To all my readers. Thank you greatly for your patience! My computer was in the shop being fixed, and I had a great deal of emotional crap to deal with this week. Now that it's been done with and my computer is fixed and my bathroom is clean and my taxes are paid, life and story posting can get back to a semi normal schedule. Thank you all for sticking with me! I greatly hope you enjoy the story still. Reviews, questions, comments, concerned. Feel free to post or PM me. I will post chapter 6 on Sunday as regularly scheduled.
And as always, MEGA thanks to NayaFan, UnholyUnderBoob, & Beaner008 for all their inspirations and support. Be well my friends!
Finally Marley was to be released from the hospital and Santana, Kurt, and Rachel all showed up to help with the process. Marley was a basket case from the moment they arrived. She hadn't slept very well, even though Santana had stayed with her for hours. She sang her two lullabies, read her three stories, and made sure she was "fed, watered, and cleaned up" before she fell to sleep. It hadn't mattered though. This was going to be a new chapter in Marley's life and even though the people were ones she knew, the environment wasn't.
She laid in bed, and when her "committee" arrived to help her home, she just about lost her mind. They were too nice, too concerned, too gentle and it scared her. Rachel and Kurt pushed Santana forward. "You talk to her, we'll pack," Rachel said. They didn't have a lot to pack, but Marley did have a few things that needed to go with them. Joe had left her some things from therapy to take with her and Rachel made sure to get copies of all the notes that had been made by the nursing staff. Santana was probably over prepared at this point, but she figured better safe than sorry.
"Okay Marley, look at me," Santana said and she waited very patiently for Marley to focus in on her. Marley's breathing was ragged and Santana saw her going into a panic attack. "Breathe sweetheart, just with me," she said taking her hands and holding them tightly. "Look at Mommy and just breathe baby girl, you're okay. Nothing bad is going to happen and nothing it going to happen at all until you tell us you're ready. I'm not even going to pretend I know how scared you might be," she told her.
"Santana, we're ready when you are," Kurt said kindly.
"Cab?" she asked.
"Waiting on us," he said and Marley looked to him immediately with wide eyes.
"Cab's waiting Terri, let's go!" a male voice called and Marley felt herself being moved into someone's arms, being carried away and she started to cry. The man holding her gave her five hard blows to her bottom and she set to screaming.
"Ugh, the racket! Here give her this, it locks behind," Terri said and she handed him a pacifier with a string on it. The string had a clip on the back, that once fastened into place, would lock it into place. He pushed it into place and while the screaming stopped, the crying didn't. The sour taste from the vinegar got to her and she started to gag slightly.
"Let's go, we'll be at the cabin in a few hours," he said and Marley heard Terri giggle that excited little girl giggle, that she herself once used to have.
"I can't wait to start our new life. Just Mommy, Daddy, and Baby," Terri cooed. "Won't that be great sweet cheeks?" Terri asked pinching Marley's cheeks so hard that fresh tears came to her eyes. "We're going to be a happy family and you can yell and scream all you want, because no one will hear you and no one will care," Terri said in a terribly sickening voice.
"Why is she staring at me?" Kurt asked kindly, keeping his eyes on Marley. Something was very wrong and they both knew it. Santana shrugged and moved in closer, singing softly to Marley. She was doing everything she could to try and pull Marley out of her memories, but it wasn't working, so Kurt gave it a try. "Marley, do you see me?" Kurt asked her. She gave a little gulp and looked at him, nodding slowly, her eyes seeming to get wider. "Do you know my name?" he asked her. He had learned. Santana had drilled it into them. Marley was never forced. Marley had to be talked to. It had to be clear that Marley was with them and not living off in her head somewhere. Marley didn't answer and Kurt let out a small sigh and took a few steps closer. "It's just me Marley, it's just Papa, do you know that?" he asked her as he got closer and she let out a little yelp, making him freeze in his spot. "Okay, I'll stop. Papa will stay right here, until you tell me you're ready," he said and Santana nodded her approval. "I'm right here Marley. It's just you, me, Papa Kurt, and Mommy, Mommy Santana. I will stay right here until you know that it's Marley, Papa, and Mommy," he told her.
Marley let the seconds pass by and then she turned to Santana. "Mommy," she whimpered and Santana watched in slight fear as Marley fell into her, sobbing hysterically. Santana gathered her close and rocked her gently.
"Shhh, Mommy's here, you're alright my love," she cooed softly and she swayed carefully from side to side before gently lifting Marley into her arms, sitting her on her lap, and guiding her head to her shoulder. "Shhh, Mommy's here," Santana said gently while petting Marley's hair, in long soothing strokes.
Kurt stood frozen to his spot. Marley couldn't see him, but he didn't want to risk anything to cause her more upset. "Okay, what did I say, so I don't say it again?" Kurt asked.
"I don't know, we'll figure it out. Can you give us a few minutes? Help Rachel keep the cab here," she said and Kurt nodded, leaving the room, and ignoring the direct order. This time it didn't bother him, Marley was more important to him, than Santana forgetting her role as friend over Mistress.
Santana waited and finally Marley calmed down. "Marley baby, it's just Mommy, and we're going to the house that I told you about. Mommy, Mama Rae, and Papa all live in the same house. Should we look at pictures and videos again? Will that help you a little more?" she offered, feeling Marley tremble against her.
Marley gulped a few times and Santana reached for some water. "Just water baby, take small sips for me," Santana said helping her. Five minutes later Marley was a little calmer, and Santana spoke kindly. "You've been released love, but we only leave when you're ready. If that takes all day, then that's fine with me. You won't be rushed. We're taking a cab to the house, because we don't want to overwhelm you with all the people on the subway," she told her and Marley nodded, holding tighter to Santana. "I have to wheel you out of here in a wheel chair and as soon as you tell me it's okay, I will press the call button and a nurse will bring us one. Then you, Mommy, Mama Rae, and Papa will all go back to the house together," Santana explained. With heavy tears and a terrified look on her face, Marley reached for the call button herself. She would never be ready, she was always going to be scared, but she couldn't keep these people waiting all day.
The cab ride had been very tense. Keeping Marley calm was proving to be very difficult, until finally Santana could take no more. "Just like in the hospital baby, come here," she said and she pulled her onto her lap so they were chest to chest. Marley knew this, it was a familiar position, so she went to put her head on Santana's shoulder but was stopped. "Other side baby, I want you to see Mama Rae if you need to," she whispered to her. Marley had no objections. Santana rubbed her back and Rachel leaned in close, putting her forehead to Marley's
"Mommy has you baby. You're very safe with us, and I bet you are probably very scared, which is fine with us. You take your time with whatever you need to. Mommy taught you how to communicate and what we don't know right away we'll figure it out. You're an amazing girl Marley," Rachel told her gently.
Marley blinked a few times and then closed her eyes and Santana felt her grow heavy. She peaked around at Rachel and smiled. "Thank you," Santana told her.
It had taken thirty minutes to go from the ground floor to the apartment. Marley was in tears and whimpering in true pain as she entered the apartment, also covered in a fine sheen of sweat. "I know princess, I am so sorry," Santana soothed and she carefully guided her with Rachel's help to the apartment. Marley sort of slunk to the floor and Santana helped her, letting her sit so she could catch her breath. She hadn't worked that hard in therapy.
Kurt took a shopping bag full of items into Santana's room and set them up carefully. Supplies to help change Marley when she needed it, as well as the teddy bear Santana had bought her, all those weeks before, and the few items Joe had given her as well. The wooden blocks, he put in a small box and carried it back into the main room. Those blocks were Marley's communication system when she couldn't say the words she wanted to. Right now though, the poor girl was exhausted and in need of a bath.
"Marley baby?" Santana said kneeling down in front of her. "What do you say to a bath and some food?" she asked her. Marley didn't answer, she just whimpered and tried to breathe through what felt like an on coming muscle cramp. "Shall we try sweetheart? Mama Rae can help us. We'll go into the bathroom, have a nice warm bath, and then get you a banana. It's a good source for potassium and we know that helps your muscles recover faster right?" she asked and Marley nodded, but fresh tears spilled down her face. She was just so tired and this was going to be a never ending fight.
The two of them struggled slightly to get her into the bath, but once it was all said and done, Marley and Santana were left alone in the bathroom and Marley seemed to be enjoying the water. Santana had left her in her bra, to spare her some modesty. She'd changed her diapers, but that was a necessity. If she could have found a way to change her without Marley being so exposed, then she would have done it. She figured the least she could do now was let Marley keep her chest covered. "Marley my love, I am so proud of you. You climbed three flights of stairs and made it into the house. That's a major accomplishment. So not only am I proud of you, but you should be proud of you too," Santana said.
Marley looked up at Santana and smiled. "Mommy?" she asked.
"Yes baby?" Marley put her hand in the water, pulled up a palm full of it and then let it pour out of her hands. "Are you making waterfalls?" Santana smiled. Marley liked the smile on Santana's face. It was one of happiness and love. It was safe. Marley returned the smile and then repeated the motion, trying to say the word. "Ah-fah," she said slowly and Santana smiled again. "You can make as many waterfalls as you like baby girl, as long as you keep the water in the tub okay?" she asked and Marley nodded. She put her hand back in the water and then tried to lift it to the top of her head, but all the water was gone before she could get it there. Whatever part of her was in the water felt cleaner, but her chest, face, and hair, still felt disgusting to her.
"Look up there love," Santana smiled once she realized what Marley had wanted. Marley looked up and saw the shower head. "Do you know what that is?" she asked and Marley nodded, immediately looking afraid. "None of that baby. This is a safe house, remember? We talk about everything before we go through with it," Santana said and she waited for Marley to look at her again. "So I was thinking, maybe we pull that down and get it nice and warm and rinse you off that way. Papa has a friend who helped us install a special tank. We don't run out of hot water too often," she smiled. The friend was Burt, but she though that talking about more people would just push Marley over the edge, and right now, her goal was to keep her calm.
Marley thought for many long moments, and finally looked at Santana. "Mommy," she said softly and then looked up at the shower head. Santana smiled pulled it down and put it in Marley's hand.
"I want you to hold it, so you know what it is," Santana said and Marley did as asked.
"Now, I have to tell you that it's going to be cold at first, but you're going to hold it over the drain and then once it's warm, we'll use it to wash you," Santana said.
"Me?" Marley asked.
"Did you want to wash Mommy instead?" Santana asked her kindly and Marley smiled and shook her head no. "Oh my goodness, I think I saw a smile," Santana teased and then gave Marley a kiss to her forehead. "I hope I get to see more of those," she said.
"Me?" Marley asked again.
"I'm trying love, give me a minute. Try something else to help me, help you," she said. Marley thought for a moment and then made the waterfall with her hand. "Yes, we have to make a big waterfall for Marley so she can get clean," Santana said kindly. Marley took the shower head in her hand and moved it away from Santana, almost hugging it. "Do you want to wash yourself?" Santana asked and Marley shrugged. "Do you want Mommy to wash you?" she asked and Marley shrugged again. She honestly didn't know. "Alright, let's try something else," Santana said. "We can do it together. When you are ready, you pull the plug. We'll let this water drain out and together, we will wash your body. I'll help with what you struggle with. If you want me to do it for you, you give me the soap, but I'm more than willing to let you do what you can on your own," Santana explained.
Marley thought for a moment and then pushed the shower head to Santana. Climbing the stairs had been a lot and she was starting to get tired and ache. "I want you to be very sure Marley. Mommy will take care of you, I always will, but you have to be the one to make that choice. Too many people took things away from you, when you weren't ready for it, and I won't do that to you," she said.
"Mommy," Marley said nodding and giving Santana the shower head. She reached down to her chest, undid the clip, removed her bra and leaned forward. Santana smiled and felt happy tears sting her eyes. That was huge for Marley. To show so much trust in Santana so quickly, was a gigantic step for her.
"I am very proud of you my sweet girl," Santana said and she set to washing Marley off.
After the bath was over, Santana called for Rachel to come in and help with pajamas. Basic sweats and tank tops made up pretty much most of Marley's wardrobe. They got Marley dressed, dried her hair and then carefully helped her back into the other room. "Okay princess, you sit here with Mommy today and I will be back later tonight. I have a tech rehearsal to get to," she told her and Marley gave a tearful nod. Rachel gave her a kiss and went to the front door. "I'm on dinner tonight, soup and grilled cheese good for everyone?" she called out.
"I'm on dinner Rach, I'll take care of it!" Kurt yelled to her from the bedroom and Marley just sat with Santana not caring what was going on around her. She was too tired. Kurt returned with Marley's teddy bear and handed it to her and she curled up into Santana and tried to go to sleep. She was exhausted. None of the positions she tired had felt comfortable though and she started to wiggle and squirm trying to get comfy, only making herself angry and frustrated in the process.
"What's wrong?" Santana asked. Anyone could see how tired she was. "My baby girl, I'm so proud of you, let's stretch out though okay?" she asked and Marley whined. "Come on sweetheart, just stretch out, help your muscles relax, and after you take a little rest with me, we'll have a banana together okay?" she asked. Marley whined and fussed and Santana held up her hands in defeat and let Marley be. "Alright then, you get yourself comfortable, and let me know when you're ready," she said. Marley continued to whine and wiggle in frustration. She knew what she wanted, she just couldn't communicate it.
Kurt didn't like the whining, he just wanted to be able to help her. He walked over behind the couch, selected two DVDs and then moved in front of Marley. "Hey sweetheart, look. Papa has two movies, would you like to watch one?" he offered her and she looked at him with tears in her eyes. "You don't have to watch any if you don't want to baby," he told her kindly.
"I think that's a good idea. I would love to watch a movie with my baby," Santana said kindly and Marley gave her a curious look before going back to the DVD's. She needed something to focus on, she knew that. Her focus right now was too much on how brand new and different everything was, as well as how she couldn't communicate properly and it was giving her too much anxiety.
Eventually, she curled up on her side and put her head in Santana's lap. Santana combed her fingers through Marley's hair as the opening credits rolled across the screen. Marley stayed stone still, getting used to the fact that it was Santana with her and not Terri. She was doing great, until her tummy rumbled and her leg started to shake. Santana pulled Marley into her lap, held her tight and stood up. "I gotcha baby," she said when Marley started to cry. "I know, I know it's scary, but Mommy won't let go, I promise, try to put your feet straight down," she encouraged. The best way to get the muscle cramps out were to get Marley to stand, but since she could barely support her own weight, Santana had to hold her.
Kurt moved quickly over to them and Marley cried harder. Her stomach had rumbled and her body released whatever it was holding on to. "Shhh," Kurt said gently giving her kisses. "As soon as it's over, we'll get you all cleaned up sweetheart," he promised as he worked her right leg to a more straightened position and Santana kept a tight grip.
"Mommy," she whimpered.
"I'm right here baby," she assured her.
"Ow," she cried.
"I know sweetheart, I know, Mommy's here, you're safe with me. I won't let go baby girl. I'm right here," Santana said gently.
The shaking finally stopped and Kurt looked up at Santana. "Done," he told her and Santana nodded. "Come on Marley, should Mommy and Papa get you to the bathroom?" he asked her.
"Ow," she said sadly.
"I know sweetheart, I'm so sorry," Kurt said kindly.
He and Santana guided her to the bathroom and then Santana moved to her side. "Listen Baby, I know you need to be changed, but Mama Rae left and because you are still gaining strength, Papa has to help me," she told her. Marley shook her head no and began crying even harder. "I know baby, I know, I'm sorry, but it's Papa, it's not that mean man. You know Papa, look at him sweetheart. Look right at him and when you're ready you tell me." Santana held her up and Marley leaned against her, crying, she would never be ready for this. It was too stressful. She closed her eyes and just cried.
"I don't want her to stay in that too much longer," Kurt said kindly.
Santana gave a sad smile. She appreciated how much Kurt and Rachel tried. They didn't know much about her Mistress life and what it was to be in control of someone, but she knew that they were making a great effort when it came to Marley and they kept a very open mind about things. "I know but I don't want her to be pushed too fast."
"Marley, look at Papa honey," Kurt said after quickly rolling his eyes. Santana made sense, but having Marley stay in a dirty diaper for more than ten seconds was just too much for him. She didn't deserve that. "Look baby, look at me. Papa Kurt would never, ever, hurt his little Marley. She is too special and too precious to ever be hurt by someone who loves her," he told her. She hiccuped and gulped, struggling for air. He pet her face gently and breathed with her, trying to get her to fall into a rhythm, much like he'd seen Santana do for her. "Listen baby, Mommy and Papa are going to just pull down your pants and I'm going to hold you while Mommy undoes your diaper, that's all baby, I won't look, I won't do anything but hold my sweet baby girl, because she is too precious to hurt," he said.
"Mommy," Marley whimpered.
"Yes baby, I'm here and I think what Papa is suggesting is a very good idea," she told her. "As soon as we get your messy clothes off, you can sit down and Mommy will clean you up and then we can go cuddle on the couch and eat," Santana said gently, giving Marley sweet kisses to her temple.
Marley was terrified, it was all too much embarrassment in a new place, and lots of work to get herself to a new level of healed. It was too daunting of a task for her. "Shhh, easy baby girl, small steps remember?" Santana asked gently. "Come on, just lean on Mommy, I've got you sweetheart," she assured her. Marley put all her weight, which wasn't much, into Santana and Kurt lowered her sweat pants. "Alright sweetheart, that's all done, lean into Papa, Mommy will do the rest of the work. As soon as you're seated, Papa will leave and Mommy will get you all cleaned up, okay?" Santana cooed gently.
Santana undid the diaper and the smell was very powerful. Santana used every ounce of will power she had not to say anything about it. Kurt was doing his best as well, but Marley screamed in pain and embarrassment as more flowed out of her. "Oh," Santana said quickly. She moved fast, they had Marley sit gently on the toilet and Santana looked at Kurt. "Teddy Bear is in the bag in my room and figure out something for her that's got all that BRAT stuff in it," she said.
He didn't even care that she'd ordered him, instead of asked him. He left the room and returned quickly with Teddy Bear, a small note book that he'd taken notes in for recipe ideas for Marley that he got from the nutritionist on staff, and a small stool for Santana to sit on. "Thought you might need this too," he told her and left to cook for Marley.
Santana sat herself on the stool in front of Marley and coached her breathing while her bowels emptied themselves into the toilet bowl and Marley continued to scream and cry. "Shhh, just breathe my lovely, you can do it, keep breathing," she said and Marley's face contorted in pain. "You're okay love, you are, just breathe, it's almost over," she assured her and then looked down at her watch. "Look sweetheart. See? It's nearly time for Mama Rae to come home, and then you and Mommy, and Mama, and Papa, and even Teddy Bear if you like, can all eat dinner together. First we have to get you cleaned up and I think a bath will help. Can we try?" she asked.
"Mommy," she whimpered.
"I'm right here, baby, try, it's okay," Santana encouraged.
"Bah," she said.
"Yes sweetheart, bath," Santana smiled.
"Ow," she said.
"Yes baby, I'm not going to lie. It might hurt, but only for a little bit, and then it will feel good, and Mommy will never put you straight into a bath, without making you clean first. That's not safe," Santana said and Marley whimpered again. Santana could see her trying to formulate more words, so she waited for a bit and then looked at her. "You can tell me whatever you want sweetheart. Whatever you say, I will try to understand and if I don't, I will have Papa get your blocks, okay?" she asked her and Marley nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Santana reached up and gently wiped them away with her thumbs. Marley hiccuped and looked at Santana "B," she said softly. Santana nodded and Marley tried to continue. "Rrrrr," she said and Satana smiled waiting for more. "A," she said and then she got quiet.
"Any more letters lovely?" she asked. Marley nodded, but couldn't say it. T was the last letter, but to press her tongue up to her teeth was still very painful. Her tongue wasn't healing as fast as the doctors had wanted. "How many more letter baby?" she asked and Marley held up one finger and Santana smiled. "Alright, you stop me when I say it," Santana said and she very slowly sang the alphabet. Marley squinched her eyes shut and whimpered as her bowels emptied again and Santana paused. After it passed she nodded at Santana. When Santana finally go to the letter T, she stopped and smiled. "Alright. my letters are B, R, A, T. Brat?" she asked in confusion and Marley nodded.
"Who's a brat baby?" she asked and Marley shook her head no. "No, no one's a brat. Did someone call you a brat?" she asked and Marley nodded yes, tears quickly flowing. "Who would call my sweet baby girl a brat?" she asked with confusion.
"Mommy," she cried and Santana didn't seem to understand. Marley was trying to communicate, and was obviously scared, but there was another part of her that clearly understood Santana was safe.
Finally recognition crossed over her face and she hung her head. "Oh baby, I'm so sorry, come here," she said and she pulled herself closer to give Marley some tender kisses. She put her hands gently on Marley's cheeks and Marley winced. "Open hands my love, I just want to be sure you feel me and look at me," Santana said continuing to move slowly. "And the answer is no baby, absolutely not. You are not a brat. You are my sweet baby girl Marley and Marley has to eat the BRAT diet to make her tummy better," she said and Marley shook her head no and looked very confused.
"Let's get you cleaned up, dressed, and then back out to Papa, and then you can learn what the BRAT diet is," Santana told her lovingly. "And one more thing. Marley, that was so brave of you to ask your questions. You are a very brave girl and I am so proud of you," she said.
"I have to yell sweetheart," she told Marley. "I'm not yelling at you, just out to Papa," she explained and waiting for Marley to acknowledge what was about to happen. "KURT!" Santana yelled through the door, keeping her hands over Marley's ears to keep her calm and relaxed.
Marley was seated on the floor in Santana's lap, having her hair combed and braided so that it stayed out of her face.
Kurt walked in and smiled. Marley looked absolutely adorable. "There's my baby girl. You got changed into new jammies," he smiled. She nodded and reached out to him carefully. "Mommy needs help doesn't she?" he asked with a smile and Marley returned the smile. "Well I think I can help out my sweet girl, and Mama Rae just came home, so she can help too," he said and Marely smiled happily. "There's that pretty smile," he praised and moved in to help her stand up. He sat on the stool for leverage and had Santana guide Marley into his arms. Once she was set, he rubbed her back and she rested her head on his shoulder. "Oh that's not fair," he smiled at Santana.
"I think you found Papa's weak spot baby girl," Santana grinned. Santana carefully stood up and then moved over to Kurt. "Ready big girl? Time to stand up, but I have you close, you're not going to fall," she explained and helped her to stand, using the sink to brace herself and Marley's weight. "Yaaay," Santana cheered softly for her and Marley gave a tired smile. "Alright princess, go with Papa and I'll be right out," Santana said.
"Mommy?"
"Mommy's just going to take a quick shower, I'll be right out I promise," Santana said giving her a gentle kiss. "In fact when you go out to the kitchen, Papa and Mama Rae can explain what the BRAT diet is to you. You my sweet girl are most definitely not a brat," Santana said.
Kurt helped Marley move slowly to the kitchen and had her sit in the chair nearest the wall. Rachel slid in quickly on her left side and smiled. "Hey cutie," she said kissing her cheek.
"Mama Rae," Marley smiled.
"Yes, Mama Rae, I came home, I told you I would," Rachel smiled and gave Marley a hug. "Mama Rae is going to sit here so you don't fall over. Mommy would be very angry if Papa and I let you fall."
"Eff," Marley said.
"Yes, our big girl leans a little bit to the left when she sits up straight, but she's the best big girl we know and she's very smart and sweet," Rachel said giving a wink.
Kurt smiled and took a seat on her other side. "Mommy said I had to explain something to you," he said. "BRAT diet stands for something baby. B for banana, R for rice, A for applesauce and T for toast, so Papa made dinner, which you can eat, but before you do, will you let Mama Rae feed you some banana?" he asked her.
"He'p," Marley said.
"Yes, I'm sorry, Mama Rae will help you. You can do as much by yourself as you want, we will never stop you from doing that," Kurt assured her.
"Let's try sweetheart," Rachel said gently. "Will you eat with Mama Rae?" Rachel asked her. "Come on, let's get Marley a banana. I bet it'll help with all those muscle cramps," she coached and handed the banana to Marley.
"Mama," Marley said softly. "He'p," she said.
"Help? I can help you honey. Here, I'll peel it for you okay?" she asked. "Put your hands on me, we'll do it together," Rachel said and Marley looked at her with very tired eyes. "Oh baby," she sighed and she scooted even closer. She wrapped one arm around Marley's shoulder. "Rest against me honey, and just take bites whenever you're ready," Rachel told her, petting her hair and letting Marley rest against her.
Santana stepped out of the bathroom a while later and smiled. Marley was slumped in an awkward position, but she didn't seem to be in pain. She was now shorter than Rachel, and Rachel had to turn and tuck her head in order to guide that banana to Marley's mouth, concerned that she'd make a mess on the poor girl. Santana watched for two more bites, before shaking her head and speaking up. "You're supposed to feed her, not put her to sleep," she said noticing how heavy Marley's eyes were.
"She ate half," Rachel defended.
"I'll take it," Santana smiled.
"Mah-my," Marley yawned.
"Hey baby girl," Santana said and she walked over and knelt in front of her. "Is my big girl ready for bed?" she asked her and Marley gave a tired smile. "You ate half your banana I'm very proud of you baby. If you get hungry later you let me know okay?" she said and Marley gave a tiny nod and a loud yawn. "How about we get Marley to bed, to rest, she looks very very tired," Santana said kindly and Rachel smiled at how maternal Santana actually was. She seemed to always know when it was appropriate to treat Marley like a traumatized teenager and a toddler who was learning things for the first time.
"Beh," Marley said.
"Yes baby, Mommy will take you to bed," Santana said and she carefully helped her to stand, wrapping her arms tight around Marley's waist and then carefully using her feet to move Marley's and shuffle her across the room and into Santana's bedroom.
She got her into the bedroom and had her lay down on the bed. "Sleep baby girl," she said gently as she pet her hair and then she got up to leave. Marley tried to sit up and grab Santana but she lurched in such a way, her body contorted in pain and she screamed. Kurt and Rachel went running. "What?" Santana asked quickly and helped her to lie back down. "Shhh, shhh, what's wrong love?" she asked and Marley hung on tightly to Santana trembling and crying. She didn't want Santana to leave her alone, but her open mouth wails prevented her from communicating that.
"Spasm?" Rachel asked from the doorway and Santana shook her head.
"Mommy, mommy, mommy," Marley cried holding tight to Santana and shaking.
"Shhh, Mommy's here, let's sleep baby, I know you're tired. It's okay, Mommy's here," she assured her. "Is it sleepy time for Marley?" she asked her kindly. She hated slipping into baby talk, but sometimes, that was the only way she could reach through the haze in Marley's brain. Terri had brain washed her and only spoke in baby talk, so ssometimes, she had to do the same. To Santana's surprise, Marley cried, held on tight, and nodded weakly. "You know what? We don't have Teddy Bear do we? Let's ask Papa or Mama Rae to get Teddy Bear for us," she said kindly.
"I'll be right back," Rachel smiled and she left the room.
"Rest up baby girl, we'll see you when you wake up," Kurt said kissing her forehead and leaving the room.
Rachel returned with Teddy Bear. and took a seat next to Santana since Marley was now seated in her lap, much like they had been in the cab ride. "Can Mama Rae see your tongue?" she asked gently bumping her forehead onto Marley's as she rested on Santana, knowing she was in safe arms. She carefully opened her mouth and stuck out her tongue. Rachel saw all the sores and blisters, but kept her face neutral and gave a kind smile. "I can do that too," Rachel giggled sticking her tongue back out at Marley who only smiled. "I think you look beautiful Marley and pretty soon, your tongue will be all healed," she told her.
Marley whimpered and Santana sighed. She looked at Rachel and frowned. "Keep her for a second, I have to move," she said. Rachel slipped in and Santana scooted back.
"Mommy!" Marley screamed.
"Shhh, she's right there honey, hold on one moment," Rachel cooed softly, but was no use. Marley was beyond exhausted. She had entered full baby mode now. Santana was her Mommy and as baby Marley, she needed her mommy, and continued to just wail and cry hysterically. Santana laid down on her side and then pulled Marley in with her, so they were spooning on the bed. Marley gasped and hiccuped, her body still getting used to all the new feelings she was experiencing, as Santana held her.
"I'm right here baby. Mommy's here, you're safe. This is just like the hospital. We lay here together to rest. Just rest my love, you're okay," Santana soothed and began to sing softly to keep Marley calm. Singing was a great tool for them to be using. It didn't always work, but when it did, it was a God send. Rachel had let them be for twenty minutes before going back into the bedroom to check on them.
Santana quickly put her finger to her lips and Rachel nodded. She got on the bed, lying in front of Marley and smiled when she saw the teddy bear tucked tight in Marley's arms. Marley fussed slightly, as a dream started to take over her sleep, but both Rachel and Santana hushed her until she relaxed.
"Go on, I can wait a little bit more, before I come join you guys for dinner," Santana said.
"What about her?" Rachel asked propping herself up on her elbow so she and Santana were in much the same position.
"She's nearly asleep," Santana said.
"What was with the screaming a little bit ago?" Rachel asked kindly.
"I don't know, she may just have wanted Mommy," Santana said simply, but Rachel could see her jaw struggling to stay still.
"Don't try to hide your smile," Rachel scolded. "You love that she calls you that, and you love being that for her. You love the control that comes with it, but you respect it to a point that she has never understood. Plus I like seeing you smile," Rachel grinned and kissed Santana's forehead. "I will leave the Mommy with her baby," she said and left the room so Santana could get Marley to sleep, fully this time, and then she would join her room mates for dinner.