The moment she had left Ismay and Lucy Alex had found a corner and scribbles down everything, just in case it slipped her mind. Note taking was nothing new to the girl and Whooodini thought nothing of it. She often seemed to become obsessed with small pieces of paper, and he often enjoyed stealing the small papers. It was not until she started referencing these notes while getting dressed he first noticed a change in her. Ā He watched with a curious tilt as she redid her hair for 57th time. Finally, the 58th time her hair looked like it had the last 36 times, at least so it seemed to Whooodini. Then she started doing things to her face. When she stepped back he fully expected her to have on some new metal cage for something, instead she seemed the exact same as before. He tossed a washer at her to see if he had missed some invisible machine. He was pleased with how she scrunched her face up and wiped at the grease spot it had left, turning it into a grease streak. He narrowed his eyes as she carefully lowered the metal she had polished to a sheen, missing entirely the small dark line on her cheek.Ā
Whooodini, completely baffled by his roomates newfound preening rituals, fluttered down behind her and tried to pull the makeshift mirror up. With a few loud hoots he demanded her attention to help him right this shiny piece of metal and was only further confused when his demands were unmet. She seldom ignored him, and it was even odder for her to do it in silence. He ruffled his feathers and followed her, hopping from perch to perch, as she ran to the sink to scrub off a new swipe of dirt she found on her leg.Ā
He tilted his head as she furiously scrubbed at what had never before been offensive. He scuttled along the top of the shower rod and used one foot to knock over a dust bunny onto the young woman bellow. With a happy little fluff he watched as she ran around wide eyed and removed all the offending particles from her clothes, so he did it another three times. He was still happily huffing when he realized she was gone and he hurriedly covered the entirety of the upper rooms and lower workshops in the air. This was not like her at all, not in the least and Whooodini felt a gnawing feeling -which he took as elation that she might finally be out of his place- so he dashed out the window and tracked her down.
When he found her as a speck in the streets below he flew into a wall in surprise out of shock. The invader of his nest was walking. Walking! This small human ran everywhere, even when hauling the weird things she spent hours and nights on, the only benefit of which was that they were shiny and fun to dismantle. He picked himself up and shook his feathers out. With her slower pace he flitted from window sill to roof ledge to railing to street lamp and was easily able to keep up with her. He even had time to swoop down and gather a small stone or item and drop it at her to watch her never even notice. By the time she stopped at the end of a street, Whooodini was quite convinced that world must be ending.
And now she was as still as he was when he pounced on a city mouse. Surely this was the apocalypse. Looking around him he saw no fire and brimstone, so he fluttered down and hooted as loudly as he could at the girl from her shoulder. Ā She jumped, and Whooodini flew off her shoulder, startled. Of course she would return to her form of sanity with a jump and start rambling off on some incoherent tangent. But when she looked at him, Whooodini felt rather important. "I got this right? Like wassgonna happen? Jus' like Jude said. Just talk. And sit straight an' stuff. I got it?"
She had trailed off into one of her little squeaks that so reminded him of a delicious lunch. But just how much this one reminded him of a nervous lunch made Whooodini hoot back as solemnly as he could. She was his little one and he did not like whatever had her so upset. Ragnorak was terribly frustrating. He hooted a second time, this time in inquisition as to what she was doing. But he was forgotten as he watched from the cobblestone as she walked up to the Cafe doors and pushed in. Disgruntled he flew up to the railing of the patio and watched her through the large glass windows.
What?! Who was this red haired spotted thing. He had not seen this new person before at the mill. He had not seen this new person at the 3's workshop. Not that Whooodini had ever made a point of checking up on her to be sure. But whoever this gangly thing he was was not welcome. He hooted angrily through the glass window. He hooted angrily at the boy. He hooted angrily at Alex for causing the end of the world. He hooted until some cranky man swoosh a sword at him so he flew away and circled until it was clear to land.
Sitting on the rail Whooodini watched in silence as Alex left her cup of coffee and pastry untouched for an hour. He turned his face into anger as the boy said something. She was laughing. And it was not at this invasive ghost; she laughed with him. Whooodini flew to the glass and scratched at his face through it. He was causing everything to be wrong.
A man came out of the cafe and chased Whooodini off. Ā He circled around until he finally saw his human leave the followed her back to the mill where she sat on her balcony and giggled and sighed all night, her hand going back to her cheek and tenderly touching it. This would not do. There were too many delicious mice to eat and the world was not allowed to end.
There was something off about Ismayās energy, Lucy felt it when the woman came to stand next to her. Now wasnāt the time to talk though Alex wanted their help and Lucy would be damned if she wasnāt going to focus her attention on the girl. Nevertheless a pale hand reaches out to subtly take the Ismays free hand, her fingers interlocking to give a supportive squeeze, letting her friend know she was here for her also.Ā
Her smile warms when Alex defends herself so animatedly, nearly spewing half eaten crumbs, this girl was so adult but could be such a child. ā donāt mind me darling Iām just teasing you, of course you wash. But an honest tip for your date maybe try to remember that youāre chewing before you speak to passionately on a subject. Save a little mystery for the second date.ā It seemed reasonable advice coming from a woman whoās last date had been a good ten years ago.Ā
āYeah, i love the playsuit as well.ā She nods in agreement āThey are so comfortable and the black one is super easy to get in and out of. Naturally, you can try them all Alex, and, whatever youād like to keep you are more than welcome to. I just donāt want to see you fixing someoneās pipes in any of these things. Deal?ā
Alexās defence of her bathing routine surprises a smile onto Ismayās face. This girl was soā¦unpretentious and lovably naive. What Ismay wouldnāt give to be able to live a life where she wasnāt judged every moment for her hair, her face, her body, the way she dressed and, what she said. She needs to spend more time with this girl, sheās never going to judge Ismay. Then again, Alex represents the future that May would likely never have. It hurts. The hurt is made a little better by Lucy taking her hand, giving it a little squeeze. Ismay squeezes back a little. Something is up.Ā
āWhatās the fun of trying clothes if you donāt try them all on?ā Ismay tryās a light tone, to mask what sheās feeling. There were few things that May and Lucy didnāt back each other up on.Ā āYou get to try them all on and pick what you like. Only thing you have to do for us is show us what youāve tried on. Easy.ā Watching Alex try on the various pieces from Lucyās closet May stays close to her friend trying to get a read on what might be wrong, this is different and it has Ismay stumped. Sheād work it out of her later.Ā
āSo Alex, whatās the outfit youāve picked?ā Lucy and may had commented on the various attributes of the clothes and on how they would work together. Ultimately though, itās Alexās choice what she would wear on her date. She had to be comfortable in her clothes.Ā
Alex teeters in the heeled shoes, her balance nothing compared to the moments she was scurrying along the high parts of machinery and roofs untethered. She was hard pressed to admit it but was slowly falling in love with the footwear, but for totally not fashion related reasons. She was certainly thinking of all the ways in which the wasted space in the heels could be used to store various items and how if she could find a pair that were taller she could use the side of her leg to hold a wrench. It was definitely not the way they made her feel a little taller and stronger or the way they made little thud sounds as she walked that had her interest. But just to be sure it was not the latter she tapped her toe on the ground, had to be sure of all possibilities. Ā The shoes were not as heavy as her work boots, so she was thrown off balance and tumbled forward with a giggle. It was definitely, in no way possible, one hundred percent not the sound they made that was helping her fall in love with this footwear.
Looking up at the women from her sitting spot on the ground she had a momentary thought of how much she wished her mother was more like one of them, a thought she quickly pushed away. She did not need a mother, she was perfectly fine on her own, thank you very much. But when she smiled up at them there was another level to her smile that was a little more genuine than she expected. "I think these shoes are like perfect! But won't I get cold with no sleeves?" Alex scrunches her face up at the blank and white combo, going through everything she had just learned. Was she allowed to wear the jean jacket with a playsuit? Or would that like crash. Wait no, the word was clash. A convoluted exasperated sound came out. "How did you learn all this stuff? Is there like a book?"
She took a long look at the clothing and items these woman had so generously offered to her, and a little bit of her wondered if she should even be allowed to use such nice things.
While Ismay and Alex are in the bathroom getting Alexās hair to look presentable Lucy takes the bag Alex brought to her bedroom. Now to see what they were working withā¦ she thinks as she unzips the duffel and is not surprised to find a dress that looks far too small and too young for the lady along with some faded tops that just would not do. With a small smile she folds the clothes back up and places them in the bag and stowes on the floor. They would not be needing these items. The bows she sets on the foot of the bed along with some other accessories sheād fished out that seemed age appropriate for Alex.
Passing her long fingers over the Kashmir velvet throw, they curl a moment in the luxurious fabric and a sadness fills her eyes as the sounds of laughter echo in her ears. The touch of fabric on her skin reminds her of being wrapped up in the soft cloth with another. No. the chastisement is soft yet firm as her finger clench at her side and she turns her back on the bed just in time for the two women to enter the room.Ā
Thankfully Alex serves to bring a smile to Lucyās lips with her rediscovering her birthmark. āI think you should add more shower time to your weekly routine darlingā Her voice was warm and full of a soft humor as she spoke, reaching out to slide her fingers through damp silky locks on the top of her head. āYes, you can try on whatever catches your eye- after youāve finished your cookie of courseāĀ
Laid out on the bed were three playsuits one a strapless cream-colored creation that Lucy did not remember purchasing, the one all black with a white collar and the third had a soft floral print. She figured this style clothing would be most comfortable and familiar for Alex since the design was very similar to her work uniform only without sleeves and they stopped above the knees.Ā
Hanging from her closet door was skirt and along with several dresses all in styles that Lucy seemed to wear less and less of. Draped on the large comfortable chair were several tops and four pairs of shoes were neatly arranged at the foot of the bed.Ā
Ismay follows Alex into Lucyās room thinking back to her playing in the water, letting May clean and work her hair. It makes her heart hurt a little. It would not be out of the realm of possibility for May to have had a daughter like Alex. To be her mother, helping her on her first date. Picking out her outfit and giving her boy advice. Alex is not her daughter, and she is not Lucyās daughter either, just a young girl they decided to help. There were so many questions and doubts going through Ismayās mind prompted by her situation currently and Alex was not making her choices any easier.Ā
āIād listen to Lucy on this one, and I can get you some stuff that will make your hair much easier to manage.ā Alex ddināt have to know that May had decided that she was going to go out and buy Alex these products, not just give her what she herself had left over in bottles at home. She has to money to spend as she wants, and right now that was in to spend it on Alex. Turning her attention to the clothes her friend had laid out on her bed, distracting herself from the thoughts in her head with a cup of pale green tea. Ismay stands herself beside Lucy, as if to give moral support that she hoped would be mutual. Just seeing Lucy when she came in the bedroom door lets her know that this isnāt going to be as easy or fun as initially thought.Ā āI think youād look very cute in the black playsuit. Casual, not to girly or too young or too old. But today I am not the boss, You try on whatever you feel like.
"I shower! I swear!" Alex forgets she's eating the cookie for a second and finds pieces of it flying frothed mouth. She clamps both hands over her mouth both to hide the cookies pieces and to remind herself that she should behave properly in front of these woman. Finally freeing her mouth to speak politely, she continues to defend her bathing habits. "I totally do an' like all the time. But I just get dirtier oftener."
Alex eyes all the beautiful clothing laid out before her, and wrings her hands nervously. She desperately wanted to look her best and deep down she wants the approval of these two woman, but she has no idea where to begin. How does anyone know what the difference between these colours and fabrics and styles? Her eyes scan across first the clothing on the bed and then the closet. Her eyes stop when she sees the shoes.
There was a pair of black boots, perfect large black boots. For a second Alex thought they were work boots and she was relieved to see them. But then they were a little too shiny and they had weird platforms at the back. The heel is what tricked her into thinking they were normal boots, but they were perfect, otherwise. Maybe it was something vaguely comforting in this very strange situation or maybe it was the strange situation becoming comforting but Alex became very serious in her resolve to try on everything at least once. That was how science and experiments worked, right? Have to try to eliminate possibilities. Without taking her eyes off of those boots, she said, "Maybe we could just like try them all?"
Dorian smiles, listening dutifully until sheās finished speaking. āYou have such a brilliant mind. Those are all very practical applications. Perhaps when Dexterās feeling better, heāll be more up to helping you design some of those things and teach you the art. It didnāt take him very long so I doubt itāll take you long, either.ā He busies his hands as he prepares two cups of tea, pouring the dark liquid out of the teapot.
āI know you like coffee so maybe you wonāt mind this tea. Itās very dark and very bold. Itās not as flowery, which is why I like it. Try it black and add sugar and milk if you need it.ā He slides her mug over to her and starts to spoon perhaps too much sugar into his own with a splash of milk. Dorian takes a cookie at random and has a bite with a sip, humming his approval.
Alex' face glows as he praises her brilliance. She wasn't one to be too proud, but every time she was reminded that she was at least worth something other than a failed lady, and coming from Dorian it never seemed to be the only reason for his interest in her. She nods enthusiastically at the thought of these new designs not taking too long.
The dry after cookie mouth got the best of her, so Alex took the cup and greedily downed the whole amount of hot tea. She didn't realize it was too hot until she had drank half the cup and found herself trying not to spew out the remainder of the cup at her host. With a serious of muffled sounds, she waves her hands trying to cool the liquid magically through her cheeks. Finally she consumes the last of the hot liquid. "I shouldn't have done that!"
He canāt help but grin again. Her energy is endearing but the darker side of Dorian thinks that it could be harnessed if only she could be made to concentrate. Dexter had had Alexās energy back when they were young. The Crow would make him run and run and run while Dorian learned to stay so still that he could pass as a statue. A firm hand could guide Alex into so much more than a mechanic but Dorian isnāt out to make assassins out of teenagers. He thinks of himself more as Alexās unofficial guardian.Ā
As she runs back and forth, Dorian steadily makes his way to the kitchen. The tea kettle starts to whistle.Ā āDonāt worry about helping. Youāre my guest, so I get to take care of everything. Why donāt you sit down at the table and make yourself comfortable? I believe the cookies are already set out. Help yourself.ā There is indeed a plate of assorted cookies set out in the middle of the kitchen table. Meanwhile, Dorian prepares the tea. The hot water gets poured into a waiting teapot and swilled to warm it up, then he drops in three teabags. He sets the lid on the teapot and brings it over to the table to steep along with two mugs.
Dorian sits across from Alex.Ā āSo you have an interest in origami?ā
There are cookies at stake and Dorian is taking his time, so Alex starts hopping back and forth on her feet. If only he would hurry up! When he tells her to be seated, she doesn't have to be told twice. She runs and jumps into the seat and is already reaching for the first cookie before the chair she bolted into has stopped rocking back and forth. Her hand stops over the plate of assorted cookies and she eyes them all. She had choices, and cookie choices needed thought; did she go for the crumbly and sprinkled sugar cookie or the deliciously soft filled sandwich cookie?! Deciding on the former, she stuffs the whole thing into her mouth and relishes the taste of sweet sprinkles and vanilla cookie. She was on her second cookie when Dorian made his way over to the table.
Having a whole second cookie and partial first cookie in her mouth, Alex was very much unable to talk. Which was fine as she only partially understood Dorian's word for the paper folding. She scrunched her face up as she chewed, trying to both eliminate the obstacle to speaking and recall where she had heard that word before. She remembered that Dexter called the folding that. "mhhhmmm!" She nodded emphatically. Finally having gotten the cookie to the point she could swallow. She eyed the teapot, never thinking there was a day she would want tea. "Yeah! They're like super clever an' I was like thinking of ways to make like a foldy tool box. Take like less space but then still have like everything. Or maybe like joints on moving arms. Or like if there was a thing I needed an' I like couldn't get it out the door I was thinking I could like make it to be all foldy an' then it would be easier to travel with. An' like on streetcars! What if I could like design one that had like collapsible seats an' parts an' stuff! It would be like the most useful thing ever. I mean, still gotta like find a good alloy and support system for load bearing parts, but with like a few welded joints an rods I think issdoable. 'course there's always usability to worry 'bout but I can find a use for like everything. Isslike your cane, all folded up its way more transportable but is all ready and long and rod like when ya need it. I just wanna do that. But with like everything."
āCognizant. Aware and understanding of your surroundings.ā His voice softens and he gives the ghost of a smile.Ā āUnfortunately, heās not that kind of sick. If soup could help, Iād be feeding him chicken noodle until he couldnāt stand the stuff anymore.ā Dorian lets her come in, shutting the door behind her. He has his glasses on but he doesnāt have his cane extended. Itās just dangling from a cord around his wrist. He figures a blind man wouldnāt really need it in their own home. Dorian barely had furniture to bump into, anyway.
āWould you like some tea and cookies? I just put a kettle on.ā He pauses,Ā āThereās only one catch, however; Youāre not allowed to call me Mr. Schade in my own home. Dorian will do. Failure to do so will result in no cookies.ā He gives a little grin.
"Right. Got it. Aware and surroundings." Alex was lying, not intentionally, but the word had nothing to do with machines and would be forgotten momentarily. "Oh. That kinda sick." She gave a solemn little nod. Sometimes people were sick, so sick that nothing you could get helped. The kind of sick that was sick for a long time, and never ended well.It made her a little sad that Dexter was that kind of sick, but at least he seemed to be OK for the time being. And she would do everything she could to make the time being as good as possible.
Alex's eyes light up at the mention of cookies. "YespleasesirMr.....ImeanDorian." Alex chanted his first name to herself under breath. Why did people have to have two names? It makes everything so much harder. And why if they did have two names couldn't they both be used all the time? She always had trouble keeping Roxanne and Lucy straight, and now she had to remember the magic barrier of Mr. Schade's house that made him Dorian. She just knew she was going to mess up. And messing up meant no cookies! There had to be cookies! "I can even like help get mugs an' plates an' stuff." Alex runs into the next room, excited for cookies and mediocre about tea, only to immediately run back to Dorian's side. "You just gotta tell me where stuff is."
āNo, Alex darling, itās fine. Actually, itās great that you came later, it gave me some more time to tidy up some moreā Not that Lucyās apartment really needed tidying, but she had made refreshments and that meant some dishes to be washed.Ā āOil, like olive or coconut oil sweetheartā she lets out a small sigh but puts an arm around the girl.āSo what did you put on it?ā Before she could get her answer Ismay walked inĀ āThank goodness youāre here May!ā She could give a few tips from the things sheād picked from Ismay, but she was more than happy to see the true expert walk through her door since the situation at hand was more than sheād reckoned with.
āI guess the two of you should get started first in the bathroomā¦ Iāll take your bag to the bedroom, where I set up refreshments and a few of the outfits I needed to clear out of my closet anyway. Theyāre a bit too young for me.ā Lucy wanted to hold on to the vitality of youth for as long as possible but she didnāt want to look like she was trying. That was the problem with most women, they didnāt realize dressing fifteen years younger than they were only aged them more.
Ismay diverts her attention from the chaos that is the girls hair, collecting herself in the process. āAlex? Youāre the three that fixed my boiler? Right?ā Perhaps that would make her feel a little more comfortable. āI don;t think I introduced myself fully that day. My nameās Ismay but I am also the Rose of the English Garden. Itās my establishment. With Lucy and I youāre in good hands. Alex, darling, thereās absolutely no reason to feel ashamed for something you didnāt know. I also brought some stuff and we can most certainly sort out your hair. To the bathroom.ā
As she passes Lucy, May smiles. āItās nice to see you in this type of situation Lu.ā When Alex is turned away from them though she gives her friend the well practised look of āthis might take a whileā. May follows Alex to Lucyās bathroom. Setting her bag on the counter she starts to extract various sizes of bottles of hair care, explaining what each is for. āNow letās wash out your hair and get some proper oil in that hair of yours.ā She goes to start washing Alexās, but in the better light of the washroom May notices that most of Alex seems to be covered in soot, oil smears or other grime. āNew plan, you are going to sit in that tub and scrub every inch of your skin while I wash and untangle your hair. I mean every inch, you are not clean until I say you are.ā Her tone is not angry, or cruel; having younger siblings teaches you a thing or two. While Ismay washes Alexās hair, the water having had to be changed once already, May works her fingers through curls to rid knots, taking her time and being careful not to damage Alexās hair more than it already is. Finally after washing and conditioning May rubs some of her favourite hair oil into Alexās damp hair while she sits wrapped in Lucyās fluffy bathrobe, doing it some desperately needed tender loving care. āThere. Now we can wait for your hair to dry and go see Lucy about outfits and makeup.āĀ
Alex nods at Lucy's instructions. How could she be so stupid! Of course Lucy would not have machine oil! Before she could say anything in reply to Lucy she found herself being told to follow Ismay. "Yessir! The Silverplate 3X with loose connections! And then the Remington, an' the freezer. And the cookies."
Somehow Alex finds herself undressed and a scrub brush hand with the instructions to scrub until she is clean. She was about to open her mouth in protest but reminded herself that these women were helping, like she had asked. So she scrubbed and scrubbed, until there was no more dirt anywhere. Then Ismay had her change the water, and start again. How could this matter! She was going to get dirty again the second she touched machine again. Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no. Did this mean she couldn't work on machines anymore? No. Oh no. She would build a self contained sealed room with expandable arms using pressurized fluids if she had to. Actually, that could really work. She scooped up a handful of water and watched the way it fell. Pushing the water back and forth in the tub qith her hand she watched the waves, how they hit the wall and came crashing back on the ripples she was still sending forward. Numbers and plans were quickly forming in her head. Ā So involved in her planning, she did not even register that Ismay was successfully untangling her mess of hair gently.
When Ismay finally proclaims her clean, Alex quickly jumps out of the tub and goes to put on her old clothes, but stops when she sees just how dirty they actually were and stops. She wraps a towel around her new squeaky clean form and follows Ismay down the hall to the bedroom. Ā "I don't think I've been this clean, like ever!" Spying the refreshments laid out, Alex slowly creeps over and picks up a cookie and trying to behave as polite as she can, nibbles on the cookie. She can't help the slightly wary look she gives the two woman who are helping her out. She swore she would try anything they said, but that did not mean she was entirely excited for some of the prospects. "So uhh, what now? Do I like put on all the clothes? Woah! Ā I thought that mark thingy like disappeared! Lookit! Itsback!" Alex points at a faded birthmark on her arm, just higher than the point were she scrubbed her hands wrists to eat and such, the mark finally being visible after cleaning off the caked on grease and dirt for the first time in a long time.
No, no paint spill. You- oh nevermind,Ā itās not important.
How are you gonna eat without chewing? thatās just a stupid rule, I mean having him look at half-chewed food in your mouth might not be a turn on- but hey they again maybe it is for some people, who am I to judge. And like talking? You canāt have rules about talking, itās just something you gotta do. I mean obviously, he likes you so donāt work yourself up that much about it. He muses for a moment Well it seems like if Theo made you go back in this case Theo pays.Ā
Kay. If you're sure? Alex stops spinning and shakes her head to regain focus after dizzying herself.
I know! Like all those rules are just so. So. So ugh! There are like lots of talking rules according to mom. Alex takes a deep breath. Ya really think so? Just like talking talking? Alex giggles at the image of Theo paying, he'd really been super helpful but the thought was so far out there that even Alex could recognize the ridiculousness of it Ā I don't think Theo would pay. Even if I asked like super nice.Ā
What happens if I try to divide by zero? O questions curiously as she searches through a few papers on her desk for some sort of calculation to try on it.Ā Hm, how about we try this? she states, pointing at one of the next calculations she had to make determining some of the running costs of the Garden.Ā
Well like I got the gears set up so they can do everything as a pin drops when you like press a button. But if you like press zero as the divisor it just kind spins. For like ever. I mean you just gotta pop off the face plate and stop the cycle but best to avoid.
Sure! Alex looks at the page and squints, slowly she taps each number into the device. All of the keys have had the matching numbers and symbols scratched into them, but they are faint so she is forced to carefully check each key. Ā Each strike of key is met with the whirring and spinning of the inside of the machine. Finally she hits an oblong key at the bottom row and little paddles pop up at the top with the equation solution on them. There! Issit right?
He doesnāt like the way she shrinks away from him. He hadnāt meant to come off so harsh, not in front of Alex. He was so fond of her, felt something like a guardian to her. The last thing Dorian wanted to do was scare her away, but he had to let her know the importance of being wary of his twin. Dorian takes a breath and doesnāt move forward when she steps back.
āAlex.ā He says, voice still quiet but taking a softer edge.Ā āIām not trying to make you leave. I just need you to, toā¦ To perhaps be a little more cognizant around Dexter. He has an illness.ā Itās the best way to describe Dexterās current on-again, off-again mania. Dorian reaches out with an upturned palm, hoping Alex will come closer.
āI apologize if I scared you. It was not my intention, sweetheart.ā
He's talking again, and it isn't creating a desire to run and hide anymore. She can feel the blood flow return to her palms as she slowly lets go of her bag's strap. Or course he couldn't be that mad. He's Mr. Schade, after all. She totally must have misheard his teacher voice; his scary, terrifying, 'I know you didn't do your homework' voice. He was just concerned for his brother, that was all. Totally fine, nothing to be worried about. Had to be a teacher voice, he was using big words again. She furrowed her eyebrows trying to figure out what he meant. "Be more cogwhatnow? Oh. Well if he's sick maybe he should like have some soup or something? An' I totally can like not bother him, while he's like resting an' stuff."
Alex shuffles her feet, unsure of what to do. She really had come over just to learn more of origami from Dexter. There was a pattern there, and she could just about see it, circles in squares making triangles. When Dorian holds his hand out to her, she takes it as an invitation to stay, at least a little bit. Bouncing forward she smiles and takes his hand. Alex is about to laugh off Dorian's apology when he appends the affectionate cognomen. She stops, and stand stock still for a second, and looks up at him through suddenly blurry vision. Shaking her head slightly, she is painfully thankful that Mr. Schade can not see her. With a quiet laugh she clears her vision with the heel of her free hand, barely stiffling a tell tale sniffle. "Naw, Ā you'd like never do anything that'd scare me. S'all good, Mr. Schade."
No, no paint spill. You- oh nevermind,Ā itās not important.
How are you gonna eat without chewing? thatās just a stupid rule, I mean having him look at half-chewed food in your mouth might not be a turn on- but hey they again maybe it is for some people, who am I to judge. And like talking? You canāt have rules about talking, itās just something you gotta do. I mean obviously, he likes you so donāt work yourself up that much about it. He muses for a moment Well it seems like if Theo made you go back in this case Theo pays.Ā
Kay. If you're sure? Alex stops spinning and shakes her head to regain focus after dizzying herself.
I know! Like all those rules are just so. So. So ugh! There are like lots of talking rules according to mom. Alex takes a deep breath. Ya really think so? Just like talking talking? She giggles. at the thought of Theo giving her money to o for a date.Ā I don't think Theo would pay. I mean like heās super cool and helpful anā stuff but thatās like a little far.
Lucy was luxuriating in a long overdue day off. And the only reason she could enjoy it was because Alex and Ismay were coming over. Were she to spend the entire day by herself she was sure sheād lose her mind. But helping the young Three would be a welcome distraction. Having had the forethought to use the time it took Alex to do whatever it was that was keeping her, from arriving at the agreed upon hour, to fix some refreshments she was just setting them out on her dressing table when the bell rings.Ā
āThat is either Alex or Ismayā As if on cue Sasha jumps up from her basket by the bed and runs with gleeful yips and a wagging tail for the door. She hadn'tĀ seen her favorite playmate in quite some time, and Ismay always found her favorite scratching spot. Following the overgrown furry wrecking ball to the door, she opens it.Ā āHello, Al-ā The bright smile she wore when the door pulled back begins to turn into a frown of confusion as her eyes take in the state of Alexās normally beautiful curls.Ā āUmā¦ Alex, darlingā¦ what em- what have you done with your hair? It looks a bitā¦ different.ā
Lucy had told May about a project of sorts that she was taking on, a young woman who needed some guidance from those who knew their stuff. All May was told was that there was a first date involved and a girl who wasnāt sure about the wholeĀ āproper ladyā business. May knew that she needed a positive sort of distraction and this would serve just the trick. She had though about what all she should take with her for this make over, hair products were the first to go in her bag. Lucy had said the girl had natural black hair and while Lucy knows her hair care, it wouldnāt much help the young lady in question. A few other of her secrets went into her bag.Ā
When she gets to Lucyās apartment May doesnāt bother knocking and simply walks in, announcing her presence, because she knows sheās expected.Ā āLucy, Iām -ā She is met with a scene that she did not expect. A familiar young woman and a mess of hair that needed oh so much of Ismayās knowledge and help. Ā Ā ā-here.ā
The door opens and Alex is greeted by an excited Sasha and a not so impressed Lucy. "I'm sorry! I didn't try to be late!" Alex steps into the foyer, setting down her duffle bag of everything feminine she could have found in her closet. It included one yellow and lace dress she outgrew years ago, some shirts that may have been pink at one point, and three hair bows, that were some how perfectly pristine. "You said oil! An' like I wasn't sure what kind to use so I like tried 'em all. And then it kinda blew up when the wire shorted in the wall. But not like blew blew up. Just like a woosh and then it was gone." Alex nervously pulls on a lock. "Issnot supposed to be like this?"
Still pulling on her hair, trying to see where it exactly she had gone wrong. She had been determined to follow any instructions these two wise women gave her. Maybe she had not applied it properly? Twisting a different section of her hair, she wiped her hand on her overalls. At that moment The door opened behind her. Oh boy. Even she sounded upset. "I brought some stuff." She gave her bag a little kick with her worn and stained boot, hoping the stuff she brought would make up for whatever it was that had both woman so unimpressed.
Good lord youāve got it bad. Shaking his head he canāt help laugh. He had no business teasing her about having it bad for someone. The name Ophelia Pyke brought nothing but a smile to his face. Thinking of her eyes and smile- geezeĀ he was turning into a damn sap.
Metaphorical. He corrects her with a nod and crosses his arms over his chest and leans against the wall Well, he asked you on the date right? The rule is he pays. I think it comes from a word association thing. Like the one with the penis has to pay- which makes same-sex dates very interesting. But whatās life like without some fun?Ā
Wait what? What's bad? Did I not notice another paint spill? Alex spins on the spot a few times trying to check the back of her overalls for some offending stain.
There're rules? Man. How many am I gonna hafta memorize? Alex lets out a disgruntled noise and starts counting rules off on her fingers. Lemme guess, they start with no slouching, no slurping, hold your fork 'n' stuff proper, no saying things like 'stuff', no talking back, no speaking out of turn, no chewing loudly, no chewing obviously, no tapping your fingers, no fidgeting... Having run out of fingers, Alex trails off, still going over all the rules from lady lessons in her head. She'd obey all of them if she had to, but she really hoped she wouldn't have to. Woah Wait. So he asked m first then I like ran away then Theo convinced me to go back so like I asked him? Does that mean I pay?
Alex takes a bit of a step back from Dorian. Heād never sounded like this before, it scared her. The fear was obvious on her face and she was trying to understand why he would talk like that. āBut he was just going to teach me more of the foldy things.ā Her voice shuddered which she thought was odd, so she took in an equally shaking breath. āI thought I could just like use them in making things more like small and efficient and stuff.ā She took another small step back, her own voice quiet and wavering now. How could Mr. Schade suddenly feel so scary? Ā "If you didnāt want me āround I could just like leave anā, anā ā¦ anā stuff.ā Her hands tightened around the strap of her bag and her soft movements backwards caused some of the tools within to shift. The small clicking sound felt hollow in her ears. It was his quiet manner that frightened her most. It was like the moment before something she was trying exploded and fell to pieces, but without the excitement of trying and experimenting. All that was left was the powerful sensation that something was about to go horribly, irrevocably wrong.
Alex runs up to Lucy's door. She was late. She would have been on time, but the machine oil she had put on her hair to help with the ends had almost caught fire. The whole debacle not only delayed her but also ended up destroying two different machines and fusing together some newly designed and machined joints. All the parts and pieces were laying about her Ā floor where she left them, even if it would have taken mere moment of curiosity to have a dozen ideas of how to repair and make them better. If someone had stopped her at this moment and asked her about the machines, she would have honestly been unable to recall anything about them other than their existence. So with her thoughts inside out, her entire person a dreadful mess, and her stomach in knots she knocks on the door of the Tiger Lily. She jumps back and forth on her feet, and whispered frantically under breath. Oh please don't let them be mad. Oh please oh please.
O stares at the machine for a half a second before Alex starts explaining, thinking that thereās no way sheāll ever be able to understand how to use it. Alexās explanation doesnāt reassure her all that much, but it does help a bit to understand how sheās supposed to use it.Ā Wow, Alex, this is impressive, she comments, stepping up to it to get a better look at it. Thank you. Should we test it together to make sure it works and that I know how to use it?
Uhh sure? Alex is a little hesitant, as she thought she had clearly explained how to use the machine. And it totally works. As long as it doesn't like get too like damp or as long as you don't try to like divide by zero. But I can like always fix it.
So what should we try on it? Iāll just like put it in and you can see it wor?
Dude if you think Iām mean you must have never gone to school. This is harmless.
Thatās the point silly. If heās a jackass you gotta make āem feel it. Tellinā him that heās a jerk isnāt enough. So you hit him where it hurts- his wallet cause, ya know, youāre a lady and all that shit. Because naturally eatingĀ ones own weight in pastries is ever so ladylike.Ā
Of course I went to school. They don't let just anyone be a Three. Well yeah. And like they were harmless, and so are like most of the other Threes. Alex absently rubs her side with a serious look which abruptly turns into a wide grin. But Fred's never mean.
Wait. Wouldn't like a wallet stop a blow from hurting? Oh. Right. Metaphysical or whatever. So wait. He pays? That like doesn't seem fair. And I'm never a lady. Least not like mom wants.
