SashaButters

I don’t like the story line tbh. I thought it was incredibly hokey. The whole Jenny’s parents were circus performers thing was … I like some of the songs though.

Someone told me once what I seem to write about is "awkward intimacy" and I think it fits pretty well. You should really watch it. It's a great movie, not the cringy musical they just released but the one Danny Devito directed. The book is even darker than the movie, but it's really well written with lots of personality. The opening scene is about how much teachers want to tell parents their kids are idiots. It's great.

I am a screaming passenger in the front seat xD It's a lot of going back and re-reding and trying to remember where the hell I was going with that haha Like with Eve, at one point I said she had a bad back so she couldn't keep picking up Matilda, which then turned into a scene of her getting thrown down a staircase.

It’s been three days. Doesn’t anyone notice I’m gone? Doctor Rodgers stuck the torn piece of paper with her scrawled note inside the book with all the others. She wasn’t sure why she had done it. She supposed she just wanted to leave a trace of her honest thoughts behind like Jenny had done. She wasn’t just a random person off the street, Goddamn it! She was an in demand physician! A specialist! So where were the police? She mattered! Didn’t she? She had to have been reported missing by now. By the fourth day tempers were beginning to flare. They couldn’t seem to get out of each other's way no matter how hard they tried. Food was running low and managing Jennys pain was becoming more and more difficult with supplies diminishing. Agatha had not returned to check on them. At first a blessing, but now with only half a Vomlet each, Carol was growing worried. On the fifth day, when not a bite of food was left, Carol's temper had finally snapped. She had been changing Jenny’s bandages when she had noticed a dried streak of fecal matter on the back of one of her legs. How many times had she told Eve she had to be thorough?! When she had pointed this out, the situation had escalated into a screaming match. “Then you clean her up if you’re so damn perfect! This whole time all you’ve done is complain!” “That isn’t my job!” “So what, cleaning up shit is beneath you, is it?” “This is literally what you're in school for! It’s your fault we’re in this mess to begin with! At least you can do is pull your damn weight!” It took seeing Jenny break down in sobs and begin to incessantly apologize for them to see just how inappropriate their fighting was. She was the true victim in all of this. “I’m sorry,” Eve said softly to the girl. “That was unprofessional of us.” Carol muttered. “The confinement is getting to us all. Are you in pain?” Jenny nodded and buried her face into the blanket. “It’s my fault.” She muttered into the blanket. “It’s not.” Eve whispered. But it seemed no matter how many times they tried to convince her of it, Carol could see in her eyes she didn’t believe them. “Eve, do you still have that syringe?” Carol asked. She knew she did. She had caught her staring at it multiple times. “We might have to give it to Jenny in small doses.” “No! This is our only chance out of here!” Eve said. “I’m running out of pain killers. It’s getting more and more difficult to keep her pain level under a five with what’s left.” “Then the next time she comes in here I’m jabbing her with it.” “Eve, she hasn’t checked on us in two days. I don’t even know if she’s still here!” “Then we draw her attention and-” “You can always go out and check.” Jenny said. “She could have gone to the cabin in the woods. She likes to practice her hammer throw out there.” Carol pursed her lips and thought about it. “How do you open the lock, Jenny? Do you use a credit card or something?” “In my desk drawer, there’s a magnet. You just need to catch the pin and slide it across.” Jenny explained. Carol opened the drawer and dug around until she found the black rectangle. Ever so slowly, she did as Jenny said and disengaged the lock. She inched the door open and listened. She heard nothing. She turned back and eyed the others. “I’m going to take a look downstairs.” Carol whispered. “No, let me.” Eve said. “I’ve been downstairs before. I know where everything is.” “She keeps the MRE’s in the basement.” Jennifer said. Eve made a face. “If the coast is clear our priority is getting out. If that’s not an option, then we call for help. She must have connected the phone line by now.” Carol watched tentatively as Eve tipped toed down the stairs and poked her head around the corner before disappearing out of sight. She went back inside and waited. Her fists clenched by her side as she listened for a signal. She started as footsteps hurried up the stairs. “No one’s here. She’s gone.” Eve said in her normal speaking voice. Carol moved to shush her. “We don’t know if she’s upstairs.” Carol whispered. “You have to see for yourself.” Eve said as she motioned her out. Carol quietly followed. Could they really get out this easily? Could they just open the front door and run? No, Eve would have grabbed her daughter if that was the case. She came to a halt at the foot of the stairs. Her mouth went dry at the sight of the giant chain and padlock sealing the front door from the inside. “Looks like she didn’t want anyone getting out while she was gone.” Eve mumbled. Carol pulled on the front door to no avail. Next she ran to the back, only to find the same thing. She needed to break a window. She grabbed a stool, ready to swing until she came face to face with the security bars. She dropped the stool. The phone! She ran to the kitchen counter and picked up the receiver. Nothing! She slammed the phone down. “Let’s focus on getting food.” Eve said. “We don’t know when she’ll be back.” “What if we wait down here for her and-” Eve gave her a doubtful look. She was right. Even with the two of them combined they didn’t stand a chance. They raided the fridge and cupboards, but there was little they could take that didn’t need to be cooked first. “Ugh, fine, but I’m picking the flavors, and not a damn one is going to have the word ‘veggie’ in it.” They each returned with armfuls of ready to eat meals and jugs of water. After their last day and a half had consisted of Vomlets, their haul was bound to taste like a ribeye steak. But only if they couldn’t find a way out of here first. They tried all the doors and windows but nothing. They were both in the living room when one of the side doors began to rattle. “RUN!” Carol yelled. Eve sprinted down the hall, past the rattling door knob and back up the stairs. Carol knew she could never make it in time. She froze where she was as the once locked door shoved open. “YOU! HOW DID YOU GET OUT!” Agatha bellowed. “Let us go, please.” Carol said. “We’ve done all we can for her.” “Why? So you can run to the police?” “We won’t-” Carol started to say, but even she knew it reeked of bullshit. “You think I’m stupid? Is that it?” “N-no.” “Think I’m all brawn and no brain? Well let me tell you, my brain’s just as big as these biceps.” “You can’t just keep us here forever!” “I’ll keep you until I have no further use for you!” A large hand grabbed Carol by the wrist and yanked her forward as if she was a child. “And then what? What will you do when you have no further use for us?” Carol demanded as she was forcefully dragged back up the stairs. The giant was about to answer when the bedroom door sprung open. Out charged Eve, syringe in hand. Before Agatha could process what was happening, Eve lept on her. In one swift motion, she jabbed the syringe into her neck, but before she could push the plunger, the Trunchbull plucked her off and tossed her. Carol watched as Eve toppled down the staircase and crashed to the bottom in a crumpled heap. “Evelyn!” Carol screamed, fighting against the log of an arm that held her in place. The Trunchbull yanked the needle out of her neck with a growl. “No, don't!” her words fell on deaf ears as she pushed the plunger, sending the last of their much needed opiate supply squirting out and onto the carpet. “You!” The Trunchbull hissed. “This was your idea, wasn’t it?” Carol tried to twist and see if Eve was getting back up, but a large hand grabbed her by the hair and pulled her forward. With an almighty shove, she went sprawling to the ground inside the bedroom. “You’ll never see the outside of this room again! I’ll make sure of it!” Before Carol could get her bearings, the Trunchbull reappeared carrying Eve in her arms. She let her fall onto the ground with an unceremonious thunk and slammed the door behind her. “Evelyn!” Carol said, jumping to her feet and making her way over. The woman on the ground groaned in pain. “What hurts?” “My back.” She hissed. Carol stood and went to the pile of diminished supplies. She shook one of the few pain pills left into her hand before grabbing the jug of water. “Can you sit up?” Eve shook her head. She handed her the pill. “I can only afford to give you one.” Eve swallowed it down with a cough and wince. “Mommy, are you okay? Why are you on the floor?” Hortensia said, coming to sit beside her. “I’m okay, honey, mommy just fell and got the wind knocked out of her.” Eve said weakly. Carol bit her lip. She knew it was more serious than that. “If I broke that window, do you think Hortensia could run for help?” Carol asked. “From the second story? How do you expect her to get down? She’s four.” “She’d be in here faster than she could get away.” Jenny said. They sat in silence for a moment. “If you want to get out you’ll have to speak her language.” “And how do we do that? Through violence? We tried that.” Carol said before standing and checking on their haul. She opened a box labeled jalapeno pepper jack beef and dug in. Compared to the Vomlets, it was heaven. “No, “ Jenny said softly. “You need to talk money.” “Money, psh,” Carol said. “Where are we supposed to get money from?” “What if I gave the money back?” Eve asked weakly. “No, you got it backwards.” Jenny said. “I think you should demand it from her.” “We’re not exactly in a place to be making demands.” Carol said. “Saying you’ll stay quiet won’t do you any good.” Jenny explained. “She’ll never believe you. There’s no incentive.” “Jenny, are you saying we should threaten to black mail her?” Eve asked doubtfully. “That sounds dangerous, especially when she can just pick us up with one hand and toss us down staircases.” “And illegal.” Carol mumbled to herself. “Although if we did something just as illegal as kidnapping…” “We couldn’t go to the police.” Eve said with a wince as she sat up. “Maybe if she bought our silence, she wouldn’t feel the need to...” She mimed shooting herself in the head while Hortensia was distracted with lunch. “But even if it worked, how could we explain your injuries? It’s obvious someone did that to you. Not to mention where we’ve been.” And she’d have a lot of explaining to do about the missing drug supplies. Jenny gave her a sad smile. “No, we are not leaving you here!” Carol growled. “I’ll be okay.” Jenny whispered. “No!” Eve and Carol both said in unison. “We’re not leaving you behind.” Carol said before looking at Eve, propped against the bed. “I could at least try and negotiate your release though.” Carol said to Eve. “It-It’s not that I’m not willing to stay,” Eve said slowly. “You have Anastasia, I understand.” Jenny said. She looked around the room before asking for a pen and paper. She looked at them thoughtfully for a minute before jotting down a few paragraphs and signing her name. She handed it to Eve, who read it and went ghost white. “Oh, sweetheart,” Eve said softly. Carol saw her wipe her eyes before she handed it to her. Carol read it and felt the anger rise inside her once again. She would get Jenny out if it was the last thing she did. “In case you need proof.” Jenny said with a shrug. “Did she really…?” her voice trailed off as Jenny nodded her head and wiped at her tear streaked face. Carol took in a shaky breath. “Let’s focus on this later. For right now, let me change out your bandages and get you cleaned up.” Eve looked like she was going to try and push herself up but Carol stopped her. “I got this. You’re in no shape.” She unwound the ace bandages and removed the gauze. “You’re going in the right direction at least, Jenny. The infection is gone, and you haven’t had any bouts of diarrhea today.” “That’s because I haven’t eaten any of those today.” Jenny mumbled, and pointed over to the pile of MRE’s. Carol looked over and forced a smile. They had given them all the runs. That closet needed to be condemned. “You aren't the only one.” Carol muttered. The first thing she’d do after getting out of here was buy Jenny a new wardrobe. The clothes currently hanging needed to be burned in a pit. “Speaking of, would you like to try going before I start? Now would be the most convenient time before I wash you.” “I-i’m okay,” she mumbled into her blanket. She felt it get pulled away and frowned. “How about you try for a few minutes? Since I’ve already got you in position.” Jennifer looked over and frowned. Carol peeked behind her and noticed Hortensia sitting on the bench trying to read from a book. It was amazing how much kids could learn out of boredom. With nothing better to do, Hortensia had been eagerly accepting reading lessons from Jenny. Even Carol had to admit she was picking it up remarkably fast. She was pretty sure Eve had Jenny sold on the teacher idea. Carol could see it in the way Jenny’s face lit up when Hortensia managed to sound out a word by herself. It was joy, Carol realized. She was a little jealous. Even in such a dark situation, she still managed to find something that brought her joy. Carol struggled to find it even in the best of times. “She’s alright, she’s focused on the book.” Carol said before whispering. “Don’t make her go in there, it’s bad.” Jenny grimaced before nodding. “Call me when you’re ready.” She sat on the bench next to Hortensia. “Are you reading or just staring?” “Reading.” Hortensia said through gritted teeth. “Which word are you having trouble with?” She turned the book towards her. “Ta-” “Table!” “Yes, very good!” Carol said. Hortensia beamed, and in the blink of an eye, stood up and ran over the other side of the room. “Mommy, look what I can rea-” “Hortensia, no!” Both adults shouted, but it was too late. Hortensia turned her head and froze. The book fell out of her hand and fell to the ground with a soft thunk. Her face screwed up. She leaned over and vomited on the carpet before letting out an ear piercing scream. “Hey, hey, sweetheart, come here.” Eve said, nudging Hortensia to join her on the ground. “It’s okay. It’s okay.” Hortensia began sobbing incoherent things into Eve's shoulder. “I think she’s just scared.” “Wh-what’s going on?” Jenny asked. “It-it’s nothing.” Carol said before turning her attention down to the empty pad. “No luck?” “Why is she screaming like that?” Jenny asked. “Anna, are you okay?” “She’s okay, she just threw up.” Carol said. She watched as Hortensia pulled her head out of her mothers shoulder and looked up at Jenny. “Anna, are-” Jenny froze as Hortensia buried her shoulder into her moms neck and bawled. “Why is she afraid of me?” She asked in a robotic tone. “She saw.” “Wh-what? Y-y-you said it wasn’t that bad!” “She’s only four, Jenny. She’ll cry if she sees someone bleed from a paper cut.” Eve said, rocking her daughter in her arms. “Shoot, she's wet.” “Does she wet herself and throw up after seeing a paper cut too?” Jenny asked in a voice about to crack. Carol turned herself away and took a deep breath. She heard something rattle before another ear piercing scream, but this time it wasn’t coming from the toddler. Carol spun around to find Jenny, out of the stirrups and into the fetal position as she screamed and sobbed into her pillow. A handheld mirror rested by her waist. Carol put two and two together. “What did she do to me?” She shrieked. “Hey, it’s okay. It just looks a lot worse than it is.” Carol lied. “It’s just got all the old medicine on it. If you want to see what it looks like when it's cleaned you can have another look.” Jenny shook her head, body heaving from sobs. “I-t-t’s n-n-not th-that!” Jenny wailed. “I understand now! She -she did it-o-to t-t-take away the th-thing I wanted m-most!” Carol hid her face and pinched her eyes shut. She wasn’t going to get emotional in front of a patient. Damn these hormones. Remember, professional distance. Professional distance. But the woman burned her not just to cause her pain, but to take away her chance at a normal happy future with a family of her own? Ruining her childhood wasn’t enough? Had to rob her of her future too? It was obvious what Jenny wanted more than anything. Kids. “If you're worried about fertility, we can get to it later.” “Can I still…?” “Later.” Carol insisted. She couldn’t have this conversation right now. Neither could she. She took a deep breath and spun back around. She grabbed Jenny’s hand and gave it a soft squeeze. “ When you're ready, I’ll finish with your bandages.” She let go and turned to leave, but stopped when she realized Jenny was still gripping her hand in a firm grip. Carol stood in place, unsure of what to do, before she finally settled on sitting on the edge of her bed. She had never been in this sort of situation with a patient before. She usually just looked up their cooter and sent them on their way. Carol tentatively stuck a hand out and placed it on the girl's shoulder. She looked to Eve for help, but she was busy trying to settle her own daughter. Carol swallowed as arms wrapped around her waist as Jenny desperately clung to her. She was no good with this sort of thing, but it was clear the teen was starved for affection and needed this. Fighting against every flashing red warning light in her head about professional distance, she repositioned the both of them so that Jenny was securely wrapped in her arms. “We’ll get you out of here.” Carol whispered before sighing. She had broken all the rules anyway, what was one more. How could she not care about this girl who had suffered so much? She waited patiently for Jenny to calm down before getting her cleaned up and changed. She locked eyes with Eve. “Should we try?” Carol asked. It seemed risky. Their captor was belligerent, bad tempered, and as Carol learned more and more about her, sadistic. “What do we have to lose at this point?” Eve asked. A lot, Carol thought. She looked at Hortensia, still wrapped in her mothers arms, still looking every bit as traumatized as everyone felt. “Jenny?” Carol asked. The girl opened her eyes and gave her a questioning look. “This affects you the most.” Carol frowned as Jenny shrugged. She didn’t like the look on her face. The anger and fight in Jenny’s eyes seemed to be replaced with a look of resignation. “What’s her name?” “Agatha Trunchbull.” Jenny looked at her with sad eyes. “Even if you tell someone, they won’t believe you, and even if they do…” She shrugged again. “The police are fond of her.” “Fond of her?” Carol's brows knitted in confusion. “She’s a monster. Why would they be fond of her?” “She’s the headmistress of Crunchem Hall.” “Isn’t that the school where all the bad kids go?” Eve asked. “It’s just a rumor, it’s just a regular school, although now, I’m not so sure. She’s made a name for herself as a harsh disciplinarian. When troubled kids are sent there, they become so scared of her they come out reformed. “Did you go there?” “Yes. I hated it.” Jenny shivered. “She’d throw me in the chokey if I didn’t do my chores fast enough or if I…refused her.” “What’s the chokey?” Carol asked. “Wait, are those rumors true?” Eve asked. “Yes.” Jenny whispered. “What rumors?” “That there’s a metal box the kids get thrown in when they misbehave.” “It’s worse than that.” Jenny said. “There’s these nine inch nails hammered into the door so if you don’t stand perfectly still, they’ll cut you. The bigger you are, the worse it is.” “Are you serious? And she’d lock you in there?” “At least once a week.” Jenny said. “Although I haven’t been there in a few years, I still don’t like small spaces.” Carol blew out her held breath in a long exaggerated sigh. “And the police let her do this?” “All they see is results. They don’t ask “how” or “why.” I’m pretty sure they know; they just look the other way.” Carol looked her up and down as she debated what to do. She had already taken the Iv. out this morning. Just in case anything happened to her while she tried to argue their demands, she decided to take the catheter out as well. The last thing Jenny needed was someone inexperienced to pull it out just in case. Her hopes weren’t very high that this would work, but Jenny knew her best. “Are you ready?” Carol asked. They all nodded their heads. Carol used the magnet and opened the door. “AGATHA!” She yelled into the hallway. “LET’S MAKE A DEAL!” .., Carol sat frozen in place on the couch. It was working. It was actually working. She couldn’t believe it. At first, the woman's face had gone red. Then purple. Then finally pale ghost white before she beckoned Carol and Eve downstairs. She swung a portrait out, revealing a safe behind the wall before stacks of hundred pound notes were tossed onto the coffee table. “How much?” She growled. Carol began to sweat. She couldn’t mess this up. If she went too high, she might end their negotiation right here and now, but if she went too low, she’d assume they weren’t being serious. It wasn’t that the Trunchbull’s language was money. It was dirty money. “5, 000 pounds.” Eve blurted out. The Trunchbull scoffed. “A month.” Carol threw in. Eve shot her a panicked look. The Trunchbull's eyes narrowed. “I’m a doctor. It will take a lot more than one 5,000 pound payment to buy my silence. I think a five thousand payment each out the door for our trouble would be a good place to start.” She could feel Eve trembling beside her, but Carol kept a calm and calculated composure. Agatha sat stone still, except for her fingers which drummed noisily on the coffee table. Finally, just when Carol thought she wasn’t going to say anything, she slid a handful of stacks across the table. “The key, please.” Carol said. “And if you miss a payment, we have a witness statement that goes straight to the police.” “How will I know you won’t do that anyway?” The Trunchbull sneered. Carol had thought of that. She pulled a piece of paper with the handwritten note signed by them. “Just as we have proof of your misdoings, you will have proof of ours.” She slid the signed note across. The Trunchbull read it over before tearing it up. “I’ll make one.” She scrawled a couple of paragraphs before sliding it over. Carol read it. “No, she’s coming with us.” “Like hell she is. The whore’s staying put.” Carol could feel her blood boiling. No! They had to take Jenny with them! She promised! Eve grabbed her arm and shook her head. Carol gritted her teeth. She read the note again and again for their terms of release. Finally an idea struck her. She picked up a pen and wrote an additional paragraph. She slid the note back over. The Trunchbull read it before looking up and glared at her. “What good will it do her?” “You work at a school, don’t you? I don’t care how you make it work, just put her in charge of the bottom form.” “And what If I already have a suitable bottom form teacher?” “Then split the class. I don’t care, just do it. Those are my terms.” “Fine.” She hissed. She signed the note and slid it back across the table. Carol signed it next, and after looking over it, Eve signed it last. “Now get out of my sight!” “I need to get my daughter.” Eve bolted up the stairs. Carol stood to return upstairs as well but Agatha stopped her. “Not you. You’re not leaving my sight.” “I want to say goodbye and explain.” “No!” She said firmly. “No more demands! Take your bloody money and GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!” “As you wish.” Carol scooped up the money off the table and walked to the front door as Agatha unlocked it. “But If I ever hear you’ve laid another hand on her…” She leaned over and whispered in her ear. “I’ll kill you.” She walked out the front door before Eve came bounding down the stairs with Hortensia in tow. The door slammed shut behind them as they ran toward the car. “What took you so long?” Carol asked. “I told her what happened.” Eve explained breathlessly once they were in the car. I also stopped to empty the bucket.” “Okay.” “In Agatha’s bed.” “You what?!” “I was afraid if I threw it on her directly she wouldn’t let us leave.” Carol threw a panicked look up to the second story window. “She’ll be okay, she’s tough. Just two more years and she’ll be 18.” “I guess.” Carol whispered. The guilt of leaving was already starting to eat at her insides. “I hope she doesn’t think I abandoned her.” “I liked your idea about sending her to college as a stipulation.” Eve said as they pulled away from the house. “She’ll make a good teacher.” … It had been two very long years of court cases, arbitration, and finally the loss of her medical license. With no real explanation she could give of where she had been and what she had done with all of the pain medication she had taken, she had been fired before being reported to the medical board. She had planned to appeal it. She even had all the paperwork filled out and ready to be mailed, but something caught her eye. There, riding past her on the opposite end of the street on a bike, was a face Carol hadn’t been able to remove from her head no matter how much she drank. “Jenny.” Carol said to herself, stunned. She watched her in her rearview mirror as the young woman peddled down the street balancing a large cardboard box on her handlebars. Intrigued, she started her car and pulled out. Where was she going with all that stuff? She slowly followed her down the busy main street and out into the fields as she tried to think of what to say. No apology could ever make what she did okay. Everything she thought of sounded lame and full of excuses. Carol pulled over as Jenny got off her bike and walked it down and into a row of hedges. Where on earth was she going? Carol slowly followed until she came to a shack in the middle of a field. Carol peeked her head around to find Jenny standing in the garden with the biggest smile Carol had ever seen. “I did it, you crazy bitch!” She yelled into the sky. “I got away from you! I’m free!” Carol looked at the decrepit shack and frowned. Don’t tell me she planned on living here, Carol thought. She turned back and watched for a few more minutes before slowly making her way back to her car. She didn’t have the heart to take this moment away from her. Just as Carol was about to put her paperwork in the mailbox, something on the ground caught her attention. The classified section of a crumpled up newspaper. The same thing that had started this whole ordeal. She was about to ignore it when she noticed the words, “Crunchem Hall” She bent and picked it up. “Looking for a school nurse, are we.” She smiled. It was about time she checked in on her dear friend, Agatha.

“The lungs on that one.” Dr. Rodgers said with a grimace. Jennifer and Carol both stared at the closed closet door. Jennifer’s confession had sent Evelyn scrambling to remove her daughter from the room so they could talk in private. Unfortunately, the only place to go had been her closet. Dr. Rodgers had noticed the diaper in Evelyn’s hand as she closed the door. It had been the final straw for the child. Now it sounded as if all hell was breaking loose. They could both hear the sounds of screaming, thrashing and objects crashing to the ground. “I hope there’s nothing valuable there.” Carol said before dropping her voice. “She needs to get control of her brat.” She was afraid of what Jenny’s aunt would do if she heard her tantrum. “She’s just a kid.” Jennifer mumbled. But Carol could see the panic and fear etched in her face. They were both thinking the same thing. Her meltdown was putting them all in danger. If someone didn’t quiet her soon, who knows what the Trunchbull would do. There’s no way she couldn’t hear it. Carol stood and knocked on the door. “Evelyn, you need to quiet her!” Carol said. There was another loud crash. Her eyes flicked to the bedroom door and back. She couldn’t tell if the Trunchbull was coming or not. Every bang and scream put her on edge. “What do you think I’m trying to do here!” Eve yelled back. “It sounds like you’re breaking every bone in her body! What are you doing?” “Trying to put a diaper on her, but she's not cooperating!” Eve yelled back, sounding just as alarmed. “HORTENSIA! CALM DOWN, RIGHT NOW!” “She’s going to bring that monster back!” Carol shouted. “Forget this.” she hurried to her bag and pulled out an empty syringe. “What are you going to do?” Jennifer asked. “Sedate her.” Carol said. She pulled a vial out of the box and jabbed the needle inside before pulling up the plunger. “Open the door. Let her out!” Carol shouted. “No! Don’t do that!” Jennifer said. “She’s just upset!” “I don’t have a choice. She’s putting herself in danger.” Carol froze, syringe in hand. She could hear the pounding footsteps even over the screaming child. Oh no. She braced herself. They could hear the pin unlatching, and with a violent pull of the door, the Trunchbull stood in the doorway looking every bit enraged as Carol imagined her to be. “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE?” She shrieked. The wailing child inside the closet went quiet. She glared at them. “Where’s the other bitch at?” “In there.” Carol said, pointing to the closet. She tried her best to stand tall despite her trembling legs. She swallowed. “The child is in pain, please allow them to leave. I can handle things here myself.” The Trunchbull gawked at her. Carol stood between her and the closet door. “At least leave us full access upstairs. We can’t care for your niece like this. We need food, water, and access to the restroom.” Agatha scowled. “You’re a demanding old hag.” she sneered. She noticed the syringe in Carol’s hand. “What do you think you’re doing with that? Get rid of it!” “It’s for the child.” Carol said before adding. “I wouldn’t waste it on you.” “You’re supposed to be working on the whore!” She shoved a fat finger towards Jennifer. “Stop it!” Carol growled, hands clenched into fists. She wished she had pulled more into the syringe. It wouldn’t make a dent in this damn behemoth. “She’s just a child! I know what you’ve been doing to her. She’s your niece, you sick fuck!” “Don’t.” Jennifer whimpered. Agatha’s lips twisted into a smile that made the hairs on Carol’s arms raise. “She told you that, did she?” Carol watched uneasily as the beast walked towards Jenny’s bed before coming to stop. She stood besides the girl who now sat cowering on the bed clutching her blanket. She put a hand on top of the teens head before slowly sliding her fingers down Jenny’s face. “Did she leave out the part where she begs me for it?” Jenny let out a choked sob. “Get. Out.” Carol hissed. “I guess you don’t want that food then. What’s another few bodies in the attic?” “P-please stop, A-aunt T-trunchbull.” Jenny whimpered. “Wh-what’s the p-point of all th-those rations if you do-don’t use them?” “You! Who said you could talk?” She faked a hit, making Jenny cower. She let out a snicker before turning back to Carol and sneered. “Fine, but you’ll be getting the worst ones.” She strode out the door before stopping in the hallway outside. “Why don’t you show them where the bathroom is, Jenny? They must be uncomfortable.” She slammed the door before the lock slid back into place. They sat in silence for a few seconds before the closet door opened with a creak. “Is it safe?” Eve asked, sticking her head out. “If you can call this safe.” Carol said with a sigh. She looked at the trembling girl in the bed. “Are you alright?” Jenny nodded her head as she wiped at her tear streak face. “I-I don’t beg her for it.” She mumbled before looking away. “Of course you don’t. I didn’t believe her for a second.” “She just wouldn’t stop teasing me.” Jenny said, barely above a whisper. Carol gave the girl's hand what she hoped was a reassuring squeeze. “It’s not your fault. None of this is.” “Umm, sorry, did she say something about a restroom?” Eve asked as she stepped out, followed by a diapered and grumpy looking toddler. “Under the bed.” Jenny whispered to the blanket. With a look of confusion, Eve got on her hands and knees and peeked underneath. She reached her arm out before tossing a pair of soiled pajama pants into the middle of the floor, making Jenny groan and stretched again. “This is a bucket.” Eve said incredulously before standing up. Jenny nodded, avoiding everyone's gaze. “No. No. No. No. No.” Carol said. She snatched the object out of Eve’s hand before scooping up the soiled pajamas and threw them both in the closet before shutting the door. “The room needs to stay as sterile as possible.” Eve bit her lip and stared at the closet door. “NO!” Carol said again. “We are in a patient's room!” “But I-” “Hold it.” Carol demanded. “You are not a child.” Eve nodded glumly, a pained expression on her face. “It’s better than nothing.” Jenny mumbled. “You can use it if you need to. It’s why it’s here.” “That’s, umm, nice of you to offer, but no.” Carol said. “That’s very unsanitary.” “You had me wee in a bag.” “That’s different.” “How?” “It was an emergency.” Jennifer looked to Eve, who was shifting from foot to foot, then back to Carol. “You’re sick. No one expects you to be able to hold it.” “What if I have to wee again?” “You won’t.” “Why not?” “You have a catheter.” Jennifer gave her a puzzled look. “Your bladder’s draining by itself. See.” She held up a clear quarter full bag of urine sitting by the foot of the bed. Jennifer's face darkened. “It’s a good thing. No more painful urination, for the time being.” “What if I have to…?” Jennifer gave her a look. “Do you?” Jennifer quickly shook her head. “Good.” Carol sighed. “We’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. Just give me enough warning.” She thought of the soiled pajamas. “If you can.” Jennifer scowled, but nodded. They all went silent as footsteps began pounding up the stairs. The sound of metal clanged before the door opened a crack. In flew one box, followed by another and then a third. Finally a large jug of water crashed to the ground before the door slammed shut again. “Enjoy.” Agatha cackled, before retreating back down the stairs. Carol picked up a box and examined it. “What are these?” she asked. “War rations.” Jennifer said with a sour face. “What did she give you?” “So, there, what, MRE’s? Let’s see, there’s Veggie Omelet, Chicken A la King and Veggie Burger. The chicken one doesn’t look too bad.” “That’s because you haven’t tasted it.” “Can’t be any worse than the hospital food. Eve, have you had the pleasure of dining in the cafeteria yet? You haven’t lived until you’ve had the chicken masala.” “Never again.” Eve groaned. “Why do you think you found me with my head in the trash can?” Carol chuckled and opened the box before dumping the contents out onto the desk. “Anyone?” Eve raised her hand. “I’m starving. Hortensia, will you eat some?” Hortensia grunted. It looked like she still wasn’t on speaking terms. Carol threw her a bag which she caught with both hands. “Jenny?” “No, I don’t think my stomach can handle it.” Jenny said with a wince. Carol checked her watch. It was already nearly 9 pm. “How’s your pain level?” “A six.” “Okay, it’s close enough.” She put the MRE’s down and filled a syringe with a clear liquid. “This might make you feel a little loopy, but it’ll help you get some rest. Are you sure you don’t want to eat first?” “I'm sure.” Jennifer said. Carol pushed the plunger down into the IV line, and within a minute, she could see the teen's eyes begin to droop until they closed. “Sorry, last thing, open your mouth. Let me take your temperature.” Without lifting her eyelids, Jennifer opened her mouth and Carol took the opportunity to shovel in a forkful of the mush. “Liar!” Jennifer said sitting and coughing. “Swallow it.” Carol said. She watched the girl make a sour face before swallowing it down. “Three more bites. Then you can sleep.” Jennifer shook her head. “You need to eat. You’ll feel worse if you don’t.” Jennifer shook her head again. “It’s not that bad.” It was, but it was food. “Jenny, open your mouth. Little eyes are watching you.” Jennifer turned her head to find Hortensia staring at her. She gave Carol a dirty look before reluctantly opening her mouth for another bite. “Good girl.” … “So,” Carol asked from her spot on the floor. “Are you going to tell me how you got into this mess?” “She put an ad in the paper looking for a caregiver. Here.” Eve reached into her coat pocket Hortensia was using for a blanket and pulled out a crumbled page of a newspaper. Carol read it over. “Young mother preferred.” She read out loud. “Will pay cash.” “I thought she wanted someone who could work with kids.” Eve admitted. “Thought I’d be caring for a child.” “Evelyn, this has red flags all over it. Why did you bring your daughter anyway? Why didn’t you leave her with your husband? I see your ring.” “He left.” Eve whispered. “I was desperate and she told me to bring her. Next thing I knew she was holding her hostage.” Carol sighed. “She had this planned from the start.” “Looks like it.” Eve said. The room was quiet for a few minutes before Eve spoke again. “It’s been hell since he left.” “Hmm?” “She’s always been such a daddy’s girl, and now that he’s gone, she’s been throwing these monster tantrums and getting herself kicked out of all the daycares in town. Then her little friend went missing, and…” She went quiet. “Did she really hurt him?” “Who?” “Billy Reyes. He was Hortensia’s friend.” Carol felt her stomach flop. It could have been the stress. It could also have been the MRE, she wasn’t sure. “That’s what she told me after she sucker punched me. Said she snapped his neck.” “Do you think she was just trying to scare you?” “I don’t know. She’s certainly strong enough. Either way, mission accomplished.” Carol muttered. She felt her swollen side and hissed. Her mind went to the Vicodin bottle on the desk. Just one would be enough. “It had to be on the right side.” “Huh?” Eve asked. “What’s on the right side?” “Where she kicked me. I’m still recovering from surgery.” “She kicked you? I thought you said she punched you? And what surgery?” Eve asked, alarmed. “She did both.” Carol admitted. “I was being stupid and threatened her.” She sighed. “And I had a hysterectomy. God, these hot flashes. I want to kick down that stupid window.” Not to mention the mood swings. She had never felt so enraged before. She looked up at the sleeping girl in the bed. She had worked with victims of sexual abuse before, some even younger than Jenny. She had seen the damage first hand, but she had never felt such a desire to avenge them. She had always kept a professional distance from her patients, but everytime she changed the bandages, the anger in her reared its ugly head. “I’m sorry, I can’t take it anymore.” Eve said. Carol watched as she stood up and shuffled her way awkwardly to the closet. She sighed. They really were prisoners here. “Go ahead.” Carol said. It was one thing if they were only going to be here for an afternoon, but her watch told her it had been nearly 15 hours. They may not be children, but they were still human. She sat up gingerly and got to her feet. “My turn.” she mumbled as Eve came out. At least they had a little privacy. A pee bucket was better than no bucket at all. She needed to empty Jenny’s catheter bag anyway. Once she was done she sanatized her hands and tossed Eve the bottle. That’s when she heard a moan coming from the bed. “Ready for more medicine?” She asked the writhing teen. She looked at her watch and checked her notes. No, it was too soon. “Are you in pain?” It felt like such a stupid question to ask. The girl had third degree burns on her privates, of course she was in pain. “I need to…” Jenny whimpered. Her eyes were wide with panic and what little color her face had regained was now gone. “You need to what?” Carol asked. She had to fight back a yawn. She was so tired. She felt like she had been in a fog all day. The girl groaned and gave her a pleading look. The light flicked on in Carol’s head. “Oh.” “Bucket. I need the bucket. Please hurry.” Jenny begged. “No bucket for you.” Carol said firmly. She dug in her bag and searched for a solution. She should have thought this through sooner. It was bound to happen eventually. “Are you going to throw up?” She asked. She could deal with vomit easily. Jenny shook her head. Damn. She flicked on the main light and tore through the supplies. Nothing. She gritted her teeth and faked a calm demeanor. “Let's get these bandages off you first. She unwound the gauze in the line of fire before searching again. She had to come up with something. “Eve, I need your help.” Carol said. The woman stood and came over. “She needs to go number two.” she whispered. “I can’t think of anything.” “What about the diapers? Or a emit bag?” Eve asked. “I can’t get her in a position to make the bag work. She CAN NOT get fecal matter in her burns, diapers are out too.” “The bucket?” “We’ve already contaminated it.” Carol said. “Please, hurry.” Jenny begged, holding her stomach. “Honey, why didn’t you tell me sooner you needed to go?” “No warning.” she said through gritted teeth. “Do you think you have diarrhea?” Jenny nodded. “Do you think she can hold herself up long enough?” Eve asked. “Or one of us can hold her legs. We can just pull the pad.” “No choice, it’s going to have to work.” Carol whispered. She slipped on a fresh pair of gloves and gave the girl a sympathetic smile. She pulled her blanket and set it aside. “Ready?” Jennifer nodded but frowned at their lack of well, anything. “Where?” she whimpered. “Can you push yourself up or do you need one of us to hold you?” “What if you put her in the stirrups? It would at least give her front more clearance.” “It could make a bigger mess though.” “You could use another pad as a shield.” “That’s true. Alright. Help me move her down.” Jenny let out a soft mewl as they adjusted her until her feet were up in the air. “The good news is your anal cavity only has some minor burns. There’s only one spot that concerns me, do you think you could lean a little to your left. Perfect, hold that position.” Jennifer let out another cry as Carol held up another pad and placed Jennifer's feet over it to hold it in place. “Hurry. I can’t…” “Everything’s set on our end, sweetheart.” Eve whispered. “But…but…” Jenny stammered. “There’s nothing…” “It’s alright, Jenny,” Carol whispered. “Just go on the bed.” “What?” Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “No!” “We just have to swap out the pad when you’re done. I know you’re in an awkward position, but it’s the only way to keep everything clean.” “We’ll just sit over at the window and talk amongst ourselves.” Eve reassured her. “Just call us over when you’re ready.” She gave her head a pat before they both took a seat by the window. Jennifer let out another horrified cry and covered her face with her hands. … “Shh, don’t cry, dear.” Eve whispered as she ran the washcloth over Jennifer’s skin. “At least Hortensia slept through everything.” “Please, don’t make me do that again.” the girl choked out. “Sorry, hun, it was the only choice we had. Does your tummy feel better at least?” Jennifer made a so-so motion with her hand. “You’ll feel better once the infection’s all cleared up.” She balled up the dirty pads and stuck them in the closet with the other soiled things before stripping off her gloves. “Here,” Carol said, handing her a face mask before securing one of her own. The smell in the room was beginning to make her eyes water. “Try not to gag in front of her next time.” Eve took the mask and flashed her an apologetic wince. “Sorry, it was everywhere.” she whispered. “I’m not used to it yet.” Carol nodded in understanding. It had sounded bad. It was why she had volunteered Eve in the name of ‘practice’. Her speciality was the front end. She stood and stared out the window. The sun was just coming up. She wondered how long it would take her office to report her missing. They’d know something was amiss when she didn’t show up to work this morning, right? She checked her watch. Her morning alarm would be going off in a few minutes. “Breakfast anyone?” Eve asked, holding up the veggie omelet box. She opened the box and pulled out a bag and tossed one to Carol. “Jenny?” The teen shook her head again before giving Carol a dirty look. “Don’t you dare.” She mouthed. Carol smirked and opened her bag. Her face paled. What was this supposed to be? She looked at the picture then back to the contents inside. “I call it the vomelet.” “How appropriate.” Carol muttered. She took a tentative bite and forced herself to swallow. “Well, I’m stuffed.” She put the bag down and watched Eve’s reaction. “Yeah, no.” Eve said, looking at the contents. “Pretty sure this is what I just cleaned up.” “Aren’t you at least going to try it?” Carol teased. “Go on, take a bite.” “I-I’m not that hungry after all.” Eve mumbled. “She hadn’t been kidding about giving us the worst ones.” “The veggie burgers are a bit better.” Jennifer said. “At least it doesn’t look like your eating gelatinous poo.” They were better, not by much Carol thought, but at least they didn’t have her on the verge of gagging. Even Hortensia had taken more bites than she had last night. “Mommy, will you read me more of the story?” Hortensia begged, holding up the book from yesterday. If it would keep her quiet even Carol was willing to read to her. Eve took the book and opened it. Carol watched as a piece of torn notebook paper fluttered to the ground. Hortensia snatched it up and stared at it. “Mommy, what does this say?” “Why don’t you try reading it out loud?” Eve suggested. “You did so good reading yesterday. I’m so proud of you.” Hortensia stared at the note until it looked like she might explode as she struggled to sound out the first word. “F-F-F-uhh..hhh..” Eve snatched it away and set it aside. “What does it say?” Hortensia asked again. “Umm, it said, ‘fudge is delicious’.” Eve said before clearing her throat. “Where did you leave off?” Carol picked up the piece of paper and stared at the note that read, Fuck you Aunt Trunchbull, and smirked at Eve. “Fudge is delicious, huh?” “Very.” Eve said before turning back to the book. Carol stared at the note again and sighed. Poor kid. She looked at the sleeping girl. Must be her way of venting. She stood and made her way to the bookcase before pulling a copy of Anne of Green Gables. She stared at it in confusion. The weight felt off. She opened it and let out a chuckle. The center had been cut out to make a little hidden pocket. “Ohh, Eve check this out.” She had been hoping for more notes, but this was even better. She held up the little white object. “Is that…?” Eve asked. Carol nodded and put it back where she found it. Too bad they didn’t have a lighter. It would probably improve the smell in the room. She picked up another book and flipped through the pages. No contraband, but she did find more angry notes. “Let’s take a break, honey.” Eve said and placed the note from earlier back inside as a bookmark. “I’m sure you’re more than ready to get out of that wet diaper.” Carol softly chuckled at the girl's horrified expression. “C’mon, let's go back in the closet and get you cleaned up.” “Can I have my panties back?” “Yes, you can, but I want you to try going potty first.” She opened the closet door. “Eww, it stinks.” Hortensia complained as Eve pushed her in and closed the door behind them. “It hurts really bad again.” Jenny whimpered. “Can I have pain medicine yet?” Carol checked her watch. “Yes,” Carol said, getting to her feet and readying the syringe. “Did you get any sleep after…?” She let her words trail off. After that blowout, she thought. “A little.” “Mommy, why are you going potty in a bucket?” They heard coming from the closet followed by panicked shushing sounds. “At least she was asleep.” Carol said with an apologetic smile. The last thing they needed was the little one going, “eww” at the teens expense and making things even more awkward for her. Jennifer covered her face with her hands. “We’ll have her wait in the closet next time you need to go.” Jennifer scowled at the sound of a next time. “Hortensia, don’t leave yet. Go potty.” “Why do I have to go potty in a bucket?” the child whined. “Do you want another diaper?” Eve threatened. “Your fever’s gone down since last night, so that’s good.” Carol said after clearing her throat and adding. “I found your stash.” She smirked. Jennifer gave her a panicked look. “Your secrets are safe with me.” “They’re hers.” Jennifer said. “I just like taking her stuff when she makes me mad.” Carol gave her sad smile. “I hope you’re not putting yourself in any unnecessary danger. Your safety is my first priority. You shouldn’t be doing anything to make her an-” “There’s tequila behind the air vent cover, if you want some.” “Good girl.” She said with a laugh. She was about to push the plunger when she could hear footsteps coming down the hall. She froze on instinct. Eve hurried out of the closet. “Hortensia, stay in here until I tell you to come out.” Eve whispered before closing the door behind her. She stood guard as the lock began to rattle. The Trunchbull opened the door and stared at Carol, syringe in hand as she stood over Jenny before her eyes settled on Eve. “You, come with me.” She yanked Eve out of the room by the arm and slammed the bedroom door closed. Carol waited a few minutes, but it didn’t sound like they were coming back. She finished giving Jenny her pain medicine, before opening the closet door, only to be greeted with a rancid smell. She let the girl out before she turned and stared at the bedroom door. She hadn’t heard the lock slide back into place. Carol pulled the door open a crack and peeked her head out. She could hear the Trunchbull barking orders downstairs. She tiptoed out and into the bathroom and quickly gathered a few things to make their situation a little more bearable like a toilet paper roll, trash bags, and a can of air freshener before hurrying back into her cage. She went back into the closet and threw away the cause of the most offensive of the odors before tying it in a knot. She doubted Jenny wanted to keep the soiled pajama pants. After spraying the room, she took a whiff and sighed. “Now it smells like Shitrus.” She announced earning her a weak smile from the teen. Next she took the bucket and tiptoed back into the bathroom and dumped it down the shower drain. “I’ve done what I can.” she announced as she took a seat. “Can we play the alphabet game again?” Hortensia asked. “You should really let her rest.” Carol said. “I think I can stay awake for a little longer.” Jenny said as she smiled at the girl and patted the spot next to her on the bed. You can join me if you want Anna, we’ll change it a little though. This time, let’s see. We did animals yesterday, so this time…” she went silent for a minute before announcing, “It has to be a silly word. Doctor, would you like to play with us? It’s more fun with more people.” Carol sighed as she looked at the two eager faces. “Fine, but only if you remind me where that tequila was.” They went through a few rounds, before Jenny had to close her eyes. Carol had to hand it to her. She had a way with kids. Even with third degree burns she had more patience with Hortensia than Carol and Eve combined. She had to agree with Eve. Jenny would make a good teacher. If they could just get her out of here. She took another swig from the bottle and winced. “Can I have some? I’m thirsty.” Hortensia said. “No, sorry, this is only for adults.” Carol said. “I’ll get you some water.” “You gave her some.” Hortensia pouted. “You weren't supposed to see that.” Carol said. “You wouldn’t like it anyway. It tastes like medicine.” “Then why are you drinking it?” “Because I’m in pain. How’s your arm by the way?” she asked in order to change the subject. “Hurts.” Hortensia whined. “Let me see.” She looked at the girl's arm. It was swollen and purple in places, but she was far from a pediatrician. “Do you want me to make you a cast?” It wouldn’t be very good, but at least it would keep her from jostling it. She dumped out the rest of the Veggie Omelets and tore the cardboard box into pieces before fitting it around the child's arm and taping it into place. “Maybe when Jenny’s feeling better she can play with you some more.” “Why can’t she get my name right?” Carol had been wondering the same. Trauma did funny things to peoples memory. “I think you remind her of a character from a book. See, that big one says Anne of Green Gables. Maybe that’s where she got the name. You’re both very…energetic.” Hortensia started to reach for it, but Carol stopped her. “Let’s not touch her stuff while she’s sleeping.” She didn’t feel like explaining what a joint was. “Where’s my mommy?” “Downstairs, I think. She’ll be back soon.” Carol said. She hoped so at least. Her granddaughter was the only child she had patience for. She was also an energetic handful, but Carol adored her anyway. She was heartbroken when they had moved to the states last year. … It was nearly evening when the door flew open and Eve was shoved back inside before the door slammed shut behind her. This time Agatha hadn’t forgotten the lock. “Where hafth you been?” Carol asked. “Ugh! She made me clean the whole damn house!” Eve said, throwing up her hands. She turned back to Carol and frowned. “Why are your eyes bloodshot? Were you smoking those joints?” Carol nudged the nearly empty bottle towards her. “You’re drunk!” Eve said with a frown. “Where did you get this?” “More constrawand.” She slurred and nodded her head towards Jenny. “You could have saved me some.” Eve said. “I hope you weren't dispensing medicine like this.” She picked up the small bottle and downed the rest before coughing. “No.” She lied. She looked at the teen fast asleep in the bed. She may have given her a little more than necessary, but she had been in tears when it came time for more medicine. At least she didn’t have to give any injections. “Please don’t tell anyone.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. It wasn’t one of her proudest moments, but it had dulled the pain in her side and made the MRE taste like actual food. Almost. “I have a feeling nothing about this situation follows standard operating procedure.” Eve said. “That or class just hasn’t gotten to the part about being held as a hostage or when it's an appropriate time to shit in a bucket.” “I snuck out for that.” Carol said. Eve scowled. “You risked my daughter's safety for that? What if she caught you and took it out on her?” Eve demanded. “No, I snuck out to get more supplies for Jenny and empty the bucket.” She opened the closet door. “We even have an air freshener now, and toilet paper. It just so happened since I was in there anyway…” Carol cleared her throat. “That veggie burger.” she winced. “No fair.” Eve grumbled and held her stomach. “She wouldn’t let me use the downstairs restroom. She stood over me the entire time while I cleaned and cooked for her.” “If you're going to do that, put a bag down first and tie it up when you're done.” Eve scowled. “It’s better than what we had.” “I’m not doing it until I absolutely have to.” Eve said. She looked around the room. “Where’s Hortensia?” she asked in a panic. “I put her in the closet when I heard her coming.” Eve let out a relieved sigh and opened the door, only to elicit a panicked scream from the girl. Eve shut the door again and Carol gave her a questioning look. “She’s going potty.” Eve explained. “I have a present for you when you’re done.” she called towards the closet. The door opened and Eve handed her a candy bar. “Hey, where’s ours?” Carol teased. “I couldn’t risk taking more than one.” Eve said. “Besides, you got to stay up here and get drunk. You had your treat.” “I did.” Carol agreed. “I needed it in order to deal with your kid all day.” “She’s not that bad.” Eve rolled her eyes. Carol raised a brow. “Usually.” Eve muttered before collapsing into a chair. “I’m so tired.” She nodded her head towards the sleeping girl. “How is she?” “Her fever is almost gone. It spiked a bit this afternoon, and she did have a few other, umm episodes like earlier.” Eve winced. “I hope Hortensia behaved herself.” “I had her wait in the closet.” Carol said. “I brought a roll of trash bags from the bathroom. Next time she needs to go, you can just put her feet in the stirrups and hold one of the bags in place for her. She wanted to do it herself, but her hands were shaking too much. It’s awkward for everyone involved, but it cuts down on the smell and mess considerably.” “That’s good. The poor thing was so upset earlier.” Eve said. “Of course she was. You nearly threw up on her.” “I did not.” Eve rolled her eyes again. “It’ll get easier.” Carol said. “I’ve seen things that have made me nearly lose my lunch when I was first starting out.” “What made you get into your line of work anyway?” “There were more openings than men's health.” Carol said with a smirk, earning her another roll of the eyes. “No, seriously, it sounds like such an unappealing line of work. Right up there with proctology, no offense.” “It has its unpleasant moments, but it’s a necessary field. There were plenty of job opportunities, and after so many years, nothing phases you anymore.” “Not even that.” She nodded towards Jennifer. “That’s different.” Carol said with an exasperated sigh. “It’s not the injuries themselves, it’s how she got them.” “It’s why I took this.” Eve whispered. She reached into the pocket of her scrubs and pulled out a serrated knife. “It won’t help much.” Carol said. “But this might.” She pulled out a capped syringe full to the top of a clear liquid. “If she doesn’t let us out by Friday or attacks one of us again…” “Friday? That’s generous.” “Here, take it and hold onto it. If you need to use it, aim for the side of the neck.” Eve took it and stared. “Why are you giving this to me?” “Because I don’t trust myself and she’s already suspicious of me.” "I’ll do it on one condition.” Eve said as she stared at the syringe. “What’s that?” “I’m using it before Friday.”

By the time Evelyn made it back, she was startled to find Dr. Rodgers sitting by the window holding her stomach. She looked pale and shaken. “I was hoping you wouldn’t come back.” Dr. Rodgers said in a low voice. She grimaced as she stood up and took a shaky step forward. “Of course I came back. My daughter’s here!” Evelyn said, putting a box down. “Is this everything?” Dr. Rodgers said with a frown as she peeked inside. “No, I need to make a couple trips to the car.” She turned to leave the room, but stopped at the sound of approaching footsteps. The giant reappeared , arms full of all the things from her trunk. She let it fall to the ground with a loud crash before turning and slamming the door behind her. Evelyn paled as she heard the sound of a lock sliding into place. “Did she just lock us in?” “Yes.” Dr. Rodgers said with a wince. She bent down and began picking up the Iv pole. “HORTENSIA! GET OUT OF HER BED!” Evelyn yelled. “What do you think you’re doing?” “But she was reading me a story!” Hortensia whined, clutching the stuffed dog to her chest with her good arm. “You leave her alone! She is not there to entertain you! Get down now! Don't give me that attitude!” “Fine.” Hortentensia huffed. She slid off the bed and took a seat by the window. “Sorry.” Jenny said softly. “She was fine, really.” “You can tell her ‘no’ if she’s bothering you.” Eveyln said. “She wasn’t.” Jenny said. “I liked having her with me.” Eveyln looked her up and down for a moment. “You’re sitting up. Are you feeling better?” “Yes, much better.” Jenny said, closing the book in her hands and setting it on the bedside. “It’s temporary.” Dr. Rodgers reminded her. “You had pain medicine?” Evelyn asked. She began scooping the supplies off the floor and setting them on the desk. “I gave her an epidural about an hour ago. I need to get to work before it wears off. I only had the one.” She began setting up the stirrups at the foot of the bed. “Your daughter’s been helpful.” she added after a pause. “Hortensia? Helpful?” Evelyn asked with raised eyebrows. “She’s been keeping her mind elsewhere.” Dr. Rodgers whispered. “This isn’t a good situation. I might have to ask that you let her resume what they were doing while I work. It’s best she not think about it.” “So she wasn’t driving everyone crazy?” Evelyn asked. “I’m not a fan of kids.” Carol admitted. She found the child incredibly annoying in all honesty. “But my goal is to keep my patient calm and happy. If singing and making silly noises does the trick, then so be it.” She surveyed her set up for a moment before changing her gloves. “Can you start the foley?” “Yes.” Eveyln said. She went to the box and pulled out the tubes before coming to a stop at the foot of the bed. Carol watched as her face drained of color. “Is there a problem?” “It's, well, there’s a lot of…” Eveyln said before swallowing. “It’s fine.” Carol said. She remembered their earlier encounter. She couldn’t risk her getting sick in here. “I got it, how about you start the saline drip?” “Th-thank you.” Evelyn said. “Alright Jenny, can you scoot down for me?” Carol asked. The girl gave her panicked look. “What’s wrong?” “I can’t move my legs.” Jenny said. “You’re just numb.” Carol said. “Alright, that’s okay. Mrs. Smith, can you help me get her onto the stirrups when you’re done with that?” “Yes, and Eve is fine.” She hung the saline drip on the hook of the Iv pole. “Alright, Jenny, we’re going to move you down now. Are you ready? One, two, three.” She lifted her up under the arms while Carol pulled until she was nearly halfway off the bed. “That’s better.” Carol said, placing the girl's feet in the stirrups. “Jenny, how about you keep reading now? I think your friend wants to hear the rest of the chapter.” “Yeah!” Hortensia cheered, jumping up and retrieving the book. “Make sure the little one stays over there.” Carol warned in a hushed tone. “This isn’t something she’s going to want to see.” “Hortensia,” Eve said. “Make sure you stay seated at the window.” “But I can’t hear!” the girl complained. “She can sit with me,” Jenny said. “Like we were before. Sort of.” “Can you read like that?” Eve asked as she handed her the book, “Flat on your back?” Jenny nodded and opened to where she last was as Evelyn hoisted her daughter back on the bed. “Stay up here.” she warned her before turning her attention back to the teen. “Do you like to read much?” “Yes, I love it.” Jenny said. “I just wish I had more books to choose from.” “I wish this one had an interest. I’ve been trying to teach her, but it’s like pulling teeth.” “She was reading earlier. I heard her.” Carol said from the foot of the bed. “She was?” Eve asked, a tone of skepticism in her voice. “Yes, Jenny was helping her. Would you mind taking vitals?” “She’s running a high fever. 39.6c” Eve said after a minute once the thermometer beeped. “We need to get that down. It’s the infection. I’ll start her on antibiotics once I’m done with this.” Carol said. “Are you still working on the foley?” “No, that’s in. I’m trying to clean out some of the pus while she’s still numb. Some of the blisters have opened.” “Oof.” Eve said, crossing her legs. “Don’t come over here if you're squeamish. I’ve got the speculum in.” “What’s that?” Jenny asked. “It’s a tool to help me see what I’m doing. Do you feel any of this?” “No.” “Good. Keep reading. Just ignore me for the time being.” “What are you doing?” “Best you not know.” Carol said. “I’m almost done. Eve, I really hope that’s not what you brought for bandages.” She nodded her head towards a bag of diapers in the corner. “No, I wasn’t sure how long we’d be here for.” Evelyn said. “There for Horte-” “NO THEY AREN'T!” the girl yelled. Eve rolled her eyes. “Fine, I just happened to grab a bag because I felt like it.” Eve said before whispering. “She’s 0 for 3 this week. I don’t want to worry about her falling asleep and making a mess.” “For the best. We’re locked in.” Carol said. “Not really.” Jenny said. “It’s easy to get out.” “Does she often lock you in?” Eve asked softly. “Just at night.” Jenny said. “There’s no just, she shouldn’t be locking you in.” Eve said with a frown. “What if you need something?” “Then I sneak out.” Jenny said before chuckling softly. “I like to hide the remotes. I can hear her yelling downstairs. It’s funny.” “So that’s what you do for fun? Read and antagonize your aunt?” Carol asked. “Mhm.” Jenny said as she closed her eyes. “Hey! Finish the story!” Hortensia said. “I’m tired.” Jenny whispered. “Why don’t you show your mommy how much you can read? Read the sentences we worked on.” She passed the book up to the little girl. “It’s on the first page.” Eve stopped what she was doing and listened in surprise. How? “You taught her all that while I was gone?” Jenny shrugged. “You’d make a good teacher.” “It’s starting to hurt again.” Jenny whimpered. “Alright, I'm done here. I just need to bandage you up.” Carol said. “You did good staying still for me while I sewed you up.” “You sowed me?” Jenny asked, horrified. “A few spots needed closing. I gave you a couple of stitches.” Carol said. “How many?” “27.” Carol said. “27!?” “Don’t think about it. The good news is the worst is over and you didn’t feel a thing. You will need to apply silver sulfadiazine ointment several times a day and change the bandages. For now, we will help you with that.” She bent down and pulled out a yellow tube of ointment before looking back and letting out breath. “If only I could sit you in a saddle of the stuff.” Applying it was time consuming, but necessary. “You look like a mummy.” Hortensia said once the last of the gauze was wrapped tightly around her from her knees to just below her belly button. “Did you bring any more of these pads?” Carol asked, looking through the boxes. “Oh good, you did. We need to change her bedding. Should change her clothes too.” She looked around the room and frowned. “Jenny, do you have any clean sheets in here?” “Check in the closet.” Jenny said. “Just a few more things and we’ll let you rest, alright?” Eve said. “You’re doing so good.” “Here they are.” She grabbed a fresh change of bedding and stood over her. “I’m not quite sure how to make this work. Eve, I’m going to need your help.” With lots of rolling, bending and adjusting, the two of them managed to get a clean sheet on. “I need to sit down.” Carol said. She held her side and with a grimace of pain took a seat on the bench by the window. “Let’s get some air in here.” She tugged on the window and frowned. “What the…” “What is it?” Eve asked, wet washcloth in hand. “It doesn’t open.” Jenny admitted. “It’s nailed shut!” Carol said. She stared at the window dumbfounded before turning back to the girl in the bed. This child was a prisoner! Nails in the window, lock on the bedroom door! Carol swallowed. They were all prisoners now. She slumped down in the seat gripping her side. “How are you feeling, hun?” Eve asked. “My arm hurts!” Hortensia whined. “And I’m hungry.” “I wasn’t talking to you.” Eve said with a shake of her head. “Kids.” she whispered. Jenny gave her a weak smile. “She’s sweet.” Jenny said as she closed her eyes. “Her hair's so pretty.” “Don’t let those bright blue eyes deceive you.” Eve said with a roll of her eyes. “The curls are just there to hide the horns. Now let’s get you out of those dirty clothes. I’ve got you something clean to wear here after I wipe you down. No, arms at your sides. I know there isn’t much privacy right now. That’s it. I’ll be done in a minute.” “Privacy is the least of her concerns right now.” Carol said. “If she’s embarrassed, it means she’s not in pain.” “Both.” Jenny mumbled. “Is it starting to wear off?” Eve asked. Jenny nodded. “We’ll give you something soon. Almost done here. How old are you, sweetheart?” “Sixteen.” “Really? I mistook you for someone younger.” Eve admitted. So had she, Carol thought as she watched. She had guessed her to be thirteen at most. “Any plans after highschool?” “No.” Jenny mumbled. “Well, you’ve got a few years to decide. No hurry.” “I graduate this year.” Jenny said. “Really? You’re so young.” “School is my escape.” she mumbled. “You must be very smart.” “My father started me a year early, that’s all.” “No idea at all what you want to do? What about college?” Eve asked. “She’d never let me.” Jenny whispered. “What does she expect you to do after high school then?” “The housework.” “No, that can’t be right. No guardian would waste your potential like that.” Eve frowned as Jennifer let out a barely audible snort. “Well if you could pick, what would you want to do?” “I don’t know.” Jennifer answered honestly. “Well, I stand by what I said before. I think you’d make a great teacher.” … “Are you alright? You don’t look so good.” Eve asked. Carol opened her eyes to find the woman staring down at her. “Does your stomach hurt?” “I’m fine,” Carol lied. “We had a bit of a disagreement in the hall earlier.” “What?” Eve asked with pursed lips. Her eyes were scanning over her. “What happened?” “Nothing, don’t worry about it.” “Dr. Rodgers, lift up your shirt.” “No, I'm fine.” “You’re not fine. You’ve been holding your side since I got back. What happened?” “Keep your voice down.” Carol hissed. The last thing they needed were the children upset. “Lift. Your. Shirt.” Eve demanded in a low hushed tone. Carol sighed and unbuttoned her blouse. “Dr. Rodgers.” Eve said. She took in a sharp intake of breath. “It’s just a bruise.” “That’s not just a bruise!” Eve admonished. “We need to wrap that! You could have a broken rib.” “Don’t waste the supplies on me.” Carol said as she refastened her shirt. “Nothing’s broken.” “You don’t know that.” Eve said. “Jenny said it’s easy to get out, you should-” “No.” Carol said through clenched teeth. “Even if the lock wasn’t there, we can’t leave. Not yet.” “We’ll have to leave soon.” Eve said. “Hortensia needs to go potty. She’s been squirming for the last couple minutes.” “No, you can’t. Don’t risk it.” “Dr, she’s only four. She can’t hold it.” “No.” Carol said more forcefully. “If she’s going to have an accident, then put her in one of the diapers you brought.” “They're just for sleep.” Eve argued. “And now they're not.” “I can’t hold it.” Eve hissed. “Welcome to the medical field.” Carol said. “Tell me. Why can’t we leave this room?” Eve demanded. Her voice was no longer hushed. “Because it’s not safe.” Carol admitted. “We’re just going to the bathroom and back.” “You don’t understand the danger we’re in. That she’s in.” Carol pointed to the squirming child. “That woman,” she dropped her voice to a whisper, “killed Billy Reyes.” She watched the color drain out of Eve’s face. “What do you think happened to Jenny?” “Sh-she said she spilled-” “Poured.” Carol said through clenched teeth. “She poured boiling water on her, and for what?!” “For being a whore.” they heard a soft voice whisper. They turned to find Jenny awake and sitting up in bed. “No, Jenny, no matter what happened, you didn’t deserve that. No one does.” Carol said. She stood and took a seat by her bedside. “Why don’t you tell me what happened? Do you remember?” “She caught me…” A pained expression came over her face before a single tear slid down the side of her face. “It doesn’t matter what she caught you doing or with whom.” Carol said. “You’re hardly the first teenager to get caught with a boy in their room. Is this why she assumed you were pregnant? You’re not by the way.” “No! I was just, uhh. I was. I was just, umm,” her eyes darted to the child and back to Carol, “uncomfortable.” “I see.” Carol said. “And your aunt caught you making yourself… more comfortable?” Jenny nodded with a sniffle. Carol closed her eyes and chanted the doctor's mantra. Do no harm. Do no harm. “Jenny, you didn’t deserve this. You did nothing wrong.” “I’m a whore.” Jenny choked out with a sob. “No, you’re not.” Carol said. “I do it. Eve,” The woman looked up from the diaper bag and gave her a questioning look. “Do you masterbate?” “Excuse me?” Eve choked out. Carol gave her a look that said just go with it. Her face turned a shade of crimson. “Sometimes.” “See, nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, the only whore in this room is me.” Carol said with a wink. Eve snorted and Jenny gave her a painful sad smile. “Now that we’re on this topic, are you sexually active, Jenny?” “Mommy, what’s a whore?” Hortensia asked. Eve groaned. Carol had to bite back a laugh. ”It’s…It’s someone who plays with a lot of people.” Eve said. “So, you have a lot of friends?” Hortensia asked, looking at the doctor with wide eyes. “Hortensia!” Eve groaned. “Yes,” Carol chuckled. “I’ve had a lot of friends over the years.” “Is that why my name’s Whore-tensia?” she asked, eliciting another snort from Carol. “No! You were named after your grandmother!” Eve said. “Does grandma have a lot of friends too?” “Depends on if she has plastic over her furniture or not.” Carol chuckled. “She does!” Hortensia volunteered. “Oh, grandma’s a squirter.” “Dr. Rodgers!” Eve groaned into her hand. “She doesn’t understand.” Carol said with a smirk. “But I do, and I don’t want to think of my mother like that.” Eve mumbled before shuddering. “What happened to being professional?” “Sorry, sorry.” Carol said. “Just trying to lighten the mood for her.” She spun in her chair and faced the teen again before clearing her throat. “Right, where were we? Are you sexually active?” “Does it matter?” Jenny mumbled. “Yes, it does. I’m a gynecologist. I specialize in women’s reproductive and sexual health among other things. These are just routine questions. Trust me, nothing you say will shock me and everything you say is confidential and pri-” she looked around at the room of people. She cleared her throat. “Your aunt won’t know, how about that?” “I…I don’t really know.” Jennifer said. “Let me put it this way. Have you done anything with anyone other than yourself?” Jenny nodded. “And how many partners would you say you’ve had?” “One.” “And is this relationship in the past, or is it ongoing?” Jenny shrugged and looked away. “I’m going to take that as ongoing. Hey, there’s no need to cry.” Carol sighed as the girl hid her face behind her hands. “Does your aunt know about this relationship?” Jenny nodded. “Is this why she’s locked you in this room?” Jenny shook her head. “So she’s angry with you for masturbating, but not about having a sexual partner?” Carol asked out loud. Jenny began to cry harder. “It’s her.” Jenny sobbed. “I’m sorry, I-I don’t follow.” Carol said. She swallowed the lump rising in her throat. Do no harm. Do no harm. “She’s the sexual partner.” Do no harm.

I added one, but it feels silly.

Just channeling a little Annie Wilkes

Too much?

*graphic violence, depictions of child abuse, sort of medical realism* Just a few more inches Mr. Perry thought as he adjusted the article. He tweaked the alignment a little more to the left before he nodded in approval. There, the outline was done. He wiped his ink stained hands on a nearby rag. Picking which articles made the paper was always a daunting task, but this week even more so. Should he choose the article about Mrs. Hubbard's bake sale, or the church's swap meet? The missing Reyes boy would be front and center and-. Mr. Perry looked up from his work as his office door slammed open. “Ma’am, you can’t be back here!” He could hear someone shout out front followed by hurried footsteps. The next thing he knew, he was being overshadowed by a giant formidable looking woman. “You!” The giant barked. “Are you in charge of this paper?” “Yes, but this area isn’t open to the public.” He was met with a malicious glare. Mr. Perry swallowed nervously. “Can I help you with something?” “I need this in the paper.” She slammed a note down onto his desk. He looked it over. “I’m afraid you’ve missed the deadline, but I’d be happy to print it in next weeks-” “I need it in tomorrow's paper!” “The layouts already completed, I can’t just-” He was silenced again by another slam, but this time when her hand rose it revealed a folded 100 pound note. His hand slid over it. “Tomorrow it is.” … Evelyn Smith stared glumly at her empty wallet. “Stupid cheating bastard.” She huffed. It was never the “right” time to be abandoned, but why’d he have to do it while she was still in school? He couldn’t wait one more year until she graduated? Now she had no job, no money, and no child care if this last place refused her. “Don’t. Bite. Anyone.” She hissed to the child she had clutched by the wrist in her right hand. If this child got kicked out of one more daycare… “When’s daddy coming home?” the little girl whined. “Soon.” Evelyn lied through clenched teeth. “He’s away for work.” She stopped at a newspaper dispenser on their walk and deposited a few coins. She had been combing the classifieds religiously, but she couldn’t find anything that could work around her schedule. She opened the paper and scanned down the listings. Today appeared no different. She was about to crumple up the paper in frustration when something caught her eye. URGENT! CARETAKER NEEDED! A.S.A.P. MEDICAL EXPERIENCE A PLUS MOTHER OF YOUNG CHILDREN PREFERRED WILL PAY CASH Eveyln’s hands shook. This was…this was perfect. She needed a phone! She had to call before someone else did. “Hurry,” she said. She pulled the girl's hand, making her run to keep up beside her until they came to a payphone. She punched the numbers with trembling fingers. She was so excited she kept misdialing. On her third try, she got it right. The phone picked up on the first ring. “Hello, I’m calling about your ad in the-” “How soon can you get here?” The voice demanded. “I- have to take my daughter to daycare, but-” “How old?” Evelyn blinked in surprise. “Umm, almost five.” “Bring her, here’s the address. Involve no one else. We value our privacy.” The line went dead. She stared at the phone in her hands. B-but she had school! She sighed. Maybe she could work out a schedule later. She could miss one day. She bit her lip as she pulled her daughter along who was about to chase a grasshopper into the street. They were doing rounds in the hospital today. Yuck. The last time had sent her running to vomit into a trash can into the hall. How did people ever get used to the smell? “Change of plans, you’re coming with mommy today.” Evelyn said. “I need you to be on your best behavior. Please! Mommy needs this job and the lady on the phone was nice enough to let me bring you.” “Why?” “I don’t know.” She didn’t have time to care. The woman sounded distressed, she must really need someone. “Maybe she has a disabled child and needs someone good with kids.” Evelyn cringed at the thought. The last thing she needed was her daughter to blurt out something insensitive like, “Why don’t you have legs?” during the interview. When they got to the address, she was surprised to find a large red brick building with the front door already ajar. She knocked on the door. “Come in! Hurry! Close the door behind you!” A voice barked from inside. She quickly did as she was told and turned to find a towering figure at the bottom of the stares waiting for her. “Hi, I’m Eve, and this is my daughter Hortensia, thank you for meet-” She started to say, but was cut off by a loud moan directing her attention upstairs. “Yes, yes, up here!” the woman barked and motioned for her to follow. The moaning was getting louder. Then the smell hit her. “It stinks.” Her daughter complained. “Sush.” The woman pointed to a door. “Why don’t you wait out here for a minute?” Eve took a deep breath before walking inside. It took all of five minutes for her to realize she was in over her head. This girl didn’t need a caretaker. She needed a hospital! She stepped out of the room looking pale and shaky. “Ma’am, she needs to go to the emergency room!” “No!” Her deep frown, which Evelyn had taken for stress, turned frightful. Her giant hands were resting on her daughter's shoulders. Her features relaxed for a moment. “I mean, she’s just been released, but I don’t know what I’m doing.” “I-I don’t think I can-” The woman shoved an envelope into her chest. Evelyn opened it. Her mouth went dry. It was enough to cover rent, daycare, and food for a month. Evelyn swallowed. “I’ll need to pick up supplies from the hospital.” “Involve no one.” The woman hissed. “Hortensia, come on, we need to-” “She stays.” The woman said. Her hands had tightened around her shoulders to the point her daughter began to whimper. “I need to make sure you come back.” “Of course I’m coming back! Let her go. I’ll leave the money if that’s what you’re worried about.” “She stays.” The woman repeated. There was another loud, agonizing moan. Evelyn’s eyes flicked to the door. “Hurry up.” … “… I’ve prescribed you antibiotics. If you don’t see any improvement in the next week, call my office and schedule another follow up.” Doctor Carol Rodgers said. She slipped her gloves off. “I’ll step out so you can get dressed. Check with the front desk for paperwork on your way out.” She closed the door behind her and stepped into the hall. She had only seen one patient and she already wanted to go home. She went to the next door and pulled the chart down. Oh good. Something easy. “I need to speak to the doctor here!” A voice yelled from the front. Carol poked her head up. “It’s an emergency!” “Ma’am, you’ll need to make an appointment. The doctor is with other patients at the moment.” Emergency? Gynecology didn’t get many emergencies. Unless… She sighed. It must be someone from one of those communities. There were several Anabaptist settlements outside the town lines that preferred home births. Every once in a while someone would come in the hospital begging for help. Carol frowned as she poked her head out into the waiting room. This wasn’t one of them. Instead, there was a young woman dressed in scrubs looking wild eyed and panicked. Carol had seen her before. She eyed her name tag. That’s right, she had passed her in the hall last week while her head was in a trashcan. Carol had been teasing her. She was a nursing student. “Hello, I’m Dr. Rodger’s. Do you need something?” “I need you to come with me! It’s an emergency! And bring supplies! Pain medicine! Iv line!” She began listing odd and end supplies. Carol could barely make out what she was saying. Something about her daughter and needing the money. Yes, it was just as she originally thought. Another home birth. “How old is the patient?” “Young! I don’t even know if she’s in her teens yet.” And here she thought today would be easy. “I’m not a midwife.” “Fine! Please, hurry!” Evelyn huffed. “I need you to drive. I ran here.” “From the settlements?!” “No, a home in town. No time, please. She has my daughter!” The woman was near hysterics now. “Okay, okay, calm down.” She looked at the front office worker. “Call Susan in and cover my patients. If not, reschedule them.” She went to her office and retrieved her emergency bag. It wasn’t the first time and wouldn’t be the last. “Explain on the way.” “You’ll have to see.” When they pulled up to the house, Evelyn jumped out the car and barreled her way inside, Carol followed, bag in hand. Once she was inside, she was greeted with the anguished sounds of labor pains coming from inside. “Fill a tub of warm water and bring it upstairs. And bring lots of towels.” She hurried upstairs two at a time and opened the bedroom door to find a large, surprised woman holding a squirming child by the wrist. “Who are you?!” The woman demanded. Carol ignored her and turned her attention to the girl writhing in pain on the bed. “Hello, my name is Doctor Rodgers.” she said as she looked the girl over. Her skin was ghostly pale, and she was sweating profusely. “Can you tell me how far along you are?” “She’s not pregnant, you imbecile!” The woman yelled from behind her. Carol frowned. If she wasn’t in labor, what emergency could a Gynecologist be needed for? “Can you tell me your name?” Carol asked. “J-Jen-ny.” The girl panted out through gritted teeth. “Hello, Jenny, can you tell me what’s wrong?” The girl weakly pointed down before her hands became fists at her side and she let out another moan. “IT HURTS!” She screamed out. “I’m going to take a look, okay?” Carol lifted the blanket. Her face blanched. “The clumsy thing spilled a pot of water while she was cooking.” The woman said before turning her attention to Evelyn. “You! I told you not to bring anyone!” “Let my daughter go!” Eveyln demanded, setting the bowl of water and towels down. Carol stared in shock as the beast of a woman took the child's arm, and with a sharp sudden twist ,snapped it. There was a loud crunch. The girl let out a howl. “HORTENSIA!” Evelyn screamed. “Next time when I say don’t bring anyone maybe you’ll listen!” “I can’t do this on my own!” Evelyn cried. “She needs to go to the hospital.” Carol said. “No. Fix her here.” The woman growled. “Au-aunt Trunchbull, p-p-lease.” The girl begged. “SHUT UP!” “I’m calling an ambulance.” Carol said. She hurried downstairs to the phone, loud clomping followed behind her. She reached for the phone, but when she picked up the receiver there was nothing but silence. She glared at the woman, Trunchbull the girl had said. “What did you do? Why isn’t the phone working?” “She. Stays. Here.” The Trunchbull said. Carol swallowed. She still had the crying child gripped tightly by her broken arm. “Who do you think is faster, the police or me?” Her hands moved to the child’s neck. “Now get back upstairs and quiet the little whore.” Carol silently went back up the stairs. “Can you rate your pain on a scale of one to ten?” Carol asked. She knew what the answer would be. “T-ten.” Jenny cried. “How long ago did this happen?” Carol asked. She pushed the blanket up to her stomach and stared. She hadn’t seen scalding this bad in years. She didn’t have the right equipment for this. “I don’t know.” Jenny whimpered. “I’ve been i-in and out.” Carol reached into her bag and began to put on gloves. The first thing she needed to do was clean her up. Judging from the stains she had urinated on herself. Carol grimaced. She couldn’t imagine how agonizing that must have been. “This might hurt.” She lightly dabbed the wet washcloth against her skin and was rewarded with an ear piercing scream. “I know. I know. I’m sorry, but I need to clean it. Evelyn, can you start an Iv line? Do you know how?” “Yes.” “Good, after that I’m going to need you to go back and get me a list of things. Go back to my office, hand it to them and they will get it for you.” “Will she let me leave? What about my daughter?” Eve asked. They both looked at the child whimpering in the corner. “You’ll have to convince her. I’ll keep her safe.” Carol said. She wiped at Jenny’s skin again and earned herself another blood curdling scream. “I need a few dipstick strips, pain medicine, a catheter, Iv fluids, a pole, stirrups, antibiotics. She has open, infected wounds. She’s running a high fever. And bandages. Lots of bandages. How’s that IV coming?” “She won’t stay still.” “Try and keep your arm still. I know it’s hard.” “Got it!” Carol handed her a list of supplies she needed. “Hurry.” She turned back to the girl in the bed. “How did this happen?” Carol whispered. “Did she do this to you?” She couldn’t tell between the writhing and moaning, but she was almost certain the girl had nodded. “We’ll get you out of here.” She pulled out the desk chair and got to work gently dabbing the wounds clean. “What’s your name?” Jenny weakly asked. Carol was about to answer when she realized Jenny wasn’t talking to her. “Hortensia.” The little girl said with a sniffle. “Anastasia’s a pretty name.” “It’s Hortensia.” “Why are you crying?” “She hurt me.” Hortensia whimpered, cradling her arm against her chest. “She hurt me too.” Jenny whispered before closing her eyes. “I like your stuffed animals.” Hortensia said. Jenny opened her eyes and gave her a forced smile. “Which one’s your favorite?” The girl pointed. “I can’t see.” Shit, Carol thought. Did she just say she had to pee? She wasn’t prepared for that yet. “Can you wait for the catheter?” Carol asked. No, if she couldn’t, she’d be in agony. She couldn’t risk getting urine in the wounds again. That’s probably why they were infected in the first place. But how could they do this? Getting up wasn’t an option. A bed pan was no better. “Huh?” Jenny moaned, rolling her head back forward. “Will it hurt?” She asked in ragged pained breaths. Yes. It would. “I’ll be gentle.” She dug in her bag until she pulled out a protective pad. She’d start with this. “Can you roll onto your side?” Jenny grunted in pain before falling back onto the bed. “No.” She groaned. “Try pushing yourself up so I can slide this under you. Yes, like that.” She slid a couple pads over the wet bedding. It would have to do for now until Evelyn came back and helped her change the sheets. “Oh, that one.” Jenny mumbled. Carol looked up to find the little girl holding up a stuffed dog. “His name is Rover. Do you like him?” The little girl nodded. “Then he’s yours.” Carol smiled and went back to digging in her bag. Her head shot up when she felt the bed shaking. Jenny whimpered as Hortensia pulled herself up with a jump. “Woah, get down from there.” Carol admonished. “She’s okay.” Jenny panted out. The little girl had her good arm wrapped around her neck. “You're very sweet. How old are you?” “Five. Almost.” Good, maybe the kid could keep her mind off the pain. She doubted it, but anything helped at this point. “You like kids?” Carol asked, resuming her frantic search. “Yes.” Jenny answered. She waved a hand through the girl's blond curls. “I like their innocence.” Carol’s hand touched something plastic. She pulled it out to reveal a crumpled up sick bag. Good, something waterproof. Maybe she could bend the mouth piece and make it form fitting. “You doing okay? I’m almost done. If you can hold it a little while longer.” She pushed on the hard plastic rim. It was slow, but it was bending. “Hold what?” Jenny groaned. “Your bladder.” “I’m fine.” Jenny whimpered. “You’re wriggling.” “Because it hurts.” Carol breathed a sigh of relief. “So you don’t need to go?” She looked up to find the girl grimacing. “I don’t want to. It’ll hurt.” “It might.” Carol lied. “But do you need to?” Jenny looked away. “It will hurt a lot worse if you urinate on yourself again.” Jenny slowly nodded, fists clenched at her sides. “Alright, I’ll help you in a minute. I’m trying to figure out a way so it doesn’t get in your sores.” “How bad is it?” Bad. “I’ve seen worse. You’ll be okay.” She resumed fiddling with the mouthpiece until she got it to bend inward. “This is as close as I can get it to making a seal.” Carol stood and placed it firmly against the girl's skin, eliciting another loud cry of pain. This was not going to be fun. She covered the exposed sores with the padding in case it leaked. “There, you can go on and have a nice wee before everyone gets back.” “It’s going to hurt.” Jenny moaned. “Evelyn will be back with pain meds soon, hopefully, and then we need to work on getting your fever down.” “I can wait until the pain meds.” Jenny mumbled. “I need to make sure you’re not pregnant first before I can give you any. I need your pee for that.” “I’m not pregnant.” Jenny moaned. “Please.” “Do as she says.” A voice growled from behind her. Carol turned to find the woman named Trunchbull standing in the doorway. “It would just be like the little whore to be pregnant, wouldn’t it!” she remarked. “Ma’am, please,” Carol said. “Do it, you good for nothing cow!” The Trunchbull spat. “UR-IN-ATE!” Both girls flinched. “It’s okay, Jenny, it won’t be that bad. Give it a good push.” Carol lied. She pursed her lips as Jenny began to sob and liquid began to trickle into the bag. She held it tighter against her. Good, it wasn’t leaking. “That’s it, you’re doing good. Keep going. Let it all come out.” She waited a few seconds after the stream had stopped. “All done? Is it safe to pull the bag away?” Jenny continued to sob, but nodded. She lightly dabbed at her wet skin with the washcloth to clean her. “Ohh, you’re not supposed to go potty in the bed.” Hortensia said. “She didn’t go potty in the bed.” Carol said. “She did exactly what she was supposed to do.” “Test it. I bet the whore’s pregnant, I know she is!” Miss Trunchbull growled. Carol glared at the woman. Her hand inched forward as if it wanted to fling the bag of urine at her. Carol stopped it. It would be a waste of urine. “Fine.” Carol hissed. She took a few deep breathes. She had never been so angry before. Her hands were shaking. She reached into her bag, but stopped when she felt the side zipper. Carol felt the syringe. She debated whether or not to jab the woman with it, but once again, it would be wasted. Jenny needed it more. It might be overkill, but if Evelyn didn’t come back soon she’d use it. Instead, she reached into another pocket and pulled out a plastic packet. She had put them on her list of items to bring back, but it turns out she had a couple after all. Carol ripped the package open with her teeth before dumping it out on the desk. Next she took the test strip and swirled it around in the bag of urine. She set the pee soaked strip on a washcloth before pushing her way past the giant. “It takes a minute.” Carol said before going into the hall bathroom and dumping the contents of the bag in the toilet. “Don’t lie to me! Those are supposed to be instantaneous!” The Trunchbull spat. “It’s testing several things.” Carol said. “White blood cells, acidity, glucose, along with a slew of other things. And yes, HGC levels. I can already tell you just by looking, she has an infection. Your daughter’s very sick. Please reconsider transferring her to the hospital.” “That thing is not mine!” The Trunchbull bellowed. “My sister and her good -for- nothing- husband dumped her on me.” “Where are they?” “Dead.” The Trunchbull hissed. “Just like that brat will be if you don’t fix the mess she made.” “The mess she made? Those burns are from having liquid poured on her, not spilled.” Carol glared. “The moment whatever deal you made with Evelyn is over, your ass is going to prison.” In the blink of an eye, hot searing pain washed over her. She was doubled over on the ground, gasping for breath. “If that’s what I can do to you with one hit, just think what I can do to them.” The Trunchbull sneered. She lifted her foot. There was another explosive wave of pain in her side. Carol groaned, rocking back and forth. “Now get back inside! And if I see a single one of you out of that room again before my whore of a niece walks out that door, I’ll break her other arm. Do I make myself clear?” Carol quickly nodded her head up and down. “Good, because next time, I won’t be so nice. Maybe next time I’ll pull off her neck.” The Trunchbull leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Just like Reye’s”

Hortensia was very easy to keep entertained. Once Matilda had flicked on the telly for her, she had become transfixed, even more than usual. Matilda hadn’t been sure that was even possible, but getting her attention had proved almost futile. One down and one to go. Miss Honey on the other hand proved to be much more of a challenge. She had lost interest in the screen as soon as Carol had left and now had Matilda running room to room trying to keep her in check. No, she didn’t need to go to the store, no, she didn’t need to go to the school, and, although it had taken all of Matilda’s willpower to stop her, she didn’t need to make cookies. Matilda did not, however, have the willpower to keep her from ordering pizza. Her stomach had growled loudly at the idea, and even Hortensia had snapped her head away from the screen when she heard Miss Honey mention pizza. Matilda’s mouth nearly dropped when she answered the door. How much had her mom ordered? The girl at the door kept handing her box after box until Matilda’s head was nearly covered. She staggered back to the kitchen and placed the spread on the table. “Hungry?” Matilda asked dumbfounded. There were three pizzas, breadsticks, cinnamon sticks, soda and wings. “Carol’s going to think we had a party.” She couldn’t help but giggle as she watched Miss Honey take a large bite and began to moan. “Everything sounded so good. I couldn’t decide.” So the munchies weren't just a story trope. After one slice, one breadsticks and two cinnamon sticks, Matilda thought she would burst, but these two seemed to be bottomless pits. She watched in both captivated awe and bewilderment as they tore in like wild, starved animals while Jennifer talked animatedly about her ideas for the new school year on deaf ears. “What are you making?” Jennifer asked. Hortensia had been intently folding and unfolding her napkin. “An airplane.” Hortensia said. She held up the finished product before tossing it into the air. Matilda watched as it nose-dived into the ground. “Hold that thought.” Jennifer said before springing to her feet. Matilda watched her dig through a drawer before returning with scraps of paper and markers. “Miss Honey’s letting me make paper airplanes? Woah.” Hortensia said. “We’re not in school.” Jennifer said. “So you can stop calling me Miss Honey.” “If you stop calling me Hortensia.” “That’s literally your name.” Matilda said. “Yeah, but I hate it. ‘Tens’ is fine. How’d you like to be called a whore?” Matilda watched curiously as something seemed to flash behind Miss Honey’s eyes. Pain? Anger? But before Matilda could figure it out, the look was gone. “Okay, Tens, show me how to make one.” The next twenty minutes was spent making paper airplanes and throwing them across the kitchen before Jennifer announced they should have a contest. “Winner gets to pick a movie.” They each stood on top of their chairs, paper airplanes in hand. Jennifer was up first, she threw it and it glided across the kitchen before smashing into the refrigerator. Next was Hortensia. Hers looked the most impressive, she had colored it and written across the side The Horsetensia. It expertly flew around the room and out the kitchen before landing on the couch. “Wow! That was so good!” Jennifer said in awe. Hortensia bowed from atop her chair. “That’s because she spends more time making paper airplanes during class than doing school work.” Matilda said with a giggle. “You’re just jealous.” Hortensia said, nodding towards the sad excuse for an airplane Matilda had clutched in her own hand. “What’s that supposed to be?” Matilda frowned. She was terrible at this sort of thing. Her hands could never do what she saw in her head. “It’ll still go farther than yours.” Matilda said. “Prove it.” “If I win. No movie.” Matilda said with a grin. “You have to read me a comic.” “Pshh. Deal.” Hortensia said. “That thing’ll never fly.” With a confident smirk, Matilda threw it and it soared laps around the kitchen. The three of them watched it fly out, and into the living room sailing far past the Horsetensia. The older girl stared slack jawed in shock, until the light in her head finally flicked on. “You little cheater! You’re using your powers!” Matilda cackled. “You never said I couldn’t.” Matilda said with a grin as Jennifer chuckled. “Yeah, well, I don’t have a comic so, ha!” Hortensia said. “You still win, Tens.” Jennifer said with a smile. “Go pick something.” “She’ll pick a superhero movie, watch.” Matilda whispered as they climbed down from their chairs. Sure enough, by the time they reached the living room, Hortensia was holding a Batman VHS. “Matilda, fetch me Rover!” Hortensia said from her spot curled on the couch while Jennifer was setting up the VCR. “And a blanket!” “Since when are you willing to be spotted with your stuffed dog?” Matilda chuckled. “Secrets out.” Hortensia grumbled. “I feel funny. I want him.” “Whose fault is that? You weren't supposed to eat them.” Matilda hissed. “Couldn't help it.” Hortensia said before yawning. “She wasn’t supposed to eat what?” Jennifer asked. She turned to face the girls. Matilda made a strategic exit to fetch blankets. “Matilda! Matilda, get back here!” She turned towards Hortensia, who curled into a tighter ball. “Did…did you two plan this?!” “No, not…really.” Hortensia mumbled. “Not really? What does that mean?” Jennifer demanded. “I found them yesterday when I was looking for snacks.” Hortensia said. “And you told Matilda about them?” Jennifer guessed. Now her head was starting to spin as well. She needed to sit down. “Matilda!” Matilda slowly made her way back into the living room carrying blankets and sporting a look that screamed guilty. “It’s not everyday you catch someone from school with drugs.” Hortensia said. “Of course I told her.” “Then how did they end up in the pancakes?” Jennifer asked, trying to be stern. “Hortensia said she caught you crying last night.” Matilda said softly. Jennifer took a long, slow breath before letting it out. “You had another nightmare.” “Yes. And? What about that made you think putting drugs in everyone’s breakfast was okay?” “I read it's supposed to help with anxiety.” Matilda admitted. “And I knew you wouldn’t try it...” “Matilda! That’s…No, Matilda! You can’t just do that! You can’t tamper with people’s food! It’s illegal!” Jennifer said. She waved a hand through her hair feeling horrified. She really did do it on purpose! Carol had been right! “You could have made everyone sick!” “You do it to me all the time!” Matilda said with a frown. “You put medicine in my drink, you’ve hid pills in my pudding...” “That’s not the same thing!” Jennifer said. “I just wanted to give you medicine so you’d feel better.” Matilda said. “How was it not the same thing?” “You could have made Hortensia and yourself very sick! Not just you two, but if anything had happened… Matilda, I could lose my job!” Jennifer said. “More importantly, I could lose you!” “She wasn’t supposed to eat any of it.” Matilda said, throwing a glare at Hortensia. “Giving children medicine is a parent's job, not yours! It doesn’t go both ways!” “That’s such a double standard!” Matilda said with a scowl. “Matilda, you’re smarter than this! How could you do something so reckless, and… and…stupid!” “I just wanted you to feel better!” Matilda said, tears filling her eyes. “Promise me, Matilda, promise me you’ll never do something like this again!” “Okay.” Matilda mumbled, head hung down. “No, look me in the eyes and promise me!” “I promise.” “Thank you.” Jennifer said with a shaky breath before collapsing onto the sofa. “Let’s just watch the movie for now.” Matilda sniffled and wiped her face before pulling herself onto the sofa and cuddling up next to Hortensia. “Why are you so close? Get your own seat.” Hortensia mumbled. Jennifer noticed Hortensia made no attempt to push her away. Ugh, why did they have to go and look so cute together after the shit they just pulled? …. After thirty minutes, Jennifer could no longer stay focused on the film. She kept forgetting everything that had just happened and nothing seemed to make sense. She looked over at the girls who both seemed sacked out. Now seemed like a good time to check out that bathtub Carol had told her about. She pushed herself up, silently cursing the spins as she stood. She looked over as Matilda opened her eyes and gave her a questioning look. “I’m going to take a bath. Go back to sleep.” Jennifer whispered. Matilda closed her eyes and curled herself closer to Hortensia. “You guys are lucky you're cute.” Jennifer grumbled as she picked up the fallen blanket and covered the both of them. She stood and made her way past Carol’s room and into the master bathroom. “Oh. My. God.” She whispered before letting out a low whistle. “Jackpot.” The bathtub in question was massive! It was practically a jacuzzi. It even had jets! She had never seen anything like it. It was so deep. Jennifer grinned as she reached over and turned on the water. She watched for a few minutes as the tub began to fill before she began to undress. She turned her body to throw her shirt away only to freeze in place. …. Matilda awoke to an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She blinked and sat up, wiping the drool away from her face with the back of her hand. Was she sick? Had she eaten too much pizza? She frowned as she tried to focus on the feeling. No, that wasn’t it. What was wrong? And where was Jenny? She realized what the feeling was. Panic. She spun her head around. Where was she? “Mom?” Matilda yelled. She stood up and made her way to the back of the house. She peeked her head in the spare room. Maybe she was taking a nap? Nope. Hadn’t she said something about taking a bath earlier? She tried the bathroom, but she wasn’t there either. She hadn’t left had she? Carol had given her one job! Matilda frowned as she heard it. Crying. She swallowed nervously and followed the sound. “Mom?” Matilda found her half naked, sitting on the floor with her bare back against the tub and her head buried in her knees. “Mom? What’s wrong? I thought you were going to take a bath.” Matilda said before sitting next to her on the floor. This only seemed to upset Jenny more. “Are you feeling sick?” Jenny shook her head and pointed. Matilda looked, but all she saw was the floor to ceiling mirrors that covered the wall. She stared at their reflection for a moment, confused, until realization dawned on her. Miss Honey didn’t like mirrors. She always covered the bathroom mirror, especially when she had to undress. There was no covering this mirror though. It was massive. Matilda stood and stuck her arm in the bathtub. The water was still warm. “Close your eyes.” Matilda whispered. She helped her stand up with some difficulty. Jennifer began to fight when Matilda tried to tug down her underwear. “It’s okay, don’t panic. I’m going to guide you in.” Jennifer whimpered, but let Matilda finish. “Swing your leg up and over. Hold onto the side with your other hand. There.” Matilda breathed a sigh of relief as Jennifer’s torso disappeared underneath the water. “You can open your eyes. You can’t see it from there.” Matilda watched her for a moment to make sure she’d be okay. “Just yell when you want to get out.” She turned to leave, but Jennifer stopped her. “Please stay.” Jennifer said softly. “Are you sure?” Matilda asked. Her mom was very private when it came to these sorts of things. Jennifer nodded. “I don’t think I want to be alone right now.” Matilda sat on the tile that wrapped around the tub with the shampoo bottles. “Join me. There’s plenty of space.” “Are you sure you’re okay?” Matilda asked. “Flashback.” Jennifer said softly, averting her gaze, before frowning. “I think.” “You think?” Matilda asked as she pulled her own clothes off before tossing them on the floor with the others. “Woah.” She said as she climbed in. The water went up to her neck! “Right? It’s nice.” Jennifer said. “It could do without the mirrors though.” “What happened?” Matilda asked. She didn’t think her mom was going to answer, but finally Jennifer spoke. “Sometimes I see her in the mirrors.” Jennifer whispered. “I can still hear her calling me a wh- calling me names.” Yeah, three gummies had been too much. “She’s gone. She can’t hurt you anymore.” Matilda said. “I know.” Jennifer said softly.. “But sometimes it feels like she keeps coming back from the grave to…” She let her words trail off. “Thank you.” She finally said with a sniffle and shake of her head. “It’s nothing.” Matilda pushed herself along until she came to rest in Miss Honey’s lap. She quietly looked in Jennifer's eyes for a moment, before taking a hand and splashing her in the face. “What was that for?” Miss Honey asked before coughing and swiping the water out of her eyes with a hand. “Stop saying it’s nothing.” Matilda said. “It’s obviously something.” “Well, it’s obviously something I don’t want to talk about.” Jennifer said, returning the splash. Matilda grinned. “I found you crying on the bathroom floor. Hortensia found you crying on the couch. Stop trying to downplay it.” Matilda cupped her hands and fired a stream of water before frowning as it failed to reach its intended target. “I already told you; it was just a flashback.” Miss Honey said before dunking Matilda’s head underneath the water. “A flashback of what?” “Don’t worry about it, now hand me the shampoo so I can wash your hair.” Matilda scowled before pointing at bottles and making them hover over. “Reminds me of the first time I gave you a bath. You nearly gave me a stroke with that little trick.” Miss Honey said with a chuckle. She grabbed a couple of bottles out of the air and set them on the ledge next to her. “I told you I could.” Matilda giggled as she moved her head this way and that as Jennifer lathered soap into her hair. “If I had a dollar for everytime a student told me they could do something impossible like that I wouldn’t have been living in that shack.” “Is that why you let me stay? Because I can move things with my mind?” “No?” Miss Honey said. She gave her a puzzled look. “Why do you think that?” Matilda shrugged. “It’s the only reason Hortensia tolerates me.” “I don’t think that’s true.” “I heard her tell you we weren't really friends.” Matilda admitted in a low, sad voice. “Hmm, I don’t think that’s what she meant by that.” Miss Honey said. “And you shouldn’t have been eavesdropping.” “What else would it mean?” “Well, to be honest, it concerned me a little. What would one of the bigger kids want to be doing around someone as young as you? I was worried she was trying to take advantage of you or something, but I talked with her this morning, and I think I have a better understanding.” “What? Because I'm ‘different’? Matilda said, making air quotes with her fingers. “No, I think she sees you like a little sister.” Miss Honey silently laughed as Matilda’s features fell. “That’s right, you don’t have the greatest experience with siblings.” “Why can’t we just be friends?” Matilda moaned. “I don’t think she’d let you snuggle up with her if she thought of you as just a friend. I’m fairly certain that’s only something she lets you do.” “She was in your lap.” Matilda mumbled. “Oh, you saw that, did you? Weren't you supposed to be in the kitchen making breakfast?” Jennifer chuckled. “I needed the bathroom.” “Well, I’m sure she’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone about that. She’s going through a lot right now, and we don’t want her to feel like she has to tough it out.” “I wouldn’t tell anyone.” Matilda said with a scowl. Miss Honey let out a small sarcastic laugh. “I wish I had been given that same luxury.” Matilda turned to face her and gave her a puzzled look. “You told Carol about my…injury. That was something that was supposed to be private. I’m not thrilled about that, you know.” “I never said anything.” Matilda said, looking both confused and hurt. “Matilda,” Jennifer said sternly before sighing. “How else would she have known if you didn’t tell her? She told me it was you.” She could see Matilda’s face go from shock to anger. “I didn’t say anything! I wouldn’t!” “Matilda, calm down.” “I never told anyone!” “Ok, ok, settle down.” “Mom, I didn’t!” “Matilda, you’re getting too worked up.” Jennifer said. “I am not!” Jennifer pointed above them. Matilda looked up to find a loofah floating in the air. “Take a deep breath. Now come here,” She patted her lap. “and I’ll answer your question from earlier.” “What question?” Matilda asked, still glaring and making no move forward. “Come here and I’ll tell you.” Matilda hesitated before begrudgingly sliding over until Miss Honey’s arms were wrapped around her anchoring her in place. “Now breathe.” “Tell me.” “Not until you drop everything.” Matilda clenched her teeth in annoyance before closing her eyes and taking a few deep breaths until she heard a clatter of various objects falling from the air onto the bathroom counter. “There, now, to answer your question. No, I didn’t want you for your powers.” “Okay…?” “I was enthralled with you from the first day you set foot in my classroom. I had never met such a fascinating child before. Your peers were just learning to read basic sentences, and there you were devouring full novels and doing mathematical calculations in your head with as much ease as if I had asked you what one plus one was.” “Oh.” “It was the day you came home with me.” Jennifer admitted. She could feel Matilda stiffen in her arms. “I’d rather not think about that day.” Matilda mumbled. “Oh, but I do, quite often in fact. It’s one of my favorite memories.” Jennifer laughed as Matilda screwed her face up in disgust. “Do you remember what you told me that night?” “No, I’ve tried to erase that day from my memory.” “You had fallen asleep in my lap while we were reading, and you had told me you wished I was your mommy.” She laughed as Matilda’s face turned a shade of red. “I said that?” Matilda groaned. “Yes.” Miss Honey said. “And in that moment, I had never wanted anything as much as I wanted to be your mommy too.” She squeezed Matilda tightly in her arms before kissing the side of her forehead. “That’s when I realized I loved you.” “And now you are.” Matilda whispered, resting the side of her face against Miss Honey’s chest. “And now I am.” Jennifer said with a hum of happiness as she gently swept her fingers through Matilda’s hair. “Why on earth did you want to stay with me though? I’m a mess.” “You were lonely too.” Matilda mumbled. Miss Honey’s hand stopped briefly for a moment before it resumed. “Yes. I was.” “You had Mrs. Rodgers though so why were you lonely?” Jennifer pursed her lips. “We had never said a word to each other before I met you,”Jennifer said. Matilda frowned. “But I thought you guys were friends?” “Now we are. I wish we were friends then, but our only interaction had ever been a polite nod here and there in passing.” “Don’t take this the wrong way,” Matilda said, pushing herself off and standing up. “But something is kind of weird about her.” “Matilda!” Miss Honey admonished. “She’s done a lot for me, for us.” “I know,” Matilda said as she climbed out of the tub. “That’s why I thought you had been friends before.” “She’s a very kind woman.” Jennifer said standing up herself. “She’s not who she says she was. She told me she was a nurse.” Matilda said as she dug into the cupboard for towels. “Yes, she was.” “So why does she have a doctorate?” Jennifer scrunched her face in confusion. “It’s hanging in the hallway.” Yes, Jennifer thought, she had seen it several times, had even stopped to admire it. So why did it now only sound strange instead of awe inspiring? Jennifer silently pondered this while she dried herself off. It certainly made her vastly overqualified for her current position. “Why are you so suspicious of her all of a sudden?” “I’m not.” Matilda said with a shrug. “Doesn’t matter to me.” “Then why all the questions?” “To distract you.” Matilda said with a wide smile. “See, you did it.” “Did what?” Jennifer asked. She scooped their clothes off the floor before sliding her underwear back on. Matilda motioned behind her to the mirrors. Oh. She stared at herself for a moment in surprise. She hadn’t even thought of it. She had been so preoccupied with what Matilda had been telling her. “You’re sneaky.” She tried to hide the mixture of disgust and guilt she felt, but she had a feeling she was doing a terrible job of it. “What kind of person is afraid of their own reflection?” “A high one.” Matilda grinned. “Don’t worry about it.” Jennifer grimaced. She hadn’t even meant to say that part out loud. She groaned. It was like she could feel her brain cells cooking as she spoke. “I think I need to lie down. Let’s go to the other room.” “The sheets need to be washed. She bled on them.” Matilda said. “You can lie down here.” She pointed to the bed. “That’s Mrs. Rodger's bed.” “I don’t think she’d mind.” Matilda said. Jennifer scowled. It felt invasive, but she was so tired she felt like she might collapse. “On top of the blankets then.” She relented. She crawled on the bed still only half dressed and wrapped in a towel. “Just for a few minutes.” She could feel her towel getting pulled away before a little body curled up on top of her. “You in your happy place?” “Mm-hmm.” Matilda purred. “Thank you.” Jennifer whispered as she wrapped her arms around the pile of what was essentially dead weight on her chest. “What gave you a flashback?” Matilda mumbled. “My shoulder popped while I was taking off my shirt.” Matilda looked up at her. “That’s it?” “That’s it.” Jennifer admitted with a disparaging sigh. “It doesn’t take much.” “I thought it was the mirrors.” Jennifer had already been spiraling by that point. “What really did it was trying to throw up this morning. I used to do it a bit as a teen.” “Did you have an eating disorder?” Matilda asked. “No, I had this unhealthy little ritual, or a delusion, really, I’d…” Jennifer stopped as she remembered her audience. “Yes, let's just call it an eating disorder.” Except it wasn’t food she was eating that made her feel the only way to cleanse her mouth was to burn it away with stomach acid. “And your shoulder? What did that have to do with it?” Matilda said, face scrunched in confusion. “It was the sound. Miss Trunchbull had…” What had her aunt done? She could hear the snap of bones, followed by agonizing screams. “I don’t remember. I think she broke someone’s arm.” “Yours?” “No. I don’t think so.” Well, she had broken her wrist at one point, but this wasn’t it. Jennifer winced. She could still hear the screams, but she wasn’t even sure if it had been a real memory or not. “Let’s not talk about this.” The last thing she wanted was another repeat of last night. She was already feeling paranoid. She closed her eyes, but she couldn’t get Matilda’s words from earlier out of her head. Her mind was trying to make connections from things that weren't really there. Was this from the gummies? It had to be. She really should have thrown them up. “Mrs. Rodgers asked me once about the cigar burns the day we called the ambulance for you. That’s the only time we’ve ever talked about you.” Matilda mumbled. “Well, about that sort of stuff.” “Okay.” Jennifer said. She was fading fast. Maybe it was she who had mentioned it and she just didn’t remember? No, she had mentioned Matilda by name, but hadn’t Jennifer mentioned her first? Maybe Carol had been playing off her assumption that Matilda had told her. But why? What did it matter if Carol knew or not? Ugh, she needed to stop thinking, but now the image of Carol scraping the edibles off to the side of her plate kept replaying in her mind. “She’s not who she says she is.” Matilda had said. Jennifer winced. She could hear the sound of snapping bone and screams again. “I told you not to involve anyone else!” Her aunt bellowed. “I didn’t have a choice!” A voice she didn’t recognize sobbed. “I can’t do this on my own! Please don’t hurt her!” SNAP! “ANASTASIA!” “Maybe next time you’ll listen.” … Jennifer jolted awake at the sensation of something falling onto her. Her heart was hammering in her chest. “It’s okay. It’s just me.” Carol said softly. Jennifer looked down to find herself now covered with a blanket. Oh god, she had fallen asleep nearly naked on someone else's bed. “I’m not decent.” Jennifer mumbled, wrapping the blanket tighter around herself. “I would have left you as is, but you were shivering. You fell asleep still wet, didn’t you?” “Where’s Matilda?” “The girl’s are out back playing with the hose. How do you feel?” Jennifer moaned. “Well, you did eat three servings of them. Matilda mentioned you were having an anxiety attack; that can happen if you have too many.” “Why didn’t you eat any?” The words were out of Jennifer’s mouth before she could stop herself. Carol gave her a bemused sort of expression. “There was enough sugar on those pancakes without the candy.” Carol seemed to stare at her for a moment. “Are you still feeling them?” “Yes.” Jennifer said, holding her head. The conversation had been put into motion. Might as well quelch her drug fueled fears. “So you didn’t plan it with them? To drug me?” Carol’s eyebrows rose in surprise, before a flash of anger crossed her face. “Are you asking me if I purposefully allowed young children to consume drugs just to get you high? No. I. Did. Not.” She blew a breath of air from her nose. “Sorry, yeah, I know.” Jennifer mumbled. “The girl’s admitted they planned it, and my mind isn’t…working right.” “Ah, yes, the paranoia.” Carol relaxed. “Any other absurd, drug induced paranoid questions I can answer for you?” She added a bit lighter. “Were you…” Jennifer asked before pausing. “Were you a doctor?” She watched Carol’s face lose a shade of color. “I was.” “So why are you a school nurse? Why don’t you go by Doctor Rodgers?” “Because I’m not a doctor anymore.” “Don’t retired doctors still introduce themselves as doctors?” “I didn’t retire. My medical license was revoked.” Jennifer knew it was a sensitive topic, but she couldn’t stop herself. Tact was apparently not something she could attain on drugs. “Why?” “For stealing medical supplies.” Carol finally answered. “It’s not something I like talking about and not something I want to spread around the school. That’s why I don’t introduce myself as a doctor.” “Oh.” “I’ve done things I’m not proud of.” Carol said before taking a deep breath and sitting on the bed. “Things to you.” “Wh-what are you talking about? You’ve been nothing but helpful. I don’t know what I'd do if it wasn’t for you. You’ve been such a good friend!” Jennifer stopped as Carol frowned. “No, Jennifer. I’m not a good friend.” She said quietly. “I’m the one who let you down.” “I don’t understand. Y-you taught me to drive, you lied to get me out of the hospital, you’ve watched Matilda for me countless times, you even got me my money back from the daycare. How could you have possibly let me down?” “Because I didn’t put my foot down!” Carol said as she hung her head. “I should have called you an ambulance the moment I saw you, but she was holding her hostage and I had to choose.” “Carol, you’re scaring me. What are you talking about?” Jennifer asked. She could feel her mouth go dry. “Do you remember me?” “From when? I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “We’ve met before.” “When?” “You were what, fifteen, sixteen?” “No.” “Yes.” Carol said with a heavy sigh. “I was the one taking care of you.” “You saved my life.” Jennifer said after a moment of silence. Carol snorted. “I had a duty to report her and I didn’t. Instead I took the money. It’s my fault. Those cigar burns weren't there before.” “You didn’t do it for the money.” Jennifer said slowly. There were fragments of memory there. Where were they coming from? The snapping of bones. The screaming. Her eyes opened wide. “Anastasia!” Carol chuckled darkly. “Is she okay? Did she make it out? What happened to her?” “You can ask her yourself, she’s in the backyard.” Jennifer nearly choked. The sweet little blond girl couldn’t have been… “Although, we still have no idea where you got the name Anastasia. You kept calling her that no matter how many times we told you her name was-” “Hortensia.” Jennifer said in shock. “Do you remember?” “No, not really.” Carol sighed again. “Then let me fill you in.”

I know there isn’t much diaper stuff at this point, but thanks for sticking with it. ^^

The four of them sat around the table eating the pancakes Matilda had made. They were different, Miss Honey thought as she stabbed another piece with her fork. Her daughter had clearly gotten creative with the ingredients. Whipped cream-which was good- chocolate syrup- a little much for breakfast-but these little orange candies were, well… Miss Honey forced herself to swallow. Disgusting. She hadn’t wanted to hurt Matilda’s feelings so she had eaten all three of them. She had never tasted anything quite like them, but, blegh. Where had Carol bought these from? Were they stale? She'd have to remind her daughter if she wanted to cook, she needed to get into the habit of checking expiration dates. Miss Honey looked at the other plates. Matilda had eaten two, Hortensia, who was looking rather green, had taken a bite out of one, and Carol had simply scraped them to the side of her plate. “Hortensia, do you have any questions?” Carol asked. “What did the squirt do to your kitchen?” Hortensia asked. They all turned to look at the white cupboards and floor. “I dropped the first batch of batter.” Matilda admitted. “I shouldn’t have let you use your powers.” Miss Honey said. “Oh no, that part was fine.” Carol said. “Impressive really. It happened when she tried to grab the bowl with her hands.” Matilda flashed a guilty sort of grin. “Do you have a question about anything else?” Hortensia shrugged, before eyeing Matilda, and looking away. “You did know what a period was, right?” Hortensia shook her head. “You started your period?” Matilda blurted out. Hortensia let her face fall in her hands. “Even she knew what it was?” Hortensia mumbled, horrified. “Honey,” Jennifer said softly. “Did you really have no idea?” Hortensia shook her head. Eve, Jennifer thought with a frustrated sigh. “So…any thought of adding sex education to the curriculum now, Miss Headmistress?” Carol joked. Miss Honey closed her eyes. “Okay, okay, you were right.” Jennifer admitted. She had planned on dropping the whole subject, much to Carol’s admonishment, but now Jennifer could clearly see it was necessary. The Trunchbull had treated her as if she was something vile the moment she had started hers. Jennifer hadn’t learned it was normal until years after. “You knew what sex was, but not a period?” Matilda asked with a wrinkled nose. “Well so-rry my mom goes around saying ‘I need dick’ and not ‘I’m bleeding from my vagina!’” Hortensia sniped. “She says what?!” Miss Honey nearly choked. “I overheard her say it on the phone to her friends. I bugged her until she explained.” Hortensia shrugged. “Well, please don’t say those things.” Miss Honey said. “What things?” “Dick and vagina.” Miss Honey said behind her hands. “Okay,” Carol said, putting her hands up. “If you can’t even handle the word ‘vagina’ maybe you should leave this to me.” “She’s eleven, she doesn’t need to be saying it.” “Out.” Carol said, pointing to the back yard. “Both of you.” She pointed to Matilda as well. “Why do I have to leave?” Matilda argued. “Because I don’t care how smart you are or how much you already know, I’m not having the sex talk with a six-year-old.” “I think we should leave this conversation to her mom.” Miss Honey tried, but was shot down. “Eve had her chance.” Carol said. “I can at least let her know she’s not dying.” Miss Honey looked to Hortensia, who was looking a mixture of pale and green. She had a point. “If you want to help, you can go down to the corner mart and get her some pads.” “Okay, just,” she eyed Carol suspiciously, “nothing too adult, please.” … When Jennifer and Matilda returned from the store, the scene was not how Jennifer had pictured it. Sitting on the table was a hand held mirror, eggs, and a banana in a- oh lord was that a condom? So much for no adult stuff. But the biggest surprise was Carol looking very agitated in the kitchen. “Matilda!” She said sternly, making both her and her daughter jump. “Is this what you put in the pancakes?” She held up an empty candy bag. Matilda nodded and Carol groaned. “A word Jen?” She motioned for her to follow her to the backyard. “She put these in the batter.” Carol held out the bag and Jennifer examined it closer. She didn’t see anything usual, until she saw the little leaf towards the bottom. Her mouth went dry. “Why do you even have these? These aren't legal!” Jennifer said, staring horrified at the empty bag of edibles. “I had them for chemo nausea a few years ago. They didn’t do anything, so I put them in the cupboard and forgot about them. There’s only 5mg of Thc in them.” “I don’t know what that means!” Jennifer nearly shouted. “How did you let her get into them? Why were they somewhere she could reach?!” “If you haven’t noticed already, you can’t really put things ‘out of arm's reach ' with your kid.” Carol said. “If I had known they were there, I would have watched more closely.” “What do I do? Should I take them to the hospital?” Miss Honey asked. “What? No, they’ll be fine. Yes they can be dangerous in high doses to kids, but I don’t think anyone had that many. Normally, I'd say let them sleep it off, but my only concern is Matilda.” “Because she’s so young?” “Because she can move things with her mind. Last thing we need is her getting high and moving major appliances around.” “Oh.” Miss Honey turned green at the thought. “Do you think she’ll be willing to make herself throw up?” “I’m not sure.” Jennifer said. She bit her cheek and thought about it. Maybe she could be trusted before the whole day care fiasco, but now, she wasn’t so sure. They had only recently dug up what had been brewing underneath the surface. Jennifer couldn’t assume anything. Even if she saw this with a clear head, throwing up was never fun. “Well, time is of the essence. Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Matilda, mind coming back here?” Carol called. “You might not want to watch if you're squeamish.” “What are you going to do to her?” Miss Honey whispered. “Shove my fingers down her throat.” “Carol!” Miss Honey said horrified. “We don’t have time to ask. If she runs, we don’t have time to chase her down, and I like my house.” “You call us?” Hortensia asked, poking her head out. Miss Honey bit her lip. She could see her daughter cowering behind the older girl's legs. “Actually yes, both of you, please.” Carol said. Hortensia walked out, before Matilda reluctantly followed, hanging her head and sniffling. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to poison everyone!” Matilda said before bursting into sobs. “Hey, this was ultimately my fault.” Carol said. “You’re not in trouble. And you didn’t poison anyone, but, here’s the thing, Matilda, this is very important. Your mom and I both need you to do something. It would make us feel a lot better if you could make yourself throw up.” Please don’t run. Please don’t run. Jennifer chanted in her head. The last thing she wanted to do after reconciling was pin her daughter down so someone could shove their fingers down her throat. That would go really well for their relationship. “I can't,” Matilda said with a sniffle. Miss Honey’s muscles tightened. Don’t fight. “All you need to do is take a finger and stick it all the way to the back of your throat.” Carol said. “I already threw it up, I can’t throw up anymore.” “Matilda, please, we just -” “Why did you throw it up earlier?” Miss Honey asked. “Because that’s the first thing you do when you think you’ve been poisoned.” Matilda said. “Poisoned, what?” Hortensia said. “I ate your cooking one time and I’ve been poisoned?” “No, you haven’t been poisoned,” Carol said. “We’re just doing this as a precaution.” “But my throat already burns.” Matilda complained. “Just one time to prove there’s nothing in your stomach. Then I’ll give you something cold to drink.” Carol said. Matilda pouted. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” “Why can’t you just believe me?” Matilda said. “Wrong answer.” Carol said. Jennifer watched, a mixture of apprehensiveness and dread welling from within her as Carol dragged Matilda over to the grass by an arm. “Let me go!” Matilda yelled. “Stop it!” “Are you going to do it yourself then?” “I already did! I’m not stupid!” “No one’s saying you're stupid, sweetie.” Jennifer said gently. “We just need to know you’ll be safe.” “Fine!” Matilda grumbled. “Let go of me so I can go to the bathroom.” “Do it here.” Carol said. “Last chance.” She pushed Matilda’s back down so she was doubled over the lawn. Miss Honey bit her lip. She wanted to tell Carol not to be so rough with her. “One. Two…” “Give me a s-” Matilda tried to say, but Carol had used the opportunity to shove a finger in her open mouth. Matilda gagged before retching. “She’s clear; It’s just bile.” Carol said. “That was disgusting.” Hortensia said. Matilda shoved Carol away angrily, before storming into the house. “Can I trust that you’ll take care of this yourself?” Carol asked. Hortensia quickly nodded and hurried into the house before she got the same treatment. “What should I do?” Miss Honey asked. “Should I throw them up too?” Carol shook her head. “You’re not in any danger. If anything, you’ll be hungry, then thirsty, and if it gets too much, you’ll have a nice nap. It’s up to you though. I can take Hortensia to see her mom and figure out where to send her, just whatever you do, don’t drive. Just stay here and make yourself at home.” “Hmm, maybe I should toss them.” Jennifer said. She couldn’t decide. She had no interest in getting high, but she really hated throwing up. “Your call.” Carol said, before pursing her lips tightly together. “Be careful with that one.” She nodded her head towards the kitchen. “Hmm?” “Do you really think she didn't notice they weren't candies?” “Mistakes happen.” Jennifer said pointedly. Her head hurt. She didn’t want to think about it. Carol shrugged and walked back inside. A part of her wanted to demand she stay put and explain herself. Why on earth would her daughter purposefully try to poison every one? She couldn’t…She wouldn’t! Yes, her behavior had been unrecognizable recently, but Jennifer was under no delusion that a single trip to the lake together was going to fix everything. Smearing paint on the walls and breaking windows was a far cry from poisoning her loved ones. Matilda had to have not noticed! She was only six, and that warning label was on the bottom of the package. It was basic philosophy! Occam’s Razor! The simplest explanation is usually correct! Carol was just overthinking this. Jennifer swallowed hard as her eyes fell to the pile of bile in the grass. Right? …. “Don’t worry about it.” Carol said for the hundredth time. “You’re in no place to go out like this, Especially not to a police station! Just relax. In fact, go to the master bathroom and take a bath. It’s a custom built tub. Try not to panic, it will only make it worse.” She turned to Matilda. “Keep an eye on her.” Carol whispered as she eyed Jennifer, who was sitting on the couch staring at the television remote as if she had never seen one. Matilda giggled nervously. “I’m in charge?” Matilda asked. “You created this monster; she’s your responsibility now.” Carol said as Matilda’s face fell. “But I asked.” Matilda said softly, eyes beginning to water. Carol sighed. “Yes, yes you did. I’m only teasing. I’m just a little concerned about leaving her like this.” They both stared at Jennifer, who was trying desperately to wave a strand of hair out of her face, only for it to fall back into place. “Don’t let her go out, and don’t let her drown. Think you can handle that?” Matilda nodded vigorously. “You two!” Carol said, so they can both hear. “No leaving. No parties. No boys.” Carol added a wink to the end making Jennifer loudly giggle before snorting. Matilda, Carol, and Hortensia stared at her, then at each other. “Oh, I really don’t want to leave.” “Is this bad?” Matilda asked slowly with wide fearful eyes. “No, hilarious.” Carol whispered. “This is almost as good as the time she thought she was high.” “Miss Honey’s high?” Hortensia blurted out with a laugh. “Seriously?” She darted in front of Jennifer and stared into her eyes before cackling. “Oh my God, you’re right, she is! Her eyes are all bloodshot!” Jennifer cackled back and pointed. “So are yours!” Carol instantly sobered. The smile vanished from her face. No no no. She walked towards Hortensia and groaned. “Please tell me you’ve been crying.” She said. Hortensia’s body shook with silent laughter, before letting out hisses of air while shaking her head. Carol pinched her nose. “Please, tell me you threw up that edible like you said you were going to.” Hortensia shook with more laughter. “Hey, why’d you take her word over mine?” Matilda said. Her eyebrows narrowed in a scowl. “Because. I. thought. I. had. shown. her. how. serious. the. situation. was.” She lightly smacked Hortensia in the arm with every word. She turned toward Matilda. “It was that or call an ambulance. Those are very dangerous to kids, especially ones as young as you. I didn’t want to freak out your mom and ring the alarm bells right away. But the situation was too dangerous to just take your word for it. She’ll be fine.” She pointed her thumb at Hortensia and rolled her eyes. “She’s built like a horse.” “You're Horsetensia!” Jennifer shouted, before they both fell over onto the couch cushion from laughter. “Oh. My. God.” Carol said. She held up her hands. “None of you are leaving this house. I’m going to the police station myself to talk to her. Horsetens- she sucked in a breath. “Hortensia, I will take you to see your mom once you sober up. Matilda?” She gave her a questioning look. The Telly flicked on. “Problem solved.” Matilda said. “But why not just call her?” “Because we need to have a face to face conversation.” ….. “Number seven.” The guard directed her. Carol walked down the rows of families conversing between a sheet of glass until she got to the stall marked number seven and had a seat on the stool. She didn’t have to wait long. A disheveled and terrified looking woman took a seat and reached for the phone. “You… what are you doing here?” Eve asked. “You know this affects all of us.” Carol said softly. “What happened? What did they find?” “My pervert neighbor ended up being some kind of investigator.” Eve said with ground teeth. “I knew he was spying on us.” “What did they find?” Carol repeated. “Jennifer’s letter.” Eve admitted. Carol sighed. “I can’t go to prison. What about Hortensia?” Eve whimpered. “I have her. She called me.” Eve gave her a confused look. “She called me when she couldn’t get a hold of Jennifer.” “Why would she try to call Jennifer?” Eve said before blanching. “Does she remember?” Carol shook her head. “I don’t think either of them remember. I think Hortensia just likes her and Matilda over your neighbor. Jennifer thinks she gave the letter to a tall man.” Carol winced. “I may have led her to believe it was your husband.” “She was so full of drugs, who knows what she thought she saw.” Eve said before waving a hand. “Let the bastard take the fall. What did you tell Hortensia?” “That he’s been in prison out of state.” Eve raised an eyebrow. “I know. I know. I said a lot of things yesterday that I regret.” Carol said. “Are you going to tell Jennifer the truth? Or are you going to make me out to be the villain?” “I don’t know.” “I have a child!” “So does she!” “It was her idea!” Carol held a finger to her lips. “Do you have a lawyer?” “Not yet.” “I’ll start looking. For all of us.”

It had taken nearly all week, several phone calls, and spending more money on cafe coffee than I could afford, but my plan was coming together. If she didn’t hand over that ™ today that bitch was gonna pay. I refuse to be Fantina’s plaything a single day longer. I didn’t care if Fantina had status or money. The more I thought about it the angrier I became. I had been strung along since day one and tracking down a certain woman had proved it. Fantina hadn’t “broken up” with her “baby girl”, her “baby girl” had escaped and gotten a restraining order. Seems I hadn’t been the only one lured inside to collect ectoplasm. Blaming her own pokemon to boot! It had all been an act! The only difference was I could come and go as I pleased. I had a feeling it had everything to do with Umbreon.. Even if he was kind of special. He may not be able to infuse his bite with dark energy, but he still had teeth and a strong jaw. I had lost terribly to him in a Tug-o-war match. He had nearly dislocated my shoulder. “I hope you're ready, boy.” I whispered to his pokeball. “I need you today.” I rang the bell on the gyms intercom and waited for the doors to open. Once they did, I slid inside before jamming the door open with a stick. “My baby’s early today!” Fantina said, a wide smile on her face. “Fantina,” I said. She looked up from the dress she had been working on. I could feel my mouth go dry. I was losing my nerve. Every time I stood face to face with her now, all I could picture was the enema and Fantina knew it. I had lost my defiant edge. It was one thing to plan her downfall behind her back, but face to face I knew who was in charge. And it wasn’t me. “Can I have that ™ we’ve been talking about today?” Fantina frowned. “I told you I can’t just give those away.” My jaw clenched. “I’ve done everything you’ve wanted! We had a deal!” “No, we had a match and you lost. Now I think this will finally fit you. How about you try it on.” “Fantina-” I began to protest. “Mommy.” Fantina corrected. My fists began to clench at my sides. “Mommy,” I said through gritted teeth. “You said you would help me get my license.” “Yes.” “How can I beat you if my pokemon doesn't know any moves?” “You’ll have to keep training until he learns some.” “But I only want the ™ to see if he’s even capable of learning any moves. If the ™ doesn’t work I can give it right back.” “I already told you no.” I ground my teeth together. She was using her stern mommy voice. Before it had just been annoying, but now ever since then, I knew to back off. When had I become such a wimp? “Arms up.” I reluctantly obeyed and she lifted my shirt up over my head. Usually she let me keep my bra on but today seemed to be different. I could feel her unclasping the hooks. “You’ve been a good girl this week though; i’ll give you that.” She said before unbuckling my shorts. I looked away embarrassed as my shorts fell to the floor. This part never got easier. I shut my eyes as she pulled my panties down and ordered me to step out of them. “How about some chocolate milk?” I let out a panicked shout of “NO!” and jumped back, nearly tripping myself on the pile of my clothes on the floor. She stared at me puzzled for a moment before realization dawned on her. “Oh no, I meant real chocolate milk. The kind you drink.” I relaxed a little, but remained on guard. This woman was capable of anything. I knew I shouldn’t trust anything she gives me but…c’mon chocolate milk! “Is it going to make me sick?” I asked cautiously. Leave it to her to slip some kind of laxative in and leave me locked in the crib. “Not unless you're lactose intolerant, but I’ve seen you go to town on the regular milk, so I’m assuming no.” She ordered for me to lay on the changing table and I did so. I watched her pull a large baby bottle out of the cupboard before going to the fridge. I couldn’t see what she was putting into it, but I could hear liquid pouring. When she turned around, the bottle was full of brown liquid. She stuck a rubber nipple over it and my butt clenched hard from the memory. I could feel myself starting to panic, until she handed it to me. “Here, you can drink it while I get you changed.” I took it and stared. I was hesitant. I didn’t trust her one bit but… curiosity won out in the end. I knew I shouldn’t drink it but it was the best damn thing I had ever tasted. I was so preoccupied with the bottle I hadn’t even realized she had already secured the diaper around my waist. “Hmm, what to do with you today…Some time in the playpen sounds good.” Whatever. As long as I got to keep my chocolate milk. She opened a box, and next thing I knew a quarter of the room had been taken over by what looked like a see thru mesh tent. “In.” I obediently got on my hands and knees, bottle held between my two front teeth by the nipple, and crawled in. “Can I play with Beethoven?” I asked between sucks. “No, not in the playpen.” I pouted which made her grin. “I will be back with some toys for you though.” Toys? Lame. She was going to probably bring back that annoying singing stuffed Jigglypuff doll again. “I’ll let you finish your bottle first.” She said before sitting in the rocking chair directly in front of me. Just fifteen more minutes of this degrading shit, I thought. I finished the bottle with a disappointed sigh. I wondered if she’d give me any more if I asked? “Mommy-” “No.” She said with an amused smirk. I grumbled to myself and set the bottle down. Now what was I supposed to do? I looked to Fantina for some kind of direction, but she just continued watching me with that expectant look. I felt the bottom of my stomach give out. I knew I shouldn’t have drank it. “What did you give me?” I demanded. “Babies don’t talk.” I glared at her. “It was chocolate milk, like I said.” “Chocolate milk and what else?” “Aromatisse saliva.” As if on cue I could feel my body temperature start to rise. “Wh-what’s happening to me? What does that do?” “I’ll bring you your toys to play with in a minute.” She said with a grin. I could feel my face flush from the sudden heat. My waist felt so warm underneath the diaper. Too many layers. I wanted to take it off. I began to squirm. Had…had I wet myself and not even known? Is that why it was so warm? I reached down to prod at the front and my face turned to a grimace. I sucked in a sharp breath of air. What the hell was going on? I had barely made contact and it had sent a shiver down my spine. “What does Aromatisse saliva do?” I demanded. “I think you know.” She said with a smirk. I gritted my teeth. I was starting to understand. She watched me for a minute, a look of pure amusement on her face. No. I wasn’t going to go along with this! I glared at her. “Let me know when you're ready for your toys.” “Fine! Go get the stupid plastic keys.” I grumbled. If it would take her eyes off me for just a minute. As soon as she stood I switched positions so that I was now sitting on a foot. I tried grinding against it but it wasn’t enough. All it did was fire me up even more. No, I thought, I needed to contain the fire, not add to it! I looked to make sure the coast was clear before I started stroking the padding. I had to bite my wrist to keep from moaning. I thought aphrodisiacs were a farfetched, over exaggerated fabrication. “Aww, baby couldn’t wait for her toys.” I heard her croon. My hand shot away from the diaper and I tried sitting normally. “Don’t stop on my account.” I watched as she unzipped the tent flap and pushed a cardboard box inside. “I have to pee.” I lied. My face was a deep crimson. “There’s nothing stopping you from doing that either.” She said, zipping the tent back up. “Have fun, baby girl.” She sat back down in the rocking chair and watched me. I peeked inside the box out of curiosity. My mouth nearly fell open. She couldn’t be serious. “Wha-” I swallowed and tried again. “What is all this?” The box contained several different types of vibrators and other paraphernalia. “Well, it’s called a playpen for a reason.” She said with a smirk. “Mommy brought you all sorts of fun colorful toys. Go on. Play.” “N-no!” This was what was going on? She wanted me t-to do that while she watched! “What kind of lady do you think I am?” “A frustrated one.” I didn’t care how frustrated I was. I wasn’t going to do it. Just the thought of doing something so vulgar while she watched was… My face fell. It was…It was pulsing! I clamped my legs shut as much as they would go and hid my face in my arms. Help was coming soon. I couldn’t be caught masturbating! “What’s wrong, baby girl? You want mommy to come play with you?” “No!” I growled. “Well, if you don’t want to play I guess I can just take these toys back.” She said. “Fine. I don’t want them.” “If you're sure.” I could see her starting to unzip the tent. Now was my chance to make a break for it. I sat back up and waited. The tent was opening. I gulped. I had to time this just right. I waited until she was on her hands and knees before I jumped into action. I sprang to my feet and bolted, catching her by surprise…only, the surprise was on me. She had me pinned in two seconds flat. “Where do you think you're going?” She was leaning over me, knee firmly in between my legs. Fantina was grinning down at me. She pressed her knee more forcefully into me and my hips bucked of their own accord. “I knew you wanted to play.” She said, “Now let’s see here…” She began rummaging through the box. “This looks like a good start.” She produced a long white shaft with a bulb on the end. She flicked a switch and the motor came to life. I swallowed nervously. “N-no.” I said. My protest sounded weak even to me. “I’m not a monster. I won’t do anything without your consent.” There was that glint of danger in her eyes again. “I’m going to make you beg for it.” She started at my stomach, the bulb vibrating against my bare skin as she slowly worked it down and across, up one arm and down the other. She repeated the process on my legs. The fire in my belly only seemed to burn hotter. I let out an audible groan as it made its way towards my hips. “Are you ready to play yet?” I wanted to say no. My head was screaming no. So why was my hand guiding hers down? “That’s what I thought.” she whispered seductively in my ear. The next few minutes were a mixture of bliss and utter disgust as she teased the front of the diaper until I couldn’t take it anymore. “More.” I blurted before I could stop myself. “Hmm, i’d take your diaper off but it’s still awfully dry.” I heard a click and the motor sped up even more. “Let me fix that for you.” She circled around me so that my back was leaning against her chest as one arm held me in place as the other went to work. It hadn’t taken long. Once the sound of the motor changed from coming into contact with moisture, she flipped the switch. Now she was rubbing her bare hand up and down the front. “My my, you really did need to pee.” I let out a moan of embarrassment. My bladder was emptying with every pulse and throb despite the vibrators disappearance. Just her fingers were enough to do the job. I wasn’t sure if I was peeing from cumming or cumming from peeing. “Does it feel good, baby girl?” “Harder.” Her fingers began to press down firmer. “Do you want to continue this, or do you want to try something different?” She whispered. Her hand went back into the box and she pulled out a phallic object that was obviously meant to go inside. I gulped. I had never gone that far; not even with myself. “That.” I surprised myself by answering right away. My insides were crying out for it. “Good choice.” She un- taped the diaper. I watched as she poured something from a bottle in her hands and began to rub it all over the shaft of the object in her hands. “What’s that?” I panted out. “...lube?” She said slowly. “Haven’t you ever used it before?” I shook my head. Her eyebrows narrowed. “Is this your first time?” I nodded. She hesitated a moment. “Well if it’s your first time then maybe I shouldn’t” My hand shot out and gripped hers tightly. “Don’t you dare pull that shit now!” I growled. “Just stick it in already!” Her lips curved in a got-ya smile. “I told you I’d make you beg for it.” Just as she was about to insert it, a new voice joined in. “FANTINA, GET AWAY FROM HER!” No… not now. I whimpered and curled myself into a ball. Something was wrong. What the hell was that stuff? It was starting to get painful. What was this? The female equivalent to blue balls? “Ss-sammy?” Fantina yelped. She dropped the rubber object to the floor. I stared at it longingly. Another pair of footsteps pounded down the stairs. “Rebecca?” Fantina’s voice grew more panicked. “Jasmine? Y-you you all k-know each other?” “We do now thanks to… uhh…What are you doing at a time like this!?” I knew she was yelling at me but I couldn’t stop myself. I moaned into the bottom of the tent. “I think she’s been dosed.” Jasmine said. “Ah, yeah, you're right. Th-that stuff was the worst” “You didn’t seem to mind then.” Fantina said. “You,” There was a hollow sounding thunk,” shut up! “Hey, Frankie, don’t panic, it’ll wear off soon.” Panic was the farthest thing from my mind. My hand shakily reached for the phallic object. “We’ll just, uhh..wait up stairs while you get yourself situated.” …. I hung my head in shame. Beethoven at my heels. “I am so, so sorry.” I said, horrified as we sat upstairs at a table. Unlike me, wouldn't even begin to explain the situation back there. My face was beet red. I had invited them here! This was my plan! And they had to wait upstairs so I could Ma-Ma-MAST- “I’ve been under the influence before, it’s nasty stuff.” Jasmine said, giving Umbreon’s head a few pats. He was clearly enjoying soaking up all the extra attention. “AND ILL-LE-GAL!” Rebecca threw in while glaring at Fantina. “It only lasts fifteen minutes.” Fantina said with a roll of her eyes. She was being restrained by Slip in Bulbasaur form, vines wrapped tight. Sam was standing next to him with a bag of Pokemon treats in hand, periodically tossing him one to keep her restrained. “Did you want to have sex with her?” Rebecca asked me. “N-no.” I said. Oh gosh, I was totally about to too if they hadn’t shown up. “It’s a date rape drug.” Jasmine said. “Oh, calm down, you’re acting like I knocked her unconscious.” Fantina said. “It’s just a short burst of libido.” “It’s illegal for a reason!” Jasmine shot back, before smiling. “You’re only free because none of us ever had proof. But lucky enough for us, Frankie here graciously allowed us in to act as witnesses.” I saw the color drain from Fantina’s face. “You may win in a he said-she said battle due to your status in the eyes of the law, but four -against- one?” “B-bartering favors isn’t a crime!” Fantina hissed. “She wanted pokemon lessons and I wanted a playmate.” “The agreed upon sessions aren't, but the first imprisonment is. The one you oh so predictably blamed on your own pokemon. You would’ve been more convincing if you had just changed it up a bit. We have Frankie here to thank for getting us together. All it took was a sticky note in a coffee shop with a note that said ‘Victims of ectoplasm’ and a meeting time.” Sam said. “And we also have this.” Rebecca shook the carton of chocolate milk. “I wonder what they’ll find in it.” “What do you want?” Fantina hissed. “For you to take responsibility.” Jasmine said. “No. No! I’ll lose my status as gym leader if I get arrested!” Fantina said. Now she was starting to panic. “Not our problem!” Sam said while tossing Slip another treat. “You mind carrying her to the police station with us?” Suddenly, the Bulbasaur began to grow until it turned into its Machoke form. It grabbed Fantina around the waist and held her over its massive shoulder. Pokemon loyalty really is gone, I thought, but then I looked down at Beethoven, who laid curled up next to me on the couch softly purring and trilling. Had whatever happened to the Pokemon not affected him because he was a little bit special? Or was he only content because he was out of his Pokeball? “Where are the ™’s?” I demanded. I needed to know. “You think I’m going to give you one, you traitor!” Fantina growled. Something cold bumped my arm. It was Driskull. I shuddered on instinct before noticing what was in its outstretched hand. I took it and held it up. It was a white disk and on it was written ‘BITE’. My hand trembled. “How do I use it?” I ask. “You just put it up to their head, and if it glows white, it worked.” I swallowed and gently held it up to Umbreon. I held my breath. Nothing happened. I felt a wave of sadness. They’ll hurt him. “Wait, what’s that?” Rebecca said, pointing at the disk. There shouldn’t be anything on the other side. I flipped it over, before throwing it across the room. “Barbie on dvd!” I yelled. I could hear a group of disembodied laughs. I looked at Umbreon. “You're perfect the way you are; we’ll figure something out.” I said before scratching him on the head. The End

“Good morning, ladies!” Carol said, much too chipper for the morning's mood as she emerged from her bedroom. The only other person who seemed to be in good spirits was Matilda, who sat on the couch with a large medical book opened across her lap. “I told you not to look at anything gory!” Jennifer chastised. “That person doesn’t have a face!” “Before the car accident they did. Look at how much they were able to reconstruct it!” Matilda said after flipping a page. Jennifer winced. She didn’t want to look at these kinds of things, especially not after the night she’d had. “What are you looking at so eagerly over there?” Carol asked, sitting next to Matilda on the couch. “Burns.” Matilda said without looking up. “Carol, can you please put that back in your room? She doesn’t need to be looking at that.” “No, moooom!” Matilda complained. “I can handle it!” “So what are you thinking you want to be? Doctor? Nurse?” Carol asked. “Plastic surgeon.” Matilda said before turning the page. Both adults briefly looked up at her. “So you want to give rich middle aged housewives fake breasts?” Carol asked, trying to hold back a laugh. “Let me know when you’re in business, the girls have been starting to sag.” “What? No!” Matilda said. “I want to help burn victims.” Carol and Jennifer locked eyes for a moment. “Well, it’s a little early to be looking at third degree burns. Can you keep it PG for the rest of us? Your friend may not want to see bits of scalp while she eats.” Carol said before looking around. “Where is she, anyway?” “Still sleeping.” Matilda said. “Still sleeping?” Carol walked to the bedroom door and knocked. “Wake up in there! What do you want for breakfast?” After no response, she opened it. “Hey, breakfast? You’ll feel better if you eat something. No no, no moping around in bed today. Don’t you want to go see your mom?” Carol stepped back into the living room. “Matilda, want to help me make breakfast?” “Can I use my powers?” Matilda asked hopefully. “Are you going to make a mess?” “No.” Matilda said at the same time as Jennifer’s “yes.” “Practice makes perfect, c’mon.” Matilda eagerly put the book down and headed towards the kitchen. Soon there were lots of loud banging, crashing, and laughing. “Hey, Jen, can you try waking up Sleeping Beauty? Pancakes are almost done.” Miss Honey grabbed the stuffed dog from last night, approached the door and knocked, but there was no answer. She knocked again. Still no answer. Reluctantly, she pushed open the door to find a lump hiding under the covers. “Hey, breakfast is almost ready.” Miss Honey said from the doorway. She wasn’t going in there. “Not hungry.” A voice from under the covers answered, followed by a wet sounding sniffle. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. “Can I come in?” Miss Honey asked. More silence. Well, it wasn’t a “no”. She slowly crept inside and sat on the edge of the bed. She lifted a corner of the blanket up and slid the stuffed dog inside. A pair of hands immediately grabbed it and yanked it in the rest of the way. “Thank you, for last night.” Miss Honey said softly. “You were crying.” Hortensia stated it as a fact rather than a question. “Why?” the voice from under the covers asked after an awkward moment of silence. “I’ve never seen an adult cry before.” Just what Jennifer needed, another reminder that she wasn’t really an adult. “Sometimes I have bad dreams.” “I’ve never cried from a dream.” Miss Honey breathed a frustrated blast of air from her nostrils. Not all kids were going to be as understanding as Matilda she supposed. “It must have been bad.” she added, quieter. “Yes.” Miss Honey said before changing the subject. “What about you? Why are you crying?” “I’m not crying.” Hortensia said. Her voice was raw and full of emotion. Jennifer was entirely unconvinced. “Just stupid.” Hortensia mumbled. “You’re not stupid.” “I thought my dad was out of the country driving trucks for most of my life. H-h-how d-d-did I not see what horseshit that was?” Jennifer bit her lip to keep herself from reprimanding the girl on instinct for swearing. Now hardly seemed the time. “Sometimes we adults don’t always tell kids the truth in order to spare them from unne-” “”Y-y-you mean you lie!” Miss Honey slowly let out a breath. “Yes, sometimes, we lie to protect the ones we love.” “Did my mom re-really do all that stuff the Trunchbull said?” “You can’t take anything my aunt said seriously. She was already deliriously livid over my relationship with Matilda. She even came to the hospital and strangled her. The more I think about it the more I realize how not in her right mind she was towards the end. Maybe even before then.” “She never was!” Jennifer chuckled bitterly until the words began to ring true in her head. She never was. She. Never. Was. Of course she knew her aunt was crazy, she had always known since the woman moved in, so why was it only now sinking in? There was a tiny tiny tiny voice in the back of her mind that began to speak to her so softly she would have easily missed it. If she was never mentally sane; maybe you never deserved it. There had always been that feeling of culpability deep inside that hung over her shoulders like a weighted blanket. What if. What if. What if. “Yeah, I guess you're right.” Jennifer said softly. “Do you think she made up all that stuff about my parents because she was mad at me then?” “It’s possible.” Miss Honey said. “I’m sure this mess will get all sorted out and she’ll be back home before the weekend’s over. There’s nothing to worry about.” “Are you lying?” Hortensia asked after a moment of silence. “No.” Miss Honey lied. She sat on the bed unsure of what to do. Did she try to place a comforting hand on her shoulder or would that be weird? Was she supposed to pretend nothing was wrong and follow Hortensia’s lead? She had no truthful words of comfort for her. If it was Matilda she’d know what to do; Matilda responded to touch, but this wasn’t Matilda. The two girls couldn't be any more different. All Jennifer could do was lie. But there was one question burning a hole in her mind. “Why did you call me? Why not your neighbor?” “Because I hate them.” Hortensia answered bluntly. “What about your friends from school?” The moment the words left Miss Honey’s mouth the realization struck her in the face. She reached over and peeled the blanket down to reveal the girl curled in a ball clutching a stuffed dog to her chest. Gone was the perpetual smirk that seemed to never leave her face; now it was replaced by a trembling lower lip. Red, watery and puffy eyes now replaced the defiant glare and attitude. For the first time, Jennifer saw her for what she truly was. A scared kid. “No.” Hortensia whimpered before hiding her face again. A thought crossed Miss Honey’s mind of the water and stuffed animal she had been given last night. There seemed to be a much gentler side to her than what she presented at school with her friends. Or maybe…it had always been there and Jennifer had just never noticed. Hadn’t it been Hortensia who had come and gotten her when Matilda had needed her at school? And even though it had angered Jennifer, the issue with stealing Nigel’s shoes had been Hortensia’s way of including her. Then there was the choking. The more Jennifer thought back, the more she felt like an idiot for separating them. “If there’s anyone stupid here it’s me.” Jennifer said with a sigh. Hortensia wiped her face before looking back up at her puzzled. “I should have trusted Matilda’s choice of friends better. She has this ability with people to see what others miss.” “It’s not really that we’re friends.” Hortensia said with a look of deep concentration. “I ain’t friends with the runts. She’s just…different.” “Different how?” She was curious how the other children saw her. “If any of my friends tried what she does, they’d get black eyes.” Hortensia grumbled, but Jennifer could see the fight drain out of her the moment it had come. “I could talk to her if you want; if she’s too clingy for you. I noticed she was snuggled up pretty close to you last night.” She had to bite back a smile as the girl's face began to turn crimson. “Made it hard to sleep with her crushing me like that.” Miss Honey had to keep herself from pointing out that she looked pretty comfortable to her, but that seemed a bit more than Hortensia seemed able to take at the moment. “She has a way of walking right past the barriers we put up as if they weren't really there.” “She’s just a little kid. It’s not like I’m gonna push her off or something.” Hortensia grumbled. “You admitted if it was anyone but her, they’d get a black eye.” Jennifer had noticed her arms had been around Matilda just as tight. “So if you’re not friends; what are you?” “I don't know. I just don’t really have to try…” Horensia said slowly before adding barely above a whisper. “To be tough.” It was so low Miss Honey wondered if she had been meant to hear it at all. Either way, Miss Honey understood now. Hortensia hadn’t wanted anyone to see her this way. The words seemed to finally come to her. “Hortensia.” Miss Honey said. She couldn’t believe she was going to do this. She swung her legs up on the bed and scooted her back against the headboard. “Come here.” She patted her lap. Hortensia stared at her wide eyed as if she had lost her mind. Maybe she had. But maybe, the girls weren't so different after all. “Rest your head; It’s alright.” Jennifer gave her a soft smile. Hortensia stared as if frozen in place. She was about to say she didn’t bite, but that didn’t seem the right thing to say. “It can stay between us. You can let your guard down with me.” Just when Jennifer was positive she wasn’t going to budge, the lump began to slowly inch its way closer to her. Her hand trembled as she stroked the sobbing girl's hair. This was only the third person she had let get this close to her. First Matilda, then Carol, and now the child she had least expected, Hortensia. “Your hair reminds me of a little girl I met once. She had the most beautiful blond curls.” She could vaguely remember running her fingers through it. “She wanted to learn to read so badly so I showed her how to sound out a few words. Made me realize I wanted to be a teacher.” “I hate having long hair.” Hortensia mumbled. “And reading.” “You used to have long hair? Why’d you cut it?” “The tangles hurt. Mom got tired of chasing me with a hairbrush every morning so she cut it off. She was so mad she gave me a frickin’ bowl cut.” Miss Honey cringed. She had wondered who the school photo of the blond boy was hanging in Eve’s house. A sudden loud banging followed by laughter coming from the kitchen made Miss Honey stop. She let out a sigh. “We should probably go out there. Mrs. Rodgers is letting Matilda cook using her powers and it sounds messy.” The first hint of a smile crossed Hortensia’s face as she sat up and climbed out of bed. Miss Honey frowned and stopped her at the doorway. “Hortensia, are you forgetting something?” “Huh?” “Pants.” Miss Honey said with an amused grin. “Didn’t take you for a Spice Girls fan either.” Hortensia shrugged, bent over and grabbed her shorts off the floor. Oh geez. “Wait, do you have any clean clothes?” Hortensia shook her head. “They wouldn’t let me take anything from the house.” “I’ll see if Mrs. Rodgers has anything you can borrow.” Miss Honey frowned as she thought of the best way to phrase the next part. “Do you need any, umm, hygienic products or do you have those with you?” Hortensia stared at her blankly. “Like a toothbrush?” Oh no. “Feminine hygienic products.” Please no. No. No. No. Not now. Another blank stare. “Go wait in the bathroom; I’ll talk to Carol.” Miss Honey said, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Ookay.” Hortensia said slowly. She gave her a puzzled look before heading down the hall. Jennifer entered the kitchen and froze. What had happened in here? Everything, and everyone, was covered in white powder. She looked to her daughter, who gave her a guilty wide grin. “Do I want to know what happened?” Jennifer asked. “Nope.” Carol said. At least she was smiling too, Jennifer thought with a sigh. “Might have a problem. Do you have any pads?” “Hysterectomy, sorry. Did it sneak up on ya?” “MS. HONEY!” a panicked voice screamed from the back of the house. “Not for me.” Jennifer hiked a thumb over her shoulder. Carol’s lips curved to form a silent O. “You don’t think its her first-” “Yes.” Miss Honey said with a groan. She should have known something was amiss when Hortensia willingly curled up with her. “Here I thought she had a sensitive side. Turns out it was just hormones.” “Well this is unfortunate timing.” “Your patient is calling Mrs. Medical Professional.” Jennifer said. There was a reason she worked with five and six year olds. “Nice try, I believe that was your name being yelled.”

“We’re going to Carol’s. Sorry, I know you’re probably tired.” Miss Honey said as she hung up the phone. “What’s going on?” Matilda asked. She was now wide awake thanks to the adrenaline surge. “She wants me to come over and talk. She refuses to tell me over the phone.” ……….. It was nearly nine at night when they arrived at Carol’s. They found the woman waiting for them on the porch. Jennifer’s stomach did a little summersault. This couldn’t be good. “Where have you been all day? We’ve been trying to get a hold of you for hours.” “I’m sorry, we were at the lake. What’s going on?” “It’s Hortensia’s mom.” “What? Is Eve okay?” “She’s been arrested, Jen. It’s been all over the news today.” “What!?” Jennifer said in shock. “Why?” “I don’t know officially any more than what’s been released to the public, but the police have been searching Hortensia’s house.” Jennifer let out a held breath before a sudden thought reignited the panic. “You don’t think it has to do with the girl's possible involvement with my aunts…” she whispered so Matilda wouldn’t hear. “Jen, they had nothing to do with it. Didn’t you follow up with the coroner?” “Well, no.” Jennifer admitted. She had basically washed her hands of her aunt almost the moment she died and had spent every free moment trying to rid the house of any sign of her. She had never even bothered to claim her body. “Her official cause of death was suicide. She intentionally drove off the cliff.” “How do they know?” “They just released the 911 call. She phoned it in before she did it.” Jennifer was surprised Agatha would take her own life, but at the same time she was a bitter and unhappy woman. She was incredibly relieved to hear Matilda and her spiders had nothing to do with it, but in a twisted way, she had grown fond of the idea that Matilda had saved her. “What does all this have to do with Eve though?” “Ready for this? Trunchbull mentioned her and her husband by name as the reason. She said they had been blackmailing her for years. ” “The missing money from the school!” Matilda said. “Exactly.” Carol said with a nod. “For what though?” Miss Honey asked. “Aren't they breaking ground on the new school tomorrow?” Carol asked slowly. “In the field the children were never allowed to play in?” “Yes,” Jennifer said, confused. “It was dangerous.” “And don’t you think it’s odd a woman who threw kids into a makeshift iron maiden would care if they got hurt playing in a field?” Jennifer could feel the blood rushing from her face. “Matilda, how about you go inside? I think Hortensia could really use a friend right now.” Matilda was about to protest, until the last part of the sentence clicked into place. “She’s here?” “In the spare bedroom, but she might be sleeping. She wasn’t feeling well. If she’s asleep, my medical textbooks are in the bookcase in the master bedroom. Knock yourself out.” “Ooh.” Matilda said, turning towards the door. “No gory stuff!” Miss Honey chimed in. The last thing she wanted was Matilda spouting more facts about things like human urinary myiasis. “If they find remains, Hortensia could lose both her parents. It would mean your aunt was telling the truth.” “But how would Eve know there were remains there in the first place? Crossing my aunt was a dangerous game and that’s a pretty big risk for a bluff.” “Because the Trunchbull said she wasn’t the one who did it.” “And you believe her?” “No, but I do find it interesting that the person she claims is responsible is the same person blackmailing her. She’s pinning it all on Hortensia’s dad, who might I add, is already in prison for fraud apparently.” “Oh. I didn’t know that.” “Neither did Hortensia.” Carol said with a sigh. “If all this is actually true, and they do find bodies. And let's just say for the sake of argument, your aunt had nothing to do with it. Could you imagine what that means for her? Billy Reyes, her best friend, was probably killed by her own dad. Call me crazy, but the more I consider it; the more plausible it sounds. Her dad was arrested six years ago, and the last kid to go missing…” “Was six years ago.” Jennifer said. “Oh my God.” She stood in silence as she processed all this. She felt bad for Hortensia, she really did, but what exactly did this have to do with her? She didn’t care if her aunt had been blackmailed and framed for murder. The only thing she cared about was the paper trail she had to clean up. “The police are going to call you tomorrow; they’re going to ask you to give a statement about a few things.” Carol was starting to give her a strange look. “What? What does any of this have to do with me?” “Jennifer, this is what I needed to talk to you in person about.” The look in her eyes was pity. “Do you remember that morning you were staying here? You told me you remembered something, but you couldn’t remember if it was a memory or a dream? Something about asking for help from a very tall man.” No. “I dreamed I wrote a letter.” she said flatly. “It wasn’t a dream, Jen.” Carol fished something out of her pocket and handed it to her. It was a picture. “Jacob, Hortensia’s dad, is 6’ 7.” No. “They found your letter in Eve’s safe.” I dreamed I asked a giant for help. “No. She didn’t.” But he used me for money. “Jen, that’s what they were using to blackmail your aunt with. I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to be alone when you heard.” “Please watch Matilda. ” Jennifer whispered. “I need to go for a walk.” They could have stopped it from happening. Her hands went to her front. But they sold me out instead. “Can I walk with you?” Carol asked. “She won’t even know we're gone.” She wanted to be alone, but she begrudgingly accepted. They walked down the street in silence for a few minutes. “I want to apologize for the last time you were over. I’m afraid I tried to pressure you into something you didn’t want to do, and for a good reason. I didn’t know about… and even then, it was never any of my business.” “Matilda.” Miss Honey grumbled. Guess she couldn’t keep it to herself after all. “There’s something that’s bothering me, as a medical professional, how were you not removed from the home the moment you showed up at the hospital?” “Because I was never taken to the hospital.” Jennifer tried to think if she had been, but her memory was a blur. Gaps of time were missing. “I can vaguely recall someone taking care of me. I thought it was my aunt. Out of guilt or panic. I don’t know. I was in and out for a long time. Days I think.” “Well it would depend on if Matilda was exaggerating about the severity.” “Probably not.” Jennifer admitted. “Then it’s not possible your aunt was the one caring for you. You had at least second, probably third degree burns. You would have needed round the clock care, antibiotics, pain killers, surgery. The risk of infection would have been off the charts.” “I had a high fever,” there was an image of her in her mind in bed with wires, i’vs, her pelvis in bandages. “Do you know if there’s any sign of repair? Scars from stitches or anything?” “I don’t know.” “Can you find out?” Jennifer scowled and shook her head. She wasn’t in the business of touching down there anymore. “Has anyone given you a pelvic exam since this?” “No.” “Does anyone in the medical field even know?” “Not that I’m aware of.” “Jen!” Carol sighed. They walked around the rest of the block before Carol said. “I know this is going to sound inappropriate, but could I see?” “What? No! Why would you even ask that?” Jennifer said, feeling horrified. Carol had pushed boundaries before, but this was going way too far! “Because if there’s evidence of stitches, that’s a serious crime. Pelvic scalding like that is almost a guaranteed sign of child sexual abuse. Medical professionals are mandated reporters. It doesn’t have to be weird.” “My friend just asked to look up my crotch; It’s passed weird.” “I’m a trained medical professional.” “You’re a primary school nurse.” “I worked in the hospital for twenty years. I have pulled more household objects out of sexual orifices than I care to admit for a Catholic Hospital.” “Why does it matter if it was Catholic?” Jennifer asked. “Do you know what it's like to watch a priest come into a man's hospital room and offer to pray with him before his procedure when you know he has a statue of the Holy Mother of Jesus stuck up his rectum?” Jennifer shuddered. “What’s Hortensia doing here anyway?” “She called me from the police station when she couldn't get a hold you.” Jennifer’s frown deepened. “Why would she try to get in touch with me? To talk to Matilda? Surely, she had other friends parents, or family to come.” “She’s been specifically asking for you.” “Why for me? She wasn’t even one of my students. My only interactions with her have been to give her detention and yell at her for picking on the younger students. I’m hardly the person to call in an emergency.” “I don’t know. You’re the child whisperer; not me. I just remove Jesus candles out of the masses' asses.” “Oh Jesus.” “Yeah, I think that’s what they were saying too.” “CAROL!” Jennifer shuddered again. “You’re such a pervy old lady.” Carol grabbed her heart in mock indignation. “Who let you be around children?” “I can be professional when I need to be.” “You just asked to see me naked two minutes ago.” “You’re not a child.” Jennifer felt her face flush and she stammered. “Not happening. I don’t care if I was worked on or not.” “You should.” “I don’t see what the big deal is. Whatever happened is in the past and I don’t remember. It’s not something I want to drag to the surface.” “It’s at the surface whether you realize it or not.” “Just stop!” Miss Honey said forcefully enough to make Carol stop walking. “You and Matilda, please, just stop. I don’t want to talk about it!” “Okay, Jennifer.” Carol said slowly. “I’m going to go check on the kids. Take all the time you need. I’ll leave the front door unlocked.” Miss Honey gave a grunt of acknowledgement and kept walking. Eventually she came to a secluded park. Without thinking about what she was doing, she took a seat on an empty swing and gently rocked herself back and forth with the tips of her toes. The world couldn’t even give her 24 hours before opening the next box of chaos and dumping it over her head. Her mind refused to dive past anything surface level. She could feel the cool air on her skin, the sting of tears in her eyes, how sore she was from hiking. But everything else was locked in a box she had no intention of opening. Jennifer wasn’t sure how long she had stayed out there. Her backside had long since gone numb from the small swing seat and when she finally stood, walking had become a challenge. She had to fight the urge to curl up in the grass and go to sleep. Her daughter was waiting for her. She’d go back to Carol’s, get Matilda and go home. Hortensia would have to call her actual family in the morning. She could stay with her neighbor with the fat kid until they came to collect her. When Jennifer reached the front door, she was surprised to find a note. She hadn’t been gone that long, had she? I’ve put Matilda down for the night. I tried waiting for you, but it’s been a long day. Make yourself at home. I’ve put out bedding on the couch. Miss Honey frowned as she opened the door. The house was dark except for a coffee table lamp by the couch, which was piled up on one side with blankets and pillows. She had no intention of staying. She’d leave Carol a note as soon as she woke Matilda. She quietly opened the spare bedroom door and peered inside. Maybe she’d catch Matilda up and reading. She stared into the room for a couple of seconds before her eyes adjusted to the dark. The girls were cuddled up together like a pair of sleeping kittens. It was the most Un-Hortensia like thing she had ever seen. She quietly closed the door behind her and made her way to the couch and took a seat. She eyed the clock on the wall and, what!? How was it already midnight!? Had she really been gone for three hours? No wonder everyone was asleep. Resigned to her fate, she kicked her shoes off and slid them under the coffee table before grabbing a pillow and blanket. She had no change of clothes, or toothbrush. She didn’t even have her medication. Jennifer silently chastised herself. She should have just woken Matilda up and left, but she had neither the heart nor the backbone to separate them. So reluctantly, she laid down and fell into an uneasy sleep filled with the nightmares of her past. She was in her childhood bedroom lying on her back, naked, legs spread atop of her bed. Carol was there, standing over her, wearing gloves. “Is the patient ready for her exam?” Anger filled Jennifer. She had told Carol no! She wanted to close her legs, but she couldn’t! Instead of covering herself, she found her hand sliding down to rub small circles. Carol was watching, but Jennifer couldn’t stop. She softly moaned and picked up speed. She never lasted long when she was being watched. “Whore.” Carol spat out disgusted. Jennifer came. “You disgusting little whore!” Another voice boomed. Carol was nowhere to be found. Now it was her aunt, red faced and angrier than Jennifer had ever seen. What was that in her hands? A pot from the stove? “This’ll teach you to keep your hands off when I’m not around!” Miss Honey awoke with a scream before curling herself into a ball. Her body shook violently from the unbridled sobs as she quietly wailed into the pillow. She jumped when she felt something cold touch her arm. She wasn’t alone. She sat up and searched the darkness in wild panic. She could just make out the tall outline of a figure holding something out. The cold thing softly brushed her skin again. She reached out with a trembling hand and took the cup of water. “Thank you, Carol.” She choked out after taking a sip. “I’m sorry. I’m fine. Just a dream.” she mumbled. “It happens. You can go back to bed.” She heard footsteps retreating. Jennifer let out a held breath before a door opened and the footsteps approached again. She felt something fuzzy press against her. “He helps.” A soft voice Jennifer hadn’t expected to hear said. “Just don’t tell anyone.” The footsteps retreated again before a door opened and closed. Her stomach clenched. Hortensia. ….

“Is this statement true or false? Seeing members of my biological family upset me.” Matilda sat motionless on the couch next to Miss Honey trying to avoid everyone's expectant gaze. “It’s okay, sweetie, just answer the best you can.” Miss Honey whispered. Matilda shrugged. “Try and use your words.” Mrs. Reynolds said. “True or false.” “I don’t know.” Matilda mumbled. This was awkward and uncomfortable. She didn’t want to talk about it. Helen tried again. “Seeing my brother made me feel angry.” Silence. “Seeing my brother and him not acknowledging me made me feel angry.” Silence. “Seeing my broth-” “I want to go home.” Matilda said. She could feel Jennifer stiffen beside her. “Matilda,” Jennifer said softly, “We need to talk about this.” “I don’t want to.” Matilda complained. “Is it because it hurts to talk about it?” Helen asked. “There’s nothing to talk about.” Matilda mumbled. “Why do you think that?” Helen asked. “He never did anything.” Matilda nearly whispered. “Any of them.” “Anyone from the daycare or anyone from your family?” Silence. “Matilda, we just want to help you,” Miss Honey said. “But we can’t if you don’t tell us what’s bothering you. Please. I know something is wrong.” Matilda shut her eyes tight and took a deep breath. “My family.” “So your family never did anything to hurt you?” Helen said doubtfully. “They didn’t hit me, or burn me, or assault me.” Matilda said softly. “Not like…” She gestured a hand to the woman who sat beside her. “You don’t need to use violence to hurt someone. Sometimes words- or lack of them- can be damaging enough. And Matilda, life isn’t a game of compare and contrast where only the worst victim gets to feel pain. You’re allowed to feel sad, or angry, or hurt. Do you understand?” “I guess.” She mumbled. “Imagine there’s a giant ball of yarn or thread inside everyone. As we go through life and experience things, that ball of material is getting bounced and batted around, until eventually it’s going to get so knotted and tangled up no one can tell one end from the other. Sometimes, the knots get so bad we can’t untangle it by ourselves. That’s why I’m here. My only purpose is to help you untangle the threads until it all makes sense again. Those threads are our emotions. Sometimes life gets so bumpy we don’t know where one emotion ends and one begins, so it just sits inside of us and makes us feel sick. Does that sound like it might apply to how you're feeling now? Like there’s a knot inside of you that you can’t even begin to unravel or make sense of?” “Yeah.” Matilda said, barely above a whisper. “Everyone has different material inside of them. Some people are born with a tough rope that doesn’t tangle easily. Others are a delicate thread, one wrong move or tug and the whole thing could snap. That’s why it’s important not to compare yourself to others' struggles. We don’t get to choose what material we’re made out of. You also don’t want to let the knots sit, because if they sit too long, it could turn to barbed wire. You’ll just end up hurting yourself and anyone who tries to get close. Does that make sense to you?” “Yes.” “Good. Good. Now, will you let me take a look at those knots?” Matilda sucked in a lungful of air before slowly letting it out. “Okay.” … “You made a lot of progress today. I’m proud of you, Matilda.” Jennifer said, as she tucked Matilda into bed that night. “I’d rather play with marbles.” Matilda grunted. “I know, therapy isn’t very fun.” Jennifer said, sitting on the edge of her bed. “It’s a lot of hard work. I know there’s moments in my life I want to bury and pretend never happened. The last thing I want to do is take a magnifying glass to them, but I’m learning the hard way that bringing it out in the open is the only way we’re going to heal and move past it. It’s like she said today, letting it sit and fester will only cause us to hurt the ones we love.” “Can I sleep with you tonight?” Matilda asked, without looking up. “If that’s what you want. I think you’ve more than earned it today.” Matilda softly giggled as she was lifted into the air and carried to the master bedroom. God Jennifer had missed that sound. “Can I take you somewhere tomorrow?” Jennifer asked once they were both under the covers. Matilda rolled over and faced her. “Where?” “On a hike to the lake. Just the two of us. It might be a little difficult for you, but there’s no rush. We can stop and take as many breaks as you need. I used to go there a lot by myself when things got too overwhelming. I want to share it with you.” Miss Honey could see the ghost of a smile on Matilda’s face. “You’re not luring me out there to steal a kidney, are you?” “A kidney? No no no. Little girls' hearts are much more valuable on the black market.” Jennifer said as she turned off the light. Jennifer laid perfectly still as she felt the covers rustle and move, until a dark shape came to snuggle up against her chest like old times. “You already have my heart.” …… She was gasping for breath. Sweat was beading down her face. “I need. A break.” she groaned, before nearly collapsing on a nearby rock. “Again?” Matilda scoffed. “I thought you said you used to hike this trail before.” “When I was a teenager.” Jennifer huffed between gasps for air. She glared at her shaky legs as if they had betrayed her before digging out her thermos and sucking from it as if she’d never see water again. “Drink some more too.” Here she had been so worried Matilda couldn’t keep up she hadn’t stopped to consider herself. Her worries had been for nothing, the girl was running circles around her. She could probably make it to the lake and back before Jennifer made it to the halfway point. “I’m fine.” Matilda grumbled, shifting from foot to foot. “You’ve been forcing water down my throat every five minutes. I feel like I'm being waterboarded.” “I don’t want you getting sick from heat exhaustion.” “Can we keep going?” Matilda said impatiently. “It hasn’t even been thirty seconds. Give me a minute. I’m old.” “You’re not that old.” “What’s the rush? We’ve got all day.” Jennifer said, choosing to ignore the “that” in her daughter's statement. She was only twenty-three. Apparently, a very out of shape twenty three year old. Matilda grumbled something under her breath and fidgeted. Jennifer shook her head. She knew that dance. So that’s why she was so eager to keep moving. “Matilda, go squat somewhere if you need to go potty.” “I’m fine.” Jennifer rolled her eyes. Some things never changed. “If you’re waiting for a bathroom you’re not going to find one out here.” “I don’t need to.” Matilda said, looking away. “Liar liar pants on fire. Well how about we just try? Thirty seconds.” Matilda faced her, a sudden mischievous glint in her eyes. “Alright, mom.” Jennifer narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Alight, go on.” She gestured to the edge of the trail. Matilda remained motionless. “What are you waiting for? It’s just us here.” “You.” Matilda said with a smirk. “Okay, okay.” Jennifer turned around on her rock so she was facing the other way. “Go on.” “Not what I meant.” Jennifer twisted back around to look at her. “You said it, not me. We are going to try.” Matilda said emphasizing the we part. Jennifer opened her mouth to argue. She was now acutely aware of just how wide open this space was. She really had to watch what she said around this kid. “It’s just an expression.” She tried. “What’s wrong, mom? It’s just us.” Matilda repeated her words with a smirk. Jennifer ground her teeth. “You think I won’t call your bluff?” “Nope.” Matilda said with a giggle. “I am POSITIVE you won’t squat down for thirty seconds with your pants down in the open.” “W-well, you’re right, because I’m not the one needing to pee.” “Are you sure about that? You sure have been drinking an awful lot of water. How will you know if you don’t try?” “Matilda, stop playing around. If you need to pee then just pee.” “I can wait.” “Matilda,” Miss Honey said, getting annoyed. “I said no!” Matilda nearly yelled. Jennifer stopped and took a deep breath. She didn’t want to fight. This was supposed to be about working past their issues, not driving the knife further. She was obviously still emotionally raw from yesterday. Her mood had shifted fast. “Okay, Matilda,” Jennifer said, calmer than before. “What do you want to do then?” “Wait.” “For how long?” “Until there’s more cover, I guess.” she mumbled. “I’m wearing my bathing suit under my clothes. ” “It’s pretty much like this all the way to the lake. ” “How much further?” “At this pace. A few hours.” She watched Matilda’s face fall. “You don’t have to strip naked, just move the crotch aside, and if it gets wet, no big deal, we’re going swimming in the lake.” “Oh, right. Hortensia showed me that once.” Jennifer frowned. “What were you and Hortensia doing for her to show you that?” “Oh.” Matilda shifted awkwardly. “I had asked her what she would do if she needed the bathroom in the Chokey. I didn’t understand when she said she just went.” Jennifer wrinkled her nose. “So that’s why I caught her washing her shoes in the sink at school.” Matilda chuckled lightly. “So was that the problem? Your bathing suit?” Matilda nodded. “It’s okay, we can work around it.” Jennifer inwardly cringed. There she was saying “we” again. “Take off your shoes, socks and shorts.” She said a silent prayer of thanks as the girl started kicking off her shoes, until the first pang from her bladder hit. You’ve got to be kidding me, she thought as the prayer turned to a curse. Here she had thought she had managed to weasel her way out. Sure, she could make it to the lake and go in the water like she usually did, but if Matilda caught her squirming in her emotional state. Her mind flashed back to her father. “Ugh, the things we do for our children.” he’d say in mock indignation before giving Jennifer a cookie or something. Jennifer sighed in defeat and kicked off her shoes. Matilda stopped mid sock. “When in Rome.” Matilda snorted. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” “Please don’t. I’m-” she paused, “different.” “It's an expression.” Matilda said. “And ooh, hair.” she said sarcastically. “That’s…that’s not what I’m referring to.” Jennifer said softly. Matilda stiffened. Matilda had seen her naked before, but she had remained tactfully silent when it came to her injuries below the belt line. Thank God she hadn’t adopted Lavender instead. This was probably the first time she had ever addressed it. With anyone. Ever. “Does it-” Matilda started to say, but quickly stopped herself. “Nevermind.” “Here, hand me your shorts, I’ll put them in my backpack.” She was about to pull her own shorts off when Matilda’s panicked voice stopped her. “Y-you don’t have to. I’m sorry. I-I forgot.” Matilda said looking embarrassed before casting her head down. “I wasn’t thinking.” Jennifer gave her a sad smile. “It's not something I want you to be thinking about, but don’t worry about it. I really did drink half my thermos already.” “Oh, uh, okay, I’ll-I’ll just wait over here for you then.” She stood stock still, facing away. “Hey, relax.” Miss Honey said, putting an arm around her. “We’re just trying, remember? Thirty seconds. Stand more like this or else you’ll just pee on your foot. There, you can hang on to me if you have trouble balancing, the ground’s a bit uneven here. See, easy, just like that.” She said to herself. She lowered herself down, and moved her bathing suit aside. If she was going to go through this whole production, she may as well actually get it over with. No point in pretending. She closed her eyes and waited. Just when she thought nothing was going to happen, she could feel things start to slowly work its way out. Out and into her bathing suit. “No, no, no!” She groaned. Matilda whipped her head around. “What, what is it?” “It’s going backwards.” Jennifer groaned, trying to re-adjust herself with her hand. So much for Matilda not seeing, Jennifer was practically holding it open. “Stupid scar tissue.” She could hear Matilda giggling beside her. “It’s just a bathing suit.” “Yeah, you're right.” Jennifer said. She let the material fall back into place before squatting back down and finishing through her suit. She should have just done this to start with if she had been so concerned with Matilda seeing. “Go ahead and ask me what you wanted to earlier.” “D-did she do that to you?” Matilda asked softly. “Yes.” Miss Honey said after a pause. “Does it hurt?” Jennifer racked her brain for a moment struggling to find an appropriate answer before settling with the truth. “It can, under the right conditions. The winter is most difficult. ” “Why in the winter?” Matilda asked after a long pause as they continued hiking up the trail. “The cold makes it ache.” They walked in silence for a long time, before Matilda finally asked. “Why did she do that to you?” “It’s a complicated answer, and one I don’t think would be appropriate to share with you.” She had expected Matilda to be angry, but all said was, “okay.” The conversation should have been finished, but Jennifer was surprised by herself when she found herself elaborating a few minutes later. “I wasn’t much older than you when it started. She taught me things at a very early age. Things I had no business knowing. Things I didn’t ask to know. I know you don’t think it’s a big deal since you already know what these things are and how they work, but I wasn’t like you, Matilda. I didn’t desire to know how everything around me worked.” “How old were you when she did…that.” “Sixteen, maybe. By then, certain…expectations had become the norm. It wasn’t this vile thing it used to be, more like an annoying chore. Now as an adult I see that wasn’t the case, just something I told myself. Well, one day she caught me doing these things…alone. I don’t know why she was so surprised or angry, she was the one who taught me. She often became enraged quite easily as you know, so it was her way of making sure I never enjoyed it again.” Matilda walked in silence processing this. “God, Matilda, I’m so sorry, you didn’t need to hear that, I just told you I wasn’t going to tell you and then I-” Matilda grabbed her hand and lightly squeezed. “Because you needed to tell someone.” “It makes me no better than her, forcing adult things onto you like that.” “Don’t say that! I was the one who asked!” Matilda said glaring at her. “I have a therapist. If I needed to talk to anyone it should have been her.” “So you only want me to talk to my therapist now and not you?” Matilda said, a tone of defiance in her voice. “No, Matilda, I want very much for you to talk to me, but there’s things you don’t tell your children and I’m afraid I just crossed a very big line. I’m sorry.” “I’m not.” Matilda said with a sigh. “I want to understand you.” “I’m not a science experiment, dear. You don’t need to analyze me.” “It’s not like that; It’s because I love you.” Matilda said softly. Miss Honey stopped walking and gave her a sad smile. Their relationship had been so rocky for months, it felt good to hear those words from her. Just…not like this. “Come here.” Miss Honey knelt down and opened her arms. “I love you more than anything, that’s why I want to protect you from the monsters in this world.” Jennifer hugged her tightly.” I’m afraid you’ve already met monsters of your own though. That’s why I wanted to bring you out here.” “They weren’t monsters; not like the Trunchbull.” Matilda said. “They didn’t throw acid on me.” “It doesn’t matter, Matilda. Sometimes the things people don’t say and do can be just as damaging as the things they do. And it wasn’t acid; it was a pot of spaghetti I had boiling on the stove.” Matilda winced. “At least she never touched me after that.” “Did that hurt?’ Matilda asked softly. “Getting boiling water poured on me? Umm… yes?” Miss Honey said incredulously. “No, t-the other thing.” Matilda said. Miss Honey frowned and stared at her a moment. “I-I don’t think I understand.” “Well, you said she never touched you again.” Matilda said slowly. “Did it hu-” “N-No! Of course not! S-she never violated me again!” “But did it feel like it then?” Miss Honey’s mouth went dry. Bile was rising bit by bit in the back of her throat. “It was the only sign of affection you had from her. Even though you hated it, and it was vile and horrible and you knew it was never affection at all. It was all you had.” Matilda said with a shrug. “Did it-” “Ma-Matilda, please just- just stop. No. No! It wasn’t like that at all. I never wanted her.” Jennifer spat out a little more forcefully than necessary. She took a few shaky breaths. Man, it was hot today. She pulled her shirt out from her chest a few times. The hot and humid air was making her shirt stick to her. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you. You surprised me. I just- where did you even come up with that idea?” The bile was rising higher. Matilda looked at the ground guiltily. “Nothing, it’s dumb. It’s not the same thing at all. I know that.” “What isn’t the same thing?” Jennifer's legs were starting to shake, and there was a sharp prickling behind her eyes. She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that she wasn’t going to like what she heard. “I thought that, in a miniscule way, there were similarities. Like with my brother. All he ever did was torment me. That was almost our entire relationship. Once he even stuck my head in a toilet. I hated him and the rest of my family. My life has always been better with you. It’s as plain as day to me that this is better. But when I saw him and he didn’t come after me to trip me or pull out my chair, in a weird way, it kind of hurt. Obviously, him not coming after me is a great improvement, but it made me so angry for some reason. Like It really hit home for me I meant nothing to them.” “I’m sorry Matilda, I’m going to-” Jennifer dropped her backpack with a loud crash and sprinted to the edge of the trail to be sick. “Mom, are you okay?” Matilda called out. “Yeah, I’m ok.” Jennifer yelled back before wiping her mouth with the back of her arm and sitting in the dirt. “Can you bring me my thermos though. It’s in the backpack.” She cringed a little as she watched Matilda try and pick up the backpack. “Mom, what the heck?” She unzipped it and pulled out the thermos. “No wonder you made yourself sick! You’ve been carrying rocks with us this whole time? I was starting to think you just liked sitting on every hot boulder we passed.” “Leave them!” Jennifer called out. “It’s part of why I wanted to bring you here.” “What? To drown me?” Matilda called back. She handed Miss Honey the water jug, who took a few, slow sips before standing up. “Are you sure you’ll be okay? “Yeah, we’re almost there. Less than a mile now. See all the weeds coming up? Hey don't throw the rocks out, we need those.” “I’m not, I was just going to carry some.” “Matilda, you can’t lift all those by yourself, put some back.” “I don’t need to.” Jennifer watched her put some in her own pack, some in her arms, and some hung in the air and followed silently along. “But how long can you keep that up for?” Miss Honey asked. She picked up her own bag and hefted its weight. It was much lighter now. Matilda shrugged and followed along. They were both exhausted by the time the large pool of water came into view. They both collapsed in the grass by the water's edge. “Why? Why did you try to kill us with all those rocks?” “So we can throw them. But later, let’s go swimming.” The only thing on her mind now was getting her waist into the lake. While Matilda had no problem stopping as needed along the trail, Jennifer's experiment with gravity had left her leery of re-attempting it. Despite rinsing off with the water jug, hiking in a wet bathing suit had been a rather uncomfortable ordeal. She turned to find Matilda squatting in the grass. “You can just pee in the lake, you know.” She saw Matilda scowl and paused on her descent. “Uhh, no thanks, that’s how you get parasites.” “Parasites?” She looked to the water, then back to Matilda. “This isn’t Africa, or South America.” “You can get human urinary myiasis if you urinate in warm water. It’s where larvae travel up and into you and lay eggs.” Miss Honey scowled. She looked to the water with longing before sighing in defeat and squatting down. Privacy was so close, but so far. After swimming for a few hours, Miss Honey laid on her side on the grass watching Matilda’s chest rise and fall as she napped in the sunlight. She looked up at the sky. They’d better do what they came here to do before it got too late. She sat up and upended her backpack as rocks and more rocks came tumbling out. She reached into a pocket and pulled out a few markers. Matilda opened her eyes and slowly sat up. The next thing she knew she was being handed a marker and a pile of rocks. She watched curiously as Miss Honey wrote something on a rock before staring at it silently. Then without warning, she reared back and pitched it forward into the water with all her strength. “I want you to take a marker and write something on a rock that upset you, but you don’t have to tell me what it is. Then you’re going to channel all that rage you have stored up and channel it into the rock. And when you’re ready to let those feelings go, throw it as far and hard as you can.” Matilda watched Miss Honey pick up another rock and repeat the process before picking up one of her own. She uncapped the marker and wrote “rules” before glaring at the rock. She imagined the tan stone turning black with her disgust over them before throwing it into the water. She watched as it silently sailed through the air before landing with a satisfying splash. It was cathartic. She picked up another and wrote “bedwetting” before she sent that too into the air. She followed those with, “helpless” “weak” and “loneliness.” With a final splash, the last rock in the pile disappeared. She was exhausted, hungry, sore, and yet, she felt lighter than she had in months. Miss Honey sat on the bank and retrieved something from her backpack. She stood and handed three of the objects over. “These last ones. I really want you to stop and think, really think before you toss them. It’s okay if you're not ready. We can take them back with us.” Matilda stared at the three rocks. Each one had a picture of one of her family members on it. A hard lump began to form in her throat. Her eyes burned. She sat on the bank and cried for the loss of the family she knew she truly never had. … It was late by the time they had gotten home. Both of them were exhausted and ready to drop. Miss Honey frowned in confusion at the note taped to the door. Call me, it’s urgent. -C & H “Whose that?” Matilda mumbled, half asleep. “Whatever it is, it can wait till morning.” Jennifer grabbed the note off the door before fishing out her keys. “Home at last.” She threw her keys onto the kitchen counter before staring at the answering machine in alarm. Seventeen missed calls!? Her stomach dropped. She pressed play. A babbling and near hystaric voice greeted them. There were parts Jennifer wasn’t sure if the voice was laughing or crying. She couldn’t understand a single word being said. She didn’t even know who was calling. She looked to Matilda to see if she had any clue, only to find her white as a ghost. “Who is it? Do you know?” Matilda, eyebrows knitted in concern, nodded her head. “It’s Hortensia.”

It’s something I’ve been considering, especially with the idea of an ending I have. Part of me doesn’t want to write it cause it’ll be pretty intense, even for me, but it ties everything together.

Mrs. Reinfield sat at her kitchen table deep in thought, hand absentmindedly poking at her nearly untouched dinner. Normally she could separate herself from her patients and leave her work at the office, but tonight her mind was plagued by one of her clients in particular. A young girl and her adoptive mother. She had been seeing them for nearly two months now, but she was no closer to understanding the workings of the young child's mind than she had been on the day they first met. On the one hand, her short temper and emotional immaturity were on par with a typical child her age, despite what her mother perceived as irregular behavior. Children her age talked back and had meltdowns when they were stressed or didn’t get their way, but on the other hand, every once in a while, she got a quick glimpse of what the mother had been referring to as her “previous self” and it often left her speechless for a moment. Her insight of the world was uncanny. And when the girl looked at you, she didn’t merely look at-but into you. Then of course, there was the obvious. A six year old with the power to move objects with her mind. A power so strong, if the mother was to be believed and Mrs. Reinfield was discovering very quickly she could, she had the ability to shake the foundation of a building when upset. It was no wonder why the mother was so desperate to get the bottom of this. “Is everything okay, Helen?” her husband asked. “Yes, sorry, a lot on my mind.” “Want to talk about it?” Helen smiled. Her husband, Eric, was a bank manager. Child psychology was clearly not his forte, but she decided to humor him anyway. Maybe she was looking at this wrong. “I’ve got an unusual client.” “Unusual how?” “It’s difficult to explain. It’s a very young girl, and yet, she isn’t.” “Umm, I’m going to need a bit more to go on than that.” “Let’s say, hypothetically, she could do something extraordinary, like move things with her mind.” “Okay, obviously not a real client. Are you thinking of writing again? Is this the main character?” “Yes,” Helen said. She had written several young adult novels over the years, but it had been quite a while since she had picked up a pen. “But I’m having trouble with the characters' motivations. The little girl is very smart, like genius level IQ, but lately, she has been doing some very dumb things, like telling obvious lies and levitating objects in front of strangers when she knows she needs to keep it a secret. Why would she do that?” “For attention?” Eric said with a shrug. “It was my original thought too, but the more I ta- the more I flesh out the character, the more I’m discovering she isn’t the attention seeking type.” If she was looking for attention, why did she shut down the moment she got what she wanted? Most little girls loved talking about themselves, but not this one. Sure, she’d talk about her favorite authors, foods, things that happened during the day, but the moment Helen tried to dig past the surface, she’d freeze. “I think there’s some other reason.” “Have you given her a back story yet? Maybe if you focus on her past the present will make more sense.” Helen froze, spoonful of food halfway to her mouth. “Her biological family neglected her so her primary school teacher adopted her.” “You YA authors sure love your tragic backstories. Why can’t you give kids happy childhoods? People can still be messed up without villain backstories.” “If you think that’s bad, you should hear the teachers.” Helen stopped. She had been assuming something horrible had been going on at the daycare. She had a thought, but it was difficult to imagine a young child feeling these things. With Matilda though, it was very hard to picture what must be going through her head. Helen couldn’t make assumptions based on her age. “What if she thought the problem was too minor and was just too ashamed to admit that that was what was bothering her? Or she just didn’t recognize it?” Eric shrugged. “It’s your character.” ……………………… Jennifer let her head fall into her hands. She had been in the middle of preparing the order sheet for the new schools text books when the phone rang. It was the daycare wanting her to collect Matilda. She had been caught defacing the property…again. “What is going on?” Jennifer groaned. Her heart dropped when she walked into the lobby. There was Matilda, covered head to toe in paint and doing everything she could to avoid meeting her eyes. “What happened?” Jennifer asked. She was afraid to find out. An angry looking woman led her into a back room. Jennifer’s stomach clenched. “Why?” Was all she could manage to get out. ……………………. “Matilda, please put the marbles away. We aren’t playing games today.” Mrs. Reinfield said. “Sit on the couch. It’s time we talked.” Matilda remained silent, but sat on the couch. “Why did you smear paint on the walls? And don’t try to say it wasn’t you; you’re smarter than that. You were covered head to toe in it.” Matilda shrugged. “No more shrugging. I need you to answer me.” They both sat in silence. “It’s not fair for the person who has to clean up.” There, Helen thought, in her eyes, there was a sudden flash of anger. “The janitor didn’t deserve it.” “He’s off on Tuesdays.” Matilda said before she could stop herself. Helen raised an eyebrow, but Matilda volunteered no more. Curious, she flipped open Maitlda’s chart. “So you’re saying you wouldn’t have done it if he was there?” No answer. Helen eyed Matilda’s rap sheet. Smeared fecal matter on walls. July 12. Destroyed art supplies. July 17. Broke window on the 24th. Finger painted the classroom on the 31st. They were all on Tuesdays. Interesting. “Matilda, who’s in charge of cleaning up on Teusdays?” Silence. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll just have your mom find out.” “Some guy.” Matilda mumbled. Helen eyed her. Her body had gone rigid, and her fists were clenched at her sides. “And does this guy have a name?” Matilda mumbled something. “What was that?” “I don’t know.” she mumbled back. “I think you do.” “It doesn’t matter.” “I think it does. I think it matters quite a lot.” More Silence. “Matilda, did you plan to do these things ahead of time so this person would have to clean it up?” “I don’t want to talk about it.” “Yes, Matilda, we need to talk about it. Is this the person that’s been bullying you?” “No.” Matilda said, “He has nothing to do with anything.” But the tears told Helen a different story. ……… “I never noticed.” Jennifer said in shock. She started doing the math in her head. “It is all on Teusdays.” “I think it has something to do with someone who works there.” “Do you think they were hurting her?” Jennifer said, sounding worried. “Cause I’ll give them a piece of my mind, child or not.” “I don’t know the story, she refuses to tell me. Maybe her friends know.” ………. “Did she know anything?” Carol asked. “Not a thing.” Jennifer let out a frustrated sigh. “It was too much to put my hopes in a six year old. Lavender said she didn’t even notice Matilda had been acting differently, but it turns out they aren't playing much together anyway. ” “Maybe someone a little older and more observant could help.” Carol suggested. “No.” “If someone’s giving her problems, she’d scare the shit out of anyone.” “No.” Jennifer said again. She crumbled up their empty fast food wrappers. She sat silently for a moment and stared off into the distance at the play structure she had sent Matilda off into so she and Carol could talk. “What about the daycare? Did you find out who works there on Tuesdays?” “They gave me a complete run around when I tried to ask.” “They probably thought you were accusing them of something.” “Yeah probably.” Jennifer said with a sigh. “She’s so angry all the time. The psychologist wants to send her to a psychiatrist to be put on mood stabilizers and I don’t think I’m comfortable with that. She’s only six.” “Is there a reason you can’t pull her out? If you think the daycare’s the problem…” Jennifer leaned over and whispered a figure into her ear. “Jen! You could have bought her a fricken pony for that!” “Yeah well, I’m starting to wish I HAD bought her a pony instead.” “You spent that much to keep her away from Hortensia?” “It’s not only about Hortensia. I didn’t want her to be cooped up all summer while I worked at the school, and one of her school friends was going there. She really liked it at first, then it was like overnight she refused to get in the car. We had been arguing more, so I thought she was just trying to get under my skin.” “Well, maybe if she keeps this up, they’ll give you your money back just to get rid of her.” Carol said half jokingly.” “I was starting to think she was misbehaving to get herself kicked out, but now that the psychologist discovered she seems to be causing trouble on a specific day of the week, I just don’t know. I’ve tried asking her if there’s someone there she doesn’t like, but everytime I bring it up, she just walls herself off. I’m not sure which is more worrisome, her losing her temper or knowing her actions are calculated.” “Well, looks like this is where I come in.” Carol said with a mischievous smile. Jennifer knitted her eyebrows in confusion. “Someone needs to go see what’s going on down there and I have too much free time on my hands during the summer.” “No, Carol, I couldn’t ask you to do that. You’ve already done so much for us.” “You need a spy. It’s me or Hortensia. Personally, I think she’d open up more to Hortensia, but-” … “She really doesn’t like that girl.” Carol said under her breath on Tuesday morning as she stood under the awning of Clear View Academics Center. It was a large three story brick building directly in the heart of the wealthier end of town that lacked the prison esque feel of Crunchem Hall. She had gotten a quick tour the other day when she had offered to volunteer a few days of the week, all it had taken was a little white lie. They were weary of letting in strangers, until she had said she was Matilda’s grandmother here to help keep her in line. They seemed quite fond of her after that. It hadn’t taken Carol long at all to see why Jennifer had shelled out the money for this place. Compared to Crunchem Hall, it was a kids paradise. There was a computer lab, a library, hell it even had a makeshift movie theater. Now why on earth did Matilda hate it so much? She was more curious than ever now. “Mrs. Rodgers! Good morning! We can’t tell you how happy we are to have you join our family!” A middle aged man said, offering his hand. He wore glasses and a green polo shirt tucked into Khaki pants. Carol shook his offered hand, inwardly flinching at the logo on his shirt, belt buckle and glasses. His outfit must have cost him her whole months salary. And it wasn’t just him, the entire office staff seemed to be dressed in similar designer clothes. By the time she was introduced to the third and final staff member of the office, she felt wildly underdressed. The only other person who did not appear to have stepped out of a Prada and Versace Summer line up was a pudgy looking teenage boy in a t- shirt and denim shorts making copies in the corner. Carol’s smile faltered for a moment. The stack of paper next to him looked to be over a foot high. She hoped they wouldn’t be putting her to work in the office. It was Matilda and the other children she wanted to observe. “Go bring pallet of water from the storage and stock the fridge in the break room. It’s going to be another scorcher.” A woman said without looking up. Carol was unsure who she was speaking to, but the boy grunted, and quickly left, seemingly happy to get away from the mundane task he had been previously given. “And don’t take an hour this time! I better see you back at that copier in fifteen minutes!” Carol caught a glimpse of him rolling his eyes before disappearing around the corner. Carol breathed a sigh of relief when she was led into one of the other rooms with children. The adults present seemed to be much more reasonably dressed than the eye candy out front. She glanced over the many little heads and spotted Matilda tucked away in a corner by herself. Carol frowned. She would have expected her to have her head in a book, but she just sat there, scanning the room from side to side. Their eyes met, and a bit of life shone in them. She stood and hurried towards them. “Are you here to pick me up, Mrs. Rodgers?” Matilda asked hopefully. “No silly, you just got here.” Carol said, before leaning down. “And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Grandma.” “Grandma?” Matilda asked puzzled. Carol winked conspiratorially before giving her a hug. “I may have fudged a detail or two so I could come work here for the day.” Carol whispered. “Why would you want to work here?” Matilda asked, face wrinkled in disgust. “Two words, kid. Air Conditioning.” It hadn’t taken long for Carol to notice one of Matilda’s complaints to ring incredibly true. The place was full of snobs. These kids, and even adults, seemed to come from completely different worlds. “I went to Milan with my parents.” A girl no older than eight said after Carol had asked how she was enjoying summer break. “Oh how neat, I love that movie.” Carol said. The girl frowned in confusion. “Milan, not Mulan, you know, Italy.” She said, as if Carol was somehow mentally slow. “I wanted to go to Rome though. My parents said maybe for my birthday. They did get me this though while we were there.” She showed Carol a gold colored heart shaped locket hanging around her neck.” “Wow, that’s very beautiful, wait, is this real gold?” “Yes,” The girl said, drawing out every letter, as if to say, “What else would it be?” “Are you sure you want to wear that here? What if it gets lost?” The girl shrugged and walked away, leaving Carol feeling dumbfounded. She tried to make eye contact with Matilda as a way of asking, “Is this place for real?” but Matilda wasn’t paying attention. Her eyes were trained on the door. “Hey,” Carol said, coming to stand next to the only familiar face. Matilda seemed to nearly jump out of her skin. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Are you waiting for someone? You keep looking at the door.” “No.” Matilda said. “Honey, are you okay? You look exhausted. You’ve got dark circles under your eyes. Are you sleeping okay?” Matilda merely shrugged. “Do you want to lay down?” “No!” she said more forcefully than Carol had ever heard her speak. “I’m fine.” she quietly added. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without your nose in a book. Have you seen the library in this place?” “Yeah, it’s big.” Matilda said half-heartedly. “So…” Carol said. “I thought you’d be all over that.” “I don’t feel like reading.” “Don’t feel like reading?!” Carol said in exaggerated shock. She placed a hand over her heart. “Who are you and what have you done with Matilda?” Around noon Mrs. Rodgers led the room out to the playground and baseball field. Her jaw nearly dropped. It was massive! It put Crunchem Hall's sad, little metal contraption the kids called a jungle gym to shame. There were swings, slides, bikes, tricycles, scooters, a tennis court, a baseball field, and even a swimming pool that offered swimming lessons Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. But then she noticed something that made her do a double take. Along the baseball field's metal fence were the banners of sponsors, various fast food establishments and local businesses, but the largest and gaudiest of them all read Wormwood Motors. Carol frowned. It looked much newer than all the other sun bleached signs, but it was covered in holes and dirt . She wondered who could have possibly been responsible. She had to hide the smirk on her face. Curious, she approached one of the other female workers who was helping a boy across the monkey bars. “Just out of curiosity, what does Wormwood Motors have to do with this place? Is it really a sponsor? I’ve heard some rumors he’s not the most reputable business owner in town.” “Oh, him.” The woman rolled her eyes before leaning in conspiratorially. “You want the dirt?” “Yes please.” Carol said with a grin. “He didn’t have a choice. His son and his friends were caught breaking in and trying to steal the computers. He made a huge donation to keep them from pressing charges.” “Oohhh.” Carol said. “Yeah, and they’re making him work here during the summer to pay restitution.” “Wait, he’s here?” Carol said with a frown. “Yeah, ” “And they wouldn’t happen to make him clean the buildings on Teusdays when the janitor is gone, would they?” Carol made eye contact with a little face sticking out from one of the towers. “Come down, Matilda.” The face disappeared. “Don’t make me come up there.” Carol waited a moment before sighing. “Alright, I’m coming up.” She groaned and forced herself up the rings, before hoisting herself up onto the platform. “I’m too old for this.” She muttered before finally getting her bearings. “You kids make that look so easy.” She huffed. She approached the figure who sat huddled in the corner with her head buried in her knees. “So,” Carol said as she slowly lowered herself down beside the girl. “Your brothers here.” She waited patiently for a response, but none came. “Is that what this is all about?” “Leave me alone.” “If he’s bullying you, I don’t care if he’s a kid; I'll beat his ass.” Carol frowned as the figure began to silently sob, her body rising and falling with shaky breaths. “Hey, what is it? You can tell me.” “I-I-I-c-cant!” “Yeah you can, I’m your grandma, remember. Grandma’s don’t judge.” Carol said, but Matilda shook her head. “Has he done anything to you?” Shake. “Did he say something to you that upset you?” Shake. “Is it-” “I-I d-don’t know!” Matilda cried. “Leave me alone!” “Do you want to be here?” “N-no!” “Okay, then let's go home.” Matilda slowly lifted her head. “R-really?” “Yeah, really.” “Jenny says I can’t because they’ll charge her more.” “Oh, don’t worry about that. I think I know a way around it.” …. “I got here as quickly as I could! What happened?” Jennifer demanded, nearly barreling over Carol to get inside. “Shh, she’s sleeping.” She gestured to the lump on the couch. “Why are you here? I thought you were going to volunteer at the daycare.” “All it took was asking the right person. I think I figured out what’s wrong, at least partially. It’s her brother.” “What?” Jennifer asked. “Her brother? She’s barely even mentioned him before.” “They have him working at the daycare. All the stuff she’s broken on Tuesdays. He’s the one who has to clean it up.” “So this was all just to get at him?” Jennifer said. “It’s more complicated than that, I think. We had a good talk after we got back. She says she doesn’t understand why she’s been acting out and so gung ho to go after him, and I’m no therapist, but it sounds like she was trying to get him to just acknowledge her. The staff said he had told them he was an only child, and maybe Matilda overheard it. She also told me about seeing Zinnia in the grocery store right before school let out for the summer.” “What?” Jennifer said in shock. She racked her brain trying to remember ever having seen her, but there was nothing. She had a sinking suspicion she knew what day it was though. “I wonder if that’s the time when she, well-” Carol nodded. “They made eye contact for a split second, and Zinnia walked away like nothing happened. Matilda was in shock. Come to the table, I want to show you something you left here.” They walked into the kitchen where Carol handed her a printed piece of paper from her time at the hospital. “This is from…” Jennifer said in confusion. “Look at one and two. Doesn’t that sound just like her?” “Denial and anger.” Jennifer read aloud from the Five Stages of Grief chart. “But they're only across town; they're not dead.” “Maybe to her, they could be.” Jennifer put her head in her hands, before swiping at her face and reciting a C.S. Lewis quote she had learned at the hospital. “I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her real name was grief.”

Matilda could feel the wave of anger emanating from Miss Honey’s core as her flats stomped and pounded up the walkway behind her. With the palm of her hand pressed to Matilda’s back, her adoptive mother forced her feet forward. Matilda felt like she was being led to the gallows. “Get inside.” Jennifer barked. Matilda watched as Jennifer tried and failed to get her house keys in the lock as the keyring shook and jangled in the trembling woman's hand. “Take off your shoes, go to your room and just, just stay there. ” Matilda kicked her shoes off with a little more force than was necessary. This was so unfair! “You better knock that attitude off, young lady!” “Or what? You’ll make me stand in the corner?” Matilda growled between clenched teeth. She watched as Jennifer's face began to flush. Matilda felt a small wave of satisfaction deep inside her. For reasons she couldn’t comprehend, she wanted to get under the woman’s skin. She knew in the back of her mind she loved Jenny more than she had ever thought she could love a fellow human being, but these last few weeks everything about the woman was irritating! The way she sing song called her name in the mornings! The way she always made her stay in her sights when they left the house! And wouldn’t let her use the stove without her permission and supervision! Matilda had been cooking for herself long before Miss Honey had come into her life! It was just pancakes, Matilda thought bitterly. She could have at least said thanks. “You know what? I have had it with your behavior lately! I don’t know what’s gotten into you! First the daycare window, and now t- this?” Miss Honey said followed by a choked back sob. “You’re overreacting.” Matilda said with an eye roll. “OVERREACTING? Matilda, do you have any idea how scared I was!? When I went to pick you up, they told me they couldn’t find you! I called the police, Matilda! I was certain you had gotten snatched!” “I was just messing around, like they told you.” Matilda grumbled. “Didn’t want to stop, you know, playing.” she said quietly with a touch of sarcasm. In the blink of an eye, she found her cheeks pinched together between Jennifer's hand and her face pulled forward. Jennifer leaned down and forced her to meet her eyes. “I called the police because I was certain that if my highly intelligent and mature daughter didn’t come out after hearing her name frantically called for over ten minutes by seven different adults, it must mean she’s either dead or not in the building! I thought I knew you better than to think you, of all people, would sit there not ten feet away underneath a table cloth, and let me believe the worst! That you’d rather sit there in the cold and listen to me cry, than to come out and let me know you were at least safe! That you-that you’d rather pee yourself than make the worst day of my life stop!” “Worst day of your life?” Matilda said incredulously! “This was far from the worst day of your life! Worst day of your month maybe! I said I was sorry! It wasn’t like that.” ….. “Then tell me what it was like?” The woman who sat cross legged on the carpet across from Matilda asked. “Look, i’m just throwing this out there, and see, maybe if it fits with all those feelings and emotions you say you can’t explain. If it doesn’t fit, that’s totally okay.” Matilda sat in front of the therapist and stared down at the circle of marbles. She clearly wasn’t interested in their game or she would have noticed something was amiss everytime Matilda took a turn. Her marble would hurdle forward, mysteriously turn directions, and knock out several marbles one at a time in ways that clearly disregarded the laws of motion despite barely being tapped. She had been amused by a new game she made. It gave her such a rush. To see what she could get away with right in front of people. Could she make an object float in the air right outside their peripheral? If they saw it, how would they react? Would they assume it’s a trick of the light, or would they believe what they were seeing? Questions like this poured into her mind, and she needed to know. Mrs. Reinfield was apparently a trick of the light kind of person. “Matilda, were you maybe a bit upset over what you’ve come to call the, ‘wardens rules’ at home and maybe, the reason you hid was because you felt just a little bit justified making her worry. Do you think maybe you hid because you wanted to punish her a little?” Mrs. Reinfield asked with her fingers indicating a minuscule amount. Matilda brustled. “No,” she said a little too quickly. She lost concentration and fired. With a tiny tap of her thumb she had sent the marble shooting out and smashing every other marble in its path leaving behind a trail of glass. Matilda slowly raised her head with a blank expression. How long could Mrs. Reinfield lie to herself? “Matilda, let's put away the marbles; I know what you’re doing, and yes, I've noticed what you can do and we can address that later if you wish, but right now-” “I’m surprised she told you.” Matilda stared at her for a moment. “I’m surprised you believed her.” Mrs. Reinfield let out a nervous chuckle and mumbled something that sounded like, “I may owe her an apology and new diagnosis.’But Miss Honey everyone thinks their child is exponentially smart and special’” she said in a mockery of her own voice. Matilda made the marbles rise and twirl as Mrs. Reinfield stared in amazement before snapping back. “Put the marbles down and let's talk about last night.” “Aren't you going to just accuse me of looking for attention again?” Matilda mumbled. She let the marbles drop before manually scooping them back into the bag. “I wasn’t accusing you of anything, last time. I’m not here to point fingers and assign blame.” I’m here to help investigate what may have happened and hopefully help open a line of communication between you and your mom. You’ve brought up concerns of trust, and she wishes you would open up to her more.” “It didn’t happen like they said.” Matilda blurted out. “I wasn’t hiding from them.” “If you weren't hiding, then what were you doing?” “I was sleeping.” Matilda said with a sniffle. “At first.” “But you must have woken up when everyone started yelling your name?” Mrs. Reinfield asked. “Yeah.” Matilda said, barely over a whisper. “I thought I was in trouble.” She hung her head. “Matilda, was there a particular reason you were sleeping underneath a table cloth? You could have laid down inside if you were feeling that tired, somewhere where’d they have known where you were?” Matilda shook her head. “I can’t just sleep out in the open. They'll pour water down my pants again.” Matilda grumbled. “He got me put on the bed wetter list so now every time I even look sleepy they make me wear those stupid padded training underwear. He tried to pull me back into a plastic chair full of water so it looked like I had an accident during the day, but one of the helpers saw him do it.” “Who is doing this to you? Is one of the boys picking on you?” “ It’s an old classmate from Miss Honey’s class. We sort of unintentionally swapped shoes for an afternoon kick ball game and he’s had it out for me ever since.” “Had it out for you how?” “This one time Lavender,another one of my old classmates, yelled during class I was wearing a diaper, so now he goes out of his way to knock over my cup of water into my lap,” Matilda finished with a huff. “Is it at all possible he bumped into you accidentally?” “No! He’s been harassing me all week!” “All week? So this hasn’t been happening for, say, a few months?” “No,” Matilda said with a scrunched up face. “He used to be nice, until a few weeks ago. Now he goes out of his way to torment me. He just wants to look cool in front of Greggory, one of the guys from the highschool.” “You know you can tell me the truth here. You’ll never be in trouble for telling me the truth.” Matilda scowled and looked away. “Do you think, maybe, you had an accident that day and were just trying to assign blame because you were embarrassed? Because from what your mom has told me, Nigel, the boy you’ve been saying is picking on you, wasn’t there the day you claimed he knocked over your cup.” “I don’t want to talk about it.” Matilda said flatly, trying to avert her gaze and stare at anything besides the woman with the long curly red hair. “Alright, then let's talk about you smearing poop on the walls.” “ I did NOT smear poop on the walls!” Matilda snapped. “They made it sound like I took my own poop and smeared it around inside the building! Someone didn’t pick up after their dog, and I stepped in it! There weren't any sticks outside or grass to rub it off. I took my shoe off and scraped it clean using the bottom corner of the brick building.” Matilda conveniently left out the part where she had stepped in it on purpose in order to track it inside for the janitor to clean in order to cover the smell of her own accident. “Your mother’s concerned about this apparent shift in behavior. She said it was very unlike you to act out in such extreme ways. You’re not in trouble, Matilda, but we need to get to the bottom of this.” Matilda said nothing. “Did something happen at this day care that upset you?” “It’s an afterschool club, not a daycare.” Matilda said icily. “I hate it there. It’s just a bunch of snobby rich kids, like Nigel.” “Why though? Jennifer said you were so excited about it and said you had a blast the first couple of days, so she went ahead and prepaid for the rest of the summer.” “I changed my mind.” Mrs. Reinfield let out a small sigh. “Alright, Matilda, that’s it for today, I’ll see you here next week at the same time.” Matilda got to her feet and headed for the door. “Would you mind if I spoke to your mom for a few more minutes before you leave? I still need to apologize.” The woman winked, but Matilda left with the same blank expression she had worn coming in. “Please tell me you have some idea about what’s going on?” Jennifer asked after lightly sitting on the couch and resting her face in her hands. “I have some theories.” “Tell me!” Jennifer urged. “I think a good first place to start would be with you.” “With me?” Jennifer said, raising her head in alarm. “Yes, I think a good first step will be to manage your expectations.” “But-” “Yes, I can see where you’ve been coming from. Yes, she’s intelligent, yes, she’s mature…for her age. She isn’t an adult. Her brain isn’t even close to being fully developed. She doesn’t yet have the ability to think logically in the face of extreme emotions. Let me ask you something, Jennifer. You’ve told me she likes to ‘punish’ people, who in her opinion, have wronged her. Did you really think she was missing? ” “YES!” Jennifer nearly shouted. “Or were you hurt that she felt you needed to be punished?” Jennifer opened her mouth before closing it again. Had she known she was under the table the whole time? No, it was the furthest thing from her mind. “Did something else happen yesterday? Before she went missing? Did you get in a fight at all?” “N-no, it wasn’t a fight, but she did throw quite the tantrum yesterday morning. I told her to eat some cereal for breakfast since I was too tired to cook and wanted to sleep in some more. She knows she isn’t supposed to use the kitchen appliances, I’ve told her so many times it’s too dangerous, she’s only six, but she went behind my back and made pancakes. I found her eating them at the table when I came down.” “And how did you react?” “Well, I told her I wasn’t happy about her breaking the rules.” “And how did she react?” “She threw a plate of them across the kitchen. Her behavior has been so out of control. She’s deliberately breaking all the house rules, picking fights with people, back talking. It’s just so not like her.” ”From what you’ve told me about her past, this behavior isn’t surprising.” “But she wasn’t like this before!” “The thing you have to understand about a young child coming from a neglectful home, is just because you remove them from the situation, it doesn’t mean everything’s going to be fine. Neglected children are some of the hardest to raise. From the time they are born, until around age five, a babies brain is developing and learning from social cues. From what you both have told me, Matilda never bonded with her biological parents. She never learned how to rely on other people for the things she needed. Now that she’s in a safe environment, her brain may not be capable of turning that programming off. It’s fully wired and ingrained in her that if she needs something, she has to do it herself. I’ve seen several cases of attachment disorder; it doesn’t matter if they are regularly fed three full meals a day, it’s still common to see things like food hoarding and binge eating. Their brains are telling them that if they don’t eat or hide away food, they may never eat again, and this can be a lifelong challenge.” “But why now? If that were the case, then wouldn’t I have noticed this sort of behavior before?” “There’s been a lot of large changes that would set most children back. You’ve recently moved into your aunt's house.” “My fathers house.” Jennifer corrected. “I’m almost done purging the house of her.” She was one week, and a fresh coat of paint away from it being like she was never there at all. If only she could wash away the memories like she had washed the cigar smoke off the walls. “It was supposed to be a colossal improvement to our living situation but…” It felt more like all it had done was drive a knife in between their relationship. “She’s talked about you not allowing her to see her friends.” Jennifer gritted her teeth. “She can see her friends! I’ve offered to take her to Lavender, I've offered to have Lavender over, or anyone else, except…” The therapist raised an eyebrow. “It was for her own good. It’s like everytime those two get together, Matilda gets hurt in some way. Everytime I’d go to pick her up, i’d have to take her to the hospital.” “Then what if you supervised them?” “I’d just feel better if Matilda spent more time with kids her own age. The friend she wants to see is twice her age and size. Isn’t that kind of weird? An eleven year old wanting to hang out with a six year old?” “So your concern is more about what this other girl gets out of their friendship?” “Well, yes and no. I mean, she’s not the greatest influence. She has a reputation for causing trouble at school. I don’t need Matilda picking up those habits. She’s enough of a handful as is. The two of them together could tear down the school.” “Did Matilda’s behavior begin to change before or after you separated them?” “Before. I think.” Jennifer said. She tried to remember. There was a day in particular that stuck out to her. “It was the very beginning of summer. We were shopping, Matilda was riding in the cart and she, well, she soiled herself.” Jennifer said with a frown. “Was she sick?” “No, that’s what was so bizarre. I mean, she’s had issues in the past of wetting, but that was because of a physical issue.” “It’s not unheard of, she’s only six. She could have just put it off too long.” “No, it wasn’t like that.” Jennifer explained. Her eyebrows creased in concentration. “I’ve seen her wet her pants before. There’s tears, apologies, and she panics like I’m going to punish her over it. She makes a much bigger deal out of it than I do. It would be different if she just waited too long out of laziness, but it’s never been the case. Like when she first started living with me, it was difficult for her to tell me when she needed something, like if we were out and about. So for her to have a much worse accident and not react at all. The whole situation was very strange.” “So she was uncomfortable coming to you with her needs? Has this improved?” “Yes, and I’ve learned to read her cue’s, like when something is bothering her or she’s not telling me something.” Miss Honey twisted her hands together. “I don’t know what to do.” “Well, a good place to start might be to unenroll her from the daycare.” “I’ve tried, but they won’t give me my money back and they want to charge extra to pull her out. She can’t seem to give me a straight answer as to why she doesn’t like it. Everything she tells me turns out to be a lie. I don’t know if she really doesn’t like it or is saying it to frustrate me.” “I do think there is something deeper going on. It may not be as Matilda describes, but it’s something. Between the personality changes, the tantrums, soiling herself, there’s something going on. She could just not be able to articulate it, or maybe she's scared or embarrassed to tell you, but the idea that she's doing it on purpose to anger you is unlikely.” “Well, i’m not sure whether to be relieved or worried.” “I know you’re not thrilled by the idea, but what if you invited her friend over to your house instead of Matilda going over there. She might be more willing to open up to her friend about what’s going on.” “I’ll think about it.”

I leaned up against the gym wall gasping for breath. Who was training who here? Beethoven came and rubbed up against my sweaty legs and began to purr. He seemed to have bottomless energy. Me on the other hand, not so much. “Again.” Fantina said. I looked up at her and groaned. We’ve already run through the obstacle course she had laid out five times today. “Do you want your license or not?” I gritted my teeth. Haven’t our after training “Play dates” been proof enough I was serious? And why did I have to run in this dress? I cringed at the thought of the week i’ve been having. I can’t believe what i’ve put up with. No, what I’ve been willing to go through. Not being allowed to talk in anything but broken english and a high falsetto was bad enough, but bottles, high chairs, pacifiers, baby food, and where did she even get these ridiculous outfits? Just being seen wearing one of these dresses would end any reputation I ever had hoped to achieve. It wouldn’t matter if I actually became a trainer. One look at this thing that very much, on purpose, showed people your underwear, or worse. It was almost like a stiff purple tu-tu without leggings. One glance from the public and I’d be on the Sex Offender Registry. Umbreon nuzzled my leg. Worth it. “IN THIS CORNER! FRANCIS AND HER UMBREON, BEETHOVEN!” Fantina yelled into a pretend microphone. I perked up. This was new. “AND IN THIS CORNER, FANTINA AND HER POKEMON MISDREAVUS!” I whipped my head around to find another ghost pokemon hovering in the corner. Was she finally going to teach me how to battle? So far all she’s been doing is making us run laps and having her ghosts throw balls at us while we dodged. I get Umbreon, but why me too? Was she trying to tire me out so I didn’t fight back later? I've learned just a few smacks from her hairbrush usually takes the fight out of me. By the tenth one I’m the most well behaved baby there is. “AND WHAT’S THE PRIZE IF THE CHALLENGER WINS? CHOCOLATE MILK AND A MOVIE!” Chocolate milk? I perked up, ignoring the fact the prize was still baby time. “AND WHAT IF SHE LOSES?” Fantina continued announcing as if she was in one of the old contests. “A NEW PUNISHMENT!” That didn’t sound too bad. Other than getting spanked, her punishments had ranged from standing in the corner, to no after training snack. I preferred standing in the corner. Sometimes I’d act like a brat on purpose just to end up there so I could pee without being watched. It was still obvious though since I squatted out of necessity. I could only pretend to drop things so many times and just stay there. I think the only thing I was hiding was the blush on my face. I was finding I was very food motivated and anti-pain. Fantina said her last baby loved getting spanked, but I just don’t see the appeal. Once she offered to let me ride the SIT-N-CUM again if I wet while I straddled her knees. I kept saying I only did it out of fear of getting spanked if I didn’t, but Fantina said “tell yourself whatever you need to.” “DOES THE CHALLENGER ACCEPT?” Fantina yelled. “I DO.” I threw a handful of treats into the starting ring and Beethoven dashed forward to gobble them up. I can do this. I looked up every possible move an Umbreon could learn. All I needed to do was yell moves until he recognized one. And Ghosts were weak against dark type moves. As long as Beethoven knows at least one, that chocolate milk is as good as mine. I mean, I get more experience as a trainer. “BEETHOVEN USE BITE!” I yelled. But all Umbreon did was lift a leg and begin to urinate on a weed. I groaned. Fantina was sure to spank me over the mess. At least it was concrete and not carpet. Great, now I need to pee. Something tells me she wouldn’t let me use the bathroom if I asked. “MISDREAVUS, USE HEX.” I winced as Beethoven let out a whimper. His fur stood on end and he let out a menacing hiss. Okay, maybe now he’ll listen to me. “BEETHOVEN, USE SNARL!” Nothing. “Quick attack!” Nope. “Swift?” Nada. I kept calling move after move, until Beethoven eventually left the ring entirely. “FRANCIS’S POKEMON HAS LEFT THE ARENA! BEETHOVEN IS NOW DISQUALIFIED. THE WINNER BY DEFAULT IS FANTINA!” she yelled into the water bottle. “Can you really even call that a match?” I grumbled. “You accepted the challenge.” Fantina said, giving me a malicious grin. “I went through the whole list. Is it really possible he doesn’t know a single move?” “He does seem a little…off.” She admitted. “Where did you find him again?” “In a crack caused by that loose Onix a few years ago.” Fantina shrugged. “Maybe he’s just a little slow. Give it time.” I considered myself a patient person, and normally I'd have no problem with this. But more time in this case meant more time as Fantina's pet. “Hey, wait, you’re a gym trainer. Don’t you have a whole bunch of ™ 's?” “For the winners.” She said with a smirk. “But would it work?” “I suppose so, unless…” “Unless what?” “Unless there’s something physically wrong with him, like a head injury. Someone could have abandoned him a long time ago if he was unable to fight.” My heart sank. Who could abandon such a beautiful creature? So what if he couldn’t make money, he’d still make a fine companion. “So what would happen if that were the case?” I asked. “He’d probably be put down.” Fantina said. “What? No!” I nearly shouted, tears burning my eyes. “If he can’t learn any moves, that means he’s not a danger!” “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, I think that’s enough for today.” “What do you want for a ™?” I said. “I need to know.” “I can’t just give them out.” “Please, I’ll do anything!” I knew I would regret it the moment the words left my lips, but if it meant saving Beethoven… I mean, how much worse could things get? If I had to have sex with her then fine. I saw the momentary twinkle in her eyes and gulped. Something in them said sex was the least of my worries. She patted my shoulder. “My little girl’s been working so hard. How about I give you a little chocolate milk as a reward?” Huh? But I lost. I eyed her suspiciously. I knew that look in her eyes screamed trouble, but I let her pull me along anyway to the nursery. “Arms up, baby girl.” I silently obeyed. This wasn’t anything new. Training had left me dirty and sweaty, two things Fantina hated, so I knew I’d be getting bathed. It didn’t make sense to me though. If she valued cleanliness and all things fashionable, why was she so fixated on me peeing myself and wearing diapers? “Oh my, such a dirty little girl. Were you rolling around in the mud?” I wanted to roll my eyes. She had seen Beethoven plow me down in a fit of excitement. After years of being confined, he always got the zoomies every time we went to the big open training room. “Aww and you got a boo boo. Don’t worry, mommy will make it all better.” My elbow was indeed missing a good chunk of skin. I let her undress me for a bath, but instead, Slip, in his Mucho Fantina form, grabbed me from underneath the arms and hoisted me up. I hated when he did that. “Lay her on her stomach please.” Slip unceremoniously dropped me on my stomach onto the changing table, violently knocking the wind out from my lungs. “GENTLY!” she yelled before sighing. I couldn’t see what she was doing as she rummaged through cupboards, but I knew it was nothing good. “Would you like some chocolate milk, baby girl?” I could hear liquid sloshing around. I perked up. I turned my head to find her shaking a canister of brown liquid in the strangest looking bottle. Whatever, I was dying to try some, I didn’t care how. I reached for it, but Fantina pulled it away. “Uh-uh, let mommy give this to you. Are you ready?” I nodded. And then, before I knew what was going on, she stuck it in me, not in my mouth, but my ass!” I let out a howl and tried to jump up, but Mucho Fantina was holding me down. “What are you doing!?” I demanded before groaning. My stomach! “Stop.” I moaned. “It hurts.” “Aww, but little Frankie was so eager for her chocolate milk.” My eyes felt like they were going to bulge. Sweat was beginning to run down my chest. I was going to explode if she didn’t stop. “Almost done.” “I need the bathroom!” I said in a panic. “Soon. You can go potty soon. Just a little bit more.” “No more!” Tears were beginning to spill from my eyes. I couldn’t take much more of this. “Almost.” I whimpered. This was torture. It was as if someone was taking a baseball bat to my stomach. “All done! My baby must have been so thirsty! She drank all her chocolate milk so eagerly!” “It hurts!” I cried into the table. “I know, honey, but it’s almost over.” “Can I use the bathroom now?” I asked through gritted teeth. It felt like a lead weight was sitting right over my butthole. “Hmm, nope, not yet.” I groaned again. She was putting something else inside of me. “Take it out!” I hollered. “Can’t have you making a mess.” I heard her rummage through the cabinets again. No! No! No! Not the diapers. Not for this! “Why?” Was all I could manage to croak out. “You said you’d do anything.” She began to get to work. Not just one diaper, but two. “What do you get out of this?” Sweat was streaming into my eyes. I felt like I was going to die. She had me rolled onto my side now as she stood in front of me. “I get to watch your spirit break.” With a gloved hand, she reached into the back of the diapers and pulled the plug. I involuntarily began to sob as a hot thick liquid began to flood out. “Shh.” She tilted my head up with one hand and rubbed a pacifier against my lips seductively slowly until I opened my mouth. “There, that’s better.” She stepped back to admire her work. I laid trembling on the table, naked except for the soiled diapers strapped to my waist. I glared up at her. She patted my backside and began to rub the mess around. “This isn’t very much. Are you still trying to hold it in?” I could see the corners of her mouth twitch into a smile. “I hate you.” I hissed between the dummy. “Then I guess you don’t want to get cleaned up?” I shot her a panicked look. “That’s what I thought.” She strode over and sat on the rocking chair. “Slip, can you bring her over.” I reflectively flinched as giant arms hoisted me off the table. I groaned. I could feel more of the mess begin to come out. I shook from the effort of holding it in. I was sat straddling her legs again, while facing her. I hated this position. “You’re shaking, baby. Tell mommy what’s wrong?” She held my waist with one arm and tucked a strand of my hair back with the other. I tried looking away but she pinched my face in place. I winced as she started lightly bouncing her knees. “Tell me.” “My stoma-” I tried to say but was cut off. “UH-uh. No big girl words. You know the rules. Do you want a spanking?” “No.” I mumbled. “Then tell mommy what you need.” “My tummy.” I mumbled. “Aww, is my baby's tummy upset?” I nodded. “Words.” “Yes, mommy.” I said through clenched teeth. I was going to bite a hole through this pacifier if I bit down any harder. “Hmm, I wonder what would make my baby’s tummy feel better. Do you have any ideas?” She gave me a small shake and I whimpered. “I need to-” I grimaced. “Yes?” “Go potty.” I mumbled, averting my eyes. “Do you need to go peepee?” “No.” “No? So if you don’t need to go peepee, what do you need to do, huh?” “Stop.” I moaned and was awarded with a flick to the forehead. “Say it.” “I need to…” I swallowed. “Go... number two.” “You need to make poopy?” I gritted my teeth so hard I could feel the plastic dummy break. “Yes.” “Say it.” “I need to…make poopy.” I said barely above a whisper. I could hear Fantina chuckling which only made me angrier. She pulled me forward so that my head was resting on her shoulder. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop teasing you. Go on and finish going potty and you can clean up.” I tried to push myself up, but she tightened her grip. “I didn’t say you could leave.” I let out a choked sob. This wasn’t like peeing. Everytime I felt even a hint of the mess trying to break free, my body locked up. “I can’t!” I sobbed. I could feel a hand on my back begin to rub circles. “Yes you can, I can feel you shaking. Finish making poopies and I’ll give you some real chocolate milk after a bath.” I shook my head, continuing to sob into her shoulder. It hurt so much, but I just couldn’t. “Give it a good push and it will be over soon. Don’t drag it out, you’ll only make yourself more miserable.” She began bouncing her legs up and down, jostling me. I let out a pained moan, before my body had had enough and pushed of its own accord. “There’s a good girl. Get it all out.” I sat there for a minute unable to do anything but sob. How had I gotten myself into this mess? Would there ever be an end? She went above and beyond anything I was willing to play and I had had enough. “Slip, could you take care of her while I run upstairs?” I scowled as I was lifted in the air and set back down on my back. Slip had now changed itself into a Blissey and was grabbing supplies out of the cupboard while Fantina made a beeline upstairs. I waited for her to be out of earshot. “Did she just leave you to clean up the mess she caused?” I asked as the diapers began to be peeled off. Slip’s hands stopped for a moment. “Has she done this to other people?” Slip stepped back. I watched curiously for a moment as he dug through a drawer before returning with what looked like a scrapbook. He handed it to me before returning to work. I looked through it and gasped. There were pictures of at least 10 other people dressed like babies and none of them looked happy about it. “Does she make you do all the dirty work?” Slip made a noise I took for a yes. “You know what would be fun? Gather your friends and let's talk.”

I AM working on the next chapter, apologies for the delay.

I’m going for a mix of both. In the game and show, she’s a typical one dimensional character who they only show as caring about one thing. She’s Described as “eccentric” and the way she’s dressed it reminded me so much of the hunger games.

Thanks ^^ I’m trying to make it easy to follow

When I started to come around, the first thing I noticed were the voices. I groaned into my pillow and pulled the blanket up over my head. I hated when the other boarders talked in front of our door. But wait… this wasn’t my pillow. Or my blanket. This wasn’t even my bed. I slowly opened my eyes feeling puzzled. Bars? Why were there bars? Had I gotten arrested? I slowly lifted my head and froze in shock. There was something in here with me. The black creature sat on its haunches, staring at me from the other end of the mattress, its red eyes glowing in the dim night light, the circular pattern on its fur illuminated. I slowly backed away until I could move no more, my back now up against the metal bars. I could feel my heart hammering. I curled myself into a defensive ball, arms shielding my head. Why was I in a cage with a pokemon? “H-help!” I called as loud as I dared to, which was barely above a whisper. Was this someone's sick idea of entertainment? Put someone in a cage with a deadly creature and watch them get mauled to death? The creature in question opened its mouth, flashing rows of deadly fangs and… yawned? I blinked in surprise. I ever so slowly lowered my arms from my face and stared at the majestic beast. Why wasn’t it attacking? Why wasn’t I being turned into a Filet-O-Francis? “H-hello.” I said timidly. I watched curiously as its long ears perked up at the sound of my voice. “Hi, there.” “Mrow.” The creature trilled. It almost sounded…happy. I cocked my head to the side as the pokemon mirrored my actions. I talked some more, eliciting a wag of its tail. In a moment of bravery, or stupidity, I slowly extended my hand out. It was still a good couple feet away, but the pokemon leaned forward to inspect them as I silently begged whatever higher power was out there to let me keep all of my fingers. I watched it give my hand a tentative sniff. I stared in bewilderment as the pokemon, instead of biting off a finger or two, began rubbing its face against my knuckles. I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face as the dark pokemon trilled and purred as I scratched the side of its face before sitting back down next to me. I never thought I’d ever get so close to a pokemon let alone touch one. “You’re so beautiful.” I said. The pokemon backed away for a moment, lifted a back paw and began scratching its face, flashing me a view of its nether regions. “Handsome.” I corrected. “I didn’t realize you were a trainer.” A voice from the corner said. I jumped in surprise, head snapping around to find the voice that had spoken from the darkness. I squinted. There in the corner, sitting in a rocking chair was a tall woman in purple robes. “Miss Fantina!” I nearly choked out. “Just Fantina, please.” She said, rocking back and forth, the chair creaking with every push of her feet. “I haven’t seen an Umbreon in years.” “Wait, I thought he was yours?” I looked to the Umbreon, who was now curled contentedly next to me with its head on my lap, nuzzling my hand as if to ask, “Why’d you stop?” “Those are your pants aren't they?” I followed her gaze to a lump on the floor. I could feel my face begin to flush as I remembered how I had gotten here. “You spanked me!” I nearly shouted my voice high with indignation. “You lured me down here, stole my clothes, and beat me!” “That wasn’t me!” Her voice took on a panicked quality. “None of that was supposed to happen. Was it?” Fantina now sounded as angry as I felt. I was taken aback. Why was she mad at me, I started to think until I saw a blob slide across the floor. I noticed it seemed to sink into itself as if trying to disappear under Fatina’s gaze. “Why?” was all I could manage to get out. “Ghost pokemon are notorious for pulling pranks. I was as much as their intended target as you were. I have to ask, if you had Umbreon with you, why didn’t you defend yourself?” I felt another wave of anger. How dare she insinuate this was my own fault. Then the rest of her sentence smacked me in the face. I stared at the Umbreon, who was now batting at a pom pom on the blanket. Wait… if this wasn’t her Umbreon… “Can you hand me my pants?” “Don’t put those filthy things back on in my crib.” “I just want something out of the pockets.” Fantina picked them up off the ground, holding them between her thumb and forefinger as if they were covered in mud and approached my cell. I thrust my hand into the now large bulge in the cargo pocket and pulled out the now full sized pokeball. With trembling hands I pointed it at the Umbreon, who growled at the sight of it, before disappearing into a red flash of light. I stared at the ball in my hand in disbelief before pressing the button on the front. Another flash of red light, and the Umbreon returned. “There was really something inside.” I muttered. I stared up at the Umbreon, a much deeper reverence and awe in my voice. “You’re really here.” Before I could think about what I was doing, I thrust my arms around the pokemon in a tight embrace. It let out a surprised yelp before relaxing as I ran my hands along its fur and talked to him excitedly. “I’ve been carrying his ball around with me in my pocket for years.” Fatina jumped to her feet. The quick sudden motion caught me off guard and I flinched back. “Are you a trainer?” She asked, much more firmly. “Yes or no.” “No.” I muttered, casting my eyes down. We both knew I wasn’t. “Do you have any idea how serious a crime smuggling pokemon into town is?” She asked, hands on her hips, nostrils flared and face set in a hard scowl. “I ought to call the cops right now.” “No!” I nearly shouted. “Please, no!” “First you break into my gym, ruin my nursery with your filthy clothes, and now you tell me you’ve let loose a wild pokemon in my gym!” I could feel the anger begin to boil. “I didn’t break in! You set me up! Your pokemon assaulted me! And I’m so-rry not all of us have access to running water 24/7. And what the hell kind of nursery is this? It’s big enough for an adult!” Fantina scowled at me while I scowled right back. “Does he look wild to you?” I finally asked, breaking the silence. We both looked at the Umbreon stretched out contentedly on the mattress. “They’ll kill him.” “I suppose we need to have a chat. Maybe we can come to some sort of arrangement.” She lowered the bars on the crib. “Let’s go upstairs, I’ll put on some tea.” “Let me get dressed first..” I mumbled, wrapping the blanket around myself. “Where’s my clothes?” “You’re not putting those rags back on in my gym. They need to be burned.” She said as she turned to walk upstairs. “Follow me.” My mouth hung open a bit. This lady was crazy, I thought to myself before wrapping the sheet around myself like a makeshift dress as I crawled off the mattress. And where had my shirt gone? If she was going to strip me while I was unconscious she could have at least taken the diaper off too. I blushed at the thought. I had had enough of being stripped naked. I turned around as I heard a soft thump. Umbreon had hopped off the bed too and was now padding along beside me. I scratched his head before ascending the stairs. ……. “Is this real milk?” I asked, staring at the jug of white liquid. Fantina stared at me curiously for a moment before nodding. “May I?” I asked, my voice rising an octave higher than normal. She gestured with her hand to help myself and I did. It was pure bliss. I tried to hide my enjoyment, but my face was an open book. A small smirk appeared on her lips. “Milk is a luxury in town.” I admitted sheepishly. “We just get the powdered kind in the tins.” Without a word she reached into her pocket and slid something across the table. I picked up the glowing object in the jar and held it out in my hand. Chimchar fur. “Ectoplasm isn’t real. I was going to give it to you as payment when you came back empty handed. You weren't supposed to get in; you were supposed to set off the alarm.” I showed it to Umbreon, who had been pawing and whining at my lap. “Oh, here,” Fantina stood and went to the cupboard. The moment she pulled a large black bag down, she was encompassed by ghosts. “NO! NONE OF YOU ARE GETTING A DAMN THING!” she yelled at them, waving her arms around wildly until they dispersed. I heard the contents of the bag clatter into a bowl before she came back and handed it to me. “See if-” she stopped mid sentence and stared as I popped a couple pieces into my mouth. A horrid taste spread across my tongue as I chewed, but I swallowed it down to be polite. “Thank you.” I said with a forced smile. “It’s delicious.” “I’m glad you enjoyed it, but-” she pointed at Umbreon who was desperately clambering to get at the bowl in my hands. I stared a little closer at the bag. Bile rose in my throat at the words, “Pokemon… food.” After I had drunk nearly half my body weight in tea and milk to get the taste out of my mouth, and Umbreon had devoured every crumb in the bowl in two mouthfuls and was busy pawing at Slip the Ditto, Fantina continued. “I should probably ask your name and where you're from.” “Frances, but some people call me Frankie, and I’m from here.” “Oh you’re local?” she asked. I noticed she seemed to sit up a little straighter. “Yes.” I said. “And, umm, how old are you Frankie?” “Twenty-nine.” I said. She leaned closer across the table. I squirmed in my seat, both from the close contact and from all the liquids that had practically run through me. I tried to close my thighs together but the diaper kept them a little too far apart. This is what I got for being greedy and drinking three cups of milk. “And who do you live with? A husband?” “No, no husband. My mom and a bunch of other people in the public housing.” I was starting to grow uncomfortable with all the questions .”Thank you, for this, but she’s probably back by now. I should really get dressed and get going.” “Wait, please.” Fantana said, before clearing her throat. I raised an eyebrow. “What did you think of my nursery?” “Uh, well, it was…large.” I said. “A crib that big could hold several children. Do you have kids, or run a daycare?” “I, uh, had a baby girl, but she’s… no longer with us.” My face fell. “I’m so sorry.” I said awkwardly. “Oh, no, not like that, we just broke up.” She said with a wave of her hand. “You broke up… with… your daughter?” I asked, feeling confused. “You’re very naive.” She leaned over and whispered in my ear. “It’s cute.” I felt my face redden. “I-I really need to get going.” I stood up, but so did Fantina. “Are you sure you want to leave so soon? You looked close to that Umbreon.” I froze in my tracks. “No!” She held up a hand to stop me. “Your secret’s safe with me.” She said before adding, “if” My heart sunk. “Give it a try.” She said in a low guttural voice. I swallowed and shifted my weight from foot to foot. “G-give w-what a try?” I could feel my mouth go dry. “I won’t turn you in if you’ll be my baby girl.” I took a step back. “I-I don’t do se-sexual favors.” I said, taking another step back. My eyes instantly went to Umbreon, who cocked it’s head at me as I backed up against the wall. “So you only like men?” she asked, one long purple fingernail tracing down my face. I let out a nervous whimper. This was one of the few situations I feared I would get into one day. That things would get so bleak that I'd have no choice but to offer…me. I just never thought it would be to a woman. “I’m asexual.” I squeaked out. I was dancing my legs in place and didn’t care if she noticed. “Who said anything about sex? It’s okay if you don’t like sex. We don’t need to have sex to have a good time.” She whispered in my ear. “I like sex; it’s people I don’t like.” I ducked out of her arms. “You don’t have to kiss or touch me. Just let me be your mommy and Umbreon can stay. We can pass him off as mine and you can visit him anytime.” I was going to retort but her next words made me stop in my tracks. “I’ll help you get your trainer license. I’ll teach you how to train him.” I turned to look at her. It was one thing to use the situation to try and steal him, but to offer the chance to actually keep him? And all I had to do was… what exactly? “A-and what does it mean? To let you be my mommy?” I asked, a nervous bead of sweat rolling down my face. “It means you come back downstairs with me, and I’ll bathe you, and feed you, and sing to you, and dress you up in cute outfits. I’ll only do what’s best for you. And if you’re naughty…” She leaned down and twirled a strand of my hair in between her fingers before whispering. “I’ll punish you.” I gulped. I shifted my gaze down to Umbreon who made eye contact with me and wagged his tail. “Okay.” I said in a tiny voice, tinged with the smallest hint of fear . “What’s first…mommy?” Her face lit up at the last word before it came to a simmer. I felt the sheet I was covering myself with fall away to the floor. I let out a surprised squeak as a hand reached down and cupped the front of my padded waist. “It’s time for your first punishment.” Three fingers began to run up and down against the front. “What?” I let out a surprised squeak. “Why am I being punished?” “Someone didn’t tell mommy she needed to go potty in time and now it looks like they're going to have an accident.” Her voice took on a deep husky voice as she whispered in my ear. My face began to burn. I stammered protests, but Fantina only looked more amused. I could feel more sweat begin to roll off my chest and face. Why was it so hot in here? “M-may I use your restroom?” I finally asked, doing my best to avoid eye contact. “I think it’s much too late for that.” She purred. “How about you show mommy why you can’t be trusted.” I let out a pitiful shocked whine. Was she telling me to…to… pee myself? “Fantina, I really-” “I’m mommy now, remember.” She took a firm hand off the diaper and pushed in between thighs until I was standing with my legs shoulder width apart. “That should make things easier.” She knelt down, now eye level with my waist, and looked up at me eagerly, her eyes full of hunger and excitement. My bladder throbbed in protest. This was too weird. I wanted to run away. I wanted to get out of this crazy ladies gym. This lady was supposed to be a legend. “You’ll feel better if you do as mommy says.” She purred. “Afterall, mommy knows best and I can tell how badly my baby girl needs to go peepee.” “D-do y-ou have to watch this closely? I don’t think I could even if I tried.” “Just this once.” she whispered. “There’s something so er-ot-ic about watching my babies struggle the first time.” She began to stroke the front again. I felt no attraction to this lady, but It didn’t mean I was immune to physical stimulation and I wasn’t happy about it. “You promised no sex.” I said, trying my best not to give in. “This isn’t sex, just a little light teasing.” She looked up at my face. “Is my baby girl sensitive?” she purred. I didn’t answer, but my bright red face and quickened breath answered that question for her. My bladder gave a strong warning pulse. “I really am going to pee on you if you don’t stop.” I tried to grab myself, but she knocked my hands away with a light bat of her fingers. “Go on.” She wrapped an arm around my waist and held me in place, and with her free hand cupped the diaper. I let out a whimper, but it was no good. “No, no.” I whined. My bladder couldn’t take it anymore. My body all at once seemed to lose tension. The crotch began to grow warm. As if to further embarrass me, I could hear a loud hiss as Fantina held the diaper tight against my skin and squeezed. Fantina said in a low pur. “Doesn’t that feel good?” I was too horrified to answer. Droplets of urine were beginning to cascade down my leg. The heat was driving me crazy. I wished I was alone in my room. The teasing followed by the heat was too much. She must have recognized the pained look in my face. Once the show was over she took my hand and began to lead me downstairs. “I have a cure for what ails you.” “I don’t want to have sex with you.” She didn’t answer, instead, she descended the stairs. I awkwardly shuffled forward, trying to ignore the trail of urine I was leaving down the hallway. When I got back to the basement, she gestured for me to take a seat in a strange plastic purple chair. It resembled the type used to keep babies sitting up in place, but on a much larger scale. I winced as I sat down with a loud squelch, legs kept apart by a plastic divider in the front. I felt myself relax a little, my front was safe from her touch. “You comfy, baby?” I was far from “comfy” but I shrugged. Umbreon came trotting down the stairs followed by the slimy blob. My face began to flush red in embarrassment at the wet footprints he left in his wake. All thoughts of the mess I had made quickly vanished. The front of the seat that was pressed into the diaper began to vibrate. I stared at Fatina in shock. She grinned at me. “Does my little girl like it?” I kept my mouth clamped shut. I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction again. She came closer and bent down to where she was eye level with me. “Did Frankie enjoy peeing while I watched? Did it get my new baby all hot and bothered?” “No!” I said, but my voice wavered. The chair was kicking up speed. Everything was getting warm again. “You know it feels much better if you rock your hips against it.” Her voice was growing husky again. I bit back a moan. The warm and wet material vibrating against my skin was getting to me. I tried to nonchalantly change my position, but it only seemed to make it worse. “It’s okay, you can cry out.” She whispered. I shook my head. I was done for. I gritted my teeth, I didn’t want to, but it was going to happen any moment now. And then the vibration stopped. “Well if you don’t like it, no point running the battery out.” She set the remote on the counter, before heading for the door. “I hope you don’t mind sitting tight for a moment, I have a mess to clean up.” I let out a whimper as the door closed behind her. How could she leave me so close to the edge? “Bitch.” I huffed. I shifted my weight from side to side. Bounced my legs together. I even tried rocking my hips against the restraint. Nothing. I tried to stand, but my legs were like jelly and wouldn’t support me. I guess I could finish the old fashioned way. I snaked my hand down but stopped as soon as I felt the dampness. I was soaked, and not in that way. “So gross.” I muttered. I looked over at Umbreon. “Hey buddy, want to get me the remote?” I watched as he walked back over to the crib, climbed in, and laid down. “Didn’t think so.” I stared at the Ditto in the corner. “What about you? I know you can grow hands. It’s the least you can do.” I watched in surprise as the blob slid over the concrete and began to morph and grow. Oh no, it was grande Fatina again. “Needs some work, but close enough.” Ditto reached onto the counter and picked up the remote. I nodded my head eagerly and motioned for him/ her/ it to bring it over. Then the laughter began. I shrunk down in surprise. The room was filling with ghosts. Two.. three…four..five, no six of them. A Duskel, Shuppet, Drifblim, Sableye, Gangar, and Spiritomb all stared at me, large grins plastered on their ghostly faces. Uh-oh. “FANTINA!” I screamed before letting out a surprised yelp. The chair beneath me came to life. I groaned. No, not like this. Not in front of an audience. But just as soon as it had started, it stopped. Then started again. My heart was racing. The crotch of the diaper was growing warm and pushing against me. My hips were moving on their own. She was right, it did feel better to rock. And then it stopped. I glared at them. “Quit it!” I barked at them. “Give me the remote!” The chair vibrated. Then stopped. Started then stopped. The ghosts were cackling. Each flip of the switch brought me closer to the edge, but every time I neared it, it stopped abruptly. My temper was flaring, but every angry outburst just made them laugh harder. “Please.” I finally begged. “Stop teasing me.” Tears of frustration and humiliation slid from my eyes, and down my face. “Just let me finish.” I heard something clatter to the floor. I looked up to find not a room of ghosts, but Fantina reaching down to pick up the remote. I hadn’t even heard her come in. She looked at the remote, then to me, eyes not of lust, but of pity. The chair hummed to life. “Please, don’t tease me anymore.” I begged. “Then I’ll make this quick.” I let out a moan as the centerpiece roared to life. My hips bucked involuntarily in fear of being denied. The cooled padding began to warm up again. Almost. Almost. The tension in my body began to release in pulses and waves . My breathing hitched. My hips stopped rocking as my lower half began to convulse. I was vaguely aware I was urinating again, but I didn’t much care. “Feel better?” Fantina asked as she switched the motor off. I weakly nodded as my senses slowly returned to me. I looked up to find a copy of me behind Fantina, rocking its hips in a chair with its tongue out like an ahegao poster. My face burned. “I will bite you again, don’t think I won’t.” Fantina turned to see my copy dissolving back into a gelatinous blob. “The power of Arceus compels you.” I said, making a cross with my fingers. Fantina clapped her hands together, making me jump. “I think a certain little girl is way past overdue for a bath.” I cringed as I remembered I was sitting in a puddle of cooling urine. Fantina offered me a hand up. I took it, but as soon as she got me to my feet, my legs gave out and I fell into Fantina’s arms. “Slip, a little help.” I shot the blob a weary glance as the Ditto began to transform into a Machamp. It stood flexing as if in the bathing suit round of a bodybuilding tournament before coming over and scooping me up. “Gentle.” Fantina chastised as it tossed me onto a shoulder. I let out a gasp as the air was knocked out of me. “Put me down.” I choked out. I hit the pokemons back with my clenched fists but it did nothing. It was like hitting a brick wall. Next thing I knew I was being carried upstairs. I heard a ripping sound as cold air greeted my backside. “Hey!” I protested before being unceremoniously dropped into a pool of warm water. I gasped as I surfaced to find Fantina balling up the diaper before going to the sink and washing her hands. “How’s the water?” she asked as if I hadn’t just been manhandled and stripped naked against my will. I glared at her. Or I would have if the water didn’t feel so heavenly. I nodded my approval and waited for her to leave, but she didn’t. Instead I watched as she gathered up soaps, washcloths and loofahs. “Normally, I’d give you some toys to play with, but let’s just focus on getting you clean.” “Toys? I don’t need toys.” I said. “And can I have some privacy?” “Don’t be silly, I can’t leave a baby alone in the bath. What kind of mommy would I be? Now shush and come over here.” I sighed in defeat. She was very dedicated to her role. I let her wash my hair, and I even had to admit, it felt nice. Until she got to my body. “I can wash myself.” I protested. “Get back over here.” she said. “Don’t make me count to three.” I stared at her dumbfounded. “One.” Pause. “Two.” Pause. “Two and a half.” I sighed and scooted back over. I didn’t feel like finding out what happened when she got to three. I tried to ignore her hands, especially when they moved to more intimate places, but something in the doorway caught my attention. “Umbreon! Were you looking for me?” I asked. He gave a short, “mrow” in reply and sauntered into the bathroom. He stood up on his hind legs and inspected the bathtub. “Don’t do it.” I warned. “Hey, shoo, don’t you dare.” Fantina said. I could see his hind legs getting ready to pounce. I scooted over just in the nic of time. Umbreon soared into the bath with a large splash before letting out a panicked howl as his limbs slipped and slid over the porcelain tub. Finally, he got out, but not before soaking the bathroom, and Fantina in the process. “No, no, don’t-” Umbreon began to shake out his fur, making sure to dampen any dry spots left. Fantina let out a low growl, but I smiled wide. “I think I’ll call him Beethoven.”