“Nah, I like her being free from worry.”
“It’s up to you. Katherine? Is dinner ready? I’m starving,” Lance asked as she came in.
She hugged him warmly, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his chin and receive a warm, comforting embrace.
“I’ll bring it in. Could you turn up the heater? It’s getting cold in here.”
“You could go put on some long pants… Oh, never mind.” Her brother grinned as she rubbed her bottom with a scowl.
Chapter Four
“Are you excited to go home with Dr. Lance, Noelle?” Julie asked as she brushed the young woman’s hair.
“Who’s Dr. Lance? I don’t like doctors. They give shots.”
“Dr. Lance? Daddy? He doesn’t usually give shots. He has the nurses do it for him.”
“I don’t like shots. They hurt,” Noelle said firmly.
“Did you get a lot of shots when you were little?” Julie asked, jotting down a note.
“All the time. Shots hurt.”
“Do you remember why you had to get so many?”
“No. I think I was going on a long trip. No more shots!”
“You won’t get any from me, I promise. There you go. See how pretty you look?” Noelle smiled at the mirror. Julie had brushed her hair out until it shone and then pulled the sides up in a braid held by clips with sparkling purple stones. She had discovered that Noelle loved the color purple since Daddy told her it matched her eyes.
Those big, lovely eyes brightened when Lance and Kathy walked through the door. She bounded into his arms, wrapping her arms and legs around him gleefully. “Daddy! Look! Miss Julie bought me hair thingies to match my eyes.”
“So she did, my little princess. They are gorgeous. Jules? Anything new?” Julie nodded, handing him a list of her discoveries. Some made sense, others did not. He tucked it into his pocket and hugged her. “Thank you so much for all you’ve done. We’re going to stop by the toy store on the way home and see if there is anything she likes. You’ve done well, my girl. Thank you again.”
“You know I would do anything for you, Doc. Call me if you need a babysitter, ok?”
“For me or her?” Lance asked mischievously.
Julie smacked his arm, grinning. “You’re bad. So much like my kid brother. Have a good weekend, ok? Try to get some rest; you look terrible. Oh, Noelle?”
“Yes, ma'am, Miss Julie?”
Lance raised his eyebrow. Manners? Another clue. Julie handed her something wrapped in My Little Pony paper.
“I got you a little present as a thank you for letting me play with you. Open it.” Noelle stared at her, stunned. Was she supposed to tear this pretty paper? She looked at Lance, confused.
“It’s ok to rip the paper. That’s what we do when we get wrapped gifts.” Noelle broke into a smile and excitedly yanked the paper from the present. Her eyes teared as she pulled out a plush purple rabbit. “Oh, Miss Julie! Thank you! He’s perfect!”
“I remember you telling me you liked to color the bunnies. Think of me when you hold him, ok?”
Noelle started crying as she hugged Julie good-bye, then followed suit on the other nurses and aides on the floor. They watched her leave, sad to see her go. Everyone had been so happy having the young woman there to care for and play with. She was like a ray of sunshine and always made them feel… special. Younger, even. Lance felt his sixth sense tingling again, glancing behind him at his staff. Something was definitely off kilter.
*
*
*
“What are you going to name your bunny, Noelle?” Kathy asked, sliding into the back seat of Lance’s red SUV with the girl.
“Bunny, of course! He makes me feel good,” Noelle said firmly. “Where do we live, Aunt Kathy?”
“Daddy’s house is about twenty minutes away. Uncle Todd and I are staying with him right now to help take care of you. Uncle Alan lives about a half hour from us.”
“Who are they?”
“Todd is my husband and Alan and Daddy are my brothers.”
“Do I have any cousins?”
Lance’s ears perked to the question; she understood family dynamics.
“Uncle Alan has twin girls who are nine years old.”
“Do I have to share my coloring books with them?” Noelle looked cross.
“Yes, Noelle. It’s not good to be selfish. We share everything and play nicely in this family, and try to help each other as much as we can. It’s the right thing to do when you care about people.” Lance said firmly, noticing the possessive expression.
“Yes, Sir, Daddy.”
Sir? She must have heard it from one of the staff, Lance thought, although he could not recall any one of his mischievous employees offering him that courtesy. Except, of course, when they occasionally elevated him to Knight Hood. Didn’t they understand his name was Lance NOT Lancelot? One of these days he would have to tell his parents about what they subjected him to, and find out what they were thinking when they did it.
The car was quiet as he pulled into the large Toys R Us parking lot. Lance held out his hand for the tiny woman to take. Her eyes widened with disbelief as she scanned the large store.
He was certain his expression was not much different as he looked up at the high shelves and walls that were packed to the ceiling with everything imaginable. If he felt overstimulated, he could only imagine how the young woman felt.
“A little overwhelming, huh? You may pick three things, Noelle. We will be celebrating Christmas with the whole family in two months, so we need to leave something for them to get you. Katherine, only three toys, got it?” Lance said sternly.
Kathy was quite at home in the giant store. She pulled Noelle with her as they strolled up and down the aisles, shopping cart in tow. Lance was examining the electronic games when they came up behind him, the basket laden with toys, games, and books.
“Do you know how many three is, Noelle?” he asked with a frown, eyeing the piles.
“This many, Daddy,” she held up three fingers, “I got three. Aunt Kathy got lots more.”
“Katherine…”
“Down, boy. These are educational games, puzzles, and books. Not technically toys. She also liked this comforter set, so I’m getting it too.”
“You’re getting it? Oh, you’re gonna get it, alright…” Lance growled. Noelle looked scared and clung to her bunny.
“Stop it, you’re frightening the child. Pay him no mind, honey, he’s just an old grumpy bear.” Kathy told the girl, stroking her hair while challenging her brother with her eyes.
Lance relinquished his stand, “Very well. You might as well add these to the bill.”
“What's that?” Noelle asked.
Lance grinned sheepishly “Video games for my Xbox.”
“Boys!” Kathy grunted.
The three stopped for milkshakes before going shopping for some clothes. Kathy ordered Lance to stay in the car and wait for them, which he was more than happy to comply. He was worn out and started to doze off when they returned an hour later carrying three large bags.
“Did you buy out the store, Katherine?”
“I swear, you are sounding more like Todd every day. She had nothing to wear, Lance!
I’m warning you, though, I let her pick out most of the stuff. We had to go into the girls department because she is so small.”
“Whatever. I’m tired and want to go home. Can we go?”
“Why is Daddy mad, Aunt Kathy?” Noelle whispered, sticking her thumb in her mouth.
“Don’t do that, baby. He’s not mad, just grumpy. He gets that way when he doesn’t get enough beauty sleep. And when I spend his money,” Kathy giggled, ignoring her brother’s warning look in the rear view mirror.
“We’re home. What do you think?” Lance asked, pulling into the landscaped driveway of his large, custom built home with a mountainous backdrop.
Noelle stared, eyes wide with astonishment. “It’s so pretty! I get to live here?”
&n
bsp; “You do. We even have a swimming pool, but it’s way too cold right now. Come inside and I’ll show you around. Katherine? Leave those things. I’ll get them later.” Holding his hand, Noelle took in her surroundings. The house had a wide entryway with a big living room, kitchen and dining area to the left along with the master guest room, Lance’s office, and laundry room to the right. She followed him upstairs where the master suite and two more large bedrooms, each with separate bathrooms, were housed.
“This is your room. Do you like it? Aunt Kathy fixed it up for you,” he asked, opening the door to the room at the end of the hall. Noelle walked in and her mouth opened to form an
‘O’.
All the furnishings were white with tiny purple flowers painted along the edges. The rocking chair and toy chest were padded with lavender gingham that matched the frilly curtains.
In the middle of the bed sat a large purple teddy bear, with a huge pink bow, holding a vase of purple and white orchids.
“Where did these come from?” Kathy asked, picking up the note. She smiled, reading it aloud, “To our little Noelle. Welcome Home. Love, Uncle Todd and Uncle Alan. How sweet!” she said, touching her hand to her heart. Pushovers, Lance thought. They haven’t even met the kid yet!
“Daddy?” Noelle yanked on his pinky.
“Yes, hon?”
“I need to go potty,” she whispered, almost embarrassed.
“You have your own bathroom right here. Do you need help?”
“No. 'Scuse me.”
Lance watched as she departed and then turned to his sister. “Manners, family dynamics, counting, and embarrassment about bodily functions…you don’t think she’s faking this, do you?” he whispered.
“No. Not at all. Her reactions are too genuine. Even if she were, then it means she definitely believes she needs it. She’s very appreciative and it shows. Please try not to be suspicious. She’s not Becca. She worships you.”
“I know. And it scares the heck out of me.”
After putting all the new purchases away, the three sat at the kitchen table for lunch.
Noelle stared at the food on her plate then looked at Lance helplessly.
“What’s wrong, Noelle? Don’t you like your lunch?”
“It hurts to swallow,” she said.
“Shoot! I forgot she’s a choke risk. Great physician I am.” He smacked his forehead. “I have some supplement powder that we can mix with milk until I get a decent formula ordered for her. Sit, Katherine, I’ll fix it.” He placed the glass in front of the girl and watched as she lifted it with difficulty to her mouth, spilling most of it all over the front of her shirt. She started to cry.
“No need to cry, baby. It was an accident. I shouldn’t have given you such a big cup. Here,” he poured the drink into a travel cup that had a lid, “see if this works better for you.” He could tell it was still difficult for her to coordinate her hands to feed herself, despite her ability to color inside the lines and was fairly adept with other self-care.
Kathy frowned as well. “Lance? Do you think she needs to use a bottle? Watch her. It’s like she’s never eaten solid food before and she tilts her glass clear up in the air.”
“You’re right. Call Todd and ask if he can bring a couple home with him. The store is right by his office. Then would you mind running to the market and getting some more milk? I’m beat and I don’t want to spend another second driving.”
“You do look tired and really washed out. Must suck getting old, huh? Love you! Be right back.”
To Lance’s dismay, Noelle took a long time to finish her drink. He desperately needed to sleep and noticed that Noelle also appeared tired, as well as a bit pale. Lance reached for her hand. “Come with me, little one. You need to get cleaned up and then I want you to take a nap.”
“I don’t wanna take a nap. I’m not sleepy,” Noelle whined as she yawned.
“Of course you’re not, but I am. Come lay down with me so I’m not by myself, ok? I don’t want you to feel scared in this big house and I’m way too big to sleep in your bed.”
“I like this house. It’s warm and happy. Bunny likes it, too.”
“Good. I’ll make your bath and…. what's wrong now?” he tried not to sound impatient as she balked from the water.
“No bath!”
“Yes, bath. You’re sticky and covered with milk. Are you embarrassed in front of me?
I’m a doctor…”
“NOOOOO! No bath!” Noelle screamed, kicking at him.
Lance frowned. This behavior was unacceptable and he knew she could control herself.
“Young lady, you are to take a bath and then a nap. You will not raise your hands or kick me or anyone else again, either. Do you understand me?” he asked in his sternest voice.
“I don’t wanna take a bath and I’m not tired!” she cried, plopping on the ground and kicking her feet on the floor. Kathy heard them as she entered the house and ran upstairs, milk still in hand. She stared at Noelle in disbelief.
“What did you do?” she asked her brother, putting the carton down.
“Nothing. I wanted to give her a bath.”
“Noelle? It’s time for you to get in that tub. I’ll help you undress,” Kathy reached for her. Noelle slapped Kathy’s hand away and screamed. Loudly.
“Oh, no way! Not in my house,” Lance announced, gently pushing his sister away from Noelle. “Move aside, Katherine. Noelle! This behavior will not be tolerated. I will not put up with any disrespect in this family. You will stop this tantrum this instant, young lady, or you will be getting a spanking! You are making Aunt Kathy very upset!”
“No bath!” she continued to scream at the top of her lungs, heels hammering against the wall.
Lance reached down and grabbed her arm, easily pulling her off the floor. He carried her, kicking and screaming, to the bed and sat down, plopping her tiny body across his lap.
Noelle continued to screech at the top of her lungs as his hand smacked the seat of her pants. He again spanked her, knowing that the impact through the thick cotton did not hurt her, but he was hoping to gain her attention so he could talk to her. She continued her high-pitched, ear-splitting protests, struggling wildly under his hand.
“Lance, don’t hurt her!” Kathy said worriedly.
“I’m trying to get her to stop her theatrics and, if we’re lucky, she’ll also wear herself out.
You, of all people, know that I won’t put up with fits for any reason. Noelle, if you don’t stop this, I will lower your britches and spank your bare bottom.” Noelle froze. Lance stood her up and placed her between his knees to look at her firmly.
“I don’t ever want to see another temper tantrum like that again, young lady. There will never be a time that you are allowed to hurt anyone here. Ever. Promise me! You can ask Aunt Kathy that my spankings on the bare bottom hurt a lot and if you act that way again, you will feel them. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Daddy. I promise,” whispered words were heard between sniffles.
“Now get your buns into that bath.”
“I don’t like baths.” Her lower lip puffed out. Lance fought not to hug her, she was so cute! He pointed to the tub, his face showing a lack of sympathy.
“Too bad. Do it. Katherine? Could you please take over, I’m about to drop.”
“Sure thing. Go lay down. I’ll wake you for dinner,” Kathy said as she kissed his chin.
She turned to undress Noelle and help her into the tub, watching as the young woman stiffened immediately and refused to sit right away. Kathy said nothing as she started to gently cleanse the pale, slender legs with fragrant lavender soap. Gradually, Noelle sat down and let the water cover her to her small breasts.
“Please don’t throw another tantrum around Lance. He hates that almost as much as lying. Trust me, I know.”
“Lance? Daddy?”
“Yes, Daddy. Promise me, no more fits.”
“Kay, I promise,” the girl pouted.
“We don’t break promises in this family. The results are very painful. I have a sore butt right now to prove it. You need to do your best to be a good girl. You won’t like spankings from him.”
“Daddy spanks you?” the violet eyes were wide.
“Unfortunately, they all do. My brothers are very big on manners and appropriate behavior. And none of them tolerate lying or cussing. But they will all be there for you if you ever need anything. You’ll love Alan and Todd.”
“I don’t want spankings.”
“I don’t want you to get them. That’s why I’m telling you this. Noelle? Why didn’t you want to take a bath? You showered at the hospital.”
“Baths are bad.”
“I love bubble baths. Why do you think they are bad?”
“They hurt.”
“Where do they hurt?” Kathy asked with her brows drawn.
“All over. Stuff in water hurts.”
“Did you tell this to Daddy?”
“No.”
“Does this bath hurt?”
“No.”
Kathy was quiet, wondering if the girl had been abused. She also noticed one thing. She had no hair on her body from the neck down. Even her arms were bare. Could she have been soaked in something that fried her body hair straight off of her? That certainly would explain her fear of baths, but she saw no obvious scarring. In fact, she had no marks anywhere; her skin was pristine. As for her being a child, Kathy noticed that her small breasts were well developed and her figure, although slight, was no doubt that of an adult. She just needed a little extra padding to round out the angles. Lance was right. Even without his sixth sense, Kathy knew there was something different about this girl.
*
*
*
Lance stripped out of his scrubs and stretched his back, glancing at himself in the mirror.
Ok, he was way too tall but good looking, fit and muscular, not as scruffy as his older brother, and in serious need of a tan. I look like freakin’ Casper the friendly ghost, he thought. He also had a drawn, tired look to his face and could see tiny lines starting to form around his eyes, mouth, and forehead. He was 34, way too young for wrinkles. He was smart, successful, a gentleman, and knew how to treat a woman like a lady. He knew he could be a bit arrogant and bossy, but even Alan (who was far worse) had found himself a wife ten years ago. Why was he alone then? It’s time to move on, Julie advised. Was he just too particular? Or maybe, as his sister had suggested, he sought out damsels in distress and put himself in the role of rescuer to those who really didn’t need it. Noelle, though, was special. She truly needed help and did not come to him seeking it like the others.
Lost and Found Page 5