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CHAPTER 8

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"A very nice try," Dr. Finklestein complemented Sally. She stood, head bent as she clasped her hands together in front of her. "Indeed, a brave and noble attempt at freedom," he went on. "But not good enough. You'll have to do a lot better than that, my dear. Just for that, I am going to make sure that this marriage happens a lot quicker. You have a week to prepare; in 7 days we will be heading to town hall to have the official documents signed. During that time you will be locked in this house, with bars on your bedroom window." A lethal smile. "There's no escape for you, my dear. As long as you're alive, this shall forever be your home. Remember it."

Ding-dong! screeched the doorbell suddenly. He frowned. "Now who on earth could that possibly be, at this hour?" Grumbling to himself he wheeled over to the front door, pulling it open. Sally nearly cried out loud when she saw who was there.

"Jack Skellington?" Dr. F asked with some confusion. "What should the purpose of your visit be, at this hour?"

Jack stood leaning against the doorway, jacket across his arm. "Hello Doctor, I'm trying to locate Sally. Is she here?"

A sigh. "Yes, she is. One moment." He waved her over, shooting her a look that told her not to try and run away again. After quickly nodding she stepped outside with the king, shutting the door behind her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked now as she stood in front of him. "How did you..."

"I had to make sure you were alright," he said. "I knew something had to be up when I saw someone enter town hall. I had to make sure you were okay, it's my job to."

She was surprised. "Oh, I'm fine I suppose....been better in my few days, but what else can you do?"

"Why, what's wrong?" he asked.

A shrug. "Nothing, at least nothing for you to worry about."

"You got caught running away. You sure you're okay?"

"Well, no. But I appreciate your concern, I really do. I wish the doctor could be as wonderful."

He shrugged. "Well, he's always been a bit of a crab." Silence now as they stood before each other. "So...are you...alright? Nothing's going on that you feel I should know about?"

"No, nothing. Please, don't worry about it."

"I can't help it though. As King of Halloween Town, I feel it my duty to ensure that all under my command are in a protected and safe environment. That includes that their personal wants and needs are being met. Something tells me that yours aren't."

"Maybe not," she sighed. "But I don't want you to try and correct things here. It would only make them worse."

"Jesus..." he muttered under his breath. "Fine then, if that's your wish, I'll leave it at that. But I'll be making a visit sometime during the week to make sure everything's alright here. I can cover it over as just a check-up on the doctor's Halloween project if you so desire. But I will be back. Is that okay?"

A nod. "Yes, it's perfect. Thank-you, Jack."

"No problem, I suppose." He looked directly at her now. "I want you to remember, if at any point you feel as if Dr. Finklestein isn't treating you properlly, just come to me. I'll either be at town hall or home, as I haven't much of a social life."

She gave a little smile. "Of course. I'd better be heading in though, he's probably ready to slaughter me by now."

"Certainly." He took a step back. "See you round."

"Yeah," came the reply. "Later."

He left, soon turning around and shoving his hands in his pockets as he headed off. With a shrug Sally turned as well, opening the door and stepping inside

"And what was that supposed to be?" the doctor snarled.

"Jack. He's suspicious of something going on here. He came to make sure everything was alright."

"Go away with you," he jeered as he waved his hands at her with annoyance. "He's just making sure that nothing's going on that could possibly tarnish his reputation as Pumpkin King. No way could anyone could ever be worried about a rag doll like you."

She placed her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "Oh, a rag doll am I? Nothing more then waste, is that what you're getting at? A mistake? Well, doctor, might I remind you that I would be your mistake. There's only one person to blame for my existance, and I'm staring at him."

"Why you little....you little monster!" he cried. "I swear, I'll fit some manners into that brain of your if it's the last thing I do! You, my dear, are nothing more then useless scrap! The only reason I ever created you was out of loneliness, and now I wish I had never done such a thing. Now get any ideas of anyone ever possibly caring for you out of your head, for no creature in Halloween Town would ever come to love you in any way. Your only purpose in life is to serve me, and I intend to keep things that way."

"You...you cruel and horrible man!" she sobbed. "I wish you hadn't created me in the first place!" With that she turned and fled up the stairs to her bedroom, leaving her creator cackling devilishly behind her.



*****



Igor woke her up the next morning, shaking her lightly on her bed. "Miss Sally, our master insists that you get up now."

She yawned, sitting up slowly as she stretched. Flinging her feet over the side of the bed she asked, "what time is it?"

"6 AM, madam."

A groan. "That evil old man. Thank-you, Igor, I'm coming right beind you." Standing up she quickly pulled a brush through her hair before following the hunchback downstairs and to the living room, where the doctor sat. "You beckoned me?" she sneered.

"No talking," he simply snapped. "If I request you to say anything, I will let you know. But until then, no words out of you. Your voice annoys me." She was silent. "It's time that I started using some authority around here, that I showed you who's boss. So from now on you will do exactly what I tell you, when I tell you, and without complaint. I will make sure you are working hard, so you can cause no more trouble." He removed his glasses, polishing them with the sleeve of his jacket before putting them back on. "Now, get to the kitchen and prepare breakfast. You may call me in if you so desire. After that, clean the lab from top to bottom, and then come to me for further instructions. Understand?" A nod. "Good. Now get going." Quickly she headed off, hurrying to the kitchen to do as she had been ordered.

Doctor Finklestein just sat back in his wheelchair, folding his hands as he tapping his index fingers together. What Sally needed most was some discipline, some strict guidance. Unless she learned how to behave now, she could become a big problem in the future. So, he thought, might as well teach her a lesson while it wasn't too late. He would put some sense into her skull, if it was the last thing he did.



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