Chapter 1
Townsville was a pretty ordinary place. There were businessmen, news reporters, different people doing different things.
Then, there were the good old Powerpuff Girls. Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles. Sugar, spice and everything nice. Today was an ordinary day in school as the Puffs watched and learned some math with Ms. Keane.
The day sort of droned on, as the Puffs wrote down some numbers and learned some counting. Beside them, was their friend, Nastia. Nastia was a beautiful baby Russian Kindergartener, who was adopted from Moscow at a year old. Due to the severe deprivation, Nastia had developed institutional Autism….a form of Savantism that put her at a genius level of IQ.
Nastia had brown hair, brown eyes, and a porcelain face that looked tan at times. Nastia sat at her desk, waiting to be called for the bus to transport her to the High School.
"This is too easy". Nastia said, as she wrote some things down on her paper. "Not for us it isn't". Buttercup said, as she drew pictures on her paper. She doodled a bit. "When do we go home?". Buttercup asked. "Soon, I'd imagine". Nastia said, as she answered every single question on her paper. She even mapped out complex equations. Blossom looked behind her, seeing the girls as they were talking. "Shhh". She reminded, as she turned around in her seat.
Nastia rubbed her eyes, as she heard her name over the announcements. Nastia bade goodbye to the girls, as she headed outside to the afternoon bus. This would take her to the High School.
Unlike Pokey Oaks Elementary, the high school was a large, disdainful building, where meaner, older kids frowned upon anyone who was younger than them. Amongst this group of Bullies, was Ace and his Gangreen Gang, who were still stuck in 12th grade. Senior year.
They had tormented everyone, got into violent fights, and even threatened the teachers, and principal….who were afraid of them. The Gangreen Gang were close to dropping out of school, and then some….they would decide to run the streets of Townsville. If only they could get out of sight from Jack Wednesday, the Truancy officer. They would go on, and do as they pleased. Because teenhood was an evil, spiteful, miserable time.
There was no more swollen, lethargic, disgusting, greasy, slimy millipede of a sore than Ace D. Copular. Everyone was afraid of him….and having a Kindergartener in a High School….was a bad idea.
Nastia got to the high school….the smell of Marijuana, the pungent smell of cigarettes, and the putrid smell of body odor was enough to set her back. Nastia traversed the halls, trying hard to get to her class, while avoiding the dirty looks, the evil glares, and the nasty comments.
Nastia saw the Gangreen Gang with her favorite Physics textbook, as she attempted to get it back. Surely someone like her, with Autism….a Savantism as severe as hers should be able to communicate her needs to them. Snake smiled an evil, cruel smile, as his eye batted around, until he spotted Nastia….looking indeed like he wished to physically hurt her.
"C….c…can I have my book back, please?". Nastia asked, in a small, fragile voice. She even felt afraid of them. Ace made her genuinely nervous.
Ace stepped up to Nastia, smiling a kind smile. "Of course you may have your book back, darlin". Ace said, kindly with gentleness, handing her the textbook. "Might I add, you look so beautiful today….is that a new shirt?". Ace asked, kindly as he smiled. "Um….um…. Yes. it is". Nastia replied. "Well, hey, coochie, it looks good". "You look so cute in your shirt, and pants". "I always love ya outfits, pretty girl". Ace said, gently. "Thank you, Ace". Nastia said. Ace smiled a kind smile. "You look nice as well". Nastia said.
Ace smiled, chuckling. "I like you, coochie". "You're that…genius kid, aren't ya?". Ace said, kindly with gentleness. "I am". Nastia replied. "Well, I like you a lot….you ain't half bad for a kid". "Maybe we should grab a bite tonight…..an' when your folks go to sleep, I'll come by an' pick you up, ya can come to my neck of the woods". "See how we hang". "Ya down for that, coochie?". Ace asked, kindly, as he held Nastia's hands. "um….um…I'm not allowed to talk to, or meet with anyone without my parents' permission first". Nastia said.
Ace chuckled again. "They don't need to know now". "Once we get warmed up, I'll meet em, see em, get to know how they do". Ace said, gently. "Don't worry, darlin….Acey here, will take good care of ya". Ace chuckled, kissing Nastia's hands. Nastia pulled her hand away, nervously.
"I'm not comfortable being touched". Nastia said, with some alert to her voice. "Mmm, no?". "Well, don't worry a bit…we'll fix that right away". Ace said, gently with kindness. Ace chuckled, as he nuzzled Nastia. "You're my darlin….you know you are….and you always will be". "You're my favorite". "And a favorite of mine always gets only the best….trust me". "You an' I….we're best friends". "We're compadres". Ace said, gently. Nastia nodded, feeling a bit put-off by Ace's kind demeanor. She was surprised.
"I'll see you soon, honey". "Maybe tonight?". "Either way, you know where to find me…I'll make sure no one finds out". "Oh, and I'll have your favorite drink there for you as well". Ace assured, kindly with a charismatic smoothness, and a suaveness to his voice. "Oat Milk?". Nastia asked. "Yes….your favorite Oat Milk with a surprise ingredient". Ace assured, kindly. Nastia nodded, as she went off to class, seeing Ace as he smiled a cruel, yet charismatic, suave smile. He winked at her as well. Nastia had no choice but to nod. Even she felt put-off as she went to class…still thinking about Ace the entire time.
The Powerpuff Girls had finished school by the time 3:00 came around. They came from school, looking around them. "Aw man, we have homework tonight!". "I don't feel like doing any of it!". Buttercup moaned. "Well, just be thankful it's not a lot….we have a lot of stuff to do". Blossom replied. The girls looked around Townsville, seeing that there was no crime….no possible sign of anything anywhere.
"It doesn't look like anything's happening". "Could everyone just be….in for the night?". Blossom asked. "Maybe….well, if we don't get any calls, there can't be anything to worry about". Buttercup said. "Yeah, what she said". Bubbles agreed.
The girls went inside, though they heard barking coming from across the street. There was a wild dog coming…they hurried inside just in time. Meanwhile, Nastia waited all night to meet with Ace, finally.
Nastia went about her normal routine. She talked with her doting parents, who were visiting from a trip, her doting older brothers, Damien and Eddy, (from "Ed Edd and Eddy")….she went about her day unscathed. At the end of the night….as the world fell asleep, she looked out of her window, looking for headlights of any kind. Since, there was no alarm on her house, she went ahead, and set out. The youngest in the family, she shared a room with her older brother, Eddy….who was in High School now. Eddy….he always doted on her every need. "My sister is special". He always told people. "I need to make sure her needs are fulfilled". Nastia knew that she couldn't share this with him. She knew she needed to keep it as much a secret as she could. By the way, she lived with her older brothers. They were her guardians.
Nastia walked out of the front door, as she waited for Ace in the driveway. Ace's headlights shone, while he eventually pulled up. He smiled at Nastia with a slick, greasy, weaselly smile. "Hey, sweetie pie". "Come on in….I was expecting you". Ace coerced, gently with a kind, gentle, loving voice. Ace smiled, patting the passenger's seat for Nastia.
"I'm not allowed in the front seat….my older brother says it's not safe". Nastia communicated with some hesitancy. "Shhh, don't worry, baby". "Shhh, inside voices, now". Ace coaxed, kindly with gentleness. "This won't hurt a bit…I'm only down the block". "No one has to know, sugarpie". Ace chuckled a bit, as Nastia got into the passenger's side.
"So, how was your evening, baby?". Ace asked, kindly as he drove down the street to the city's dump. "It was fine, indeed". "I came home, did my homework, my older brothers, Damien and Eddy….they're my legal guardians, they trounced all over me, in a portent". "They wanted to know how my day was, and how much homework I had, they wanted to know which teachers I spoke with, while I was aberrantly bothered, I was later banished to the kitchen so my parents could talk with them alone….I know it was about me". "It's not a fair setup….I'm always left out of conversations….and my older brothers can tell my parents anything they want about me….and they can decide which medications I take, what my bedtime is, and what my diet is". "It's like I don't even matter". Nastia said, sighing.
Ace nodded. "Well, baby…you are still young". "You might be the most mature, most intelligent person in the room….however, you're still a little girl with much to learn". "You're still a kid…who needs the guidance of adults….there are people who know more than you do….once you accept that, you'll find the appropriate bond with your family". "Yea, an' you have this Autism thing as well….so you are limited in some of the things you can do". "I wouldn't worry too much….I understand, and I'm aware that it doesn't just go away on its own". "But you're doin' excellent things….I'd be a proud baby if I was you". Ace said, gently with soothingness.
Nastia nodded. "Ok". she replied. "When you were younger….you were adopted….and there was a lot of stuff to overcome…yeah?". Ace said, soothingly with kindness. "Yes, you're correct". Nastia replied. "There was feeding, swallowing, walking, talking, bonding with caregivers…because, ya never got that in the orphanage….did you?". Ace asked, kindly with soothingness. "I never did get that". Nastia replied. "Well, as you got older, you received what ya needed, and it was a gift". "It was almost a necessity….but you received it….and you're better now, darlin". "Alls you needed was a kiss, a hug, a rock in your crib, and some love". "Love is what makes a baby healthy and strong". "You are the strongest person I've ever met….you're the wisest as well". Ace said, kindly with a soothing, relaxed quality. "I love you….I admire you….like a kiss on a baby's cheeks…and a gentle swaddle before she's rocked in her crib". Ace whispered, kindly with soothingness.
Nastia nodded. "Very much so". Nastia replied.
Ace smiled, as he pulled into the city's dump. "This is where I call home….we've got a lotta good stuff here….milk, a hot tub, a bed, and some pillows". "Come on in…we'll talk, drink some milk, and I'll even massage your back, coochie". "I know you originally didn't like bein' touched…but we're gonna change that….and we're gonna make you tolerant….if it takes a little extra time". "You need love, you need touch, and contact….and I've got the perfect gifts for my baby". Ace whispered, soothingly. Nastia nodded. "Maybe, it seems like you do". Nastia said.
Ace smiled a kind smile, allowing Nastia from the car. Nastia stepped inside the hideout. Ace smiled, as they approached a hot tub….one that steamed and glowed. That, and beside it…was a glass of Oat Milk….chocolate syrup poured in.
"My milk has chocolate in it". Nastia said. "I'm purportedly not allowed chocolate".
Ace smiled a kind smile. "Yea…you're allowed anythin' you like with me". Ace said, kindly with gentleness. "Anything you want….name it, and it's yours". "I love taking good care of my baby". "My gift from God". Ace stroked Nastia's cheeks, lovingly. "Chocolate is good". "Thank you so much, Mr. Ace". Nastia said. Ace nodded.
"If you like, for Christmas, I can buy you a chocolate cake….with bits of ice cream…what am I sayin….I already have". Ace said, kindly. He and Nastia nuzzled, sharing a laugh. Snake brought Nastia in a piece of chocolate ice cream cake. "Thank you so much, Mr. Ace". Nastia said. "Of course, baby". "Anythin that's mine….is yours….and what I have, I give to you….because you've given me everythin". Ace said, soothingly with kindness.
"Thank you". Nastia replied. Ace took off his shirt, and pants, putting on some shorts, as he dipped in the hot tub. There was an abundance of scabs on his chest, and around it as well.
"Bathe with me?". Ace asked, soothingly with gentleness. Nastia nodded, as she got into the hot tub.
Ace smiled, as they ate their cake in the tub. "So, baby…..I saw you were upset today". "You were cryin….you were upset….what was wrong?". Ace asked, soothingly with kindness.
Nastia looked up at Ace. "I'm not sure what was wrong….however, I just know that I felt kind of….down, recently". "Egregious, I've felt…..I'm not sure why". Nastia said. Ace smiled a kind smile. "You've been putting too much pressure on yourself, honey". "All of that studyin', socializing, all that bad stuff, what I would recommend, is that ya breathe….every once in a while….blow it out….get that badness outta your system, and just put your mind at ease…..don't get stressed because someone is too loud, or because someone smells bad". "I know Autism is a hard thing to have….bein' sad all the time, stressed, scared, overwhelmed, and bored….like you're gonna burn out….so I invite you, no pressure, to breathe…put your mind at ease…..and breathe". "You'll make it….I know ya will". "Try for me right now….while I give your cheeks some love….breathe….and blow out the bad stuff". Ace said, soothingly with a relaxed, softened, nourishing quality to his voice. Like 2017 Strong Bad.
Ace finished his cake….seeing the tired look on Nastia's face. "Let's blow it out togetha, baby". "You an' me, let's try it". Ace said, soothingly with gentleness. Ace massaged Nastia's cheeks, blowing in her face…..as they exhaled together. "There we go….there we are….yea….yea, you got it". Ace said, soothingly with kindness. "You are so smart….an' so strong". "Now let me kiss you all over….my baby". Ace smiled a nasty, charismatic smile. Nastia allowed for Ace to kiss her cheeks….she also allowed for him to make a farting noise, a heavier kissing noise when he kissed her stomach. "There you are, darlin". "Feels nice, don't it?". Ace whispered, kindly.
Nastia nodded. "Thank you". She replied. "I saw you gettin' tense before". "I heard the discomfort in your voice….you don't like it that much….do ya?". Ace asked, kindly with soothingness. "It's uncomfortable for me". Nastia said. Ace smiled. "But we're fixing it….one kiss at a time….let wounds be a thing of the past". "We can do it….I know we will, darlin". Ace whispered, gently, as he nuzzled with Nastia….laughing along with her.
They laughed, they played, and they talked for the longest time. "Ya know what makes me happy?". Ace asked, kindly with gentleness. "What is that?". Nastia asked. "Love…in all of its forms". "Love is what makes me feel like a million bucks". Ace said, soothingly. "I neva got love when I was a little man….my old man left the family when I was 10, and my Ma wound up in jail…half the time I got the shit beat outta me…don't repeat that word to anyone…but my home life…was pretty abrasive". Ace explained.
"Well, you're much better now". Nastia replied. "I'm a new man, now….I'm off the LSD, I got myself clean….it's all nice now….because I have a best friend….a baby girl that I can hug, kiss, coochie, cuddle, and spoil….the way she spoils me with her beauty….strength, and brains". Ace said, suavely with charisma and soothingness. "I love my coochie…my best friend….and I will always love her….til we both get old, have sexy sex, and pump out some baby coochies". Ace laughed like a madman at that.
Nastia didn't understand the inappropriate comment made.
"Yes, you know you're my girl….my favorite". "I'll definitely be dreaming of you tonight". Ace said, soothingly as he winked. Nastia turned her head sideways.
"Come kiss me, coochie….or let me kiss you". Ace coaxed, kindly with soothingness, as he nuzzled Nastia again….while she felt him kiss up and down her cheeks. They both enjoyed the moment….even as Ace licked her cheek as a form of a kiss. Nastia felt the scandalous warmth of the hot tub….the gentle, dirty, light massages and nuzzles from Ace, and the rich, deep, chocolate of her milk.
"Yeah, baby….you know we like that….yea…yea". Ace mumbled, kindly. Nastia nodded. "You and I….we'll always be best friends….no matter what….baby". "Mmmmm, yeah". Ace soothingly mused, as he kissed Nastia's cheeks. Nastia nodded, as she felt the kisses. She was uncomfortable…yet, she felt more attuned to Ace's gestures as a nice guy.
Nastia and Ace, bonded, kissed, and nuzzled, as he touched his forehead against hers…giving her a pep talk of some sort. "You're not leavin' me….you understand that?". Ace said, kindly with firm gentleness, and suave charisma. "I understand". Nastia replied. "Cool, we're good then". "And you'll do anything I say…because…y'know, we're best friends, soulmates". "You belong to me….I own you….you understand that….you're smart, yea?". Ace said, soothingly with a calm voice. "You can do anything….I've always believed you could…..just listen to me….we'll accomplish anything". Ace said, soothingly with gentleness. Nastia nodded. Ace smiled, as he played with Nastia, laughing with her and nuzzling her….until she went home that night…feeling new feelings of satisfaction, fear, and bewilderment. All of which were good.
The next morning, there was a cloudy sky…with some amounts of sun that seemed to peek out at various intervals.
Nastia woke up, looking outside. "It looks congruent to the Auras Borealis". Nastia said to herself. She seemed to look around as she stirred a bit, falling back asleep.
There was a soft nudging and opening of the door, as Eddy opened the door. "Hey, butterfly". Eddy said, kindly with gentleness. Eddy smiled as he stroked Nastia's face. "Hello…..how are you this morning?". Nastia asked. Nastia rubbed her eyes tiredly.
"I'm doing quite well….some might say perspicaciously". Eddy said, kindly. "How are you, honey?". Eddy smiled a kind smile, as he sat on the side of the bed. "I'm doing well". Nastia said.
"You've got some sleepies in your eyes, honey". "Your eyes look tired, honey". Eddy said, gently with kindness. Nastia nodded. "I doubt that has anything really valid to it". Nastia said. "It's valid enough, coochie". "It means you're still sleepy….you're just waking up". Eddy said, in a gentle, kind, softened voice.
Nastia nodded. "I believe so". Nastia replied.
Eddy smiled a kind smile. "Darling, you're all tensed up….like you're uncomfortable….maybe give me a hug….I promise it will be ok". Eddy said, gently with kind softness. Nastia nodded. Eddy smiled a kind smile. Nastia hugged Eddy reluctantly.
"There we go, honey…..that feels good, doesn't it?". Eddy said, kindly with gentleness. "It does". Nastia replied. Eddy rubbed her back, kindly. "It feels good enough….because there's a sense of love, kindness, and respect with it". "No one is going to threaten you….there's no bad thing with it….we love you". Eddy assured, kindly. Nastia nodded.
"How did you sleep, honey?". Eddy asked, kindly with gentleness. "I slept well". Nastia replied. Eddy smiled. "I'm happy baby girl". Eddy said, gently. Eddy hugged Nastia kindly…tickling her face. "Let's go downstairs now and have your favorite kind of Oatmeal". Eddy said, kindly. "Plain". Nastia said. She and Eddy smiled, as Eddy picked her up, carrying her in his arms.
They went downstairs, as Eddy prepared some Oatmeal…plain as day, while Nastia ate. Eddy smiled a kind smile.
"You slept a bit later than expected, honey". "You're usually up earlier than we are….but you're doing well now". "I'm always so proud of you, baby". Eddy said, gently. "Thank you". Nastia replied.
Eddy smiled a kind smile. "You're my baby….now and forever, my darling". "There's no one quite as amazing as you". Eddy said, kindly. Eddy nuzzled Nastia.
Nastia looked around her, as she felt multiple kisses on her cheeks and forehead. "You're my favorite…..no matter what….and I will always love you….darling". "You're my girl….my best friend….and my amazing angel". Eddy said, gently with kindness. Eddy smiled, as he kissed Nastia's cheeks, lovingly.
Nastia felt good in the snuggle. She felt happiest when she was with her older brother. Damien, on the other hand, she felt that he was too much at times.
Nastia looked around, at the clock that hung on the wall. "It's almost time for the bus little butterfly". Eddy said, kindly with gentleness. This was, of course, after she ate her Oatmeal.
"You'd better get ready, honey". "Need me to help?". Eddy asked, gently with kindness. He kissed Nastia's cheeks, wrapped up in a hug of hers. "I'm quite alright in actuality". Nastia replied. "But it's been nice having you help me". Nastia said. Eddy smiled a loving smile. "I'm always happiest to help, baby girl". Eddy said, gently with a soothing, loving voice. It was quite unusual to see, Eddy of all people being soothing. Yet, that's what he was there for.
Nastia went to the High school, as the wind blew around….the essence of the wind made for a breezy morning….that was at the same time, beautiful. Nastia went to the courtyard…hearing a suave voice call her name.
"Nastia….baby". "Nastia". This voice said, suavely….with its own brand of kindness, gentleness, and relaxed soothingness behind it. Much like caramel dripping from a dove bar.
Nastia turned her head….hearing the voice from afar. "Yes?". She wished to answer…knowing that it was Ace the voice belonged to. "I miss ya, baby". "I miss ya so much….come see me…come give me a kiss". Ace said, suavely with kindness. Nastia replied to the voice, coming around to see Ace. "yes?". She asked.
Ace sat, smoking his cigarette, looking around as he did. He smiled a gentle smile. "Baby….there you are….I was lookin' for ya". "How are ya?". "Did ya sleep ok?". Ace asked, kindly with gentleness. Nastia nodded. "I slept very well". "I never had any trouble". Nastia said.
"That's my baby….hey, you know I dreamt about you last night, coochie". Ace said, soothingly with gentleness. "It was the nicest dream I had….you and I, baby….we were on this island, somewhere, and you were wrapped in a blanket….ya had on a nightgown….you were crying, or somethin". "Ya had kind of a tantrum because you were overwhelmed….but I came to ya…scooped ya up, I was naked…..but I picked ya up, carried you out, and you calmed down right away". "I kissed you on the lips….which, I've always wanted to give ya a kiss on the lips….but I kissed you, nuzzled you, you were so beautiful, coochie". Ace explained in a soothing, relaxed tone.
Nastia nodded. "Ok". she replied.
Ace smiled a kind smile. "Ya know I love ya….you're my baby….and I will always be your man…forever and for always". Ace said, kindly with soothingness. He and Nastia shared a laugh. "So, you look tired a bit, baby". "Something about your eyes….and your demeanor….you look kind of down". Ace said, soothingly with gentleness, as he tapped ash from his cigarette. "I had a strange dream last night….kind of". Nastia said. Ace chuckled a bit, smoking his cigarette. The sound of ash tapping was similar to a bug tapping against a light.
"What was your dream, coochie?". "Tell daddy what it was". Ace said, kindly with a soothing voice. "Well, I was in a room, in my crib…perhaps as a baby…I'm not sure what it was…but I was in this room, and there was a woman who looked just like me….she had brown hair, she had brown eyes, and….she held me….she kissed my forehead, she was a nice woman…it's a weird dream…like something from the subconscious". Nastia said. Ace smiled a kind smile.
"You were dreaming about your birth mother….that's so sweet". "And in your dream, she was given' ya love". "She kissed you….she held ya….she was such an amazing woman". Ace said, kindly in a soothing voice. "She died a few days after you were born….didn't she?". Ace's soothing, kind, relaxed voice softened. "She did pass on…I spent a year in an orphanage…were I was deprived of social stimulation and physical, as well as nutritional nourishment….and that's how I developed my Autism". Nastia explained.
"Yeah….those people who cared for ya in that orphanage….they neva hugged you, kissed you, they neva spoke to you for a long period a'time, they neva rocked you in their arms, they neva nourished you with the contact that you needed, and ya fell behind….well, that's not true, you jumped ahead, like no one else I know….howeva, you had your brain rewired, because you weren't gettin' the necessary nutrients". "You developed Autism….and with that, ya became a genius…which I always thought was so cool". "Usually, and I read this somewhere, but when babies get Autism from those orphanages, they usually become stupid, and retarded". "But you….you did the opposite…you became my little Einstein…you are the smartest, coolest person I've eva met….and I'm so proud of you". Ace said, in a soothing, gentle, relaxed voice. Ace smiled, tapping ash from his cigarette.
"Thank you….Mr. Ace". Nastia replied. Ace smiled a kind smile. "Ya mean so much to me, coochie". "I just wanna hold you, rock you in a nice crib, and make it all better for ya". Ace continued, in his soothing, gentle, relaxed voice. "Thank you". Nastia said.
"Yeah, little Nastia in the orphanage….I could see her shivering in the cold….because they don't have enough blankets in her crib….she's skinny, and emaciated, because they don't feed her enough….she's cryin' but no one can hear her because they're too busy". "I can see Nastia…a little baby that's 1, and looks like she's a few days old because she's so tiny". "It makes me wanna cry….because really, babies don't deserve to be treated like that". "Babies need love, kindness, kisses, hugs, and a lullaby…maybe some solid food, and maybe a hug when a cry comes on". "It's sad what you had to go through, honey". Ace said, soothingly with a gentle voice…yet, there was some emotion behind his voice. "I know". Nastia replied.
"You're good now…you have a family who loves ya, ya have a high IQ, you're really amazing…and as I said before, I am so proud of you". Ace said, soothingly with a relaxed, kind voice.
"Thank you". Nastia replied. "Does it make you sad…knowin' your birth mom passed away?". Ace asked, in a soothing, gentle manner. "It doesn't really, because I don't remember her…but….kind of…I'm not….I'm not sure". Nastia replied. Ace smiled a gentle, soothing smile. "Yeah, that makes sense, but hey, if you eva need to talk about it…or if ya eva want to talk about it….I'm here for ya". "I know it's a hard thing…birth mom passin' away". "But it's ok now….you have an amazing life". Ace said, soothingly with a gentle, relaxed voice.
"I find that I do". Nastia replied. "Is there anythin' about your Autism that bothers ya?". Ace asked, soothingly with gentleness. "Some things do bother me, in particular…..perhaps". Nastia replied. "I'm quite sad all of the time…I never have the energy to do anything, I feel tired by the end of the day, I kind of….I feel…like….I don't….I feel like I'm on the outside….because my mind works differently". "I feel like a stranger to everything…..and though, I seem to enjoy the isolation, it's a complex thing to compute the world around me". "I feel like….I'm new to everything….kind of". Nastia said. "Sometimes, I feel like there's something wrong with me".
"Yeah?". Ace asked, in a softened, gentle, kind voice. Nastia nodded. "Sometimes, savants feel like that". "It doesn't mean you're an outsider, it doesn't mean it's a bad thing….it's just how your mind works….it's not your fault, coochie". "Different people do things in different ways….it doesn't mean it's a bad thing". "You're so talented….and I believe that….we all do….believe that….and we know you can do anything you put your mind to". "You are a gift…and you should embrace that….because you're so cool". "You are my best friend…and my soulmate". Ace said, soothingly with gentle kindness. Nastia nodded.
"You know you're special….you're someone truly amazing". Ace said, soothingly with gentleness. Nastia nodded. "Thank you". Nastia replied. Ace smiled.
Nastia looked outwards, as Ace smoked his cigarette. "Don't be scared, coochie". "Don't be sad, either". "You just need your blanket, a lullaby, and some kisses to pull ya through". "Believe me….you can do anythin' honey". "I love ya so much…..and I'll always be there for ya…in every single way….because you mean the world to me….darlin". Ace said, in a soothing, kind, gentle voice.
Nastia nodded. "Thank you, Ace". "You know….it's false what they say". "You're really not a bad guy after all". "You're actually pretty nice". Nastia said. Ace chuckled a bit as he smiled. "Yeah, I'm not as mean once ya get to know me". "I guess not…but….ya see, I had sort of a bad childhood growing up". "I was born in 1979, on a Tuesday night on the toilet…I was a toilet baby..but my Ma looked down, and saw that I somehow survived, even though I was intended to be an abortion". "She learned to accept me, and love me for who I was….though, I could just see the resentment in her eyes". "She always used to tell me….you look just like your father". "I never quite accepted this….and when I got older, she and I would have fights all the damn time". "She and my old man, they'd beat me, they'd burn me, they'd make me sleep outside". "They'd steal money from my account, they'd take my stuff and sell it for drugs….when I was about 12 or 13, they kicked me outta the house….and when I was out, I made friends with other guys….we did drugs togetha, we drank, we had sex with different girls, we were bad people because we bullied others into doin' what we wanted them to do". "And it neva quite worked for either of us, really". "I been to jail a couple times, I been to juvenile court, it was a bad time". "But I truly am a better man now….I've been clean now for a couple years, I haven't stolen nothin….it's all good to be completely honest". Ace said, soothingly with kindness.
"How long have you repeated your senior year?". Nastia asked. "I'd say for a couple years now…but I only stay in school because the officer watches me…once he clicks, and goes away, I drop out". "He's present now, so I need to stay in…otherwise, I go to prison if he sees me drop out". "Ahhh, yeah, an' I was on house arrest one time, but I cut the anklet off, ran away, and evaded the cops". "Yeah, I'm a bad guy…but what of it?". "I just kinda….did my thing". Ace explained, soothingly.
"Hmmm, wouldn't you think a life of crime and vengeance against a poor childhood would be daunting?". Nastia asked. "Yeah, one might think it…but hey, I'm happy where I am". "There's no need to improve nothin….as long as I'm happy, that's all that matters". "And as long as my boys are happy". Ace explained, soothingly with gentleness. Nastia nodded. "Well, somehow future CEO, or lawyer doesn't resonate". Nastia snarked.
"Hmm?". Ace asked, in a slightly firm tone that bordered on aggressive. "Nothing". Nastia replied, as she drank from her little sippy cup. Ace brought the cigarette to his lips, smoking.
"Yeah, I'm happy where I am….it's nice….and yeah, I got my baby beside me…there's nothing to worry about…I'm the happiest man there is". Ace said, gently with soothingness. Nastia nodded. "That sounds nice enough". Nastia replied.
Ace's cigarette singed with ash, the ash smelled, as it dripped from the cigarette. Still, Ace smoked it. "yeah, you're my baby". Ace said, in a soothing, gentle, kind tone. "And I always love ya, coochie". Ace chuckled a bit, smiling as he smoked. Nastia nodded.
Ace smoked his cigarette, making a kissing motion towards Nastia. "You're my favorite….you and I both know". Ace said, in his soothing, loving voice. "I know". Nastia replied. Ace rubbed the stub of his cigarette into the ashtray, as he coughed a bit. "Yeah, so….tonight maybe…wanna come by again?". "Maybe we can sit in the hot tub and chill….I got a new flavor of Oat Milk for ya, if you're gain to try it". Ace said, soothingly with gentleness.
"Thank you….I'd love to". Nastia replied. Ace smiled, taking a drink of his soda. "Well, honey…I'll see ya soon". "I'll talk to ya at lunch…how about that?". Ace smiled a kind smile, leaning down, as he kissed Nastia's cheeks, lovingly. Nastia nodded, as she smiled, enjoying the multitude of kisses from Ace. For the rest of the day, she felt content. She felt good enough to be lavished all the attention from Ace.