The petting zoo. That's all that it was. The lambs were nice, and baaing, quietly as they walked around the fenced in area. A tall woman, one with a buttoned-down overcoat, and deep black eyes held a baby, hardly even wrapped up, as the sheep kept baaing. The baby kept crying as she was hungry. "Don't worry, love". The woman hissed in the baby's ear. "I'll take good care of you". She set the baby down near the sheep, as they baa'd. "I'll be back for you…". "I promise". She said walking away. The baby kept crying, as she was starving at this point. A bigger, white sheep neared the baby, nosing it gently. Calming down a bit, the 11 day old baby, stopped crying, and looked with blurry vision up at the sheep. The monstrous white sheep, kept nosing at the baby, almost tipping her at this point. The weird thing about the sheep was, it never "baaa'ed". A loud, low monstrous growl was heard around the pasture, as the other sheep fled. "Roar!". A colossal black sheep, now bared fangs, and hissed as it ran at 89 mph at the other sheep. It was hunting season for the big black, evil sheep, as it ripped and teared, and snapped up other sheep. "RAR! RAR! RAR!". The sheep roared, and hissed angrily at the others as it tore up other people seeing the petting zoo as well. "RAR!". The sheep kept tearing it up, quite literally. The baby cried loudly, which now turned to screams, as the monster sheep kept terrorizing the area, taking out anything it found food. Until it came to the baby. Baring its fangs, it hissed loudly, growling which turned into a roar that bellowed. It then opened its mouth, revealing it's sharp fangs ready to eat the baby. Crying loudly, the baby screamed as the sheep was about to get it's meal. Then everything went black….
Opening her eyes, anxiously, Alex sat up looking around. Breathing heavily, she felt tears well up in her eyes. The treehouse was still dark around her, as Abigail was no longer at her side. From over in the corner she did hear roaring, and she did see above her, the monstrous black sheep ready to eat her up. Burying her head in her hands, she started crying loudly. Hearing the isses, seeing there was no one else around, and feeling the sharp jabs into her side, she feared this was it. There was nothing she could, or wanted to do. The room spun, quickly, with a fast jolt, right into a dark whirlpool! Looking up, she felt as if she were getting jerked to the left, right, and down, down, down, into the vortex of lightning and terror. Soon she was swallowed up, right into the pit of darkness, and black.
Little Alex laid down, feeling the sting of tears down her red face. Her eyes welled up with tears as she kept crying. Another nightmare, it seemed. Feeling low at this point, she knew there was nothing she could do. She hated "Circa Monom", and she refused to that medicine, no matter what anyone made her do. It helped her sleep, and she never felt anxious, although she still had nightmares, now involving the Galactic Kids Next Door. If she didn't take her medicine, she would still have nightmares. Irritated, and sad, she then began wailing into her pillow, loudly. If there was anyone she knew she didn't want to see, AT ALL it was the KND. She had had enough of Nigel, and his ordering her around, and his sneaking about, covering things up, lying to her.
She hated Kuki now, for some reason, as she suspected she was covering something up as well, and acting fake. Hoagie, perhaps, although she didn't want to see anyone at the moment. Crying still, she wiped her tears on her pillow, not having any tissues around. She just cried. She was tired of everything at this point. She was tired, exhausted, and she wanted to go home. It was already horrible, she had nightmares at night, and had a hard time falling asleep, but now she was beginning to have them during the day. Sniffling, she felt stuffed up, decided to blow her nose in a magenta pink washcloth nearby. Abigail's washcloth. A pink beaded lampshade sat next to her, as she moaned. Ok, so it wasn't the KND's fault. This was just her life. This was her mind now. These were her hidden, horrible memories rearing their ugly, hissing, evil, disgusting heads to her. These were her scars. Her eyes were red as she felt yet another storm come. It wasn't Sector V's faults, it was her limp. She had to go along, tortured as such, until someone helped her. Blowing her nose into a tissue, she heard whispering in the hall. "Ok, ok". "Alright". She then heard someone come in. ignoring it, she closed her eyes, exhaustedly. Now hoping for the pain in her head, and in her heart to subside.
"Alex". A soft voice said. Opening her eyes, she saw someone floating above her, it looked. Hoagie was there. Trying to hide the fact that she had been crying, she buried the sheets up to her eyes. Socially amiable her, her eyes told the whole story. "Hey there, Alex". He said in a soft voice. She noised. "Um… um… um…. Hi". she said, sniffling. "Sorry, I… I…. I…. Didn't sleep good at all last night". She sniffled. "Mmmm". Hoagie looked at her nodding. Still he spoke in a graceful, charismatic manner. "I know you and Abigail are considerably close". "Although today, you and I will more intricately examine our relationship". Hoagie then smiled deviously. She looked up at him.
"Let's talk". He said, smiling friendly once more. Alex moaned again. "Don't be like that". "We are here to deeper connect our strong bond". Hoagie said, meditatively. "Do you know where Abby is?". She asked. "I need to talk to her". "I was thinking we could keep this at a private reveal session". He said, in a deep, sonorous voice. "Without the use of Abigail". "I need Abigail". She said, sniffling. "This is serious". She then began sobbing under the thin sheet. "Mm". Hoagie glanced down at her. "I see you've had another nightmare last night", he said, gently. Alex nodded, ashamed. "What happened…captain?". He joked. "Oh no, no, no, sorry, sorry, right, right, are you ok?". He made an embarrassed, inadvertent face. His little joke made Alex feel a small light spot there. "What happened?". He asked in a gentle voice. "I…. I…. I… was attacked...I…". she began sobbing. "Mm hmm,". Hoagie said. "I was attacked". She said, choking on her tears. "What were you attacked by, baby?". He asked, gently. Finally mustering up the courage to talk, she swallowed and told Hoagie. "I was an infant…". She tried to sound intelligent as she said this. "11 days old, and I was abandoned by someone, I can't remember who she was". "But I was left alone after not eating for 3 days, and I was attacked by a sheep". "It wasn't exactly sheep, as much as it was symbolism for the disgusting threats and horrendous people that are out there".
"I've tried taking Nigel's medication, only for it not to work properly, like all of the other medicines out there". "Now, I'm back to having these nightmares, and not knowing what to do". She said, swallowing, and holding back tears. "Alex". He said, softly. "You've been having nightmares for a while now". "It is no secret, that you have been troubled". "That's ok". He said gently. "Sometimes medication helps, and sometimes, it doesn't". "You just need to find the right one, for you". He said, soothingly. "You seem very upset, huh?". He offered a kind smile to her. "Yeah". She said, crying. "I could tell". Looking closely, one could see his lips were a different shade today. Light, glittery pink. Abigail's must've been wearing different lip gloss today. It was a light, baby pink. Very airy, and soft. "You've been hiding under your blankies", "you've been a little pensive", "you're not you". He said.
Alex looked up at him, with his gentle smile, and keen eye. "How did you know?". She asked. "Family often detects that...sort of thing". "You know darn well, my opinion of you". He said, airily. "I think you're a strong, amazing, intelligent, wonderful gal, who will change the world one day". He said. "I know" she said, muffled by the blankets. "You will". He smiled a gentle smile at her. "What do I do?". She asked, sniffling. "What we'll do, Abigail and I". Hoagie said, gently. "Is get you placed on a new medication". Alex looked up at him, laying under the sheet, almost paralyzed by feeling from before, and trying to pay attention to the dismal information that something of hers, was being changed. "Do you agree to that?". He said almost airily. "Can it be a vitamin?'. Alex asked. "Whatever you need it to be". "I hear that, and I will let you make the decisions". He said, gently. "Mainly because I wouldn't know what I'm doing". He chuckled. "Would you be open to that?". He asked. "Yeah". She said. "Splendid". Hoagie said, sighing. "Don't worry". "I'll inform your parents". He said calmly. "They will get me your pediatrician's number, and we'll contact her". He continued. "Ok". Alex said.
"Good". "I'll help you". He said rubbing her shoulder. "Ok". she nodded. Her face was red with tears. "Do you want some milk, or water, or?". Hoagie asked. She shook her head. "Mmmm, don't worry, sweet". He said, hugging her. "We'll be spectacular". "Don't you worry lil gal". He said, in a cowboy's accent. "Ol' high horse'll know what gits ya". "You'll be honkin in no time, flat". "I a'reckon". A smile came to his face. "Ye gal". He chuckled at the joke he was making. Alex even calmed down a bit. "This girl is tuckered out". Hoagie continued, smiling at a tired Alexandria. Now that she was no longer having nightmares, or crying, Alex felt exhausted. As embarrassed as she felt, she felt tired. She was already struggling to keep her eyes open, although she knew the impending result if she did.
The real question remained, as to...why? Why was she having them? Having them during the day now? Was it an embedded symptom of fear?'. Why? Just why? "Alex". Hoagie said, gently. "You'll be fine". "Trust me". He said, soothingly. She nodded, trying to keep her eyes open. "Hoagie…..". Alex asked, in a soft, muffled voice. "Yes, toots?". He chuckled a bit. "Can I talk to you, um...outside if it's ok?". "Of course". He said in his deep, sonorous voice.
They both exited her room, going out onto the porch. "Hmmm". Hoagie said, wrinkling his nose. "That smells different". Alex turned her head at what the smell could've been. "Um…. I didn't know there was something there". She said. "Hmmm, me neither, that's weird". Hoagie said, opening the porch door. The smell they were commenting on had come from the laundry pile, by the musty wood paneling. The bad, smelly laundry. Wally's clothes still smell of puke from the night before.
"Mmmk, babe". Hoagie closed the door, opting for privacy, as the two sat down. "So…". he folded his hands. "What would you like to talk to me about?". "Ok, well, I… I've been having nightmares during the day, and I can't sleep". She said, now with a tinge of maturity. "I don't understand what's going on". "I've had nightmares and anxiety for sleeping ever since I was little". She said. "I've never had them at this rapid increase and disturbing level before". She said. "I believe that ever since I started "Circa Monom", that they have gotten worse", "and they won't be getting better soon". "I don't know if medication will help, and I think that now, I need to talk to someone". She said. "I feel like that would be better, as when I talk about my past problems, and who I really am, I can kind of go in, and work through my problem". She said. "Mmmm". Hoagie said.
"You know Alex,". He took her hands in his. "You can always talk to us". He spoke in a soft, gentle, soothing voice. "Whenever you need to". "I know". Alex said. "But… what do you think about me...not doing Circa Monom anymore?". She asked. "Sweetheart". Hoagie began. "I understand this has been hard for you, ever since you were born". He looked directly at her, speaking to her. "I get that this will bring about some troubles". Alex nodded, with a tear coming down her face. "It's not your fault". He continued. "Some people have a hard time, starting out". He brushed her arm. "Pain, and some hardship, is a part of life". He said. "It doesn't matter whether you're a kid, or an adult". She nodded. "I went through the same exact thing when my old man, passed". With his tie he wore over his blue-buttoned down shirt, and his nodding, close proximities, he looked similar to a school principal talking to a student.
"I understand it". "I know". Alex said. "It just seems like I'm being selfish". "Why would you say that?'. Hoagie, inquired, softly. "Because I'm whining about something that happened almost 11 years ago". She said, irritated. "There are real people out there, with real problems, and I'm having nightmares all because of something". She started crying.
"That happened when I was too young to remember". A sob was let out, as her eyes became red. "You're not selfish". His soft, yet deep, soothing voice brought her back. "Yes I am". She noised, obviously going toward a fit. "Sweetheart". Hoagie began. "It happened, and you know what, we preserve his memory with a gravestone". He rubbed her shoulder. "We worked through it, we promised to tighten our ends as a family". He brushed her arm. "And we came out on top". He said, gently. "There's nothing to worry about". "Ok". Alex nodded.
"You know, I'm a silly billy". He chuckled. "But… I find I'm much more than that". He looked up at the heavens. "I'm Numbuh 2, after Nigel". "As the 2x4 technology officer, and detective, not to mention an aspiring pilot doing simulations, it's important for me to every once in a while," he took a deep breath. "Renew inner strength". "I'm a sagacious man of the 2000's...it certainly is necessary to keep the dream alive". Alex listened to this cannon fodder, looking around. "Um…. can I ask you a question?". "Sure". Hoagie said, straightening his tie.
"Do you guys look at me differently just because I was tortured when I was really young, and because I have a kicked IQ?". she asked. "Because I just feel like, and it's not you, its other Kids Next Door Operatives". She went on. "You all are hiding something". "You all are analyzing me, thinking of me as lower…". "I have little to no control here, simply because I am different". She said, her face now remained a pale white. Although her eyes were red, foreseeing yet another crying storm.
"Alexandria". Hoagie said, softly. "We have never looked down on you, babe". His voice became soothing, and of a happy demeanor. "You are extremely intelligent, if anything we're wondering if you look down on us". He chuckled. "We are aware you have experienced much trauma due to the rough nature of your first year". "We are looking for methods to improve your well-being". He said, gently. "But we have never looked down on you". He said, sympathetically. "I admire you". He smiled gently. "Thank you". Alex said. Practicing the humility Abigail taught her.
Smiling a knowing smile, Hoagie nodded at her. "Of course, Alex". His shoes clicked a little as he backed his foot up, getting the wood below. I guess everyday was a special occasion for him. "There was this one time… Nigel…. Um… I guess got nervous around me,...". She started to say. "Because he was afraid he might say something wrong". She finished.
"I believe it". Hoagie said. "He does get nervous here and again". "Wally, now I've seen Wally get a little jittery around you too". Hoagie said, opening a KND magazine. "Yeah, there was this one time he came in my room, and he said that… he loved me, only as a friend". "But he paused by the "love", and friend part". Alex said.
"Oh boy". "I think you have a secret admirer". Hoagie said, raising his eyebrows. "Yeah". Alex said. "Wally loves Alex", "wally loves Alex". He chuckled. "Oh boy, mate, throw some shrimp on the barby, i'm Australian mate!". He imitated Wally's accent. Alex nodded at Hoagie, and his impressions. They were funny.
"Kanga me, or Kanga-roo?". He joked again. This time, Alex couldn't help but comment, suppressing a chuckle. "No". she said. "We need to work on your overall basis of humor". She laughed. She was relieved. Finally, she had returned. All thanks to a lovely, "examining of friendship", really just a friendly chat, with none other than the one person she trusted in Sector V, Hoagie. A transmitter went off in Hoagie's pocket, signaling his duties. "Oh, oh, excuse me". He said, chuckling. "Ugh! Work, huh?". He then shifted in his chair.
"Copy that, Numbuh 1". He then put the transmitter back in his pocket. "AND HAULIN THROUGH THE WOOD AT A FRIGHTENIN' SPEED". His cell phone rang loudly in his pocket. "Isn't that from "Yipper"?". Alex asked, sitting criss cross applesauce. "It sure is". Hoagie smiled. "That is the theme song". "Oh, that's nice". Alex said, sniffling. "I…. I um only saw 2 episodes, and those were the ones my cousins showed me". Her once red face looked pale now, and her eyes were almost smaller, and crustier from crying. Her face also felt cold. "I like Rainbow Monkeys". She said. "Are you ok, kiddo?". Hoagie asked, bending down to look at her. "I'm fine". She said. "Hmmmm, I talked to Abigail, we'll make you an appointment for the pediatrician". He said, softly. "Are you ok with that?". Alex nodded.
"Good, good". "Let me just talk to Nigel real quick….". He looked at his phone, observantly. "Ok, then we'll head over to your doctor's". Pressing a button on his flip phone, he called Nigel back, clicking with his special shoes back into the treehouse. Alex sighed deeply. She liked going to her local pediatrician's, although she didn't want to, today. Her face hurt from crying, and from exhaustion aligned with lack of sleep. "I want to go home". She said, softly. Her "Dean's", breakfast milk sat on the table out there. "Roaaaaaaarrrrrrr!". A low, deep growl was heard, somewhere out on the porch, hearing this, Alex shot herself awake. Breathing heavily, she looked around, quickly. "No, no, no, this can't be happening". She said, nervously. "Mm, what can't be happening?".
Turning around quickly, she saw Abigail standing over her. "Um… um….". She said, nervously. "Nothing". "Nothing, huh?". She walked toward her. "It looked to me like you were afraid". Alex tuned in to the soft voice that was speaking to her. "I.. I… I wasn't afraid of anything, I'm fine...really I'm fine". Alex said, nervously. "Can you please just…". "Mmmm, there's nothin' to be worried about, baby". Abigail ran her finger through Alex's hair. "I'm not here to judge you, I'm not here to make any comments". "I'm here to help you". "That's my gig". She said, softly, sitting down. Alex noticed her thick, red lips moving as she spoke. "Tell me what happened". Abigail spoke in a low, cool, calm, womanly voice.
"I… I…. I… I… I had this nightmare last night, again". She seemed to look around anxiously. "Calm yourself, Alex". Abigail said. A flat expression remained on her face. The red, thin, fine lines seemed to show in the glint of light on her glossed lips. "I… I had a nightmare where I was an infant, I guess, and…. I got attacked". She said. "I…. I don't understand". "I'm doing all the right things, I'm drinking my milk", "I don't…. I don't know why I'm having nightmares". She sobbed. Her small, crusty eyes, and pale face looked "I'll take you out, Xfinity". "Have you been taking your medicine?". Abigail asked. "Yes". Alex lied. "It doesn't work". "I keep having the same nightmares, and I don't know what to do". "Mm", Abigail's expression remained flat. "I don't think I want to take medicine anymore". Alex said. "Well, if it helps you, you probably should". "It doesn't". Tears welled up in her eyes. "I told you I'm fine". Alex started crying again. "I don't need medication, it only makes it worse".
"Alex". Abigail's low register voice sounded plain, with a twist of coolness to go along with it. "I don't want to take anything, or do anything that will violate my personal beliefs or jeopardize my safety". She started shaking in fear. "Alex". Abigail's voice soothed Alex in a way, that proved magical. She had stopped shaking. Looking up at Abigail, Alex's fearful tirade had stopped. "You calm, I take it?". Abigail stared down at her. "Yes, I am". Alex said. "Mmm, I can't talk witchu when you're like this". Abigail sat down across from her.
"Now, why don't you want to take your medicine?". "I… I think it's only making things worse". Alex said, sniffling. "I had a really bad nightmare, last night where I was attacked". "It doesn't matter what I do". She said, softly and shyly. "I keep having nightmares, and I keep experiencing pain". She legitimately looked as if she were about to cry. "Mm". Abigail listened empathetically. "It's only getting worse". Alex's eyes became red. "You startin to have them during the day?". Abigail asked in a low voice. Alex nodded. "Mm, well why don't you tell your parents about what's happenin' here?". "I… I don't want to". "Alex". Abby cut in. "You can't juss keep things like this from them". She became firm. "If you have a problem, you need to tell us". "We're here to help you". "You can't keep bein like this". Her voice became soothing, yet with a sprig of firm. "You don't look good". She rubbed Alex's hands. "You're losin sleep", "you're gettin worked up". Alex sat breathing heavily. "Let's get you to your doctor babes".
She stood up, getting the keys to the S.C.A.M.P.E.R. "But I don't want to go". Alex said, nervously. "It's good". Abigail bent down next to her shoulder, whispering. "I'll be right there, witchu". "Um...um". Alex stuttered nervously. "How about this," Abigail hummed softly. "We'll getchu some "Tuna Helper" on the way home". "You like that?". She was humming softly closely to Alex's ear. She was literally whispering sweet evils into her ear. "Oh um…. Ok". Alex finally nodded. "Cool". Abigail rubbed Alex's back in a comforting manner. "You ready to go?". Alex got up from her porch chair, sort of struggling as she did so. "Numbuh 2 just made the appointment". Nodding, Alex started going in the direction of the door. "Let's roll girl". Abigail walked, with Alex at her side back in the treehouse. Hoagie had just gotten off the phone.
"Mm k". He put his cell phone back in his pocket. "They're available to take us at 12 noon, or 3 pm". "Mmm, 12". Abigail put her arms around a tired, looking Alex. "K". "I penciled us in for 12". He looked down at his appointment finder. "Ok, are we ready to go? Do we need a special snack before we leave, or..". "No, I'm good". Alex looked down at the ground. "No". Abigail gestured subtly. Agent to agent. "Ok, let's roll", he said, holding up a ball. The girls just shook their heads. "One day, we're going to sit down and go over the elements of comedy". Alex said, sort of returning her old self. "Oh, I shouldn't be sent to the "pun-itentary"?". He smirked. "Stop". Abby huffed under her breath. Pulling the keys to the S.C.A.M.P.E.R. out of her pocket, they went to the garage. Sector V's garage was big, as all Sector's garages come, with a big, copious amount of battleships, vehicles, and a laser ray gun, they had stolen from the Delightful Children. Using a facial recognition eye, scanner, and vehicle location GPS system installed in a little security system, they were able to locate the S.C.A.M.P.E.R.
"affirmative" a female voice said, that was similar to the one Alex heard earlier from the computer. It was soft, slow, and nurturing, sort of like Kuki's voice, although not as high. The three of them entered the S.C.A.M.P.E.R. proceeding to turn it on. Pulling out of the treehouse, S.C.A.M.P.E.R glided at an amazing speed, as it whirred along the neighborhood streets the Treehouse was located on. Looking out the window, Alex could see rows, and rows, of suburban houses that, from the outside looked normal. Although, what happened in the backyards, was a different story.
With treehouses, and children, anything could happen, from secret agents, to tea parties, to even a multi-global operations system bent on giving kids from 5-13 the right to have cookies at dinner, or hold sleepovers on school nights. From this observation, Alex knew nothing was normal. Life, heck, wasn't even normal. Any new day could dole out a new, wacky adventure that would make each one, certainly interesting. Personally, Alex liked the interesting factor. It kept her busy, yes, when thinking about "The Primrose Conjecture" didn't, and it made for some memorable times. Her encounter with a strangely behaving Kuki that one night, Wally puking last night, lunch with Nigel, and of course, her chat with Abigail. These were the moments, these were the memories she wouldn't, try as she might, forget. She knew she couldn't get that from any old boring kids, who just did their homework in their treehouse. Sector V, well, the kids in Sector V were her friends. With their odd, strange, mysterious, yet hilarious, (at times) antics, they were doing the most important job to them, looking out for her.
With Hoagie maneuvering, and Abigail at the passenger side, they both talked amongst themselves up front, there. Hearing their conversation, Alex tried to partake, only for them not to hear her, or for one of them to say, "what?", in a soft, whispery voice, when she contributed something. When she did contribute something interesting, they sat for a minute, thinking it over, only to continue on with what they were saying. Not that she was the awkward third wheel, although, they were in love. Alex sat quietly, not concerned about their conversation the least bit, as they were talking about couple jargon, between them, she didn't care about. As the S.C.A.M.P.E.R whirred along, "Al" as Abby called her, looked out the window, feeling a little better. She knew, while she wasn't excited about the doctor's office, she had little doubts that anything bad would happen at this point. She knew the KND was there to help her, along with a little someone she herself had been acquainted with.
The Doctor's office was not exactly crowded. A few people sat in the waiting room, as the division sign between the sick, and well room hung above. Hoagie's shoes clicked as they walked in. "why don't you go sit down, and we'll getchu checked in". Abby said in a soft, whispery voice, smiling comfortingly. "But...but…". Alex looked up at her. "Juss go sit down". Abigail whispered, with a silky twinge in her voice. "Let's go sit in the "sick" waiting room". Hoagie suggested in a low, quiet voice. "Mmm, but she's not sick". Abigail turned to him, whispering. "Well, she has the whole…. You know", he gestured to her. "I guess". She whispered. "She's not coughin or sore or nothin". "Well, she's….". The two whispered amongst themselves, facing each other, while Alex tried to listen in.
Abigail finally looked at her, now with a plain, flat, expression on her face. One could close up of the pink, glossed nature of her lips as she remained quiet, staring at Alex. "hmmm". She hummed softly. Seeing this, Alex knew she was obviously concerned about her. Being one of the only ones who truly cared, Abigail was a bit worried for her. She knew Alex hadn't been sleeping well, was having nightmares, and was trying her best, only to suffer even more. It was only appropriate for her to feel a subtle connection with Alex. They were like sisters. Well, more of, mentor figure, mentee, but they still were close. If Alex wasn't doing well, Abigail could certainly feel it, a bit. "Mm, let's go sit over here". Abigail led Alex into the "well" waiting room. The waiting room was quiet, as Abigail sat next to her boyfriend. The quiet was not only… awkward…. In a nature, it was also frightening, as truth rang out from everywhere. Hoagie and Abigail whispered amongst themselves, as Alex sat uncomfortably.
What if they were whispering about her? What if they were doing something…. "romantic?" What of the silence? What would Alex do? And fear did sit in the thought that, in a few short moments, the door would open, revealing her to be called next. The silence killed her slowly, as tension within her did rise. Glancing down at her, "National Geographic" magazine, she tried to keep her mind off of what was about to come. The air was so thick, it felt like, one could cut it with a knife. Soon, the door swung open, as the PA called her name, in a monotone yet loud, voice. Sort of like a bus announcement.
"Alexandria Ross!". With that, the three of them rose, following el Physician back to the white, plain, yet bright room Alex was to be "talked to" in. "Actually", the Physician stopped Numbuhs 2 and 5 in their tracks. "We would like for Alexandria to come back". "Yes, I understand, however we're speaking on her behalf". Abigail stated. "Only the patient is permitted back in the office". The PA said, quickly. "Yes, but we're her…". Hoagie and Abigail exchanged glances before looking back at the PA. "...siblings". They said, simultaneously. "Yes, although only the patient is permitted back in the office". The PA said again. "But...we're with her". Hoagie said. "A parent or guardian over the age of 18, is permitted in the office". The PA repeated. "Are you over the age of 18?". They both exchanged glances yet again. "...yes". Hoagie nodded. "We are". "Proof of Identification please". The PA said, holding out her hand. The two twelve year old's, looked dumbfoundedly at each other...yet again.
The Kids Next Door often had each member aligned with each sector print a valid, Kids Next Door, Identification card, with membership seals aligned with each position the operatives had. Hoagie's read that he was the 2x4 technology officer, Kuki Sanban's read that she was the medical officer, as well as Diversionary Tactics Officer. However, these were the only forms of Identification they had on them. The PA was looking for legal ID administered by the state. Driver's licenses to be exact. Since the "Kids Next Door" had to remain a secret, they couldn't just show the PA their KND ID's.
"proof of Identification please". The PA said again. "Ok, so". Abigail's backhand flopped up against Hoagie's buttoned -down shirt, hitting his stomach. A soft, "ffrf" was heard, as she grabbed Hoagie's shirt. "...we'll just go sit in the waiting room, thank you". Abigail said. "Alright". The PA then lead Alex back to office #4 as the power couple went back to the waiting room. Feeling small, and empty, as she entered the big, white room, that had nothing but the scale, the height measurer, and the soft, table there, Alex sat up on the table waiting for Dr. Brickert to come in. She was always friendly, helpful, gentle, and knew her family very well. She had always been good with Alex having a high IQ, even if it was due to her dark, and stormy past. She wasn't afraid to put the brakes on her flaunting her IQ though. Like Abigail, she taught Alex the value of humility, and not letting some eccentricities get in the way of social skills, and building relationships.
Alex liked her a lot, and knew that, even in this rough and stormy time, Dr. Brickert would listen respectfully, understandingly, and help her in the best way possible. They would come up with a solution that would fit both of them. It would be good even if it required Alexandria to be on medication. Waiting, and waiting was a bother. It especially bothered Alex that Abigail and Hoagie weren't back there. At this particular point, she seemed as if she were the younger, needier, sister that couldn't do much without her two mentors, her two older, wiser, heroes, there with her. She felt small, insignificant, and weak. Like she had, the first few months of her life. This thought, and this comparison, this memory that had helped allude her logic, had bothered her. She knew, although, that it was silly to cry. Dr. Brickert would be there soon, and after hearing Alex's problems, would help her through it.
Waiting had proved dangerous as time kept ticking by. Still no sign of Dr. Brickert. Now, it was commonly customary for doctors to be late. Dr. Brickert had never been this late. Glancing around, nervously, Alex felt her anxiety, a familiar feeling, a menacing, bloodshot eyed, evil shark in the background, returning. "Where is she?". She said, worried, as if she were about to cry again. Suppressing her feeling, she knew she was better off dealing with this, later on. She could not have the familiar anger, anxiety, and hurt come up in public. The bloody, scabbed red, that was her soul, that had enveloped her heart, was better off not seen in a white, airy room. Breathing deeply, she had noticed, still no Dr. Brickert. 5 minutes had now passed, and Dr. Brickert was not there. Sighing a small sigh, she looked around once more. Her glassy eyes, which looked like little bubbles, when one looked at her from the side, wandered around the room, nervously, as she wondered, where her doctor could be. After what had felt like an eternity, the girl who had checked Alex's height and weight beforehand came in.
"Dr. Brickert is out today". She said, putting files in a desk drawer. Opening her mouth to say something, Alex glanced anxiously, only to be stopped by the doctor continuing to speak. "Not to worry, though". She said chipper. "Dr. Eddward will be right in shortly". She then grabbed her clipboard and pen, rushing out to take attendance of other patients.
Alex was then left to sit waiting, rather depressed. Dr. Brickert was out, Hoagie and Abigail were not permitted back there, and she had felt similar to a lost, frightened little girl who had nowhere else to turn. Not even that, a sickly, tortured, frightened person who now wanted to just run out, and keep running. That, or she could fall over, trip and start sobbing into the carpeted area in the waiting room. She had had enough at this point. Yes, she had thought the Kids Next Door were her friends, and yes, they had made some good memories, although when she factored the Nightmares that had prevented her from sleeping, in fact, sitting up and existing, and her own suspicions of the Kids Next Door, she no longer felt as "ok" as she did before. Her eyes began welling up, yet again as she began to cry. Through the water of her tears, she took notice of some doctors talking amongst themselves. Sniffling lightly, she did her best to calm herself, before someone, anyone she didn't know, could walk through the door. Closing her eyes, she had tried to forget the whole day. She tried her best to forget her nightmare, she tried convincing herself that Dr. Brickert would still be there, she had even tried thinking of something that would've made her happy. She tried thinking of her mom, her dad, even her boyfriend, and how wonderful he was.
She felt ashamed she hadn't made more of an effort with him. The door then opened, as someone in a white lab coat, wearing a black beanie appeared. Opening her eyes, she saw this particular doctor had long, skinny, bony arms, as bony hands sprouted from his arms. His pants looked to big, baggy, and purple. "Sludge" ing along in his orthopedic shoes, he had put down a file folder of information on the desk next to Alexandria. "Hey there, stranger". He said in a gentle, familiar voice. Looking up from her tired drudgery, Alex knew exactly who it was. Black, Beanie, skinny. A friendly, smile that revealed a wide gap in his front teeth. She had known that grin. She knew it was the same grin she got each time this person would talk with her. It was no other than...Edd?! Edd, as in Edward, more commonly referred to as, "Double D". Edd was her doctor? That couldn't be right. How was he...her doctor? Blinking, she looked again, up at the fill-in for Dr. Brickert. Waving a friendly wave, he took out his stethoscope, putting it around his neck, then putting on another pair of gloves. "Um…. um….". "Hello, Alexandria". He said, now appearing an inch away from her face, grinning widely, with the gap there she knew all too well. "Oh, hello". She said, quietly. "I suppose you've been faring well". He said, gently. "Um…. yeah". Alex said, hiding her head. She was still in a major state of disbelief, that Edd was her doctor.