Baby Talk

Chapter 3 Bad luck seemed to follow wherever I went. I could not figure out for the life of me what I’d done to piss off the universe.  I was good at being invisible. I was good at blending int I briefly contemplated that perhaps I’d hit my head and was sent to another universe because no way did someone have this much bad luck.  Then Monday, as I walked into the lecture, I found Theo. Biting the tip of his pen, he glared intensely at the blank screen.  But that wasn’t the problem.  He sat at the table.  My table.  Again.  Oh Lord was I being tested.  Either this was some sick prank and I’d end up horribly humiliated, or he just wanted to be as annoying as possible. However, before I could turn away, he spotted me from the corner of his eye.  My heart sank.  “Madeline!” he called loud enough just for me to hear. Nodding to the empty seat beside him, he said, “Sit down.” Sit down… did I dare?  “I don’t bite.” How was I supposed to know that? He usually sat at the front of the room beside Hunter Miller who I was convinced was born without a brain.  I knew there was no point in running. He’d catch me in a jiffy. So hesitantly, I did as he said. Saving two seats between us, he didn’t seem to notice.  “Hunter’s been nagging me about taking Gillian to the Arts Ball. The guy won’t shut up about it. You know how Hunt is.” No actually. I did not know how Hunt was.  His mouth opened to speak again but was quickly silenced by switching on the projector as a video began. “I just had to get away from him, ya know?” Theo continued to ramble in a whispered tone. His voice went in one ear and out the other. “… sorry for intruding but it’s refreshing not to be harassed for once. I don’t have to worry about that with you.” What? My brow quirked up before I could stop myself. He stammered. “Cus’ like you know… you don’t talk.” He liked my silence. That’s why he sat next to me. Was that supposed to be a compliment?  “Fuck.” He tugged at the ends of his hair. “That was rude of me.” No kidding, really? “Sometimes I say idiotic things I don’t actually mean. Logan, my sister - you remember her, yeah,” he grumbled, “says I’ve got a problem with that. You seem like a nice person and everything. Tell me I’m not screwing this up.” My lips twitched as I fought to keep the smile off my face. It was kind of funny watching as he struggled for the right words to say. People did not know how to act around me. After that, he didn't talk again the rest of class and we left without another word.  ooOoo It seemed I’d attracted the attention of the Matthews’ because the strange behavior continued into my next class with the appearance of Logan. Making her way across the room, she plopped herself down beside me as if it were an everyday occurrence.  “Hi, Maddie!”  What in the actual fuck?  Startled, I nearly jumped out of my skin much to her amusement. Her regular group was seated towards the middle of the room, sending her questioning glances. She ignored them.  “You don’t mind me calling you Maddie, do you?”  Yes. I did mind actually.  Logan talked a mile a minute and it took a certain type of person to deal with her non-stop chatter.  I was not that person.  But she didn’t seem to care.  Grinning like a maniac she winked at me - winked! As I took a hesitant glance, her hair was pulled up in a messy bun and she wore her signature jersey, never having been seen without it.  “N-no.” I gulped.  She smiled wider if that were even possible. “It was so funny running into you at the store. We’ve never really spoken before, have we?”  No, we had not, and that was just the way I liked it. Her energy burned out any that resided within me. Some people just weren’t compatible with each other. While Logan was fire, I was ice… and quickly melting. “I was thinking that we could get lunch sometime,” a sly smile slid across her lips. “You know… get to know each other. You seem like a cool person!”  And you seem like the devil in disguise…  Oblivious to the pulsing vein in my neck, it only got worse from there. “Jackson!” She waved her hand at the mop of blonde hair. Smiling at Logan, he headed for our direction, only stopping short at the sight of me. Piercing blue eyes scanned over my body. His head tilted to the side in confusion as Logan pulled him down beside her. “Jack, say hi to Maddie!”  He didn’t say hello. He stared at me like I was a juicy steak he wanted to devour.  “I was just telling Maddie how funny it was when Theo and I ran into her the other day.”  Mrs. Smith was late as usual, and I found myself wishing for her static tone. Anything to make them go away.  “... we're going to lunch. Come with?”  Catching the end, my head had never jerked up so quickly. Eyes wide, I’d never actually agreed to anything. I never even spoke! “N-no” I forced myself to say. They didn’t seem to hear me. “Sure, why not?” Jackson shrugged in response.  How the fuck could I get my point across? This was dangerous waters that I was crossing into - something that I had steadily avoided the last three years. This one singular week was the undoing of it all.  Here I was, breaking one of the biggest rules that had been drilled into every little’s brain from the day we were born. There was too much at risk even with all the protections that were offered.  “Why not Marty’s in town?” they talked over my head as if I was not even there. “They’ve got a Littles’ menu.” I’m 22 years old for fucks sake! I wanted to scream but even if I had the chance, no one would hear me. Jackson agreed and only then did Logan turn her attention back to me. Patting my head, she cooed, “Can you last this long without a diaper or will I need to take you to the potty?”  ooOoo The next forty-five minutes were painfully slow. The only thing on my mind was the immediate after. Paralyzed to the booster seat, Logan couldn’t help but triple-check (multiple times) my very dry pants. Yanking the straps tighter between my thighs, she chidingly judged the lack of a diaper.  It was a constant struggle having to politely remind everyone that despite my size, I’d been potty trained since I was twelve years old.  But there was only so much I could do without shooting myself in the foot. That’s why I could only whimper as she dragged me by the hand as the bell rang. It was a struggle to keep up with their long strides and left me gasping for breath. I couldn’t sound the alarm because they hadn’t technically done anything illegal but there was so much potential to go wrong and that’s what terrified me.   The cafe was bustling with giants too tall for their own good. The thing about the University of Astoria was that it was a segregated campus by happenstance. Littles stuck to the south side where there was a plethora of establishments meant to accommodate our needs but the north side was for the Bigs.  Marty’s was on the north side.  There was only one Little that I could spot across the room. They were stripped down to a diaper and dirtied bib in a high chair being spoon fed green mush. For a second, we made eye contact, but just as quickly as it happened, it was gone.  “Find a seat,” Logan passed me like a rag doll to Jackson. “I’ll order for us.” I dared to wonder what that could possibly mean for me.  Jackson spared me a glance- almost a warning-as if he could feel the trepidation. We sat in the corner of the room, a high chair already prepped and ready by a nosy worker. I was useless against the thick straps that held me captive that the Amazon tightened with ease.  In just this short amount of time, I’d come to realize that Jackson was a man of few word. This was the first time I really heard him speak. “You’re good to stay quiet. Logan likes her pet projects and right now you are it.” “Wha - what does this mean for me?” I took the chance to ask.  He shrugged. “You’ll be fine. She’ll get tired of you soon and you can go on with your life. She has no interest in adopting a little.” While he said that with such certainty, I was not entirely convinced. Amazons, especially women, were overly maternalistic creatures. The very sight of a Little could send them lactating. Logan was not excluded.  “We’ve never met someone that could outsmart Theo and Logan is just on cloud-9. You’re safe.” He said. As long as you comply. Only he didn’t say that part out loud.  The conversation was cut short as Logan returned with two iced coffees and… a sippy cup. Placed on the plastic tray, I could barely contain my rage.  “She wouldn’t give me a bib unless we had proof of adoption,” she huffed, glancing at the seemingly spooked Inbetweener behind the register up front.  A bib was where they drew the line?  Oh fuck off. “We can trust you not to make a mess of yourself, right?”  “O-of course.” I swallowed, sending a silent prayer to the girl.  “Have you ever considered being adopted? Biology is an extremely hard degree. You would be so much happier with a mommy and daddy to take care of you. No responsibility, fun all day…” That was the question of the hour, and the thing was, I wanted to be challenged. It meant that I was actually using my brain and could prove every freakin Amazon wrong. Littles were more than what they made us out to be.  “I know how hard my brother has it so it just seems unfathomable that they would put all of this on a Little-no offense,” she says as an afterthought. “But who has even seen a Little go on to have a job after college or make a living for themselves?”  Logan was right but for all the wrong reasons. Astoria had the highest Little satisfaction rate at forty-five percent. It was required that there was some Little representation in every establishment. We were given many opportunities for success, much more than other states, but there were always downfalls. If only we could be seen as equal, there would be a near perfect success rate. I only said near because nowhere in the world could anyone be one hundred percent happy.  Pushing the thought from my mind, I grabbed at the sippy cup.  Reluctantly. Choosing to trust that they wouldn’t drug me so openly, I silenced the viscous thoughts that would surely land me in hot water. But as I took a sip, my tastebuds tingled at an explosion of sweetness. Disgustingly delicious, I immediately knew what it was. Little’s milk. Sugary, sweet and utterly addictive, it was a wonder how it wasn’t considered an illegal substance. Little’s Milk was alternative to breast milk. No less potent, it would render any little completely helpless. But it was only a drop.  Maybe I would be fine.  Maybe…  Ignorant to my internal dialogue, I was pulled back into the conversation. “Besides the point, I need the deets. What do you think of our Teddy?”  “Um-” I bean to choke. Milk spewed from my mouth, dribbling down my chin and onto my brand new shirt.  “Ugh!” Logan groaned, grabbing at a bundle of napkins. “I knew this would happen! You littles are such messy things!” “No- hmphhhh!” I'm silenced as she wipes my mouth and began dabbing at my shirt. “I can do this!” I begged to no avail. Looking at Jackson, the expression on his face was so cutting. It was as if he had expected me to fail. There went my one ally (or so I’d hoped).  “I’ll contact the Littles Affairs Office today. They must be made aware of this.”  A whimper escaped my lips at the very real threat. This would result in a strike on my record - my very first one. I was a star student and model Little! Professors had even begun to take me seriously and that would all go away if I got a strike.  I had to reason with her. I’d do just about anything! I’d even -  I finish that thought later. “Logan?” Behind us came a deep voice. Smooth and rich, and utterly confused, I knew who it was without having to turn around. “Hello, Teddy.”  “What are you doing?” he ignored her. Moving between them and me, he looked over me in barely contained fury. “Dude,” Jackson raised his hands in surrender. “I just wanted a coffee.”  “Yeah!” he spat. “This has Logan written all over it.”  Rolling her eyes, they looked too similar when they scowled. Their dimpled mouths both turned down, revealing a set of frown lines around the corner of their lips, and a familiar angry indent between their eyebrows.  “I’m spending time with my new friend. What’s wrong with that?” She feigned confusion, batting her eyes so innocently.  “What’s wrong with that?” he nearly exploded. “You’re out of your fucking mind! You know that. Let her go.”  “Maddie is free to go anytime she wants.”  “It doesn’t look like it.” “Ask her.”  Three pairs of eyes turned to me now.  Shit.  “Madeline, do you want to leave?”  Shoulders tensed and eyes nearly bugged out of my head, did I look as afraid as I felt?  I took that as a yes seeing Theo’s reaction. He glared at his sister and friend before marching my way. There was no time to react before he snapped the belts and freed me from the contraption. A small peep escaped my lips when I was temporarily dangled in the air but I was quickly placed to my feet.  “Let’s go, Madeline.” he growled. “We’re done here.” ooOoo “I-I’m sorry,” I profusely apologized as we made our way outside. Practically running after him, Theo slowed down once realizing that I could not keep up. “No, I’m sorry.” he sighed, running his hand over his face. “I should have known that she would do something like this.” “Like what?”  I fiddled with my fingers, attempting to distract myself from our close proximity. I could feel the heat radiating off of his body. I could smell his cologne - a mix of oak and leather - and had to stop myself from leaning closer in.  “She likes to get under my skin.” “A-and I get under your skin?” I gulped. There was a look of disdain in his eyes as I watched his jaw clench shut. That is why I didn’t speak. That is why I preferred to be alone because then I wouldn’t say stupid things that got me in trouble.  A pregnant pause later, he finally muttered, “yes.”  I didn’t know how to feel about it. Is there a way I should feel? Instead of the usual fear, the only thing on my mind was confusion… and frustration. Moreso the latter.  “Come on,” he finally huffed. “We’re going back to my place. Nobody should be at home.” “What? Why?” I took a step back. “My dorm is just-” Around the corner, I think, unable to finish the sentence. He raised an eyebrow as if I should know the answer. “Gillian is on RA duty tonight and my sister knows where you live. Would you rather go back and have to deal with them?”  Oh. That’s why. He was helping me… or so he said. I realized that I had no choice but to trust him. He’d yet to do anything and saved me from his evil sister. To say I felt guilty was an understatement. It followed me all the way to his house. It was a twenty minute walk which would have been ten without me dragged along, but he didn’t complain so I stayed silent.  Now stopped in front of a white double decker with a wrap-around-porch, it had definitely seen better days. It was the typical frat. Every house on Barkley Avenue was. We were right in the heart of amazon territory. All the wildest parties happened here (not that Littles were ever included) but the stories were legendary.  Off campus housing was only available to Amazons and Inbetweeners. Littles were required to stay in the dorms for all four year. While it wasn’t bad, it was annoying. Curfews, rules and inspections - it was impossible to actually feel like an adult when you were still getting your pants checked for an accident.  Staring at the rickety old steps, I questioned how I’m going to make it up. Nearly taller than myself, I could push and crawl up each step but that would definitely leave a splinter or two. But once again, Theo Matthews came to my rescue.  “Can I help you?” He held his arms out.  I had no choice but to say yes. As I was hoisted into the air, I tried not to think about how his warm, muscular arms wrapped around my body, or the way my ear pressed to his chest where I could hear the abnormal stutter of his heart. One arm rested beneath my bottom, other hand on my waist, and the seconds felt like ages before we have made it inside. Clearing his throat as he set me down, it was impossible to ignore the awkwardness. looking around awkwardly before gesturing for the door at the end of the hall.  It was the typical student house and smelt like it. Oddities hung on the wall with streamers still pinned to the bannister from someone’s birthday. Dirty dishes piled up in the kitchen sink from what I could see and a thick layer of dust coated the floor. Gesturing to the door at the end of the hall, he led me forward into the living room. The couch was duct taped together and there was the faintest scent of weed. “So, um, this is it. Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything?”    I stared up at him, unsure quite what to say.  “Do you want water? A beer? You drink right?”  Beer? Was is a Monday evening. Yet there there never did seem to be a time when people weren’t drinking. We were in college after all. But that wasn’t the point. Never would an amazon think of offering a little alcohol. We were all but babies in their eyes.  “I’m, um, I’m good.” I forced myself to respond. “There is, um, actually, another thing,” Umm, please.  “Yeah?” This was so embarrassing.  “You need to inform my dorm about tonight. Curfew.”  “What?”  “After ten,” I sighed. “We’re not allowed out.”  “You’re twenty-two.” No shit, Sherlock.  “Who do I contact then? You’re spending the night at my place while I figure something out about my sister.”  “Gillian.” Your girlfriend.  OoOoo Author’s Note:  Hey all! Here is another chapter!! I’d really love to know what you all think of the story so far. I write because I love your feedback so reviews mean the world to me, and inspire me to update even faster   On another note, I have fully completed writing the story at 30 chapters so stay tuned! There is a lot more to come! I should update again soon, but in the meantime, happy reading!

James Jr. Got his $240,000 from Danielle from her husband's Insurance. Eddy was somewhat upset with her, seem he took almost a full week off of work. He missed Monday through Thursday he showed up for work Friday only. He looked a mess. Bloodshot eyes they had,  Jimmy Jr., Yvette, and Cassidy. Partied Hard for those 4 days! Eddy was sure Jimmy  Jr. Had more than Alcohol in his system.  He worked good Friday didn't appear hung over. If he got hurt Eddy would have ordered a drug test. If he had ordered one without an injury. He had better be able to prove James Jr. Is on drugs or he just opened a can of worms of a lawsuit for himself. Eddie and Beautiful had a  Birthday party for Kieth his 16th, on Sunday. He still had to get his license, before he could drive his  birthday present. He sat in the cab and dreamed of his newfound independence. In his mind he could see him and Candy on dates. Camping trips to the mountains with himself, Jeff, and Carlos, maybe even his little brother Edward, maybe Vincent even, just the boys, if Candy wanted to come that was cool to him as well. He couldn't wait to get his license. He had his written test next Thursday. Then two weeks later he had his driving test. His dad had suggested it this way Then the following Saturday he started picking up things at the work site. Denny was going to show him 1 week but that next week he would be on his own. He would be earning a whopping $12 an hour he could make $144 a weekend that's almost $800  a month. Come summer he could  make almost that every week. Keith took his written test, passed that with ease. Two weeks later he took his driving test but failed miserably he took the course to fast according to the examiner according to beautiful she wasn't sure who was the most disappointed Keith or Eddy. Next time he took the test he did fine and he earned his first Driver's License. He started working the first day he hated to admit his back hurt from being bent over all day. Next day was better. By the next week where he solved he thought what back.  2 weeks later he got his first pay check. His first thought who is this FICA and taxes was he old enough to even pay taxes? "Man they took a lot of my check!" He still had enough to take Candy to Olive Garden.  

Home-made chicken tenders with fresh corn-on-the-cob (picked that up yesterday).  

This is supposed to be the school rule where I teach.  One student at a time.  I have a couple of students where part of their IEP is access to the bathroom, so I rarely enforce that rule. I regret it the one time I did. One of my students got lost between my classroom and the bathroom (that's what I call it). I had students who weren't my students with me, so i told her to wait until the kid gets back. A few minutes later, I realize the first kid is lost, so I tell her to go.  She leaves, and amazingly comes back before the lost student, and then stays in my room after the bell.  She asks if she can wait in my room until her mom picked her up. Obviously, I said yes. I didn't ask why, but it was probably one of two reasons.  Niether one of which was my business.

and I was off just a bit. it is chapter 200.