Chapter Text
“James?”
“Hmm?”
“What…how are we going to…”
“I’ve had my fill of smacking naughty girls tonight. You, my love, can wait for the morning so I can give you the undivided attention you need. You’re a big girl, after all.”
The conversation flooded back into Amanda’s head as she woke, curled into James’ chest with his protective arms around her. Her bottom, untouched, was tingling in anticipation and she squirmed nervously.
Really, the majority of her spankings had all come from Abby, that she could remember. Or the very occasional one from Miss Beverly. James had had their implements, but he’d never used them on her that she remembered. And the few times he’d used his hand it had just been for a few swats, mostly playful as they found their footing in their relationship, so long ago.
Damn you Aurelia Cardwell, for everything, I hope you’re burning right now.
“You hope Mother’s burning?” James lifted her up and kissed her lightly as Amanda squirmed, realizing the thought had run out of her mouth. “You’re not the only one, ma reine. But speaking of burning…”
Amanda cringed.
“Well it won’t be anything as bad as Mother’s fate, we can hope,” James smiled wryly. “I’ll take care of you, ma reine. I’ve got you, you’re safe, I promise. Alright?”
Slowly, Amanda nodded.
“I want you to go grab the boudoir paddle for me, okay?” James said as he rubbed her back.
Amanda got out of bed reluctantly and went to the black bag, fumbling out the boudoir paddle by feel - it had a unique shape, and didn’t take long to find. She brought it back to James with an apprehensive look.
“Here you are, James, sir.” She tacked on the ‘sir’ hastily.
“Over my lap, Amanda Flahe.”
“How many, James, sir?”
“I think you’re getting 22, but ten will be with my hand. It would be less, but I don't have any solution because we haven't done this in a while.”
“That’s okay, sir. I understand. I'm sorry.”
“I believe you. Speaking of, it's been a while. I think it's time we get this bottom back to the right color, yes?”
Amanda blushed rosily. “Yes sir,” she agreed. “Is…is it alright that I’m nervous?” she admitted. It wasn’t that she was scared of a spanking, even a paddling. Or that she was scared of James, really. She was glad to have him back, relieved to know that he was innocent of the crimes for which he’d been thought guilty. But it had been that long since she’d been over James’ knee, and her body had changed, what if he didn’t…
She stopped that thought before it could complete itself. He already said he still loves you Amanda, stop thinking like that.
“Hey, I love you. Stop letting that pretty little head wander to bad places, okay? You're not the only one who's nervous. That's why I'm starting with my hand, okay?”
“Okay,” Amanda agreed, slightly relieved to know that it was alright to be nervous. They were learning each other all over again, that was all. She wasn’t that gangly college kid anymore - but neither was he. They’d figure it out together, that was fine.
Before she knew it, James's hand made contact. That wasn’t too bad.
By the time James reached number ten, however, the sting was starting to build.
“Deep breath. How are you doing? We're just taking a minute right now. I even had Elise pour you a ginger ale for after, it's in the refrigerator.”
Amanda took a deep breath obediently. Tears were definitely threatening by now, though they hadn’t spilled over. “I-I’m doing okay, James,” she said a little shakily. “Thank you for asking Elise for that.”
“You’re shaky, and almost crying, is something wrong, ma reine?”
Amanda swallowed hard. “You’ve got a harder hand than Abby, that’s all, James,” she offered.
“Are you sure? I feel like there's something more.”
“There…there might be, but I don’t have the words for it yet.” Amanda blushed at the distant memory. “You always used to say I focused better over your knee.”
“Then that's what we'll do. Ready?”
“Yes sir,” Amanda took a breath, exhaling as the leather boudoir paddle came to rest on her bottom. The size of an oval hairbrush back, it was more flexible than, and not so heavy as her wooden hairbrush. The touch lingered for a moment, then was shifted to her back.
James’ fingers slid under the waistband of her pajama bottoms, tugging them down to her knees, and Amanda shivered as the cool air touched her bare thighs. Then, he retrieved the paddle, and it descended for the first time, smacking down firmly on first her right bottom cheek, then the left, alternating sides and slowly moving lower on her bottom. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.
By six - the sixteenth smack overall - Amanda was definitely crying, and James’ hand cupped her bottom gently, rubbing soothingly over her briefs.
“Hey, ma reine, almost done, breathe, my love. Do you know what’s going on in that sweet head of yours yet, hmmm?”
Amanda swallowed her tears and took a few shaky breaths. “S-sh-she…she t-took this from us, James!”
“And now she can never take this from us again,” James promised, rubbing Amanda’s bottom gently. “We’re almost done my love, can you lift up a bit for me?”
Amanda nodded, and as her briefs were tugged down to join her pajama bottoms, she shivered again.
“Almost done, ma reine. I’m proud of you for telling me,” James assured Amanda. “But we have to finish this, to deal with your behavior yesterday, and to settle the fear in here.” He tapped her forehead lightly. “Breathe, it’s going to be all alright.”
Amanda settled down, head buried in her folded arms, and breathed deeply as the paddle returned to her now-bare bottom.
The first two smacks landed on her sit spots, then three, four on the tops of her thighs. The final two landed directly over the middle of her bottom cheeks, making Amanda squeal through her tears, and she did her best to stifle the noise as James scooped her up, settling her bare, well paddled bottom on his lap. She squirmed at the indignity, but he just wrapped his arms around her and held her still.
“James?”
“Mmm?” He leaned in and kissed the top of her head lightly.
“She took Hannah from us. She took us from us. We couldn’t even…when I look at how great Chase is, and Tish and Amma, with Hannah, I love my, our nephew and nieces dearly, but I wish we’d been able to give Hannah some sibs, to raise them all together.”
“We still could, you know. Adoption is still a possibility. There's lots of kids who do need a loving home.”
Amanda nodded. “We’re starting to be a bit of a tight squeeze on Abby and Glennon, though. If we got more kids, Hannah would have to share her room, or we’d have to find a place. It’s not like the old Cardwell Manor is habitable.” She grimaced. “What happened, anyway, do you know? Is it a total loss?”
“Yes, but it was planned that way. Hmmm. In any case that wouldn't be today. Something could be built on the land, but I would prefer to just sell it and stay somewhere close to here, if we move. Hmm, putting a room together in the attic could be an alternative, could give Hannah and Clarisse more privacy. I'm just thinking out loud. I just like the extended family unit that we're all in, right now. I definitely don't want to move Hannah from it, and if I'm honest it's nice to have family, both blood and found, that can help while we…. rediscover things, anyway.”
Amanda nodded, snuggling close to James as he finally, gently, set her clothes to rights. She was settled back in his lap, leaning against his chest. “I’m glad we can rediscover things, James. I just wish we hadn’t had to.” She sighed heavily. “But there’s no use regretting twenty-odd years when we have each other, and our Hannah again, is there?”
“You're completely right, ma reine. Okay, I need to get started on the day. I'm taking Areia to a specialist to discuss surgery for her condition, there's not many of those. Are you going to be okay here?”
“I’ll be okay, but Abby’s gonna have to take the girls to school, unless they get to sit today out? So to speak.” Amanda hoped they were feeling better after the previous night’s bedtime punishments.
“Do I have to come down and join the rest of the family for breakfast though?”
At James’ firm nod, she sighed and got up, putting her slippers on. She couldn’t manage getting dressed at the moment, so when James had gotten ready for the day, she ran a brush through her hair, put it up in a ponytail, and followed James across the hall.
Amanda tapped lightly on Hannah and Clarisse’s door. “Girls, are you up?”
“Oui Madame.”
“Are you alright?”
“Oui Madame,” Clarisse repeated, though there was a little strain in her voice. “Must ma chou and I come down to breakfast?”
“You have school this morning, girls. Your Tante Abby is taking you.”
Two groans in tandem.
“Ten minutes, Mama?” Hannah sighed.
“That sounds about right, my angel. But I understand you’re not eager to come down,” Amanda said sympathetically. “Still, you have to, so we’ll make the best of it, alright?”
“Yes Mama,” Hannah agreed with a sigh. “We’ll be good and on time.”
“Good girls.” Amanda left the pair to their own devices, following James downstairs, where Areia was already well into the process of cooking breakfast with Adelaide.
Abby and Glennon, meanwhile, were setting things at the table - including, pointedly, Hannah’s medicine. “She’s not forgetting it this time.”
“Easy, love,” Glennon protested. “Don’t you think she’s been punished enough, she doesn’t need to be dealing with B.C. Abby.”
“Then do something about it,” Abby snapped and Glennon sighed, going to grab Abby’s oatmilk latte. “Seriously, do I have to do everything around here?” Abby was muttering to herself as Glennon set the cup in front of her. She gulped a mouthful of it down at once, eyes closing in bliss. “Caffeine. Fantastic, thank you love.”
“You’re welcome, I wasn’t going to let you take Hannah’s head off first thing in the morning.”
Abby winced. “Sorry. I’m stressed, I guess. This is all a lot.”
Glennon nodded. “But we’ll handle it together, all the family. Right?”
“Right,” Abby conceded.
“Is there some way we can help? I feel like we missed something? If we're all putting a strain on you we can look for another house. I didn't mean to intrude-” James said as he heard Abby talking as he came down the stairs, Amanda trailing behind him.
Abby shook her head. “No, you’re fine James, I’m glad to have you all here,” she said. “It’s not that you’re here, it’s more…I guess, the situation. Nothing that you or your…um…” She paused, struggling with the appropriate terminology, “friends have done wrong,” she settled on. “I meant it when I said you’re all part of this family and you’re welcome here. Just…you know, finding out I have a missing niece who’s been recovered after over 20 years, my brother-in-law who may or may not still be my brother-in-law is innocent of any crime, because while you’re technically Glennon’s that makes you mine too,” she added, “I might have come late to the party but Glennon’s family is my family. And I know I’m babbling, sorry, it’s just, I feel like I’m in the middle of some kind of Seanan McGuire novel, high class ladies, spies, murder, kidnapping, minus the Fae, unless you’re actually from the Summerlands,” she added, raising an eyebrow. “Or unless they are. It is safe to eat their food, isn’t it?”
Adelaide snorted, rolling her eyes in exasperation as she followed this rambling speech.
“Mon Dieu,” she muttered. “We’re not Faerie, Madame, I promise you.”
“But Areia and I are fans of the Harry Dresden series, if that counts. She finds him relatable, which I can understand.”
“Well, at least we’ve got that straight.”
“Not much else straight in this house.”
Abby picked up a wooden spoon from the counter and smacked the back of Glennon’s hand.
“Hey!”
“The straightness quotient went way up when they got here, Glennon.”
“Are you sure? I think Hannah and Bee even it out.”
I'm also here…. and queer. Not that anyone seemed to notice. Great. Areia tried to gesture behind the couple.
Amanda rolled her eyes. “Speaking of Hannah and Bee, they should be down any second now,” she pitched her voice pointedly, and there was the sound of scurrying feet on the stairs.
“Bonjour Madame,” Clarisse said breathlessly, pulling Hannah along behind her. “Are we late?”
“Probably not,” Amanda sighed.
“Is Areia okay? She seems agitated.” Hannah noticed.
You goob?
That got Hannah a smile.
Yes, just went unnoticed.
“Guys, you didn’t notice Areia had something to erm say.”
“Sorry, but um that's something we're taking Step 1 to fix today. Soo um about that, she won't be going to school with you guys today.”
“Why not? Is it because we were--because I was bad?” Hannah looked anxiously at Amanda and James.
“Absolutely not my angel, and you’re not bad at all, you just made some mistakes and it’s forgiven,” Amanda promised.
“She just has a doctor's appointment, that's all you know if anyone asks. But you get to take a new bodyguard to school today.”
“Miss Addy?” Hannah asked hopefully, and Adelaide smiled. She was trained to protect Hannah after all, even if she couldn’t blatantly protect her from Aurelia, much as she’d have liked to. She’d done her best to subvert Aurelia when she could, as much as she could, but that was all. Now, though, she could help more.
“Oui, Mademoiselle. I'm not quite as spring in my step as Areia, but I'm willing to try if that's okay with you?”
“Yes please Miss Addy,” Hannah said. She turned to Areia. Sorry you can’t come. I hope the doctor goes well, she tried.
Great job! You got it right!
Before everyone knew it, breakfast was over and they were getting ready to leave.
Abby took the girls and Miss Addy in Glennon’s van, while James and Areia went in the rented SUV he had.
**************
As the four arrived at the stadium early, Abby once again led the three others to Miss Lori’s “classroom” mainly to introduce Adelaide and chat with Lori a moment.
“Hi, Lori. Thanks for seeing us early again.”
“No problem, Abby. Who is the new stranger?
“This is Adelaide. She's just here for me day. Areia had a doctor's appointment. And I just wanted to say personally, that these two have been thoroughly punished and I don't think they will be giving you any problems today. Oh, and Hannah took her meds this morning, too.”
“Well, thank you for saying that. They certainly look like they're sitting on sore bottoms, don't they?”
“Okay, if you don't need anything else, I'll be on my way. Nice seeing you again, Lightning.”
“You too, Abby.”
After Abby left and Adelaide chose to stand outside, Lori Lindsey turned to the girls in front of her.
“Madame, I'm sorry. It won't happen again, I promise. Cheating is bad, I'm sorry.”
“Me too, Miss Lori, ma’am. I'm sorry.
“I believe you girls, and not just because you're squirming. Still hurts, doesn't it? Good. The next time won't be so mild. And Clarisse, you have a clear code right there, ask Hannah to help you study more. Hannah, maybe motivate Clarisse with a few kisses or something. Anyway, your classmates are starting to come in, just be better.”
*************
Meanwhile, outside in the hallway, Adelaide was not standing there five minutes before she heard a voice.
“You're not Areia.”
Adelaide looked everywhere before she finally found the voice below her.
“No, I'm not little man. Areia had to go to a doctor's appointment, okay?”
“Oh.”
“But she'll be back tomorrow, don't worry.”
“Cassius Cruz, where are you? Hello Areia-”
“I'm not Areia.”
“Oh. Hello. Is Areia okay?”
“Yes ma’am. She had a doctor's appointment. She'll be back, tomorrow.”
“Thank you. Your name is?”
“Adelaide. You have a nice day.
“You too.”
*******************
It was when she sat down at lunch, across from Hannah and AT, that Sydney couldn't take it anymore.
“Is Areia okay? All your new bodyguard would tell me is that she had a doctor's appointment and I am worrying.”
“She's going to a doctor appointment. But she's not hurt, okay?” Hannah added hastily. Let me try something….
Areia, I know you are busy. Can I give your number to Sydney? She's very worried, right now.
Yes, please. No problem.
“Give me your phone, please.”
“What, why?”
“You'll thank me, come on give it.”
“Okay, here.”
Hannah typed on the phone for a couple minutes before handing it back.
Hi, this is Areia. I'm fine, it's routine. I'll be back tomorrow. If you're good, I might even send you a picture later 😉
Well, if Syd let out part of a girlish squeal at that, no one acted like they noticed.
Glad to know that. Just know Cassius and Roux miss playing with you.
I miss playing with them, too.
The rest of the table did notice, however, that Syd had at least one hand on her phone throughout the rest of lunch.
********************
Meanwhile, in front of the doctor's office, Areia sat in the passenger side, which was uncharacteristic for her. Something else out of the ordinary was the nerves she was feeling. She didn't get nervous. It wasn’t allowed. Well it's allowed right now.
He's probably going to be some old white guy who doesn't understand her as a patient.
James lay a hand on Areia’s arm. “Hey. It’s going to be okay,” he comforted her. It’s going to be okay, he repeated in sign, once he had her attention. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I’ll take care of you, like you take care of us.
As the two entered the waiting room, they saw that there wasn't anyone else in the waiting room.
This is either a great sign or a terrible one.
Believe me, I got the same feeling.
“Ah-ree-uh? Or Er-ria?”
“It's like Air-ea. Now, where are we going?” James asked, taking charge.
“First door on the left, Dr. Sundrup will be in shortly.”
If the Doctor is as bad as that nurse, I'm running out of here.
Turns out, the doctor wasn't as bad as the nurse. He was worse, way worse.
“Mr. …. Dumont? I see here-”
“Excuse You! She goes by her/hers pronouns, please respect that.”
“ She as you say has Kleinfelders, I was just going by-” The doctor started to sneer.
I don't feel comfortable here! Areia signed hastily, as she stood up.
“ You don't know what she's been through. I think we're done here.”
As they were both leaving, a voice called out. “Wait! You might want to check this out.”
James almost didn't turn around, except this voice was different; older and more compassionate.
“Yes, a business card?” James asked.
“The other specialist in California.”
“Thank you-”
“What! I know him! You won't get help there either! You're fired Janice! Get out!”
Janice looked like she wanted to do more than slap her ex-boss.
“Oh stuff it, Marty! I'm tired of your antics! You don't pay enough for this crap!”
Surprisingly, Areia wasn't the first one out the door, Janice was.
The two followed quickly after her.
They found Janice had quickly sobered and had now switched from anger to that looked to be… tears?
“I just got fired! No, I don't know what I'm going to do now.”
“Umm Janice! How would you like a job?”
“Pardon?”
“I'm going to need someone to be the secretary at my new business venture. There's just two requirements right now.
One, that you're respectful of people, which you already seem to be - you don’t have to be a doormat or take crap from anyone, working for me, I don’t allow my people to be treated badly.
“And the second thing?” Janice asked.
“Umm, when I tell my wife I found a secretary to help. I don't want her to think-
“You mean you're not hiring me cause I'm young and beautiful? I'm hurt, Mr…?
“Cardwell, at the moment, though I hope to change that,” James replied.
“Umm I didn't mean- Not that you aren't beautiful in your own way I just-
“I was messing with you, Mr. Cardwell. Here's my number, call when you figure out what exactly we are going to be doing.”
“Yes, ma'am. This might be a weird request, but can I take your picture please?”
“No problem, dear.”
She called you ‘dear’, Areia thought, amused, as James took the picture.
As they made it back to the vehicle, Areia's smile deflated.
“Hey, there's a secondary option. I just wasn't going to ask at first.”
No, they've helped both of us enough.
“I'm calling them, you can't stop me. You might get to see, Tiger.” That got a smile, she missed her best friend.
(Conversation in Cantonese)
“Hello? Cousin! You find your family?”
“I did, thank you. This is about Areia-”
“Is she hurt? I have a doctor, let's see closest is Seattle-”
“No, she's fine. See?” James turned the camera slightly towards Areia.
“One moment, please.”
Wei-shen left the camera view momentarily, only to return with Chi “Tiger” Wang, and apparently a new bundle in his arms.
Why so sad, Lion?
I thought I could finally fix my throat. And boss finally found out.
It was a matter of time. And we can help you with your ears, my friend.
Wait! You all knew?
That Areia was more of a guy than half the kitchen staff, yes. That's why the Big Boss hired her. We all have problems. (The big boss was Uncle Yi)
You could have told me you were intersex I don't have a problem with it.
I know you don't, sir. Try telling that to my subconscious. My boss before him beat me because of it. He's dead now, though. Don't worry.
Sensing the tension, Tiger tried for a joke.
No one’s going to ask me about my new look? I kinda like this eye.
Areia rolled hers at this.
How's the new addition? Chi's wife was still pregnant when they left.
She's great! Meet Léa Dumont Wang!
You- you named her after me?
Tears sprang in Areia's eyes.
Of course, my friend. Li was already named after Shark, I wasn't passing up the opportunity.
That's great. Actually, we were calling about Areia's speech. She finally wants the surgery.
You met someone!
What! Noooo! OK, fine, maybe.
I knew it! Just be glad that you can fix yours.
Hey, you've done more with one eye, than most with two. And Shark almost tried to do his, by himself.
Their mentor was the last person they knew who purposely tried to become a eunuch. Typical in royal Courts hundreds of years ago, but unheard of today. Uncle Yi hadn't even asked!
Does Ping's daughter still work with people who are hard of hearing and mute?
If you mean, is Nicky still trying to piss her mother off? Then yes. I'll send Tiger your way with her, they'll get there tomorrow.
You don't have to-
Nonsense for either of you? Anything. These rich European businessmen likes when I ask for rides anyway, I think they think they're atoning for something.
Thank you . See you soon! Give my little lioness some kisses, please.
“Well, since that didn't pan out, you want to go relieve Addy?”
Areia nodded eagerly. Yes please.
James and Areia got to the stadium, and entered the hallway, to find that it was nearly lunchtime and Adelaide was now sitting on a chair.
“There hasn't been any loud noise, so I suspect that the girls have been on their best behavior. Is Areia here to relieve me? I'd forgotten how much standing was involved.”
“Yes, we're going back home for now.”
“You going to be okay, Areia?”
Yes, ma'am . It's only a couple more hours.
“Oh, and some footballer and her kids were looking for you? She said she was going to the gym.”
With that message delivered, Adelaide and James made their way back to the vehicle.
As much as she wanted to run to the gym, Areia knew protecting her charge was most important, and any conversation that needed to be had could wait until lunch.
Although it felt way longer, ten minutes later, the girls were released for lunch.
Hannah, Clarisse, and AT came out of the film room together, and Hannah squealed in delight to see Areia there. “Areia! You’re here!” she said and signed at the same time. “I was good today, Bee can tell you,” she promised.
It's not me that you have to be good for, Mademoiselle. It's your parents. Besides your “Bee” is biased and was naughty also yesterday, I hear? Come on, it's time for lunch.
As they headed for the cafeteria, to join AT and Clarisse’s teammates, they were greeted by the sight of a build-your-own taco bar, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options all clearly marked. “Do you need anything special, Madame Areia?” Clarisse asked, and tried to sign as well. Only to realize that Areia wasn't near her, but standing by the back wall.
Clarisse started toward her, only to be waved off by an approaching Sydney Leroux. Smiling knowingly, Clarisse left her teammate alone to handle her own business. Syd approached Areia slowly, doing her best not to present any kind of threat to her, and offered a writing pad and pen, plucked out of the pocket of her lounge pants.
On the first page was a note.
Hey, sorry, I know we got off on the wrong foot. My name’s Sydney, my friends call me Syd.
My friends call me Areia . I only give out my name to people I trust. Though I feel like you could become one of those people.
I would be honored to become one of those people someday, Areia - I hope we can be friends, at least.
Definitely. Do you like tacos?
Oh, very much. These remind me of the time I did a build-your-own guacamole and drinks bar with two of my best friends, actually, back at Orlando. That was definitely fun. Do you like them?
Yes, I could eat. I'm just not a big fan of all the people. Settings like this remind me of the bullies .
I’m so sorry. I understand completely. If it helps, we don’t stand for ‘mean girls’ on our team, and if you like, you can sit with me, Cassius and Roux. They might not be very quiet, but they don’t stand for bullies, either.
I'd like that. I missed them. I'm hoping we still have time to play while you practice, the kids and I, I mean.
They've been looking forward to that all morning. They were disappointed when you weren't here this morning.
They were or their mum?
All of us, okay. We were all disappointed.
Smiling slightly, Syd led Areia to the table where Cassius and Roux were waiting with their coloring pages. They weren’t alone, of course; Ali was sitting at the table with them, ensuring the two little ones didn’t go running off in search of Syd or trying to find trouble. But when Sydney approached with Areia, Ali stood up and gave Areia a welcoming smile.
Her glance at Syd was more of a teasing grin. “Hey, glad to see you’ve made a new friend, Syd,” Ali said easily. “Areia, right? Glad to have you here.”
Thanks. It’s nice to be wanted. The taco bar looks great, though it could use a margarita if I wasn't on duty.
“Oh? Did you see that episode?” Ali asked with another teasing grin towards Syd who was now slightly blushing.
I just meant that I like margaritas? Am I missing something?
No! Not at all. Captain is just trying to be funny.
At that, Ali walked off, genuinely laughing.
Okay, tell me something about you not many people know?
I can speak three languages.
That's awesome, I can speak two.
Something no one else knows?
I used to play football in France, until Pappa died.
No way! You any good?
Ask the kiddos.
“Hey, Cassius, how did you like squaring off with Miss Areia? She’s good at footy, huh?” Sydney asked her son, who seemed to give the matter due consideration as he pushed his taco salad around on his plate.
“Uh huh, but not as good as you, Mommy.”
“Momma best,” Roux chimed in.
“Aw, well thank you sweetie. But she’s pretty good, yeah?”
“Yeah,” Cassius confirmed with a nod, “most as good as Tia Ali.”
“Now that’s high praise,” Syd informed Areia. “Tia Ali’s Captain Ali, who was sitting here with the kids when we got over here.” She wasn’t sure if Areia would know that yet. “She’s one of the best friends I was telling you about.”
“Can we invite Tia Ali to sit with us?” Cassius begged.
“If Miss Areia would like her to,” Syd said gently. Two pairs of appealing eyes turned on Areia, Roux squirming eagerly. “Tia Ali please?”
That's fine with me. We're still on to play this afternoon though, right?
Oh, absolutely. Wouldn’t miss it.
Syd nodded approval to Cassius, who slid out of his seat and trotted over to Ali’s table. She was sitting by AT, Clarisse, and Hannah, though not so obviously with them that pulling her away would be rude, and Cassius spoke quietly to Ali. She smiled, gathered her tray, and followed Cassius back to Syd’s table. They were near enough to the three girls that Ali didn’t feel like she was abandoning them, and Areia was still technically doing her job by keeping Hannah in sight.
Welcome back Areia returned the similar greeting upon Ali’s return.
I'm going to let in on a secret only a dozen people know, my first name is Léa. Areia said, seeing that Cassius and Roux were distracted by Ali.
Sydney’s eyes widened. Only a dozen people? Well thirteen then, now, Syd observed. Léa, that’s a beautiful name. Thank you for trusting me with it.
You're welcome. Although I think yours is more beautiful, Sydney. Do you have any secrets? I'll trade you one more.
My full name is Sydney Rae Leroux. Used to be Sydney Rae Leroux Dwyer, but then, well…things didn’t exactly work out with my husband, so he’s not really in the picture anymore, Syd offered. Ex-husband, officially, in case you wanted to know. Sorry if you didn’t.
You're fine. That is certainly interesting news, Miss Sydney Rae . I am looking into surgery to hopefully get my voice back.
That’s amazing news, I really hope it works out for you. Have you tried Stanford Hospital? They do have a lot of specialists there, and a lot of my national teammates went to Stanford University, so I’m aware of how good they are.
My boss is bringing in a family friend type specialist from Europe. But thanks for the advice. You know, it was you that caused me to want to try the change.
Really! That’s great, I hope it goes well - would it be wanted or appropriate for me to pray for a successful treatment, or at least extend good thoughts, you know? I know some of my teammates appreciate that, at least. I hope I haven’t offended you.
You haven’t offended me. That would be very much appreciated. Especially, since the surgery has a low chance of success. The opposite actually, it's nice to be seen, especially by someone like yourself.
Well, I’ll definitely be praying for the best outcome for you then. When is the surgery, do you know?
The specialist is coming tomorrow to do preliminary tests. After that, probably anywhere from a week to a month.
So I won't be here tomorrow morning, but will probably be here for lunch. Same time, same place?
Definitely.
Good. This has been the highlight of my day so far.
You're telling me, that slightly soggy tacos and kids has been the highlight of your day?
You're forgetting that you are here. You made a bad day suddenly brighter, Sydney Rae Leroux. I'll be looking forward to lunch tomorrow. Areia said as she stood to leave.
***
The rest of the afternoon passed swiftly, Areia happily playing with Syd’s children (and sometimes with Syd herself, or the other Angel City players, as they took turns joining in their little game). Too soon, though, it was time for pickup, and for Hannah, Clarisse, and Areia to go home.
It was James and Amanda together who’d come to pick them up, and Amanda had a folded letter - a printed-out email - in her hand from Heloise. Clarisse’s name was written on the outside of the paper in Abby’s handwriting, and Clarisse accepted it nervously as they headed back to the van. She sat in the middle seat, keeping Hannah between herself and Areia as she unfolded the letter and read it silently.
“Mon Dieu,” Clarisse groaned, letting the letter fall into her lap.
“Problem, Clarisse?” Amanda asked, eyebrows raised.
“Oh, non Madame. Maman only sends me letters like this every day,” Clarisse said. James’ eyebrows shot up next, and Hannah turned in her seat, giving her Top a worried glance.
“Is everything alright at home??”
“Oh, oui, Maman is well,” Clarisse reassured her. “Everything is fine back home, I promise.”
“That, I think we can believe. What did your mother have to say? If you feel like sharing.”
Clarisse sighed. “She says Tante Abby told her about…about what happened with Monsieur.” Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “She is glad to hear Monsieur is well and safe, and that the family is once more as it should be. And if my, how do you say
intentions
toward Hannah and hers toward me are what we think, which oui of
course,”
Clarisse sounded indignant. “She is the sweetest, most beautiful, loving, adorable
chou
--”
“The letter, Clarisse,” Amanda prompted.
“Oh, oui, that.”
“Yes, that,” Amanda prompted.
“Well, Maman says that Tante Abby told her that Monsieur…that he…that you…” Clarisse faltered. “About me and ma chou, and school,” she finished lamely, cheeks flushed.
Amanda nodded, not pushing Clarisse to be clearer. She knew what Clarisse was talking about. “Okay, so Abby told your Maman that you had been in trouble, and spanked at school, and that you got another spanking at home?” she prompted.
Clarisse nodded, squirming. “She…she says that, since you are ma chou’s maman and papa, that you are Madame and Monsieur, that you have that right, even more than Tante Abby. And that she wants to know if it happens again, so if…if I am called up for Paris, she…”
She covered her face with her hands. “Please, Madame…you know.”
“She means us to tell her so she knows what to spank you for again?” Amanda asked, almost incredulously.
Clarisse nodded meekly. “Oui, she means to, how does Tante Abby say for our little cousine, ‘keep a tally’? Not that she is so little, almost of age,” Clarisse conceded. “But oui, that.”
“Well, I will certainly do that,” came James’ response from the front.
“Ready for the evening meal?” Amanda asked, trying to ease the slight tension.
“Oui, Hannah needs to eat, so she can take her evening medication,” Clarisse pointed out. She wasn’t sure what Areia could eat the night before her appointment, and her own appetite had all but disappeared, but she knew she’d be made to eat something.
“How does baked salmon and vegetables sound? That's something light, right Clarisse?”
“Oui, that sounds nice, merci Madame.” Clarisse supposed she could manage that. And it would be good for Hannah.
After a wonderful meal of grilled salmon and vegetables, the girls were snuggled together in bed as they fell asleep, both excited yet slightly worried for Areia and the next day's adventures.