I lay there next to Dill completely frozen. We didn't know what to do or what to say in this situation. Sure, it didn't look good but we were totally innocent. I wasn't about to fight Cal over it though because she was going to think what she thought anyway. I waited for her to say something and I almost peed myself when words started coming out of her mouth.
"Both of you, get up now!" She hissed. We were both up and standing like soldiers in no time. I quickly glanced to see the clock on the wall read 5:02. Atticus would be here any second now.
"Dill, you go fetch the scissors from the kitchen and come back here with me and Scout."
He ran out of my room and down the hall. He couldn't have gotten out of there fast enough. I sighed a heavy breath. Cal never took her eyes off of me and her glare was burning my skin more than the sun ever could. It was record time before Dill did indeed report back with the scissors. Cal grabbed them and came a little closer to me. Me and Dill gulped at what she may do next. We both stood in silent horror as she snipped off my top three buttons.
"You will wear this dress to dinner," she ordered. "If you can show your breasts to Dill than you could certainly show them to the rest of us. You just be thankful that your Auntie wasn't here to see this."
She had turned around and walked out of the room as if nothing just happened. Tears of anger and embarrassment began to well up in my eyes. This is by far the worst thing Cal has ever done to me. How could she be so cruel? She was an old woman years ago who has only grown older and I wondered if maybe that's why she is the way she has become. I'm trying my best to practice what Atticus preaches and put myself in her skin. I just can't do it right now, I am too hurt.
"Scout, I'm home," Atticus called out for me. I looked at Dill and sighed again. I'm going to give Cal the satisfaction and let him see me like this.
"Hey, Atticus," I say as if my ego isn't dying a horrible death. I heard Dill walking behind me.
"What happened to your dress?"
"I like wearing it like this," I say. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Cal spying on me. I had to turn my attention back to Atticus to keep from losing it. His look of bewilderment did not help me.
"Dinner's ready Mr. Finch," Cal came out to say. "You can stay for dinner if you want to, Dill."
"Thank you, ma'am," Dill said with fake respect.
I walk ahead of both of them into the dining room. As hungry as I was I could not wait for this meal to be over. The ham was glazed with honey and pineapples and cloves. The potato salad was chunky and swimming in mayonnaise, mustard and spices. I couldn't have asked for a better dinner but I definitely could have asked for a better atmosphere. The table was mostly silent and I was almost afraid to speak.
"Are you okay, Scout?" Atticus finally asked. I just nodded my head as I stuffed more potato salad in my mouth.
"No, she isn't," Dill finally piped up. I could have flipped my lid.
"Well," Atticus said, rubbing my hair as I began to cry. "What's the matter, honey?"
Through my tears, I saw Dill walk over and whisper into Atticus' ear what had happened. My feeling of embarrassment felt a lot heavier and I buried my face in my hands. I still wondered how so much as an innocent cuddle could turn into this. I couldn't even face Atticus as I heard Dill stop whispering. I don't even want to know what Atticus must be thinking right now. I felt so dirty.
"Scout," Atticus finally said, playing with my hair again. "Why don't you go change? You don't have to wear that."
"It's my punishment though," I answer, my face not leaving my hands.
"I think you've learned from this expierience enough already. Go on and change if you want to and come back."
"You mean it?" I ask, finally looking at him.
"Yes," he said, smiling at me. I smile back at him and jump out of my chair to go to my room. Atticus grabbed my arm before I could, though. He had pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek. I walk over to Dill as soon as I'm let go and I give him a hug.
"Thank you," I say to Dill. He didn't respond with words but with a kiss. I looked back at Atticus who only gave me a smile. That was when I walked out of the dining room. I was happy to see my room until I saw Cal standing there.
"Atticus said I could change," I told her defiantly.
"I know. That's okay," she replied, calmly.
"It is?" I say, surprised.
"Yes. If you give me that dress, I will sew the buttons back on if you'd like."
"Well, okay."
"Good," she said, leaving my room. "You know, Scout, I only did this to teach you a lesson. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"But you did," I couldn't hide the fact I was still angry with her. At least she knew enough to walk away from me in that moment.