Chapter 5
Babysitting
A couple of things you should know before I jump into the action.
After dinner Damon grounded me for trying to stab Christopher. "Forks are made for eating, not killing," he had said. I don't see why they couldn't be used for both, but whatever.
I spent the night in a completely black room, which kind of scared me. Turns out this "Alexandra" person has a thing for dark colors.
Oh and one other thing… when I woke up this morning the boys were all gone!
Okay, I know these guys don't exactly play the evil kidnapper role correctly, but COME ON they seriously
Just left!
At least they made me breakfast. The cherry blossom pink kitchen seemed brighter than last night as I sat down at my placemat and began to eat the blueberry waffles that sat in a stack in front of my face.
I still can't decide on whether to stay or go. I suppose any mentally stable person would get the heck out of there, but I've been seriously questioning my sanity the past 24 hours.
After finishing my last waffle, I noticed a small stack of crumpled papers at the bottom of my plate. I picked the first one up.
"Who leaves a note at the bottom of a waffle pile?" I wondered out loud.
Dear Miss Terra,
I apologize for leaving on such short notice, but we were running low on food, and I simply had to fetch more. Those waffles were all we had for all of us this morning (oops, was I supposed to save some?). I hope you won't be too upset. I'll return home soon.
Sincerely,
Jem
Well that was certainly in character for Jem, and it explains where he's gone. I picked up the next note and it read:
Dear Captive,
Sorry for leavin' ya while you were sleepin, but I am taking my pineapple for a walk. Dustin came along with me. Don't do anything bad to the house-without me. Oh, and if you need to find Jem he's out in a town about 2 miles west from here.
Signed,
Your Overlord, but if you don't know who that is it's me Christopher.
On the back of Christopher's note there was something scribbled very quickly, and it took me a moment to decipher it.
Scarlet,
Help! Get me away from this loon and his pineapple!
From,
A very Desperate and Despair Dustin
You know someone's in trouble when they use alliteration. But he's all the way in the woods, outside, in the hot sun, so I don't think I can rescue him.
The last note was simple:
Gone out. Don't try to escape, or I'll kill you.
Damon
That note just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
I pursed my lips. Damon didn't want me to go out. He just thinks he can order me around all he likes, but I can leave, and he won't kill me, I think.
Finally I decided to go out. I was leaving. Maybe not for good, but I needed a new dress, Jem said so himself. So, I would go to the nearest town and look for one. I wouldn't buy; just do a little window shopping.
I fixed myself in a high ponytail and headed off west.
About two miles later…
"Uhhh!" I groaned leaning myself against a tree. Walking two miles in a large black dress that won't let you breathe is exhausting.
"Hey lady! Are you alright?" A high voice chirped ahead of me. I looked up to see a small girl ahead of me. She looked like a medieval child in her attire of a long, frilly, green dress that matched the woodland around her. She wore a delicate emerald bonnet that covered her hair.
"I'm fine, thank you," I answered standing up straight, so I wouldn't look as stupid as I felt.
The girl looked at me inquiringly, "You're weird."
I was a bit taken aback by her snide remark. I put my hands on my hips, "Listen kid, I need to get into town. You got any idea where that is?" I lifted an eyebrow waiting for her to respond.
"I'm not a kid!" She protested, "And I didn't mean that to be rude. I was just sayin' I could tell you weren't from around here is all."
"Sure, whatever," I rolled my eyes, "How do I get to town?"
"That a'way," she pointed with a small forefinger, "I can walk ya there if ya want."
Without responding I walked in the direction she pointed. The little girl trotted along beside me, staring as though I were the 8th wonder of the world.
"Take a picture," I mumbled, "It'll last longer."
"Take a wha-?" She asked in a puzzled tone.
I sighed. I guess they don't have cameras yet, that explains the old clothes.
"Oh, I'm Pip, by the way!" She smiled a huge little kid smile that could melt the heart of anyone, even Damon.
"I'm Scarlet."
"That's a pretty name. Anyway people call me Pip 'cause my real name is Pippin. I live far away from here with Mommy and Daddy, oh and my older brother too. What do you need from town? Where do you live? If you could be any animal what would you be? Why is the grass green? Do you ever look at the clouds? I want a puppy, but Mommy says I can't have one until I'm older. Do you think that's good parenting, Scarlet?"
"Jeez Pip," I said, "Breathe before you explode."
"Sorry."
We walked in silence. It was getting warmer outside so Pip took off her bonnet letting her white curls frame her childish face. Her big brown eyes sparkled with excitement when she looked at me.
"You're alright, Scarlet. I think we can be friends."
My eyes widened. I hadn't expected her to say that, but for the first time since I got here, I wasn't afraid. I smiled back at Pip, "I'd like that."