"I do indeed Miss Matsumoto and i'm hoping i've learnt that lesson completely enough not to make you need to repeat yourself" Anne's lips quirked again with a little amusement. It was a substantial understatement!

Anne paused a moment before answering. While she had plenty of questions sat here, she realized that she wasn't entirely sure how to go about actually asking them, or at least asking them in a way that would get the answers she was looking for. It didn't help that her first question effectively got glossed over, and re-asking a question was also a sure way to irritate the silver haired girl. But, walking out now would do exactly the same thing, and there was one question that stood above the others and kept recurring in her thoughts. It was the same one that she felt a lot of her misgivings were attached too.

"You ask me to call you Mistress... You told me once that sex is to make your partner feel empowered... But while that is true... and that you have helped me... well..." Anne quickly changed tracks as she was starting to get flustered, thinking about the simple fact that she enjoyed it far more than she felt like she should, and what she had already done (some of it over the very desk she was sat in front of!). Taking another quick breath she tried to word what she felt like she knew.

"There is more to it than that isn't there? Can you tell me what? What makes it so much more?"

Vera remained neutral though she found the light attitude Anne was taking a bit troublesome. She truly hoped she was not being mocked about her strict standards. It was a trivial matter though and not worth pointing out. If she punished the poor student so soon, the girl would never be able to voice a thought. Of course, not being able to do that would make manipulating her much easier but, will also make her less useful to the Head Girl in the end.

There were no questions to gloss over besides wanting to talk or wanting to talk about a previous topic. The Head Girl already stated that Anne was free to speak what she wanted. The previous visit was about dreams and sex, it was doubtful there were really that many off limits topic available. Still despite any difficulty the student was having, she finally voiced her questions or perhaps concerns. Much like before, the questions were unnecessarily vague. The poor girl was still reluctant about being open about what has been happening so far.

"What sex is depends on the person, Miss Deas. And I certainly did not say anything about making another feel empowered. It is about that person making themselves' empowered assuming they see sex as a form of power and control," she replied calmly, "And I did not ask you to call me Mistress, I commanded you to do so and you obeyed. As for there being more to it... Why are you asking me that? I am not a mind reader, Miss Deas. Do you think there is more? If so, what do you think it is and what makes you think it is so much more than just a moment together? You are asking me to tell you what you are feeling and that is simply not possible."

Anne blinked at the reply. Once again the Head Girl showed just how brilliant she was at reading others, as well as how good she was at avoiding questions. Vera had, in one swoop, identified the simple want that Anne had, removed the vague the Anne had posed in an attempt to get as much out of the Head Girl as possible, and then reverse the question and putting Anne on the spot.

Still, Anne had come here for answers and she wasn't going to be turned around quite t\hat easily. She paused a moment, quickly wording what she thought and felt in her heart. She still was most reluctant in talking about her feelings towards Vera, partly in that she wasn't sure what they were, but also the fact that she was scared of them. Having direct romantic leanings towards another, especially another girl made her distinctly uncomfortable and she tried to keep her mind away from that line of thought as much as possible, despite the fact she would loved to just kiss the girl in front of her.

"Yes Miss Matusumoto, I do think there is more. It is everything about you. You are completely in control of all things, of yourself and others. You command and others follow. I believe that even those over you would follow you if you desired it! You expect obedience and you get it and its not because of your position here." Anne replied, steeling herself. She was hoping.. praying that her words were being well received. Anne most definately was trying to get what she felt out but her lack of social interaction over the years was playing against her.

"Its.. possible that i'm wrong. In which case I apologise. But at the same time it doesn't change anything. I still want your respect. I want to help you but I simply don't know how to do so. If i'm not anything but a student to you, a single one among all the others then i'll leave and trouble you no more but..."

Anne lapsed into silence, really worried that she had pushed too far. She hated the fact that while she could operate with deft skill when she knew the borders and what was expected of her she felt completely afloat when those same borders were invisible to her.

The Head Girl found herself showered with what could only be called praise and possibly awe. The student was infatuated with the silver haired woman. Others may even say that Anne was obsessed but Vera did not think it went quite that far just yet. Though it was praise, some fo the things the student mentioned may very well be true. She did have some level of influence but the Head Girl would never dare rise beyond her station. Doing such things could spell a quick end to her. All it would take was angering the wrong individual and her life would be over.

"There are many things one can do to help me and the school, Miss Deas," Vera replied calmly, "With enough research and observation, you could probably figure out some ways on your own. It all depends on what you are willing to do. So Miss Deas, what is it you wish to do to help me? What do you wish to help me with? You wish to earn my respect though you certainly have it for coming here now and before. Having drive and a goal puts you above the aimless students who simply come to college just because. You have your goal, you need to set the necessary steps to follow your path."

Anne was still a freshman so becoming a Prefect was not an available option. But that did not mean the woman could start preparing herself for such a role. With so little help and loyalty, Vera was more than willing to give those who prove themselves a chance. The question was what Anne wished to do to prove herself or help the Head Girl? She could volunteer for numerous events in the school or fall to her knees and offer herself in other ways, perhaps even both options. The silver haired woman would make no direct suggestions just yet until she learned more about this one's goals. The way the woman's emotions flared, it was apparent that Anne was not entirely sure either.

Anne almost sagged with relief in the chair as Vera replied, with her even, calm voice. She had been more worried that she cared to admit even to herself and the fact that she hadn't pushed too far came as a not insignificant relief. Combined with the fact that Vera seemed approving meant that Anne could have jumped around the room. Of course, she didn't, instead she remained sat listening quietly as the Head Girl spoke.

What was she willing to do? What was she really being asked? What steps could she make? Anne's eyes unfocused slightly as thoughts and images flashed through her brain. Standing at Vera's side, helping her when she needed it? Spending nights with her? Kneeling before her and serving her? She had drempt of those things and more and here she was being presented with the oppertunity to make some.. if not all of them a reality! What would it be like, helping someone like Vera...? would it be everything she had dreamed of? And then, there was herself. Would she be a lover? A slave? A friend and confident? What would others think of her? Would it make her life easier or harder?

It was the strangest feeling... All at once she wanted to run away and hide, kiss Vera and accept whatever she wanted, ask a hundred questions... Inside her stomach she felt like all her guts were contracting as she tried to contemplate all the options at once.

Ultimately, there was really no way of knowing aside from actually doing it. As she tried to make sense of the steps required she realise that there was another problem... one that simply hadn't occured to her. Anne suddenly realised that despite the huge amount of interest she had in the girl in front of her she actually didn't know the slightest thing of what her duties actually were! She knew the basic duties of any Head Girl - All students did. (Tutoring, sorting out problems in the school, acting as an intermediary between the Heads and the students where needed). She also knew the rumours and of course her reputation but nothing more specific. It didn't help that the other Head Girls of Shokushu were absent at present, although doing what no-one seemed to know. Even most of the prefects seemed to be absent, although Anne would have laughed if anyone aside from Vera suggested such a thing. Her? A prefect? Someone people looked too for help and support? The idea was amusing in the extreme! It didn't help the current question posed however.

"I.. I need to know what you need Miss Matsumoto" Anne began, more than a little uncertainly. "You are right, I can guess some things that you may need or at least find helpful... like a second pair of eyes as you can't be everywhere."

The idea of being a spy sent another wave of conflicted emotions through her. Anne had found that she really rather enjoyed people watching... but reporting them if they were doing something wrong? The idea was unpalatable... But, she was reminded the satisfaction of reporting those that had made her life so difficult recently. Despite nothing changing recently it was still early days and Vera had Anne's trust. And saving others the pain of being singled out and picked on was actually an appealing prospect, especially if she could do so without becoming involved directly.

Still... It didn't help what she wanted. Which was to earn this girls respect, and learn from her.. and be there for her. Its was damnably confusing. She wanted to purr under her touch, to support her yet at the same time to be like her! She had walked her path for many years and she knew very well what it was like to be lonely, but had come to rather enjoy it. But with Vera she felt something intrude against that happiness of self and she didn't know what to do about it. Still vastly uncomfortable with talking about her own emotions, she bit the bullet and continued.

"I also want to be there for you. To look after you and support you if you needed it although I don't know if you need or anyone. If you will teach me how... i'll be there for you if you call. But again... I need to know you to be able to help you. So... the first step... Can you tell me what you do need?"

It was a feeble offer to Anne's own mind but years and years worth of sidestepping directness made being direct with another mindblowingly hard. She struggled against herself and her own conflictions as she tried to puzzle out what she wanted... and what was wanted from her.

Anne was not used to this sort of interaction apparently and this was perhaps the first time the woman was trying to help someone besides herself. The student did spend most of her time alone. The woman made a small suggestion but was lost soon after that. She wanted to be near Vera but had no clue how to do even that. Of course something as simple as that could be done by constantly visiting this suite every day. But Anne probably needed an excuse to do such a thing.

"Reporting violations falls upon every student though most choose not to do so, letting a Head Girl, Prefect, or member of staff know of such acts would certainly help the school," Vera replied, "I am uncertain what you are looking to do for me, Miss Deas. Simply making efforts to improve the school would help myself as well as the other students on campus. But if you are just wanting to help me personally, what is it you are offering me? Do you want me to control you like I have done before? Do you want to be my little servant that does what she is told? I am a Head Girl living in a suite high up in a tower. I do not exactly need anything material. Students have offered their services before, helping see things that I cannot or assisting in other matters. Some offer themselves for more mundane tasks and find that satisfactory. But I cannot help you with what you want to do if you do not know it yourself. You want to be here but, you are here now. There is certainly nothing stopping you from back to this room or speaking to me passing between classes. Your lack of direction only tells me you do not know and want to be led by others or rather by me. Is that what you want, Miss Deas?"

If Anne was not going to step forward and make a choice, Vera would just make it for her. She was more than content to turn this woman into a loyal servant that would eat willingly from her hand. But would the woman follow that or be repulsed at the thought? Her little pet did not flee all the other times she was ordered to kneel and kiss her feet. Was that the sort of closeness Anne wanted with Ms Matsumoto?

"No Miss Matsumoto"

The words left Anne's lips before she had chance to think about them. Vera was right in a lot of what she said. It was entirely true that Anne had no idea what she wanted otherwise she would have just asked for it. But, just as equally she was certain of what she didn't want. She most definately didn't just want to follow Vera's heels, begging for scraps. That would make her no better than back with her parents, with the incessant lectures and... gaah! The idea was frankly repugnant. It sparked her temper which in turn helped clear her mind from the myriad thoughts that were bombarding it. If she was certain of what she didn't want that left a much smaller amount of options.

She said as much to the Head Girl, elaborating on her first statement, keeping her voice calm and the spark of temper concealed. She knew well what would happen if she let that get out of control! "I don't want to follow you like a well trained puppy. I want to stand at your side. I want you to teach me what it is to be you. I want to be able to stand and command like you. I want to be there for /you/ if you need me."

As Anne continued, her hands started picking at her skirt, her nerves apparent to even a casual glance. "If you don't need me to help you in actions to help you or your workload... I know what it is to be alone... But.. Do you.. I mean..." Annes cheeks flamed as she forced herself to continue. "Do you want a friend... or a lover? I mean.. what do you need?"

Anne blushed furiously as she said the last, her face crimson as she struggled to maintain her posture and not just run.

"Then you have to earn that position, Miss Deas," Vera replied, "You want to reach where I am, then you have to climb like any other student." The Head Girl rose to her feet and slowly walked around her desk to where Anne sat. "Listen to yourself, you say you do not want to kneel or serve me then you turn right around and nearly beg for my touch. As I said before, this is not about me but about what you need from me. If you want to know about my position, then you will have to volunteer more in this school. That means seeing further than your own cares. No one will follow anyone who is only concerned about their own well being."

A gentle hand stroked Anne's cheek before sliding down and lifting the woman's chin slightly. "You want to warm my bed, you want to serve me but then you say you want the opposite. You know what you can do, what you have to do to properly serve another. You have learned that much on your previous visit have you not? If you wish to work with me then you have to show you are willing to serve and willing to learn. I have no use for disobedience or incompetence and I certainly have no use for a student who hungerly tries to grab as much power and authority she can. I watch enough students already, I do not want to need to watch my own servants."

"You have felt my loving touch already, you know what earned you that touch, that approval. I will not repeat myself, Miss Deas. I can feel how warm your cheeks are. You know what you want. Now, say it clearly and stop playing this foolish cat and mouse game," her voice hardened, taking a more commanding tone like in the library and the previous time here in the suite. Vera was more than willing to teach this one how to lead others. But first, her pet will need to know how to kneel and submit to her highers first.

Having her own words repeated back to her, albeit paraphrased, was uncomfortable in the extreme, made far worse by the simple fact that what she said was true. She wanted the result now, the abilitys that Vera had. Although in part Vera had it wrong - she was willing to work but not under the terms that were offered. Mundane tasks? Her own parents had tried and failed to make her into a proper little English Maid. She learnt to do such things quickly, effeciently and well but that really didn't mean she had any intention to be doing them if she had a choice.

Her discomfort was cut short though as Vera's hand rested gently on her cheek, each fingertip making her cheek feel like it was on fire underneeth the feather light touch. Anne's fingers found the hem of her skirt, closing into fists around it as a new set of emotions roared through her. That of her simple Need for the Head Girl. She had no idea how, or why such a light touch could make her feel this way but it did. As Vera's hand trailed down to her chin and gently lifted. She shivered all over as she gazed into those cool blue eyes, drinking in the words. Briefly, Anne's brow furrowed at the thought of seeking power and authority. That wasn't the point at all... But even as that thought crossed her mind she found herself nodding slowly to the words. No-one would want someone at their side that they had to watch!

Another shiver, this one heightened with an unholy mix of need for the silver haired girl, and from fear ran through her at the sudden shift of tone. The sheer weight behind the words was immense and Anne found herself wanting to obey almost as a reflex. If it wasn't for the fact Vera had her finger still under her chin, forcing her gaze upwards she would have dropped it almost without thought. Her cheeks were still aflame, and her blood sang through her veins from the light touch although it was entirely possible that it was heightened by the sheer presence that Vera was exuding with the simple shift in her voice.

"Mistress" Anne breathed "If you teach me, I will learn. And... I want you."

It was certainly amusing playing with this particular student. What was once a disobedient and resistant woman was now completely submissive before the authority she once stood up against. Her unfocused ideas made it easy to punch holes in her ideas and wrap them around the Head Girl's finger and make them her own. It was always wonderful having a student manipulated to such a state as Anne. It was like having a fresh lump of clay ready to be molded into whatever Vera wished.

"Now then, was that so difficult?" she cooed softly, giving her pet another soft stroke of the cheek, "You are not being punished right now so you may call me Miss Matsumoto if you desire. Your training had already begun, Miss Deas. If your goal is a position much like my own, your first goal will be to become a Prefect. It is possible on rare occasions for a student to rise to the top but it is safer and more reliable to progress up the chain. You are still only a Freshman though so you will spend the rest of your year working with me and earning my favor. Prove yourself obedient and loyal and I may have an opening available to you. Is that what you wish? You will be below me but above the other students as a Prefect assuming you do not abuse your authority."

She lets that thought linger for a bit before speaking once more. "I have work I must finish, use this time to prepare dinner. If you feel you need a change of clothes, go do that now as well. At dinner, you will have my undivided attention, my pet." Vera smiled softly before letting her fingers trace away. She turned and returned to her desk where she would type away at her console, picking up where she left off. Making dinner may be a mundane task but, it did mean she would be staying later than her other visits. Would she have an opportunity to warm the Head Girl's bed like she dreamed?

With eyes half lidded and Vera's touch, Anne listened. Prefect? It had only been moments since she laughed at herself at the mere idea and it was being offered as a possibility. A possibility that could become true in a few short weeks as the end of her first year was quite literally around the corner! Caught up in the moment she didn't argue against it although she felt that distant nagging doubt re-appear in the back of her mind, like there was something obvious that she was simply missing.

She pushed it back, just as she had before and gloried in the small affection that Vera was showing her. She could feel the touch on her cheek even after Vera had stepped away, letting the silence build. The moment gave her time to think.

Her thoughts whirled around her head, a confused mess. Again, it was as if she was being offered power. A position above others. But it felt wrong somehow. That ever present little squawk at the back of her mind shouting that it just wasn't /right/. She didn't want power for powers sake. Hell, she didn't want power at all! That wasn't the point of it! It was all about the silver haired girl in front of her - She had come here seeking time with her, to earn her favor and thats exactly what she was being offered! But... Vera's own words refuted this. It was all about herself? Her thoughts spun in a circle which was fortunately interrupted before she could confuse herself completely.

Vera's words however sent her mind spinning in a different direction. Change, and make dinner... for them both?

Confusion crossed her face at that. Of all the things she expected being asked to make dinner was among the last! But then again her track record of predicting how things were going to go wasn't exactly what you called stellar.

"Here Miss Matsumoto? Er... What would you like to eat?" Anne glanced around, noting the kitchen across the room. It would be entirely prossible here it seemed, but that would also mean going back to her own dorm to change... to what? An evening gown? That same outfit she had come in last time she was here? She had already established to herself that she didn't own a single bit of clothing that she was happy with and had spent days trying to figure that out!

Depending on the answers given, Anne would stand and quietly leave the penthouse to change after first checking the kitchen for anything else she might need.

Even if power was not the goal, working as a Vera's Prefect would bring her closer to the other woman and working with her. Anne was confused by the sudden change of tone though the Head Girl was uncertain why. The student agreed to serve her Mistress and was willing to learn. The lessons had been going since the woman was first bound in the basement. These new orders were to further that training to make her pet versatile for all of Vera's needs, just as the woman wished.

"It matters little," she replied simply, "I do not know all your skills yet so use this as an opportunity to prove your capabilities. How you perform will decide how useful you will be to me in various fields. If this is too uncomfortable for you, Miss Deas, you can always choose to refuse my orders though I would find that... disappointing." A pity the woman did not keep calling her by title. But then again, it was safer this way. The last thing she needed was Anne to get herself in trouble for using her title at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Unless another servant or slave was making her meals, Vera tended to eat simple things. She did ensure to keep a healthy diet but did little to go beyond that due to her own limitations of time. The woman was not picky though, this was merely a chance to work while someone else dealt with the minor matters. As long as it had effort put forth, the Head Girl would be satisfied. But, this is a chance for Anne to prove herself. Despite being essentially a servant or slave, the woman was given freedom on how to handle her duties. Vera had no interest in micromanaging her workforce as that would defeat the purpose altogether.

Quickly checking the kitchen (and being rather impressed. Despite its small size it had absolutely everything one could need, all tucked away in its place. It was most definitely a significant step up from the cafeteria!) Anne left the penthouse, taking a last look at the silver haired woman as she sat, typing away at the keyboard before she quietly shut the door.

Her thoughts and feelings were in turmoil although she was at a loss to say why. She was being offered everything she had wanted, with the possibility of more… But it was like everything was crowding around in her head, making her feel, for want of a better term, claustrophobic. Despite not feeling the need to change her clothes she most definitely DID feel the need to clear her head!

As she walked, her mood shifted and stuttered, one moment elated, the next troubled. That tiny fraction of her mind just would not shut up. Emotionally, she was elated. Elated that she might get to spend some time with Vera and perhaps learn more about her. Annoyingly the thought of spending time with another… by her own choice troubled her! It was most unlike her and she found herself fighting against her own emotions towards the Head Girl. She argued with herself about this all the way back to the Dorms.

Finally, she got back to her dorm. For once, her dorm-mate was there if the noise from the shower was any indication. It wasn't so much the singing that set Anne's teeth on edge, but the way that she could somehow mutilate the already terrible songs that she seemed to love so!

Quickly, hoping that she could change before her Dorm-mate got out of the shower (although by past experience she would be in there for at least another hour... Minimum!) Anne opened her wardrobe, taking out the same outfit she wore last time she was at the penthouse. It was a far from perfect choice in Anne's own mind, but the best that she could do. Quickly changing she also changed into her matching underwear, a delicate black number trimmed with lace. As she shimmied into the fabric she smiled, momentarily thinking of the possibility of Vera taking them off her later. The thought was entirely pleasant and did a lot of easing her troubled mind. Her daydream however was interrupted by a particularly discordant note being bellowed out of the bathroom. Her daydream shattered she quickly changed into the top, checked herself in the mirror, Checking that she still looked all in place and tidy, giving her hair a quick brush before darting back to the door and away.

As she made her way back to the penthouse she rounded a corner, and her heart fell. There were a small group of girls off to one side of the hall, quietly giggling to themselves. She recognized them immediately. Lucy, Alison and Becci. Three of the girls that had been making her life miserable. She froze, but before she could turn Becci looked around and saw her.

"ANNE!" Becci called across, causing the other two girls heads to whip around, grins lighting up their faces. Anne's face fell, realizing that there was no way out. She wouldn't run, but just as equally she couldn't fight. Despite Vera's promise that it would be dealt with it was obvious that she still had some work to do. Steeling herself she resumed her pace forward, hoping to just walk past them, leaving them behind.

"Ahhh... Its everyone's favorite little teacher's pet" Becci began.

"Where would you be off to in such /fetching/ attire?" Lucy added.

For Anne's part, she said nothing. Her insides felt like they had tightened into a little ball full of helpless rage. Outside, she let her stride lengthen as she wished that they would just leave her alone. It was a futile hope though as they fell into step around her, closing around her personal space.

"So... who are you seeing tonight then Anne? Off to see another teacher to perk up your grade? Or is it that you have a date this time?" That was Alison. Smiling broadly she punctuated her malicious comment by slamming her hips into Anne's causing her to stumble into Becci.

Becci in turn used the opportunity to get a firm grope on Anne's buttocks, giving them a firm grope eliciting a small squeak from Anne, before she pushed her into the wall.

As Anne hit the wall she turned, her green eyes flashed. Part of her wanted to just run (although she knew it would be futile and would make things worse). But... She also wanted to fight. To just strike out at her tormentors. Her fists balled as she fought with herself. She couldn't fight, not here! Not now! She fought desperately with herself as the girls surrounded her.

"Ohh! Look at her! She wants to fight us but she can't! If she did she might get in trouble with the teach…” Alison’s eyes lit up, an evil smirk crossing her lips “Ooooh! You can’t fight because you will ruin your pretty little outfit? Is that it?”

With that her hand snaked out, grasping her collar and pulling, sharply. The silken material gave, tearing a couple of the buttons away, leaving a significant part of Anne’s cleavage exposed. Anne’s eyes went wide at the destruction of her top and with a burst of movement she pushed Alison hard, the sudden force of the shove causing her to stumble back, landing sprawled on her arse. Taking advantage of the gap between the other two girls Anne bolted down the hall, her cheeks red from anger and embarrassment as she tried to hold her damaged top together.

As she fled, she heard Alison’s mocking voice from behind her “Quickly Anne! Don’t be late! Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you are off to see the lovely Miss Matsumoto! You know how much she adores smartness and order and don’t you look wonderful for her now!"

Anne's cheeks flushed deeper as she ran, Alison’s words haunting her. She wanted to go back and pound the smug girls face into the floor! She wanted to hurt her. To hurt them all! But… she also knew that to do something would be idiotic in the extreme. She felt the frustration build in her and she stopped, just before the entrance to the penthouse, resting her hand against the doorframe as she fought with herself. It didn’t help that they were right… She did want to spend the night with Vera and now…

“Ruined. Absolutely bloody ruined!” Anne was close to tears, not from sadness but from frustration and anger. She hated herself for running. But what could she do? She couldn’t fight three and win. But damnit she could have tried! And now, thanks to that bitch here she was going to see Vera looking like a mess. The frustration, the anger and powerlessness she felt roared through her as she tried to figure out what to do. She couldn’t very well go back to the dorms. It would mean going past those three again, her dormmate would be in the room and she didn’t want to talk to her… And besides, she didn’t have anything else even vaguely appropriate to wear! Not in the least she had still to cook. Besides.. .she was here now…

Anne wondered if Vera would let her use her bathroom. Perhaps there was a needle and thread she could use to repair some of the damage? The thought that she would have to explain all this to Vera was also weighing on her. Despite Vera’s insistence that such occurrences were reported old habits did die hard. Perhaps having some power would be a good thing after all!

Angrily, she wiped her eyes with her hanky. There was nothing for it and she had no real choice but to continue. She spent a few minutes trying her best to fold or hook her top together but nothing she did made it appear any better. The only thing she could do with it that made it half presentable was fold the material back, which made it appear like she was flaunting her cleavage in the extreme!

Momentarily glad she didn’t have a mirror to see exactly how bad she looked she knocked quietly on Vera’s door, and slipped in quietly. She had been invited and she didn’t want to disturb the Head Girl while she was working. As quietly as possible she made her way across to the kitchen, turning on the light and began cooking.

Cooking, for Anne, was immensely calming and she set to it with speed and efficiency, first moving through the small cupboards getting out everything she would need before starting to measure and mix what she needed. A small smile spread across her face, slowly replacing the darker emotions as her hands and mind became busy with the cooking, calling up the recipes from long practice.

Anne’s style of cooking is what most would consider unorthodox. There wasn’t anything ever wrong with it, having been taught well as befitted a "young lady" but it was never anything that you could buy in a restaurant! She had a rather odd habit of cooking things that you would never find together, but that somehow fit. Of course, given her mood she had decided on one of her own favorites, one she could have made blindfolded and it always made her smile. Simply, tiny Yorkshire puddings with sausages (Aka Toad in the hole!) on a bed of rice with peas. A simple dish to make (assuming you got your mixes right!) but remarkably tasty. At least to Anne’s own palette!

The mixing and cooking took slightly over forty minutes. Anne kept her hands busy the entire time, making sure everything was washed up after use and put carefully away, all the time making as little noise as possible. By the time she had finished she had gotten on top of her temper and was feeling a lot calmer as she dished up the two portions.

Vera was still sitting at her desk when Anne returned. She was not concerned about the woman taking her leave and knew she would return. The only problem was the state the poor student had returned in. The attire was lovely but disheveled and it was apparent that something happened during the trip. She doubt that her pet would purposefully show up in anything less than perfection.

Anne tried to move as silently as possible but there was not exactly anywhere to hide herself. Vera's desk faced the front door, making that part a sort of large office that was separate from the rest of her living area. But, the Head Girl did not speak up on the matter just yet. She allowed her servant to head into the kitchen and begin preparing dinner. She could sense how the act of doing the task was calming the distraught woman. Of course, the Head Girl would not be satisfied until she found out who did this to her precious little toy.

Soon, the young student appeared with two full plates. The food smelled wonderful and no doubt Anne put forth her full effort into this meal. Vera did not rise as Anne found the dinner table where she could put the plates down. She would wait patiently for the student to approach her and inform her that dinner was served. Only then would the Head Girl speak up and go for the heart of the matter. "Miss Deas, when it comes time to approach me, I would like you to kneel beside me like I have taught you before," Vera said calmly, waiting for Anne to correct herself before continuing, "Now, I want you to tell me who ruined your lovely outfit. I will not tolerate someone assaulting another student in this school."

She stroked Anne's hair. Vera was not angry at her pet. The only troublesome thing was not coming to her immediately with the report. That was what the woman offered to do when she originally came up to this suite, be her eyes so more students can be corrected in their ways. She truly hoped her pet was not lying about such a thing. Trust was going to be rather important if Anne hopes to remain in Vera's presence.

Anne was rather proud of her handiwork, as she placed the plates on the set-up table. the yorkshires had risen beautifully and the smell of the food was making her own stomach rumble! Stepping out of Vera's living area (Which was, like the front room, immaculate and beautifully furnished) she saw Vera still sat at the table looking like she expected her. Anne approached, and was actually surprised to be asked to kneel by her side.

There was only a moments hesitation, before she walked quietly around the table, kneeling by Vera's chair. As she knelt she was asked about the damage to the top.

Anne had been expecting the question but some of her frustration at the event surged back through her, and her calmness wavered. Almost like magic however, the simple touch of Vera's hand running through her hair returned some of her former calm. Anne knelt, taking a second to relish in Vera's touch. It reminded her exactly why she wanted to be here in a way that all her own soul-searching failed.

"Becci Ellis, Lucy Wood and Alison Marley." Anne reeled the names with a flat tone to her voice. The names would have been nothing new to the Head Girl, having been included when Anne had been asked in the previous week. "My apologies for not telling you straight away, but you seemed busy and I needed to calm myself... And I didn't think bursting in on you would have gone down well..."

As she said it her hands went up, fidgiting with the ripped fabric, self conciously trying to place it back to where it was supposed to be.

"I'm sorry that I didn't go back and change again... I... well... I was almost here and I know you wanted me to cook..."