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It was several weeks before Elizabeth and William met again. Storm had taken over a lot more of the driving around while Elizabeth devoted her efforts to the new girl, so Elizabeth had not even had the opportunity of saying hello to William when Fries was dropped off to spend time with him.
The new girl was still not talking. She was responsive though, and by process of elimination, Elizabeth had a discovered a name she liked; Eva. Elizabeth didn't know where the name came from and hoped it wasn't Eva's mother's name, because it would create complications later on.
Eva was extremely passive. She didn't make decisions on her own, and did as she was told. Her silence lasted longer than any other child she had taken in. Elizabeth was beginning to wonder if the child physically couldn't speak- a mute. However, once, Eva tripped and fell on the pavement. Her cries were vocal though unintelligible.
Elizabeth next wondered if Eva knew English. She tried speaking as many languages as she could to see if Eva responded to any of them. After struggling through Russian, Jane pointed out that Eva came when called and understood commands.
Elizabeth began to wonder if Eva had been taught not to speak. It was quite conceivable that Eva's demented parents taught her that a child was to be seen and not heard. Had not children throughout history been taught that? Elizabeth as a sociologist knew full well the implications of that archaic practice, but here might be an extreme case of it.
After many, many attempts at trying to get Eva to speak, Elizabeth decided to use bribery. It was a practice she used as a parent only as a last resort. She refused to use food. The child was still extremely underweight and malnourished. So instead, she said to Eva one morning, two months after she had taken her into the Bennet mansion, "If you speak to me, and continue to communicate with the outside world, I will give you any toy you want."
The ploy did not produce an immediate result. However after two days of reminding Eva of the deal, Eva spoke. Apparently, Eva had spent those two days just deciding what toy she wanted most in the world, for she said, "A doll."
Elizabeth, busy at the art table scrubbing crayon of its surface, turned around and said, "I beg your pardon?" in an astounded voice.
"I wanna doll."
Elizabeth laughed out loud, grabbed Eva and spun her around in the air before crushing the child in her embrace. When she set Eva on the ground, Elizabeth said, "If you continue to talk, we will plan a shopping trip tomorrow afternoon, all right?"
Eva chose a beautiful doll with a long frilly dress and blonde curls. It wasn't the porcelain one Eva had first asked for, since Elizabeth had convinced her that Eva might break a porcelain doll when playing with her. So after going through three stores, and stopping for lunch, Eva finally found the doll she wanted.
Eva named her Laura, and was never seen without her since the day Elizabeth bought the doll for Eva.
A month after Eva seemed more settled into the routine of life, Elizabeth decided to take the whole family to Disney World for a holiday. It wouldn't be much of a holiday for Jane and Elizabeth, in charge of nine children in a huge amusement park, but they had been promising to take the children for years, and that year had turned out to be the best opportunity yet.
Jane suggested asking Charles to join them, adding an adult as well as enjoyment for Jane. Elizabeth agreed it would be an excellent idea. She talked to Storm, too.
"I'm counting on you to help me out with the children. I understand you're too old for Disney World, but I promise I'll make it up to you some other way."
Storm had been about to contradict Elizabeth, saying of course she would enjoy Disney World despite now being a cool teenager, but then saw the wisdom in keeping her mouth shut. She could get double the payment that way. Let Elizabeth think it would be a chore to go to Disney World.
Elizabeth also talked to Fries: "I'm expecting you to be the responsible young man I know I can count on when we're in Disney World. I'll have my hands full anyway, but with you to help me, it'll be so much easier."
Fries knew full well Elizabeth was playing him for a fool. He knew what she meant. She meant he wouldn't be able to ride any of the really fast rides he wanted, and he would be stuck taking care of the little ones. So Fries innocently said, "Well, it'll be awfully hard for me on my own in that huge place filled with people. Could William come with me to help?"
Elizabeth considered it for a minute, and then said, "If you ask him and he wants to come with you, that's fine."
Elizabeth obviously didn't give Fries all the credit he was due. Should I now mention that Fries' favourite Jane Austen character is Emma?
Fries called William immediately on the telephone. William also didn't suspect Fries of any underhandedness, and agreed to go.
Elizabeth felt better with four adults, one teenager, and one almost teen in age- but a teen in maturity- to watch seven small children. The group took two vans; Jane, Charles and Storm with four children in one; Elizabeth, William, Fries, Eva (with Laura), and two more children in the other.
For the first three hours, Elizabeth and William spent their time trying to occupy the children's attention. As time passed, they began to get more and more restless. They stopped frequently for someone to go to the restroom, despite Elizabeth's pleas for everyone to try and go at once even if they didn't think they had to go. Another time, they stopped at McDonalds for lunch, and Elizabeth had to buy seven Happy Meals. The playground outside released a lot of their pent up energy, which resulted in a peaceful afternoon drive with all of the children, including Fries, asleep in the back.
This left William and Elizabeth the opportunity to talk in peace and quiet. For a few minutes, neither said anything to each other, just enjoying the quietness.
Then William asked, "How've you been?"
Elizabeth laughed a little, "Very frazzled."
"Frazzled?"
"Well, exhausted by all the chaos. I don't know why, but it's been worse than usual. It's time for some of these children to be sent to a better home."
"Aren't you sad when they go?"
"Oh, definitely. And it doesn't get any easier with each successive good bye. But I know it's the best thing for them. If I find really good homes for them, they will turn out better with more individual care than I can give them. We're just a halfway house in a way. I take the cases that are particularly bad and by the time I'm through with them, they're ready to be incorporated into a normal family again."
"So what happened with Fries and Storm?"
"They didn't want to leave. I had offers, but it was up to them. I tried to convince them, but I won't ever force them. They seem to thrive in this kind of environment. Fries doesn't want attention, he likes to be in the background. Storm likes being the oldest with a lot of responsibility and freedom. She didn't need me to give her attention, she did just fine in attracting it anyway. I'm very proud of her. She's come an awful long way from when I first collected her. She's a popular girl at school, but she's a free spirit. She knows I disapprove of her doing things just because it's cool. As a result, she seems to set the trend. As long as she keeps her grades up, I don't mind. I'm glad they've stayed with me. It's meant a lot to me to have those two to call my own."
"Why don't you officially adopt them?"
"I suppose I should, especially Storm before her 18th birthday so they can claim inheritance. But it'll be such a big hassle going through all the paperwork."
"Surely it would be easier for you since you have such a reputation."
"Apparently not."
There was a pause. Then William asked, "Are you looking forward to Disney World?"
Elizabeth looked at him with an Are-you-insane? look on his face.
"Oh. This isn't exactly a holiday for you, is it?"
Elizabeth shook her head emphatically. "It's more work than usual, actually."
"And yet, you still selflessly give to the children."
"It's practically all I do in life."
"Do you ever wish you'd done something else with your life? Or with your money?"
"Not really. I wish I had more time and more life to devote to more children, but I don't. So I don't waste my time wondering what ifs."
"Good philosophy."
"Well, when you have five children asking you what if questions all day, then you might have the same philosophy too."
William laughed.
"How are you going to keep in touch in the theme park?" asked William.
"We'll use our cell phones. It's easiest."
"I can just see me pulling out my cell phone as we go upside down in a loop at 50 mph."
"Just don't drop it."
They talked for another half an hour before the children began to wake up. It wasn't soon enough before they got to the hotel. They had four rooms, one adult in each room and two kids in three, three kids in the last one. It was very late by the time they had all of them in bed, and it was all the adults could do to climb in themselves.
Early the next morning, they went to Disney World. Elizabeth made sure everyone understood the rule. They had to be with an adult at all times. And if they were to get lost, they should stand exactly where they were until someone found them.
With those words, they split up. Fries stayed with William, and William took Eva with him. Elizabeth was concerned at first, but then decided if it didn't work out by lunch time, she would take the girl into her care.
The first ride William led them to was Space Mountain. Fries gave it a skeptical look, and asked, "Are you sure this is any good? It looks really dull to me."
William gave him a grin, and said, "Just you wait."
Because William was in a wheelchair accompanied by two young children, the staff led the trio to the front of the line, and they didn't have to wait at all. The staff helped William get in and then settled Fries in front of him, and Eva in front of Fries.
"Are you okay Eva?" William asked.
She nodded.
"Just hold on tight to Fries. He won't let you fall."
William was actually beginning to wonder if taking Eva on this ride at all was very smart. She was old enough, but she always seemed so much younger than her age. The trolley jolted and began to move forward. It began to climb slowly upward. Up and up and up. They were surrounded by darkness twinkling with stars. Then suddenly they came to the top, and began to go down. Very fast. Very, very fast. An extremely high pitched scream pierced the rumbling noise. William held on more tightly to Fries who in turn clutched Eva all the more tightly. Around and around they went, being jerked about, and tossed upside down and divested of their guts to be left behind.
Finally, they came to a halt at the depot. Shakily, Fries stood up and got out.
"Eva, you okay?" asked a nervous William.
She slowly nodded her head. Fries helped her out and then waited as the staff helped William back into his wheelchair. He looked at Eva, who was walking a little unsteadily.
She looked at him, and said, "Can we go again?"
"Go again?" repeated William, flabbergasted.
She nodded.
"Well, there are so many other rides and places to see, I thought you would prefer to look around more."
"Okay," she said, and then began to walk out of the exit.
Fries laughed at William and gave his shoulder a friendly punch.
They visited the castle next. Eva loved looking at all the beautiful pictures of the Cinderella story. They got to meet Goofy and Minnie Mouse. They bought lollipops to lick as they walked. And they went on many more of the rides. Fries certainly saw the advantage to accompanying a handicapped man, but knew better than to say so. He realized how sensitive William could be about his handicap, still.
The whole group met for lunch at one of the restaurants. Elizabeth asked Eva many questions and was surprised to find that the girl was enjoying herself immensely with William. William knew what she meant by asking Eva questions, and gave her a Don't-you-trust-me? look, of course completely forgetting his own doubts earlier.
By dusk, everyone was very tired. Eva had long since taken up residence in William's lap, and Fries wished he were young enough to do the same. Elizabeth decided to call it a day, and they all returned to the hotel.
The following day was the long drive home. The children were more subdued, and slept most of the way, much to the grownups' relief.
Elizabeth and William talked more. Nothing particular, just what they believed in, what they thought about the current state of politics, what was their opinion on Harry Potter, and other various subjects.
Finally, they returned home. William and Charles drove home immediately as Elizabeth and Jane put all the little ones to bed. Elizabeth considered the trip a success. They hadn't had any major disasters short of a bloody nose, and all the children enjoyed themselves. Even Elizabeth could say she was glad she went.
Fries began to play more of an active role in bringing together Elizabeth and William. He invited William to dinner or to watch a movie. Once, he even acted ill so Elizabeth would go in his place to the symphony. When Elizabeth returned home after a marvelous evening with William to find Fries in good health practicing his guitar, she caught on, and told him off thoroughly.
This didn't stop Fries from trying other ploys. William began to catch on, but he didn't say anything.
Elizabeth had taken the children to the dentist and she had advised Elizabeth to find a way to get Eva to stop sucking her thumb, for the habit was pushing Eva's front teeth forward.
Elizabeth tried several methods from asking, pleading, painting her thumb with foul tasting liquids, taping a piece of wood like a popsicle stick to her thumb, and taping her thumb to her first finger. None of these seemed to work. So Elizabeth resorted once again to bribery. It wasn't bribery in the truest sense, just a reward for doing well. She told Eva that if she stopped sucking her thumb for one day, she would be given any candy of her choice. If she stopped for a week, she would receive a new outfit for Laura, her doll. And if she stopped sucking her thumb for a whole month, she could have any toy she wanted again.
It took several months to accomplish it, but gradually Eva stopped sucking her thumb. When the glorious final day of not sucking her thumb arrived, Elizabeth took Eva shopping. Elizabeth asked William to come along, and together, the three of them went searching through the mall for the perfect toy.
Three hours later, they still had not found anything, despite significant prodding by Elizabeth and William to get their preferred toy. They passed a pet store, and Eva stopped to watch the kittens in the window.
"Elivabef, can I haf one of doze?"
"A kitten? You know they turn into big cats, right?"
Eva nodded.
"You still want one?"
Elizabeth looked at William despondently. He shrugged.
"Well, why don't we go to the pound and look at all the kittens who don't have any homes."
"But dese kittens don't haf any homth."
"I know, but they will almost certainly go to a happy home some day, whereas the ones in the pound might die before anyone wants them."
"Okay."
So the three of them drove to the pound to search for a cat for Eva. When they went in, Elizabeth asked the lady if they had any child-friendly cats. Elizabeth could just imagine a mean cat swiping and biting at innocent Eva.
They went into the cat section of the pound, and began to look in all the cages of homeless cats. Almost all of them were handsome, in good health, and a few were curious enough to walk to the front of their cages.
Eva looked around in wonder. The attendant opened one of the cages, and pulled out a ginger cat. Eva took him in her arms and tried to pet him. He squirmed too much, so the attendant put him back.
After trying two more cats, the attendant gave Eva a small, long-haired, black cat. He clung to Eva's shoulder and began to purr very loudly. Eva giggled. When the attendant picked the cat up to put him back, he clung to Eva with his claws in her clothes.
"Come on," said the attendant, prying the cat's claws out of the clothing.
The cat meowed pitifully. When he was back in the cage, he sat at the front peering out.
Eva wasn't interested in the others after that. Despite Elizabeth's suggestion that they look a bit more, Eva went back to the black cat and scratched his head through the bars. He purred loudly once more.
Eva looked at Elizabeth and said, "I want dis one."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded.
"All right."
Elizabeth filled out the paperwork while Eva sat on William's lap, holding her new cat.
In the car, Elizabeth said, "Now, you know you will have to share him with everyone else in the house, all right? He's not going to be your cat, but he'll belong to the whole family."
Eva nodded, petting him, still.
"And you're going to have to take good care of him, too. He'll want to be fed and he'll need a litter box, and he'll shed, so you have to help clean the house of his hair."
Eva nodded again.
They went to the store to buy the food and other supplies the attendant had suggested they purchase.
Finally, they reached home as supper was being served.
"William, you will stay for supper, won't you?" asked Elizabeth.
He nodded.
The appearance of the new house pet created a bit of an uproar. Everyone wanted to see and pet the cat. Elizabeth felt happier about her choice when she saw how good-natured the cat was. He didn't seem to mind all the attention at all. He quite loved it actually.
Finally, Elizabeth took the cat and put him in the laundry room with the litter box and some food. Everyone sat round the table and talked about the cat.
Eva decided to name him Magic. Elizabeth was in the middle of reading the Harry Potter books to her, so she wasn't surprised. The cat seemed to fit the name, anyway.
"You know, I'm not going to sleep with you again. This is a one-night stand. I'm not saying I haven't enjoyed tonight. But... well it just wouldn't work out. You'll sleep with other women and I just don't think I could handle that. Besides, your breath smells. And I don't think I could rest well with someone whose breath smells as badly as yours. And you always stare at me like that! Don't do that! It makes me nervous. It makes me wonder what goes on behind those eyes of yours. Stale fish, that's what you smell like. And you leave hair all over my bed!" Sigh. "Yep. Sleeping arrangements are definitely going to be rearranged."
Elizabeth scratched his stomach and smiled as he began to purr loudly again.
Magic did sleep around, but it only seemed fair. Eva liked to think he preferred her room. But then again, everyone liked to think Magic preferred their room. I suppose this was what made Magic the perfect pet for the Bennet household. He didn't seem to play favourites, he was good-natured, and rarely ever ruined the furniture or peed on the carpet. He was both an inside and an outside cat. Sometimes at night, Elizabeth would let him out, but most of the time, it was during the day. He always came home for food and, Elizabeth supposed, for the attention.
However, Elizabeth soon learned the downside to an outside cat when Magic brought home a 'gift' for the household. It was a dead mouse, neatly killed, and laying limply on the doormat.
"Hello?"
"Hi, William."
"Elizabeth! Hello. What can I do you for?"
"Can you come over?"
"Not immediately, I'm at work, why? Is there something the matter?"
"Yes."
"Well... what is it?"
"Magic killed a mouse last night and brought it home. It's on the back doormat!"
William laughed heartily.
"William! Come and dispose of it!"
"Me? You want me to come all the way out there just to get rid of a dead mouse?"
"Yeah."
"I can't believe this!"
"Is that a yes?"
"No. Elizabeth, just take a dustpan and scoop him up, take him into the bushes and leave him there. It's no biggie."
"But it's dead."
"Yes, and so are the cockroaches you do the same thing with."
"But this used to be alive."
"It's not now. Elizabeth, really. Just scoop him up and dump him in the bushes."
Elizabeth began to whine.
"All right put Fries on."
Elizabeth went to fetch Fries and handed him the phone. "William wishes to speak with you," she said.
Two minutes later, Fries hung up. "Well, what did he say?"
Fries grinned. "He said to make sure you were the one to get rid of it."
"You're kidding! Oh! That man!" she stalked off leaving a giggling Fries.
In the end, Elizabeth did have to scoop up the mouse and toss it in the bushes. Fries had gone around the house and told the others not to help her. By the time Elizabeth had actually accomplished the task, she had quite an audience, including the three gardeners who had also been recruited to refuse to help her.
Elizabeth vented her anger by yelling at Magic, who just placidly ignored her and gave himself a bath.
William was actually quite pleased she had called him. He felt like maybe he hadn't lost his manhood after all if women still called him for protection. Well... he could hardly call Elizabeth 'women'. And... he could hardly call asking him to dispose of a dead rodent 'protection'. Still, he felt good about it all the same.
A month after Fries turned thirteen years old, he gave his first piano concert. It was in conjunction with two other musicians of his caliber and age. The whole Bennet clan including Charles and William turned out to watch it. Fries played two pieces on his own to start with; Chopin's Nocturne in E minor and Waltz in A flat minor. Then he played two duets with a flute and three duets with a violin.
William looked at the program to see the name Fries Bennet with the other two names on the front. He looked at Elizabeth and pointed to it in wonder. She nodded, her eyes tearing slightly. William smiled teasingly at her, took her hand in his and squeezed it before turning back to watch his best friend perform amazingly.
Fries' talent was not unknown in the household. It just wasn't celebrated. Elizabeth had long since moved the grand piano into a more secluded room set up more comfortably for Fries to do the many hours of practice required of him. In the same room, stood his classical guitar, music stand, a well-used metronome, and a bookcase containing a growing collection of music. Fries was to be found there most of the day, working on various pieces diligently and with a patience and persistence Elizabeth wondered at daily. He took lessons from the best instructor in the city two times a week for piano, and once a week with a less exalted instructor for his guitar.
Elizabeth had consented to home school Fries when she learned how unhappy he was at school and how much the school didn't cater to his needs. She would still occasionally ask William to give the boy a couple of lessons she thought he could teach better.
The arrangement worked out well, and Fries had become an up and coming concert pianist before their eyes. William had never really been exposed to Fries' more virtuoso side, and was rather taken aback at seeing the level of his performance.
After the concert, the three performers greeted people in the foyer. William hung back and watched Fries as he thanked people for coming and chatted to them briefly. No one would have been able to tell that Fries was a very reticent, shy boy. He looked quite the musician with his dark, shaggy hair, passionate brown eyes, pale skin, tall, willowy figure, and slender hands.
At one point, Fries caught William's eyes. He grinned wryly and then turned away to greet another lady.
Jane and Charles took the other children home, leaving Elizabeth and William to wait for Fries. Elizabeth stood beside William off to the side.
"Do you think it would be nice to take Fries out for ice cream or something?" asked William.
"I don't know. Let's ask him. I don't know if he'll be tired and want to go home."
A couple of minutes later, William asked, "Do you mind if we go outside? I'm getting stuffy in this suit."
"Why don't you take off your jacket?"
"I said 'stuffy' not hot."
"Touchy!" murmured an amused Elizabeth.
They went out onto the patio outside the front doors. It was cooler in the night air. After a couple minutes of silence, William asked, "So Fries uses your name?"
Elizabeth smiled shyly and nodded. William thought she was cute.
"Did you know he was going to do that?"
"No, actually. But... the other night, I was tucking him into bed, and he asked quite suddenly and as if it was no big deal, 'Can I call you Mum?' And I was so surprised. None of the children have called me anything like mother. It really meant a lot to me."
"So what did you say?"
Elizabeth laughed. "I said 'Sure'. One of the most incredible moments of my life and I just say 'Sure'. But I gave him a big hug and a kiss."
"He's not too old for kisses, yet?" asked William, thinking of teenagers' pride.
"I don't think Fries will ever be too old for love and affection. He is different from most children. You know that."
"Of course I do. So, does he call you Mum, now?"
"Ever since."
"Wow."
"It makes me feel a little old, too."
"You can't have it both ways, you know," William replied, laughing.
"I know, but still. Just wait until he starts calling you Dad."
"That'll never happen. I'm afraid I don't fit the father-type figure."
"You think so?" asked Elizabeth. "I think you're wrong."
Just then, Fries walked out to them, holding his music. "Are you ready?" he asked, as if they were only leaving the grocery store.
Elizabeth gave him a hug and a kiss. "You did wonderfully, Fries. I am so proud of you."
Fries turned sheepish. "Thanks, Mum."
William couldn't even speak. He just grinned at Fries and yanked the boy down so he could hug him.
"All right, all right," said an embarrassed Fries. "I have had enough of this for tonight. Let's go."
"We were wondering if you'd be up to going out for ice cream," Elizabeth said.
"Sure, sounds nice. I need to wind down a bit. I'm afraid my hands are still shaking." He held his slender hands up and William could see they really were unsteady. Fries laughed nervously and stuffed them back in his pockets. "Thank goodness I don't get sweaty when I'm nervous. That'd be worse. Slip on the keys. ... Be awkward to shake hands."
They walked to the van and Fries helped William into the front seat. Ten minutes later, they were sitting down with their ice cream. "So did you hear me mess up in the third movement of the flute piece?"
"No," replied Elizabeth.
"What about in the Chopin?"
"No."
"Well, surely you heard me screw up in the second violin duet."
"Fries, I seriously didn't hear you mess up once. That doesn't mean you didn't, it just means unless one knew the piece really, really well, they wouldn't know you had messed up. Ask William."
Fries turned to William. He shook his head. "Sounded flawless to my untrained ear."
"Well I'm sure my teacher heard them."
"Doubtless he did," replied Elizabeth. "But that doesn't mean you aren't an incredible performer who brought joy to the listener with each note you played. It doesn't matter if you played every note perfectly. What does matter is what you expressed to the audience."
"Oh, by the way, this lady came up to me and asked if I would play at some party of hers."
"Really?" Elizabeth looked at William with a shocked look. He looked just as surprised. "What did you say?"
"I said I would have to ask my mother, of course."
"Oh. So... this is you asking me?"
"Yeah."
"When is it? Where is it?"
"Well, she wrote it all down for me with her phone number." He fished a small piece of paper out of his pocket and put it on the table. "Said she'll pay me, too."
Elizabeth looked impressed. She looked at the piece of paper. The address given was in a very posh side of town. It was for two weeks from then.
"She also said I could bring my mother or father."
"I wouldn't be able to go. It's the night of Morgana's dance recital."
"Should I decline the offer so I can go to her recital?" asked Fries.
"Ask Morgana. She might not mind your missing it."
"William, will you go with me?"
William had been hoping Fries wouldn't ask him. It would place him in exactly the same society he wished to avoid. But at the same time, he couldn't refuse Fries. He replied, "If you're actually going to do it, then yes, I will accompany you."
Elizabeth said, "I would ask your teacher, too, Fries. He may disapprove of your being hired."
"I will. I don't see why she should object."
"Well, it might take time away from other work you need to be doing."
They talked for twenty minutes longer before leaving to go home. Elizabeth dropped William off at his apartment, and then she and Fries went home.
The following week, Robin was in a school play. Elizabeth asked William if he would go as Jane would remain at home to look after the children. He agreed, and she picked him up after dropping Robin off early to get ready.
"So you're going with Fries next week to that party, right?" said Elizabeth when he was in the car.
"Yeah, I guess, if he's going to do it."
"His teacher didn't mind as long as he didn't take on more than three engagements a month." She laughed a little. "As if he would ever have that many requests!"
"You'd be surprised. He might become in demand. You never know. Don't underestimate high society. They're whimsical in their ways."
"You sound like you speak from experience," she said, looking at him suspiciously.
"Well, maybe I do speak from experience."
"When were you in high society?" she asked, incredulously.
"Before I was crippled."
"But, you never told me before."
"It never came up," he replied with a shrug.
"How were you in high society? I mean, why?"
William sighed, running his hand through his hair and looking out the side window. He spoke: "I used to work in a very successful firm. I was in the upper echelons of society. I moved in their circles. I thought they were my friends. I danced to their tune. Then one day, bang, a drunk driver hits me from the side, and the next, I wake up without the use of my legs. And just like that, I was dropped from society. Never spoken of. Never spoken to unless necessary. So, yeah, I speak from experience. And I may be okay with Fries performing for them, but as soon as he becomes their play-toy, I'm sorry, but I'm pulling out. I won't watch the most precious person in my life end up like me."
Elizabeth didn't know what to say. She'd never known how he was injured. She'd never known what he was before his accident. She'd never asked. And now she didn't know how to reply to it all coming out at once. Finally, she stammered, "I'm sorry, William. I... had no idea. I didn't mean to..."
William laughed feebly, raking his hand through his hair again. "Don't worry about it, Elizabeth. You didn't force me. I should have told you a long time ago. It wasn't right."
"You mean they snubbed you just because some drunk driver crashed into you?"
"No. If I had come out of that collision whole, I would have kept on as before. But as a cripple, a handicapped man, I was not to be accepted."
"That's... that's..."
"That's high society."
Elizabeth let out an incredulous laugh. "I can't believe someone could do that."
"Come now, Elizabeth. You care for children who have suffered physical and mental abuse and you still can ask that question of humanity?"
"True," she admitted. "Oh! But you said you'd go to the party with Fries!"
"Yeah, so? I'll go with him."
"But what if you meet some of your old acquaintances?"
He was silent for a minute or two. "You know? A while ago, I would have been ashamed to go. Embarrassed, awkward. But now... I would love to go there as I am, and to show them how I've changed. I'm a better man now because of my accident. I love what I do. I love my friends. And the best part, is to be able to point to Fries performing wonderfully on the piano, and to say, 'He's my best friend; he's my protégé.'"
Elizabeth smiled at him. "And Fries certainly does owe a lot to you. You've taught him and influenced him and guided him more than you'll ever know. You do have a lot to be proud of."
"You can't talk!" William shot back, teasingly, uncomfortable with the level the conversation had just taken. "You have a lot more children looking up to you than just my one!"
"Doesn't make the glory any less for you, laddy!" she replied, and pulled into the handicapped space. "And you know something?" She turned to face him, leaning on the armrest. "You just analyzed yourself."
William humphed grumpily. "Did not."
"Did too," she replied, getting out of the van.
"You're just saying that to annoy me," he replied, as she set the wheelchair below him on the ground.
"Nooo," she said as he leaned on her shoulder to lower himself into the wheelchair. "If I had said the exact same speech about myself, you would have accused me of analyzing."
"You're just jealous because I do it so much better than you."
Elizabeth laughed heartily. She locked the van and followed him to the school. The parking lot was on a hill above the auditorium where the play would take place. To descend the hill, there were two flights of steep steps. Beside the steps were eight ramps back and forth sloping downwards.
William looked at them with disgust. "You've got to be kidding me!"
"I'm so sorry, William. If I had thought about it, I would have dropped you off in front of the auditorium. Do you want to get back in the van and I'll drive you down?"
"Elizabeth! It's not that bad. I just can't believe they would put handicapped spots up here. Come on, let's start our way down. Actually, come here."
"What?" she asked, walking next to him.
He suddenly pulled her onto his lap. He grinned at her mischievously and said, "Let's have a bit of fun!"
He began to roll down the first ramp. "William! What do you think you're doing?" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck so she wouldn't fall.
"We'll get down much faster this way," he explained quite logically.
"You're mental!" she said.
"No, just slightly askew."
They zoomed down the next ramp.
"William, watch out!" she screamed as they headed toward a concrete wall quite fast.
"Stop screaming in my ear. Trust me," he replied calmly, as he stopped them short of the wall and did a 180 turn down the next one.
Elizabeth decided it was better not to look, so she buried her face in the crook of William's neck. William quite liked the pleasant feeling it sent through the working part of his body.
A minute later they reached the bottom. Elizabeth stood up slowly, and huffily pulled down her rumpled blouse. "I think I prefer the more stately descent."
William took her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Aw, come on. Admit it, you enjoyed it."
"It's not ladylike or appropriate for a woman my age."
"Oh! And this, coming from the woman who plays Barbies and GI Joe with children everyday?!"
"That's different."
"Whatever," he replied, and released her hands to wheel himself into the auditorium.
Throughout the charming play of 'You're A Good One, Charlie Brown', William thought that Elizabeth sat closer to him than she had ever before. She leaned on the armrest nearest him, and every now and then would look at him with a proud smile on her face as Robin stepped forth to deliver his lines. William couldn't help but smile back at her. After the intermission, in which parents congregated together to congratulate each other on their sons or daughters, William even had the courage to take her hand in his, and keep it. She didn't pull away, which William took to be a good sign.
After the play ended, Elizabeth found Robin and gave him a big hug and a kiss, telling him how proud she was. She helped him find all of his things backstage, and then went outside to find William waiting by the front doors. Without his even asking, Elizabeth said she would bring the van down to pick William and Robin up. William had not relished the thought of going back up all those ramps.
While they waited for the Elizabeth to return, William said to Robin, "I was very impressed with your performance. Are you going to become a professional actor someday?"
Robin did not seem flattered. "Naw. I don't think so. It's too much work to memorize all those words."
"Did you enjoy it anyway?"
"I guess."
And who said Fries was particularly un-talkative? thought William to himself.
Elizabeth finally pulled up and helped William into the seat. On the way home, she seemed to have no trouble getting Robin to talk. William began to think maybe he didn't have a gift with children. He just happened to get along with some of them, like Eva and Fries.
Charles had agreed to chauffeur Fries and William to the evening party. On the way, William gave Fries a lecture.
"Don't be rude to anyone, even if they're rude to you. Don't drink any of the champagne, even after you've played your pieces. Remember your P's and Q's. Don't accept any engagements of appointments. Have them call your mother. Don't shock people with your past--be discrete and polite."
Fries, who sat alone in the back seat, rolled his eyes. William sounded like he was his father. Even Elizabeth hadn't been this bad. Fries was dressed in his tuxedo, his shaggy, brown hair falling into his face frequently. He had a bad habit of raking his hands through it and pushing it out of his face. Though it annoyed Elizabeth, it made the girls who were just coming to the age of admiration of the opposite sex swoon. William didn't mind since he could remember his longhaired phase. Besides, it was quite becoming of a romantic musician to have the hairstyle.
Charles finally hit William's leg to make him stop.
"That was stupid considering I can't feel my legs," snorted William.
"It wasn't intended to hurt. It was meant to make you shut up," replied Charles.
They pulled up to a mansion grander and newer than the Bennet mansion. William found himself comparing it to the Bennet mansion and preferring Elizabeth's home more. It was more welcoming and homier than this piece of grandiose architecture.
Charles helped William into the wheelchair, and then helped him up the steps into the house. Fries followed meekly behind. They rang the doorbell. The hostess, who had initially asked for Fries to perform for her gathering, came forth in a blinding flash of white sequins and an expanse of flesh above the low neckline. He hair was done up quite fashionably with diamond barrettes. And her face wore an abundance of makeup heavily applied.
"Why it's the young pianist! And his chaperone."
William forced a smile and said, "Hello, I'm William Darcy."
"Of course, dear. Come right on in and make yourself at home."
She had a rather high-pitched, loud voice--but had the rounded tone of one who had once gone to voice lessons and speech training.
William followed Fries inside after giving the boy a warning 'Look'.
Inside, there was more display of opulent wealth. Chandeliers, servants, crystal, and delicacies floating about on serving trays. The hostess was soon introducing Fries to plenty of people in the room. William moved to a more obscure spot to watch the room from. He was impressed with how well Fries was moving in this awkward society. He smiled his charming smile and spoke a few words here and there, listening most attentively and nodding his head at something important. If William hadn't known better, he would have said Fries was brought up in this society. At one point, someone pushed Fries into trying some caviar. He hesitatingly ate the fish eggs and forced a smile on his face as he held the revolting delicacy in his mouth. William continued to watch with great amusement as he excused himself with a small bow, turned around, grabbed a napkin, and when he thought no one was looking, hastily spit the food into the napkin. Within ten seconds he was back to his suave musician self. He deposited the offending napkin onto a passing servant's tray and then moved back into the crowd.
An hour later, the hostess ushered Fries to the grand piano standing at the centre of the living room. William moved forward to get a better view of his friend playing. He had a distinct disadvantage from being so short, so he reconciled himself to just listening.
In a clear, confident voice, Fries announced the pieces he would be playing that night. He sat down, adjusted the piano bench, and then began to play so beautifully. The notes seemed to just flow from his fingers so naturally. Each note was clear and enunciated so that the music was heard as it should be--without any missing notes, without any obscured notes, and without any blurred notes.
William sunk his head into his hands and just let the music wash over him. He imagined most of the audience would be doing the same thing. It was magical, inspiring, and uplifting to the soul.
Finally, the exquisite torture ended in a twinkling arpeggio up the keyboard. Fries held his hands on the keys until the last notes had died away, and that most precious of all silences hung in the air for mere seconds. Then he gracefully lifted them up and into his lap as the applause immediately responded. Fries stood up, smiling just enough. He bowed once, smiled at the audience, and then half bowed again before sitting down to play the second piece.
The second one was fast and furious. It made the listener hold their breath to think that anyone could move so fast on the keys, let alone this twelve-year-old boy! The piece continued on for five minutes before slowing down for a relatively slower section. Then the first theme picked up again, and it ended in a fast flurry of notes leading to three loud cords.
This time, there was no pause before the audience began to applaud. Fries smiled more this time, and William figured it was from relief that he had not messed up during the difficult passages.
Three more pieces later, Fries ended his concert, and stepped away from the piano for a final bow. People immediately came forward to thank him, praise him, and some of them even to engage him at their parties.
An hour and a half later, Charles showed up at the door to pick up William and Fries. The hostess showed them to the door, thanking Fries profusely. She handed him a cheque and said farewell.
Once he was in the car, Fries looked at the cheque. It was made out to Fries Bennet for one hundred pounds. Fries' eyes boggled. "Wow!" he exclaimed.
"What is it?" asked William.
"I got paid one hundred pounds."
"Well done. You deserved it," replied William.
"Really?"
"Of course. You played excellently."
"That's good."
William chuckled. "Yes, it is 'good'."
Charles began to ask Fries about the party. Who did he meet, what did he play, what did he eat, did he like it, and so on. During a pause in the conversation, Fries asked, "William. What's my real name?"
"I don't know. Why?"
"Well, this cheque is to Fries Bennet. But it's not my real name."
"I don't know what to do about that. Talk to your mother."
"Ok." Fries got a strange, pleasant feeling when people referred to Elizabeth as his mother. It made him feel like he belonged to someone. He could claim Elizabeth as his mother.
Charles dropped Fries off at the mansion. William couldn't help feeling a little disappointed not to see Elizabeth. Overall, the evening hadn't turned out so badly, but he wasn't sure he would like to repeat it.
"What are you doing?" asked William.
"I'm checking my email. Why?"
"Why are you squinting?"
"I'm not squinting."
"You were."
"No, I wasn't."
William looked at him hard for a minute. Fries squirmed a little under the gaze. Finally, William moved beside Fries who sat at William's desk. He looked at Fries again and said, "Read me something from the screen."
"I'm not going to read you my emails," Fries protested.
William lifted one eyebrow and simply brought up a document on the screen. "Read that, then."
Fries sighed. He leaned forward slightly and began to read the words. William gently pushed him back against the chair. Fries sighed again and read more. William watched him and before long Fries was squinting ever so slightly.
"You're squinting," William stated.
"William, what are you up to? So what? I'm squinting."
"So... you need to go see an optometrist."
"No, I don't. I'm fine."
"Which is why you have to squint to read what's on a regular computer screen?"
"It's just a habit I have. It doesn't mean anything."
William looked at him curiously. Why was he in denial?
"Besides," continued Fries. "Mum is the one who takes care of me."
"Elizabeth has eight other children to take care of and can sometimes miss a small detail like a boy squinting."
Fries got up angrily from the desk. "I can't believe you're making a big deal over nothing!"
William followed him out of his office. He found Fries in the kitchen getting himself a drink. William paused for a few minutes, watching the boy.
"Fries," William said gently. "You cannot afford to be careless with your eyes."
Fries snorted derisively.
"I'm serious. If you let a minor problem like this persist, you can severely damage your eyesight. And where would you be then as a great musician?"
Fries, who had his back to William, froze.
William continued, "You have to take care of yourself. Go and see the optometrist and see what they say. Maybe you're right and I'm wrong. I don't know. But I do know you will regret it by ignoring the problem."
Fries didn't say anything for a while. He took a sip of his drink and turned around, leaning on the counter.
"I don't want glasses."
"You might not have to get glasses."
"But you're right, William. I do have trouble reading and stuff. But I don't want glasses."
"You don't have to get glasses. You could ask Elizabeth to let you use contacts."
Fries rolled his eyes. "That would be such a pain in the butt. To stick pieces of plastic into my eyes every single morning just to see?"
"Plenty of people in the world do it. It is possible. If you don't like contacts, what's wrong with glasses?"
"I'd look ugly in them!"
William looked at him oddly. "How do you know?"
Fries' face turned sheepish. "I've tried on other people's before."
"But they probably didn't suit you. You would get glasses that looked good on you. And besides, when were you ever vain?"
"I'm not vain," Fries protested. "I just don't want to perpetuate the stereotype of me being a nerd."
"Well, honestly, I think we could find a pair of glasses that would make you quite grown up. If you even need them."
"Will you go with me?"
"Where? To the optometrist?"
Fries nodded.
"I guess, if you really want me to."
Fries walked into the kitchen holding Magic in his arms. He hopped onto the counter. Elizabeth was chopping up vegetables. She looked up at him.
"Hello, darling. How was your visit with William?"
"Fine, as usual."
She went back to chopping the vegetables.
"Mum," began Fries.
"Yes, dear?" she replied without looking up.
"Can you take me to an eye doctor?"
She looked up at him. "Why?"
"I don't see things close up very well."
"Really? How long have you had difficulty?"
He shrugged.
"Why do you come to me now?"
"William noticed me squinting." Fries sighed. "He gave me this long lecture about taking care of myself. I'm sure if I didn't tell you, he'd find out and tell you himself."
"He's right, you know."
"Just want I wanted to hear," he said sarcastically.
"I'll call the optometrist and set up an appointment."
"Mum, I want William to come with me if I have to pick out frames for glasses."
"Sure. Why do you want him to come?"
Fries shrugged. "For moral support."
Elizabeth chuckled, then said, "Hey, get him out of my kitchen. You know he's not supposed to be in here. He sheds all over the food!"
Fries grinned at her, and slid off the counter to walk out the kitchen.
"Fries," she called after him. He paused in the doorway. "If you're not doing anything particular, would you be an angel and check on your younger brothers and sisters?"
Fries nodded and left.
William called the Bennet mansion with the intention of talking to Fries. Elizabeth picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Elizabeth, it's William."
"Oh, hi. How are you?"
"I'm fine. And you?"
Elizabeth gave a short laugh. "Funny you should ask.... Ben! Stop it! This instant. Go up to your room." Elizabeth sighed. "I'm okay." Then suddenly she swore softly. William heard a hissing noise, like water boiling over the pot onto the stove. He heard pots banging and then "Ow! Frickin' bloody hellfire!!"
"Elizabeth? Are you okay?"
"No! I frickin' burnt my hand."
"Go and put ice on it."
"I know what to do!" she snapped, irritated.
Just as William thought the crisis was over, he heard in the background a cat scream followed by a child's scream and crying then glass smashing onto the kitchen floor.
"Oh! Baby, I'm so sorry," soothed Elizabeth. "Magic didn't mean to hurt you. You hurt him so he was frightened."
The words didn't seem to have any affect on the child as she cried and cried. "Let's go put a band-aid on this and make it all better."
A minute later, William heard Elizabeth yell for Fries to pick up the phone. She said to William, "I'm sorry, William. I have to go."
"Wait, Elizabeth. Why don't I take you out tonight?"
"Are you joking?"
"No. You sound like you need a break. Let's just go someplace quiet for a while."
"William, I can't. I'm needed here."
"Is Jane there?"
"Yes."
"Can't she hold down the fort?"
"Yes, but what if-"
"Elizabeth, you need the break. Come on. We'll just go out and grab a bite to eat."
"Did you call with the intention of dragging me away from my duties or did this just occur to you?"
"It just occurred to me. You can't burn yourself out."
"Funny you should mention burn," she said sarcastically.
"Is that a yes?" pushed William.
Elizabeth hesitated.
"Put Jane on the phone," William said.
"No, no. All right. I'll go out with you tonight. Just let me fix the current crises and I'll be over."
"Good."
"You don't take no for an answer, do you?" she accused.
"Well, I can, just not when I know I'm right."
"See you in about half an hour, then."
"Good bye."
Forty-five minutes later, a worn and frazzled Elizabeth knocked on William's door.
"Who could that be?" wondered Charles, starting towards the door.
"It's Elizabeth," replied William, grabbing his coat and wallet. "We're going out."
"Tonight? Isn't this a bit late?"
"We're just going to have a casual meal. Nothing big."
William opened the door. He smiled at Elizabeth, who managed a small smile in return.
"That bad, huh?" asked William.
Elizabeth nodded and rubbed her eyes.
"Come on. Let's go cheer you up."
Elizabeth laughed a little.
"See? It's working already."
"You're really full of it, aren't you?"
"Well, haven't you always known that?"
"I guess."
They went to Elizabeth's van and she helped him in. They drove to a nearby late-night café. They sat down in a booth in the corner, and ordered a small meal.
When Elizabeth had a cup of coffee nursing in her hands, she began to relax a bit more.
"Tell me what's wrong."
Elizabeth sighed. "You heard most of it."
"I think there's more than just what I heard," replied William. He reached across the table, and took Elizabeth's right hand gently in his. He stroked it. "How bad is the burn?"
"Not that bad," she said and then grimaced when he touched it lightly.
"You ought to cover it."
"I know. I didn't have the chance."
"So tell me what's wrong."
Elizabeth didn't say anything for some time- she just stared into her coffee cup, thinking. William waited patiently for a reply.
Finally, she said, "It all seems like this never-ending cycle. All my time is devoted to the children or the patients we feed. And... well... sometimes I get depressed. I wish I could get away from it all. I wish I could see an end. Other mothers can look forward to the time when their children are old enough to care for themselves. I don't. I always seem to have a number of children who constantly need my attention. And... it's wearing."
"If you had the opportunity, would you stop being a foster mother?"
"I think about that often, and... I don't think so. Well, A) I would feel too guilty about all the children who needed my love and skills and don't get them. And B) I don't know what I would do instead."
"What would you change if you could change anything?"
Elizabeth laughed a small laugh. "I wish- I wish someone else was there to help me."
"Isn't Jane there enough?"
"Yes, but I mean someone more."
"Like a husband?"
She looked at him sharply. "Maybe."
"I think you need more companionship of your own age. When was the last time you did something without the kids?"
Elizabeth avoided his steady gaze. "I guess when we went to see the Pirates of Penzance."
"See? And how many friends do you have your own age?"
"Two."
"Charles and I? Or is there someone else and I don't count?"
"And how do you suggest I make friends my own age? Are you going to wave your magic wand and make them appear? It's not always a question of just meeting people my own age. I also have to be compatible, have similar interests and stuff like that. And I don't tend to find that in other people."
"Maybe you don't get out enough, then."
"That's a stupid answer, William," she snapped. "I can't get out more. I have nine children at home who need me. And I don't have a problem devoting my life to them."
"So... you get this irritated from what? Drinking too much coffee? Being around the cat?"
"What would you suggest instead, Einstein? Give up on the children for a night? Leave them to an incompetent teenage baby-sitter?"
"No."
"You're full of advice and not much solutions."
"You're right," William finally said. "I'm sorry. I was only trying to help."
"Don't think I haven't given it a lot of thought. I've had bad days like this sporadically for years."
They didn't say anything for a while. Their food arrived and they ate in silence for several more minutes. Then William asked, "Did Fries tell you he needs to see an optometrist?"
Elizabeth nodded. "He said he wants you to help him pick frames. What's up with that?"
"Fries is self-conscious about wearing glasses, which is why he hasn't mentioned the problem to you before. I said he could find glasses that made him look older and more sophisticated. So he wants me to come and help pick them out if the case need be."
Elizabeth laughed a little. "I never thought Fries would be so vain."
"I don't think he's being vain. He just doesn't want to be labeled the nerd anymore than he is now."
"People call him a nerd?"
"Apparently."
"I wonder why he hasn't mentioned it to me before."
"And what would you have done?" challenged William.
"Well, I would talk to whoever did it."
"And what good would that do? They'd label him a mama's boy or a wimp or something worse. You can't fight his battles for him."
"But still, I would expect him to tell me."
"Elizabeth, Fries won't always tell you everything. Even between the two of us, we won't ever know everything about Fries. You're lucky to know as much as you do. How many mothers have no clue how to reach out to their teenage son?"
"Fries isn't a teenager, yet."
"You'll see. You two are so close, but you won't ever know everything."
"Since when were you so wise about raising children?"
"Never. I'm just learning with Fries."
"Well, maybe you should write a book."
"You're the one who should write a book. I'm sure you have tons of great stories and anecdotes about children you've had in the past. The funny things they say and do. The scrapes they get into and the problems they've overcome."
"I'm sure it's a great idea, William. But where would I ever find the time?"
"I don't know. I guess that's why such a book has never been written."
"Maybe when I'm old and grey."
The two continued to talk for another half an hour. Then Elizabeth said she should be getting home. "I don't get to sleep in," she reminded him. "I have to get up with the earliest riser in my brood."
"You never sleep in?"
"Once in a blue moon Jane will turn off my alarm and let me sleep in, but my body usually wakes me within an hour of the alarm anyway."
Elizabeth drove William home. "Thank you, William. I do feel better now."
"Good. That was my intention."
"Good night, William."
"Good night."
The following week, William went with Fries and Elizabeth to the optometrist. The doctor did find that Fries needed glasses to be able to see things close up. That visit, they were shown hundreds of frames to choose from, and William and Fries looked through them until they all found one they thought suited Fries and made him look even more intelligent. They were gold wire rimmed, with oval lenses. Fries went home feeling almost proud of his new glasses. The doctor informed the boy he would receive his new glasses the following week and he was to wear them all the time.
One night, William was woken by the telephone. He picked it up and glanced at the clock. It said 2:37 am.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Charles?" asked a timid voice on the other line.
"No, this is William. Who is this?"
"It's Storm."
"Storm? Why are you calling at this hour? Is anything wrong?"
It sounded like Storm was crying. Her breaths were short and violent and she sniffed occasionally. "Oh William!" she said. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Can you come get me?" Her voice pleaded, "Please William. Get me out of here. I need... I need to get away." She began to cry more.
William pulled himself upright in his bed, more awake now. "Storm, where are you? Aren't you at home?"
"No. I'm at a party."
"Why don't you call Elizabeth? Can't you reach her?"
"Please William, don't tell Elizabeth. She can't know. I can't disappoint her. She'll get mad at me and she'll have that look in her eye and-"
"Storm. She won't be angry. She'll help you."
"But she'll still know. Please William."
"I can't drive, you know that."
"Can Charles come get me? I don't know where else to turn."
Storm's pleads had their affect.
"All right, calm down. Take a deep breath and tell me where you are."
Storm did as she was told, and William memorized the directions.
"Hang on there. Find a place that's safe and we'll be on our way."
"Thank you so much, William."
William hung up and yelled for Charles. His roommate was used to the calls in the night, and quickly came into William's room.
"What's the matter?" asked a sleepy Charles.
"We need to go pick up Storm from some party on the east side of town."
"Why?" he asked, puzzled.
"She's in great distress. I'll tell you on the way. I don't know much."
Charles helped William get dressed and into the wheelchair. Once in the car, William explained the weird phone call. Half an hour later, they pulled up to a large house in a suburban neighborhood. Cars were parked in the streets and driveway. Teenagers milled around on the lawn, a couple already passed out on the grass. Charles went in alone to find Storm.
The house was filled with teenagers, most of them holding a drink in one hand. Through the mess, Charles found Storm huddled in one corner, her face buried in her hands. Gently, he knelt beside her and she looked up with fear. When she recognized Jane's boyfriend, she flung her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder.
"Shh," he murmured. "It's all right. Let's get you home."
He helped her stumble out of the madhouse to the street where William sat, warily keeping an eye on the three boys staring with mischief at their car.
Charles helped Storm into the car, and she promptly collapsed on the back seat. William decided to wait before he questioned her about what she was doing at a party like this in the first place.
They drove home in silence, and Charles helped Storm into the apartment. She collapsed back onto the sofa and was soon fast asleep. She just managed to murmur a thank you before she slipped into unconsciousness.
The following morning, Charles left for work leaving William to question Storm. She slept late, so he just left her alone and worked at his desk in the office.
Finally, she awoke and William suggested she take a shower before they talked. She knew they would have to talk. It was inevitable.
When she was finally sitting down at the kitchen table, he joined her to eat a late lunch.
"So what happened last night."
She ran her hand through her died green hair. "You won't tell Elizabeth will you?"
"Not unless you've done something illegal."
"No, even if I have done something illegal. Please, William, promise me you won't tell her. Or Jane."
"I can't promise you. I will think of what is best for you and act upon that basis."
"Then I won't talk," she replied stubbornly.
"You're not in a position to negotiate. I will tell Elizabeth where you were and what you were like last night. But if you talk to me, there's a bigger likelihood she won't find out."
She sighed a deep, gusty sigh. A stubborn sigh. A sigh of one trapped unwillingly.
"I was invited to this party. There was going to be just a few people there, nothing big. So I went. And I told Elizabeth I would be at Janna's house. So Janna picked me up and then we went to this place. And more people showed up and then the beer and then the heavier alcohol and then the drugs. And I didn't want to do any of it like usual. And usually my friends respect me for it. But this time they were really pressuring me to do it. Even my boyfriend. But I didn't want to. I knew what it led to. My mother had ruined her life and nearly mine with the stuff. Later in the night, they put some stuff in my soda. I don't know what it was, but it made me have these strange visions. And they were making fun of me because I was reacting so badly to the drug. And I couldn't walk straight or think straight. My boyfriend tried to rape me but I was aware enough to prevent it. And I just locked myself in the bathroom for two hours, huddling in the dark and praying for salvation. When I was finally conscious enough to remember your phone number, I crawled to the nearest phone and called you."
"Why won't you tell Elizabeth?"
"Because she'll be disappointed in me."
"Why?"
"Because I was at the party."
"But you didn't know it was going to be like that."
"Well, I kind of knew that parties often turn wild."
"You sound guiltless to me."
"Please don't tell her, William."
"I won't. I'm just urging you to do so."
"You think I should tell her?"
"I really do think so. She'll be understanding and loving and supportive, and probably angry enough to go after someone. Like the parents of that house, your friends, or your boyfriend. Actually, on second thought, I'll go after them. What's your boyfriend's name? Where does he live?"
"William, don't be stupid. It's okay."
"No, Storm, it's not okay. How can you be attached to someone who would do you such harm?"
"He didn't know any better. He was drunk. They all were drunk."
"Oh, so they're good kids except when they're drunk, right?"
"Yes."
"I can't believe this."
"You don't understand, William. A lot of kids in high school drink."
"Why?"
"Because it's the accepted thing to do. It's cool."
"You're all nuts."
Storm chose to ignore this comment.
William asked, "Why do you put yourself in such situations?"
"I didn't know it was going to be like that. They've never treated me like that before."
"What are you going to do when you meet up with them again?"
"I'll pretend that nothing happened. They probably won't remember it anyway."
"I can't believe this," William muttered again. "I don't understand how you can consider these people as your friends."
"You don't understand," she sighed.
"You're right, I don't."
"So how do you expect Elizabeth to be understanding if you can't be?"
"I'm understanding. I just don't understand."
"Whatever," she said.
"Will you tell her?"
"Yes," she sighed.
"Can I ask her in a couple of days if she knows where you were last night so I know she knows?"
"Fine."
"Since I can't drive you home and Charles isn't expected until later today after work, do you want to call Elizabeth right now to come and pick you up?"
"I guess so."
Storm did so, and William returned to work while Storm watched TV until Elizabeth arrived.
William answered the door when Elizabeth rang the doorbell.
"What is Storm doing at your place?" was the first thing she said.
"Hello to you, too," retorted William.
"Hello William. What is Storm doing here?"
"She'll tell you herself. I think she's ready to leave. This place wasn't exactly equipped to entertain a teenager."
Storm said a quick thank you, and then walked out to the car.
Elizabeth turned to William.
Defensively, William said, "Charles and I picked her up when she called at 2:30 this morning. She'll tell you the rest."
"Thank you, then."
"Go easy on her, will you?" said William as Elizabeth walked out the door. "She's had a really rough time, and I had to convince her to tell you anything."
William was never told the full repercussions of Storm's night out. William presumed it wasn't her first. Fries just informed him that Storm wasn't allowed to go out with those friends for two weeks. William guessed Elizabeth was trying to persuade Storm to forsake those friends. William doubted if Storm would do it, though.