Chapter 4

After a few weeks in the hospital Maggie had regained her strength and had slowly learned to trust the Howells. She really enjoyed the kindness she had received. She had always hoped that people would show her kindness and love, but never believed she was worthy of it. She was very anxious about leaving the hospital. She didn't know if she'd like living with rich people. She was also nervous for the trial of the abuse charges. Mrs. & Mr. Howell told her that they'd be there for her during it all.

Lovey was thrilled to bring Maggie home and officially begin the adoption process. Since the Murphy's weren't Maggie's legal guardians, there wasn't even a termination of parental rights. She hoped everything would be alright with the trial. The press had hailed her as a saint and she was actually tired of the attention. After all, she had done what any decent person would have done. The press also wanted the shocking details of Maggie's abuse and were calling it ,"one of the worst cases of child abuse New York City has ever seen."

Maggie was still a bit weak and took Lovey's arm as she left the hospital with a brand new Teddy Bear and was wearing a dark blue polka doted dress with a blue ribbon in her hair. When she and Lovey left the press bombarded Lovey with questions "Mrs. Howell…, Mrs. Howell…"

"I will not be talking to the press at this time! No pictures, please. The poor dear is terrified of you all!" Maggie was clinging to Lovey.

Maggie was amazed as she went into the limo. It was so beautiful.

"James don't you speed to get away from the press. I won't have you doing anything dangerous."

"Yes, Mrs. Howell."

"Mrs. Howell I'm tired. May I take a nap?"

"Yes,dear you can put your head on my lap."

Maggie did so and felt safe and secure. She slept for an hour.

"How was your nap dear?"

"Nice, Mrs. Howell."

"Oh good! We are in Connecticut now. We still have a ways to go. Would you like to listen to some music?"

"I like the music you used to bring to the hospital."

"Well I have some of it here and I have a portable record player. Would you like to listen to Opera?"

"Yes, please."

" Oh I have Carmen! I think you'll like this one. It's in French."

For the rest of the ride home Maggie and Lovey enjoyed the opera. By the time they arrived in Newport, it was time for cocktails. Maggie was amazed at the beauty of the mansion all 24,000 sq. ft. of it. It was the grandest thing she had ever seen.

"Welcome home Maggie,dear. I'm going to introduce you to the servants and Mr. Howell's secretary. Then I'll show you your room and then you can meet your teacher."

"My teacher I get to go to school? I get my own room?"

"You'll have your very own private teacher!"

Mrs. Howell ,thank you so much."

"You're welcome dear. I hope you enjoy living here. You'll have a big bed with pink sheets and some toys to play with.

"May I have a doll please?"

"Oh darling, you can have as many dolls as you want."

"Mrs. Howell I couldn't take more than one!"

"You've been really nice to me and Mr. Howell too, but it's wrong to be spoiled."

"For goodness sakes Maggie every child needs at least one toy!"

"I want one, but I don't want to be greedy. I should be grateful for what I have."

"You aren't greedy! You should be grateful for what you have now, but I hope those dreadful people didn't tell you that you should be greatful!"

"The Murphy's did."

"Come along let's get you settled and then you can meet your teacher."

When Maggie saw her room she couldn't believe it a bed and whole room, so large and all for her.

"Isn't it beautiful, dear?"

"Yes, Mrs. Howell."

A few minutes later Maggie met her teacher.

"Maggie, this is Ms. Williams. She will be your teacher. She just finished college."

"Hello, Maggie I just finished learning how to be a teacher."

"I never had a teacher before."

"That's all right. Don't worry; everything is going to be ok."

"Have a good first lesson, Maggie. I'll see you soon." Lovey was so glad she had found Betty to be Maggie's tutor and nanny. Betty knew of Maggie's past and seemed very kind and caring in her interview with Lovey. She had just the skills that were needed, Lovey thought. She hoped that Maggie would be happy here.