#i'm sorry you can't make a movie or a show about the children of henry viii and not have religion play a huge part in that

[thefabelmans2022]

a huge huge HUGE pet peeve of mine is when period dramas ignore the influence of religion and the church on both the larger forces of history and individual people's lives.

[dana-chan-the-control-brain]

because fnaf is like this...

fo you think when the movie comes out there will be very big links and ties to whatever fnaf game is released around the same time? I don't mean obviously like "this is an easter egg" or "this is a reference to x" but more in a way like the handbook guide thing had hidden answers to questions the games posed. Do you think the movie might have a bunch of hidden stuff like that for whatever releases at the same time?

(sorry for the weird repetition here. I'm trying to be clear with what I mean but feeling too sick to make it sound like a normal person would ask this XD)

C-puff become bot, not clickbait?

Lol. Nah. Nah. You're fine I get what you mean.

And absolutely, there's not a doubt in my mind.

I know a lot of people, myself included, want the movie to become their own separate, detached from in-game lore thing.

But I don't think it can.

Even if it's an alternate retelling of the missing children's incident.

Why?

Vanessa is literally in it.

So it will make connections and overlaps and symbolic stand ins or allegories for things that either happened, or will happen in the games.

They do this overlap with the books all the time.

Things will exist in the book that are either meant to be an allegory for things, or the books will be written while the game is in development (such as Security Breach and tales of the Pizzaplex) so you get a clearer idea of how they envisioned the Pizzaplex in the books vs how it came across in the games.

The books are literally the reason why Henry exists in Pizzareia simulator. It's why Charlie became the puppet. And the books are also where we got the name "William Afton" in the first place.

And it's why the "golden Freddy is possessed by two children" theory is so popular is due to the Stitchwraith from the books.

Or the CONSTANT characters and items that always pretend to be other things. Illusion discs, the mimic, ellinor....the twisted ones... bleeding into the Funtime animatronics and glitchtrap and Vanny/Vanessa Things are always pretending to be other things in the books. That it is so annoying that almost every theory has credence when you say "this isn't Vanny" or "this isn't Gregory" or "nothing is real." Like these actually are credible theories in the fandom because there are so many deceptive characters pretending to be other things. Or technology that causes hallucinations or lucid dreams tactfully existing.

Or like... How in the book, it tries to tell you more things about Gregory. Without being clear other than saying explicitly "this child is evil and you shouldn't trust him" much to the sheer annoyance and groan of the fans. (Cus it's really creatively....'meh' )

So yeah.

The movie will definitely have some insights on how William works, and how Vanessa works...

Maybe some actual facts about Mike...while the guide books try so adamantly to deny his existence most of the time.

So if we see things in the movie, I expect them to show up later in HW2 or something that answers a question we've had about Security Breach.

I almost wish that you could detach the books, the movie and the games all from eachother. Kinda like pokemon, where the anime, card game, and game and manga have all their own separate continuities.

But it's like you really can't at this point.

[mydarllinglover]

Alone || Till Death Do Us Part

Previous

The Twins mood had seemed to worsen increasingly, during Daryl and Evie's departure, the more people that greeted Natalia, seemed to irritate them more. Archie wasn't enjoying the attention, the heat, or the noise, either.

Judith and Henry had tried their best to help out, whilst Lydia shadowed them, quietly. Natalia left her alone, but made show to keep an eye on the people around her, making sure they wouldn't be giving the girl grief whilst she managed to adapt to the polar change of living for the past decade.

When she had been able to wander off, whilst Henry was distracted with fetching clean rags to help with the mess of lunch, Natalia "gently" pushed the teenager to go after her, who was reluctant to leave the woman with four small children.

Natalia had convinced the girls to focus on Luke's performance, who had also managed to talk Alden into. Enid, Connie and Kelly had offered to keep their eyes on the twins, as well as the two men, whilst Natalia went in search of a quiet room to put her son down for a nap.

"What's the point, Daddy's gonna miss it." Daisy furrowed her brows, her arms crossed as she frowned at the grass.

"Yeah, he's not gonna know how good we are, what's the point?" Bambi agreed, copying her sisters stance.

"Because, Daddy might not be here, but Mommy is, and I really, really wanna see how amazing my girls are, you said that Luke said you have the voices of angels"

"It's true, you have gifted children, well done." Luke stepped in, nodding at the woman, who gave him a gingerly smile before turning back to her twins.

"I'm so excited to see, and then when Daddy gets back, you can perform it for him, too, and Aunt Michonne and Aunt Carol, and your sister." Natalia told them, whilst she bounced Archie, who was crying his eyes out for a nap.

"But you're going too!" Daisy accused.

"No I'm not, but honey, Archie's been up all day, and he's only a baby, and babies need lots of sleep, but Aunt Rosita and Uncle Eugene are in the house, they won't mind watching him whilst I come back, it'll only be for two seconds. Besides, when I get back, it'll be time for the movie, and you don't want Arch crying all the way through it, it'll suck so bad."

"Cause he's a stupid baby, you should of never had him." Bambi scoffed, a surprising statement from the usually kind girl.

"Bambi Elizabeth, that's not a kind thing to say, not at all, you don't mean that." Natalia took her daughters small hand, gently.

"I'm sorry, Mommy, I'm just upset." She sniffed.

"And that's okay to feel upset, I wish Daddy was here, too, but Archie didn't do anything wrong, he's only little."

"I'm sorry, Archie." The girl gave her brother a kiss on the head.

"Just go, we got this." Enid assured her, when she stood up, instead of the crouched over position she was just in. "Evie used to have the same problem, me and Carl managed her." She smiled.

"Oh, Enid, how I love you so, but you underestimate a pair of Dixon Twins, but you already offered."

"It's fine, they can't be that bad." She laughed.

Natalia gave her a quick squeeze before darting towards the building Rosita and Eugene were held up in, keeping her head down in order not to be stopped by any more greetings, that's when she bumped into a blonde woman wearing an pretty green dress, sporting an straw hat.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." She quickly apologised, looking at the woman, someone she didn't know, she must've been from either the kingdom or Hilltop.

Judith's group were the first people who had been accepted in, since the Jocelyn incident, and Oceanside had never liked newbies.

Something seemed oddly familiar about the woman, but Natalia had never seen her, in her entire life, odd.

"Not to worry, dear." The woman said, her voice was high pitched, it was obvious she was trying to fake the accent, cause she was failing miserably. "Hi, I'm Debra, from Alexandria."

"Oh, uhm, I'm Nat, or, Natalia, sorry, did you say you were from Alexandria?"

Natalia stared at her for a moment, trying to work out who this person is, until Archie begun another loud wave of cries.

"How old is ya boy?" The woman asked.

"Oh, he's only four months old, he's never been around this large of a crowd of people before, bit of a shock for him." She replied politely.

"And the father, he not around to help you?"

"Oh, no, uh, Daryl's gone with the others, yeah, he's helping them out."

"A man leaving his wife to fend for the kids to go out and do who knows what? Nasty, useless creatures, a waste of time and resources."

"Oh." Natalia paused. "Uhm, I've really got to get going, I promised the twins I'd get back for their performance, lovely to meet you, though." She hurried away, her smile instantly dropping. "What a freak." She muttered to Archie, who received a harsh wail in response. "Yeah, I know, being adorable and a lovely presence to be around, is exhausting, believe me, I do it on the daily."

Once Rosita assured Natalia that her and Eugene, who were both working on some electrical wire thingy, that they'd both keep their eye on the baby, Natalia went back towards the crowds, finding the auditorium, Jerry, Nabila and their three children, were sat beside Judith and the twins, who were sharing a seat.

"Mommy!" Daisy cheered, but was shushed by someone in the crowd.

Natalia frowned in the direction as she sat down with her girls.

"Where's Enid?" She asked.

"She's with Alden, we said we'd take them here." Jerry grinned at her, passing over a bowl of popcorn.

"And Henry?"

"Fixing the pipes." He replied.

"Lydia?"

"She's sat over there, she's waiting for Henry to come back." Judith answered.

"Oh, okay then."

"Hey, relax, everything and everyone's fine." Nabila told her.

"Yeah, yep, everyone's fine." She muttered, smiling at the woman before looking back at the screen, as her twins climbed into her lap, all three of them squeezing into the chair comfortably.

As soon as the light of the projector had turned on, and the film began, the room erupted into cheers and claps, Natalia couldn't get enough of the wonder and amazement on her kids faces, even her nieces.

"Cool, huh?" She whispered to the ten year old, wrapping an arm around her as they watched the cartoon.

Nabila and Jerry whispered to one another about the King's absence, until Daisy sat up from where her head layed against Natalia's chest, glaring at the pair until they quieted down, then proceeded to lay her head, again.

"Sorry, lil Dixon." Jerry whispered, a laugh hidden in his tone.

Natalia hugged her girls tight, her daughters and her niece, she hadn't even realised a giant smile was on her own face, not until Bambi had began tracing it, looking at her mom in her own awe.

It was the next day, when the bubble was burst for her, when the group had come back, Siddiq among them, who's head was bandaged up.

Dark eye bags settled underneath all of their eyes, and tears stained their cheeks, Evie, who had clung on to her fathers arm, Carol on the other side, lunged for her mother, hysterically crying into Natalia's shoulder, as her whole body shook.

"He's gone, Mommy, he's gone." She weeped. "Henry. He's-" She couldn't continue her sentence as sobs overcome her once again.

"Where did he go?" Bambi asked, gently, patting her sisters back.

"What happened?" Natalia asked Daryl, rubbing Evie's back as Ezekiel came to Carol's aid, allowing the man to swoop up his children, holding them tightly as he looked down, sniffing as he shook his head.

Siddiq had been the one to get on stage, to tell the four communities what had happened, at the funeral of their people, of Natalia's friends, Tara, Enid, and Henry, they were gone, as well as so many other loved ones. 

"I was there. I was taken with the others. And I saw... I was supposed to die with them. I was ready to. Then Alpha whispered in my ear, "Tell them." Something hit me and everything went black. And when I woke up, I was alone. What happened was evil. It was evil. And I think she left me alive to tell you that story. To scare you and to drive us all apart again. But I want to tell you a different story." Siddiq told the crowd of the mourning people, of the ones they had lost, the children of Hilltop, their leader and their doctor. The prince of the kingdom, the highway men, Adam, the baby's, new mother, and the Saviours that had joined them, became their friends and helped to build towards their future.

"See, before the end... Ozzy, Alek and DJ found us... They gave us an opening, and everyone fought back... They fought like hell... And what they did... Was more than brave... 'Cause they defended each other... And they sacrificed for each other... And some of them... they didn't even know each other, but they still fought like they did. Like they were family. 'Till the very end. And in the end, they-- their time was cut short, but ours keeps going. So we have to keep going. For them, and... for all of us... We need to honour them. We need to honour them, and we need to remember these friends, our family, died as hero's. That's the story that I want to tell you. That's the story that I want us to remember."

Evie muffled her cries into her mothers shoulder, she hadn't felt a loss like this since her first father had died, Henry was her best friend, Enid, she knew since she was little, since she had gotten to Alexandria, one of the few other kids that knew what it was like to lose a parent, and then they met Carl, and he became a part of that, but he was gone, too.

Natalia's heart broke, her daughter losing another person, only at the age of sixteen, and to top it off, she had to witness how, seeing his head on that pike, that he was turned, and to hear that he fought to the death in his last moments, and she wasn't there, she wasn't even with him.

Michonne comforted Rosita, who had lost her girlfriend, Natalia had a tight grip on her hand, squeezing three times every so often, reminding her that she wasn't alone, even after all this.

Tara won't be forgotten, and she won't go unavenged.

Months had passed, and a cruel winter was setting in.

And soon enough, the Kingdom had fallen.

Natalia had ended up back in Alexandria with all the kids, whilst, Michonne, Daryl, and Aaron helped the Kingdom relocate to the Hilltop during the harsh snow storm.

Evie had stayed back, deciding not to go with Daryl and the others, but Lydia had, the two had noticed the blondes push back from the other girl, wanting nothing to do with her, barely able to stay in the same room for small periods of time, it was too painful, because all she could see was her best friend and what the girls mother had done to him.

The nightmares had gotten so bad, that Evie had resorted into having to stay in her parents bed, with Natalia, whilst Daryl took Archie and vacated elsewhere.

Natalia wasn't too fond of the fact that when the conditions of the storm had gotten so bad, that the people of Alexandria had no choice but to break into groups, staying in the homes with the largest fireplaces, which she just so happened to end up in the one with the person she hated most in the world than anyone, Negan Smith.

"I swear to God, I have memorised every square inch of this room, and it still feels like a party." The insufferable man laughed, whilst Rosita handcuffed him.

Natalia rolled her eyes as she bounced an nine month old Archie on her hip, who seemed to reflect his mothers feelings, as he cried, his face red and puffy, lip quivering as he clung to his mothers coat.

"A never-ending party from hell." Rosita humoured him.

"I mean sure, all right, it smells like a barn in here, all bored shitless, but..."

"Language!" Judith snapped, pointing at the twins, who were boredly colouring with Gracie and RJ.

"Shit." Daisy nodded.

"Daisy Caroline, uh uh." Natalia shook her head.

"But he said it!" She pointed at Negan.

"You don't do anything that man does or says." Rosita added.

"Mommy, why is Shit a bad word?" Bambi asked. "Daddy says it." 

"Daddy's a grown up." Natalia ran a finger down Archie's face as he continued to whimper and cry.

Daisy let out a frustrated growl as she covered her ears.

"Mommy, shut him up. I drew out of the lines because he's distracting me."

"Honey, he can't help it he's just a-"

"He's just a baby." She rolled her eyes, "and I'm trying to colour, we're all cold, and I miss Daddy too, but all he does is cry!"

"Hey, you cried too, just as much when you were his age." Rosita pointed out.

Daisy furrowed her brows at this knowledge.

"No I didn't." She crossed her arms.

Gabriel snorted at this.

"Uh, yuh huh, your sister lived at my place so she could get some sleep, with the both of you keeping everyone up."

"What about me?" What was I like as a Baby?" Bambi asked.

"You, Missy, puked on me, the second time I met you, just like he did, we called you EJ for months, till your dad made us stop." Rosita smiled, pointing at Eugene.

Daisy giggled loudly at this, whilst Bambi blushed darkly.

"Why did Eugene puke on you?" Gracie asked.

"That's a need to know basis, go back to colouring." Natalia shut the conversation down, placing Archie on the ground so she could dig for another thick sweater, when noticing Evie pull the blanket around herself tightly.

The teenager was sat in the corner, reading a book, Emma, and refusing to look or talk to anyone.

"Hey." Natalia greeted the girl, kneeling beside her as she handed over the sweater.

"Hi." She mumbled, turning over the page of the book.

"What you think so far?"

"S'alrght." She hummed.

"Put the sweater on, you're shivering."

"I'm fine."

"Eves." She sighed.

Evie huffed, snapping the book shut and pulling the sweater over her head.

"Happy now? Can you leave me alone?" She asked.

Natalia was taken aback by this, but decided to pat the girls leg, backing away and giving her the much needed space she demanded.

"Jude, don't sit so close to the window." Siddiq told Judith, who was still staring into the darkness.

She listened, backing away and letting the curtain fall shut.

"Hey, kiddo. you still worried about that mutt?" Negan asked her.

"Hey, don't call my dog a mutt, mutt." Daisy told the man.

"Hey, Daisy, we don't call peop- wait, actually, never mind." Natalia thought. "Just this once, okay?"

"Uncle Daryl told me to take care of him for Aunt Nat whilst he helped the Kingdom move to Hilltop." Judith answered the man. "I don't know where he is."

"It's not your fault, sweets, he'll be okay." Natalia assured her. "He's tough, a lot like you."

Her eyes had wandered to her son, who had crawled his way to Negan, using the mans leg to help himself stand up.

Negan was supporting the baby in order for him not to fall and hurt himself.

"Archie! No, come back here." Natalia told him, scaring the boy, but Negan was quicker to catch him from falling on his backside.

"He's trying to walk, Nat." The man told her.

"Don't call me that. Ro, y'mind grabbing him, I don't want him walking yet, or going near that. I can't either, if you demand he should still be here."

Rosita listened, swooping the baby up.

"Wait, Nat, you're not letting him walk?" Gabriel asked.

"Daryl's not here." She stated, as if that were the obvious response, but when she was still met with confused looks, she was forced to reiterate. "If Archie starts walking and he's not here to see it, he'll be crushed, that's not fair, so if I can just halt it for the moment, until he's back, it'll be fine."

Negan let out a low whistle, amused by this.

"Never had Daryl pegged as that kinda dad that gave a shit."

"Language!" Judith repeated.

Rosita had found his assumption funny, though, letting out a scoff as she shook her head.

"You clearly don't know any of us as much as you seem to think you do." She rolled her eyes.

Before he could respond, something else had caught his attention.

"Does anybody else smell something?" He asked.

"Can you stop being such an asshole?" Siddiq asked, earning a harsh glare from Natalia, because as soon as he said it, her five year olds repeated it.

She envied Michonne, for having a small child that didn't seem it absolutely necessary to repeat every bad word he heard.

"No, he's right, something does smell a little funky in here." Rosita backed the man up, smelling the baby in her arms.

Eugene looked up, sniffing the air, before staring at the fireplace.

"Get away from there!" He demanded, jumping up from his seat to pull Siddiq and Gabriel away, but it was too late as the fireplace exploded.

"As I suspected." Eugene called, once he was able to examine it. "The chimney flue is completely gunkified. What singed your nostrils earlier was no doubt a toxic mixture of creosote and H2O." He then backed out, turning to everyone. "Blizzards done some tearing and blaring. And our chimneys ventilation capabilities are nil to none. It'd be unwise to spark up another blaze lest we plan on ceasing all respiratory functions, A.K.A smoking and choking, and having a lil babe in here, well, it would not be a pretty sight, and an painful end for the fella."

"God, I missed you, Eugene." Negan smiled at him.

"I can't say the same." He replied.

"Mommy, I'm cold!" Daisy looked up, as her and Bambi huddled around their mother.

"I know, baby, me too, why don't you, RJ, Judith and Gracie all get the blankets and make a fort to keep each other warm?" Natalia suggested.

"Okay, Mommy." Bambi listened, then walked towards her older sister, tapping her on the shoulder and asking for her help, to Natalia's surprise, the girl, who was still on the same page when she had gone over to talk to her, put the book down and took her little sisters hand, walking over to the other kids as they grabbed blankets and smothered themselves.

Natalia's eyes followed them as she headed towards the other adults to talk about what they were gonna do.

"You know without a fire, we'll never get these people warm enough." Siddiq shared.

"Yeah, we should leave before the temperature drops any lower." Rosita agreed.

"He's ice cold." Natalia muttered, pulling down Archies tiny hat over his head, he had finally fell asleep, his head layed on her shoulder as she soothed him gently, trying to keep him warm.

"Okay, folks. Contingency plan." Gabriel spoke to the people around the room. "We're going to Aarons house. It'll be tighter quarters, but we'll make it work." They then parted to get ready for the move.

"Seriously?" Negan questioned. "Not one of you assholes are gonna untie me?"

"We could tell Michonne it was an accident." Rosita shrugged.

"Or you didn't wanna leave, we had too many people to worry about, she won't blame us." Natalia added.

The plan to get everyone to Aarons house through the storm, was quite simple, a rope that everyone would cling to, in order not to get lost. Evie and Judith were in charge of sandwiching the twins, RJ and Gracie, as they were the two oldest, whilst the adults helped everyone and made sure it went smoothly.

Rosita had helped Natalia secure Archie to her, and so he wouldn't face any harsh winds.

Once they were ready, they set off.

As they walked, a dogs barking had caught the attention of the small kids on the line.

"Dog!" Daisy screamed into the wind, "Dog's here!"

"Dog!" Judith joined in.

"Dog, come here, boy!" Daisy let go of the rope, running into the darkness, Bambi following.

"Wait!" Judith screamed after the twins. "Aunt Nat, they're gone!"

"No!" Natalia cried. "No, girls, wait, come back!"

"Daisy!" Siddiq shouted. "Bambi!"

"Daisy!" Negan shouted, letting go and going in the direction they had gone, shouting their names.

"No!" Rosita shouted.

"Negan!" Siddiq called after him.

"I have to go after them!" Natalia demanded.

"No, you can't!" Rosita told her.

"Mom, don't, I will!" Evie volunteered.

"No, do not let go! We need to get these people to Aarons."

"But my kids are out there!"  Natalia almost shrieked.

"Daisy! Bambi!" They could still hear Negan shout.

"Girls!"

Soon everyone was chanting the twins names, trying to find them, but it was no use, you couldn't see shit in the dark and flurries of snow.

When they were able to reach Aarons, Natalia had left Archie in the arms of Evie, as she ventured back into the storm.

"Daisy! Bambi!" She continued.

"Here!" A males voice called as dog barks sounded.

"Negan?"

"I got 'em! I got both of 'em, and the dumb dog!" His figure emerged through the darkness, limping towards her. "Got 'em."

Natalia ran to him as tears blurred her eyes, in relief.

"My babies." She weeped, as Negan passed the huddled girls into her arms.

"We got Daddy's dog, we found him." Daisy told her in a small voice.

"Mommy's dog." Bambi corrected.

Natalia let out a laugh as she rubbed her hands up her daughters arms, trying to get heat into them.

"Don't ever run away like that, again, you hear me? You near scared me to death!"

"We won't." They said in unison.

"Good, and girls, Daddy doesn't need to know about this, okay? No need to worry him for nothing."

"Okay, Mommy."

"Why don't you go inside, get Aunt Rosita to make you both some hot cocoa, I know Uncle Aaron keeps some in the kitchen."

"Yay!" They both squealed, running into the house, Dog following them excitedly.

"And don't give any to Dog, he can't drink it!"

She then turned to the man, who was watching her with a small grin, but by the look of his leg, he was trying hard to keep the mask on.

"This is the worst thing I've ever had to do, but, thank you." She told him, though the words tasted bitter in her mouth.

"Oh, come on, Nat, you can do better than that." He teased.

"Don't call me that, I still wish harmful violence on you, and I'd do it now, if you hadn't saved my girls, so I'm willing to spare you, just this once, Evelyn or Siddiq will fix up your leg."

"You seriously ain't gonna tell Daryl?"

"He doesn't need to know everything that happens whilst he's away, besides, I'm doing you a favour, he doesn't always carry the same mercy as I do, not when it comes to the kids, because you are wrong about him, everything, you were wrong."

"An' it took you hiding out in the woods to prove this to me? And yet, the man of the hour is always heading off since y'all joined society again."

"Don't make me rethink my morals, Negan." She turned, walking back into the house.

It was the next day, when the storm had finally calmed down, coating Alexandria in a thick snow wonderland.

The kids were playing in it, under Natalia's supervision, Rosita by her side, when the others had returned home.

"Daddy!" Gracie squealed excitedly, running to Aaron, as he entered through the gates, Judith right behind her, as she fled towards her mom.

The twins had looked up from their snow man, following the noise and spotting their own father, and so had Natalia.

Daryl embraced his girls tightly, smiling wide as he took them in.

He cupped Natalia's cheek, kissing her as soft as he could, showing to her how much he'd missed her whilst he was away.

"Where's Archie?" He asked. "And Eves?"

"Inside, hates the cold." She chuckled, kissing him again. "I missed you."

"Missed yer, more." He promised.

They smiled at each other, before something was hurled at them.

The couple turned to where it was thrown, spotting an mischievous looking Judith, who was holding another snowball in her hand.

"Judith Grimes?!" Natalia gasped in faux horror.

She then threw the next one at them.

"Oh, that's it!" She laughed, crouching down to gather her own snow ball, whilst the girl ran away with a scream of laughter.

"Get 'em, girls." Daryl told his twins, teaching them to form snow balls, causing chaos as it turned into a full on war of a snow ball fight, even Lydia had joined in.

"Everyone get Daryl!" Rosita called, as everyone began pelting their balls at the archer.

"Girls, get Daddy." Natalia grinned, throwing a snow ball at her husband.

"Hey, hey! Truce, alright, truce!" He called, his hands up in surrender as he covered his face with his arms.

They gave the man a second to recover, before Daisy threw another snow ball at him, then Bambi.

Everyone gasped, as the girls giggled cheekily, that was until Daryl got revenge, throwing his own back, and the war broke out again.

"Get Mama, get yer Mama." He laughed, encouraging them to turn on Natalia as he grabbed the woman by the waist, using her as an human shield.

"Daryl Dixon, don't be such a coward and let your five year old daughters throw snow balls at you." She laughed so happily.

"Lydia! Help us." Daisy demanded, as she and her twin scooped up snow to throw at their parents.

"What's going on?" Evie asked, joining everyone outside.

Daryl answered her by throwing snow at the teenager.

"Dad?" She gasped, wiping snow of her face.

"Eves you gotta return the favour." Michonne told her.

Evie bent down, scooping up snow and throwing it at Daryl, then at her little sisters, who were already getting ready to aim.

And the war continued, until everyone broke down to the ground, making snow angels.

And just for a little bit, life was good, their problems were temporarily gone, their pain was absent.

Next

[sillyrabbit81]

Her Heavy Cross

Summary: Three years after tragedy hits, Lana she decides to start dating again. She meets Will through a dating app and they begin an online romance. After months of constant requests, Lana relents and agrees to meet and go on an irl date with Will. But is Will who he says he is? Lana is quickly pulled into an intense relationship forcing her to confront her tragic past. Will Lana face it or will she close her heart forever?

Pairing: OMC x OFC

Word Count: approx 3.8k

Warnings: swearing, angst, mentions of death,

Authors Note: The story started as a Henry Cavill fanfiction but I changed it to be an original character, but shades of Henry are still there. Hope you enjoy the story and thanks for reading.

Part 17 Part 19

Part 18

It was a crazy week, and by Wednesday, I had had enough and wanted it to be all over. It was the last day of school for the term. The kids were rowdy, and it was hard for them to concentrate. I gave up structured lessons after the morning session, and we did Easter craft. Still, even craft was hard for my kids. Most of them can't use scissors without assistance or had to use modified ones set into a wooden block. It wasn't a bludge, but it was much less stressful for both the kids and myself.

I had playground duty at lunchtime. Some of the older mainstream kids had heard about Liam, and a few would walk past me and sing the theme song to his superhero movies. Others would have a conversation with me and sneak in a movie quote. Lucky for me, most of Liam's films weren't appropriate for children, so there were only a few they could use. The kids would run away giggling, and I would shake my head. I wasn't upset by it, kids are kids, and at least they made their fun to my face.

The parents were awful. The mums would go quiet when I was near them, and I would hear laughter or whispering as I walked away. The dads looked at me just that little bit longer, making me feel uncomfortable. I just tried to remember Liam's arms around me, the way he made me feel safe in his arms. I found myself touching my earrings a lot. They soothed me.

The worst part was the other staff. Not all of them, just a couple of the younger ones and newer ones. Their eyes seemed to bore into me in the staff room and in meetings. The ones who had been here when Andy died were good. They appeared to be on the same page as Marla had been. The rest of the support class teachers and TA's were kind. They actually asked me to my face about it, seemed happy for me, and then that was it they moved on.

My boss, Michael, did call me into his office on Monday afternoon. He was good about it mostly, just concerned because apparently, the office staff had received a few phone calls from a couple of media outlets trying to get in contact with me. The staff were good enough to hang up on them. I was honest with Michael and said I didn't know what my plans were, just that we were dating. I did tell him about how it would be official on Thursday, but it worked out well because the office would be empty for two weeks, and by then, I'll be old news.

When I spoke to Liam on the phone, I had told him about how I was feeling. I was honest about it as much as I could be.

Liam was empathetic and seemed sincere when he said I didn't have to go. "If it's too much, we can wait for another time. The dress you have will be as good in a few months as it is now. Or we can return it all and try again later." Cheekily he said, "I'll let you keep the earrings."

I declined. I wanted to get it over with. I figured the quicker it was done, the quicker no one would care, and I can go back into hiding. It was like ripping off a band-aid. Just do it.

When I had gotten home from work on Tuesday, I had decided to do the hardest thing of all. I called Andy's mother.

Anthea was born in Greece and immigrated to Australia with her family in her early teens. She had met Andy's dad, Tim, a white Australian with Irish heritage, and they had a beautiful marriage. They had five children, three boys and two girls. Andy was the youngest son and was the unofficial favourite. She had always been lovely to me. She always called me Little Lana and would always hug me and insist I ate. On my birthday, she would make me galaktoboureko. She still calls me for my birthday and invites me over for Orthodox Easter and Christmas. I don't go, but I always make sure to call and send presents for my two godchildren.

"My Little Lana," Anthea gushed. "It is so good to hear from you. How are you going? Tim, Lana is on the phone! He will be so happy you called. Yes, Timothy, it's Lana. Yes, Tim says g'day. How are you? We miss you. How is work? How are your precious children? You do such good work, Little Lana."

Did I mention she talks a lot? She was one of those people who seemed to speak without having to take a breath.

"Hi Anthea, I'm doing well. Work is great, really good. I have a great bunch this year."

"Yes, you sound happy, Little Lana. Your new boyfriend must have something to do with it? He is very handsome. Not as handsome as Kamari mou but handsome. I showed all my friends, and they tell me you are still so beautiful and your hair is still so pretty and long. So long now. You've grown it."

I was stunned. I tried to talk, but the lump in my throat was so big, I couldn't swallow. I tried to say something, but all that came out was a huge sob, and I broke down.

"I'm sorry, Anthea, I am so sorry."

"Why are you crying? Stop it. Alana, why would I be upset? Why are you crying? Don't cry, silly girl. You should be happy. I do not expect you to be wearing black, like an old lady from my old country, for the rest of your life. I know you loved my son. but you're too young to grieve forever."

"I wanted to call you and tell you, but it happened so fast." I was still crying, but it wasn't so bad now. Anthea had comforted me in a way that I hadn't even known I needed. That she still loved me when I had started dating another man was incredible to me.

"You shhh, Little Lana. Listen to me. You have obviously called me for permission whether you know that's what you were doing or not. You have it, my blessing. Kamari mou wanted you to be happy also. He would not want you to be alone forever. You know this. Go speak to him, speak to Andy, and you will know."

"Thank you, Anthea."

"There now, Little Lana, you will be ok. Now no more speaking of sadness. I must tell you all the wonderful news. You will be an Aunty again soon."

Anthea talked to me for a little over an hour. Talking to Anthea was being talked at, but I needed it. I promised to call her again soon. She, of course, invited me to Easter but didn't expect a reply.

I felt lighter after talking to her. She was right. I had needed to know from her that she was ok with it. I don't know what I would have done if she hadn't been. I don't think I would have ended it with Liam. I think I was in too deep, but it would have been much harder to go on.

Anthea was right about something else too. I needed to talk to Andy.

So after school on Wednesday, I drove to the cemetery. I went and saw my Dad first. I didn't have much to say to him. I just sat there and let the memories come to me.

I remembered when I was six, and he shaved his moustache off, and I hadn't recognised him. I had run screaming to my Mum that there was a stranger in the house. I remembered how he would take us to see the fireworks on New Year's Eve, getting there early to get good spots and watch in awe as the fireworks exploded over Sydney Harbour. Nothing was as breathtaking as my home city on New Year's Eve. I thought about how he loved David Bowie, and he had even convinced my mother to name my brother after him. Dave and I had taken Dad to see David Bowie a few years before he passed away, and it was one of the most incredible nights of my life. The Labyrinth is still my favourite kid's movie, and Jareth was my first crush. He looked so good in those tights.

I went to see Andy. I don't see him very often. I go on Boxing Day, his birthday and our anniversary. As had become my ritual on those visits, I had his old phone and listened to his playlist. I laid down on the grass next to him and looked up at the sky. After a while, I started talking.

"Hey Butthead," I started, smiling as I said our private nickname. "I've got some things to tell you. First of all, I miss you. But surely you know that. And I know you know I will always love you. You were such a beacon in my life. A light for me when everything else was dark. I was like a moth to your flame. You drew me in, making me want to be close to you. You always made me feel like everything would be ok if I just stayed in your light. Things were so dark when you were taken from me. For so long, I felt nothing. Everything was dark.

"But then I started feeling better. I still missed you every day, but I wanted to find that again. Feel that love and safety again. I started dating about six months ago. Online mostly, you know, how the kids do it these days. I went on a few dates but felt nothing. Or if I did feel something, I felt like they weren't as good as you. Why would I settle for anyone who wasn't as good as you?

"I don't mean the same as you. I mean someone who moves me the way you did. Someone who showed me kindness like you did, someone who made me laugh, made me feel giddy. Someone I was attracted to. But also someone I wanted to do things for, someone who I wanted to go out of my way for, not because they forced me, but because I wanted to because I knew they would do it for me.

"I was about to give up. I only tried dating for a few months, but it felt so futile that I didn't care anymore. Then this guy started messaging me. He was sweet and funny, a Pom, but don't hold that against him. Anyway, I liked him instantly. It scared the shit out of me. I made him wait three months before I agreed to meet him. I was so scared because I knew I could fall for him.

"And when I met him, the sparks were there. It was instant. He was all the things I wanted. He's not like you. You're both very different. I mean, he doesn't like Mad Max for God's sake. But he makes me feel the way you made me feel. And Andy, I am falling for him."

*********************

"Lana, hold still." Jen was pulling my hair. I looked over at Riza, who was covering her mouth with a magazine. Her shaking shoulders gave her away, though, and I could see she was laughing her arse off. "I only have a couple more to do, and then you can go home and sleep."

I was at Riza's place. I had to see Jen after I spoke to Andy. Jen wanted to put my hair in pin curls. She had washed my hair and then got started pinning small sections of my already curly hair into curls.

I thought it was weird, but she said the hair has to be curled in the right direction for the style to work. She also said that the longer the curls were in, the better the result. That's why I was at her place, getting my hair done 24 hours before the event. How do celebrities live like this?

"How the hell am I going to sleep in this?" Riza's dropped all pretence and was laughing openly at me now. "Get bent, Riza."

"Hey! You're the one who looks like a 1950's housewife right now."

"1940's babe," Jen admonished. "Get it right."

When she finished, she wrapped my hair in a silk scarf. "Did you buy me an apron to go with the barefoot in the kitchen look?" I asked.

Jen laughed. She knew me well enough to know it was a joke. "Trust me. You're gonna love it."

"So when do I take the clips out?" I asked Jen.

"Not until I do your hair."

My eyes bulged. "I'm going to Liam's place hours before you're going to get there."

Riza pissed herself laughing, and Jen just said, "trust me."

When I got in bed, I rang Liam. I Facetimed him. Maybe if he laughs at me now, he won't laugh at me when I'm there, which would break my heart. His reaction surprised me.

"Why are you wearing a scarf? Please tell me you didn't dye your hair." He looked devastated.

"And what if I did?" I asked.

"You would still be you. It wouldn't change anything." He sputtered.

"Nice save," I laughed.

"I think being a redhead suits you. It makes you a little different."

I told Liam it was to protect the pin curls so they don't frizz. "You don't have to worry about me dying my hair until I start going white. I've never died my hair. It's my natural colour."

Liam's lip twitched. "I've noticed." He said.

I could have died.

On Thursday morning, I skipped the gym for obvious reasons, showered carefully so as not to wet my hair and started to get ready. I packed my bag and packed a bag for Perrin with his bed, crate, and food. I did a quick run through the shops to the dressmaker to pick the dress up from the dressmaker and to buy underwear for the dress. I didn't need a bra, but I wasn't going without underpants.

In the morning, I pottered, waiting for lunchtime to arrive and for Liam to finish his half-day at work. I was so jittery I had dropped my coffee this morning, and the mug had smashed. Not having anything to do and waiting for hours made it all worse. I had to do something, so I painted my nails and watched Kill Bill Vol. 1.

The story took me over, and soon I was transported with the action and exceptional dialogue. I decided the only person who could convince me to be an actor would be Quentin. I even went and got out my "Written and Directed by Quentin Tarantino" hoodie for added comfort. When it was over, I did feel a little better and whistling the song from the movie, I got Perrin and went to Liam's.

By the time I got to Liam's house, the nerves had come back. I found it hard to concentrate and almost just walked Perrin into the backyard. I sighed and put Perrin on his leash and texted Liam that I was here, and walked to the park with Perrin. We had planned a way to introduce the dogs during the week. The snag was I had agreed to it before I knew about the hair situation. But I found an old bucket hat of Andy's that fit and hid most of my head. I still felt ridiculous, but at least the hat somewhat normal.

When I saw Liam, my heart leapt. I wanted to run to him, have him hold me, soothe away all the pain of the last week and fear of tonight. But we had to introduce the dogs first.

We walked to each other as Perrin and Cole had a little sniff of each other. There was no immediate dislike.

"Hello, Sweetheart." His voice took my breath away.

"Hi," I said.

"Cute hat."

"Arse." I was smiling, though.

"I've missed you," he smiled broadly.

I gave him a small smile.

Liam farrowed his eyebrows. "These two look like they are ok," he said. "Let's go for a walk, shall we?"

I nodded, and Liam leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before we started to walk. We went side by side, keeping the dogs apart. Liam put his arm around my shoulder.

"You're very quiet this afternoon," he said after a few minutes.

"I'm nervous."

"About the dogs or tonight?" He asked. "Or something else?"

"Tonight." I felt like a petulant child with all these short remarks, but I couldn't give him anymore just yet. I let my head rest on his shoulder to try to let him know he wasn't the reason I was acting distant.

Liam squeezed me. "You'll be ok. You're going to be dressed beautifully and appropriately. No one is going to laugh at you. You'll see. Myra and Boyd are all excited to meet you. This is Myra's boyfriends first red carpet, too, so you won't be the only virgin." He paused and chuckled. "Although, I had better keep you two apart. He's a sparky? I think that's the word. I don't want him stealing you away from me. I know how much you love tradies."

I laughed. Liam had said all the right things in a few moments, and I felt calm again. At least calm enough that I can have a conversation. "Thanks, Liam," I said and kissed his cheek.

We walked for about half an hour. The dogs walked together for a bit. Perrin, being so old, was pretty laid back about the whole thing and Cole, while curious, just seemed happy to be making a new friend.

When we got back to Liam's house, we let them leashes off, and Perrin had a sniff around the yard. Cole either followed behind him or bounced around in front of him as if he were saying, "come look at this place over here."

While Perrin explored, Liam stood behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes a moment, listening to the sounds of the city.

"You're such a good hugger," I told Liam as I turned around in his arms and put my arms around his neck. I buried my face into his shirt, seeking his warmth and familiar scent.

"A compliment. From you? With no sarcasm?" Liam teased. "It must be my lucky day."

"Just shut up and kiss me," I said, and I lifted my head to meet his. Our kisses were soft at first, but they became more than that very quickly.

Liam pulled away and said, "we aren't alone. Ryan is here." Liam suggested that Ryan stay with the dogs while we were out. He would be back on Sunday and Monday, too, to take Cole for a walk and play.

I sighed. "Riza will be here soon anyway. We better get these guys inside and settled."

We took the dogs inside and got them set up. Then and I met Ryan, who was working in Liam's study. I don't know what I expected from Ryan, but a Scottish Hercules was not it. He was at least as large as Liam, had dark hair and green eyes and although he paled in comparison to Liam, he was handsome and instantly likeable.

We shook hands, and he said, "it's nice to meet you, Lana. I've heard a lot about you, so it's nice to put a face to the name." His accent was noticeable but not thick, and he spoke with a confident calmness that must be essential in his job. He doesn't mention or look at my scarf, which is a relief. I smiled and said, "Same. I keep hearing all these names, so it's nice to meet finally."

Liam gets me to put Ryans number in my phone. He said I should call Ryan if I need to contact him if he's not reachable while filming. I look at Ryan, and he nods as he says, "it's my job."

I do it, but I roll my eyes. He's not my assistant.

We let Ryan get back to work, and we go out to my car to bring my stuff in. By the time I've set up Perrin's things and sorted out my put my bags away, Riza and Jen arrive.

Liam opened the door for them, and Riza stood stunned for a moment. "Damn, you're built like a brick shithouse." Riza was very petite, half a head shorter than me, so you'd think she'd be used to everyone being bigger than her.

Liam, bless his cotton socks, laughed and put his hand out. "You must be Riza."

Riza took his hand, "yeah, mate, how's it going?" Liam stood aside to let her come in. She was hauling a massive makeup case, and Liam offered to take it for her. I thought she would bristle at his offer, but instead, she just gave it to him.

I raised my eyebrows and tilted my head, indicating my surprise. She just shrugged and gave me a strange look, and looked straight back at him. Riza is a pocket rocket type and prefers to be seen as one of the boys a lot of times. Andy even invited her to his bucks weekend despite her being my maid of honour, so the whole interaction was unusual.

Jen came in and introduced herself to Liam, and it was a much more civilised exchange than Riza's.

I gave them both hugs and kisses on the cheek. "Thanks for doing this, Jen and you too, Riza."

"No worries," Riza said.

Liam offered them both some wine and looked at me to see if I wanted one. I agreed, and we all sat in the lounge room.

Riza grabbed my hand when Liam had his back turned, "Sorry Lans, I think I got star struck. I'm a fucking dickhead."

Jen and I laughed at her, and I said, "serves you right for taking the piss out of me last night."

Liam came back with glasses and a bottle of white wine and poured us all a drink before taking a seat next to me. He sat next to me, resting his arm on the lounge behind me and put his ankle on his knee. His foot bounced, and I looked at him, and it struck me that he was anxious.

I put my hand on his foot to soothe him and turned to Riza and said, "did I tell you that Liam planned a trip to Mt Hotham this winter? I think it was June? Queens Birthday weekend? Before your Mum comes. Anyway, Riza, you spent a few winters there. Got any ideas for some good runs?"

That was it, the two of them talked about skiing, and the tension in the air lifted. I even swapped seats with Riza and sat with Jen for a bit. Once I could tell Liam and Riza were comfortable with each other, I asked Liam where Jen could set up.

Liam said to go to the master on the third, and he went to get up to take us there. I told him Jen, and I could be fine, and he smiled at me and kept talking to Riza. Jen and I smiled at each other and went up to get ready.

Part 19

[quaylinsims]

True to his word, Henry had the coach driver stop in a town on the way to his cousin's house. At first glance, it was super cute and historic. Everything looked to be from around the Civil War era. Much like Henry's suit and the stagecoach and the "roads" and...

Henry bought a newspaper and asked where one could go to find a pre-made dress for a little girl. He was directed to a corner shop. When we got there, I looked out and noticed the dresses and everything else were also from the 19th century. Henry's newspaper said 1850.

My heart began racing, and my head began pounding. Thoughts started flashing through my mind: How did I end up in 1850? That shouldn't be remotely possible! How do I get home? Can I get home? Do they have plumbing? Does my family know I'm gone? I hate those ruffly hoops skirts. How do I live in an era where women can't even vote? Does my family think I'm dead? Will I ever get home?

I started hyperventilating. Henry patiently waited for me to calm down, and I knew he had no idea how to help. Still, he tried. He put a cautious hand on my back and rubbed it slowly, gently.

Think! Think! One thing at a time! I need to wear clothes. This man is helping me. One thing at a time.

I slowly regained my composure and let Henry know I was ready to go.

Inside, the shop was very girly. The man behind the counter greeted Henry, who in turn said he needed to buy me a few dresses.

A few? Wow.

The man finally looked at me in my tent, his eyes widening. He quickly glanced back at Henry as if to size him up, but the latter was calm as ever.

Soon, I was trying on dresses.

Then our destination rose up amid the fields .s book, and Henry gave him some money.

"I really appreciate this, Henry," I said when we were back in the coach.

"Mr. Baldwin."

"What?"

He sighed.

"It is inappropriate for a young girl to call a man by his first name. Honestly, child, did no one teach you manners?"

Shit. I really messed that one up. That's right. 19th century. I have to be proper. I've read a lot of period novels and watched a lot of period tv. Thank you, Bridgerton. I can do that.

"Apologies, Mr. Baldwin," I correct. "I can do better. Your generosity is deeply appreciated."

I even bowed my head a little and offered a sheepish smile. He looked stunned at my reversal.

"That is much improved," he said. "Now then, Miss Swan, we will be going to my cousin's house. He is Mr. Tobias Nickelby. He has many... people in his... employ... I trust you will be well-behaved?"

"Of course, Mr. Baldwin."

He nodded and fell silent, reading his newspaper. I recalled some genealogical research I had done and the newspapers I had searched for obituaries. They published a lot of local social news, like who was passing through, who was visiting whom, whether my grandparents' homing pigeons made it back to Cleveland. I smiled and quietly chuckled to myself at the memory. I wondered what was in this newspaper.

We had to stay in an inn that night. We weren't far from Mr. Baldwin's cousin's house, but it was too far to venture further in the night. He rented me my own room for my privacy. I was grateful. It did not take me long to fall asleep, what with the eventful day and all.

We were back on the road in the early morning, eating breakfast at dawn and heading out of town. By noon, we were almost there.

"Now remember, Miss Swan, you are to call my cousin Mr. Nickelby."

"Yes, of course, sir."

He smiled.

We took a turn east. Thick trees on the right, vast fields on the left. There were men and women out working in the fields, wielding tools and carrying baskets.

Then our destination rose up amid the fields and we turned down the long driveway.

To call Mr. Nickelby's home a house was an understatement. It was a lovely mansion. Lovely until I got a closer look around me. All the workers wore tattered clothes, and none was white. Except for the odd fellow here or there just standing around barking at the others.

I wanted to cry. This was the past. I knew that. This was 1850. Of course slavery was still a thing. But to see it...

"I don't want to be here!"

Mr. Baldwin quickly turned his head at my outburst.

"I can't!"

"What ever is the matter with you?"

Mr. Baldwin sounded more surprised than upset.

"Th-this," I stammered, tears beginning to fall. "This is-isn't ri-ight!"

He looked out as we neared the plantation house's front.

"You are not wrong, child," he nearly whispered. "But we must be respectful of our host."

I wasn't sure if I could do that. I shook my head.

"How is your imagination? Can you pretend they are not there?"

I must have given him quite the stare because he looked back at me with shock.

"Remember your manners."

His tone was almost scolding, but before I could say anything, he was hopping out of the coach.

Mr. Nickelby -- whose formal name I use out of respect for Mr. Baldwin, not the vile filth that owned humans -- greeted his cousin with a roaring "Welcome!" Mr. Baldwin gestured to the coach, and said something about me. The former waved a greeting in my direction and escorted Mr. Baldwin inside.

I had to leave the coach.

I stepped foot onto a working plantation, and I shuddered. I knew from school and documentaries and movies how frighteningly awful they could be. I looked around for something that didn't seem tainted by malevolence, and I saw a small tombstone under a tree.

"That there was Mrs. Nickelby's favorite tree," said a voice behind me.

I turned to find a beautiful woman in a yellow dress and an apron standing about four feet away. I could just make out a scar on her left brow under her hair and a tattoo on her right wrist. She caught me staring at it.

"Come, Miss. There is a room for you."

She led me upstairs to a very frilly room.

"Thank you," I said, my voice catching in my throat.

I caught sight of her tattoo again. I knew it was a brand. I wanted to cry again.

"I am so, so sorry," I say, trying not sob.

"I'm surprised you care, Miss. If I may say so."

"Of course you may. And I promise you: this will all end one day."

She gave me one of those looks adults give children when they've said something so innocent that their naivity is both adorable and sad. I knew this look; I'd given it to my nephews. It broke my heart that she didn't have that hope.

I did not go down to dinner that night. For the next three days, Mr. Nickelby entertained Mr. Baldwin, and I ate what little I could in my room. I never met his daughter, and she never tried to introduce herself to me. Though I understood we were about the "same" age.

Finally, Mr. Baldwin knocked on the door.

"Come in."

He entered, took one look at my I-just-finished-ugly-crying face, and frowned.

"What has you so upset, child?"

I couldn't talk about how I was stuck 171 years before my "present" and so far removed from those I cared for, but I felt I could possibly mention the horrors I knew about and even had seen from my window. I took a deep breath.

"I hate this place," I admitted. "Enslaving humans beings, it's just so wrong!"

He pulled the chair from the corner to the side of the bed.

"Just yesterday, I saw an overseer whip a man so violently that--"

I had to pause. I didn't think I had more in me.

"It was awful. The crack of the whip. The blood. I could tell what it was even at night."

I buried my face in my hands and tried some deep breathing exercises.

"I am sorry, Miss Swan. No child should have to see that."

I looked up at Mr. Baldwin.

"No human should have to endure that," I answered.

My tone was harsher than I would have liked it to be, but Mr. Baldwin didn't show any shock or disppointment.

"Well, we will be leaving in the morning," he said, rising from the chair. "Hopefully you will feel better once we are on our way."

Through the lens of the 21st century, it nearly enraged me that he wasn't more upset by things. Everywhere I looked, everything I saw reminded me that I was in 1850, yet I could not wrap my head around what I knew to be an ass-backward, hateful, ignorant way of life.

It was somewhat of a relief that Mr. Baldwin at least also disagreed with what those in the south were doing.

It took two weeks to get to Philadelphia. I was relieved to be in the North. I was just about to ask Mr. Baldwin if I would be staying with him.

"I have written ahead to a cousin of mine here in Philadelphia," he told me over breakfast. "She is a teacher at a school for girls, and I have secured you a room there."

I was stunned.

"Do not leave your mouth hanging open, young lady."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Baldwin. I'm just surprised."

"Why? You can read. You are an intelligent girl. Why shouldn't you go to school?"

Well, I can't disagree. I've always loved school, but it's a little elementary for me, my dear Baldwin. I do have advanced degrees.

"You are always so generous, Mr. Baldwin. I wish I deserved it."

"I will leave you with an allowance, and I will send more regularly."

I was speechless. This sort of kindness always made me feel uncomfortable, and I couldn't understand why anyone would want to dote on me.

"Why are you so kind to me, Mr. Baldwin?" I asked quietly.

He smiled and placed his napkin on the table.

"Come, I want to make a stop first."

The stop, it turned out, was for me. Mr. Baldwin took me to a bookstore on our way to the school and told me to pick out anything I wanted. Of course, the books I really wanted to read weren't out yet. But I found a few.

"This may be the most generous thing you've done for me yet," I smiled.

"I'm glad you're happy," he he said with a chuckle. "We are near the school, so you can always come back here."

"Oh, I will."

I wondered about the possibility of somehow getting home and bringing some mint condition first editions with me.

He wasn't wrong; the school was very close. His cousin, much nicer to look at and not a slaver, welcomed us in. She was warm and comforting, not unlike Mr. Baldwin. He left as night fell.

She showed me to my room, which I would share with another girl, Anne. Anne was quiet and very hard to get to know; she mostly ignored me. When I wasn't in class, I was often upstairs reading, sometimes under my blanket, but only when the sun was bright through the windows.

I received regular letters from Mr. Baldwin and his wife, which I did not expect. She seemed like a lovely woman to know. I hoped I would get a chance to meet her.

The Baldwins went to Boston for the holidays. Mrs. Baldwin's father was there, and he was ill. I was glad she had a chance to visit with him. I was homesick, too. I wondered how my mother was and if the nursing home was treating her kindly.

I frequently visited the bookstore, found a few others, and scanned newspapers for any bizarre stories that could be like mine. But to no avail. I had no other way to figure out how to get home.

Late in the spring, I received a letter from Mrs. Baldwin inviting me to stay at their home for the summer months.