to keep your day job.”
I stood up to get away from his probing interrogation, but he grasped my arm, halting my escape.
“‘How dare you treat me like this? Let me go, now!” I gave him a hard stare to let him know I was serious.
“I’ll let go when you tell me the truth, did he pay for this because he was the one who wanted it?”
2nd Quarter
Getting Tackled
“Paying the Penalty”
Click on link to continue reading Brendon and Suzie’s story
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/439510
GLOSSARY OF AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL
(Source: Wikipedia)
This page is a glossary of Australian rules football. Australian rules football is a team sport played between two teams of twenty-two players. The sport has several different names, including football, footy and Aussie rules.
0-9
1-2
(Pronounced one-two) an action where a player handpasses to a teammate, who immediately handpasses back.
19th man
at a time in the game before the interchange bench was introduced in 1930, one reserve player was named in addition to the 18 players who started the game on the ground. These players could enter the game only if one of the original 18 left the field and did not return. This was also extended to the 20th man when a second reserve was introduced in 1946. Free interchange of the 19th and 20th players has been allowed in the VFL since 1978.
A
AFL
Australian Football League. This acronym is used colloquially as an alternative name for the sport when distinguishing it from other football codes, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales.
Angle
The geometric angle formed by an imaginary line between a player taking a set shot and the centre of the goals (on the goal line), and another imaginary line perpendicular to the goal line. So, a player with "no angle" is taking a kick from directly in front; a player on a "wide angle" is taking a shot from near a boundary line.
Arena
The playing surface.
Assist
To kick or handpass to a player who then scores either a goal (for a goal assist) or a behind (for a score assist). The term is common across many world sports.
Australian Football
Name officially used by the AFL for the sport.
B
Bag
Colloquialism for a large number of goals scored by one player.
Ball-up
The act of a field umpire putting the ball back into play, either by throwing it vertically upwards into the air, or by bouncing the ball in such a way that it mimics the throwing action. See bounce-down. A ball-up is required at the start of each quarter, after a goal is scored or to restart the game from neutral situations in the field of play.
Baulk
A manoeuvre where a player holds the ball out to the side in one hand, then runs in the other direction to evade a defender.
Behind
A score worth one point, earned by putting the ball between a goal post and a behind post, or by the ball hitting a goal post, or by the ball being touched prior to passing between the goalposts.
Behind posts
Two shorter vertical posts 19.2m apart on the goal line at each end of the ground, centred about the taller goal posts.
Bench
The interchange area. The "bench" refers to the seat used by the players in this area.
Best on ground
Player judged the best player taking part in any game. Sometimes also referred to as BOG, pronounced "bee-oh-gee”.
Bounce-down
(Or simply bounce) the act of a field umpire putting the ball back into play by bouncing the ball in such a way that it mimics a vertical throw. See ball-up.
Boundary line
The line drawn on the ground to delimit the field of play.
Boundary throw-in
(Or simply Throw-in) the act of throwing the ball back into play by the boundary umpire. The boundary umpire stands with his back to the arena and throws the ball backwards over his head. This is used to restart play from neutral sit
uations whenever the ball goes out of bounds.
Boundary umpire
An official who patrols the boundary line, indicating when it has fully crossed the line, and who then executes a boundary throw-in to return the ball to play. There are typically two of these umpires per game, one on each side of the oval, but there will be four in top grade games.
Break
Short for "break in play"; e.g. quarter-time, half-time, or three-quarter-time.
Brownlow
The Brownlow Medal is awarded the week of the Grand Final to the player judged to be the best and fairest player in the league for the season, based on accumulated votes awarded by the field umpires at the conclusion of each match during the season.
Bump
A contact between players using the hip and/or shoulder. See hip-and-shoulder.
C
Central umpire
An official who patrols the field of play, awarding free kicks, indicating time-on and time-off, and restarting the game after stoppages, goals etc.
Centre
The middle of the ground, also the name given to a player who starts the game in that position.
Centre bounce
The bounce of the ball in the centre of the ground to start a quarter, or after a goal.
Centre square
A fifty metre square drawn around the centre of the ground. Only four players from each team may stand inside the centre square prior to a centre bounce, but the square otherwise has no significance.
Clanger
A blatant, unforced error. Most typically, this will be either conceding a free kick, or kicking or handpassing the ball directly to an opponent.
Clearance
The clearing of the ball out of a stoppage situation, to the advantage of one team or the other.
Bounce Down: 1st Quarter: Start of Play Page 18