The Amateur Magician (F/f)

[Im.V]

Jenna's eyes sparkled with excitement as she watched the magician on television, his hands swift and sure as he slipped out of ropes and chains like they were made of water. She was only seven then, her hair a fiery cascade around her face as she sat cross-legged on the floor, her mouth agape in wonder. Rachel, Jenna's mother, had been busy in the kitchen, but her occasional glances over her shoulder revealed a smirk that grew into a full-blown smile as she watched her daughter's fascination. "Maybe one day you'll be just like him," Rachel had said, her voice warm with a hint of mischief.

This started a wheel of events that’ll change Jenna’s life for the coming years. Among asking her mother for kits for magic tricks and practicing to become a magician. Jenna would often ask her mom or even some of her friends if they could tie her up to practice her escaping skills.

Now, four years later, the eleven year old Jenna stood before Rachel in the living room, her bare feet firmly planted on the cool hardwood floor. "Mom," she said, her voice earnest, "can you hogtie and gag me today? I really want to practice escaping." Rachel looked up from her book, her brown hair falling over one eye as she assessed her daughter's serious expression. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride at Jenna's determination to master such a peculiar skill. "Okay," she agreed, setting the book aside.

Dressed in a white shirt and grey cargo shorts, Jenna's eyes shone with excitement as Rachel searched the house for suitable materials. Barefoot, dressed in a black shirt and a pair of jeans, Rachel found a set of rope and a roll of duct tape, her mind racing with the potential knots she could use to challenge Jenna. "Remember, sweetie, if it gets too tight, just scream as loud and long as you can," Rachel reminded her, double-checking the rope's integrity.

Jenna nodded solemnly, her red hair bobbing with the movement. Rachel's eyes searched her daughter's, looking for any signs of fear, but all she found was eagerness. Rachel took a deep breath and began the intricate process of tying her daughter up, her hands moving with surprising dexterity as she worked the ropes into a complex hogtie. She wrapped the rope around Jenna's wrists and ankles, securing them tightly before linking them together behind her back. Jenna winced a bit but remained silent, her eyes focused and determined.

Next, Rachel took the duct tape and ripped off a long strip, holding it up to Jenna's mouth. Jenna took a deep breath, bracing herself for the feel of the sticky material on her skin. Rachel was gentle, pressing the tape firmly but not too tight. Jenna's eyes grew wide as she felt the tape stick to her cheeks, silencing her voice. Rachel stepped back, surveying her handiwork with a critical eye. "You look like you're ready for the challenge," she said, her voice a mix of amusement and admiration.

Jenna's heart raced as she wriggled in place, testing the bonds. The ropes bit into her skin just enough to remind her that this wasn't a game. Rachel took a step back, folding her arms across her chest. "Good luck," she said, her smile wide and genuine. Jenna nodded, her eyes never leaving Rachel's as she took in the seriousness of the situation. Rachel walked out of the room, leaving Jenna alone with her thoughts and the challenge ahead.

The living room was quiet, save for the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner and the distant hum of the refrigerator. Jenna's eyes darted around, searching for anything she could use as leverage. The magician on TV had made it look so easy, but now she understood the gravity of her task. Her mind raced through the different escape techniques she'd learned from books and YouTube tutorials, trying to remember which ones she thought might work best.

With a deep breath, Jenna began to rock back and forth, feeling the tension in the ropes. She focused on her breathing, in and out, calming herself. The ropes were tight but not painfully so, and she knew she had to stay calm to think clearly. She started with her wrists, feeling for any slack in the knots Rachel had tied. Her heart thudded in her chest as she worked her hands, twisting and turning, trying to find a way to loosen them.

A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead, and she felt the stickiness of the duct tape against her skin as she moved. She could feel Rachel's eyes on her, watching her from the kitchen doorway every few minutes. Jenna knew her mom was both proud and a little worried, but she couldn't let that distract her. She had to escape. The clock's ticking grew louder in her ears as she worked, each second a challenge to her growing sense of urgency.

After a few minutes, Rachel appeared in the doorway, a glass of cold water in her hand. She took a sip, watching Jenna's contorted face with a smirk. Rachel knew her daughter was tenacious, but she had to admit, seeing her in this position was a bit surreal. "Need a break?" she asked, her voice teasing. Jenna's eyes narrowed in determination, and she shook her head vigorously, her red hair flying around her. Rachel set the water down on the coffee table and approached her.

Jenna's bare feet were suspended in the air, thanks to the way Rachel had secured the ropes around her ankles and linked them to her wrists. Rachel reached out and gently tickled the arch of one of Jenna's feet, watching her squirm and giggle despite her efforts to escape. "You're not supposed to be laughing," Rachel said teasingly as Jenna’s laughter started bubbling up as she continued to tickle Jenna's foot. Jenna's muffled protests grew more insistent, her eyes watering with the effort to hold back her giggles.

Rachel grinned as she started using both hands to tickle Jenna's feet, watching her daughter's body contort with laughter. Jenna's eyes squeezed shut, and she wriggled in the ropes, trying to shake off the sensation. Rachel's laughter joined Jenna's muffled squeals, filling the room with a joyous cacophony. It was a moment of pure, unbridled connection between mother and daughter, a stark contrast to the tension of the escape challenge.

“Alright, alright” Rachel said as she stopped tormenting her daughter’s feet “I had my fun, I’ll stop now.” She sat on the couch, turning the television on as Jenna focused back on the challenge at hand. Rachel knew that even though this was a game to Jenna, it was a serious practice session in her daughter’s mind.

Jenna’s cheeks were flushed from the laughter, but she was back to her determined expression as she worked her wrists again. Rachel could see the wheels turning in her head as she tried to recall the escape techniques. Rachel’s own curiosity was piqued as she watched her daughter's cleverness in action.

Jenna felt a slight give in one of the knots around her wrists, and she focused her efforts there, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts about the magician's sleight of hand and the instructions from the YouTube videos. She twisted and pulled, her muscles straining against the ropes. Rachel leaned in, her eyes wide, watching her daughter's perseverance.

Ten minutes ticked by, with Jenna's only indication of time the increasing ache in her shoulders and the beads of sweat rolling down her forehead. Rachel had to admit, she was impressed by Jenna's dedication. Her own fingers itched to help, but she knew this was something Jenna needed to do on her own. The only sounds in the room were the rhythmic creaks of the ropes and the occasional huff of effort from Jenna's nose as she continued her silent struggle.

Finally, with a grunt, Jenna managed to loosen one of the knots around her wrists. Rachel's eyes widened as she watched her daughter's hands slide free. Jenna's face lit up with victory, but she didn't stop there. She immediately went to work on the ropes around her ankles, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts. Rachel leaned forward on the couch, her elbows on her knees, her eyes never leaving Jenna's focused face.

Soon Jenna was free, she stood up and took the tape off her mouth, letting out a gasp of relief as the sticky material was removed. Rachel sat up straight, her eyes searching for any signs of discomfort or injury. Jenna beamed with triumph, her cheeks flushed from the exertion. Rachel couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in her daughter's resilience.

"You did it," Rachel said, her voice filled with amazement. Jenna beamed with happiness as she rubbed her wrists and ankles. Rachel couldn't help but feel a bit of awe at her daughter's skill and determination. "What's the secret?" Rachel asked, genuinely curious.
“A magician never tells their secrets” Jenna said smiling

[laz]

cute story, well done

[milagros317]

Fine story!
A sequel would be welcome, perhaps with the action a year or two in the future.