Chapter 3
Mandark awoke, as he smacked his lips together. He sighed a deepened, softened sigh as he moaned a bit more. Mandark rose from bed, as he put on his robe, and his boxers. He tied his robe in an effort to keep from looking embarrassing in front of his sister.
He went to the darkened kitchen, as the pink, fleshy, darkened, meek clouds surrounded the mansion's windows. A bolt of silent white lightning shot across the sky, in a slimy, sneaky, cunning effort to evade the coming low, angry, pensive, eloquently disappointed-sounding rumble of loud, yet basso profondo thunder.
Mandark sighed, as he looked outwards at the stormy, gloomy, disappointing day. "Computer…light living room". Mandark requested in a calm, stern voice. "Of course". Computer replied, gently with a sense of warmth to his masculine, calm, tactful voice.
"Mmm, she's sleeping as of now….she's been sleeping for quite a while….she is deeply exhausted, I can tell". Mandark said, in a softened, nerdy voice. "How has she been eating?". Computer asked, as the straight line across his screen moved to indicate that he was speaking.
"She's been well….her appetite hasn't changed much". "The only thing she hasn't been too steady with is maintaining honesty and truthfulness". "I've recently been informed by her pediatrician that she is still subconsciously traumatized from her experiences in Ukraine". "She has been through so much….and I understand now that she is a hurting child who needs more love, and more nourishment than what was expected". Mandark said. "I'm doing my part to understand her needs a little bit more….and give her what she deserves". Mandark rubbed sweat from his brow.
"She might need some holding time, or some extra degree of affection that requires physical contact". "Ideally, she needs a quiet environment….like the bedroom, or the reading room, she needs time and space to think, and contemplate….and she needs you to coax her kindly in a softened whisper to come and sit…and be held for an hour". "She needs this to be consistent, and matching with her schedule". "An hour of holding time can make all of the difference in growth, development, attachment, and nourishment". "Any internationally adopted child needs this to overcome any trauma experienced in the orphanage, or state-care setting". Computer said. Mandark nodded, as he sniffled. "Yes, I'll try my best". Mandark replied, as he felt more moisture come to his eyes. Mandark wiped his eyes.
"No crying now". Computer reaffirmed in a gentle, warm manner. "This will be good for her….to become more trusting towards her loved ones….who are beside her". Computer's voice was warm, and elegant. "Yes, that is a good idea…I feel this will be good for her…because she needs me….and I need her". Mandark replied. He felt a protruding warmth come over him.
"Is it bad that I had a sex dream of her a few hours ago?". Mandark asked, as he glanced up at Computer. "Not exactly". "As long as she doesn't know, or is aware of your past dealing with pedophilia". Computer replied. "She'll never know". Mandark replied, as he yawned a bit. "And I promise I'll never hurt her in any way". Mandark yawned again. "Just as long as you know the assigned boundaries". Computer said.
Mandark nodded, as he talked with his computer a bit, while also going into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of scotch. He coughed a bit, seeing Emily as she came outside, yawning as well.
"There's my darling….I thought I'd find her somewhere". "How did you sleep, little one?". Mandark asked, kindly with soothing softness. Emily nodded, as she yawned, tiredly. "Good". She replied, plainly. Mandark smiled, as he kissed Emily's cheeks, gently. "Mmm, it still is stormy out, unfortunately". "Well, we had a nice rest….it was quite wonderful in its essence". "Nothing quite like a fine rest on a beautiful night". Mandark said, kindly with soothingness. "That's what you are to me, baby…a sweet dream on a beautiful night". "And in any aspect, I don't feel like waking up anytime soon….but as long as I have you in my arms…I am quite content". Mandark's voice was seducing, softened, gentle, and soothing. He smiled, sipping his scotch.
Emily nodded, as she drank more milk from her sippy cup. She looked upwards, innocently, and in a fragile, small, somewhat traumatized manner, as her eyes looked upwards from the cup while she drank her oat milk. She was just a little Millennial who was traumatized, hurt by the death of her mom and dad, and by the extremity of the plane crash. She drank her milk, from a toddler's sippy cup, quietly.
"Darling, you look so beautiful". "I just love the color of your eyes….did you get your eyes from birth mom?". Mandark asked, kindly in a soothing, gentle, softened manner. Emily nodded. "Yeah". Emily replied, in a quiet, plain manner. "That is magnanimous, darling". "I thought your beautiful eyes came from somewhere". Mandark said, kindly with gentle soothingness. Mandark kissed Emily's cheeks and forehead, kindly as he nuzzled her, gently.
"I was thinking perhaps tonight before bedtime….we could spend some time in the study, and have some time…just you and I….I could hold you in my arms….and cuddle you….you could be in my arms for a little while….it would be nice…hmm?". Mandark said, gently with kind soothingness. Emily nodded. "Ok". she replied. "I just love holding you before bed….it helps us relax, and fall asleep easier". Mandark said, gently with kindness. Emily nodded.
Mandark brushed Emily's cheeks, gently with kindness. "Mmmm, and you love being in my arms…it works out nicely". Mandark said, in a gentle, loving, soothing, kind voice. Emily nodded. Mandark sat, as Emily curled up on the couch….while there was a knock at the door. Mandark requested for Computer to unlock said door, as Lalavava came in. "mmm, there's a nice sight to behold". "My flesh and blood sitting on his behind, drinking a scotch". "That's my favorite thing to see". Lalavava muttered, as she came in. Her heels clicked as she walked. "Hey there, girl, it's good to see you on this fine day". Mandark muttered as he sipped his scotch. "Fine day?". "It's pouring out, and thundering, 4 eyes". Lalavava muttered, as she coughed a bit, sitting on the couch. "Well, still, it is a fine day….because I have my guardian angel beside me…..my girl toy". Mandark muttered, as he pinched Emily's cheeks, affectionately, while giving her a kiss on those cheeks.
"Mmmm, yes, she is a delight". "Yes, and I love my baby, too". "Which brings us to the reason I came by….I'd like to indulge her for a bit….give her a bit of luxury, and treat her to a fine authentic, Mediterranean dinner on the rooftop of one of my restaurants I own stock in". Lalavava said, gently as she brushed Emily's cheeks, blowing her a kiss.
"Go right ahead". "I might have my private chef make me some shrimp stir fry with Quinoa instead of rice". Mandark said. "You're such a nerd on a health kick….you've always been a health nut, hmm?". Lalavava muttered.
"Being a nerd is one of the most delightful aspects of my countenance". "As long as I'm happy with it, there's nothing to be concerned about". Mandark muttered. Lalavava scoffed. "You're way too weird for me, big man". Lalavava muttered. She and Mandark chuckled.
Mandark tickled Emily's cheeks, gently. "I've just been in love with this bundle of joy….she brings me so much happiness". "She and I….we're best friends, aren't we, coochie?". Mandark said, gently. Emily nodded. "Yes". she replied.
"Good enough for me". Mandark muttered, as he scooped Emily into a hug, kissing her cheeks, profusely. "Ok". Emily replied, as she looked away even for a moment. "Mmm, she is a delight in many aspects". "I just feel so beautiful around her, too". "The baby girl". Lalavava said, gently as she hugged Emily as well, while Emily giggled a bit. She laughed and played, as Lalavava attacked her in hugs and kisses. "Hey, honey…why don't you go get changed, and we'll head to that Mediterranean place we like so much". "Then, I'll take you to get a smoothie". Lalavava said, kindly with gentle, kind, love behind her voice. Her lips curled into a smile. "Does that sound like a plan?". Lalavava asked, kindly with gentleness. Emily nodded, as she went to get changed.
Lalavava smiled, her purple painted lips curled in admiration of Emily. "She seems to be working on a few things, hmm?". Lalavava muttered. "Yes, she's doing quite well now". "She has her singing, her schoolwork, she has quite a few aspects she's providing herself with….and the proclivity of her improvement is quite monumental". Mandark muttered. "That's always good…she's doing well". "She deserves to have something go her way, y'know?". "She's been facing a lot of trauma, a lot of turmoil, she needs the aspects of something to go right for her….whatever it may be". Lalavava muttered.
"You aren't wrong". Mandark muttered. Lalavava smiled, as she saw Emily come outside with her pink dress, and her pink shoes. "You look like a dream, baby". Lalavava said, kindly with soothingness. "Your dress looks cute, your hair looks cute….you look ready to eat, little one". Lalavava chuckled, as she pinched Emily's cheeks affectionately. "Let's go see if we can find something divine to indulge ourselves in….whatever it may be". Lalavava said, gently with kind soothingness. She and Emily said goodbye to Mandark as they headed outside to Lalavava's Maserati which glowed on the inside, and held a dim light. Le Quack sat in the passenger's side. "Darling, you remember my business partner, and friend, Le Gainsbourg". "He'll be joining us this evening". Lalavava said, kindly. She buttoned her lips a bit.
"Hi, Mr. Gainsbourg". Emily replied, innocently. Le Quack turned a bit in the passenger's side, as he kept his head rested against the headrest. "Bonjour, Mon cherie". "So good to see you zis evening….you are looking well, how have you been, Emily?". Le Quack asked, kindly with gentle soothingness. "Good". Emily replied. "Zat ees good, my darling petit". "I'm glad to see you again….you sound good, your health has been good?". Le Quack asked, gently with softened soothingness. "Yes". Emily replied. Le Quack rested his head against the seat. "Zat ees good, darling". "I am so glad you're doing well, mon cherie". "I was hoping you would do well…lovey". Le Quack said, in a gentle, soothing, softened, kind voice. "Yes, how are things going, Em?". "Is everything going well with Mandark?". "How are you doing?". Lalavava asked, kindly with an element of soothing, gentle softness to her voice. Lalavava sounded kind, and loving in her professional, warm, and suave voice.
"I am ok….kind of". Emily replied, as she looked out of the window. "I am getting all A's on my report card, I'm learning really well….I'm doing good….I kind of am". Emily said, as she sighed a bit. "Why just kind of, coochie?". "Are you happy here with us….in your new home, and your new school?". Lalavava asked, kindly with soothing, gentle softness. "I am…I like it a lot". Emily replied, with an element of sadness in her voice.
"You don't sound happy, honey". "If anything, you sound kind of dismal….very pensive…is everything ok?". Lalavava asked, kindly with a soothing softness, and warmth. "Not really". Emily replied. "Mmm, tell us what the problem is, honey". "We'll fix it". Lalavava assured, kindly with gentle soothingness, as her lips curved into a warm, sympathetic smile. "What happened, baby?". Lalavava asked, kindly with gentle soothingness. Emily sighed. "I got my math test back….and I got an F on it…..a 3 percent F…..and I lied to Mandark about my grades….I lied because he'd be disappointed in me….I want him to be proud of me". Emily sighed, as she sniffled.
"Wouldn't you think he'd be prouder of you if you told him the truth?". "Having courage, and being as honest as we can with the ones who love us most helps us". "I know you're hurting…I know it's been hard on you….but I believe you can do it". "Let's try to be honest…you and I….instead of lying, and falsifying a story". "Lying hurts the ones we love, and it hurts us because we carry that pain". "We should never lie to our loved ones….we need to be truthful even if the truth hurts us". "Could we work on telling the truth?". Lalavava asked, gently with a soothing, loving, softened, warm voice. "Ok". Emily replied. "You are the most heroic person I've ever met….I know you can do it….and don't be scared". "Whatever your grades are, we will always love you…..and we will never leave you, or go anywhere….because you are family". "Everything will be ok, coochie". Lalavava assured, kindly with soothing, gentle softness. Emily nodded, as she sniffled. "Ok". Emily replied. "You won't go to heaven like my mommy and daddy?". Emily sniffled.
"We aren't going anywhere, darling". "Everything is ok". Lalavava assured, gently with kind, loving, soothingness. Lalavava smiled a gentle, warm, loving, kind smile. Le Quack smiled a gentle smile. "Don't worry, Mon Cherie". "We are your family now….and we'll protect you….because….you've protected us….you truly are a beautiful, baby girl". Le Quack said, kindly with soothing softness. Emily nodded. "Thank you". Emily replied.
Lalavava smiled a kind, warm smile, as she looked back at Emily. "I'm so happy, and blessed that you're a part of our family". "There were 24 other families who wanted to adopt you….but we were lucky enough to be chosen". Lalavava said, kindly with gentle soothingness. "You chose us because you are so intelligent….you are nerdy, sweet, well-kept, well-read, well-spoken, innovative, creative, and worldly….you fit right into our comfy little bubble". "We are happy to have you as Astronomonovs, and we're fortunate enough that we have the opportunity to keep you close…..because, you've given us everything, honey". Lalavava said, in a gentle, soothing, kind, and warm voice. "Thank you". Emily replied.
"That, and your care nurses at the children's hospital loved mom and dad". "They knew that mom and dad were so nourishing, caring, and loving". "The only problem lied in that mom and dad traveled so much…..and they couldn't settle down into a specific school, doctor's office, therapy service, or commonplace location for you". "That's why Mandark is looking after you…because mom and dad and I….we travel so much for work, and business". "We can't easily settle down in a set place to call home, and you need that". "You need a home where you can flourish, and grow at your own pace". "You need that stability that pretty much every child needs to learn, and develop". "Everything is ok….mom and dad will be back soon, and you're good with Mandark". "You have music therapy, and summer camp…you have occupational therapy, and speech therapy". "You're doing so well now, coochie". Lalavava said, gently.
"You are doing well, Mon Cherie". "I've recently heard that you were doing well in therapy….yes, we are so happy for you….and proud". "I've heard many good things about you….and I am very impressed with every one". "You are someone truly spectacular". "Darling". Le Quack said, kindly with gentle soothingness and kindness. "Thank you". Emily replied, while Le Quack stared back in admiration.
They parked in the parking garage at the rooftop restaurant, as Lalavava parked the car. "You know….I'm very excited to try the shrimp wrapped in a blanket and served over rice". "I cannot wait to try that….it'll be elegant, indeed". Lalavava said, kindly. "Ze shrimp sounds nice….zat, and I cannot wait to try ze stuffed mushrooms with rice and black eyed peas". "I've been dreaming about zat for a while now". "I love stuffed mushrooms, and rice with capers….delicious, in fact". Le Quack replied. "Mmm, we might have a nice selection once we try it….very nice, indeed". Lalavava replied, as her voice remained warm, with gentle, loving kindness. They got out of the car, as the valet was happy to keep the car safe. Lalavava smiled as she and Emily walked inside. Emily waited, drinking milk from her sippy cup. Le Quack smiled a gentle, kind, and soothing smile. "I hear the food is delicious, honey". "What are you thinking of getting, darling?". Le Quack asked in a soothing, softened, gentle voice. "Rice, and shrimp and capers". Emily said. "Me too, I love zose". Le Quack said, kindly with softened soothingness, as he leaned down, kissing Emily's forehead, gently. Lalavava smiled, as she wrapped her blanket-length shawl around Emily, kissing both of Emily's cheeks and forehead. "Let's bundle you up, coochie". "We'll keep you safe and warm". Lalavava said, kindly with a soothing, gentle voice. "I love you, baby". Lalavava smiled, brushing Emily's cheeks, gently.
"I love you too". Emily replied. They were seated, as Emily sat, drinking milk from her sippy cup.
"Here's some-sing zat will keep ju nice, and cozy". "Something to rest your head on". Le Quack whispered, gently as he kissed near Emily's cheeks, and ears. "A neck pillow". Emily replied.
"A neck pillow to keep your neck nice and comfy". "And some headphones in case eet ees too loud in here". "You're all set, mon cherie". Le Quack said, kindly with soothing gentleness. Emily nodded, as she sat down in the seat beside Le Quack. She was warm, calm, and quiet…unbearably quiet, as she tuned out the business and shop talk between Le Quack and Lalavava.
The business partners talked, as they went over quarterly reports, and the day's transactions. Emily closed her eyes before the waitress brought over everyone's drinks, and a bowl of pepper soup for everyone. Emily ate her soup, feeling warm inside.
"Here ju are, darling love, take some of mine". "I don't exactly feel hungry after having zat buffet lunch". Le Quack said, gently with a warm, soothing, gentle voice. He handed Emily his bowl of pepper soup. "Um…are you sure?". Emily asked. "Oui, of course…take as much as ju like". "Zis evening, ju are our special guest of honor". Le Quack said, kindly with gentle, soothing warmth. Emily nodded, as she took the soup. "Thank you". She replied.
"You didn't have to do that….I was going to give her mine, anyway". "I'm not sure if she's that hungry, though". Lalavava said, kindly with a chuckle.
"No, I insist". "She looks beautiful zis evening….and she's my best friend….why not?". Le Quack said, gently with soothing, loving warmth. "I love your dress, honey". Le Quack said, kindly with soothing warmth.
"Thank you". Emily replied, as she ate the soup. Le Quack smiled a kind smile, as he drank some of his peach wine.
Lalavava talked some more business with Le Quack, as Emily sat, eating both bowls of their soup. "We had a big buffet lunch today at the Banquet in Tokyo….so we're both full, and tired from our flight". Lalavava said, kindly. "Tokyo, Japan?". Emily asked. "Indeed, we met with a member of the Japan branch for a buffet lunch, and then had a productivity meeting before heading out". "By concord plane, it only took a few hours….our new state-of-the-art concorde planes can get anyone to another part of the world in the better half of a day". Lalavava explained, kindly. "Ok". Emily replied, plainly as she ate her soup.
Lalavava smiled, as she continued talking with Le Quack. She looked down at her phone, seeing a text message. "Big bro says there's no school tomorrow, or the weekend". Lalavava said, kindly. "Yeah, tom-orr-ow's an inservice day". Emily said. "Mmm, that's when they get the report cards ready?". Lalavava asked, kindly. Emily nodded.
"Mmm, you can rest tomorrow, too". Lalavava said, gently with kindness as she blew Emily a kiss. Emily caught it, as she saw their usual food come. They ate, talked, though Emily didn't participate much because it was all business.
That night, Emily sat outside in the park, as she sipped her smoothie. "How does it taste, baby?". Lalavava asked, kindly with gentle soothingness. "Good". Emily replied, as she sipped the smoothie, looking upwards at the stars. She, Lalavava, and Le Quack enjoyed the evening.
Mandark talked on the phone to the pediatrician, hearing the different elements to what the pediatrician explained. He nodded, biting his lip in melancholy. "Yes, thank you". Mandark said, as he hung up the phone, putting the cordless phone on its hanger. Back then, people used a landline. Back in my day of the early 2000's.
Mandark hung his head, as he sat down in front of the T.V.
"Something wrong?". Computer asked, as the line on the screen moved to indicate speech. "Yes, I think so". "That was Emily's pediatrician that just called…..we got the test results back…Emily has Autism". "Pervasive Developmental Disorder, to be exact". Mandark said, glumly.
"Well, that could explain her sleeping patterns….as well as her difficulty following directions". Computer replied. "Maybe…but I thought it was grief-oriented". "When did Autism come up in her EKG images?". Mandark wondered.
"It always has been there….ever since she experienced extreme neglect, and deprivation in the Ukrainian orphanage". "Her neurons rewired, and the synapse connections weakened…..she has classic Autism". Computer replied.
"Yes, I'm well aware….I just don't know….or understand how to care for someone with Autism…because, I'm not exactly sure of what Autism is, or how it's treated". "oh…I just feel horrible because….there might be some things she won't be able to do on her own…like manage finances, or operate a vehicle". "I know some children with Autism cannot drive, or they perform worse in academic settings". "I just feel so bad for Emily….she doesn't deserve it". Mandark replied.
Computer ran diagnostics for a moment. "That is very cynical of you to think that way, overlord". "Many people with the disorder function well, and lead normal lives…they only behave a bit differently, that's all". Computer said.
"I understand….I just want the best for Emily….this is the last thing she needs". Mandark said. "Even so, you need to support her…because she needs you most". "She needs your wisdom because she chose you of 24 to 34 people to be her caregiver". "She needs you…she's counting on you to be there for her….and nourish her….which is what we both want". Computer said. Mandark nodded. "I want that for her, too". "And I know she needs me…I'll be as supportive as she needs me to be". Mandark said. Mandark's insect-like lips moved a bit.
Mandark thought for a moment….all before he nodded along. He greeted his baby sister when she came home.