Anastasia McGinnis

12/4/19

"Nowhere's Folly" story.

Chapter 1

Peace. What does one think of when the term of "peace" is brought to mind? There are some who think of world peace, and a strife to end suffering for themselves, and perhaps for others. There is inner peace which is found only when given true quiet, and true happiness that comes with the royalties of being alone. Being alone with yourself is fine, although when alone with your loved one, that's a bit different. For now, Muriel was alone with Eustace, as the sun but curdled against the blue sky, making it only brighter outside. The excited Muriel continued kissing Eustace repeatedly, as he put a hand on her stomach. Pregnant. They could not believe it for one second. At their age, it was mere impossible. "Yer lookin pretty". Eustace said, kissing Muriel on the forehead. "oh yes, dear, as do you". Muriel said affectionately, although with much tired behind her voice. Eustace put a hand on her stomach. "this one's sure gon' get your fine look that is". "yes dear, I suppose". Muriel said. "they might also get some of your best qualities as well". "it's fine". Eustace said, "this one came a little late, I reckon". "that's fine, absolutely fine". "yes they did, although I'm sure they'll be wonderful". "we are very lucky with our other children, I'm sure this one will be just as favorable".

The thought did occur to them from time to time. They did have three other grown children, they had raised and brought up as their own. Muriel sighed, brushing the sheets. The same sheets she and Eustace had sex on. Muriel had been through it. Muriel knew the process, and she had conveyed true love to her one and only, her husband, even when it seemed they were no longer equals. She felt her stomach, that was now a bit bigger. She felt as if she was getting a second chance, starting over with the man she loved. Now the question remained, how would she tell Alex? "I'm a bit worn". Muriel said, putting her feet up on the bed. "oh, gettin' tired are we?". Eustace cocked an eyebrow. "yes, dear a bit". Muriel yawned. "I'm getting tired here, too bad we still have our smart aleck here". "er, I mean she's a delight". "yes, although…", Muriel's voice then turned to a whisper. "how will we tell her?". "I don't know, I was thinkin you could tell her". Their conversation was now a whisper, as the sheets rustled a bit. "yes, but she is a bit sensitive right now". "sensitive, heh?". "she told me I looked like an old man, bald, and turned right around, and did some more of her math, without sayin' another word". "yes, although she does have her difficulties". Muriel whispered. "it may be a bit hard for her to understand". "she's pretty smart". Eustace whispered back, with a bit of deep in his voice. "yes, but she's not…normal". "she's been deprived". "yeah, she's not capable yet". They talked for a while, both agreeing that Muriel be the one to tell her.

"she can handle it". Eustace said, putting a thin bony hand over Muriel's plump hand. "yes, I have the utmost confidence she will". Muriel replied. "right, right, but, since we're "tired", why don't we do somethin' special?". Eustace whispered. "I would, although our doctor recommends nothing happen for at least six weeks". Muriel replied. "eh, what do doctors know". Eustace snaked his hand underneath Muriel's black, silky, lace bra, unbuttoning it. From there, he put one leg overtop of her, as they both laid down. Kissing Muriel, he let his tongue snake it's way into her mouth, pushing, and pushing, pressing against her tongue as the both of theirs battled for dominance. As his rough, lumpy tongue curled around hers, it pushed back far enough, letting the white siemen drip down from her mouth, as they exchanged fluids. Going in further, further, and further, a zip was heard as Eustace unbuttoned his pants. Letting his %%%%%, press firmly against Muriel's vagina. Press, press, press harder, as the penis went further and further in, until it finally pressed the vagina hard enough, as their lips remained locked. Falling deeper, and deeper in their trance, a fuzzy feeling was felt by Muriel, as the room felt as if it began spinning, faster and faster, as the siemen leaked out, and onto their sheets. The fuzzy feeling continued, as Muriel breathed heavily. Eustace smiled cunningly, knowing he went against doctor's orders. But what did Vindaloo know? He had a budding sex life, and had done many sinful things. As a "doctor", he didn't know much of anything.

They had reconnected. That was a fact. As the sky drew a gray silver outside, they remained in their room, rekindling their relationship, and drawing forth what they knew to be true to them, keeping their secret safe. Outside, Alex, in her cute "duck, duck, goose" pajamas, got up, feeling pensive. The torment, and hurt she received from her many foster families, weighted on her like the inner memory that would never leave her. it sucked at her like a parasite. Seeking comfort from the Bagges, she walked down the hall to their room, only to see the door closed. Feeling alone, and untethered by the pain that was gnawing at her, Alex went back to her room, while Muriel and Eustace enjoyed each other's company.

A fat, beetle, slugged its way out of the ripped wallpaper, leaving behind a trail of guck. Inside the wall, snakes hissed, as they crawled to and fro, within the broken beams. The old sheets were tattered, yet they felt soft, as Alex blinked awake. Looking upward, she saw Muriel appear above her, wearing her black lace "Victoria's Secret" bra. "hello Alex", she said in her usual calm voice that held some seriousness, as she wanted them to grapple with this complex issue together. "as you know, Eustace and I have been having sex". Sex? What was that? What was it? What were her and Eustace doing? Alex winced loudly, and uncomfortably, as she felt her breathing become heavy. "it's alright dear". "it's alright". Muriel comforted. "sex is the process by which a man and a woman, come together and create a euphoric feeling, when they fall in love". The tattered sheets rustled a bit, as Muriel said this. "Eustace is a man I have loved for many years, and I do know he will continue to make me happy for years to come". Alex winced a bit, still not knowing what Muriel was saying.

"we have decided to be happy with one another for our years, and our happiness has brought us a gift". Alex tried to search for words. She tried looking for phrases, anything that helped, but all she could get out was, "um…um…". "We are truly grateful, although we will never forget our greatest treasure, you". Muriel smiled. "I understand this may be difficult, although you matter to us more than anything". "you are our biggest priority, and we want to make sure you are heard". "um…um…", Alex said. "we will be focusing all of our attention on you". Muriel said. "you are a part of us, and you will always be". Muriel smiled. "um…um…", Alex still stuttered. "do you understand that?". "do you need me to repeat it for you?". Alex nodded, slowly as she put the sheet over her head. "good because I'm pregnant". Alex looked up at Muriel at first confused, and bewildered, then choosing to feel happy. There was still that bout of innocence Alex felt, as she looked at Muriel. "we will begin making changes for our wellbeing". Muriel said. "we'll wake up, get dressed, eat our breakfast". "Ms. Muriel", Alex asked sitting up in her bed. "yes, dear", Muriel said, putting on a silk robe. "um…is it ok if I have my milk?". "of course, dear". "we'll get that right away". Muriel smiled. "thank you". Alex said. As she closed her eyes, and Muriel left, she felt about all sorts of innocence, and confusion, with lipid concern. Was Muriel going to have a baby? Why was Muriel going to have a baby? Was it because she loved Eustace? All these questions arose, as Alex closed her eyes, and her innate pain was suddenly, gone. Still despite the escape from pain, she didn't understand, the maternal joy, and happiness felt when it was announced someone was having a baby. Going back to sleep, she waited the dreadful hour until her dad came to pick her up.

Getting up, Alex took her, (well Nala's) turquoise blue blanket wrapping it around her. her small feet padded across the wooden floor, as she went downstairs to see Muriel and Eustace. Sitting at the breakfast table, Muriel sipped her tea, as Eustace read the paper. "hi Ms. Muriel". Alex said, sitting down at the small table. "hello dear". Muriel smiled, as she set down her cup of tea. "did you sleep well?". "yes". Alex said, looking up at Muriel. "you slept late, girlie". Eustace said, slapping his paper down. "it's almost the middle of the afternoon". . "I know, I'm sorry". Alex said, looking up at tall Eustace sitting beside her. "nah, yer fine". Eustace pinched Alex's cheek playfully. "you ne'er sleep late, that's why I was there, concerned". "thank you". Alex said, looking down at the brown, rickety old chair she sat in. there was one moment betwixt them as they got situated. Eustace grumbled looking at the paper. "says here L3 Harris got ahold of the market again, now they're burnin them up". "I always hoped Harris would provide for someone else, they seem very superficial". Muriel set down her tea cup. "they don't know what they're doin, those big stupid, brown noses". "can't see a good thing when it comes to em". "I'm sure not". Muriel said.

"L3 Harris shows promising deduction in their current revenue". Alex stated. "really, do they now?". Eustace cocked an eyebrow. "their portfolio showed that they were quickly reducing ware limits, and a 4.5% profit margin that should be enough to beat the end of the fiscal quarter". Eustace sat there, a bit intimidated by what Alex had said. "yeah". He said, nodding along. There was a stern, pause that stung like the back of an evil yellow jacket. The Bagges didn't respond to Alex's insights on the newspaper article. They cynically observed her, holding a deadly silence. "Alex, dear". Muriel said gently. "let's go take your medicine, sweetheart". She then took Alex's hand leading her to the kitchen. As Alex stood looking around, Muriel took Alex's medicine from the container, putting it in her mouth for her, assuming she couldn't do it on her own. She then helped her swallow her milk, putting two fingers down on her throat.

"there you go, dear". Muriel said gently. "thank you". Alex replied. Muriel only pursed her lips, figuring, with the cynical mind that truly came with the Bagges, that Alex couldn't think for herself, or take care of herself, due to her rough past. As Alex sat back down, they were silent again, only to hear the door open, and see Alex's mom come in. "hi honey". Alex's mom said gently. "hi". Alex said, going to her arms to be comforted. "did you have a good time?". "kind of". Alex said. "is it ok if we go?". "sure honey". Diane said. "I just, I would feel better if I were at home in my own bed". "I understand" Diane said gently. "thank you, Ms. Muriel". "thank you Mr. Eustace". Alex said. "of course, dear". "we are always happy to have you here". Muriel said. "you sure are our favorite". Eustace said. "we love havin' ye here, girlie". "yer welcome back here, anytime". He winked. "thank you". Alex said. "goodbye dear, have a splendid rest of your day". Muriel said. "thank you". Alex replied, going outside, taking her things with her.

"she is sweet, isn't she?". Diane's mom asked. "yes, she certainly is". Muriel replied. "how did she handle it?". "was she fragile at all, or unstable?". "she seemed very concerned, and diseasy when I informed her of it". "when there's something she's not sure of, or that she's afraid of, she will become very anxious, and frustrated". Diane said. "it comes from her weak neonatal ability to problem solve efficiently". "mmm hmm". Muriel nodded understandingly, pursing her lips. "when talking to her about it, she didn't seem to hold any questions or concerns". Muriel said. "does she still have trouble asking for help?". "she does, although we've worked with her numerous times to advocate for herself, and become self aware when it comes to feelings of fear, and pain". "yes, she still has trouble swallowing, and feeding". "we're working closely with her on that". Diane said. "she's just not…". Muriel pursed her lips, scandalously. Knowing and understanding Alex, only in a cynical manner.

"did you and Eustace,…?". Diane asked. "yes, we did". Muriel said. "he pushed, I pulled". "mark and I did it last night". "he pulled outward, after he pushed, it was somewhat painful". "then again, it's been a long time". "I don't think we have since the girls were born". Diane replied. "Eustace and I haven't since ours left our house". "it has been wonderful seeing a spirited form of Eustace again". "he's very equivocal". "I'm sure". Diane said. "he's been such a gentlemen". ""mark has as well". Diane replied. "although you've had your vagina worn, and born". Diane said. "you should tell Le Isiodele that". "although I have to wonder if his chivalry is a form of lay". "dear", Muriel said. "every man figures he has dominance over you, the best thing I do is let them think". "although we know". "that is true". Diane said. "I let mine think". Muriel replied. She looked through the window at Eustace yelling at the phone company, knowing he had his moment, for now at least. "well, I should get Alex home". "Mark and I are going golfing later". "yes, you two fare well". Muriel said. The two of them parted on good terms, knowing that Alex was in their hands. Yes, she was in the hands of two sinful, sexually active, incredibly smart, cynical people who had her mom's trust. At this rate, she would never thrive as long as she had the hateful Bagges taking care of her.

Fun fact about the Bagges was, they would never tell her how they truly felt in front of her. They often kept up an imperious faade that often veiled how they truly felt. To express their hate, and such "power over her", they would take care of her, feeding her, dressing her, and playing polite, while the demonic resonance of their hate prevailed. It prevailed in them being silent, and cynically observant when she spoke or said something smart, and when they would jump in and do tasks for her, she could clearly do herself. Much like the Eds in the Cul-de-sac, they often kept up a constant positive attitude about her that thinly eluded what they thought of her. they thought giving the weaker some support, and "helping" them, would keep them at bay, as to keep a familial relationship with them. Alex's parents knew the truth, Alex's parents had known how the Bagges really felt. The Bagges were not Alex's favorite people. Now, Muriel was having a baby. That made it all the more worse.

Later that night as Alex was settled in her bed, and everyone was asleep, the Farmhouse sat under a blood red sky, etched in pink smear. Muriel rubbed lotion on her hand, and as she went over to the master bed. "I personally think it went well". Muriel said. "ye, it went pretty good". Eustace replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. "you were amazing". "oh, dear, now". "I thought I was superfluous". "yeah". Eustace nodded along, again. "so, you want somethin' else special?". Eustace asked. "well, I would love to". Muriel replied. "yerrrrrrrrrr". Eustace grinned. He then proceeded to drill into her, pushing, pushing, and pushing, although to his surprise, there was no push back! Locking his lips against hers, he saw there was no tightness. No sultry. Looking over at her from a glance, he saw, she had fallen asleep. A loud snore was heard from her as well, as she laid there. Pregnancy. It did wonders on her. as she laid there sleeping, Eustace grumbled, turning over to go t sleep as well. this went undisturbed, until he heard a voice saying, "come with me". "come with me". "come with me". This voice was silky, airy, yet secretive, seductive, and feminine. Looking over he saw nothing. But then he heard the voice say again, "Eustace, come with me". "come with me". "come with me". Looking around, he saw the image of a young woman, dressed in silky black, with indigo hair, and a turquoise skin complexion. The Queen of The Black Puddle was there.

"come with me". She said again, beckoning him. Unable to resist, he went with her, pushing up against her, kissing her, locking his lips against hers. "Eustace". She said in an airy sexual whisper. "I've been waiting for you". "I've been waitin' on you too". "mmm, you're such a mother $$$$". "why are you so weird?". "I don't know". Eustace replied in a guttural deep growl, similar to deep throat, XXX. "mmm, let's get the $$$$ away from here". "yes". Eustace replied, as they scandalously, made their way into the underwater palace that belonged to the Queen. There, on a bed, Eustace unzipped his pants, as he slid his penis into the undergarment of the black dress belonging to the queen. Breathing heavily, the Queen slid her rugged vagina, into his so he could push further, further, further as he did. Catching her breath, the queen let his penis slide in, easily, as it pushed back, and forth, and back, in further, further, and further, as it hooked. Eustace's lumpy tongue slid into the queen's, as he curled his around hers. "oh, Eustace". She said, airily. "ohhh, Eustace". "ohhhh, Eustace". She breathed, as their lips remained locked. The tight feeling remained, as Eustace pushed harder, and harder. The Black Puddle Queen had no vagina, but as she went further, they released, still at this rate, kissing, as Eustace's hand brushed against the billowing sheets.

As they kissed, they whispered, scandalously. "prsss", "prss". "are you married?". The queen whispered. "no". Eustace replied, equally in a whisper, with a deep guttural growl. "they won't know". The Queen whispered. "no". Eustace replied. "what time do you have?". The Queen whispered. "I don't know, you?". "I don't know". They continued kissing, as Eustace tried without end to shove into the Queen's nonexistent vagina. Eustace didn't care, just as long as he was there to greet his wife by morning. They continued having sex. The queen did, with an unfaithful Eustace.

Later on that night, as the scandal continued, Eustace's hand brushed against pink silk sheets, belonging to Alexandria. "will she know?". "will she find out?". "she's retarded, she won't know it". They continued having sex.

Chapter 2

Alex laid in her bed, contemplating what she and Muriel had discussed. If Muriel was so cynical towards her, then why did she explain sex to her? it seemed odd that she would explain it to her. although, as Alex didn't realize, or know. It was an understanding point. It was a point where part of Muriel's life could be revealed, as it was bursting at the seams. Turning around in her bed, Alex buried her head under her pillow, wishing, hoping, praying that nothing would come of it. She also hoped she could push Muriel out of her life slowly. Although with as good of friends the Bagges were with her parents, that wasn't possible. The thought of being helped to swallow something still weighed heavily on Alex's mind. looking upward towards the heavens, she knew, if anyone would understand, her birth mom would. Folding her hands in prayer, Alex closed her beautiful, round eyes. "mom", she said, glancing downward, "I...I'm asking you, in a miniscule way, to help me out, maybe". Alex always talked to her birth mom. In some ways, it was as if birth mom was there with her, rustling calmly in the trees, or blowing past her in the wind.

Either way, birth mom was there with her, guiding her, enlightening her, and helping her through her mass amounts of pain. "I had a nightmare last night, where my foster father, I am informed, beat me with a stick, and when I went to save you, and , he beat you too". "I don't know what to do, can you help me?". As Alex lowered her head in prayer, she felt the warmth, the warmth she had long been separated from. She felt the love, warmth, and guiding light of her birth mom, leading her home. In this dark world she knew of, that remained red, and bloodshot, puffy like the wounded flesh on calm days, and black with evil that stung painfully in the silence, and long observant glares, the true guiding light, radiant with family, friendship, and the true spirit of love, shone upon her face, warming her. a beautiful young woman with brown hair, and a calm smile, spoke through Alexandria, comforting her spirit, hugging her.

Though Alex couldn't see her, or hear her, physically, she felt her, in her heart. "thanks mom". She said, lifting her eyes, looking towards the heavens, where only god knew of her past, and where she'd be going from there. Laying back down on her bed, she looked up at the blue, sapphire rosary her deceased grandmother gave her. she knew her grandmother was also a source of optimism, and hope on bad days. As Alex's tiny hand relaxed under her pillow, she felt something rather…round, and brass, she could fit in her entire hand. Looking at it, observing it, she saw it was a wedding ring, with the name, "Bagge" carved into it. This was Eustace's wedding ring. But how? But why? And why was it in her bed? Was he in her bed last night? Looking down, she saw white droplets lined along her pink silk sheets her dad bought her, when they "turned over a new leaf".

From there, her curiosity peaked. What were those white droplets? Not knowing what they were, she turned back over, putting Eustace's wedding ring on her dresser. She glanced upward to see a thin temptress, with indigo purple hair, and what looked to be a long, silk black dress, float above her. "um, um,…who are you, exactly?". She asked, nervously, looking around. "hello Alexandria". The Black Puddle Queen said in a deep, scandalous, feminine voice. "as you know, Eustace and I had sex on your bed". "what?". "I…I…" Alex stuttered., "I want you to listen to my every instructive". The Queen hissed, brushing the silk sheets on Alex's bed. "never speak of this to anyone". "did you understand that?". Alex buried her head, hoping the Queen would be gone soon, and that this was another day tremor caused by not taking Deprixin yet. Closing her eyes, Alex buried herself deeper, and deeper, now knowing for a fact that this was a day tremor. Though through the cleansing of her mind, Alex wondered if Eustace's wedding ring had anything to do with the tremor. It seemed all too real to be a tremor, and calm. Alex looked over at Eustace's wedding ring, and the droplets on the bed. It was exactly what the Black Puddle Queen had told her. They were doing sex, whatever that was. Ok, that was disturbing. It was disturbing enough what Muriel had told her the other day, and now, it was a different woman. Though Alex didn't think much of it, passing it off as another day tremor. Although she had no idea, Eustace was being unfaithful to Muriel.

Going downstairs, Alex sat down eating her cereal, as Nala nearby, played with the dog. Her pajamas still remained on, as she drank her milk, taking her medicine. "hi sweetie". Alex's mom said, putting some dishes away. "hi mom". Alex said quietly, yet innocently. "are you enjoying your breakfast?". Diane asked. "It's scrumptious". Alex said, looking down at what appeared to be the daily journal nearby. "yes, well, there's something I wanted to talk to you about". Diane replied. "oh, um, am I in trouble?". Alex asked, her eyes widening. "no, sweetie". "it's about what you and Muriel discussed the other day". "you see, Muriel is pregnant, meaning she will have a baby soon". "I know, but why are she and Eustace having a baby?". Alex asked. "well, Muriel and Eustace love each other very much". Diane said. "they feel very happy with one another, and have decided to have a baby". "oh, um, is that why they do bad stuff?". Alex asked. "yes". Diane said. "but it is only because they love one another very much". "things may be a bit different with Muriel, but I'm sure if you're patient with her, you will find this change to be smooth, and easy". "ok". Alex agreed, although not knowing as much as she should have, or perhaps too much.

Muriel continued to fold towels, feeling about all sorts of belligerent sexual tension with Eustace. Could it be hormones? Could it be the impending fear that things would go back to the way they were? Either way, Muriel knew she was feeling cold, distant, yet pious. She needed Eustace, in the same way a true woman needed her fortitude, energy, and sharp will. Yet she wanted him in the honest way a marvelous, sexually bold woman needed her prada pump. She truly WANTED him. Putting the towels in the old, dilapidated drawer upstairs, she felt no reason to shut out her husband, and continued her work with no trouble at all. Closing the drawer, however, her hand felt…tingly. The feeling crawled it's way from her plump fingers to her chubby hand. It felt like…nothing. Nothing at all. Losing grip of her hand feeling, she felt "nothing" crawl it's way up her arm. She felt lightheaded, woozy, and began breathing airy breaths.

Soon, she felt a sharp jab conquer her from the back of her head. Feeling sudden, constant and quick, it was as if she'd been struck in the back of the head. What was this? How did this happen? Walking carefully down the stairs, she laid down on the couch. The sharp jab seemed to crawl, slowly up her side, melting within her with each, single, step. Soon, it was replaced with a fuzzy feeling, where the sensation seemed to douse her joints, and muscle. Mainly although, it was her stomach that felt as if it were floating, looking downward from her apron, she felt a small, kick! And another light jab. From there, much like a carousel, a magic roundabout, her worries, her doubts, seemed to ride away, peacefully, not in a circle, much like a roundabout intended, although more into the sunset, her tsundere, seemed to ride away. The baby, her forth, was just kicking. It was kicking. Smiling happily, and with a gleeful excitement, Muriel gently, "shh'ed", her bundle of joy that was in there.

"Eustace, dear". She said in an excited whisper. Whisper. They always seemed to whisper during sex. The quiet let the scandalous of the moment arise with each passing fold. He sat down, shirtless at this point, (I have no idea why an 86 year old man would be shirtless) beside Muriel, clasping her hand. "yes", he said in a deep throat, esque voice. "they kicked". "our wonderful lass kicked". "that's great". Eustace said, as his deep voice began to resonate. "we brought a true joy into ours, and everyone's lives". Muriel added. "yes, that's only because you're amazing". Eustace said in her ear, then riding up her ear, beginning to nibble. "oh, dear". Muriel giggled. "oh, Eustace", she said. Traveling, letting his lips ride up her face, Eustace then licked her ear. "you're odd". Eustace said in a deep, guttural growl. With languid deposition, and drawling innocence, and young duress, Muriel said in a low, feminine voice, as the sheets billowed, and rustled, "you are". Putting his bony leg over Muriel, he unzipped his pants, throwing them aside. Undressing Muriel with each smooth, light touch, he unclasped her silky, black bra, then letting his tongue wander into her mouth, as he laid on top of her. curling around her tongue, he pushed it back, leaving some room for siemen to pour out. Their tongues wrapped around one another, as Eustace's rough, lumpy tongue curled around Muriel's, smoothing out it's roughness. The tongues, curled effervescently, as Eustace gently pushed his penis, finding way into Muriel's vagina, as it gently pressed, more, more, as Muriel gasped, releasing a light, airy breath. Her fetish blossomed, into a feminine airy sigh, requesting air. The light feeling arose, although by this time, it wasn't hard, or begging for dominance. It was gentle, feeling it's way around, as a light tingly feeling arose, in deciduous. Muriel breathed, as a milky white substance, surrounded her naked body. It was as if she were bathing in champagne, with a cherry in her mouth, Eustace could pick out, with rigor. Kissing Muriel, with each stroke of the lips, Eustace pulled back, as siemen floated on Muriel's teeth. Pressing, the fuzzy, the stirring feeling of great white seemed to obsificate, as it gently, surrounded Muriel, much like clouds floated, carrying her away. Breathing airily, she let Eustace's penis sit, surrounding, surrounding slowly, as the feeling stirred. Then it felt sharp, painful, and dissonant. Eustace released his cracked, dry lips from Muriel, as he began to kiss up and down her neck, lingering, as he bit her neck, playfully. Grinning, Eustace gently lodged his now sticky penis, through the siemen, into her full vagina once more. Now, her uterus felt full, as her stomach, by the day, was growing bigger and bigger. It was magic how their romance had blossomed, from nothing, into something, as Muriel felt the connection to her husband she used to feel. It was grandeur, truly.

As the evening fell, with pinkish, purple-ish, sky that yipped with cynicism and impending evil, Eustace cleared his throat, putting his boxers on. "I'm thinkin' about showering". He said in a gentle, proposing, nerdy manner. This manner, this bubbly, friendly turquoise, side effent, was who he truly was, despite the cynical, evil minded center. "care to join me?". He said coolly, much like a young person would. "mmm, you are so assiduous". Muriel said, breathily. "I try". Eustace replied. Muriel brushed the sheets, as Eustace kissed her on the mouth, lingering as such. Muriel got up, as Eustace clasped her hand, and they stood in the shower. Letting the steam roll about them, Eustace curled his tongue around Muriel's, kissing her heavily. They joined, one last time, as the fuzzy feeling had rolled away. Still Muriel let the water wick away from her stomach, which had a small lump in it. Muriel gasped for air, as one last bout of siemen dripped down her chubby leg, it was carried away by the steam, and water. Kissing Muriel heavily, Eustace bit her neck, as she giggled. "oh, you %%%". She said, in a low feminine, deadpan voice. "I didn't do nothin',". Eustace said, as his deep voice surrounded his deadpan as well.

Beneath the sheets, as they billowed, and their legs were curled, they whispered, in breathy, airy, ennice. "you're so odd, what are you doing?". "nothing, you?". "just, mmm". "mmm". "mmm". "what time do you have?". Muriel said in an airy whisper. "I don't know, you?". "mmm". "mmm". They continued this for hours, yet until they fell asleep.

As the wind blew hot, and the sky seemed to drip with an impurity, and a pink, flesh, like color, that impended the clicking of heels, and the cynicism of the sexually poetic, Eustace sat mumbling, as he immediately heard the distant whisper. "come with me". "come with me". "Eustaccce". Getting up, he grabbed the waist of the black puddle Queen, as she let her forked tongue curl around his lumpy tongue. Brushing the silk sheets, in sin, Eustace kissed the Puddle Queen's neck, lingering with each drop as he did. Unbuttoning his pants, he let his penis slide into the very spot, pushing, pressing hard, as the Queen breathed heavily, gasping for air. Her forked tongue seemed to grab Eustace's lumpy tongue, as his burly hand reached underneath her under region. He felt around, but as he could feel, he felt, nothing. Nothing was under there.

The Queen had no vagina.

Continuing to kiss her, the brass around his finger began to slide off. As he lingered, tempestuously, as it ebbed, and flowed, he found there was no tingly feeling. Although he continued, as he was tempted, to keep going. As they kissed, he knew he was being unfaithful. But Eustace, as his cynical self, really didn't care. A shadow was seen in the doorway, as the hall was dimly lit with a dark, red light. Breathing heavily, Alex held her blanket up to her face in fear. Only her eyes were shown as she felt the pain, the arduousness, and the hurt from her abusive foster families. Her eyes grew tears in them as she sat on the floor, shaking as she sobbed. "no, no, no, no, no". she said repetitively. "I need to go home". "I want to go home". "I want to go home". "I want to go home". "no, no, no". she felt a cry coming on. It was bad enough she was forced to spend time with the Bagges, who already didn't truly believe in her, or care about her. Now, she found herself in the very place she did not want to be. It was in the house of Eustace's mistress. The one he was outright cheating on Muriel for. The smell of perfume filled the air, as scandalous, "the sex tape", whispers were heard.

Sitting behind the bed, Alex breathed deeply, as she felt her locket her birth mom gave to her. her dad had tried to get her a new one, with a silver chain, but Alex set it aside, in favor of her worn golden locket, with her and her mom's picture inside. It had been through everything, from the blood, and open wounds of abuse and rejection. It had survived her current family opting for the intent of the necklace's replacement, as if they were replacing Alex's true self, and family, in favor of them. It had survived cynicism and the shaking of heads, scandalous whispers, and the notion that she was disabled, scarred for life from her dark past. Right now, as she held onto it, she felt it was the only thing she had left to believe in. "I can't stay here". She said, as her fear paralyzed her. she eventually got the will to get up, although she heard rustling, as Eustace glanced over at her. "hey, Alex". He said in a friendly manner, surprisingly. "hi". She said, quietly, looking down at her feet. "you ok, girlie?". He asked. "yeah, I…I guess". She said, as tears streamed down her face. She heard a slither, and a rustle, as the Queen appeared above her, revealing her charisma, and gentle efface.

"what's troubling you, Alexandria?". She asked in a low, calm feminine voice, grabbing Alex's face. Alex continued to sob, staying quiet. "tell me". She said. "I…I…I…", Alex's body began to tense up in fear, and frustration. "shh". The Queen said, holding Alex's face, as Alex tried to get away. "please don't hurt me". "please". Alex sobbed. "what are you feeling?". The queen said in a low, calm whisper. "I want to hurt Eustace". "I want to hurt Eustace". "nobody believes in me". "I feel like I'm going to get hurt". "there's no need to feel that way". The Queen said, in a charismatic, calm voice. "your family loves you, and will always make you feel as if you are one of their own". "you are an inspiring girl who has become very despondent". The queen whispered. "your family has always loved you". "ever since you were brought to usss". She hissed. "do you remember that?". "no". Alex said, sobbing some more. "you were deprived". "you couldn't walk, you couldn't eat, you couldn't swallow, you didn't show affection, or let anyone hold you". "yeah, but, I'm smart". Alex said. "I sing my songs, I do science". The Queen pursed her lips, remaining silent. Knowing Alexandria couldn't think for herself. "remember how lovely you are, Alexandria". The Queen said. "how do you know that?". Alex asked. The queen still remained silent. "mmm, do you trust usss?". The queen whispered. "yeah". Alexandria said. "don't speak to anyone about thissss". The queen hissed. "is that understood?". Alex stood there, paralyzed in fear.

Eustace sat Alex down on the silky bed, as his underwear rustled against the sheets. "Alex". He said in a low voice. "you know we've always loved you, since the day you came to us". "I know". Alex sobbed. "I was pretty pleased when I first saw ya". "I knew you were going to be special". His voice remained deep, and sexual, much like deep throat. He was speaking to Alexandria this way, which was just wrong. "your parents have loved you so much". "but, you were deprived". He said gently. "you couldn't eat, you couldn't walk, you couldn't swallow". "you couldn't learn", "you didn't let anyone hold you, or touch you". "but you've done so well since you were young". "your family is very proud of you". "you should be proud of yourself as well". "you are great". Eustace said, winking. "yeah, I'm smart, I sing my songs, I'm very successful in the fields of science and math". "I really am a bright success". Alex said, feeling a bit better, as the hole in her soul, in her small, pure, innocent, yet hurt heart began to close up. Eustace remained silent, as his lip began twitching. This generally happened when he was about to say something cruel to Alexandria. Alex looked up at him, as a mean, deadly glare came over his face.

At this point, from what Alex couldn't feel, the underlying pain sucked at her, sticking to her like a parasite. Her soul felt as if it had taken another beating, although she couldn't feel anything at the surface. She sat looking down at her blanket, as her round eyes looked like a "coda coda". Spit came from her mouth as she looked up, oblivious to what was happening with her. she had forgotten to swallow. As she tried with all of her strength, she couldn't get it. This didn't matter to her. she couldn't feel the pain writhing within her soul, as cynicism and fake allet came over her. "Alex". Eustace said, feigning kindness, lifting her cheek up with his burly hand. "swal-low". He instructed slowly, so she could understand. Alex swallowed, looking over. "um, I have a question". She said, looking up at him. "aren't you cheating on Muriel?". "honey, it's important you don't say anything". "not a word". He said, grabbing her cheek, tightly. Alex nodded, as she closed her eyes, hoping, wishing that she were home, in her bed.

"do you get that?". Eustace asked. "do you understand?". Alex nodded, as she closed her eyes again. at the moment, she wished that she could be with her birth mom again, but she was taken away in a car crash. Alex knew her parents secretly didn't believe in her. why, you may ask, dear reader. Well, in certainty, they had forced Alexandria to be close family with the Bagges. The Bagges figured she was disabled, and oftentimes saw Alex as beneath them. They had feigned kindness, and optimism to grant familial relations. Alex's parents knew she was beneath everyone. She closed her eyes, keeping her birth mom's locket close to her, she held it close. She held onto it, keeping her optimism, and the truth within her. she wouldn't stereotype, or make assumptions based on what her "diagnosis" was, or what her past revealed. She would keep the faith in her darkest hour, which coincidentally enough, was only with the Bagges.

Chapter 3.

As Alex ate her yogurt with cheerios in it, the phone rang in the hallway. Goldie came over, sitting by Alex's feet as she lifted her spoon. "Alex honey", her dad said, as Alex looked up from her yogurt, trying to focus on swallowing. "yeah?". Alex said, quietly. "Muriel and Eustace want to see you again, today". "they're going to take you shopping with them". "they are?". Alex looked up at her, with widened eyes. "yes". "you'll go shopping, they'll take you to lunch, you'll go to Ma's". "I..I…I..", Alex looked for what she needed to say, although she had crumbled into her own innocence, and confusion. "it will be a fun day". "you'll come to see". Alex then looked for her mom, as her dad normally grazed her into these situations. "you'll be fine". Her dad said, lifting her chin, as a forlorn, doubtful expression remained on her face. "let's get you ready". He said, gently, putting her large pink jacket over her pajamas. Kissing her on the cheek, he went to answer the door. As the door opened, Eustace came in, smoking something. Something small, and white, as it hung from his mouth. "hey, girlie". He said in a gentle, cool voice, leaning against the wall. "hi". Alex said, quietly. "you look good". "you ready?". He asked, rubbing her head. "I guess". Alex said. "yer such a sweetie, yes ya are". Eustace pinched her cheeks, playfully. Alex stood there, having some sort of idea of what Eustace did at one point, although she still couldn't understand it. She also didn't understand why Eustace was so…nice, for once, to her. he was gentle, confiding, and calm. He didn't even call anyone stupid, which was rare for him. Perhaps he was gentler as Muriel was finally giving him the wanted attention. Perhaps he was feigning kindness toward Alexandria. Whatever it was, he was… gentle.

"let's hit it". He said, kissing Alex's cheek. Alex could feel the stubble from his newly shaved face, as she went outside with him. Getting into the truck, (with a backseat), she looked at Muriel resting up front. "hello dear". Muriel said gently, turning her head to see Alex. "hi". Alex said, looking up front, as Eustace kissed Muriel on the mouth. "how are you, dear?". Muriel asked, gently. "Have you been well?". "yeah, kind of". Alex replied. "I won a science award at my school". "I'm running for student council president". "good for you". Muriel smiled. "you've done very well in school". She said, gently. As Alex looked up front, she saw Muriel's stomach had gotten bigger. Bigger to the point where she couldn't move easily. Muriel rested her head against the seat, staring at Alex, fervently. Alex looked up at her, seeing the gentle, colloquial person Muriel truly was. She had always been gentle towards Alex, and her sister, Nala.

In her younger years, when she babysat the two of them, she would always take them on her lap, sing them songs, and let them have as much dessert as they wanted. She even let Nala stay up as late as she wanted, and made them food, with vinegar in it of course. Yes, Muriel was lenient. Alex knew her relationship with Muriel. Yes, Muriel did have an observant, cynical center, although she had been with Alex at the beginning when she first came home. She had fed her a couple times, saying in a calm voice, slowly, "swal-low". "swal-low". She knew of Alex's developmental problems, and, earlier on in Alex's toddler years, had spoken to her in a slow manner, so she would understand directions, such as "eat", "up", "down", "swal-low". "drink", and "sit". She knew Alex's parents well, as they were longtime regular patients in Diane's office. As well as being patients, they went out bowling, drank together, shared details of their sex lives, and even engaged in debauchery. Alex and Muriel had a close, familial relationship, even if Alex could spot the hidden cruelty, and hatred that lied underneath.

Muriel stared at Alex, as the seat fabric rustled a bit. Both of them knew this was a major change, although Muriel remained the willful, kind woman Alex had always known, and at one point, looked up to. The truck started, as Muriel whispered to Eustace about things only couples would talk about. Clasping Muriel's hand, Eustace drove down the road, past many stores, shopping centers, and a dilapidated old, restaurant they once went to. Alex sat, wondering what they were talking about, as they eventually pulled into a parking spot, near "Chellini's", an upscale Italian restaurant. Helping Muriel out of the car, Eustace pulled her hands, as she eventually hobbled out. "ya alright?". "here, let's sit ya down, right over here, yeah". Eustace sat Muriel down at a nearby table, as she propped her feet up on the leather ottoman that sat nearby. "mmm, thank you". Muriel said in a gentle, voice. Seeing she needed help, Alex brought over some silverware, and a drink glass. "thank you, dear". Muriel smiled. "mmm". she stretched back a bit, stroking Alex's face. "I am very fortunate to have you". "I know". Alex said. Muriel chuckled a bit, as Alex sat beside her. "how is he doing?". Alex asked. "he is doing wonderfully". Muriel replied. "he just kicked a little bit before". "that's good". Alex said. "I'm sure you're very excited to meet him". Muriel smiled. "yeah". Alex said. "did you think of a name for him yet?". "yes, it will be Alender". Muriel said, sighing tiredly, as she took another sip of her water. With her pregnancy, she knew she couldn't drink. "that's nice". Alex said. "are we going to try and find a crib, or baby clothes?". "I've decided to use some of my other children's things". Muriel replied. "we'll use Geronimo's old crib, and Melinto's old clothes". "oh". Alex said. "mmmm". Muriel stroked Alex's face, as passion, and the right of sex filled the air. Muriel and Eustace had loved one another very much. Enough to bring another one of their children into the world. Eustace's cigarette smoke billowed toward the air, as he sat, waiting for service of some sort.

"Alex dear". Muriel whispered. "um…um…um..yeah?". Alex asked with a look of concern, as Muriel continued stroking her face. "you are so special, and amazing, and wonderful". "and", with a airy, breathy emphasis on the "and", "you are so tenacious, and kind, and smart, and strong, and thoughtful". Muriel said this all in one airy breath, as she kissed Alex's cheek. "you have influenced, and inspired our family, dear". "you will be very successful". "you will change the world". Muriel whispered. Seeing a concerned look on Alex's face, she tickled Alex's cheek, as Alex sniffled a bit. "shh". "shh". Muriel whispered. Alex tried to keep tears from coming down her cheeks. "you are a gift brought to us". "yes, you are lovely, and you will always be, dear". Muriel feigned kindness, as she whispered gently. Alex nodded, as their waiter eventually came over. The underlying notion of passion, sexual freedom, and debauchery filled the air, along with tact. Alex knew this would be one eventful day.

Their server eventually came out, ready to take their order. "and what would you like?". He asked kindly. "yes, may I have the salmon, blackened, if you would?". Muriel asked, setting her menu down. "thank you, dear". "I'll have yer pepperoni pizza, if that's possible". Eustace requested, as he put his menu aside. "and for you, dear?". The waiter asked Alex, as she looked up. "oh, um..I…I…I would like spaghetti with spicy marinara sauce". She looked up at him, concerned. "sweetheart". Muriel said, stroking Alex's face once more. "what's troubling you?". "nothing". Alex said, looking down at her rusted, golden locket. "you look a bit dauer". Muriel said, gently. "tell me what's bothering you". Alex took a deep breath, looking up at Muriel, and Eustace, her "family". "it's nothing". Alex replied. "dear, I can tell you're feeling unhappy". Muriel stroked Alex's face, as Alex stood, looking for a way to escape the Bagges. To escape the underlying evil behind the kindness. "are you well with your family?". "yeah, kind of". Alex said, looking down at her food when it then came. "I…I…I'm trying to tell you, I'm trying to tell everyone I'm smart, and that I'm successful". "no one really believes in me". "it's kind of hard going through every day wondering if your family even loves you". Alex said.

"dear". Muriel said, stroking Alex's face, softly, as Alex sniffled. "we have always loved you". "we had known, from the second you were brought to us, that you were going to be truly amazing". "yeah, but, do you think I'm smart?". "I…I….I…". before Alex could finish, Muriel came in, like a lizard. (I don't know). "we've always known you were very intelligent". "you have truly surpassed all of our expectations". "we're very proud of the astounding girl you have become". "you're so inspirational, and influential". Muriel sighed. "my fondest memory of you, was when we first came to see you when you were still young". "you wouldn't want anyone to hold you". she whispered. "you were so deprived of love, and affection". "you couldn't lift your head, or respond to your name". "you couldn't talk or eat". "but, you had just learned to swallow when I fed you". "you were so perserverant" "you were always so happy". "You would smile, you would laugh, you were so happy to see everyone". "I know". Alex said. "I just, I just feel like you guys don't believe in me". "we do". Muriel reassured. "we know you will be successful". "and if there's any support you may need, we are always here for you". "mmm, it must've been difficult losing your birth mum". "then being hurt, and forgotten". Muriel said in a low, guiding, feminine voice. "yeah". Alex said. "I was really close to my birth mother". "right now, she's the only one that believes in me, and she's not here". "yes, and I'm sure that was painful for you". "it's must be hard struggling through it". Muriel said, with a whispering emphasis on "t", of "it". "I…I was told that I…I was adopted by a family that beat me until I was numb". "they strangled me, they tried to kill me, and they forgot about me". "I feel like, the only person that loves me is my birth mom". "I keep getting hurt". "I keep thinking I'm someone no one truly cares about". "why do people keep hurting me?". Alex asked, looking up at Muriel.

"sweetheart". Muriel said in a gentle, calm whisper. "I understand things were difficult at the very beginning". "you had been deprived". "remember dear, your family loves you". "you have changed their lives, as well as ours". "we will continue to love you going onward". "thank you". Alex said. "of course". Muriel said. They then ate their food, as Alex knew Muriel and Eustace were feigning kindness. Eustace put aside his burger after a few bites, picking up his cigarette, he blew out more smoke from the tiny plain white one. Alex ate her spaghetti with a bit of reassurance that things were going to be ok after all. There was just one small problem, well, in hindsight, it was a huge problem. She just could not shake the memory of what she had seen that one particular night, with Eustace and The Black Puddle Queen. Noticing Eustace wasn't wearing his wedding ring, she took his ring from his pocket, looking down at it. Although as she looked down at it, she noticed, there was a drop of blood on one spot of the gold on the ring.

Blood? Now where did the blood come from? Why was it even there? Hold on, if he was having an affair with the queen, which included sex, and slipping off his wedding ring, then how would he get blood on his ring? Alex looked closely at Eustace's neck as well, seeing a huge scar down the middle of it. Seriously, what was he doing over there? Alex held his ring, knowing she needed to tell someone about this. Namely, her parents. Seeing Muriel kiss Eustace on the mouth, holding each other's hands, Alex knew it would be wrong to tell someone. It would end up destroying their marriage, right when they had a baby on the way. Alex sat, contemplating as to what she could do, as a hand reached out, stroking her cheek. "dear". Muriel said in a soft voice. Alex looked up at her, mustering all of her strength she had gotten in order to tell her what was wrong. "let's not be so pensive". "let's be happy". She lifted Alex's chin, as Alex merely looked up at her. She wanted to tell Muriel the truth. She wanted to tell Muriel what she felt. She needed to tell someone, although she had remembered Eustace's instruction well. she knew causing a rift in their marriage would be a bit traumatic for her. "ok". Alex said.

"Did you finish your lunch, dear girl?". Muriel asked gently. "I…I did". Alex replied. "very good". Muriel replied. "you have done so well my dear". "I know". Alex replied, "thank you". Alex sat eating the last of her spaghetti, as Muriel stroked her face. "Dear". Muriel asked in a calm, yet low feminine voice. "yeah?". Alex replied. "do you ever feel lost, troubled, or alone?". "do you feel you've had something special taken from you?". "I…I feel like, yes, I…I did have a truculent past, although, I…I feel like I overcame it with everything I've done". "I know I'm smart". "I know I can do anything". "I'm making strides in the fields of science". "I'm going to high school at my age". "I'm on my way to winning a nobel prize". "I believe in myself, and I'm going to become a physicist". Muriel became silent again, only for a moment, pursing her lips. The silence only lasted for a second, before she again spoke. "oh, Alexandria". Muriel said, in a low feminine voice. As Muriel kept with all of her will to hide the truth from Alexandria, although, she didn't hold back on this one. "you are so nave". "Deprivation, and the abuse you've experienced has lowered your Intelligence". "You're very incumbent and derogenous". "you have no ability to develop, and learn as quickly". "it is very kimetic to inherit such optimism, although you're much slower than you seem". "It isn't your fault, Alexandria". Muriel continued. "It is understood you were very close to your birth mother, however undesirable to everyone else". "it is saddening to think you're a victim of circumstance, although with pain comes trauma". "you were never able to overcome that, therefore, you are disabled".

"pain is irrecuperable". "you were lucky your family has cared enough about you to rescue you". "You must feel relieved". "do you still experience trauma from your early life?". "I do". Alex said. "you usually have anxieties before going to sleep". Fabric rustled as Muriel said this. "I...I can't sleep because I always have nightmares about getting hurt". "I feel like my foster family is going to come back, and hurt me". "I still talk to my birth mom". "I still know she's there protecting me". "you feel as if no one understands your pain". Muriel said in a calm, feminine, low register voice. "you feel as if no one truly cares". "I..I…I…", Alex started to say. "dear". Muriel said. "It's no secret you've endured suffering". "luckily, you have a wonderful family who will always love you, despite what happens". "you'll be alright". Muriel said. "you're in a better place". "you'll have comfort everywhere you turn". "I know". Alex said. "thank you". "always, darling". Muriel then kissed her head. Muriel laid back in her chair, as Alex drank more of her water. Alex felt a sense of relief that Muriel told her the truth. She figured perhaps later on, she would try and remove them from her life. For now, she was forced with them, into everything, despite what they thought of her. Alex didn't feel hurt, although. She knew what the truth was, and held onto her gift that came of it, her intelligence. She knew good had come from her trauma, and that she wasn't going to let a soiled past define her. yes, there were some pains that came with her, although these could be solved with her medicine.

Her medicine made her feel good, and normal, expelling the pain that was underlying. Alex then looked in the distance at a store window, thinking she would buy something. Ordering a water to go, she sat ready to browse a bit. "dear". Muriel had said. "I'm feeling a bit tired". "I think it would be best just to rest". With that, they went home, Alex feeling as if she needed to tell her parents, one thing or another.

Chapter 4

That night for dinner, was Turkey Dogs, hamburgers, and Mac and Cheese. While the rest of the family, her parents, her sister, Diane and Mark, all talked about their day, Alex sat quietly, eating her hot dog. "is something wrong?". Mark asked. "you can tell us if something is". "I have to tell you something, later". Alex said. "it's about Mr. Eustace". This was wrong. it was wrong, it was so wrong, although she needed to tell someone. "alright, you can". Mark said. Alex didn't feel comfortable telling her dad. He would possibly say something like, "you're overwhelmed by this change". "try to stay calm". She needed to tell her mom. Although after dinner, after the delicious hot dogs, and Mac and Cheese, after she felt full, she went upstairs to take a shower, when Mark called her into his office.

"honey". Mark asked. "is something wrong?". "yes". Alex said. "I…I think Eustace may be being unfaithful to Muriel". "why do you think that?". Mark asked. "I was looking around in my bed, under my pillow, and I found Eustace's wedding ring". She then took out the gold band that slipped off of Eustace's finger. "I also found white stuff on my sheets". "there was a woman I met that was in her bed with Eustace, and she told me not to say anything, but, I didn't know what to do". "Eustace, has been cheating on Muriel?". Mark asked. "I think". "oh no". "oh my word". "what on Earth?". "oh dear". Mark said, pacing back and forth, nervously. "oh dear". "I think this woman might hurt Eustace". Alex said, showing Mark the blood on the ring. "I think she was the Black Puddle Queen, or something". Alex continued. "oh, no". "that's. not. Good". Mark said, pacing even more nervously. "why?". Alex asked. "oh, I tell you this". "I'm surprised we didn't research her yet". Mark said. "what does she do?". Alex asked. "she lures men in, enacting them to cheat on their wives, then lures them in, kills them, then rips out their flesh, and eats them, body, bones, muscle and skin.

"what do I do?". Alex asked. "I don't know". "I don't know". Mark said. "he just got Muriel pregnant, and now he's doing lord knows what with another woman". "I always knew Eustace was a…ok, stinker, but he's really outdone himself this time". Mark censored out the swear word he was about to say, for Alex's sake, but he did tell her the truth. In that moment, something wonderful happened. "Alex, I don't think someone like that, should be influencing you, and your decisions". "I think we need to give him some space for a while". Alex felt a rush of relief, and glad come over her in that small amount of time. It was as she had been hit with a relief cannon. Finally. Finally she could get Muriel and Eustace out of her life. Whew! What a relief her dad actually believed her. he could believe her, and take her seriously. She was an intelligent, well-spoken, gifted nine year old that had been given something great due to her trauma. Feeling a sense of relief, and cordiality, she went upstairs. To take a shower, get some warm, "zephyrills" Spring Water, and go to bed. She then went to sleep, tiredly, yet peacefully, knowing things were turning out for the better. So she thought.

Several weeks had passed, and eventually, the secret of the Black Puddle Queen was forgotten. So much that Alex had to spend time with the Bagges again. Although it had been awhile. On this morning however, the sky remained a yellow color, as the essent of cynicism, and sexual freedom seemed to expand lucidly. Alex pulled her blanket up to her head, tiredly, wanting to get more sleep. As she laid down, she looked around her room, seeing the angel statue her late grandmother got her when she was born. Alex then sighed. She had missed her grandmother, and knew her grandmother, and grandfather were the only ones who truly cared about her, besides her parents. It wasn't easy losing many loved ones, and feeling that pain embedded deep in the heart. Alex although believed her pain wasn't going to stop her from achieving great things. As she looked up at her angel, she knew was meant to achieve great things. Turning back over, she laid down and went back to sleep…or tried to. Opening her door softly, Alex's mom came in, holding some clothes she was about to put in the drawer. "Alex, sweetheart". Her mom said softly.

"yes?". Alex asked. "Muriel and Eustace would like you to go to the pumpkin festival with them". "I..I can". Alex said innocently, looking up to her mom. "let's get you ready first". Diane said, helping her out of bed. Alex went for her closet to put on some clothes, although mom redirected her. "I think you would look beautiful in your pajamas". "yes, those". Diane said. "ok". Alex nodded. Taking an oversized jacket from the closet, Diane put it over Alex. She then put a little "United", container of milk in Alex's hand. "let's just bundle you up". She said, kissing Alex's forehead. "thank you". Alex said, heading downstairs. Getting some yogurt out of the fridge, Diane then put some cheerios in there, mixing them up as she did. As Alex sat down eating quietly, Diane stroked her forehead. Glancing around, Alex saw that Goldie was not coming downstairs, or laying by the couch, like he usually had. Hearing the doorbell ring, Alex saw Muriel and Eustace come in. Muriel wearing a black, buttoned down, thin, woman's overcoat, complete with a scarf. Eustace still wore his usual overalls, and hulking big shoes. From what Alex could notice, Muriel's stomach was a lot larger now, than it was a month ago. summer had disappeared, fading into fall. "hi Muriel". Alex said, looking up at her. "hello, dear". Muriel said gently. "have you had your breakfast yet?". "yes". Alex nodded, swallowing her cheerios, and yogurt for Muriel. "very good". Muriel replied, in a wise, constructive manner, as Alex continued eating.

"hey, girlie". Eustace said, rubbing Alex's shoulder. "that sure looks good, whatever it is". "um…it's cheerios, and yogurt". Alex said, looking up at Eustace. "yer eatin' it pretty good". he then brushed past her, out onto the porch where he lit a cigarette. "how have you been?". Diane asked. "I've been well". Muriel replied. "the little one seems to be doing well". "he just kicked again this morning". "he may be out by the end of this month". "that's always nice". Diane said, sipping her coffee. "it has been arduous". Muriel pursed her lips, as Alex looked up at her. "Alex, sweetheart, why don't you go play outside until they're ready, ok, sweetie?". Diane stroked Alex's forehead kindly. Eustace flicked his cigarette, coming in through the back porch door. "ok". Alex said, going outside through the front door. "it's been arduous…". Diane reminded Muriel, wanting to pick up where they had left off.

"we haven't had sex in three weeks". Muriel said in a low voice. "mmm, he's pleasured me in innumerable ways". "I've kissed the $$$$, three weeks in a row, and then I $$$$$ it back in no time". Eustace said. "if it makes you feel any better, Mark hasn't $$$$ in four weeks". "I usually push back though, because I haven't had it in so long". "I usually never pull". Muriel said, scandalously. "I'll just let it sit, until it rises, and it gets some sort of even flow". "you're not going to believe this, although, we %%%% a couple nights ago, and I let it flow over the bed, right?". "it got all over the floor, but by the time I was done with her, she was up there, lettin' out air". "I said, what are you doin', and she released; that's when it got in her mouth". "I wasn't intending on kinky sex, but I figured, why not". "we haven't $$$ that hard since we had our third".

"we haven't done anything particularly hot either, since Nala was born". Mark said. "you were assiduous upon your decision, however". Muriel said. "we've just grown lazy". "sex truly hasn't been a main priority, as of earlier". "we try to keep our relationship fresh, although it is difficult, when the girls are in the house". Mark replied. "it's not like we can do it in the kitchen, or on the stairs". "They would know some way or another, especially if it's Alexandria". "If you get your siemen on the carpet, it's kind of hard to get out". Eustace said. "those girls would wonder what it is, and go smellin it, like a couple of dogs". "either way, we have been pleasured, although it is recommended we stay clean for four weeks". Muriel said. "hmmm". "we waited two weeks after Alexandria got her surgery". Diane said. "it had been stressful with her". "mmm". Muriel nodded. "we've never been better" Eustace said. "she likes siemen in her mouth twice a week".

"it has been wonderful, as our marriage was beginning to alloy". Muriel said. "we haven't had any difficulties, although we just haven't had the right amount of pleasure since our third". "nah, I think it was soon after". Eustace said. "I don't believe so, has it been that recent?". Muriel glanced back at her husband, who squeezed her hand. Muriel's wedding ring fit tightly around her finger, enacting commitment, and the pleasures of later sex. "yeah, probably". "it was fifty years ago, I wouldn't remember". Eustace muttered. "our marriage has done pretty well, although,…". Diane sighed as she said this. "it has been hard considering Alexandria's needs had to be met". "there were nights where I had slept alone, although, our marriage has grown stronger because of". "yes". Muriel nodded, pursing her lips, as she figured Alexandria had almost ruined Diane and Mark's marriage. "you both had sex as a way of destressing, although". Muriel added. "yes, in all prospects". Diane said. "Alex is a good natured girl, who is very strong, and good—hearted, although, I'm just not sure". "hmmm". Muriel nodded, pursing her thin, maroon colored lips. Knowing Alex did not even come close to having the ability to think for herself. "she's just not…". "right". "you found good nature in rescuing her". Eustace said. "it's nice you found the decency to care". "yes". Diane said.

Outside, Alex sat in the grass, waiting for Muriel and Eustace to come out. Goldie came out, nuzzling his head against hers. Looking around innocently, Alex held her milk close to her, feeling the sun shine down on her, despite the cold air. "mom". She said, folding her hands in prayer, closing her eyes. She felt her birth mom's presence upon her, surrounding her, guiding her, comforting her in wisdom, clarity, and love. She knew birth mom could make the cold air warmer, and lead her young heart to a new direction. She needed birth mom. Within the yellow sky of cold air, sin, and sex, that breathed heavily, like a slutty woman gasping for air, and the scandalous snap of "the tape", sex tape, Alex felt the warmth of her birth mom, holding her in her arms, stroking her head as she laid down, comforting her lost, and fearful heart, that had been stabbed many times by the demons that snarled, and hunted her down for her meat in the wild. "mom". Alex said again, as she closed her eyes, feeling warmth, comfort, and healing, as she sat in birth mom's arms. This was where she felt truly relaxed. Here, she felt warm, and safe. She felt as if she was protected by her true parents. Yes, it may've seemed as if her birth mom had been taken away from her, but she had never forgotten her. she had always kept her close within her, just in case.

Muriel and Eustace eventually came back outside, coming down the steps of the front door, as Alex waited by the pickup truck. The cold air, brought by the curry yellow sky, held the cusp of a vagina, being pressed against. "Alexandria". Muriel said gently, as Alex looked up at her. "are you almost ready to go?". Alex nodded, as she got into the truck. Luckily, there was a backseat. Eustace got in, helping to lift his wife in. Muriel's scarf wrapped her neck, sitting overtop of her overcoat. Squeezing Muriel's hand tightly, Eustace whispered something to her, in which she nodded. Whispering something back, Muriel and her husband engaged in couples talk, in which Alex sat in the back, wondering what they were discussing. Alex coughed a bit, as she breathed in some of Eustace's cigarette smoke. Looking closely, she saw Eustace's wedding ring, stained with blood. Given what she had known beforehand, the Black Puddle Queen was starting to claim Eustace as one of her victims, that is, after leading him to believe they had a budding relationship.

Muriel rested her head against the seat, as she stared at Alex. As Alex looked up at her, Muriel seemed to stare at herm just stare, as Alex looked up innocently, knowing what Muriel had done. Although, as Alex was looking at Muriel with her thin, maroon lips, and scarf tucked around her overcoat, (Muriel had looked womanly) Al noticed, Muriel looked stressed, a bit. It seemed an influential woman in Alex's life was falling off her pedestal. Or maybe she just was tired. "Muriel". "Muriel". She wanted to pronounce her name, and pronounce it right. She wanted to look up to her, (although she really didn't). "Muriel". "you're so big, you block out the sun". was what could've been implied, as Alex looked up at Muriel, seeing her fall apart. Although, Muriel looked more…observant, than she did tired. Looking back at Alex, she pursed her lips, analyzing her, keeping any cynical comment she had, to herself at the moment, although the thought remained. Alex was nave, small, disabled, and simple minded. She was unable to tell where she stood in actuality. Alex looked up at Muriel, wanting to cry. She didn't want to be with the Bagges. She didn't want to have Muriel, or Eustace in her life. She wanted to go home, sit up in her room, and be with her birth mom, feeling warm and secure. Smelling a rotten smell coming from Muriel's side, Alex wondered what that was, although she was unable to tell. Secrets of the affair Eustace was having, lied within Alex, as she drank her milk, picking her arm for comfort.

They soon got there, as they found a parking spot over in the grass. Getting out of the car, Eustace helped his wife out, as he lit another cigarette. Over in the distance, a hay ride was happening, as was pumpkin painting, bobbing for apples, and a food stand. Sexual freedom, and scandalous airs filled under the yellow sky, as the cold air whipped around Alex's face. "dear". Muriel said gently, only with a low, feminine air to her voice. "yeah?". Alex asked looking up at her. "would you like to find a pumpkin?". "or perhaps find some apples". "you're open to what you like". Muriel smiled. "no, I'm fine". Alex said, looking down at her milk. Looking over at Muriel's stomach, Alex noticed the baby got bigger. Muriel yawned tiredly, as Alex sat beside her. "is the baby doing ok?". Alex asked, a bit concerned. "yes, he's doing just fine". Muriel said, smiling. "mmm". "you look wonderful". Muriel smiled, as Alex nodded. "Thank you". Alex replied. "I'm sure you would enjoy some candied apples". Muriel said, calmly. "yeah, kind of". Alex said, looking up at Muriel, wanting to stay by her side.

"why don't you get some?". Muriel suggested. "I'm sure your family would enjoy that". "I'm ok". Alex replied, sitting on the hay bale next to Muriel. "um…is it ok if I try to find more milk?". Alex asked. "I brought some for you, dear". Muriel said, going through her big purse she had carried with her when her three, (now grown) children were little. She then took out more of Alex's milk, pouring it into her travel cup. "thank you". Alex said. "of course, dear". Muriel smiled. "let's swallow". She said gently, yet slowly, so Alex could understand. Muriel pressed two fingers against Alex's throat, assuming she couldn't swallow her milk. "swal-low". Muriel instructed slowly. Alex turned her head to look at Muriel. "swal-low". Muriel instructed again. Alex swallowed her milk again, as Muriel's fingers pressed down. Now, Alex knew something wasn't right. She shouldn't have been instructed on how to swallow. She already knew how. They were doing things for her, they thought she didn't know how to do. Why? Because they didn't believe in her. they didn't think she was as smart as they were by many IQ points. That was it.

Alex looked up at Muriel as she fed her more milk. "milk". Muriel said, slowly. "milk". "um…um…"Alex stuttered. "swallow your milk". Muriel instructed gently. Alex looked up at Muriel as Muriel fed her some. "did you understand that?". Muriel asked. "do you need me to repeat it?". "um…um…". Muriel gently guided Alex, as Alex tried thinking of the word she would say, when she didn't want something. "no". Alex said. "yes, well, let's swallow". Muriel instructed again. Alex, with the help of Muriel, swallowed her milk. "very good". Muriel said, calmly. "there you are, my beautiful girl". Muriel said, cleaning Alex's face off. "you're all good to go, girlie". Eustace smiled. "mmm, you truly are beautiful". Muriel laid back against the bench, as her heel scraped against the grass. She was wearing heeled shoes. "you are such a beautiful girl". "mmm, and a very inspiring, and influential, strong, thoughtful, special girl". "we love you very much". Muriel whispered. "never let any doubts come between what you wish to accomplish". Alex nodded, as Eustace put a hand on her shoulder.

"hey girl". He said in a deep, gentle voice. "you look good with those on". Alex nodded, as Eustace smiled down at her, "mmm, you always look good". he tiredly brushed her face with his burly hand. "you're such a beautiful girl". "that's our Alexandria". Muriel whispered. "mmm, so tenacious, and kind, and esteemed". "so smart, and lovely…mmmm, and so…". She spoke as if she were having a bit of an orgasm at this point. She kept her fetish stifled, as she brushed Alex's face. "talented". She whispered. "mmmmm, you're such a lovely, special dear". Muriel felt the orgasm crawl up her body ravenously, purely stroking her lit body places, such as her worn vagina, that had died with age, and her breasts that had only gotten larger. "you will always be ours, Alexandria". Muriel said, feeling the strokes of the vagina pour all over her, lighting the way. Muriel brushed Alex's face, as Alex sat, looking around. It had seemed the world in it's venture, died, and all that was left was the lass of cynicism, and true debauchery that combed the air, keeping it in it's tight grasp.

Brown boots clamped, as Eustace came back over. "she really is cute, isn't she?". He said to his wife, running a hand down Alex's face. "she is wonderful". Muriel agreed. "Alexandria, dear", Muriel suggested. "I'm sure you wouldn't mind giving us just a minute". "ok". Alex said, taking her milk, beginning to walk away. As she walked behind the hay stack building, she saw someone, someone who looked eerily familiar. Looking over, she saw the familiar sight of scraggly, blonde hair, an unnerving smile, and an olive suit. She knew exactly who this person was, and he still had haunted her thoughts from time to time. "Hello, Alexandria". Muriel's nephew, Fred spoke in the unnerving voice, with a deep, sexual register Alexandria knew, and didn't want to hear again.

Chapter 5

"Fred". Alex said, stuttering, as she looked around her. "It certainly has been some time, hasn't it?" Fred smiled an unnerving smile, as he crossed his legs. His scarf sat wrapped around his black overcoat covering his olive colored suit. His heeled shoes scraped against the tattered grass. From the looks of it, the area seemed eerily empty. They were alone. "I...I…I…I guess". Alex said, looking down at her feet. Her brightly colored, baby blue, baby yellow "Duck, Duck, Goose" pajamas looked juvenile compared to Fred's overcoat, and suit. "Have you been well?". Fred spoke with a low, sexual voice, Alex was clearly disturbed by. "yeah, kind of". Alex said, quickly. "you are very enticing, Alexandria". Fred stroked her face, as she looked up at him, concerned. "You have a magnificent eclectic". Fred let his wrinkled fingers brush Alex's small, pale face.

"um…what are you doing here?". Alex asked, a bit concerned. "It is an enchanting time of year, of course". Fred smiled. "I've been on holiday". "oh". Alex looked down at her locket her birth mom gave her, hoping birth mom could protect her at this moment. She saw his Psychiatric ward bracelet still around his wrist, as she began breathing heavily. "my landlords have been a bit, dower as of recent". Fred sipped a wine glass of hazelnut noir. "they've increased my stay to three years". "oh". Alex said, looking around the rest of the festival, as people passed by, holding cups of cider, talking amongst themselves. A band of teenagers, sat smoking nearby, as one held a wine glass in one hand, and a cigarette in the other.

"how have you been faring?". Fred asked, setting his wine glass beside himself on a hay bale. "have you been doing well in school?". Alex knew she couldn't back out now. She was trapped. At this rate, if she tried to leave, she knew he would grab her, and restrain her in some way, shape or form. Fred was charismatic. He had the ability to charm others, and groom them, suckling them in until he gained their full trust. Alex did trust him, even as he wasn't as harmless as he seemed. "I…I won an academic award". Alex said. "I…I…I got all A's this semester". "that is wonderful". Fred replied in his low voice. "You are very esteemed". "thank you". Alex replied. "Alexandria". Fred said, uncrossing his legs. "you seem very pensive". "is something troubling you?". "well…I…I…". Alex looked down at the locket her birth mom gave to her, remembering the fear that was in her heart. "I feel like…like I have to wonder if my family truly loves me". "I feel like I…I can't…". she looked up at Fred, who had taken another sip of his wine.

"Dear". Fred had said in a low voice, with a sexual register that, to many, bordered on creepy. "that simply is not true". He had smiled an unnerving smile, as Alex turned her head a bit. "you are a very inspirational, influential, determined, thoughtful girl". "you may have some lingering doubts, although you have deeply inspired your family". "my wonderful Alexandria". Fred brushed Alex's face again. "we have always loved you, ever since you were first brought to us". "do you remember that?". Fred smiled. "no". Alex said, looking down again. "you were very small, and frail". Fred took Alex's hands in his. "you were deprived, severely". "you had trouble walking", "you couldn't swallow". Fred looked Alex over, admiring her figure, knowing he was attracted to her. the fetish resurfaced as he felt his penis crawl upwards through his pants. It was vulnerable children such as these, who had experienced pain, that he wanted to molest.

"You had trouble lifting your head". "you couldn't respond to your name". "you've had many endowments of suffering". Fred put a thin, wrinkly hand on Alex's pajama pants, and his hand only slid further down. "yet you have surpassed all of our expectations". "you were very…optimistic, despite your situation". "yeah, well, I…I believe that I can do anything". Alex said, not noticing Fred's hand resting on her pants. "I…I know that somehow, I've been made stronger by the experience". "I can sing, I can do academics, I'm a delight". "I can be anything I choose, because I have a high IQ, given to me by the experience". "I know I can do anything". Alex repeated. " Now, Alexandria". Fred's heeled shoe clicked a bit as he said this. "we shouldn't be unrealistic". Alex knew what he meant by this. Essentially, what he was saying was, "you can't do anything". "you're dumb, foolish, and an uncalled for, annoying, animal that limps around with a bad leg, heeming, and hawing loudly due to a low IQ, and a mother that even abandoned it, as it was destined to be a waste of breath and space". "you don't belong on our Earth".

Alex did not cry. She did not feel the weight, and pressure reality brought. She sat, turning her head a bit. "you still have difficulty responding". Fred said. "I...I…I'm trying". Alex said. If one could look into her beautiful, round eyes, they would see the human in them, the pain that scratched her, setting her back. They could see the trier she was. Fred smiled an unnerving smile, touching Alex's cheek. "I see you are, and you have been doing very well". "I know". Alex said. "You've always been very…troubled". Fred spoke in a low, sexual voice. "I understand it's been arduous losing your birth mother, to a tragic death". "yeah". Alex replied. "then being abused, deprived". "do you ever feel lonely?". "forgotten?". "as if you've had to rely on yourself?". "kind of". Alex said. "I feel like, my birth mother's still here though, protecting me, guiding me, and helping me". "I know she's always here". "hmmm, that's wonderful". Fred sighed, as he felt his penis rise up gradually through his pants. "you feel as if your birth mother is the only one that's truly there". Fred whispered, grinning a cheshire cat like grin. "it's decating to see you struggle through it". "yeah, kind of". Alex said.

"it hasn't been easy for you". Fred rubbed Alex's small hands with his wrinkly thumbs. " you've been hurt by the very ones who were supposed to love you". "yeah". Alex said. "I…I still have nightmares, and I…I'm afraid they'll come back, and they'll hurt me, and kill my family". "yes". Fred said. "luckily, your parents and I have signed the agreement, and you will live with me". "I wouldn't want them to feel burdened". "you need not feel ashamed, or as if you're at fault". "you are perfect". Fred said, feeling the fetish come alive. "you're so perseverant, and successful". "so intelligent, and strong". "oh, Alexandria". Fred said, in an erogenous manner, as if he were having an orgasm. "you're so amazing". "I've always loved you". "Ever since you were brought home". He then began giggling, loudly, which turned to full blown laughter, as he let his penis rise, feeling the white seep through his pants. "don't worry". He smiled an unnerving smile, that wreaked of the evils of rape. "I am always here for you". "I will always be home". "whenever you feel anxious, or pensive". "I am never far". "I would love to hold you, dear". His hand went deeper near Alex's private area, pulling down her pajama pants. "until you fall asleep". His evil grin got wider, as Alex looked dismayed. "just like birth mother used to". He then fiddled with her locket.

"I am here for you". he grinned, evilly. "trust me". "I love you, Alexandria". He sighed. He then took her hand, leading her into the haystack shed. Sitting her across from him, he carefully pulled down her pajama pants, unbuckling the belt to his pants, pulling them down. Inching closer, and closer to her, he brought her, until he pulled down her underwear. He then proceeded to pull down his underwear. "for as long as we both shall live". He whispered. He then got closer to her, closer, closer, as she backed away, forcefully. Pulling up her underwear, and pants, she felt her breathing become deep, as she jerked away quickly. "no". she said. "no, no, no, no, no". Feeling tears come to her eyes, she tried pulling away with all of her strength, only for Fred to grab her arm, forcibly. "no, no, no, no". she said, ripping away. She then ran out of the shed, far far away, until she was standing in the middle of the festival. Breathing heavily, she threw a stick in anger, and sadness. Feeling as if no one understood her, and that no one would ever, she began to cry, perhaps for the first time in months. She wanted to go home. She wanted to see her birth mom, badly. She felt as if she wasn't needed by anyone.

If she was needed, then why were her adoptive families trying to kill her? Why were the Bagges feigning kindness, and belief that she could do it? Alex knew she was disabled at the beginning. Everyone seemed to believe she was severely disabled, and would be for the rest of her life. Why were they against her? feeling she had no one on her side, she cried loudly, starting to pull at her hair. Her eyes were now red with sadness as she started crying even louder. She called out the name of the only person she trusted, Marie, the teenage girl with blue hair, wrinkly skin, and a blossoming sex life. For as out of line, and punk as she was, she believed in Alex, and knew the deep relationship she had with her mom, as well as the true abilities Alex would use to change the world. Alex's eyes looked like a "coda coda", off to the side as she sniffled a bit, trying to stop her crying. Footsteps were heard, as Muriel and Eustace neared.

"dear". Muriel said, looking down at her. "are you hungry?". "would you like something to eat?". After what she had experienced, she really didn't want to eat anything, and her appetite was about gone. Although she did. Eat, that was. Going up to the line for the food hut, Eustace stood by Alex, trying to buckle his pants. Perhaps he did something with Muriel. Perhaps they were loose. Who knew? "here girlie, have you ever had fries with vinegar?". "no". Alex said quietly. "me wife got me started on it, you'll love it". "ok". Alex said, looking up at the attendant. They got their food, Eustace got a burger, and they went to sit at a nearby picnic table. Muriel pursed her lips into a straight line, as Alex shared the fries with Eustace. "dear". Muriel said, gently, lifting herself up with effort. "would you like some help?". Muriel took a fry, putting it in Alex's mouth. She then guided Alex along on chewing as she turned her head, looking around. "swal-low". Muriel instructed, slowly. With all of her strength, Alex swallowed the fry. Then going in for another. She kept eating her fries,

Muriel instructing her on how to chew, as she looked around, possibly distracted by the stimuli around. "do you need some milk?". Muriel asked. Alex nodded, as she swallowed the drool that came down from her mouth. Feeding her some milk, Muriel sat with Alex as she held the milk in. "swallow". Muriel instructed again. looking over as if she didn't understand, Alex noised, feeling the spit, white from milk coming down her chin. "swallow". Muriel said again. Alex swallowed, drinking more of her milk. From then on, Muriel wiped Alex's chin, smiling. "there you are, dear". "yeah, girlie, you've got it". Eustace smiled, winking at her.

"I bought you something, dear". Muriel said, kindly. "this is to commemorate our friendship". "from me to you". she then took a silver locket from her apron, as Alex looked at it, automatically knowing no one could replace her mom's gold locket. "here, let's change this old one to look newer". Alex let out a soft cry, looking concerned as Muriel began putting it around her neck. "no, please no". Alex said. "this is my birth mom's locket, I don't want you replacing it". "alright, dear". "whatever you feel comfortable with". Muriel said, putting the silver locket away. Alex looked down at her locket, as Eustace took out another cigarette, smoking. "there's a pumpkin patch over there, if you want to get pumpkins". He muttered. "ok". Alex said. She knew, in her heart, that this day was peculiar. The Bagges were pregnant, and that didn't stop them from being truly evil.

The day wore on, as the sun snuck closer, and closer behind the horizon. From what Alexandria saw, the pumpkin patch wasn't crowded at all. It was empty, as all the pumpkins had been taken at this point. Alex looked up at the Bagges, as she held her small container of milk. They made their way to the pickup truck, as they all piled in. The drive home was met with silence, as only the radio remained on. The airs of temptation, and debauchery seemed to muster around them, as the couple clasped one another's hand. They remained quiet as Ol Smokey Joe sang about sex. From the indubitables about it, the enigma of old cartoon characters, well cartoon characters in general seemed to come to call. That was quite alright. Westerners could be mean.

The Bagges pulled up to Alexandria's house, letting her out. "Thank you for a great day". She said, getting out. "of course, dear". "It's always a pleasure". Muriel said. "you have a wonderful night now". "Thank you". Alex said. Muriel then gave Alex a kiss on her forehead. "goodbye, girlie". Eustace said in a gentle voice. "I'll see you later". He then winked at her. "ok". Alex replied. "goodbye". She closed the door, going up the steps to her house. Going inside, she felt Goldie come to the door, nuzzling her. "hi". Alex said, as Goldie laid by her feet, providing comfort. Holding her milk, Alex walked into the living room to find her parents at the kitchen table, talking as a young adult, or, more in this case, a sexually active teenager with a red, button down silk shirt, and a black beanie on his head. Edd, or Double D was there. "Hello Alex". He said in a comforting voice. "hi". Alex said, quietly. "it's been quite a long time since I've seen you". Edd smiled, saying in a soft voice. "I know". Alex said. She looked innocent in her pajamas, in comparison to Edd's adult clothes. "I hear you've been doing well". he said in a calm, yet sonorous voice. "you've been sleeping well, you've been honest with mom and dad". "you no longer have day tremors". "and, you've been solving problems effectively as opposed to becoming upset".

"I know". Alex said, looking over at the couch. "did you have fun today at the pumpkin patch?". Edd asked, taking her hands in his. Nervous, she began to yank them away. "Alex". Edd said, gently. "it's fine". "let it happen". "breathe". He said, smiling, only in a slow manner so she would understand. "did you have a good day?". He asked. "yes". Alex said, looking around. "I thought you would". Edd said, smiling. Alex's breathing became heavy, as Edd continued holding her hands. "breathe deeply". Edd guided, as Alex looked frightened. "close your eyes". Edd instructed. "continue breathing". "I…I…I…". Alex looked up at him. "continue breathing". Edd said, rubbing her back. "you're ok" "ok". Alex breathed. "do you trust me?". Edd asked, as Alex's breathing became calmer. She eventually slowed down. "yes". Alex said, as Edd rubbed her hands. "very good, Alex". Edd said, calmly. As Edd rubbed her hands, Alex could feel herself becoming calmer. She felt her heart rate slow down, and her once frightened soul, and troubled heart come to call. She felt herself being pulled in, by something, by someone. As she looked around, she noticed herself being hugged by Edd. It was at that moment, she felt as if she was actually being cared for.

As she was being held, Alex felt the nurturing feeling of silk coming across her face. Rubbing against it, she laid her head down on it, continuing to feel it. Edd smiled, knowing she would come to trust him if he wore a comforting fabric. "very good". Edd replied. Nervously, Alex put her arms around Edd, as he continued to hold her. Feeling the hurt, the fear of molesting demons, and the loneliness melt away, Alex felt a certain warmth come over her, as she laid in Edd's arms, finally learning to trust him, not because she had to, but because she wanted to. Her breathing became slower, and softer as she laid still. "mom". She said as tears came to her eyes. "mom". "mom". "mom". "mom". She repeated as she was crying out for her birth mom. "let me go". "I want mom". She said, crying. "Alex". Edd said, soothingly. "what happened?". "I need my birth mom". She said, looking up at Edd.

"I understand". Edd replied, stroking her cheeks. "you miss her". "it is very painful to have someone you love be taken away". "it's a very painful process, although you have been very vigilant". He said gently, smiling. "mmm, you still keep her in your memories". "I do". "she's not gone". Alex said. "she's still here". "she's still here". "shh, I understand". Edd replied, holding Alex's hands. "do you often speak to her?". "yes". Alex said, nodding. "that's wonderful". "I'm sure she would be proud of the progress you're making". Edd smiled. "do you need to lay down?". Edd asked. "yes". Alex nodded. She then laid on his shirt, rubbing against the silk, trying to calm herself down. Edd stroked her cheek, as she breathed slowly. "good, keep breathing". Edd encouraged. A little while later, Edd sat Alex up. "Alex". He said, gently. Alex still didn't move, instead turning her head. "Alex". Edd said again. Alex turned her head upon hearing her name. "very good". Edd said. "it's time to swallow". Alex turned her head, as Edd lifted her head, feeling her throat. He then took some milk from her, feeding it to her.

"swal-low". He said, gently. Alex looked up at him, not knowing what to do. "swal-low". Edd said again. Finding the strength to swallow, Alex let the milk go down her throat, enjoying every taste of it. "very good". Edd said. "thank you". Alex replied. "you seem to be reciprocating well". Edd said, gently. "I'm trying". Alex said. "I…I just feel like, I…I lost my mom". "I tried everything". "I've done everything I could, but, I can't…I feel like, she's the only one that's been there for me". "there's no one else". "I know things weren't exactly the best between you, and your foster families". Edd said, gently in a whisper. "what am I supposed to do?". Alex asked. "I…I don't think anyone needs me here, or loves me". "my birth mom is probably the only one that believes I can do it". "I hear the things people say". "I'm completely aware that they don't believe in me". "I don't want them in my life". "I don't". Alex said.

"Alex". Edd said, brushing her cheek. "you are extraordinarily gifted". "you are an amazing person with the ability to do anything you choose". "things have been hard on you, because you've been deprived of affection, and stimulation at such a young age". "you were abused, heavily". "you've experienced tumult". "I know". Alex said, sniffling. "it's even harder knowing your birth mom has been taken away". Edd whispered. "you may feel as if you're alone, and every experience you've had is a rough one". "I don't think I belong here". Alex said, as tears came down her cheeks. "I need to be with my birth mom". "mmm, remember, your parents, your mom and dad; your grandfather, my family…" "we're here for you". Edd said, gently. "we've were so happy when you came home". "we knew we were blessed with an amazing, wonderful, magnanimous person in our life". "we've always known you would be talented". "Here we are, sharing High School, you're taking a college theoretical physics class already, you have outstanding test scores". "we have never been more proud to have you making a truly remarkable impact on our world". "your birth mother would be delighted to see you've forged a relationship with your adoptive parents". "you've been through a tumultuous align". Edd rubbed Alex's hands. "luckily, you have your family". "they will always be there to ensure you have a prosperous, comfortable life".

"you're doing very well trusting them". Edd whispered. "I'm trying". Alex said. "I know you are". Edd said, calmly. "shh, I know you are". "you are doing an amazing job". "you always have". "thank you". Alex said. "now tonight, let your parents come upstairs, and put you to bed". Edd smiled. "ok". Alex nodded. later on, as Alex went upstairs to shower, her parents and Edd talked.

"she seems to be doing well". Diane said. "she has been reciprocating to affection well". Edd stated. "she was easily able to express her emotions, and feel significant attachment toward someone she knows well". "has she been responding well?". Mark asked. "she has". Edd nodded. "her esophagus strength has increased, giving her the ability to swallow independently". "and she does comprehend, and process simple directives independently". Edd said. "good". Diane nodded. "how are things with you and Dawn?". "they've been good". he smiled, keeping his secret from Diane that he often snuck out to the bar with Dawn, and sex with multiple women. "they usually give me free drinks". He said to Mark. "do you usually do it on the bed, or at the table?". "we'll take it on the bed". Edd replied. "it's usually not even her". "there was an older girl I $$$ed a bit earlier, but, I play, usually". "I never commit to anyone, I play with their ####". "for all Dawn knows, I come back unscathed". Edd said. "that's good". Mark said. "mmm". "I just give it to her, hard". Mark nodded. Edd took out a cigarette, lighting it, puffing out the smoke, as he sat down. "mmm, I'm hungry". Edd mumbled, as he stood up. "you're welcome to join us for dinner". Diane invited. "it's fine". Edd replied. "you both have a wonderful evening". "goodbye Edd". Alex came over looking up at him, giving him a hug. "goodbye, sweetheart". Edd gave her a kiss on the cheek. "see you on Thursday". He smiled. "see you". Alex said. "behave yourself". Diane joked as he walked out. "easily". Edd retorted. He then walked out, as Diane closed the door behind him.

Later that night, the family settled into a quiet evening. Alex sat on her dad's knee as they watched T.V. later. They had already finished a filling meal of spaghetti with spicy marinara sauce. "I trust them". She said, quietly. "you trust them?". Mark asked, as Alex looked up at him. "yeah". Alex said. "and who do you trust?". Mark asked. "Eustace and Muriel". Alex replied. "well, that's always nice". Mark replied. "even if they do things that aren't entirely appropriate". "well, Edd told me that they believe in me, and that I have to trust them because they're here for me no matter what". Alex said. "well, I wouldn't trust Eustace so much". Mark replied. "yeah, I don't know why he does the things he does". Alex said. "true". "well, the only thing we can do is, hope for the best". Mark said. Alex nodded. She then turned around to watch the rest of the T.V. as night drew near, Alex's eyes began to get heavier, and heavier, as she eventually fell asleep in Mark's arms. It's not entirely accurate as to what time it was, although Mark eventually carried Alex upstairs, wrapped in her blanket, as he set her down in her bed. The dark red sky had emerged into eventual black. Downstairs, Mark turned the lights off, and the television off, as he went upstairs with Diane. The world was finally asleep. Finally. There was nothing, and no one who could, or would, disturb Alex, or Alex's family's peace.

Chapter 6

Fluttering. That's what Alex did. She fluttered. Well, she didn't flutter. More accurately speaking, her eyes fluttered open, as she awoke. Looking around her, darkness seemed to surround, as everything was deep in sleep. The only people that truly were out were sexually active prostitutes, and those warped on crack cocaine. Alex sat up in her bed, looking around. Finding the water that drip, drip, dripped, she went downward, downward, downward to the bottom of the sea.

There, she found it. The underground lair that was filled with bones, remains, and others strewn about. Alex hid by the bedpost, as a guttural growl, and a breathy sigh were heard. "mmm, she'll never know will she?". A light, airy woman's voice was heard. "no". a deep, guttural voice was heard. Looking out in front of the bedpost, Alex saw Eustace and the Black Puddle Queen, trying again. Even as she had no vagina, Eustace was going to try again. pushing, and pulling heavily, he tried, but his penis only slid. "oh, Eustacce". The Black Puddle Queen hissed, standing up, as his siemen filled penis fell over. "yeah?". He asked, in deep throat fashion. "I love you". "oh, for as long as we both shall live". Grrr…. Grr…. Grr… "hey there, Eustace, one quick question, are you ok….?". "oh, oh, oh,". Light bounced from all different places, as the Queen grew taller, and taller, and her head only got bigger, as her jaw expanded. "that'sssssssssssss good". she hissed. She then grew to an enormous size, as Eustace sat, frozen in fear. "I…I…

RAR!

The Queen let out a monster roar, almost similar to Godzilla's roar, as she began snapping at Eustace, who inched back on the bed, slowly, and carefully. Alex stood up, unable to fathom what she had seen. Snap! Snap! Snap! The Queen continued snapping as Eustace trying to tear off every limb, corner every minute detail of Eustace. The Queen's eyes remained crazy, and bloodhound like, as they were now a beady red. Alex inched back in horror, starting to run, starting to hide, although there was nowhere to go. She wanted to scream, she wanted to cry, although she just couldn't. if she did, the queen would notice she was there as well. "aughhhhhh!". Eustace cried. "somebody help me!". "somebody help me!". He screamed this, loudly as he sat frozen in horror.

Ching! Ching! Ching! The clangs of a rope, grip, whatever the things are called, came in order as a blonde teenager slid down it. Chad Dickinson came through, pulling out machine guns, shooting the Queen, as Eustace still sat there, frozen in horror. "Aughh! Geez!". "aughhh!". "no, no, no!". he said, aching from the beating his reproductive organ took. Juice, and purple blood smeared everywhere, as the evil sea creature, the "Queen" screamed in horror, at her body being dismembered. She let out one final scream, as she eventually was blown to pieces. A frightened Eustace, couldn't move, instead shouting, and screaming, "aughh!", because his organ hurt. "augh!". "what the Fu…kid, watch what you're doin ya little Fu…!". "it's ok, it's ok, I'm here to help you". Chad said, picking Eustace up on his tether, getting him to safety. Alex came out from behind the bed, looking outward. "hey, Bestie". Chad said, gently. "come here". "come here". "everything's fine". "it's all good". "we'll get you home, safe and sound". He said. "come on". "nothing's that bad". He said. "we'll get you home to bed". He said, gently. Alex nodded, coming out from behind the bed, grabbing hold of Chad's tether. Up, up, up they went, up toward the surface of the sea, and out of the water. The sky above them, lit black, with a tint of Navy blue, as the red light of the emergency helicopter lit the way. Putting Eustace in the helicopter, Chad set him down, giving his pilot the "Ok" sign.

Setting Eustace down in a seat, Chad sat next to him, as Alex wondered what was going on. "ok, what the $$$$ was that?!". Eustace snapped. "you were…I don't really know, but I'll take a guess here, cheating on your wife with a deadly, sea floor creature". Chad retorted. "I did no such thing!". "did I?". Eustace asked. "look, buddy, the point is, you're safe and sound". "we'll get you to a hospital, pronto". Chad said. "your lollipop took quite a beating". "yeah, yeah, yeah". Eustace said. "I'm almost 90". "it doesn't matter anyways". "it shouldn't". Chad said. Alex looked over at them, as Chad turned around. "bestie, why were you up?". Chad asked. "were you making sure he was ok?". Alex nodded. "cool, cool". "well, you'll have to come wait with us in the hospital since we have to be there, anyway". Chad said. "here, let's get you some new clothes, bestie". Taking out a plastic bag, Chad put boy's underwear on Alex, as well as a large,T-shirt. "This, this isn't my size". Alex said. "it'll be fine". "you look so good, bestie". Chad smiled, patting Alex's cheeks. He then put her wet pajamas in the plastic bag.

The helicopter landed, as they got Eustace in the hospital. They were going to tend to his broken reproductive organ. Chad and Alex were in the waiting room. Everything was fine.

Until it wasn't.

"so, how many girls have you had sex with?". Chad asked. "Just the one". Eustace replied. "I tried to fuck the other, but, she didn't have it". "right". Chad replied. "I've only had sex with the one, but, it was made obvious her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Christian, so, I wasn't getting any". "yeah, you've got yer whole life ahead of you". "You don't need anyone tellin' ya any different". Eustace said. The screeching of wheels was heard, as running feet made way in the hall. "oh, arghhhhhh!". "aughhhhh, dear no!". "augh!". Muriel groaned as she lay back on the gurney, feeling her water spill out from underneath her. Muriel was in labor! She was giving birth!

"is that me wife?". Eustace quickly rose to his feet, scuttling out of the room. "oh, sweet Moses, it is!". "she already in labor?". "I gotta get there!". He then dashed after the rolling gurney. "Chad", Alex began to ask, looking up at him. "Is something wrong with Muriel?". "Well, sweetie, Eustace's wife, didn't know Muriel was her actual name, yes, Muriel had a baby". Chad explained, colloquially. "how did she have her baby today?". "I didn't think her baby was actually due until next week". "well, she did go into labor, just recently". Chad said. "she's doing fine". "she just needs some time to rest". "oh, well, alright". Alex said. Coming into the room, Diane and Mark bent down to hug their daughter, Alexandria. "Are you ok?". Diane asked. "yeah, but, I think Muriel may be having her baby". Alex replied. "I heard". Diane said, ruffling Alex's hair. "are you ok, sweetheart?". Mark asked, bending down to brush his daughter's face. "I understand this is a big change for you". "you may feel as if this is all going at a rapid rate, although, there is nothing to worry about". "we'll ease into it, take as much time as you need". He said, gently. "ok". Alex said. Chad and Mark both smiled down at her.

With that, Eustace came into the room, wiping his brow. "well, he's here". "little Charles is here". "he's a healthy kid". "plump, and shaped like his old man". He smiled. "congratulations". Diane said. Mark shook Eustace's hand. "yeah, well, he's a little trooper". "hung in there for three months". Alex still looked up at Eustace, as she drank her milk. At least now, the Bagges would have a little one, and not so much focus all of their attention on her. "do you want to go see Muriel?". Diane asked Alex. "yes". Alex said, taking her pink blanket a nurse had run through the dryer, wrapping it around her. She also had on her original clothes, as opposed to wearing Chad's clothes. Going into the hospital room, she saw Muriel laying on the bed, holding Charles close to her.

"hi, Muriel". Alex said, looking over at baby Charles. "hello, dear". Muriel said, gently. "you look tired, my Alexandria". "have you not gotten enough sleep?". "no". Alex said. "I…I…dreamed about my birth mother". "oh, yes, and was it a fair dream?". Muriel asked. "kind of". Alex said. "either way, I'm ok". "that's wonderful to hear". Muriel smiled. "well I do thank you, dear". "you truly have been a big help". "I know". Alex said, looking down at her slippers she wore. "baby Charles is cute". "oh, well, you will come to love him, lest you get to meet him". Muriel smiled. "I am very lucky you're here, my dear girl". "you are a true savior". "Thank you". Alex replied. "oh, of course my dear". Muriel smiled. The rest of the family gathered in, all looking around, staring at Muriel's baby. Eustace bent down, kissing his wife, thankful they had rekindled their romance. He knew he was going to attempt to be faithful to the only one he dearly, and truly loved. Most of the time. Until then, he was going to try and be better, for the both of them.

Alex gave her parents a hug, knowing she would reciprocate affection, and work on her relationships to better her life. It was here, and now, she discovered the people who truly did care for her, and who were on her side. With this in mind, she could clean the wounds of her past, and use the gifts she had been blessed with to better the world she lived in, as well as herself. That she did. Yes, Muriel and Eustace did use the natural bounty, and plentiful resources to reconnect as husband and wife. Although Muriel and Eustace also started anew with their family, and made love to the amazing rhythm of parenthood, and raising clean cut citizens of their own.

The hospital room had never been brighter, as the lights remained on, and flawless, adding a Moe Modern finish to it, newly displaying its polished enigma. The family endowed in the accents of modern living, although retained the old celant of family, and the classic style. No one was going to take their new family from them. Not now at least. As bizzare, and evil as the world was, the Bagges indulged in pleasure, keeping them from worrying in the least, for now. One could say they had been adding to the evil with sinful pleasures, although this is what they wanted. Alex was the spirit of light, truly leading others in the right direction. For now, they would do as they wished.

Muriel and Eustace lived in prosperity with their new son. They continued reconnecting as they knew they had loved one another, and they would run hell together. Alexandria lived in true happiness. She had continued Deprixin, and her tremors, and nightmares had washed away to nothing. She had learned to trust, and build relationships, feeling the warmth of maternal connection. This allowed her mind to open widely, as she explored many fields within theoretical physics. Eventually, she went to Harvard, having her own office, with her own whiteboard, where she solved differential equations for hours. In light of that, she was invited to dinners, made tenure, and was named physicist of the year. Sadly, she did not receive the nobel prize as of now, as she lost out to Rueben Marconi, although, one day, she may win the Nobel prize, and become a true inspiration.

Alexandria still visited Kuki and Wallabee. She often felt the rustle of Kuki's silk shirts, and felt the care Kuki provided for her. Kuki was glad Alex was happy, and doing what she loved. Kuki also found it wonderful that Anastasia Alexandria Ross had a family she could rely on for love, and support. Ira on the other hand, well as you know, Ira won the Nobel Peace Prize, was an honor student, got canonized, the whole 9 yards. Although, she and Alexandria remained best friends, and an inspiration to many people everywhere. That's what I love about Sophie, Alexandria, Ira, Lucas, Zelda, and the kids. They teach us to overcome barriers, and that no matter how different you are, anyone can be a true inspiration, and hero, if they do the right things, be their best self, and think of what they can do to better themselves through helping others.

To be a hero, or an inspiration, it matters not if you are gifted, have a genetic disorder, had a rough past, or are just a regular person. You can be anyone. As long as you think of ways to better yourself through helping others, and better the world through each little improvement you can be a hero. In Alexandria, and Ira's case, understanding the true value of family, and love, and letting others help reach goals, makes them perfect. Family always was there for Alexandria, and they continued to be, for years to come. She did become an inspiration, to everyone in her family. That made all the difference.

Courage the Cowardly Dog, Codename Kids Next Door, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, you name it. This is all Western animation, and cartoons. Cartoons are entertaining, powerful, and help make the left brained era, fun. Although, with any interestlife, they contain powerful, wonderful dynamic, with the issues they tackle, and the incredibly real stories of what real people come across in the United States. We have tackled these issues with such gravitasse, that it has been said, "Western Animation" was, the best out of all of them. Perhaps it is, perhaps it isn't. perhaps I will leave that up to you, dear reader. Whatever you may think of Western Animation, remember this, It was America at it's best. Thus, it will always be. We have existed through the 1960's, up to today.

Western Animation is meant to help kids facing these issues, grapple with them easier, while having cartoon characters relate to them, as they have these struggles as well. it's a shame cartoons today are nothing like they were when we were growing up. Although, I have to say, Western Animation has shaped the world. Animation has shaped the world, and will shape a childhood into a mold for a productive life, and a good future. This is what kids are truly being inside. Good people, and it's all because of, Western Animation. Western Animation is gold. Gold can be found within, if you are willing to look hard enough. You will find it, if you are willing to look.

Dear reader, I have loved being with you these past couple weeks. These days have been the best of my life. I'll remember our time together. I hope you go onto do great things, and inspire others, as I've inspired you. I'll be gone for a while, but do think hard enough, be open, and I will return. Trust me, we will not be apart for long. If we are, remember we've done great things together. Continue these great things for others, and most importantly, for yourself. You deserve it. You always have. Do me a favor. Be yourself, your whole self. You are liked that way. You always will be. Besides, everyone else is taken. Now, dear reader, I must go. Until we meet again, be who you want to be. I will see you soon. Thank you for everything, and good luck with everything. Goodbye now. Goodbye. Take care of yourself. Write back soon. Goodbye now. Goodbye. Bye. Bye.

Muriel and Eustace eventually did achieve something important. They achieved their inner peace. Or it was a folly. Nowhere's Folly. Hmm, who knows. Anyhow, Muriel and Eustace, and Alex, and her family, and everyone, lived happily ever after.

The End.