Sailor sat on the back porch, after lunch that day. She felt relaxed, felt easy, and felt comforted after the day she had. It had been a nice day filled with trust, filled with ease, filled with calm. She felt she finally had someone there that understood her. She finally had someone waiting for her on the other side. Sailor sat, reading her book, as Wilma, in her maternity dress came out. "mm, Sweetie". Wilma said, gently. Sailor looked up at her. "yes?". Sailor asked. "I was thinking perhaps you could come with us on Sunday to talk to our minister, Father Leopold". Wilma said, gently. "He would love to meet you". "Would that be something you're interested in?". "Yes, certainly". Sailor said. "is that the same time you have church?". "It is". Wilma said, gently. "We have mass at 10:30, then we'll meet with Father Leopold afterward".
"Is this about being the godmother?". Sailor asked. "A bit of it is". Wilma said, gently. "Some of it is just coming to our church, seeing how things are, getting a feel for some things". "Oh, ok". Sailor said. "you'll love it there". Wilma said, gently. "It may be a bit quiet, and more formal, but we do have a nice minister". "he's a wonderful man". "the inside of our church is beautiful, we have lovely hymnals". "It is a very comforting place". "you'd enjoy it".
"ok". Sailor said. "nothing's going to happen, right?". "Nothing will". Wilma said, gently. "mm, perhaps you can sleep over on Saturday night". "It'll be nice, we'll have your favorite meal, we'll watch "Brendan loses everything he touches". "It'll be our night, sweetie". "Ok". Sailor said. Wilma sat down in the adjacent chair. "Did you have a fun time today?". Wilma asked, gently. "I did". Sailor said. "I don't feel scared anymore". "I feel like, around you, I can face anything". "I feel really safe".
"It's hard being the survivor of traumatic situations". Wilma said, gently. "you've been so strong, however". "you can persevere through anything". "I can". Sailor said. Sailor sat for a moment before asking a question. "I know I'm a really good person and everything, but, why did you pick me to be your child's godmother?". Sailor asked. "Well, in honesty, you are the most upright person we know". Wilma said, gently. "you are very religious, very endowed in leadership". "We feel our child would be safest around you". "you have a very strong sense of right, and wrong". "Our child would thrive in your company". "I'm willing to do whatever it takes". Sailor said.
"You would be the best person for her". Wilma said, gently. "I'll do my best". Sailor said. Wilma brushed Sailor's face, stroking it. "mm, sweetie, you're so beautiful". Wilma said, gently. "thank you". Sailor said. "I'm sure you get your natural beauty from your mom". Wilma said, kindly. "I think". Sailor said. "my mom kind of looked like me". "she had brown hair kind of like mine".
"I look similar to my mother". Wilma said, gently. "the red hair, blue eyes". "I'm a carbon copy of her".
"Is your mom nice, like you are?". Sailor asked. "Sometimes she is". Wilma said, gently, defending her mother, Pearl's uptight, snobby nature. "my mother is a very bright woman". "sometimes, I think, when people are bright, they like things a certain way, and she likes things her own unique way". Wilma said, gently. "She is, besides you, and my baby, my greatest gift". "Is your mom a therapist, like you are?". Sailor asked. "She worked at a firm for many years". Wilma said, gently. "she retired a year ago, but she is keeping busy". "my mom was a judge". Sailor said. "she worked for the county". "Someday, I want to be a judge, just like her". "That's lovely". Wilma said, gently. "I wanted to work as a deprivation counselor after working as a grief counselor in an orphanage for children with special needs". "I saw how badly these children suffered, and decided to be an advocate for them".
"After a bit of time, I decided children were a bit too young for me to work with, so I eventually went into a job as caregiver for severely handicapped, adults". "do they live with their parents?". Sailor asked. "There is a specific place for these adults where they live". Wilma said, gently. "They are taken care of, each day I'll bathe them, help them take any medications they need, feed them, clothe them, help them into bed". "I just help them with daily activities". "I want to help handicapped people, too". Sailor said. "I want handicapped people to know they're appreciated". "I don't like how handicapped people are mistreated". Wilma pursed her lips a bit. "Yes, that is unfortunate". She said, as her lips pursed into a straight line.
"That's lovely you wish to be a judge". Wilma said, gently. "Do you have an interest in the legal system?". "Kind of". Sailor said. "I want to help people, and give back". "I can't be a doctor because I'm not good at math, or science". "My mom was a judge, too".
"That's lovely, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "I think you'll do well with it". "mmm". Wilma stretched out a bit. "mmm, sweetie, how do you feel with your new heart medicine?". Wilma asked, gently. "It's ok". Sailor said. "My chest hurts sometimes, and I feel like I'm going to get sick, but, it's not that bad after a while".
"Mmm, your chest is the result of a stab wound?". Wilma asked, gently. "Yes". Sailor said. "I got stabbed by a group of bad people". "They came up to me, and tried to kill me". "I felt really scared, and I got attacked by their mean dog". "I just…It was horrible". Sailor sniffled upon recalling the memory.
"mmm, what happened?". Wilma asked in a gentle whisper. Wilma brushed Sailor's face. "I was coming home from school one day, the bus dropped me off at a weird place, because my bus driver had just died, and there was a mean new one". "But, I walked home, and I saw a group of mean looking people following me". Sailor explained, telling her story. "They kept following me, and one of them, grabbed my arm, and punched me in the face". "They told me there wasn't any room for people that weren't smart, and they called me stupid". "They held me down, and one of them put a knife in my heart". "I tried walking away, and I kicked one of them". "I ran away as fast as I could, while their dog bit me in my leg". "I almost lost my leg".
"I ran back to Cree's house, but Cree wasn't home". "Nobody was home". "I thought I was going to die". "I laid on the couch, and I don't remember anything after that, but, I do remember waking up in the hospital".
Sailor grew silent upon recalling the memory. "Oh, sweetie, that's terrible". Wilma whispered, gently. "How did it make you feel?".
"I couldn't sleep at night". Sailor said. "I couldn't eat for a while". "I was always hurting". "Cree tried her best to help me, but, she's not that smart, or that responsible". "I felt like I was so alone for the longest time". "Ever since my family died, and this happened, I felt lonely, and hurt, I don't remember when I actually had a nice sleep". "I don't remember when I felt happy". "It's just been a lot of pain, and horrible things". "I'm trying each day though to get better". "I'm trying to find hope". "It's just hard because I'm scared all of the time". "I'm angry all the time". "I feel like I want to hit somebody, or punch somebody, but I know I don't want to". "I just…I'm doing my best".
"It is difficult". Wilma whispered, gently. "But I think, things will get better with time". "right now, you're in the midst of it". "You'll feel better soon". "I know". Sailor said. Wilma stroked Sailor's face. "You are the efface of hope". Wilma whispered, gently. "I'm trying". Sailor said. "you're doing wonderfully". Wilma whispered. She kissed Sailor's cheek. "Thank you". Sailor said. "never worry". Wilma said, gently. Silk rustled as Wilma spoke, with her deep, feminine, sultry, yet gentle voice. "Things will look up". "I promise you".
"ok". Sailor said. Sailor looked at Wilma's stomach. Soon, Wilma was going to have a baby. Soon, they would have a perfect family. It would be alright. Things would look up, soon enough.
The next morning, the sun peeked through the silver of the clouds. The sun was just leaking through the silver lining in the clouds. Wilma felt her husband's hand touch hers, as he laid beside her. She felt a sharp pain, a sharp jeer go to her head. It was throbbing, a massive headache. The pain then sent below, sharpening in her stomach. It was sharp, throbbing and jeer. Wilma looked down at her stomach. She felt a kick! The baby had kicked. "mmm, that's wonderful". She whispered, happily, gladly. "I love that". Fred put a hand on Wilma's stomach. "oh boy!". "That's great!". He whispered, excitedly. "She kicked!". "Our wonderful girl kicked!". "mmm, I love that as well". Wilma said, calmly. "She truly is the best". "you are". Fred said, suggestively. "As are you". Wilma said in a suggestive manner as well. They both leaned in, kissing one another on the lips. They kept kissing, sharing the passion. They leaned in, doing a little more kissing, as the morning sun snuck through the clouds.
Fred got up, putting his work clothes on, buttoning his shirt. Wilma hobbled out of bed, putting her maternity dress on. "So you have no other clients today?". Fred clarified, as he buttoned his shirt. "mmm, just the one". "I don't have him until this evening". Wilma said, putting her dress on. "Until such time, I'll be at Brightcare today". "Hmm, how's everyone been there?". Fred asked. "mmm, they barely have any family, or visitors that see them". Wilma whispered. "I'm the only safety net they have". "perhaps they're not liked because they're not as bright". Fred whispered. "That is true". Wilma whispered. "They haven't really had anyone to begin with". Wilma pursed her lips, in a cynical manner, understanding that these disabled adults weren't loved, or even liked, because of their lack of intellect.
Wilma kissed Fred, unbuttoning his shirt a bit, as they kissed. Fred held Wilma close, kissing her. "You'll be the only real family they have". Fred whispered. "That's true". Wilma whispered. They still kissed.
Wilma got ready putting her shoes on, as Fred got his wallet, and keys ready. They had their coffee outside, as they kissed, going to their respective jobs.
Wilma arrived at the Group Home, coming in, and putting her purse away. An intellectually disabled young woman of 33, stood, drinking a glass of milk by the fridge. Alex was her name. "Wil-ma". She pronounced, looking up at Wilma. Alex admired Wilma very much, and held a close bond with her, as Alex's family did not love her.
"Good morning, honey". Wilma said, gently. "How are you this morning?". Alex didn't respond, instead looking up, making sucking noises, regarding her hands as if she'd seen them for the first time. "Alex". Wilma said, gently. Alex looked up at Wilma, responding to her name. "How are you, sweetie?". Wilma asked, gently. "good". Alex said. Alex looked at Wilma's stomach, seeing how round it was.
"Big belly". Alex said. Alex pointed. "mmm, there's a baby growing in there". Wilma said, gently. Wilma looked down at her stomach. "I'm pregnant".
"Baby". Alex said, looking at Wilma's stomach. "That's it". Wilma said, gently. "How do you get a baby in your belly?". Alex asked. Alex's speech, and cadence, pattern, and voice, matched that of a toddler. "mmm, god put her there". Wilma said, gently. Wilma pursed her lips a bit. She wasn't going to tell the intellectually handicapped how babies came to be.
"baby". Alex pointed. Alex put a hand on Wilma's stomach. "mmm, would you like to give her a kiss good morning?". Wilma asked, gently. "kiss". Alex said. "mmm, yep, we'll give her a kiss". Wilma said, gently. Wilma lifted her dress, as Alex kissed Wilma's pregnant stomach. "I kiss baby". Alex said. "mm, yep, you gave her a kiss". Wilma said, kindly. "baby go goodnight". Alex said. "mmm, yep, baby's going night night". Wilma said, gently, smiling.
"Sweetie, how are you feeling this morning?". Wilma asked, gently. "Are you feeling better?". "I had nightmare". Alex said. "mmm, what was it about?". Wilma asked, gently. "my mommy, and daddy burned in fire". Alex said. "Me died". "Me chained to a wall".
Alexandria, or Alex was intellectually handicapped due to severe abuse, and neglect in infancy. Her birth mother abandoned her, and committed suicide, Alex was taken to foster care as an infant. Alexandria, as an infant, watched her birth mother commit suicide, and watched tragedy happen. Alex then was taken into foster care, and abused by 4 different families before being adopted by her current family. Alex had suffered severe deprivation, and a severely low Intelligence Quotient because of abuse, and neglect. Her IQ was at 60.
Alex could not read, write, count, handle money, shower by herself, eat, or pick healthy meals independently, or use the toilet independently. Alex was severely handicapped. Her current family feigned love for her. If you don't know what "feigned" means, they pretended to love her. In actuality, they wanted nothing to do with her.
"Sweetie, that's terrible". Wilma said, gently. "yeah". Alex said. "mm, well, if you need, we'll put you back on melatonin". Wilma said, gently. "what if it hurt me?". Alex asked. "mm, it won't hurt you". Wilma said, gently. "mmm, It's a vitamin that helps you sleep". "We'll talk to the doctor today about Melatonin". "mm, sweet girl". Wilma squeezed Alex's hand.
Alex hugged Wilma. "Wil-ma". Alex said, in a broken, abused, developmentally behind, disabled cadence, and pattern. "mm, sweetie, let's take some medicine". "Some vitamins". Wilma said, gently. "med-ic-cine". Alex pronounced. "good job pronouncing your words, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "mmm, do you need more chocolate milk?".
"yeah". Alex said. "Let's get some, or would you prefer orange juice?". Wilma asked, gently. "milk". Alex said. Wilma opened the fridge, as she and Alex peeked in the fridge, the light of the fridge illuminating the darkness seen in the kitchen. "Let's pick out our milk, love". Wilma said, gently. "right der". Alex pointed, pronouncing her "th"'s like "d's". similar to a toddler.
Alex went in, picking out the milk. "you've got it, sweetie, or you need my help?". Wilma said, kindly. "help, please". Alex said. "mm k, sweet pea". Wilma said, gently. She took the milk, and the chocolate syrup out, setting them on the counter. "mmm, how much chocolate would you like?". Wilma asked, gently. "a whole lot". Alex said. "mm k, sweetie, tell me when to stop". Wilma said, gently. Wilma poured the milk, then putting the chocolate syrup in. "stop". Alex said, looking at the chocolate. "mm k, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "Here you go, honey". She gave the plastic cup to Alex. "That way you can drink some with your vitamins".
"there's brown at the bottom". Alex said. "mm hmm, that's the chocolate that sits at the bottom". Wilma said. "If you don't mix it up all the way".
"Let's get vitamins, ok?". "Here you are, sweetie". Wilma put a baby bib around Alex's pajama shirt front. Alex wore full body pajamas. Wilma held the vitamins, feeding Alex the vitamins. Alex took them, swallowing them. "good job, honey". Wilma smiled, gently. "I'm so happy for you". Alex smiled, laughing and playing. "mm, we'll get dressed, and we'll get your blood pressure taken". Wilma said, gently. "I have milk". Alex said, showing Wilma. "That's lovely, honey". Wilma said, gently, yet tiredly. Wilma felt exhausted, now that she was carrying around a baby.
"there's a baby". Alex said, looking down at Wilma's stomach. "mmm hmm, she's in there". Wilma said, gently. "god blessed us with this one". Alex looked a bit confused, puzzled by it, yet she sensed the process. She sensed the maternal congruency that sat about Wilma. "but why does the baby come from god?". Alex asked. "mmm, god blessed us with the baby". "We wished for it, he brought it to us". Wilma lied. Alex felt as if she was part of the process. She felt as if she was part of the maternal congruency that sat about Wilma.
Alex sat down on the couch that was nearby. She held a rock she had found outside. Alex felt a bit perturbed, and curious at this point. She had thought about her birth mother. She was having disturbing nightmares. Alex sat, looking down at the medal given to her by her late grandmother.
Alex felt a hand come over hers. She looked up, seeing Wilma. "Alex, honey". Wilma said, gently. Alex looked up at Wilma. "what happened in your nightmare, sweetie?". Wilma asked in a gentle whisper. "I…I…I saw a lady, she got shot by a gun". Alex said. "She hurt herself today". "Then a bad dog bit me". "my mommy and daddy are dead".
"Have you been having thoughts about where you came from?". Wilma asked, gently. "Who your birth mother is, how you were in the orphanage, how you came to be?". "yes". Alex said. "I think your nightmare has something to do with it". Wilma whispered, gently. "your birth mother died when you were very young". "what's a birt mom?". Alex asked, mispronouncing the word; "birth". "when you were young, you were born to your mother, that had you biologically". Wilma said, gently. "she's the one that had you". "when you were young, she passed on".
Alex remembered this woman, the woman that shot herself in this dream, as her birth mother. "but, you were abused, abandoned, when you were young". Wilma said, gently. "you had a rough start". "oh". Alex said. Alex felt a tear come to her eye.
"Did you have a bad night?". Wilma whispered, gently. "yes". Alex said. "Well, it's ok, sweetie". Wilma whispered, gently. "when we get this melatonin, you'll sleep way better, and have less nightmares". "Ok". Alex said.
In the other room, one of the only Autistic residents sat, playing with a toy truck. He was a 31 year old man. He sat, playing with his truck, noising excitedly.
"give me just a moment". Wilma said, gently. Wilma got up, going towards the Autistic man. "Daniel". She said, gently. Daniel turned his head upon hearing his name. "sweetie, it's time to take medicine". Daniel held his truck close to him. Wilma smelled Daniel, smelling urine across the spot he was sitting. "Oh, sweetie, did we have an accident?". Wilma asked, gently. There was a puddle in the spot Daniel was sitting. "oh, honey". Wilma said, gently. "Well let's go to the bathroom, and get some new underwear, and some new jammies, then we'll take medicine". "How does that sound?".
"yes". Daniel said. "Let's stand up". Wilma said, gently. Daniel stood up, walking with Wilma to the bathroom. He looked up, as his eyes rolled up, as he walked, toddling along. "maybe today, we'll have milk at lunch, so we can prevent this from happening again". Wilma said, gently. There was a brown stain, a smudge on Daniel's pajama pants that smelled as well. Daniel pooped his pants as well. "mm, you went potty in your new pajama pants". Wilma said, softly, pursing her lips. "Here, sweetie, let's get situated". Wilma said, gently.
Wilma led Daniel into his bathroom, helping him sit on the toilet. "here, buddy". Wilma said, gently. Daniel peed, and pooped the rest of his "business" out. "eeee!". "eeee!". Daniel flapped excitedly. "I know, it's fun going potty". Wilma said, gently. "mm, do you need help?". "Let's get this taken care of". She wiped Daniel's behind. Daniel flapped his hands, noising excitedly. "stay right here, for a moment, ok?". Wilma said, gently. She went to Daniel's drawer, getting out a new pair of underwear, and pajama pants. "Here you go, honey". Wilma said, gently. "Let's put them on". She helped Daniel put on his new clothes. Daniel went out of the bathroom, holding his truck.
"sweetie, let's get some medicine". Wilma said, gently. "let's see what you have in there". "you have Respiridone". "and some vitamins". "Ok, are you ready?". She poured Daniel a glass of milk, helping him take the mood stabilizer medication. "good job, honey". Wilma said, gently. "you are doing very well". "I am so proud of you". Daniel held his toy truck close to him. Daniel went to the other room, sitting down on the floor, playing with his truck.
Alex came up to Wilma, as Wilma sat down, tiredly. "did you have to pick up truck?". Alex asked. "mmm, one of our friends needed a bit of help of something". Wilma said, gently. "I just stepped in to help him". "Oh". Alex said. Alex held her milk close to her. "mmm, sweetie, you have a doctor's appointment today". Wilma said, gently, tiredly. "we'll have to get you there". "Ok". Alex said. Wilma looked down at her stomach, feeling the baby move around a bit. A sharp pain engulfed the stomach, bringing forth new pain in the uterus. The baby kicked again. "mmm". Wilma said, looking down at her stomach, feeling the kick. "you're anxious to come out, aren't you, dearest?". Wilma put a hand on her stomach.
"are you ok?". Alex asked. "mmm, of course, the baby just kicked". Wilma said, gently, softly. "feel it?". "She kicked a little bit". "she kick". Alex said, looking down at Wilma's stomach. "Want to feel her?". Wilma asked, gently. Alex put a hand on Wilma's stomach, feeling, the jeer. "how does the baby kick in your belly?". Alex asked. "mmm, she just does". Wilma said, gently, tiredly. "She grows in the belly". "why?". Alex asked. "mm, that's how she does it". Wilma said, tiredly. Wilma rubbed Alex's back. Alex felt the maternal connection, felt the love between Wilma and her baby. Alex felt as if she was a part of Wilma's life. She felt as if she was a part of the process.
Alex sat, trying to comprehend what was happening. She tried to piece together what was going on. "mm, sweetie, are you feeling ok?". Wilma asked, gently. "yes". Alex said. Wilma rubbed Alex's back, going in deep to massage her back. "I love you, Ms. Wilma". Alex said. "mmm, I love you too, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. Alex held her milk, drinking it. "Sweetie, let's get you dressed for the doctor's". Wilma said, gently. "Ok". Alex said, getting up. Wilma helped Alex into her bedroom, getting out some clothes for her to wear. "would you like to wear these, honey?". Wilma asked, gently. Alex stared at her hands, playing with her fingers. "Alex". Wilma said, gently. Alex looked up at Wilma when she heard her name.
"sweetie, let's pick out our clothes". Wilma said, gently. "this one". Alex said, picking out a Disney princess shirt. "that's a wonderful choice, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "Let's go get dressed". Wilma helped Alex take off her pajamas, taking off her pajama shirt, then pants. She helped Alex put her bra on, as Alex was assisted with putting new underwear on. Wilma then helped Alex put her Disney Princess shirt, and sweatpants on. "There you are, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "You look so beautiful". "thank you". Alex said. Wilma wiped Alex's cheek, kissing it. Alex went to the kitchen area for breakfast with the other residents. There, Alex ate her cereal and drank her orange juice. There were a few residents sitting with caregivers, as the caregivers fed them. Some residents sat, only eating a few bites, then going into the other room to color, or paint.
Alex went outside, seeing Wilma outside on the porch area, smoking a cigarette. "I ate all my breakfast". "It's all gone". Alex said. "mmm, that's good, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "you've been doing well, eating". "I eat my food". Alex said. "do you have to use the restroom before we leave?". Wilma asked, kindly. "No". Alex said. "we'll get you some more milk later on if you need it". Wilma said, gently. "is the doctor gonna be scary?". Alex asked. "The doctor's is a friendly place". Wilma said, kindly. "we'll get you looked at, we'll talk about you maybe starting back on Melatonin". "It'll be a good visit".
Alex sat drinking her milk. She looked down at her fingers, playing with them. Wilma put out her cigarette. "we'll see if Ms. Joanna wants to come with us". Wilma said, gently. "mmm, are you ready, sweetie?". Wilma asked, gently. "yes". Alex said. Wilma put out her cigarette in the nearby ash tray, getting up. She walked inside, getting her cigarette box to take with her. Wilma helped Alex put her jacket on, as she muttered a few things to Ms. Joanna, the other caregiver, off to the side. Alex went to her room to grab her purse. "Are you ready to go, sweetie?". Ms. Joanna asked, kindly. "yes". Alex said. "if you do a good job at the doctor's today, I'll make you some spaghetti". Ms. Joanna said, gently. "ok". Alex said.
Ms. Joanna grabbed her things, as she, Wilma, and Alex headed down to one of the transportation vehicles. Alex sat in the back, as Wilma, and Ms. Joanna sat up front. Ms. Joanna drove. Ms. Joanna talked with Wilma a bit about the baby, and about Fred, although nothing really meaningful came up. Wilma's stomach was bigger, and rounder now than it ever had been. Wilma sat with her head against the headrest. She looked back at Alex, as she sat. Wilma sighed tiredly. Wilma sat, staring a bit at Alex, for a bit of the time. Alex looked back up at Wilma.
Alex knew of the process Wilma had been through. She knew Wilma was carrying around a baby. Alex felt happy for Wilma, even if she didn't fully understand what was happening.
"Wil-ma". She wanted to say. "you're my best friend". "you're so great". "Wilma, you protect me". It was implied that Wilma protect Alex, as her guardian. "Wil-ma". Alex wanted to say. "Wilma, you're so big, you block out the sun".
Alex looked up at Wilma, as Wilma sighed tiredly. Wilma knew Alex was intellectually disabled, she wouldn't understand what was happening. Wilma still stared at Alex, although. Alex knew her caregiver, the only friend she had, was pregnant. Alex was still in confusion. Wilma stared back at Alex. Wilma's maroon red, decorated, thin lips pursed into a straight line. Wilma held a feminine, womanly aspect about her. She sat, staring at Alex. Alex was so…innocent, so pure, simple. Although, she was handicapped. There wasn't much she could understand. Even so, she wouldn't understand pregnancy, the female reproductive system, sex, marriage, or a relationships with a man. Alex would have to help with almost everything. There wasn't much she could do. Alex looked innocent with her little girl clothes on, and her low intellect, in comparison to a pregnant, sexually active Wilma.
Alex looked up at Wilma, trying to piece together, trying to understand Wilma's pregnancy.
They eventually got to the doctor's, as Ms. Joanna helped Wilma out of the car. They went into the office, sitting in the waiting room. Ms. Joanna, and Wilma talked a bit, as Alex looked through a magazine that was nearby. Eventually Alex's name was called, as she stood up, walking back with the PA towards the doctor's office. Wilma walked with her.
The doctor eventually came back. He was a tall lizard, wearing a lab coat, and pince-nez glasses. It was Mr. Wizard the Lizard. "Hello, everyone". "Hello, Alexandria". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "doc-tor liz-ard". Alex tried to pronounce his name. "yes, very good, Alexandria". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "How are you, this morning?". "good". Alex said. "That's very lovely to hear, sweetie". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "Hello, Mrs. Flintstone, is it?". Mr. Wizard asked. "Yes, hello". Wilma said, gently. "hello, it's good to see you again". He shook Wilma's hand. "today, I'm just looking to do a routine physical, and discuss some upcoming benefits that would be viable for use".
"Alexandria, how have you been doing?". Mr. Wizard asked, gently. "good". Alex said. "do you feel any pain, or anything different, at times?". "no". Alex said. "I know you've been on a monthly cycle". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "she has". Wilma said. "we've been working on understanding the concept of self-care, putting on a pad to catch blood". "peri-od". Alex said. "yes". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "sometimes, there can be abdominal pains from a period, but, you've been monitoring that".
Mr. Wizard took the stethoscope, and measured Alex's heartbeat, he tested her reflexes, blood pressure, and went about the normal procedure for a physical. "Everything does look normal". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "she's not at risk for any major health concerns". "I am worried about the level of glutamine, but that can be fixed further down the line". "are there any concerns you have?".
"mm, she's been having continuous nightmares". Wilma said, pursing her lips into a straight line. "oh". Mr. Wizard tilted his head a bit, with curiosity. "she's having continuous visions of what could be her birth mother, and early infancy".
"Alexandria, sweetheart". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "Have you been sleeping alright?". "answer honestly".
"no". Alex said. "mm, what's bothering you, Alexandria, sweetheart?". Mr. Wizard asked, gently. "my mommy got shot". Alex said, looking up at Mr. Wizard. "mean dog bite me". "mommy is dead".
"hmm". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "how often do you have these nightmares?". "a lot". Alex said. "hmm". Mr. Wizard said, thoughtfully. "I think these nightmares are windows into the trauma experienced in infancy".
"mmm, perhaps". Wilma said, a bit thoughtful.
"Sweetie, when you were younger, you did have a rough beginning". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "you didn't have the nurturing, or the love, the care you needed". Silk, and fabric rustled from his coat, as he spoke. "you experienced trauma". "This perhaps is where the nightmares are coming from".
"Wil-ma pro-tec-t me". Alex said, pronouncing her words correctly. "That's lovely". Mr. Wizard said, gently.
Mr. Wizard talked to Wilma on the side. "perhaps we should consider administering Deprivation Counseling, and trauma therapy". Mr. Wizard said. "As for the nightmares, themselves, there isn't a medication there that can cease nightmares such as these, as her threshold is low, perhaps a nightly routine of talking, or a favorite food can ease coming of these tremors". "that sounds good". Wilma said. "should we consider restarting her on Melatonin?". "Perhaps". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "what she needs more than anything is sleep". "It has been arduous for her".
"She still has difficulty dressing, eating, and using facilities independently?". Mr. Wizard asked. "she does". Wilma said. "We feel it's a skill that cannot be acquired". "hmm". Mr. Wizard said, thoughtfully. "perhaps she would benefit from a heavier load of occupational therapy". "She receives occupational on Tuesdays, and Thursdays". Wilma said. "we could increase that, and speech therapy to twice a week".
"That would be beneficial". Mr. Wizard said. "we may need to increase her exercise rate as well". "She has been gaining weight".
"Yes, I'll keep that in mind". Wilma said.
"very nice". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "what a lovely visit this has been". He noticed Wilma's baby bump. "congratulations, how far along are you?". He asked, in a friendly manner. "this is the beginning of my third trimester". Wilma said, gently. "that's lovely". Mr. Wizard said. "All the best". "I'm sure Mr. Flintstone is very lucky". "He is". Wilma said. Mr. Wizard and Wilma talked for some time, as Alex looked around, playing with her fingers.
"I'll speak with you in the upcoming months for a follow up". Mr. Wizard said. "That sounds sufficient". Wilma said.
"mmm, you did so well, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. Alex looked up at Wilma. "you did so good". Wilma said, gently. "would you like to get some sandwiches?". "from your favorite place, Arby's?". "yes". Alex said, laughing and playing. "Let's do it". Wilma smiled, gently. Wilma hobbled a bit, trying to get up. It was a bit difficult, although she did it. She, Joanna, and Alex went out of the office, going back to the car. They drove back, got some lunch, and went back to the Group Home. It was quite a day. A day to be regaled.