Deep unspeakable suffering may well be called a baptism, a regeneration, the initiation into a new state. ~ George Eliot

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©hapter Two

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That painful feeling of hopelessness that had set into Azzy the moment Elit left had not left her. In fact,it only got worse as the days went on. Everyone knew /exactly/ who she was. "That abomination" was among the towns people's favorite things to say to her. To have been not only a clone, but a demon clone made by the most hated person in a fifty mile radius had pretty much ruined her chances. She had no where to stay and no where to work. Her temporary home was an alleyway between a bakery and someone's house. It would have to make due.

The only thing that alleviated her feeling of hopelessness was the fact that she was safe. Having removed her collar only minuets after Elit left meant she was free from Imcee. No longer did she hold power over Azzy's head,looming that dreadful remote and the threat of labor. Azzy was now free to live her life as normally as a clone of a princess could manage it started in the bakery.

Wondering by one afternoon,the smell made her pause. It was so wonderful. Especially since she had grown up eating Imcee's dreadful cooking at least once every two weeks to be fully efficient. Now the smell of backing bread was too tempting. She decided to inconspicuously steal something,no more than what she needed. She'd pay them back later.

Azzy entered the store,casually taking a sweeping glance of the people inside. Mostly toads,and a somewhat familiar girl who was arguing with a cashier.

"This is the most pathetic excuse for a danish ever!I won't pay!"

"Than give it back!" The toad responded,angry.

"No!" The teen shouted back,stuffing the danish into her mouth whole. The toad looked on in horror as she ate the un-paid for pastry and turned swiftly around. Getting a good glimpse of her face,Azzy could see that it was one of Imcee's very few companions. She couldn't remember the name,but was sure it was ridiculous and started with an f...

It was imperative that she not see Azzy,lest be tuned back in. Azzy quickly ducked underneath the counter,shushing the surprised worker she nearly knocked over. Azzy watched from here as the fight escalated and the teen was all but drug off by two boys who's faces she did not see.

"Excuse me...If your looking for a job,you only have to ask..." The voice behind her was slow and measured. It had a certain patience to it,and was soothing. Azzy turned to face and elderly toad woman,who was still shorter than her even with Azzy sitting.

"Job?"Azzy raised an eyebrow" You'll actually hire me?"

The woman only nodded and turned,stepping slowly into a back room."Just come here,I'll get you the papers..."

After the initial formalities,the toad woman too to asking Azzy simple questions.

"Name?"

Azzy blinked. Would it be safe to tell the truth?"A-azzy.."

The woman's eyes crinkled as she smiled. Her shaky hands lifted up a pair of large glasses and but them on,her eyes suddenly magnified."You never answered the housing question."

Azzy looked at her hands."I can't really tell you...If I do,I may have to move." The toad woman did not question this,only moved continued for some time. Azzy evaded most questions,but the woman did not seem to mind. she just smiled finally it was over.

The woman retired to her bakery. Azzy retired to her she was still hungry.

The cold was waning,turning what little snow was still on the ground to cold muddy slush. Immature children were often seen covered in it,chasing each other in the warming weather. Azzy watched from a roof top during her break,smiling despite her cynical thoughts. These people were happy. she could be happy...

The bakery job,as it turned out,was enjoyable. Customers were few and far between,so Azzy had allot of time to herself. Sometimes she talked with the toad woman who owned it. Her name was Rosie,which was a family name. Her husband had recently died,and she had several grandchildren al from her only daughter and step son. Azzy liked Rosie. she was kind and gentle. She always sent Azzy off with the leftovers from the bakery,handing them over with a knowing smile. Azzy had a feeling Rosie knew that she had no where to stay. she didn't really like the thought of being pitied,but it didn't seem that Rosie was doing it out of pity. Just kindness.

She watched a girl streak by underneath,shouting something to two boys. Her interest perked,noting it was the same three people from the bakery about two weeks ago. The brunette was shouting jovially,waving her arms and laughing. The boys drug behind,grumbling.

Suddenly,a familiar feeling washed over her. These boys..she knew them. but to be sure... she grabbed a pebble off of the roof,chucking it down at the one in red. He looked up,squinting,but didn't seem to see her.

"Chase..."she muttered to that meant...The other HAD to be him...

She made no move to contact either of the boys,and time continued on. A couple of more weeks passed,and it began to bother her. She'd see them together,or separate,walking down the street. Only yards away,but she couldn't talk to them. Not yet anyway. And really,she only wanted to talk to Ayden. Just once. Se was sure that by now,he had to be aware of the fact she had just disappeared. not that she suspected him to care,anyway They'd never really been on good terms...

"Azzy.."

Azzy had been sleeping,finally,in her alley. It was a bit damp,and she suspected that finally all this exposure to wet cold was giving her a cold. she sat up and didn't turn at first,her body falling to instinct.

"Azzy." It repeated,and she recognized it as the motherly Rosie.

she turned ad face the woman"Hi...Uhm.."

Rosie did not let her finish,just smiled and beckoned for her to follow"I'll get you into the warm,okay? You can stay with me.."

Azzy was not givin a chance to retaliate. She stood and followed,looking at her feet the whole time. It was foreign to be invited so simply into someone's house. Being trusted like this made her feel much better. But it was only because Rosie didn't know what to expect...

Once inside the small house,Azzy sat when offered. Rosie bustled around,making tea for them both and insisting it would help Azzy's oncoming cold.

"why do you trust me like this?" Azzy asked. Rosie was adding sugar to her tea. Azzy's was untouched.

She didn't answer right away,only stirred her tea and sipped."Don't be so silly..." Rosie smiled,and pushed her tea away some.

"How do you know I'm not dangerous? I'm-"

Rosie held up a hand,a pained expression on her face."I know what you are. I also can tell you don't like it...What ever is happening to you,what ever else you may be,it isn't good."

"then why would yo-"

"Because you recognize this...you want things to be different...You're good,Azzy. Your a good person." Azzy said nothing,only looked at her cup,"Please,dear...Drink your tea."