Chapter 10.
At first, Alex was curled up on the couch, then she laid down under the thick blanket that was often used by the other operatives when they watched television, or relaxed. Either way, she was finally getting sleep. It was relieving that she no longer had nightmares, or anxiety aligned with her dark and stormy past. On the bright side, she no longer had trouble sleeping! She felt pretty relieved at the power of what a small capsule could do. Opening her eyes after a long, and well-deserved nap, she looked above her. A boy with blonde hair and bangs hanging over his eyes sat above her.
Wallace. What? What was this? Why was Wallace there? And, a boy? Usually, she felt the ingratiation, and feminine influence of a girl, softly talking to her, and reassuring her everything would be ok. "Alex," he said, in a calm, sonorous tone, similar to Nigel's, "why don't you get up and take your antibiotics?". She sat there, watching him speak. It was pretty relieving, but yet, at the same time, odd, as he wasn't cracking wisdoms, mispronouncing words, or getting facts completely wrong.
"Um…. I… I don't, I don't need to". She said, sort of muffled beneath the blanket. "You should". Wallace continued. "I wouldn't want anything to happen to you". "Or for you to become much worse". He said, gently. "I… I.. don't". She stuttered, aware of the presence that was above her. "You should take them". Wally said, gently. "They'll help you, they'll provide you with the bacterium you need to feel a 'ole lot better". Through this calming dialogue that made Wally seem like more of a mature, older… teenager, she hated to say, Alex noticed a few minor… inaccuracies. "Hold, on". Alex asked. "Mm hmm". Wallace said, calmly. "What did you say would be provided if I take my antibiotics?". She asked. "Bacterium". Wally said, calmly. "But I'm taking antibiotics". Alex corrected. "You mean, antibacterial". Alex said, going through the usual steps to correcting Wally. "And you made a grammatical error before with the statement of, "a ole lot"" Alex was on fire here. "Oh, well don't pay any need". Wally retained his calm demeanor, despite the fact that he was clearly becoming annoyed. Alex laughed a bit. "I guess Wally will still be Wally". She thought. "Take them, Alex".
Wally said soothingly. "They'll provide you with the antibacterial you need to feel a 'ole lot better". Alex still looked up at him, he wasn't being his old, messy self now. She sat, thinking of what to say next. This calm, sharp, mature, yet unwavering Wally was unusual, and it was making her feel uneasy. She knew, just by studying his demeanor, that he… and Kuki...were more, more,... ugh! She couldn't put her finger on it. She knew, and she had observed, and picked up little hints, and tinges in their personalities, but she couldn't map out, in clear terms, why they were acting like this.
She still laid there, waking up, groggily, returning to reality. "um...um...I…", "I don't need to". "Do you know where Kuki is?". She asked. "She's outside". He said softly. "Ok". she searched her recharging mind to find any other people she knew that cared about her. "Can I talk to Hoagie?". "Do you know where he is?". She asked, a little more anxious now. "He isn't here". Wally said, calmly. A very plain expression remained on his face. "What do you mean, "isn't here?"". She said, nervously. "I need to talk to him.". "I want to talk…!". A soft, mellow "shhhh", was heard from Wallabee as he spoke to her. "Alex", he said gently. "Ere', why not go into the kitchen, take your antibiotic, and drink your drink". "We'll be waiting' for you". "Your antibiotic is in the fridge". Alex tried speaking, only for him to cut in. "your antibiotic… shh.", "your antibiotic is in the refrigerator". He said, gently. "You good with that?". "Do you understand?". His sonorous voice, and analytical demeanor sounded soothing, although it was rather unusual to Alex. "yes…". She said, tiredly. "Cool, just don't get too greedy, eh?".
He kidded again, and Alex laughed, shaking her head, wondering why he made those wisecracks, although, something, just something wasn't exactly right with Wally. His plain face, and sharp, calm demeanor wasn't…. Him. he was never like this. Alex knew something was off, as he continued to stare at her. "You know," Alex picked up from the awkward, and rather suspicious exchange that was happening. "You're not all that bad". "Really? No worse than you?". Wally retorted, back to his old self. Unusually so, he had just snapped back into that mode. "Without a doubt, unacceptable". Alex rebuked.
The two laughed as they took subtle shots at one another. "Well,". Wally returned back to calm, in the snap of a rubber band. "This has been nice, hasn't it?". "Us talking, being all' well". "It really has". Alex said. "Even if I do make a whimsical fool outta myself in front of you, I do care about you, deeply". Wally continued. "We all do, Alex". He said, in a deep voice, with a large Australian twang to it. "I'm aware". Alex said, pulling her blanket down. "I love you Alex". He said, as his face contorted into a red, embarrassed shape that looked like he was about to throw up. "Bubba ba ba beeble, I bean as a friend". He stuttered. "I can see you're sure of that". Alex joked. "Yeah, yeah, just don't go tellin' no one about this". He said, embarrassed. They both shared a laugh, and Alex knew that while Wally would still be his old, immature self, he truly did care about her, akin to all of the other members of Sector V. what was she worried about? After all, they were kids. They were kids who were good friends of hers, and would never hide anything from her. "I love you, too" Alex said, "you know, as a friend".
"Hmmmmm". Wally's expression immediately went stoic, again. His lip curled, as he looked away, analyzing her. "Um…. um…". Alex sat up at this point, putting her fingers in her mouth. Wallace then spoke to her in a soft voice, with a very gentle, yet calculating ring to it. "We're here to ensure your best health, and care, Alexandria". He still sat above her, as his thin lips, similar to Kuki's pursed. "Um… um… ok". "Thank you, Wally". "I'll get up in a little while". She laid back down, turning over in her pillow.
She may've been relieved, and well rested from the entire, chaotic, demonstrative weekend, but a little sleep never could hurt. Closing her eyes, she felt calmed by the surrounding darkness, the surrounding black that came with her eyes being closed, and ready for a few more minutes sleep. The light, the flickering light that surrounded her, that one typically sees with their eyes closed, became… quick, violent, urgent, and almost like that of lightning. Pretty soon, Alex felt herself surrounded by red lightning, and quick flashes that whizzed by her. "Um… um…., um, um..!" she felt herself becoming nervous, and anxious yet again. In the violent, intruding lightning, a tentacle was seen, as well as a millipede-like creature. It's red, beady eyes were shown as lightning flashed around it. "Alexandria", a robotic, unnerving voice said, as the millipede roared. Opening her eyes, and sitting up, nervously, Alex breathed heavily.
Another bad dream, she figured the medicine that, even though made her dreams a little… weird, comforted, and suppressed all negative feelings, had worn off after a certain amount of time. Or it just plain didn't work. Looking around, she saw everything in the main room, was still the same. The T.V. remained off, as the Hamsters still ate crumbs from Cheese curls. This didn't distract her, as she finally figured, there was no way to rid herself of her newfound anxiety. These new nightmares she had of aliens wasn't helping. Starting to cry, she began shaking, nervously. She wanted to go home, but she knew she wasn't able to. She was being thrust into a horrendous, haunting future filled with deception, lies, and experimentation, thanks to Nigel. She knew the Kids Next Door, and that Nigel, in particular, was covering something up. The GKND was real, and there were kids who nd there were kids who knew every last bit of information about her, and weren't afraid to use it.
Sitting, she figured she'd take a few more minutes before packing up, and going home for the day. She then heard giggling outside.
A high pitched, squeal that belonged to that of a girl. "Tee hee hee! No, I'm ticklish!". The giggling continued. "Owwie, no!" "oh, really, that makes ye tickle bickle?". The other voice belonged to an Australian Boy. "how 'bout I do 'is, then?". "Eeee hee hee hee hee hee! No touchsies!". "Come 'mere ye pain in the bum bum". Rustling was heard as the boy seemed to be picking up the girl. "I'm not a pain in your butty bup bup". She laughed. "Yes ye are, only because you're cute". "Ooooooo! No no no!". "You're cutie, wootie, cutie!". She squealed. "You're my booper scooper!". "You're my baby boy".
She laughed, cutesy. "Lovie wuvie, ban ban". "Sugaroo". The girl giggled happily. Smooching, and the soft, squishy sound of lips, one pair of them being covered in Rainbow Monkey Apple berry Apricot, (love shines through) lip gloss, the other pair being as dry and cracked as could be, kissing affectionately, could be heard outside. Alex stood up, getting something to eat from the fridge. Attempting to ignore the sounds of, ugh!
Being heard outside. "Will you join me then, tonight, my pretty Rainbow Monkey princess, at Cubby Camp?". The boy said in a gentle-men like, butler voice "Ooo! Cubby camp!". "Cubby camp, cubby camp, cubby camp!". The girl squealed, excitedly. "Only because you're cute, like… Cheesecake, apple pie fudge crumble". He said. "I like fudge crumble". She said in a whisper. "I love chocolate Thunder from down under". He said. "I like ice cream cake". She said. Usually, Alex would be delighted by all of this banter, although today, she just wasn't in the mood. "I love walkabout". He said in a very Australian Accent. "I love silk". She whispered, scandalously. "Well, looks like I love silk just as much as you do". He said, in a thick Australian accent. "I love walkabout". They then began kissing again, affectionately as such. "Mm".
A feminine girly, sigh was heard outside, as they kept kissing, comfortably. A low, deep, manly, "mm" was also heard as the kissing continued. Unable to think about physics, and obviously disrupted by this nonsense, Alex stood up, with her water still in its foam to go cup, and went outside. She saw none other than Kuki and Wally holding hands out there. Wally scowled at her, like usual. Responding to this, she stuck her tongue out at him. Kuki waved to her, happily.
"Hi bestie!". She said, smiling widely. She wrapped her arms around Alex, kissing her on the forehead. "Hi Kuki". Alexandria said, trying to hide the fear in her voice, that came from her nightmare. "So how was lunch?". "Did you have anything good to eat?". "Well, I had spaghetti, and Nigel had a burger". Alex said. "Oooooooooo! You went to lunchie wunchie with Nigie!". Kuki giggled. "Yes, I… I..". she tried to finish, although Kuki, in a silly, mood was already hanging all over her. "You're so pretty". She said, kissing Alex's cheek. "You're my wubby woo!". "Let's take a rain check on that, for now….". Alex tried to get a word in edgewise. "Wubby, wubby, wubby, woo!". She giggled. "I wuv wu". She kept giggling. "I wuv wu". "I wuv wu". She said, quickly. "Mmmmmmmm". "I love you, Alex". She kept kissing Alex's cheek, about 21 times I would say. "Mmmmm, you're such a special baby".
Her voice sounded soft, and sincere, very motherly. "You are so amazing, and I believe you will do great things one day". "I love being friends with you". She kept kissing Alex, as Alex tried not to think about her nightmare, and ruminate over the aliens that were in there. What was the purpose of that? Kuki laid her head on Alex's shoulder, sighing. "
You're my best friend in the universe". "You are too". Alex replied, plainly. "And my sister". "Come on!" the familiar feeling of Kuki pulling Alex's arm was a bit relieving as Alex stood up by the porch chairs. "Let's sing the friendship song for Wallabee". "My true love". She said, looking dreamily at him. "Guilty as charged". Wallabee said, confidently. Normally, Alex would be all over this, laughing, giggling, and singing happily, with Kuki. now that her suspicions were on the rise, and, from the nightmares she'd been having, could've been true, she knew all of this, "huggily wuggily sister" crap was part of a well thought out ploy.
"Hear me! Hear me!", Kuki sang, "this is for my bestie!". "There will never be another, there's so many ways I love you, Alex and me!". "Come on, you take the next part". She said, enthusiastically. Alex still sat there. "Oh-k, I need you, need you, I can't wait to see you!". "I soooooo love when we're together, can nobody do it better, Alex and me!". "Rainbow Monkey princesses". She said, hugging Alex. "you two are nuts". Wallabee said. "Mmm I love my best friend". She said, kissing Alex yet again. "Ye, she is cute". Wallabee said. "She's special". Kuki, now in his embrace, looked at him.
"Not as special as you!". They then continued kissing, and hugging affectionately. Still stoic, Alex looked out over the treehouse. The street, as well as some neighborhood houses sat over there. The Delightful Children's mansion sat to the far right. The shot at her not being special sort of hurt, although not as much as having suspicions about Kids Next Door, and Kuki. Kuki, who was her longtime friend. "Well, I'm going to get us some lemonade". Kuki said, happily. "Does anyone want anything else?". "'Urry back, roo". Wally said, stretching out on his porch chair. He kissed her on the mouth.
Alex still sat, watching everything, not saying much. Resisting the urge to pack her things and go home, she sat now trying desperately not to think of her nightmare. She then stood up, walking over toward the door, with actuation to now put her plan into motion. "Ey, come 'mere ye". Wally pulled Alex's shirt tiredly, getting her to come over. "Sugaroo wasn't wrong". "You are cute". He then put his hands behind his head. "So, if you're Kooks' sister, and I'm her walkabout, then that makes us,..." "family". He said. "Idn't that weird". "Yes, yes, I suppose". She said. "Well, you know," he said, relaxed. Almost similar to in her dream. "Even if sugaroo and I are datin', that doesn't mean we can't be close".
He then leaned closer to her. "I want to you to understand, that if you and Kuki have a special bond, then I'd never mess with that". "Kuki and I would never leave you out, for the world". He said, sprawling back, again. "We love you". He then looked at her, with the same sincerity that was in her dream, previously. "I love ya". "I hope you know that". He said, tickling her cheek. "You're a smart, pretty girl, that I'd ne'er get in the way of". "I believe you, mate". He then gave her a peck on the head.
"Thank you". Alex said, standing up. Kuki returned outside with the lemonade, kissing Wallabee as she came. "There's my boopy boo!". She said, happily. "Sugarlump, aye haven't ye come out sooner?". "We were waitin". "Yes, I know, but….". The transmitter then went off, in Wally's pocket. Something was up. "Aw no!" "Nigie wants to talk to you!". Kuki said, giggling. "Eh". he then turned the dial left. "No need". They then continued kissing. Alex sat outside, trying to ignore what was happening. The two of them remained in their embrace. "Alex", Kuki said, smiling gently, "there's some cookies inside waiting for you". "Do you wanna try them?". She asked. "Yes". Alex said, getting up. "Cool". "Don't worry, you and I will talk later". She said. "We'll meet back here, on the porch". She said, softly. "Ok" Alex said. Going in. she left the two of them, the new power couple, to kiss.
"Mm". Kuki kept kissing Wally's. They did love each other. But other than that, Wally knew that Kuki and Alex did share a special bond. Nothing could come between the essence of girlhood, and the special connection between two Rainbow Monkey sisters. Another soothing point, was how Alex readily accepted Wally's as a friend, and a brother, must we say, or? She would have to accept Wally, and form a special bond with him as well, as he was Kuki's true love. With love, comes changes and more understanding, from those who join the family.
The crackle from the transmitter was heard again from Wally's pocket. "Numbuh 4! Numbuh 4! Do you read? Do you read?!". Nigel's voice was heard from the scratchy transmission. "You should answer.".
Kuki said, softly yet understandably. Sighing, Wally picked up the transmitter, "coming in". "This is Numbuh 4". He said, reluctantly. "I read you, Numbuh 1, coordinates for exact location". Crackle was still heard on the other end.
"Wait, where...where are ye?". He scowled. It had faired odd for Alex, as it wasn't directed at her, for once. "Ok, ok, don' get bowler". He said, gathering his stuff. "I be there in five". He glanced at Kuki, while packing his bag. "Sorry, cubby". He said, looking down at her. "Mm". Kuki looked up at him, pursing her glossed lips. Wally then kissed her on the mouth again. "Bye Sugaroo". He said. "Bye boo boo". She said, shifting in her chair. "Love you". She said. "Love you more". "Love you most". She said, blowing him a kiss.
Alex stared out the porch door window, waiting for Wallabee to leave, any second now. "Mmm hmm". Wally said, walking in. "She is pretty". "I hate go in to 'elp Numbuh 1, lee her behind". He looked at Alex, noticing her bored expression. Hoping he wouldn't notice, knowing, examining to a tee, that he wouldn't say anything, she sat. To her luck, he kept on walking. Going outside, she saw Kuki sitting back in her porch chair.
She pulled one out, sitting across from her. "Kuki,..." Alex's once sad, now nervous eyes that were glassy, and ready to cry, looked up to Kuki. "Yes, Alex". She said. Her lip gloss shone in the setting sun. A smile was seen. "Can I talk to you, really quick?". She felt tears come to her eyes. "Mmmm. Tell me what the problem is". Kuki said. "I... I... I had a nightmare, about um... Wally". "And, I don't know he was talking to me, and basically being himself, but it was weird because he was gentle... which he never is". "So, you're sad because Wally was gentle?". "And, you thought it weird that he was?".
Kuki asked. "No". Alex said. "He wasn't gentle, as in sincere. He was creepy". "I saw some Alien thing in my nightmare, and I can't help but think that Nigel, along with both of you, have some association with the Galactic Kids Next Door". "I know you're hiding something, I know you think a certain way about me." "There's a reason why you're all rainbows and butterflies with me!". "I know what you all are up to". "I know". She said, beginning to cry. "Alex". Kuki said, softly. "Wally and I love you". She said, in an understanding manner. "I love you". She began to hug her. "I think you're amazing". "I don't think anyone here is plotting against you". "You have that in your head".
Kuki smiled. "I know you haven't gotten the best care you needed". Kuki said. "But, you've turned out wonderful!". Kuki said, happily. "We look up to you". She said, kissing her forehead. "You're very intelligent, and beautiful". "Don't think we're judging you". "We're here to help you". She blew in Alex's troubled face, that was now red, and riddled with tears.
"I love you, Alex". She said,smiling again. "My wubby". "My sister". She smiled. "I looove you". She sang. "Its ok". She said, brushing the back of her hand against the chair. "Alex". "There's no need to be volatile" "no one here is betting against you". She said in a feminine, womanly manner. "You're worried". "You probably haven't gotten enough sleep". "Let's take our medicine, and get into bed". She said. "We should also start you on a new diet". "New diet?". Alex asked. "Mmm hmm". She nodded, happily. "One with milk".
"Milk will help you be less upset, and less scared". She said. "Let's start, today". Her demanding attitude came through. "We will not drink this, water anymore". She grabbed it from Alex's hands, and threw it away . "Lets drink, milk". See'' . "well, I don't know". Alex said, sniffling. "Milk has lactose in it, and lactose has over 5g of…". "It's the lactose that helps you grow and develop". Kuki said, smiling. "It'll help you start bonds with people you love, and make you more aware of how you're being taken care of". She said, gently. "It'll also help you be more relaxed". "It'll be fun, c'mon!". Even as she, again, for purposes Alex knew were part of a cover up, was speaking to her in a mature, feminine way, she would time and again, revert to the enthused, 11 year old inside, that begged for her bestie to do things.
"Please?". She asked, batting her eyes. "But, I like spring water". Alex said. "I drink it as my after dinner, dessert water", "I drink it in the morning, as my breakfast water", "to the common serf, I say, who needs orange juice?". "I can't eliminate Zephyrhills Spring Water". "Well, milk will be fun". Kuki said, very sure of the demand she had just made.
"You can put it on cereal, you like cereal, don't you?". She asked, crossing her legs. "No, I have never liked cereal". Alex said, crankily. She truly was still exhausted, and bothered by her nightmare." well, let's sweep out water, for milk". "You can drink some milk, in place of spring water". Kuki said. "I am not putting up with this tyranny". "Someone has to stand up to the abject wrongdoing of the common person". Now, bear in mind, Kuki had seen this set-in her-ways Alex before. Happily, and with much enthusiasm, she would convince her to change, or step outside of her comfort zone, and try something fun.
If Alex was really being difficult, and refusing something that would otherwise help her, for example: when they were little, getting Alex's blood taken for low iron levels, and taking vitamins to help restore the iron levels, Kuki would turn on her motherly, gentle charm. "Alex,". Kuki said, gently. "It's not going to hurt you". "It'll help you be much happier". "You won't have any more nightmares, and,". "It helps you poop". A mischievous smile came to her face, followed by a chuckle. "Hee hee hee!". "Yes, I guess that is funny". "Wait, a second,". Alex asked, looking thoughtfully as she connected the dots, and inquired about the request that was made to her, from what she thought was by visual. "How… how did you know about… how did you know that I needed milk?". Kuki still chuckled about the "poop" joke made earlier. "Wait, Kuki". She asked. "Haha haha a haha hahah ha ha…. Wait what?". Kuki turned her head, quickly with a puzzled look on her face.
"How did you know I needed to drink milk?". Quickly her expression changed, from a giggly, happy one, to one that was all of a sudden, serious and dank. Similar to the one Alex saw earlier in her nightmare with Wally. "Nigel told me". She muttered, quietly. "Wait, hold on, why?". Alex asked, needing Kuki to repeat her answer, in a louder volume. "Oh, well,". Kuki's gentle smile returned.
"Sometimes, best friends, sisters, just know what each other needs". "Our hearts sing as one". "I know you very well, and I know what makes a heart sing again". She smiled. "Milk will help both of us, and all of our friends in Rainbow Monkey kingdom!". She said, happily, clapping her hands. "I know you're sad". She said, hugging Alex. "the Rainbow Monkeys know too". She said, as she picked up her plushie, Love and Sunshine Rainbow Monkey. "I can tell by looking into your heart". She said, smiling gently.
"We all can". She picked up the Rainbow Monkey, only personifying her fantasies. "But Milk will make all of our sadness feelings go away". She said in a singsong voice. "It'll be ok, Alex". She said. "Come on, let's drink milk with alllllll of our friends!". She danced around her, singing the Rainbow Monkey theme song. "Ok". Alex said, nervously. "It's ok, Rainbow Monkey princesses know each other". She kissed her forehead. "I love my bestie!". She sang, skipping around. "I love my bestie, my bestest friend in the universe!". "Just Alex and me!". She said, kissing Alex's cheek 16 times. It was strange how quickly Kuki snapped into happy mode, when asked a direct question by Alex. almost, mechanically, or automatically of sorts. "Come on!". Kuki tickled Alex's chin.
"Kiss me back". "Give me a hug". She said, looking at Alex, frowning a bit. Hesitantly, Alex kissed Kuki's cheek, then slowly, and awkwardly wrapped her arms around her. "Yay!". "There she is!". Kuki giggled. "Oh Alex!". She said, beaming. "You are the bestest sister a girl could ask for!". "I knew you could do it, silly billy!". She grabbed her nose, playfully. "I knew you could". She whispered. "I'm proud of you". She smiled at her, brushing a strand of hair from her eyes. She often did motherly things like that to friends who were younger than her, Rainbow Monkeys, or her sister. "I love you". She said, kissing Alex's cheek.
"I love you, too". Alex said, softly. "I love you more". Kuki said, in a whisper. Her shiny lips, which she had redone after Numbuh 4 left, closed after saying this. "I love you most". Alex said, tiredly, as if she had been forced too. "I want to go in". Alex said. Her eyes lowered, as the side of her face, her little-girl face was seen, trying to stay awake, and not cry. "I know, baby". Kuki hugged her. "I know". "Let's go inside, let us make some milk". Alex turned her head. One could briefly see part of her eye, and her cheek, her pale, but now puffy cheek, as she noised. "It's ok". Kuki said, gently. "Come on". She said, releasing Alex from their hug. "Let's go inside".
Alex sauntered in, trying to stay awake. Kuki and Alex sat on the couch, as Alex said, in a very simple manner, similar to a five-year -old girl after a cry, "I don't wanna take my medicine". "You don't have to". Kuki said. "You just woke up, silly". "No, I mean I don't want to take it, ever". Alex whined. "Well, you have to". "It'll help you sleep". "It's ok, this medicine is designed to help alleviate pain in the sleepytime area of the brain". She said, gently. "It'll calm the neurons generating energy waves, by sending a signal to the "rest" region, of the amygdala". She said, softly. "I still don't want to take it". "Why not?". Numbuh 3's voice was rising now.
"I don't know". Alex said. "Why not?". Numbuh 3 continued asking, her voice was becoming harsh at this point. "I told you I don't know, stop asking me!". "Why….not?". Kuki started seething. "Stop asking me". Alex said, nervously. "Answer my question!". "Why not?!". "Go away". Alex said. "Why not?!". Kuki yelled. "Because it doesn't work!". Alex said, breathing heavily. Now was really the time, she wanted to go home. Cover ups, and people being weird, were already on top of Kuki's neuroticism. "I tried it, and Nigel's medicine doesn't work". "I can sleep, but I have nightmares about things at the very end, and I can't do anything about it!". "I've been seeing things!". "I know the Galactic Kids Next Door exists".
"I know you and Wallabee, and Nigel are up to something!". "I saw an alien, plant, vine thing in my nightmare last night, I know it had something to do with the Galactic Kids Next Door!". "I don't like when people lie to me, and I don't like being used for experimentation". "Please, just tell me what's going on!". She said. "Alex,". Kuki said, walking quickly toward her. "You know me better, to think that I would ever lie to you". "Why would I lie to you?". "When would I experiment on you?". "When would that ever even work?". She asked. "Because I saw Wallabee in my nightmare, and he wasn't a total immature snot". "He was…..". "What was he like, Alex?". "What was my boyfriend like?". Kuki crossed her arms, displeased at the moment.
"He was… calm". Alex stated. "He was nice for once". "He talked like a prince". "He was soft, and kind, and special, it was suspicious". "It was bad news!". "I know it was". "So, my boyfriend was nice to you, and genuinely cared about you, like he always has, and always will, and thinks of you as a sister, and his best friend, bothered you?". Kuki asked, sharply. "That was a bad thing?". "No, but you're missing the point". "You're not hearing the full story". Alex protested. "And you're stating that we both secretly are plotting against you?". Kuki snapped. "Do you even hear how selfish you're being?!". Kuki yelled. "He was evil!". Alex rebuked back.
"He wasn't normal, he didn't even blink once". "I know he's up to something!". "I know the GKND recruited Nigel, right?". "I know all 5 of you, and Nigel are observing me, and researching me, because I would make a great fit for your little experiment!". Alex shot.
Kuki still frowned. However, her lip twitched up a little, as she listened. "I'm going home!". "I know what you kids are up to!". Alex said. "You've been plotting and planning this whole time!". "Alex". Kuki demanded "Stop talking right now!". "No!". "I'm going home!". "You sound like a paranoid, butternubber She snapped.
"Quit saying foolish things, and Yes you are!". Kuki snapped. "No I'm not, and there's no way you'll make me!". Alex picked up her stuff, and went for the door. Kuki blocked her way. "Get over here!". She yelled. "No, I thought you were my friend!". Alex tried to get past. "I want to see Hoagie!". Alex said, crying. "I want my mom!". Tears began going down. "I want my mom!". She yelled, crying and sprouting a fit similar to a five year old. She had now known she had done it. She had pissed Kuki off. "Get in here!". "I can't believe how selfish you're acting!". "I'm very disappointed in you!". Kuki said, harshly. "You know Wally and I would never ever plot against you!". She yelled. "I can't believe you would think that!". "You're a bad friend!". She said. "Why would I ever be friends with someone as cynical as you?". Alex said. Kuki continued "being mad", although as she faked her tirade, Alex noticed Kuki's lip twitch upward, quickly, mechanically. Similar to Wally's. "Mmmm".
Kuki's expressionless face remained, as she studied Alex, and her red face, riddled with tears. "I think", she said as Alex began breathing heavily, "we should cool off, and take a break from each other, before we both say something we regret!". Kuki said, establishing order. "Ok, well I'm going home". Alex said. "No, you're not!". Kuki yelled. "Drink... the... milk". She seethed. "No!". Alex said. "Rawr!". Alex, at the moment, thought she had encountered another nightmare, or that her medicine, was indeed a hallucinogen. Kuki had flashed red eyes, and bared fang like teeth, as Alex stomped off. "Drink the milk!". She yelled, pulling Alex's arm. "I didn't pay 50 dollars so you could waste drink!". "GRRRRRRRRR!" Kuki growled.
Hoagie just happened to walk, hand in hand with Abigail, through the door as this was happening. "What is going on here?". Abigail asked. "Kuki...". Hoagie said, gently. "Why are you yelling at Alex?". He put his bag down. "Did she take your Rainbow Monkeys?". "No". She said. "I am simply trying to help her, and she won't drink her milk!". "She never takes any advice". Kuki said. "Well, don't force her, Kuki". Abigail stated. "She'll come around when needed".
"She IS going to drink the milk". Kuki said. "I am not putting up with all of this nonsense". Clicking was heard as Abby and her heels neared the girl who was crying. "Alex", Abigail looked down at her. "Why don't you go take a little break from everything". "Shhhhhh, it's ok". Abigail said. "I will". Alex said. "I'll talk to Kuki". Abigail said, giving Alex a peck on the forehead. "Here, you can stay in my digs". She winked. "Would you like that?". Alex nodded. "Ok". "Come with me". Abigail got her settled in her room. "Mm". She said flopping down on the bed. Her golden bracelets she had worn with Hoagie on their date, jangled as she laid down. "I take it your day with Kuki didn't go so well?".
"No". "I don't know,". Alex sniffled. "She's my friend, I just don't know why she's so forceful and neurotic". Alex said. "She's very kind, although she's bossy sometimes". Alex said. "She just irritates me, inconveniences the lives of everyone around her". "It's exhausting". "Mmmmmm, well, hang in there". Abigail said. "Kuki can be like that". "I take it as an aspect of her culture". "She is Asian". Alex said. "Mmmmmm that's stereotyping". Abigail said, dissatisfied still laying there. "I don't know, I just don't know what to do". Alex said. "I'm already experiencing so much upheaval". "Mmmm, what upheaval?".Abigail asked. "I drink spring water". Alex said. "I can't all of a sudden change my routine just because my so called, "best friend" told me to". "I am not going anywhere near milk". Alex said, sobbing.
"I am not giving in to any more inconveniences, nightmares, annoyances, or chaos thanks to pesky, suspicious, sneaky kids like you". "Mmmmmm". Abigail flopped her hand back on the bed. "Well, you're certainly welcome to go". She said. "I will". Alex said, crossing her arms. "Hmmmmm". Abigail looked over at her. "You sure look like you're ready to leave". "I can't". Alex said. "I'm too tired to sit up". "Mmmmmm". "Well, you should force yourself up". Abigail said. "If you're that anxious to go". "No". Alex said. "Mmmmmm k". Abby continued. They both laid there for a while, the T.V with Model Aspects, remained on. "Mmmm just out of curiosity, what are you mad at?", Abby asked. "I don't know". Alex said. "Mmmmmm, you're pretty Mad for someone who doesn't know".
Abby said. "Just talk to me". "Let's rap". "So, why are you mad?". "I... I... I don't know". "First off, Kuki was a dictator of all things". "I've never really seen her like that". "Well, Kuki can be like that". Abby said. "She's a little uptight at times, but you know, she does it because she cares for you". "She's helpin you". Abby said. "Yes, I'm aware". "I've encountered that side of her before". "That's one of the great that makes us friend's". .. I just feel like...". Then,.. as if to unravel, as if to slip into a certain mode herself, as if to unleash, a geyser of everything she had been through. She began pouring herself out to Abigail.
"I'm not sure if Kuki even is my friend". She said, softly. "Why not?". Abby asked. "I... I don't know,.. what started out as friendship, has just grown dangerous". She said. "Kuki all of a sudden asked me to come to Sector V, only to have me meet you all". She continued. "Yeah, well we all are pretty interesting". Abby flopped her hand back, tiredly. "You think so, I'll bet huh?". She yawned. "Yeah,". Alex said. "Especially Hoagie". "I don't know why he has a leopard print lamp in his room". "Me neither babe". She said, stretching out a bit. "Me neither". "Although, I feel like you and Hoagie are the only ones who actually care about me". She sobbed. "The only ones?". Abigail cracked a smile. "I tend to think little miss Princess... I mean Kuki loves you too". She tried sharing a mischievous look with Alex, and chuckling along, although it went unreceived. "No". Alex said, crossly.
"I've been having these nightmares, and visuals, consisting of Giant aliens, and... tentacles, and I guess a millipede creature, that kept saying my name, and..". She sat on top of Abigail at this point, on a pillow, nervously breaking into tears at some intervals. Abby laid calmly, listening to her story. "I know about Nigel and the Galactic Kids Next Door". She said, anxiously as her eyes widened. "I know I'm being used for experimentation". "I know you all have been observing me, to start,". She continued. "Kuki is in league with them". "She talked to me... a couple days ago,". Her nervousness continued. "And she didn't talk about Rainbow Monkeys, either". "She stated facts, cold hard facts about me, and I know that her and Wallabee, as well as Nigel are going to experiment on me, and send Data once Nigel gets accepted into the GKND". "Now, I'm afraid the GKND are going to come after me, and... and...". "Shhhhhh, baby". Abigail let flop her backhand on Alex's stomach. "Sweetie". She said. "Lemme tell you a little something about Nigel". "Nigel is plotting something". Alex said. "Same with Kuki and Wally". "Kuki, my best friend". She said. "She acts like she cares about me, and she's trying to help me, but I know she wants results". "I know she's in league with the GKND". "They all are..!".
"Chill". Abigail said, with a tinge of harsh in her voice. "Now calm down, Alexandria". She said. "Are you calm?". "Are you good?". She said to Alex. "Blow". She said, squeezing Alex's hand. Taking several deep breaths, Alex blew. "I want to go home". Alex said. "I want to go home". She whined. "I thought Kuki and I were friends…". "Kuki is your friend". Abigail said, softly. "Look, Alex..". Abigail said, sprawling out, "Nigel is someone who looks into things, right?". She said, tressling Alex a bit. To catch up on what "tressling" is, see the back of the book, on "glossary and terms". Anyhow, Abigail spoke in a soft, comforting, yet orderly voice that not only calmed younger kids like Alex, down, but it made understanding what was expected, or what to take away from the conversation, easier. "Nigel would never do anything to hurt you, or put you in danger, or anythin' crazy like that". "Then why did he dispatch Kuki to be friends with me, and help me, and get to know me really well?".
"Mmmm". Abby shifted a bit, under the covers, putting her leg down. "The reason he found you, and was scoping you out, is because he, along with all of us, think you're very talented". She said, softly. "Well, I do admit I am a gem". Alex said. "Ok, well, let me be honest, you have a gift". Abby said. "We just wanted to see what made you tick, that was all". "Yes, I do take pride in the fact that you all admire me, and I think that's great". "I admire you all, and personally, I think it's cool how you guys have the desire to observe me, and why exactly I'm so intelligent". "Mmmm, you know why, right?". Abby said, clearly almost falling asleep. "Yes, and I don't mind the reason". Alex said, turning her head. "It's just… I don't like when people, I barely know take advantage of that reason, and use me for their experiments". "Hmmmmm". Abby said, thoughtfully.
"I don't think Nigel would ever use you, for anything". "He's your friend, isn't he?". Abby asked. "Yes, I suppose so". Alex said. "Well then, I don't know why you'd be suspicious of him". Abby said. "But, you do know about the GKND". She said. "I do, but I don't think it has anything to do with you". Abby said. "It's a recruiting organization in charge of keeping kids safe from adults". She said. "But, I saw something in the super computer, when I was there". "It had Nigel as inducted into the Galactic Kids Next Door". "So?". Abigail said quietly. "It had data, and information on me". "It had pictures of me as a child". "I know what their intentions are". "I know what Nigel's intentions are". Alex said. "Mmmmm, look baby". Abigail put a finger over Alex's mouth. "Shhhh, just listen". She said, gently. "Nigel would never do anything to hurt you". "You of all people know that". She continued. "The reason we're observing you, or getting information about you, or whatever you think we're doin', is because we take a liking to you". "We understand, and we know you haven't had an easy start". "I know how hard it's been". She said. "We just needed to find you, make sure you were ok, and help you out, girl". "So, all of this nonsense because you all were worried about me?". "Hey now, I wouldn't call it nonsense". Abigail said. "So, you are aware that I'm extremely intelligent, talented, and a pleasure".
Alex said. "Yeah, you're all that". Abigail said, mumbling. Feeling she had done something a little, off, Alex asked Abigail, quizzically what she had done wrong. "Um… did I say something, or…. Why are you silent?". "Well,...". Abigail flopped a hand back. "It's not always good to brag, sometimes". "You can get your point across just by being you". She said. "But, I am me, and I think I'm great". Alex said. (rustle, rustle). "Well, not saying anything at all, is just as cool". "How should I not say anything". "I should give commoners…". "Don't say commoners, Al'". "shhhh, just don't talk like that". "But why?". "People get the wrong vibe when you insult them like that". She said. "They're not beneath you". Abigail doled out her amount of tough love. "Don't talk to them like they are". She said. "Anyhow,". Alex continued. "I want people to understand my criteria ahead of time". "Let them know what they're in for?". Abby asked. "That's correct". Alex said, in a cute, proper, matter of fact manner.
"Mmm k, well, you don't need to do that". Abigail said. "Be cool, don't talk about yourself so much". "Sooo, be humble?". Alex asked. "That's it". Abby said, tiredly. "Oh, well, I guess I could give it a try". She said. "Al'". Abigail said, cooly. "We know things weren't exactly great for you, and we want to make sure you're healthy, at your best, and doing good". "When we analyze you, when we run data on you, we're mapping out how healthy you are, and how secure you are".
"Nigel along with everyone else isn't worried about you, we know you're doing well". "Then, why did you all analyze me, and run tests on me?". "We needed to find you, we needed to be sure you were alright, and be an integral part of your life". "I'm aware". Alex said. "Let me ask you this… how long have you known Kuki?". "Um… since I was in kindergarten almost". Alex said. "She's my best friend". " "mmm hmmm,". "How long have you known me?". Abigail asked, almost silently. Alex zeroed in, on Abigail's thick lips as they moved, to emphasize each word. Closely, and meticulously, she observed them, as they closed. The strawberry gloss, still shined in the white, dim, cut light from the T.V. "since, well, um… for the longest time". "Probably since I was born, I…" "mmmm hmmm, yes". Abigail said, gently.
"I remember meeting you the day Ms. Diane brought you back". She hummed. "Yes, now that I think about it, I do remember a young, black girl with beads in her hair, standing over me….". "I think". "Mmm, I remember you". "You were a happy little girlie". Abby hummed gently. "You were so pumped to see everything". She brushed Alex's face. "I can't believe all this time, I've known you, and not once did I know you were a secret agent". "That's pretty cool". Alex said. "Yeah, well". Abby said. "And we've been friends ever since". She said. "I know the beginning was hard for you". "We understand". She said. "You know what, we're your best friends". She said. "We're always going to be there, whenever you need us".
Abigail said. "I just wanted to keep tabs on you, you know". She said. "Save you from all of the bad in the world". "Oh, so,... those were just regular checkups, and midpoints?". Alex asked. "Yep". "we're here to keep you safe". Abby said. "Oh". Alex sighed a huge sigh of relief. It had felt, as if a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders there. "So, all of the crying, and shivering, and nightmares, and aching were for nothing then?". She said, perkily. "You still have nightmares, Alex?". Abigail asked, a little louder and more concerned now. Alex nodded. "Ok, well that's not good". Abby said, tossing in bed. "Hey, if you think about conjugal equations and the natural order of E…" "Does your mom know, about that?". Abigail snapped in. "no, she hasn't for five years". "She doesn't know I hardly sleep either". "Mmmm hmmmm". Abigail said, harshly.
"It's ok". Alex said, innocently. "Nigel prescribed "circa Monom" to me, which isn't great, and I still have nightmares". Alex said. "But on the upside, I….". "what's Circa Monom?". Abigail asked, falling asleep, mumbling at this point. "It's a sleep inducent that helps slow circadian rhythms, and calm brain waves". "Mmmmmm". "That's cool". Abigail started falling asleep. "Yep". "although, are you sure, I should continue taking it?". "Mmmmm, ermmph". "I wouldn't worry about it". Abby mumbled. "Nigel knows what he's doin". She then turned over and got some sleep. "Why dontcha go drink some of your milk". Abby said.
"But, I don't like milk". Alex said. "Try it, baby". "It'll help you". "Do it for us". "Remember what we talked about… humility?". Abigail reminded as Alex began whining. "Go do it". Abby demanded, snappishly, perhaps over the tidbit learned about Alex's lack of sleep. "No". Alex said, simply, waiting for Abby's reaction. She knew Abby was going to lecture her, becoming firm if she ever became defiant. She had pushed her buttons before, many times in the past. She was remembering just how fun it had been. Abby still laid there. She must've been tired. All the food, had worn her out. Alex was worn too. Although not from food.
Hoagie walked in, seeing Alex smiling as if she'd done something wrong. "Hey toots". He said, ruffling her hair. "I hear today with Kuki wasn't good". He said, sitting beside her. "What happened?". "She is not a friend". "I don't care what anyone says". "She's airheaded, annoying, she demands unrealistic things from everyone". She said, crossly. "Mmmmmmm". He nodded, understandably. "She's just excited to be friends with someone as fascinating as you". "When she gets excited like that, she gets controlling". He said, ruffling Alex's hair. "So,". "you are amazing and super smart". He said, grinning, folding his hands. "Is there anyone as amazing as you, Alex?". Alex sat there, silently. "Mmmm, you don't agree?". "Is Stephen Hawking more amazing, you think?". "Are you playing the quiet game?". He asked.
"No, I'm not allowed to talk about how great I am any more". She said. "Abigail taught me how to be humble". "Ahhhh". He said. "Good". "Good". "I like how you're becoming a better person". He said. "So, in that spirit, would like to accompany me to the kitchen?". He said, offering his arm. "Why?". Alex asked. "To drink some milk, of course". He said, grinning. "No, no, no". "I'm not going anywhere near milk". She said, defiantly. "I'm being disobedient". "Come on, Alex it'll be cool, just you and me, drinking some milk, looking at the radar, catching some evil adults". "It'll be like we're Yipper crime fighting, getting Vitamin D".
"so, why don't you get yourself a nice tall glass?". He said in a gentle, deep voice. "No". Alex shook her head. "You know what", Hoagie said, "it's just one glass". "If you don't like it, you don't have to keep drinking it". He winked. "Although, it's recommended you do". He ruffled her hair. "We won't tell Abigail". He whispered. Looking into his eyes, she knew, there was an amount of altruism there wasn't fake, it wasn't coached, and it wasn't analytical in nature, while being good on the surface, similar to Abigail's.
She knew she could trust him. He was Abigail's true love. She was glad she could trust him, and make him a part of her, and Abigail's family. Thinking about Abigail, Alex knew Abigail was the girl she had shared childhood with, and looked up to, if there ever was a dilemma in her life. To accept Hoagie into their family, and one day, after their marriage, into her daily life, depending on whether or not Abigail was still friends with Alexandria, Decommissioning did wipe everyone's memories, after all. It could be a possibility that this mission, if this was what it truly was, along with the rest, could die out with memory. Although, Abigail and Alex had been friends long before her induction into the Kids Next Door. she would never forget her, right?
Who knows? Friendship, and childhood, even if being a kid at heart was a daily thing, would soon fade away. Never mind that, Abigail and Alexandria were good friends, sisters even. Good people, good friends who had truly been there for her, would stay with her forever. It had all dawned on Alex. There were good people in the world. There were true people who would be there to help her. That was the Kids Next Door's sole purpose. Kuki was also there to help her too. Only the fake would leave her behind, after age 13.
Alex was confident that life would become better for her. She no longer felt weary, or suspicious of the Kids Next Door. she felt as if they were her friends, and they were her family. Relieved that everything was back to normal, she drank her milk.
In the dimly lit treehouse set by the low light of the computer, Alex stood in the middle of quarters drinking her milk. A pair of thick, red lips appeared on the computer. The main computer where data, on the operatives was stored. "Alexandria". The computer said in a robotic, girly voice, similar to Kuki. Alex turned her head, "are you...sleeping?". Frozen in surprise, Alex didn't respond. "Alexandria". The computer asked again. "Are you asleep?". Almost mechanically. "N...no". She said, fishing her glass. "Affirm-ative". The voice said. The lips moved as the voice spoke. "Mmm". "Alexandria". "It is imperative that you know how special you are to us". "We love you, and... we are always here for you". "Oh, Alex...". The computer sighed. "You are so...perfect". "You're my best friend". "You will always be". "Um... thank you". Alex walked away, nervously. "Good night, Alex see you in the morning". The computer said in a feminine voice, quickly.
"Mmmmm, sweetdreams". "Power...down". The computer then said. Alex then went into Hoagie's room. The door was closed. Alex knocked on the door. "Excuse me...". She said. "Hoagie are you in there?". She asked. "Hoagie". She called again. No answer. "Ok". She figured, going in his room. Everything looked fine as she went in. She put on his silky pajamas, going into his drawer. Then, she climbed into his bed. already happy, Aren't you?". said, smiling at her.
"I am". She said, confidently. "I had a little talk with Abigail today, and she said, I have an amazing family, and group of friend's with the Kids Next Door". "Mmmmmm, she was right, Alexandria the great!". He smiled a friendly corny smile as Alex sat there, sighing. "Sure".She said."I am the happiest too". He said, simply and free. "I have everything I'd ever want right beside me".
"I have you, Cree, her amazing sister, there's nothing else I could want, because I am so thankful!". He said, joyfully. Alex smiled. He was still the same Hoagie, through and through, even as a teenager. "All's a best friend needs is his three P"s". He chuckled, waving a friendly, adorkable smile to Alex.
She laughed. "I'm very glad you're doing well, Alex". He bent down to talk to her. "Are you comfortable with Cree and I?". "Yes" she said, turning her head, with some fingers in her mouth. "Happy to hear that, Fraulein". "I could never imagine myself as more comfortable with her, than anyone". He said, soothingly. "I love her". "I like Cree". I think she is amazing. He said, leaned against the wall. "You admire Abigail, I like that". He said. "Yes, she told me that the only reason the KND are analyzing, and observing me, is because she's.. "rescuing" me, if I'm properly annunciating that point". She said.
"Rescuing? Oh, you're probably thinking of her checking up, on you, regularly". Hank said. "She'll do that to ensure you're in perfect health". He said, shifting a bit, with his slipping leg. "I wouldn't worry about it though, the only ones who'll get all that, is your doctor's and your parents I would think". He said, with a deep voice. "I am clear". Alex said. "But, everything has been up to code". She said. "I am no longer having nightmares, I'm drinking my milk, and... I'm taking my medicine". She said.
"That's great to hear". Hank yawned. "I... I would've want to go home though,". She said. "Just go". Hank said, looking at the back of his . "Ok". And I don't know, things with Kuki aren't great". "She can be like that". He said. "Ignore her". "I will". She said. "Still it is nice you've come a long way He said, softly.
"I'm proud of you, and I know you will be great". He brushed her face. "You always are". He assured. "Thank you". Alex said. "I've been hearing that for the millions... "She stopped herself. "I mean, thank you". That means so much". She said. "Of course". Hank said. Cree appeared, in a white dress, and a new cover of lip gloss. "Oh, there she is!". Hank said excitedly. "Hey there, babe". "How goes it?". "Good, good". She replied. The two embraced, then whispering things to one another. They then, got closer... closer... until, the passion, the romance flared. They began kissing, and talking airlily about certain things. They had continued, until they had both blushed, enjoying each other's presence. "Alex". Hank said, in a soothing, low register, (sexy) voice, "would you mind giving my Angel and I some space?". He said. "Beautiful". He winked at her, then grinning mischievous. "Sure, sir". She said, nodding respectfully. He laughed understandably. Then, in a moment of quirk, nodded respectfully back at her. The two went on with their, "necking". Alex knew that her friends, the same ones she had grown to play Rainbow Monkeys with, eat dinner with, and irritate, had boyfriends, and girlfriends now. It was time to accept that they were a part of her world. They were family. She knew the KND were trying to help her. They had cared about her, like a family would. It was time to accept family. She was confident her relationship with the Kids Next Door would grow stronger with each day. Now feeling happier, she let the "Goodnight Rainbow Monkey" carry her on a cloud, off to peaceful sleep. With no nightmares, or crying. She felt better, thanks to Abby, her family, and the rest of the KND. They weren't hiding anything. They would never betray her, right?