Chapter 12
A few days, weeks, and months had passed. Emily had made it to regionals for the spelling bee….however, she lost in the 1st round of regionals. "Those words are hard". Mandark argued, even after studying extraneously. One morning….before Easter, Emily sat down on the porch chair, looking around as she had her blanket around her. She held her baby bunny, Belle in her arms as well. Belle had been orphaned at a young age….she lost her birth mother to a storm. Emily fed Belle some milk from a baby bottle, or a baby dropper.
Emily sat outside one morning….after all of the fun had died down, she sat outside on a relaxing morning…..holding her baby Bunny, Belle. Belle relaxed, taking a bottle.
Mandark yawned, as he smoked his cigarette, sitting in the hot tub, coughing a smoker's cough. "How are you, darling?". "You look so beautiful, coochie". Mandark said, in an incredibly soothing, softened, gentle, kind voice. "Thank you". Emily replied, as she looked upwards at Mandark. Mandark smiled, planting a kiss on Emily's cheeks. "How did you sleep last night, coochie?". Mandark asked, in a soothing, softened, gentle, loving voice. He tapped ash from his cigarette. "I slept ok". Emily replied. "I slept well last night, myself". "I woke up a bit earlier than usual, but it was a nice morning, either way". "Mmmm, I do enjoy this a lot…sitting in the hot tub, drinking my coffee, and having my cigarette". "I love my cigarettes in a copious amount". Mandark said, soothingly with softened gentleness. "I definitely love smoking some good cigarettes every now and again…..they are nice". Mandark let the steam from the hot tub warm his nipples, and his scrawny chest. "So, you look beautiful, baby girl". "Your smile looks nice, you have a beautiful face, you look very beautiful, sweet pea". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle, kind softness. Mandark brushed Emily's cheeks.
"How's things going, emotionally, darling?". "Are you enjoying yourself…..is everything going well?". Mandark asked, in a softened, soothing, gentle voice. "Everything is going really well". Emily said. "I'm happy, honey". Mandark said, in a soothing, softened, gentle voice. "Mmmm, I wanted to show you something….I might need to see a doctor about it…but there's a huge bruise on my testicle….or maybe it's a growth or something….but it's been there for a long while…it's been there, and it might go away soon…it's like a black and blue sort of thing". Mandark said, kindly with a soothing voice. "Hmm, would you like to see it?". "I want to get your opinion on it". Mandark said, kindly in a soothing, gentle voice. "Maybe you can tell me if it looks healthy enough". Mandark lifted his legs, as he showed Emily. "That looks like it's moving". Emily said. "It kind of does…..but it's nice, either way". "It'll go away, soon". "I promise…..and you'll never have to look down there again". Mandark said, in an incredibly soothing, softened, gentle, and kind voice. "I love you so much, coochie". Mandark whispered, soothingly with gentleness. He smiled, brushing Emily's cheeks, gently.
"I love you too". Emily replied. Mandark coughed, as he rubbed his face. "I am really happy to see you, coochie". "You've given me so much, my sweet girl". Mandark said, gently. He smiled, as he looked around for a moment. "I think someone might be a big fan of you as well, besides me….and he is very inspired by you". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, softened voice. An older man, someone who was only a year or two younger than Mandark, someone with red hair, round glasses, and a buttoned down shirt…..someone thin, and lean, came over to the hot tub. He was ready for the nice weather as well. Dexter was there. Good old Dexter.
He smiled a soothing, softened, kind smile as he saw Emily. "Hello….hello, Emily". "It's so good to see you again". "How are you, sweet girl?". Dexter asked, in a soothing, softened, friendly, gentle, kind voice. "I'm good". Emily replied. "That's so good, honey". "I'm happy and proud of you". Dexter said, soothingly with gentle kindness. Dexter smiled, as he ruffled Emily's hair.
"I have something for you….my best friend, and my favorite girl….I hope you like it…..It's nothing special…but it's something I had….because I just wanted to spoil my favorite friend". Dexter said, gently in a soothing, kind, softened manner. He gave Emily a necklace. "It looks really pretty". Emily replied. "Thank you….I thought something for a beautiful girl is what we wanted…..needed, per say". Dexter chuckled, soothingly with gentleness. He smiled, as he rubbed Emily's shoulders. "Thank you so much". Emily replied. Dexter smiled, as he dipped his feet in the tub. "How are things, Ivan?". Dexter asked, as he looked over at his old rival…now his friend, Mandark.
"Things are going swimmingly today". "I'm just off work today….I'm thinking about relaxing….which isn't too bad, but in any case". Mandark said, kindly. "That's always good". "I had a beautiful dream last night that my son got married to the love of his life". "He's only 9 now…..but the way he dreams, and thinks about his girlfriend, it's something quite beautiful…..this girl in his class…..he gives her chocolate, he sings her songs on his lute, he just keeps her company". "He's such a great kid". "Emily, darling…..you remind me so much of him, now". "You're talented, beautiful, wise, strong, smart, you're a genius just like he is". Dexter said, kindly with soothing gentleness. "My son is a lot like you…maybe we should set the both of you up together". Dexter chuckled a bit, as he smiled a softened, sappy, friendly, gentle smile…..blowing Emily a kiss. Emily and Dexter laughed, as Dexter made a kissy face, blowing Emily another kiss.
"How have things between you, and Blossom going?". "You've been married 9 years now?". Mandark asked. "Yes, we got married when she was pregnant with my son, Jalek". "We've been married for so long…..and each and every moment we're together….it just feels like we're dating". Dexter said, soothingly with happiness. "That is nice to have….my wife, Femme, and I had that for a while…..then, we wanted to see other people, she cheated on me many times…but it was no problem for me…when I first found out about her affair, I felt hurt…..I felt devastated that she went, and let the man she cheated on me with, get her pregnant…..but I've also made my mistakes in the marriage as well". "I just wish that we both would have known what we were doing when we decided to get married". "I originally got married at 19….anything besides that, I decided to do….school, a career, a house, a 76 ft mansion….we both made good money until Femme was terminated for corporate espionage, and plagiarism regarding fellow dignitaries". "We both were dishonest…but marriage is a give and take, indeed". Mandark explained.
"Mm, have you considered dating, or compensated sex?". "I hear educated women partake in that more than ever". "Compensated sex is a plethora of good things". Dexter replied, as he sipped his soda. "I've dated women for sex…I've done Enjo Kosai…..which is very Japanese, but it's basically sex for payment from women". "I have sex, and I'll play…..I toy with women more than one can imagine….but in essence, I don't wish to marry again….I'm never getting married, or doing the commitment thing again….are you kidding me?". "I'll get in a woman's pants more than one can imagine, but I'm not marrying her". "That's a 5,000 dollar extortion I'll never deal with again". Mandark muttered. "Hmmm…..well, marriage is a different thing for different people". Dexter replied.
Mandark smoked his cigarette, as he smiled a softened, gentle, soothing, and kind smile as he saw Emily. "She is the only woman I love…..the only girl I love…..because she is so beautiful, and kind…..so resilient and strong". "I am so lucky to have her as a sister". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, kind, loving voice. He kissed Emily's cheeks, gently. "I'm lucky you have her as well….she is someone beautiful, and sweet, so intelligent, and strong….so resilient, and amazing". "Emily is a beautiful girl…..and I'm so lucky you have her…..I wish I could have her all the time because she is a gem". Dexter said, soothingly with gentle kindness. "I wish we could compete for her again, but she is welcome to visit you anytime". "She loves seeing new people…..huh, Emily, coochie?". Mandark said, soothingly with kind gentleness. Mandark smiled, kissing Emily's cheeks, lovingly. "I do, and thanks, Mandark". Emily replied. Mandark smiled a gentle, soothing, softened, sappy, kind smile as he brushed Emily's cheeks.
"Emily, baby…..your milk is still full…have you been drinking it, any?". Mandark asked, in a soothing, gentle, kind, and loving voice. "Kind of…..not really". Emily replied. "I have some more inside if you would like some". Mandark said, kindly with a soothing softness. Emily nodded, as she drank her milk. "What I think is really special is just how amazing Emily was….my best friend was when she was adopted from Ukraine…hearing her story, and coming to essences with her resilience, and strength is what makes her amazingly special". Dexter said, soothingly with gentle, kind softness. "It really and truly is". "She's my beautiful girl…my beautiful, Ukrainian, Resilient, strong, kind, smart, Talented, heroic, creative, amazing baby sister, who has given me so much…..everything is ok, and there is no fear now…..because I love her unconditionally". Mandark said, in a soothing, softened, gentle, kind, loving, voice. "And I love you too, Mandark". Emily said, as Mandark snuck a kiss near Emily's ear.
"I'm so proud of you each and every day…because you're honest with me, you're heroic, and you've given me so much….I'm always thankful to have you…you're so brave, thoughtful, kind, smart, and strong". "I'm in awe of you every day". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle softness. Mandark smiled, kissing Emily's cheeks again. "Thank you". Emily replied. "You both have an amazing sibling relationship….that's so beautiful". Dexter said, kindly with soothingness. Mandark nodded a kind nod. "We are beautiful in many ways". Mandark said, gently. Emily nodded. "Yes, and might I add that…..Emily, you look so beautiful in your jammies, you look like a dream, or a pink cotton candy cloud…that's a cloud I want a ride on". Dexter said, gently with kind soothingness. "But Emily, darling, you look like an angel…..an angel that always comes to see me in my dreams…..and an angel that always wishes me well and saves me from whatever emotional tremors I might have". "You're my beautiful angel…..and my perfect best friend…..the girl of my dreams, and the guardian angel of mine". "You might have to come visit me one night after I've just come from the shower". Dexter said, kindly with a soothing, gentle, loving, and softened, caramel voice, coated in a Russian accent that was classic. It was like reuniting with a classic cartoon friend again.
"Come visit me while my pelvis is still wet…you can see the scars from where I had surgery". Dexter said, gently with a soothing, softened, kind, loving voice. "Those look kind of deep". Emily said, after Dexter showed her his scars. "Kind of….but they're not that bad, really". "I had surgery a long time ago for a pancreas infection…but I got that taken care of right away". "Nothing to worry about at all". Dexter said, soothingly with gentleness, kindness, and softness. "Mmmm, they need an angel's kiss to make them all better….so daddy feels good again there". Dexter said, gently in a kind, soothing, softened, loving voice. He and Emily laughed, giggling.
"Yes, and I was just showing her a bruise on my testicle that was hurting, and throbbing". "It might be unusual bruising from the medicine…the antihistamine I take for allergies this time of year". "I'll have to present it to doctor Langley". "He'll figure out what needs to be done". Mandark said, in a mutter, as he smoked his cigarette.
"Your testicles bruise pretty badly too, huh?". "Mine are bruised from the blood pressure medicine I take". "They aren't that bad, but they have some discoloration….and they don't hurt, which is good". "I had some problems with my testicles before…..because they hurt me for a bit, after the pancreatic surgery…..but they're alright now". Dexter replied. "That's always good, man". "Mine are…bruised as hell now, and I might see doctor Langley….it's common for men in their late 20's, early 30's". "But still, I need it surveyed…..I might need to get my prostate checked for cancer…or my colon checked…since cancer runs on my dad's side". Mandark muttered.
"That'd be smart". Dexter replied. "Getting screened for prostate cancer is wise". "I'm getting screened for testicular cancer soon". "That's no fun when they get those forceps in there…yeowch!". "That's tough stuff". Dexter chuckled a bit. "The forceps are the worst part…..the forceps, and the probe….I hate that thing, and they had to put me to sleep for that". "Sweet Jeez, that's not my thing, no way". Mandark remarked. "But I always take a nice bubble bath afterwards, so it isn't all that bad".
Dexter nodded. "I hate those, but luckily, you got put to sleep, see mine they did while I was awake…..I felt it after….but a nice bubble bath, and a nice 13 mg of ibuprofen does the trick". Dexter said, suavely with soothingness. He chuckled a bit, winking at Emily.
"I sometimes wish my best friend were in the tub with me". "You could keep me company while I relax the Space Station for a bit". Dexter said, suavely with a caramel soothingness, as he smiled a clever smile, winking at Emily. "You know you want to, baby girl". Dexter said, kindly with gentleness. Emily nodded, as she and Dexter laughed. "I've tried to get my coochie in the tub with me at various times after procedures….but she's usually busy with homework, or music, or she's just burnt out and doesn't want to deal with people anymore…which, I don't blame her". "She just needs her alone time….I can contend with that". "She's a beautiful baby….still a baby coochie coo in my eyes, and she loves it when we have bathtime together…together with big cookie, huh?". Mandark said, gently in a softened, soothing, loving, kind voice. "I do like bathtime". Emily said. "Yeah, you liked it when I first adopted you…..it was the dumbest thing, the Children's Hospital had all of these rules, like we couldn't sleep in the same bed, or I couldn't draw her a bath, because that was considered a sexual thing, but after adoption, I flew that in the face, and we came up with our own bedtime ritual, huh, coochie?". Mandark said, kindly with soothingness. Emily nodded.
"We did, and look at how close friends, and soulmates we are now….huh, baby baby?". Mandark said, soothingly with gentleness. Emily nodded, as she and Mandark laughed, as they giggled, touching foreheads. "You are such a cute baby girl…..yes, you are, yes you are". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, loving voice. He and Emily smiled. He kissed Emily's cheek again. "Soulmates of a pair, huh?". "Emily and I are soulmates too, huh, baby?". Dexter said, gently. Emily nodded, as Dexter smiled, grabbing her nose. "Got your nose, got your nose!". Dexter said, kindly as he and Emily laughed.
"Yes, she is a beautiful baby girl". Mandark said, soothingly with gentleness. "She definitely is". Dexter said, kindly with soothingness. The boys…..well, err….men, smiled as they nuzzled Emily gently. "Well, it's almost time for your doctor's appointment, baby". "Today is Good Friday, isn't it?". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, softened, kind voice. "It is". Emily replied. "Time for resting, praying, and reflecting…..it's a good enough time". Mandark said, in a gentle, soothing, softened, kind voice. He smiled, kissing Emily's cheeks gently. "It is". Emily replied. Mandark smiled a kind smile, as he giggled. "Coochie coo, coochie coo". "Coochie, coochie, coochie coo". Mandark said, soothingly with gentleness and kindness. He laughed, as he nuzzled Emily gently. "Let's get ready for our doctor's appointment, sweet girl". Mandark said, kindly with a soothing, softened voice. Emily nodded, as she got her feet from the tub. "Don't forget Belle, too". "She's looking to come inside, too". "You're all set, sweet girl". Mandark said, gently with a kind, soothing voice. Mandark smiled, as he waved a friendly wave. "Good seeing you, baby darling". "Have a good day at your doctor's appointment". "Get lots of good sleep for me". Dexter said, gently with a soothing softness. Emily went inside, as she held her sippy cup….and she held Belle the bunny rabbit in her arms as well. Emily went inside, looking to get dressed, as whispers from the men came from outside. Dexter and Mandark were talking about her.