{+}+{+}+{+}+{+}+{+}+{+} CH 6

Nayeli looked like a teenager, if she were to judge by human standards, though no one had told her differently, but there was an innate innocence about her that made Violet hesitant to bring up any news or topics that could potentially alter that worldview for her.

Not to mention that if she upset Nayeli, Violet would have to deal with Elisa and Goliath.

'Happy thoughts,' Violet thought, reminding herself that she was safe, and that she was free and safe.

The soft knock on the outer office door announced the arrival of her guests, and Violet felt herself smile.

Yes, she was free. And safe. And surrounded by new friends who had offered her protection and sanctuary.

One of which was offering to help her, and if Violet were able to work some scientific magic (the two of which she felt were not mutually exclusive from each other) she might be able to find a component that could help ease the pain and suffering of others.

With that thought in mind, she opened the door to the mother and child.

"Hi," Nayeli said, almost bouncing on her feet.

Violet couldn't help herself and laughed a little at the girl's exuberance. "I guess I don't need to ask if you're ready?"

"Are you kidding?" Elisa asked, mock irritation in her voice as she playfully glared at her daughter. "This is all she's talked about since you got here."

Violet blinked. "Really?"

"Yes!" Nayeli said. "I want to help others when I can."

Elisa shrugged. "It's just that simple for her. It's like that's what she was born to do."

Nayeli rolled her eyes in a very teenage fashion, "It kinda was, mom."

Elisa sighed. "I am very aware of the legend, thank you very much. But," she frowned at her daughter, "You know that's not the only reason, right?"

"I know," Nayeli said, looking up at her mother, absolute love and trust in her gaze that caused Violet's eyes to water. She missed her own mother, missed her father and brother as well, but she'd been young enough when they'd left that for most of her life it had been just her mother and herself.

"Are you alright?" Nayeli asked, looking at the young scientist with concern.

Violet gave the young girl a smile, and tried to dry her eyes. "Yeah, sorry," she said. "Just feeling a little nostalgic at the moment." She raised her hands and swiped at the tears, making sure that her face was dry and pasted on a cheery smile. "There. All good now."

Nayeli didn't look convinced. "Alright," she said.

"How about we get started," Elisa suggested.

"Yeah," Nayeli said, her excitement back in full force.

"Alright," Violet said, and led them into one of the small offices where she'd already set up what she would need, as well as a small plate of cookies and a few containers of juice.

Elisa eyed the offerings. "You're not taking that much, to need those, right?"

"No," Violet promised. "Three vials max, but I wanted to make sure that Nayeli would be steady on her feet afterwards."

Elisa nodded, visibly relaxing again.

"Now, Nayeli," Violet said, patting the back of the large comfortable chair, "I would like you to sit here."

Violet talked as she moved, making sure that Nayeli would understand what she was doing and why. She placed the rubber tourniquet around Nayeli's arm, and stopped when she saw a flash of panic at the sight of the needle.

Violet paused. "You don't have to do this, Nayeli. You can tell me no, and that's the end of it. No one will make you do anything."

Nayeli nodded, a stubborn look coming over her face. "I'm okay," she said firmly, as if trying to convince herself.

"Want a cookie, first?" Violet asked with a smile.

Nayeli gave her a small smile. "Yeah."

"Alright," Violet handed the plate to Elisa, who was sitting on the other side.

While Nayeli was perusing her choices, Elisa gave Violet a nod, and violet took the prepped arm and began looking for the best place to get the sample that would cause the least amount of discomfort.

Carefully, and as quickly as she dared, she inserted the needle.

With the exception of an involuntary bunching of muscle, Nayeli took it like a champ. She still wouldn't look at the collection process, choosing to talk to her mom about the pros and cons of which cookie to choose.

Moments later, Violet had collected two full vials of the precious fluid, then hurried to remove the needle and bandage the insertion site.

Once that was done, Nayeli turned to look at her arm, grinning at the bright pink Hello Kitty patterned vet wrap.

Violet gave her a wide smile and a gentle pat to the hand. "You did good, kiddo."

"Thanks," Nayeli said, letting out a deep breath. "Now," she said, rubbing her hands together, "Just how many cookies can I have?"

Violet joined Elisa laughing as she labeled the vials.