Mandy's voice continued in a softly spoken, unbroken torrent of words.Mandy's voice continued in a softly spoken, unbroken torrent of words. "You have experienced both heaven and hell, while they fumble through their dreary lives like mice in a maze." Her voice had taken on a monotonous, almost hypnotic quality. Jason had never heard her speak this way before. The hair rose on the back of his neck. Something's happening here, he thought. He had the good sense not to interrupt with any questions. "You live your life for pleasure, because you wish to, isn't that right?" Flora's eyelids were drooping, Jason noticed. "Mm-hmm," answered Flora. The air between the three of them was charged with energy, and Jason shivered, despite the warm jacket he still wore. Flora seemed fascinated with Mandy's face in a dreamy sort of way, while at the same time, she appeared distracted, as if listening to unheard music. "What do you live for?" asked Mandy. "Pleasure," murmured Flora. "Why do you live this way?" insisted Mandy. "Because I wish to," replied Flora, her voice sounding almost drugged with happiness now. Jason was entranced. Mandy's voice took on a more insistent tone. "Your pleasure is my pleasure," Pause. "My pleasure is your pleasure," came the answer. "Your will is my will." Mandy stated it as a fact. Pause. "My will is your will." Flora's eyes were closed now. Shit, thought Jason, she's hypnotizing her! Where the hell did she learn this? He snuck a glance at the two soda jerks. They were oblivious to what was happening, quietly cleaning up, only occasionally glancing at the three of them. He realized Mandy hadn't said anything in a while. She was watching Flora intently. Flora's head nodded slightly, as if she were falling asleep. "Flora? Can you hear me?" asked Mandy. "Mm-hmm." "Flora, you know you are in a deep trance, don't you?" "Mm-hmm." "You will listen only to the sound of my voice. You will not hear anyone or anything else, do you understand?" "Mm-hmm." Mandy looked at Jason, who appeared ready to burst with questions. |