As she sat there in the livingroom, her back stiff, fingers clutching at the wide armrest, the woman tried to think why on earth she was turning into a… a perverted slut! That was the only word for her behavior! Occasionally sleeping around, even promiscuity could be explained, was even partially acceptable in her mind. But this? No, nothing in her upbringing could explain why she enjoyed this kind of humiliation and degradation. Her life was turning upside down, and Monica had no explanation for it. All she knew was that Arlette had to be kept free from it! She wouldn't allow her daughter to be dragged down into the sane sewer in which she wallowed with Jack. And he had said something about Arlette, had told Monica he was interested in her daughter!

Monica groaned, placing one hand over her stomach as she gazed into the big fireplace across the way. It had been so difficult raising Arlette after her husband had run away. Thank God for the stocks and property her mother had left her, giving Monica the freedom to raise her daughter without drudging out a nine-to-five living. And now it would all go to waste, all become ruined if Jack were to put his filthy hands on her daughter. Just the thought of it, the idea of Arlette suffering one tenth of what she had had to endure made Monica tremble with rage and terror.

All these fears, however, remained unspoken when Arlette came in the door, smiling rather wanly at her mother. She looked so innocent, so fresh standing there in the foyer, her blonde hair fanned back over her narrow shoulders. The attractive appearance of her daughter nearly took Monica's breath away as she stood there admiring the girl. Yes, Arlette was a young, beautiful girl, hovering on the edge of womanhod, but still retaining that delightful aura of innocence. Why did she have to grow up, to face the same problems Monica felt herself facing? How she wanted to enfold her daughter in her arms and tell her everything, begging her forgiveness. Instead, she spoke stiffly about menial things, her heart breaking as she watched Arlette climb the stairs to her private room.