A very hectic and stressful week has passed, carried a lot of events with. I reached a point where I thought it would never end. With the engagement ceremony is right in the corner; I am in desperate need of relaxation, a way to give myself a mental pat on the back to not committing something stupid as I survived, navigating through the black week.

My idea of relaxation though- is by staying home, take a long , hot bath then sit and have a long conversation with dad through his letters. After I lost my violin, my father's letters become now the only thing left from him. I remember how I've been thrilled and excited waiting for my birthday, for nothing but to read his letter to me.

During my childhood, his letters were much important than any seasonal holidays gifts. It was somehow an enigma to write those letters like he knew what's happening with me in each passing year. But for someone whom danger is stuck with like his own shadow during the conflicts in Ireland, I can understand, it's the pure fatherly love that was writing to me.

My father's letters came each year by mail on my birthday, sealed by red wax; my father used it to close the envelope with. Following the instructions of his will, mom was putting them in the mail box so I could found them by the morning. I won't deny the pleasure I was getting from, it gave me a nice feeling, similar to that feeling of a five years old child when he find presents under the Christmas tree, and thinks it's Father Christmas who brought those gifts as a reward for being good the entire year.

'You haven't readied yourself yet?! '

Mom exclaims as she storms in, interrupting my reading of the letter I received last day through Mr.O

'What's there mom?'

I ask, a little bit annoyed. I don't like to get disturbed by anyone, even by my mom when I read the letters. It's like cutting a call with dad, I feel his presence through each word had been written and etched in this piece of paper.

Mom looks at me for long moment affectionately then smiles :

'It's time for Miss Fox , we need to take care of your beauty as we still have a lot do and we're running out off time. It left only one day for your engagement ceremony. '

She walks in and helps me to my feet, gently gathering the 20 letters off the floor where I was sitting moment ago

'But mom I'm fine. I don't need spa treatment at the moment, the wedding is still away with two weeks ahead.'

I object, taking the letters from mom after she handed them to me

'Say no word! I want you to look stunning in your big day so you can take his breath away.'

Mom whispers the last four words, making me blush furiously

'Mom!'

I exclaim, sheepishly protesting

'Leave it to another day, please'

'I can't, tomorrow is Sunday. Besides Melli has already booked at Miss Fox, you can't say no, it would be disrespectful to refuse her gift to you.'

'Fine!'

I agree defeated. What can I say ? The concept of relaxation by mom is totally different than how I define it. When I wanted to have a time with dad, mom comes with the idea of visiting the luxurious spa -which recently won the world spa award- that is in downtown, after Melli has managed to grab a last minute appointment on today's afternoon, called and reserved and scheduled manicure, pedicure, facial, brazilian waxing and massage.

🎻🎻🎻🎻

Thirty minutes later, we pull into what it looks like a private home's driveway in a lavish neighborhood, where a large wooden gate blocks the entrance. Checking the directions, Melli rolls down the window and presses the button on the call box.

'Miss Fox Spa. How may I help you?'

'Hi. Yes. I'm Melissa Graham. I have an appointment this afternoon.'

It sounds a little odd listening to Melli announcing herself as if she is saying the secret password in a spy movie, but I shrug it off. This is Melbourne after all. Things work a little differently and the owners of the spa are obviously hoping to attract privacy-seeking celebrities and wealthy individuals.

'Yes. Mrs Graham, we have been expecting you. Please pull into the driveway to the right of the house. Our clerk will meet you at the front doors.'

Melli drives as she's told through the gates and down the driveway paved in stone. I am pleasantly surprised. The house looms in front of us, like a grand English castle with thick trees planted here and there. I know mom will be pleased of the place, too. She likes this kind of architecture. Little pathways cut through the manicured lawns, and off in the distance. I spy what looks like a lush garden behind the house. None of the noise from the streets spills past the gate and high break walls. It makes me feel like I'm stepping into another world.

Melli parks next to small collection of cars. I swing out of the car to head up to the house. A young, blue-eyed blonde petite thing greets us at the door with sunny smile.

'Hello. Welcome to Miss Fox Spa. I'm Samantha.'

'Hello Samantha. I'm Melissa , this is Christine , my daughter Kimberly and here is our bride-to-be Genny. She certainly needs to be squeezed today. '

Melli announces squeezing my both shoulders. I feel heat on my cheeks as the blonde Samantha titles her head smiling to me.

'Yes, everything should be ready as you all wish. But since it's your first time here, if you would please follow me and fill out some paperwork.'

She speaks addressing me, then leads us across a lavish black and white marble foyer to a small antique desk in the center. I've entered the lobby with trepidation. It is my first time I have ever been to a spa to get waxed and massaged. I am kind of embarrassed and worried about my reaction.

'At Miss Fox , we like to make your visits as smooth as possible, so we ask for billing information and preferences first.'

Samantha says as I fill out the necessary paperwork while I hear mom and Melli chatting about the facilities.

'Now let me take you to the changing rooms.'

I rise up off the chair as mom and Melli do, following the blonde down a short hall, as she is giving us a brief tour around the place.

'Through there is our pool, where we have an indoor and an outdoor pool, several hot tubs and saunas. Outside we have three garden areas; a Zen garden, a traditional English garden and a sculpture garden. Our private yoga and meditation sessions take place out there.'

Sam pauses to smile to me as she holds the door open, gestures me inside.

'I hope you take advantage of those, they're quite refreshing.'

I smile .

'Through here is the private changing rooms and bath area.'

Samantha heads through a door to the right.

'There is time for you to freshen up before your session. I can run a bath if you like.'

I smile nodding, mouthing 'please' .There is no harm for a second bath today. I love bathing.

'That'd be lovely, if you don't mind'

I reply.

'Not at all. We pride ourselves on giving our guests excellent one-on-one attention. I'll be in just one moment.'

I sigh softly, then smile at my reflection in the small mirror on the locker door. Soon I hear water flowing. I walk to the private room to find Samantha lights up candles that sit on the small table and around the tub, a towel and a robe are already placed on a small ottoman in the corner. She smiles as she comes towards me.

'Would you like help you with your cloths?'

'Um..No. I'm fine I can manage.'

'Then let me check the water while you undress.'

I watch her adding bath salts as she checks the water in the tub then left.

I look into the mirror as I slip out of my cloths, standing naked. I have to admit I'm good looking young woman. I have -though- never worked out -not for having little time left for exercise as I was busy with my study- but I'm just lazy and I hate working out. Even though I still look pretty with full, firm breasts and nice curves in all the right places. I don't know about Colin, but I've read most guys found curves attractive. I sigh, remembering my love life is almost non-existent. I have never dated since I know that guys want only to have sex, I'm not against sex but I'm just devoted to the one and the only. Colin. Heart and body😊. I cut my gaze with the mirror and walk back to the private room and sink into the tub.

Ten minutes after, I put on what's probably the most comfortable white cloth robe I've ever worn. I meet mom and Melli at the lobby of the spa. Kim is nowhere to be seen since she really enjoys such days in the spa unlike me. Melli sat up to the reception to tell the girl that I'm here for a special treatment, trying to find a massagist called 'Lily' but the receptionist looks a little embarrassed as she talks with Melli, saying that unfortunately Lily has called in sick, so the only massage therapist available is a guy with name of 'Luke'. I gulp, coughing hard as the terror reaction reflects on my face. I have never been this close to a man, let alone been naked and touched by one. I instantly shake my head refusing the massage thing, but mom never run out of her weird ideas. She suggests me to wax my skin, to remove the unwanted hair. I certainly do not need any kind of this treatment but she shushes me, saying I will thank her later.

Another half hour or more, the manicure and pedicure gone well, very relaxing, I could feel the stress melt away while I'm getting the facial.

What is it with cucumbers on the eyeballs though! 🐢

However, the brazilian massage is still on and I couldn't decline it. A tall dark haired man approaches me as I am sitting on a small bench built into the wall, waiting obligated for the massage. He lets me know the room is ready. He introduces himself as 'Luke' and he gently shakes my hand. He is the available massage therapist if I still recall the conversation of earlier between Melli and the receptionist. Luke wants to explain the types of massages that they perform. He goes the usual- Swedish, stone, deep tissue but then he starts describing the tantrik massage. He says it is very erotic but extremely relaxing. He mentions that Melli have already prepaid so it is my choice to accept . But I doubt that, unless if Melli and mom think I'm not virgin anymore.😩

So it's my choice😞, erotic 😕 and under Melli instructions😲. No thanks! ✋😅

I can understand why she prepaid this kind of massage, but I don't need it. She's the one I guess she needs it more than me. Thinking to myself why not sending him back to her so she can get his tantrik thing. She seems desperate for a man touch and I'm desperate to get out of here. I'm not the kind of girl who is tolerated by being exposed to strangers and having their hands on me, especially by men.

'I guess I want to take a mud bath.'

I talk to him sheepishly, he just smiles warmly at me as I remember Kim said something about mud bath, thinking she's there enjoying herself. I'm in fact trying to get rid off Luke. That's all what I want at the moment.

Luke indicates to me the way to the mud baths, which is a large room, it features a huge floor to ceiling, windows on the two outer walls and small wooden lockers against the inner walls. He mentions - but I only half listen to him - the room is mixed; men and women. It is that very moment I realize what Luke said when I storm in to find two men inside the mud Jacuzzi, enjoying their treatment. With my non so elegant entrance I doubt I will return to this spa or show off my face for a week!!