Pleasure Pain or Purpose. Book Three: Purpose: Pleasure Pain or Purpose

By Al Daltrey

Life is many things, but one thing it isn’t, is predictable. At times, pain weighs heavily on the heart, and then…the sky clears, the ground shifts, and happiness and pleasure return.

Billie finally emerges from her emotional slumber. She learns that while David is gone, it doesn’t mean that her life can’t have restoration. Unless, secrets from her kinky past threaten the promise of a new future?

Jasmin decides to take a page from Billie’s book, and goes on a pilgrimage of her own. Lessons learned on the Camino de Santiago will help frame her outlook on life. Erotic encounters are never far behind.

Vicky fights the good fight against the cancer that has taken root in her body. Andrew, for all his past indiscretions, stands by her every step of the way. Together, the battle only makes them stronger.

Life is life, as the three best friends discover. It may not be easy…but together they find renewed purpose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al Daltrey
• Release date: Nov 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540114228

Al Daltrey

Al Daltrey is well acquainted with the bdsm lifestyle after many years of first-hand experience. This interest started in University with exploration of bondage, spanking, and control. A few years later playful spankings were no longer cutting it; and Al delved deeper into the scene. This opened up dozens of new experiences. His stories and characters are entirely fictional; however the scenes were inspired from and loosely based on true-to-life events.

Book preview

This third and final book is dedicated to Tiffany Huegele,

whose idea it was that I write a series in the first place.

Initially, I worried that a series might drag on.

Hence, it became the story of three best friends,

Biljana, Jasmin, and Vicky.

Interwoven stories gave me the confidence

that the series would never get tedious.

Hopefully, I succeeded.

If not, blame Tiffany.

Table of Contents

Pleasure, Pain or Purpose. Book Three: Purpose

Chapter 1. Moving Day

Chapter 2. Pilgrimage

Chapter 3. Getting Treatment

Chapter 4. Dream Sequence

Chapter 5. Busted

Chapter 6. Marriage Works

Chapter 7. The Treehouse

Chapter 8. Revenge Sex

Chapter 9. Bravery Beads

Chapter 10. Mystery Photographs

Chapter 11. Hospital Volunteer

Chapter 12. Don’t Start The Car

Chapter 13. All Clear

Chapter 14. India Again

Chapter 15. Behind The Cloud

Chapter 16. New Beginnings

Chapter 1. Moving Day

One can never have too much help on moving day. Billie hired a reputable moving company, paying extra to ensure the men were punctual, reliable, and careful. She’d heard too many stories of shoddy moving companies and wanted to avoid any hassles, even if there was a premium price to pay in return. A little added expense would be worth the peace of mind.

Moreover, her load was relatively light as she had already donated most of the furniture that she and David had accumulated to an organization called The Furniture Bank, a charity that provided furnishings to families in need. It was a beautiful sunny day in Miami, and everything ran fairly smoothly. The truck was filled with an assortment of lamps, plants, some artwork she had purchased on her travels, kitchen stuff, her music, her books and her computer. Then of course, clothes, clothes, and more clothes. Oh, and shoes. Lots of shoes. A few boxes of her personal belongings, including her jewelry and the all too important sex toys, she transported herself – with her car.

At the house, the movers asked the same questions over and over, ‘Where do you want this, lady?’ and ‘What about this thing?’

As box after box was carried inside, Billie directed the flow of goods. Flowers arrived, as if on cue, from Jasmin and Vicky. ‘Welcome Home,’ the note read.

It was a new beginning of sorts. More than four years had passed since David’s death. Getting rid of all their old furniture was the next step for Biljana. It took every minute of those four years to reach this point. Only now could she stomach parting with material goods that held such sentimental value. Deep down she knew it was part of the healing process, helping clear the path to move forward.  Knowing that those in need would benefit from her donation of furniture added a tiny measure of comfort.

Moving back into her original family home was surreal in many ways. One of the first decisions Biljana had to make was selecting which bedroom to take. Her parents’ old bedroom was clearly the master bedroom with more space and an en suite bathroom. The only thing was, it just didn’t feel right to Billie. That was Mum and Dad’s room, and it felt strange to now assume it as hers. Instead, she decided to turn the master bedroom into the guest bedroom, and also a reading room where she could store some of her books. It had an alcove near a bay window, perfect for a plush reading chair and lamp. I need to read more. With all the travel I’ve done, I haven’t read as much as I used to. Barnes & Noble here I come. Yeah...I’ll get a nice new bookcase, and splurge on a hundred good books. A perfect reading room.

It was settled. Biljana’s previous bedroom, the one she slept in all during elementary and high school, would once again become her bedroom. Sure, it was smaller, but it was where she was meant to be. Pondering what to do with the third bedroom, she knew that tiny room with a few renovations could be converted into a walk-in closet. Decisions made on the bedrooms. Before move-in day, she had ordered a brand new bed from Macys, which was being delivered the next morning and would be put right where her old bed used to be. Billie stood in the empty room and looked out the window into the backyard. There it was: the old treehouse. A little tattered and torn, but still there, just as her Dad had built it. It felt peaceful to peer out over it, and it gave her a warm feeling inside. I love that treehouse, she thought to herself.

The sudden sound of her cell phone startled Biljana. She reached into the pocket of her cut-off blue jean shorts and answered it.

Yes Mom. I’m here. The movers just left. Everything is in the house, but still in boxes. Yup, I’ll unpack over the next few days, and order some new furniture, Billie responded.

Knowing she was largely without furniture, her mother worried about where Billie would sleep.

Oh, don’t worry, I’m going to crash on the sofa that Mrs. Karington left behind for tonight, Billie continued, rolling her eyes at her mother who still treated her like a freshman college kid in need of guidance.

Okay. Your Dad and I will come visit on the weekend. We can’t wait to the see the house again! See what’s changed and what hasn’t. We rented a van so we could bring you some of the old pieces that we never got rid of. We’re bringing your dresser...remember the one we painted yellow? We’re bringing that old wooden chest that we kept your toys in, we’re bringing the—-

No, don’t tell me anymore Mom! Surprise me when you arrive. I’m so excited to see what you bring. I think some of that old furniture will make it feel like home again!

Biljana’s parents, typical of the generation, still had some of their old furniture, now stored in their home in Naples. They were eager to see the old homestead too. But mostly, they were glad that their daughter was going to stay in the U.S. and not travel the world alone anymore.

Billie spent the day unpacking boxes and cleaning. She set up the kitchen and bathrooms, and waited for the guy from Verizon to arrive, so he could help her set up the wireless internet and cable. She wasn’t in any hurry to set up a television. In fact, one of the things on her to-buy list was a new flat screen. However, she did care about getting her internet up and running as quickly as possible. Especially since she needed to order new things for her home. Luckily, the Verizon technician arrived mid-afternoon and got everything set up in a flash. A powerful high-speed wireless signal, for the days she might want to hang out in the backyard, getting fresh air.

Thankfully, Mrs. Karington had also left the drapes in place, and a lovely antique dining room set that was too big for the senior’s home she would be moving into. The fridge and stove were nearly new, so that was a bonus as well.  Billie would have her home all set up in no time at all.

She took a quick nap on the couch, and then went to get groceries at the nearest Publix. It was a big haul, as she had held off buying much of anything in advance of the move. She loaded up on toiletries, house supplies and food. Lots of food. Everything from spices to staples. When she returned, as promised, the Macy’s truck pulled up with her new beds. It was convenient as they came in and set them up. She quickly put the freshly laundered bed sheets on and took a step back to admire her choice in linens.

Back in her kitchen, she smiled as she debated where everything’s rightful place would be. I think I’ll keep the salt here. No, maybe over here. Oh! A spinning pantry shelf...that’s new. I’ll keep the salt here.

Finally, Billie took a Facebook break. Vicky was never far from her mind. She knew there was no new medical update pending. It would be more than a week before they heard if the cancer had spread, and how far. But Billie regularly checked on Vicky’s state of mind, and Facebook was an easy way to do that without pestering her friend with phone calls.

As was her routine, Billie’s first click was to check Vicky’s page. Instantly, she smiled and shook her head. There on Vicky’s page was a big pink meme, posted by Vicky herself. ‘CANCER CAN SUCK IT.’  Various people had commented with either words of encouragement, or funny replies. Billie also commented with ‘Thoughts and prayers. You got this.’

Next, Billie scanned her friends list and couldn’t help but notice that Chad’s little green dot was lit up, signaling that he was online. On his end, he noticed that she also logged on. Both of them waited for the other to send a message. Finally, Chad initiated contact.

‘Hey Billie. From the photos you posted yesterday, I can see that you moved in your house. Congrats!’

Glad to see the chat box pop up, she enthusiastically replied. ‘Thanks. Yes, as you may have noticed in my post, I grew up in this house. My parents sold it twelve years ago, but I just bought it back. How are things with you?’

‘I’m good. If you need help with anything, let me know,’ Chad replied.

In the ensuing conversation, Billie and Chad made small talk about houses, and how everyone always discovered these hidden surprises when they moved into a new place – some good and some bad.

Billie did mention a few things that didn’t seem to work properly, but that she was planning to hire someone to come help. The range hood fan made an awful noise when it was turned on. Mrs. Karington probably hadn’t used it in years. The smoke detector wasn’t working, even with fresh batteries. One of the hallway plugs seemed to be fried. But most of all, Billie was eager to remove the carpeting that had been put down in her bedroom. Underneath it was the original linoleum flooring. She remembered the pattern on the linoleum very well as she used to set up her doll house on it, with a million pieces all over the place. Removing the carpet and painting the room a light purple would restore it back to the way it was. 

Before Billie knew it, Chad was driving over with his toolbox. He wasn’t great at handyman stuff, but could try to help with a few things for sure. She gave him the address, and in less than ninety minutes, his older BMW convertible pulled into the driveway. 

This is a little housewarming gift, he said, presenting her with a large case filled with various specialty craft beers. I remember you mentioned once that you were not much of a beer drinker and hate going into liquor stores to buy beer. But when you move into a new house, you need beer. Even if you’re not a beer drinker yourself. Between friends and family and neighbors coming to say hello, and delivery men – you’ll need a good supply of cold ones in the fridge.

Billie smiled and nodded, and led him toward the fridge. He’s right. Fuck, he’s right. It’s a strange gift, but he’s bang on. I WILL need beer. And he brought all those fancy new ones. How very sweet of him.

Why, thank you so much, Chad. That is very thoughtful of you. Why don’t you be the first guest to have one, Billie suggested.

She found an opener, and decided to have one herself, opting for a Radler, since she found those easy and flavorful to drink. Chad opened an IPA for himself. They toasted Billie’s new home. Before the beers were even finished, they were in the bedroom, ripping out the old musty carpet, using tools that Chad had brought with him. It was dusty and dirty work. Chad didn’t speak very much, but quietly and carefully pulled dozens of staples out from around the baseboards. At first Billie thought perhaps he was one of those guys that concentrated when he worked, but her intuition told her he was deep in thought. He seemed pensive suddenly. Not as cheerful as when he’d first arrived.

"Chad, you seem unusually quiet. Is everything okay?

I want to ask you something, but I’m worried it’s going to come out wrong. There was a pause in the conversation, and Chad sighed deeply before continuing, "I’m not asking you out on a date. Not now. I’m only saying...if I were to ask you on a date at some point, would that be cool? I don’t want to set you off like what happened with your friend in Japan, whose name I can’t pronounce."

You mean my friend Rieke?

"Yes, him. I know you were offended when he went from friendship to an attempt to be more than friends. I don’t want to make that mistake. But I also don’t want you to think I’m not interested. So I’m just saying...when and if I ask you on a date, will that be cool?"

"Yes, it would be cool. I won’t get upset. I promise you, I have learned from that, and I’m in a better place now. I just don’t know if I’m ready to date. I need to sleep on it. In my mind, if I accept a date, does it suggest that I’m over David and ready to move on? No matter how badly I might want to date someone, including you, I’m not sure if I’m ready to make that acknowledgement. I know it’s a step I will need to take at some point."

I get that. And I don’t want to rush it. Sleep on it then. Think about it, and in the meantime, I’ll be here.

"Do I want to date you Chad? Yes. Am I ready to start dating now? I don’t know. That part I just don’t know. I wish I did, but thanks for being patient."

Spontaneously, the two of them made eye contact and gave each other a long hug. Chad closed his eyes and pulled her in, smelling her hair. She felt warm and safe in his arms.

And thanks for helping me with my floor today too. I have a frozen pizza in the freezer. What do you say to that? Billie asked.

The two of them sat in the living room and shared a pizza together. Chad talked about his job, explaining what he did. Intuitively, he sensed that Billie was in a reflective mood. She wanted him to carry the conversation, and he did exactly that.  It wasn’t about telling her amazing stories or making her laugh. It was simply to tell her more about his background. Chad explained that he worked for a company called Sysco which was in the foodservice business. By job title, he was Liaison Officer, going back and forth between farming companies and large institutions that required foods such as butter, cream, sour cream, or cheese. He helped secure the distribution of those dairy commodities to hospitals, nursing homes, and school cafeterias.

Billie smiled. It was nice to sit back and hear him talk. He was very modest, and she liked that about him. He drove an older classic Bimmer. He wore a Washington Redskins T-shirt with nicely fitted jeans and Converse running shoes. Chad was Chad. He didn’t pretend to be anything that he wasn’t. He was comfortable in his own skin.

Following the pizza, she gave him a full tour of the house, inside and out. In the backyard, they surveyed where the pool used to be and did a quick analysis. Not surprisingly, digging it out again would be a major undertaking. For Billie, it just wasn’t an immediate priority. There were other things to do first. Maybe someday, but not a priority at this time.

She also showed Chad the cabana. It’s not often that an outdoor cabana has a working toilet, and Billie found herself explaining that her Mom didn’t want all the kids trouncing in and out of the house with their wet feet. So her Dad installed a toilet and sink.  She also mentioned how convenient it was for Mrs. Karington when the older woman was back there doing her gardening.

Chad meanwhile spotted something up in the big oak.  Is that a treehouse? I love treehouses! Always did. I always wanted one as a kid, but the trees in our backyard were too small. His voice was raised with enthusiasm.

Yeah, I loved that treehouse! Billie exclaimed. Help me get the rope ladder down.

Billie showed Chad where the big aluminum stepladder was stored. He carried it out and set it up right under the trap door to the treehouse. By standing on the very top step, and completely outstretched, he was able to reach the rope ladder which had been rolled up and secured. Carefully Chad untied it while Billie kept a firm grip on the stepladder. Soon it was uncoiled, reaching all the way to the ground.

Chad climbed down and then put the step ladder back where it was, between the cabana and the hedges. Billie was standing at the bottom of the rope ladder, her hands on the rope, her foot