A Million Dollar Floormat – Chapter 3 14 min read

The headquarters of Custom Floormats Inc. was in keeping with their commitment to modern technology. It was a very modern, rather generic looking office building, in a suburban business park. It was not a large building, and was wedged between two national insurance companies. Jennifer was getting more excited as the limousine pulled up to the front door. Elizabeth, who was driving, ran around to let Jennifer and her mother out. She looked a bit odd in her chauffeur’s uniform. Her blond curls burst out from under the cap. She tried to look solemn as she held the door open, but could not manage it. She looked like a young mischievous lady who was trying hard not to giggle. In this case, her looks told the truth. As Jennifer stepped out, Elizabeth leaned over and whispered, ”Have fun in there. I want to hear all about it later.”

If Jennifer’s mother heard, she did not show it. Instead, she moved forward quickly to greet the woman who stood by the front door. This was the first time Jennifer had seen Lilith Baxter. She was a very tall woman of indeterminate age. Her hair was almost scarlet in hue, and her complexion freckled, with that pink tone that only very fair skinned people possess. She stood a half-head taller than her mother, who was herself nearly six foot. Jennifer held back as the two old friends embraced, and talked. Jennifer was most impressed with the way Lilith moved. There was grace, and style in every movement. She had seen many tall, attractive women, but none who moved so gracefully. Jennifer was not attracted to women, but she understood why so many found Lilith irresistible. She wore a loose fitting dress, and sandals. Her hair was braided and up in a tight bun. Jennifer stood staring at this huge, very erotic woman, until her mother waved for her to approach. Lilith grasped Jennifer’s hand in both of her own, and smiled. “I finally get to meet you, Miss Blake. The very youngest Miss Blake, I believe. Is it OK if I call you Jennifer?”

“ Yes, Ma’am, please call me Jenny; I like that best.”

“Good. And I am Lili. Gloria has been telling me about you for years. I’m eager to get started. Shall we go in?”

The three women entered the building. There was a large central hallway, ringed by many offices. They went to a door marked procurement. They entered a surprisingly small room, the walls of which were lined with shelves from floor to ceiling. They were stacked with shoe box sized containers. Lili began to talk.

“This is where we keep the males that we have obtained. They are brought down to around one foot in height. They remain asleep in their boxes until we are ready to begin the final processing. Today, we show two thousand one hundred and twelve in inventory. All the basics and the revenges come here. We send out expeditions every month or so to replenish our stock. Many of them are drunks, or other homeless people. We search nursing homes, and some penal institutions. Often we have to treat the brain damage that results from their addictions. It’s not unusual for one of these guys to live in a fog for years, until we take them. Then they suddenly become totally lucid, just before they are transformed into a basic mat. We are fanatics here about the alertness of our mats. No confusion or memory loss allowed. Even the basic mats are changed so that they cannot sleep or lose consciousness. There is no escape into insanity either. Every experience with its owner is intensely felt, and intensely remembered.

Jennifer could not help but interrupt. “Then you actually make their lives longer, and they’re smarter too. Do they all thank you?”

Lilith laughed. “No, Jennifer, almost all of them hate us. They prefer their escapes. About the only ones who show gratitude, are the severely brain damaged ones who cannot be adequately repaired. They are often thankful.”
“But Lili, why are they grateful? I don’t understand.”

“ The men who don’t pass quality control are turned over to the staff. They enjoy themselves for a few days, then they dispose of the male.” Lili turned to Jennifer and flashed a look that was half smile, and half sneer. “Those are the ones who are grateful.”

The tour continued. Jennifer had lots of questions, which made the tour longer than usual. Lili was not irritated. Rather, she seemed fascinated with the young woman’s observations and thoughts. Jennifer’s mother continued her silence. She spoke no more than politeness required, and generally looked preoccupied.

The last room on the tour was the transformation chamber. Jennifer had never seen so many computers and odd looking electronic instruments in one place. Several staff were gathered around the central area. They had just finished tying down a large belligerent male. Lilith moved in to consult with her employees. She returned to Jennifer with a great smile on her face.
“Jenny, you are going to love this. They are about to make a basic mat. They’ll be finishing the preparations shortly. You can see it all if you wish. You’re lucky, most girls who come for the tour don’t get a chance to see a transform. Go on in and have a look.”

Jennifer approached with trepidation. She saw a middle-aged man tied, and spread-eagled on a platform about eighteen inches above the floor. He struggled wildly against his bonds. He looked as if he were trying to scream, yet nothing but a pitiful whine came out. As she stared at the future mat, a young woman came over to her.

“Hi, I assume that you are Miss Blake. Lilith wanted you to get right in there with us. You see, he’s been expanded to full size, for his indoctrination. We’re about to remove his limbs, and shrink him down for the final transform. Usually they calm down by this time, but he’s still pretty aggressive, and loud. Had to use a gag spell on him so we could hear ourselves think. See, they have the laser beam ready. It’s time to get started.”

“You don’t use a spell to remove his limbs. Doesn’t it get kind of messy?”
“Not really. The laser cuts them cleanly. We use a little focused magic to reduce the bleeding. In a few minutes he’ll be a floormat. Then the bleeding won’t matter. My name is Miriam, by the way… “

“I’m so sorry. My name is Jennifer. I didn’t mean to be rude. It’s just that this is so exciting, and I didn’t want to miss anything.”

Just then, the huge laser started. It was guided by two women, as it neatly sliced off one leg, then the other. Very rapidly, his arms were severed as well. Only a few drops of blood trickled out of each stump. The man stopped struggling. He lay still and stared blankly at the ceiling. The women quickly took away the now useless limbs, and started bringing in more equipment. Miriam picked up the conversation, where they had stopped it to watch the amputations.
“Don’t worry about it. I still get excited, and I’ve been doing this for years. We have two or three minutes before the next step. Why don’t you go talk to him? I think we can remove the gag spell now. I like to listen to their stories. Get him to talk, and play with him a little if you want.”

Jennifer didn’t hesitate. She strode over to the platform, and stepped up. He did not see her at first. She came around to his head, and stood with a shoe on either side of his face. He could not help but see her now. Their eyes met for a moment, and Jennifer decided to start the conversation.
“ Hi there, I want to talk to you. Tell me your name.”
He spoke in a hoarse, low, exhausted voice. “Dennis, Ma’am. My name is Dennis. Can you help me? They cut me up.” His eyes filled with tears. Then he began to sob.
“Now, fella, no need to cry. It will be over real soon. Since you won’t be able to talk after they finish, I want to find out about you now. Tell me, were you homeless?”
He stopped crying finally. His voice was even more faint than before. ”Oh God, lady. They’re gonna make me into a welcome mat. For God’s sake, help me!”

“Aw, fella. There’s no reason for this. You’re going to be a floormat, not a welcome mat. Whoever buys you might use you as a welcome mat, or maybe a bath mat. Don’t cry, Mister. Maybe I’ll buy you. Wouldn’t you like to be my bath mat? Besides, weren’t you homeless, and about to die? Now, you get to keep living, and be of use to some nice lady. What more could you ask for?”
“He looked for a second as if he didn’t understand her. Then he shook his head. Homeless! Lady, I’m not homeless. I’m a cop. I’m not sick. I’m only thirty years old. “

“That’s really all true,” Miriam said as she hurried past. She returned in a few seconds and stopped. “ Seems he was an undercover policeman. He got caught in a bunch of winos that we grabbed under a bridge. Tough luck, I guess. He has a wife and five kids. They have good insurance though, so no problem there. You’d be amazed at all we had to do to cover it up. We’re going to lose money on this one. Well, it’s time for the next step.”
Everybody cleared back. The computer monitors started flashing. A switch was thrown on a big machine, which looked like a satellite dish. The big cloud of blue smoke was out of place with all the electronics. When the smoke cleared, a twenty-four-inch Dennis was on the platform. Dennis was disoriented at first, then was plain scared. Jennifer came to stand over him again.

“Wow! Isn’t this just too exciting? It will only be a couple of minutes now. Don’t look so worried. Sorry to hear about your family. I hope your daughters don’t miss you too much.” Jennifer found herself feeling very aroused as she looked down at him. “Dennis, what’s your last name? Come on, tell me, man. I might want to look you up on the net, and find out more about you.”

“Ma’am, I’m Dennis Henderson.” His gaze drifted away, as he tried to grasp what was about to happen.

“Yes, I’ll look you up later. You know what I want to do now. I want to walk on you. I just have to do it. I’ll take my shoes off though. See. Off they go. Ready or not, here I come.” She carefully stepped onto his chest and stomach. He was so soft. She was certain that she could feel the sharp spine under her foot. Jennifer brought her other foot around and rested the ball of her foot, on his lips and nose. “ My sister has a mat at home. He likes to smell my feet. At least I think he does. Do they smell good to you now? Now don’t lie just to make me feel good. Tell me the truth. No. On second thought, don’t try to talk. That nose won’t work after you get to be a mat. Yes, this is great. The last thing you will ever smell is the bottom of my foot. You wouldn’t believe how wet I’m getting thinking about that. I see that Miriam’s ready to go again. You’re almost home.”

The staff had actually been ready for a couple of minutes. They waited patiently for Jennifer to finish her play. Jennifer jumped off his body. As she turned, she saw the smoke clear, and saw a new floormat. He looked a lot like Rodney, but the facial features were very distinct. It was Dennis alright. Jennifer let out a squeal, and jumped on the platform. She stepped right on Dennis, this time without removing her shoes. She grinned and lifted her arms dramatically in the air. Some of the staff laughed with Jennifer and gave her a short ovation. When the clapping stopped, Jennifer leaned forward to whisper to poor Dennis, whose eyes bulged, and blinked with more pain and emotion than he could easily convey.

“There you are, my sweet little mat. That was very nice. I hope you give that much pleasure to whoever gets to own you. Maybe it will be me. Keep your fingers crossed. Oops, I’m sorry. I guess you can’t. Have fun, baby!”

Jennifer stepped off and made her way to the exit. Miriam met her on the way. ”That was nice, girl. These basics are supposed to be anonymous, but it’s always better if you know them. I hope you do buy him.”

Jennifer uttered her thanks. She noticed Lilith and her mother were not in the room. Cautiously, she opened the door. She saw the two women sitting hand in hand. Her mother was crying, and they were talking intently.
“Lili. I know there’s not much I can do. But I do want to see my son happy. He just won’t leave us. I wish he were committed to Jenny. She could handle it. But Shannon is just too angry. I cringe when I think of what she would do to him; even if they are twins.”

“I know, Gloria. We all have to pay this price when we bear male children. Did you know that I have a son? Well, he’s almost sixty now. We couldn’t figure it out either. I finally sold him to my cousin. She’s very sweet, and kind-like your Jenny. He’s very happy as her servant. You need to remember that men make natural servants, if they are raised well. I think it’s darling what he wants to do. I understand your fear, but it’s better to let him submit. I think Shannon’s hostility comes partly because she’s so confused about her brother. At least that’s what I got when I talked to her last. Oh! Here comes Jenny.”

Jennifer approached slowly, not wanting to intrude. Her mood was suddenly somber.

“ Come on over,” Lilith said. “ I think you need to hear this. I hope you had fun in there. It sounded like you did. Your mother and I have been talking. I think we’ll cut the tour short today. Gloria needs your help right now. By the way girl, I’m having that little mat wrapped up for you. Take him home today. No charge. I know that you’ll be investing more in an advanced model. Let’s just call this one an appetizer.”

Jennifer brightened, despite her mother’s distress. She sat next to Gloria, feeling rather confused. She was excited about her new toy, but felt a strong need to comfort her mother.

“Mom, what is it? I’ve never seen you this upset. What can I do to help?”
Gloria managed a smile. “Just a little sympathy. That would help, I guess. I’ve been talking to Lili about Freddy. It’s just… Well… He insists that he wants to train to be Shannon’s personal mat. I’ve never seen him stubborn like this. I’m afraid to even talk to Shannon. I think of how she treats that sweet little Rodney. I just don’t know what to do.”

Jennifer embraced her mother tightly. After a minute, they let go of each other. Gloria seemed more composed.

‘Mom, let’s go home and talk about it. I wish you’d told me earlier. We’ll think of something.

“That’s a good idea. Go home and talk. Come back in a few days. I think this will work out. I really think so. And Jenny, don’t forget your new mat.”
Jennifer held her mother’s hand. If she were of two minds before, she now felt pulled in several different directions. She itched to play with Dennis. She had to make her mother feel better. She needed to talk to Freddy. It had been so long since they had talked. She still wanted that personal mat that she had dreamed of… There was something else too. She thought about Freddy underneath Shannon, sharing something special with Shannon, and not her. Who did he think he was, giving himself to his twin sister, when he had always been closer to Jennifer? What a gyp! … Yep… That was it. She was jealous of Shannon.