Chapter 13
Emily could hear some of the whispers, yet, some of them were still very secretive….but basically, the men whispered about her. "So, she is a very perceptive young girl…very wise from what I've seen". "She is a very nice girl…..and she has Autism, you said?". Dexter whispered. "Yes, she was recently diagnosed with it a few months ago…she doesn't follow the traditional patterns of being considered Autistic…although, I've noticed her becoming somewhat socially withdrawn, she becomes burnt out a bit….she has trouble focusing on tasks after the sun goes down". "It is getting much lighter out…but she still has a tendency to become distracted, or tired…it's just how she operates…..but it's through no fault of her own, I'm aware". "She just has those moments…but then again, she is very selfless…..and she is so sweet and genuinely nice towards others". "She is well-liked, she socializes, she just has a good time with whoever she meets, but in her Autism, she just has had trouble focusing, listening, and paying attention to detail after the day ends…..and she just wants to be left alone…..which, this could be a sign of a few spots where she grieves, but she just got this diagnosis….so, we're pretty sure it is Autism". Mandark whispered.
Dexter nodded. "What I've noticed is that she values time with others…but she also values her alone time". "She loves spending time with her family and friends, but she likes reflection as well…children who have lost family members, or birth parents…..children coping with a deeper impact of loss tend to enjoy alone time, and value reflection". "She likes reflecting on her time alone…this helps her to truly take in who she is now, who she was, what she's working towards, and where she was in the past". "She likes doing that because it helps her cope with loss in her own significant way". "She does get emotional sometimes…..sometimes her emotional age tends to be much younger than she is chronologically, but she is a baby girl who has experienced loss…she needs time to reflect, and time to process her feelings". Dexter explained in a whisper. "That is true….and there are times when she reverts to a younger emotional age…I've had my moments with her when she would be at an emotional age of 1 or 2…sometimes, 3….and I've had to interact with her at that age…when she becomes saddened, or becomes a younger child with her feelings, she will cry heavily, and she will become very anxious, and overwhelmed". "She becomes scared, and will cry for a long period of time…..when she becomes sad, I speak to her in a nourishing manner, I gently guide her, and I'll comfort her for a period of time". "She does become very emotional at times…and when she becomes upset, she'll cry for an hour, maybe longer". "She's had her bad days, trust me". "She's had her days when she becomes so depressed, she doesn't want to focus, or stay on task….she and I…..we've had our tough times together, but I come into these moments with love, kindness, gentleness and altruism…I mean all the kindness with her….because I love her". Mandark whispered.
"That's always nice…she needs a guiding hand to help her…..she is a beautiful person". Dexter whispered. "I knew someone with Autism…..she's one of the kids from my son's school…..she's more the artistic type…..but she's very creative, talented, and sweet as well". "She sometimes works with an aide…..but she's very lovely". Dexter chuckled a bit.
"Yes, I love my Emily….she's very beautiful". Mandark whispered, as he and Dexter chatted for a while…all before Mandark took Emily to her doctor's appointment.
After the doctor's appointment, Emily came home, as she looked outside. It was sunny….yes, but it was still a time for reverence, as some clouds loomed over in the corner. Mandark set his keys aside, as he yawned for a bit. "Go on ahead, and head inside to bed, and I'll be there in a few moments to tuck you in". "It is a nice day just to rest, and do nothing….I suppose it'll be a good day for nothing as well". "I might head to bed as well, my love". Mandark said, in a soothing, softened, gentle, loving, and kind voice. Mandark yawned, as he looked around for a moment. The trees outside blew in the breeze with a soft "swoosh". Mandark nodded, as he looked outside for a quick moment. He just stared out the window, as he analyzed the beautiful weather. "We haven't had a beautiful day like this in a while". Mandark said to himself, as he smiled.
Mandark went into his room, as he loosened his tie, putting it on the nightstand. He unbuttoned his shirt, putting on his pajamas. "Darling". He said, softly with gentle kindness, in a soothing voice as he called Emily. Emily came inside, as she held her stuffed bunny her birth mother gave her. "Yes?". She asked, as she looked up at Mandark. "It's time for bed now, sweet girl". "Have you said your prayers yet?". Mandark asked, in a gentle, soothing, softened, kind voice. "Yeah". Emily replied. "Wonderful, honey". "Feel tired, yet?". Mandark asked, soothingly with gentle kindness. "I do". Emily replied, as she looked upwards at Mandark. "I feel somewhat tired, too, baby girl". "I was up all night worrying about this thing on my testicle". "I only hope it doesn't get any worse…..it might be discoloration, but we'll let the doctor see about that". Mandark said, gently with soothingness. He smiled a gentle smile, chuckling.
"Mmmm, I feel so tired….come into bed with me, coochie". "I need to lay down for a few minutes…..I feel so drowsy, and so tired….mmmmm, mmmm, it's like drinking Valium a few days before a procedure…..I'm that drowsy…mmmmm, come give me some love, sweet girl". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle softness. Emily nodded, as she got into bed, snuggling up next to Mandark, as he smiled, stroking her forehead, gently. "I love you, sweet baby". "Cookie loves you beyond words, my sweet, amazing, lovely, best friend". "My beautiful lovey dovey girl". Mandark lulled soothingly with gentle, kind, loving, tender, softness. Mandark kissed Emily's forehead, as she drifted off to sleep. Mandark smiled, as he drifted off to sleep as well. He just laid in bed, allowing Good Friday to be a peaceful day of grieving, reflection, kindness, gentleness, and tender softness. While Christians thematically grieved the loss of Jesus, Emily grieved his loss too, yes, but she also grieved the loss of her adoptive parents….Lilac and Wendell. Emily laid, sleeping, as she breathed deeply. As well as sleep, she also held grief. The baby, baby Emily was grieving…..but it was ok now. Mandark was beside her, and she knew he would take good care of her. Mandark smiled, as he cuddled with Emily, sleeping in his essence. They both slept…..looking, searching for a peaceful day. And indeed, it was.
Easter Sunday had come…..and everyone was happy again. Soft, placated, happy, and effervescent, but in a calm, sanguine manner. Jesus had risen from the tomb, and all was well again. Mandark wore a suit, and tie, along with dress slacks, as he adjusted his glasses. Emily was advised to stay in her pajamas. "It's so good to see you this morning, coochie". "How are you?". Mandark asked, in a soothing, gentle, softened, kind voice. Mandark smiled, hugging Emily gently. "I'm doing well". Emily replied. "That sounds beautiful, sweet girl". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle kindness. Mandark smiled, as he kissed Emily's cheeks lovingly.
"Happy Easter, sweet girl". "I love you so much, baby". "Come give me a kiss, coo coo". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, kind, and loving voice. Emily smiled, as she giggled, coming to kiss Mandark. Mandark smiled, kissing Emily as well. "Well, would we like to go to Mass?". "There's an Easter Mass I think at 10 am, and then, there's one at 12….whichever one we want to attend". "You like St. Christopher's too, huh?". "It's a beautiful church, with nice people who love you so much, my coochie coo". Mandark said, soothingly with gentle, softened kindness. "I love St. Christopher's". Emily said. Mandark smiled a gentle, kind, loving smile as he kissed Emily's forehead. "Though, a bunch of older folks are at St. Christopher's". "It's a nice, reverent church….there's nice, soft, calm music from the choir, they have Communion, it's good stuff". Mandark said, gently with a soothing, softened, gentle voice. Emily nodded. "Yeah". She replied.
Emily looked up at Mandark, as he smiled. "Can we go to the 10:00 one?". Emily asked. "That sounds lovely, sweet girl". Mandark said, in a soothing, calm, gentle, softened voice. Mandark straightened his tie, as he bundled Emily up in a springtime jacket. "Let's get you bundled up, sweet girl". "You're all nice, calm, and ready for an Easter gathering". Mandark said, in a soothing, gentle, softened, calm, loving voice. Emily watched as Mandark put on his cufflinks. "I used to lector at my old church when I was little". Emily said, as she looked up at Mandark.
Mandark smiled a warm, loving, gentle, sappy smile. "That's because you read so well for your age…..you were 6 or 7 years old….5 years old, and you were ahead of your kindergarten class for reading aloud". "It is one of the many subjects you're gifted in…the only thing we need to work on is math, and science". "Because, when it comes to reading, or writing, poetry, singing or visual art, you're so talented". "I just adore, and am in love with your creativity". "You can do so much because you're an artist…". Mandark said, in a soothing, warm, gentle voice. "I know it was hard for you at the beginning…..because when you were early on in school, you had an aide that helped you learn, and do schoolwork, and it was a bit harder for you…..you had an IEP as well…but that was only in things like math, or science, numbers, or history….when it came to the arts, you excelled like no one else we knew". "You've always excelled….and you will keep excelling in reading, or writing, or singing". "I know the beginning was difficult, but I am proud that you found your strengths, and enhanced them, while working on your weaknesses". "You have so much beauty that way…..and your beauty is what makes you the smartest baby girl, I've ever known". Mandark said, warmly with soothing gentleness. Emily nodded, as she and Mandark shared a hug. Emily looked up at Mandark with innocent, fragile eyes. "Are mommy and daddy coming today?". Emily asked. Mandark shook his head. "Mommy and daddy don't like a traditional church like we have". "They do something a little different that's completely unique to them…and even I don't understand what foolish way they practice the religion". Mandark said, warmly with a huff at the end.
Mandark smiled a warm smile, as he picked Emily up in his arms, carrying her out to the car….trying to forget the fact that his parents were Jesus freaks….whose method of worship was a commune-style gathering of people smoking pot, and doing LSD, as well as worshiping while high.
Mandark smiled, as he kissed Emily's cheeks lovingly. He carried her to the car, as they rode in a limousine….an expensive limousine that Mandark was able to get as the President of his biochemical engineering firm.
They rode, as Mandark rode in the passenger's side. "It is a nice day isn't it?". Mandark said, kindly and politely to the driver. "It sure is". The driver replied. The driver smiled a warm smile. "Did you and your sweetie, Emily, have a good night last night?". The driver asked, kindly. "We had an excellent night….we just relaxed, slept, watched T.V. and had some leftover steak, and mashed potatoes that chef Leroy cooked us". Mandark said, politely. He looked back at his baby sister, Emily, in warmth. "Emily and I…..we had a good rest, didn't we, coochie?". Mandark said, warmly with soothing gentleness. "Yes, we did". Emily replied, as she held her stuffed bunny.
"I thought we did…..we snuggled, and kissied all the way to dreamscape, didn't we?". Mandark said, with a gentle, warm, loving, soothing voice. "We did". Emily replied, as she and Mandark shared a warm laugh.
Mandark smiled, as he kept staring back at his baby sister….he just stared at her, elegantly with a longing, protective, kind stare. He was admiring her beauty, and taking in her enigma. Her heroic, gifted, gentle, selfless, creative, innocent, and pure enigma.
Mandark smiled, as he saw Emily while she held her baby bunny, pressing its paw to hear her birth mother's heartbeat. Mandark smiled a gentle, loving, kind, proud smile.
They got to the church, as Mandark unclicked his seatbelt, getting out of the car. He and Emily came into church, as they took their seats, receiving a bulletin as the mass began. Emily paid attention, as she was called up in order to perform her role as the lector for Easter Sunday.
Lalavava came in, as she sat down beside Mandark. She wore a sleek, magenta dress, with black heels. "Hey….she looks so beautiful up there…she's like a fairytale, or a dream". Lalavava said, in an incredibly soothing voice. "She is so beautiful…..let's listen to her say the announcements". Mandark whispered, as Emily read the list of announcements. She read her list, as she sat down in the special seat near the altar. She sat calmly, patiently and with maturity as she followed procession, and partook in the morning's prayers. When it was time for the first reading, she stood up, reading the Easter passage. There was a calm, relieved, sanguine essence of mood around the church as everyone sat in a smarmy, happy, elegant, gentle, sappy, softened, soothed mood. Mandark smiled a warm smile as he heard Emily complete her readings. Emily returned to her seat, after the lengthy discussion, and prayer by the head priest. While prayer was being conducted, and other things were being done, Emily was tapped on the shoulder by someone else. She went upstairs to the choir area during communion time….and began singing the Lord's prayer. She sang in the key of D major, a light, gentle, kind, easter song, as she sung elegantly, smoothly, calmly, and in the soprano style of an opera singer. Well, just an elegant soprano…that was a step down from an opera singer. Her voice…..springy, elegant, calm, sanguine, innocent, and pure that held the fragility and endurance behind youth…..and the resilience of original Emily.
When the song ended, and Emily returned downstairs for communion, Mandark smiled a kind, loving, sappy smile with gentleness. "There's my girl…..you did such a beautiful job". Mandark whispered, soothingly as he kissed Emily's cheeks gently…while touching foreheads with her…..and hugging her in warmth, and nourishment. Lalavava's lips curled into a warm, soothing, gentle, kind, softened, and sappy smile as she brushed Emily's cheeks. "That was beautifully read and sung, coochie". "I'm so happy for you…you make us so proud….my baby sister, you're such a charm". Lalavava whispered, warmly with kindness as she hugged and kissed Emily's cheeks, warmly…..brushing Emily's cheeks, while little Emily drank from her sippy cup. "I love you". Mandark whispered, in a soothing, gentle, kind, loving, and warm manner. "And I love you too, Mandark". Emily replied. Mandark smiled a warm, loving, gentle, kind, softened smile as he hugged Emily. "I love you, honey". Lalavava whispered, soothingly with kind gentleness. "And I love you too, Lalavava". Emily replied, as Lalavava smiled, kissing and hugging Emily.
The siblings sat, as closing prayers were conducted, and the mass came to an end. Emily was picked up, and carried in Mandark's arms, as they went outside. "See you at home?". Lalavava asked, kindly. "Mom and dad are coming over as well…I know that". Lalavava smiled a warm smile. "That sounds nice…though knowing them, they might be very much held over by their practices". Mandark muttered. "You're right about that". Lalavava muttered. Mandark kissed his little sister's cheeks, as they got in separate cars, and headed for home. Mandark smiled, as he buckled Emily into her seat in the limousine. They headed for home, as Mandark talked with his chef, about Easter dinner, and a ham was prepared. It was a comfy afternoon, and evening as Oceanbird and Windbear came over, and they sat around the T.V. until it was time for Easter dinner.
Windbear smiled a kind, soothing, softened, gentle, loving smile as he laid out on the couch….shirtless, with bare feet, and jeans. Necklaces decorated his neck and chest. "Emily….baby, it is so good to see you…I thought my baby would be beside me….and indeed she is…such a cute coochie…..daddy's favorite….you're my favorite, coochie". Windbear mused in an incredibly soothing, softened, gentle, loving, kind, and nice voice. Windbear smiled, as he brushed Emily's cheeks in a soothing, gentle, loving manner. "You've made me so happy, Emily…..coochie". "I'm so thankful for you…daddy is so happy he has you…you make me want to hold you, kiss you, and snuggle you, my coochie". "You're someone so extraordinary….and so special". Windbear said, in an incredibly soothing, gentle, kind, loving, and gentle voice. "You make me so happy, and so elated….what I see in you is someone deeply special…..and I cherish what we have together…I cherish our heavenly bond…because we're not only daddy-coo and baby…we're best friends, you and I". "I love you more than the stars above…and I cherish you more than anyone…..our bond makes me so happy to be beside you….my best friend, and baby girl". Windbear said, in a soothing, gentle, kind, softened, relaxed, hazy, laid-back, loving voice. "Daddy loves you coochie….daddy loves you so much…you make me happiest…..you make me so thankful, my baby". Windbear said, in an incredibly soothing, extremely relaxed, amazingly gentle, woozy, hazy, laid-back voice. Windbear brushed Emily's cheeks, gently.
"Come give me some love, my special girl". "Come give daddy some lovin' and kindness". "Give me a kiss now….I've been looking for your kisses, sweet girl". Windbear said, soothingly with gentle kindness, and a relaxed, laid-back voice. Windbear patted the spot beside him on the couch. Emily…..in her pajamas, with a blanket wrapped around her, came to see her adoptive dad on the couch. Windbear smiled, brushing Emily's cheeks, lovingly. "How have you been feeling, sweet girl?". "You look much more rested, you're much less tired, you've been awake since this morning…..time for a rest". Windbear said, in a soothing, gentle, tired, laid-back, relaxed, softened voice. Windbear smiled, as he kissed Emily's cheeks. "Yeah, that's right….far out, baby girl". Windbear whispered, in a soothing, gentle, kind, and loving voice. "Mmmmm, you're such a gift to the world….to the planet…you are like the messiah…..you can do anything…..I will forever believe in us…..and I will always believe in you". Windbear mused, soothingly with gentle, kind, loving, relaxed tiredness. "You are the Messiah, sent from God above to heal a dying planet…when the day of revelation comes, you'll be the only good one who will lead the people to heaven…..and you will open the gates, sit at the left hand side of God, and welcome your people in….you are the Messiah…..you are the purest form of energy….sent to heal the sick, rescue the helpless, lead the weak, and offer your kingdom to the poor….you are an angel sent from your brother, Jesus to lead the others to paradise". "Thanks to you, paradise is attainable". Windbear mused in a soothing, tired, gentle, kind, relaxed, softened, loving voice. Emily nodded, as she closed her eyes for sleep.
"You're the heroine….you've been chosen to lead us…..to wherever paradise might be….heavenward". Windbear mused, soothingly with gentle kindness, as he stroked a sleeping Emily's cheeks. "My guardian angel….my sunshine, my knightess in shining armor…please forgive me…..I need you…..just like I need us". "Sleep well, my angel…..tonight, you're daddy's guardian angel…and I'm going to lock you in my heart, and keep you at my side…I need us, and I want us more than ever…please save me…you are the answer". "Mmmmm, yeah….my beautiful, extraordinary, brilliant, genius, amazing, wonderful, excellent, Ukrainian baby girl…..who has endured, and experienced…for she is the wisest, and she shall lead me to heaven". "My girl means everything to me….my darling baby". Windbear mused in a soothing, softened, tired, relaxed, laid-back, gentle, kind, loving, nourishing, woozy, hazy, fazed voice. Drool seeped from his mouth. "Sleep with me, baby…..mmmmmmm, yeah….yeah, far out….styling it out from the left to the right…..gonna eat that ham, gonna take a bite…..mmm, yeah, yeah, that's right, far out". Windbear mused in his soothing, soft, tired, relaxed, gentle, laid-back, kind, loving, nourishing, tender, therapeutic voice. Windbear drooled, as he mumbled some things, laying down, as Emily slept by his side….near his legs. Oceanbird was passed out on the other chair. Mandark came in, as he ate his ham, crunching and munching to a documentary on Dividends, Bonds, and Market strategies in the 20th Century. Even he was bored, as he passed out…..and fell asleep with Belle, the bunny rabbit sleeping on his lap. "Goodnight, darling". "I'll see you in a little bit". Mandark whispered, soothingly with gentleness. Belle fell asleep, as the family was deep in sleep….on the couch….after 3 helpings of dinner, and 3 helpings of dessert, it certainly was a holiday to fall asleep to.