Footsteps in the hall brought Rion up with her heart racing. Beckett emerged from the bedroom rubbing her eyes. She looked around the room, stared at Rion on the floor for a moment, and then made her way to the breakfast counter. “Can I have eggs this morning?” she asked. Her voice was the normal voice of a sleepy, seven-year-old girl.
Rion stared at her dumbfounded. How in the hell do I do this? She wondered. Question her? Punish her? Scream at her? Shake her again? She decided, finally, at the very least, she needed to be calm. She stood, retrieved her coffee cup and carried it to the counter. Beckett was watching her curiously. This was the first time she had asked for anything in particular to eat. “Sure,” Rion said after a few beats. “Beckett?” The kid looked at her. “Do you remember why you were in the closet?” A head shake. “So you don’t remember trying to hurt Link again?” Beckett went still but didn’t respond. As Rion watched, the kid’s eyes went empty. “Do you remember me…being upset?” Beck didn’t respond for a moment. Eventually, she shook her head.
Rion sighed. “I just…I don’t know what to do.” She could be lying, Rion told herself as she got out the eggs and a pan. Or maybe she really doesn’t remember. Without looking at Beckett she continued. “I am really worried about you, kid.” She stirred the eggs and watched them solidify as they cooked. “I’m glad you are seeing the therapist tomorrow. I think it’s a good thing.” She turned to put the eggs on a plate. Beckett was staring at her through narrowed eyes. “Do you remember what you did with the remote?” Beckett shook her head.
As a compromise punishment, Rion asked Beckett to stay in the bedroom. She activated the parental controls on her tablet and gave it to the kid to play with. She opened her laptop and began researching night terrors. It didn’t take long to figure out that night terrors weren’t usually accompanied by sleepwalking. She did find though, that people have attacked others while sleep walking. It was rare, but did happen. Some had even killed loved ones and strangers. The events were called parasomnias. The most likely explanation, the articles she found indicated, was a sleep disorder aggravated by sleep deprivation.
Some of the tension in Rion’s shoulders eased a bit. With an explanation, though a bizarre one, she felt more capable of handling the situation. Surely, the therapist would be able to recommend a course of action to help. Rion almost laughed at herself. She had been imagining the worst and there was, apparently, a perfectly reasonable medical explanation. And just what was I imagining? Some kind of demon child? This time she did chuckle. Ridiculous.
After making sandwiches for lunch, Rion took Beckett shopping for school supplies. “Are you excited about starting school tomorrow?” she asked as they were climbing the stairs back to the apartment. Beckett shrugged and Rion laughed. “I think this is the first time I completely agree with your shrug.”
Before they could get in the door, Kerry’s burst open. “Hellooooo!” she called.
For once, Rion didn’t cringe. “Hi Kerry."
“Hey Becks!” Kerry greeted the kid. Beckett actually returned the wave.
“Are you guys up for pizza and Mario Kart tonight?”
The kid nodded, Rion raised her brows. “For her that’s enthusiasm. Sounds good to me too.”
“Awesome! I’ll bring Shep?”
“Sure,” Rion shrugged nonchalantly as possible. Kerry winked at her and Rion rolled her eyes. “It can’t be as late tonight, though. Beckett starts school tomorrow and I have to go back to work.”
“She’s going back to school already?”
“Yeah. Chambers and I discussed it—getting back into a routine with distractions will be a good thing. And, Beckett doesn’t seem opposed to it.”
“OK, early it is then.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem. I’ll see you in a couple of hours?”
“Perfect.”
After pizza, two hours of Mario Kart and Beckett’s bath, Shep, Rion, and Kerry sat on the floor in a circle. They weren’t drinking this time, but it still felt calming. Just being with friends took some of the stress and burden off Rion’s shoulders.
“Where’s your cat?” Kerry asked, looking under the futon.
Shep looked to Rion and she sighed. “He’s at Shep’s for now.”
“You guys sharing custody of the pets now?”
Shep turned red but Rion ignored her. “I left out part of the story the other night.”
Kerry raised a brow. “What are we missing?”
She told them both how much Link hated Beckett. About the fact that he hissed at her often and had swiped at her on more than one occasion. And about the multiple times Beckett had tried to hurt the cat.
“Shit,” Kerry breathed. “Which do you think came first? Is Beckett like, ‘sleep protecting” herself?’
“Or, is she—and the cat—feeling jealous?” Shep asked.
“Maybe all of the above?” Rion shrugged. “I did some research and it is possible for people to attack people in their sleep. It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to think they could attack cats too.”
“But not wake up or have any memory of it?” Kerry asked.
“Apparently, it is possible.”
“Well, at least you have the therapist appointment tomorrow,” Shep offered. “And in the meantime, you can come visit Link any time.”
“I bet she can,” Kerry nodded enthusiastically at him.
“Oh! Shut up!” he told her, but was trying to stop from smiling.
Rion pretended she hadn’t heard any of that.
Seven
For the second night in a row, Rion barely got any sleep. Not only was she worried she would wake up with Beckett doing something else in her sleep, she was worried about the first day of school and her first therapy appointment. She began regretting scheduling the appointment on the same day as Beckett started school. That was a lot to handle in one day. Much earlier than necessary, Rion got out of bed and logged onto work.
There were a ton of emails to get through and she sighed at the computer. She made a pot of coffee and resigned herself to sorting through them. She couldn’t help scanning the apartment looking for anything out of order or missing. Not finding anything, and feeling relieved, she returned to her emails. The most recent was from her boss assuring her if she needed the time she could take more. She replied thanking her but also pointing out getting back into routine would help. She had barely made it through a quarter of her inbox when it was time to wake Beckett.
The kid was surprisingly easy to wake. Beckett rubbed her eyes and headed to the bathroom while Rion made breakfast. Scrambled eggs and toast. When Beckett climbed onto the stool she was already dressed. Rion sighed a little. The kid was an unexpected combination of easy to care for and difficult to deal with.
As they made their way down the stairs, Rion heard Bernie’s door opening. “Good morning!” he called. Rion only cringed a little. He took in Beckett’s backpack and grinned. “First day of school?” Rion nodded. “Wait here!” he held up a hand and hurried back inside his apartment. Rion considered leaving, but found herself waiting. When Bernie returned, he was holding a small paper bag. “Cookies! I used to send my son to school with a cookie on his first day.”
Rion ignored the voice inside her head that warned her about poisons or dirty, old man kitchens. “What do you say Beckett?”
The little girl accepted the cookies. “Thank you,” she said in a small voice.
“Good luck,” Bernie waved as they went out the door.
Rion nervously held her hand out. After Beckett deposited the cookies in her backpack, she noticed Rion’s hand. She only stared at it for a moment before taking it. Rion relaxed a little and even gave the kid a small smile that she returned. “Let’s do this kid.”
At the school, Rion walked Beckett to the classroom after consulting the email the new teacher had sent. The teacher, a pleasantly plump woman with frizzy brown hair, greeted them at the door. “You must be Beckett!” she cooed. “I’m Mrs. Frakes. Go
on in and find your name on a desk. I rearrange them every week.”
“Thank you. Good luck Beckett.” Rion watched the kid stride confidently into the classroom and shook her head.
“You must be Rion,” Mrs. Frakes said.
“I am. Nice to meet you.”
“You too. Don’t worry, Beckett will be fine with us. She’ll make friends in no time. It helps that school just started a month ago.”
“I hope so.” After a moment, she stepped closer to the teacher. Parents and kids were coming and going and she didn’t want them to know more than they needed. No point in stigmatizing the poor kid right away. “Mrs. Frakes…”
“Yes,” the woman stepped closer.
“Beckett has been having…difficulties adjusting.”
“I don’t doubt it. She’s been through so much.”
“Yes. Well, she has a therapist appointment this evening. I’m confidently she’ll work everything out. But, in the meantime, if she needs anything…just let me know. I work from home. So, if she needs me, I can be here right away.”
Mrs. Frakes smiled. “Of course.”
When Rion left she felt like she was leaving Beckett to the wolves. What if the other kids don’t understand how quiet she is? Her feet were heavy, but she made herself leave the school. She had to trust that Beckett would be fine. But she still couldn’t shake the feeling that Beckett wasn’t going to fit in. This is probably a normal worry, right? Beck only has issues at night—when she’s sleeping. At least, the big issues. But, she told herself, that’s one of the things teachers are supposed to watch out for. Bullying. There wasn’t anything Rion could do, other than homeschooling Beckett, and she knew that would be a terrible idea.
For the rest of the day, Rion was distracted. She spent most of her time returning emails and worrying about Beckett. Several times she had to stop herself from calling the school just to check on her. She ended up being almost an hour early to pick her up. She didn’t want to look like an idiot, so she hung out in a coffee shop a few blocks away until it was an acceptable time to show up. She went into the school with a handful of over-eager soccer moms. They ignored her as much as she tried to ignore them.
When Beckett left the classroom, she was as stoic as ever. “Wait here,” Rion told her. She stepped inside the classroom to talk to Mrs. Frakes. Once she was done answering a student’s question, she smiled at Rion. “Hello again!”
“Hi. So, how did things go?”
Mrs. Frakes’ brow furrowed. “Well, Beckett’s clearly very intelligent.”
“But…”
“She’s very quiet. She doesn't always respond when other students ask her questions. Not that there is anything wrong with it. But, a couple of students picked up on it. As they will. It wasn’t anything to worry about. I tried to make sure everyone was engaged. And Beckett answered the questions I asked her—correctly too. I think she’s just getting their attention because she’s new.”
Rion’s mouth was dry. “OK. Thank you. We are headed to meet her therapist now,” she lowered her voice. “I’ll talk to her about working on that.”
“Wonderful.”
“Thank you.”
Holding Beckett’s hand, they hurried to catch the train. Rion had managed to get Beckett an appointment with Jennifer for late in the day, but, they still only had an hour to make it on time. “Did you enjoy your first day?” she asked Beck. The kid shrugged. “ Frake said you are very smart,” Rion tried. Beckett nodded again. “Did you make any friends?” Beckett shook her head. “I’m sure if you give the other kids a chance, you’ll find someone you like.” Beckett shook her head again. “No? Why not.”
“They are all stupid,” Beckett said plainly.
“Wow…” Rion didn’t know what else to say. “Well,” she tried. “Everyone is smart about something…”
“No,” was all the kid said.
Rion stared at her, lost for words. Beckett kept walking, and after shaking off her surprise, she followed her.
Jennifer’s office was in a converted three-flat. She occupied the top floor, a nail salon was on the ground floor, and a Chinese herbalist was in the basement. Rion led Beckett up the narrow stairs and was surprised there was no receptionist. She imagined something much more doctor’s office-like. A sign instructed them to have a seat. The reception area was decorated in bright colors and geometric patterns. There were toys designed for all ages scattered around in addition to magazines for the parents.
They sat on the couch and waited. Rion heard a door open and she looked up expectantly. No one came through reception, but she could hear lowered voices and a door open further down the hall way. Footsteps approached and the woman that popped into view immediately put her at ease. She was blonde, thin, and wearing jeans and a red blouse. “Good afternoon!” She approached Beckett first. “What is your name?” she asked the kid.
After a moment, she answered. “Beckett.”
“Well, Beckett, I’m super glad to meet you.” She held out her hand and eventually Beckett took it. Jennifer turned to Rion. “Rion?” she asked, holding out her hand.
“Yes.” The woman’s grip was firm and warm.
“Well, come on Becks, let’s go chat.”
“Wait,” Rion stood up. “Can—can we talk first.”
“Oh, I’d rather not,” Jennifer wrinkled her nose, but smiled pleasantly.
“But…”
“I don’t like to talk to parents or guardians first. It gives me a chance to get to know the child first. That way, I don’t get any unnecessary bias before I can get a first impression.”
“But…”
“Don’t worry,” Jennifer smiled. “We'll talk afterwards.” She held out a hand to Beckett and the kid took it.
The two of them hurried away and Rion flopped stupidly onto the couch. Jennifer hadn’t been anything but warm and friendly, but Rion felt inadequate and unnecessary now. Plus, a small voice pointed out, what if Beckett tells her you shook her before you have a chance to explain the situation. Rion frowned at herself. Beckett doesn’t even remember that. Heat rose in her cheeks. Maybe Jennifer will figure out in one session you have no business raising a kid and she will tell Chambers to relocate her immediately.
Rion spent forty-five minutes flipping through magazines without reading anything. When she got bored with that, she tried to just stare into space but got tired with the bitter and paranoid thoughts that ran through her mind. When she heard Jennifer’s door open again she dropped the child’s toy she had been playing with and jumped to her feet. The therapist led Beckett back into reception and smiled at Rion. “Normally, I have client’s exit through the back for privacy, but Beckett was my last appointment today so there’s not any worry about running into anyone.
“Oh,” Rion tried to smile but was pretty sure she failed.
“Beckett,” Jennifer knelt down eye level with the kid. “Have a seat. I’m going to talk to your sister for a minute. Then we’ll be right back out.” Beckett climbed onto the couch and picked up an outdated copy of Newsweek. “Come on back,” Jennifer waved Rion down the hall.
The therapist’s office looked more like a living room spliced with a child’s room. There was a couch, a rocking chair, and lots of toys on the floor. “Have a seat,” she told her. Rion sat on the couch and tucked her clenched hands between her legs. “First, let me say,” Jennifer began. “I commend you for taking your sister in. Your situation is a unique and challenging one. I’m impressed you’ve taken it on.” Rion shrugged, not sure where the compliment was going.
“Beckett, is a very smart and mature girl,” she continued. “But she has been through a horrific ordeal.” Rion nodded again. “She barely spoke in our session.” Rion grimaced. She had been afraid of that. “But from what I could get out of her, I am amazed by how well she has adjusted so far.” Rion raised her eye brows and Jennifer smiled comfortingly. “She seems to be glad to be with you. Rion sagged in relief and surprise and Jennifer laughed. “It’s normal to wor
ry how you are doing as a parent.” Rion managed a nod. “What concerns do you have? In particular?”
Rion opened her mouth to speak but had to close her mouth again to work up enough saliva to dislodge her tongue from the roof of her mouth. She wanted to tell Jennifer about Beckett's aversion to having her picture taken. She started to form the words and stopped. That would open a whole can of worms. Rion thought about uncomfortable questions and cold, intrusive hands and the words died on her tongue. She took a deep breath and regrouped. “Well, the biggest issue is she seems to have a problem with sleepwalking.”
“Really?” she picked up a pad of paper and made a note. “How often does she do this?”
“She’s done it three times that I know of since she came to live with me.”
“What does she do when she sleepwalks?”
Rion took a deep breath. “She’s been trying to hurt my cat.”
Jennifer’s face remained professionally blank. “Oh dear.”
“Yeah. I’ve had to give him to a neighbor of mine—hopefully just temporarily.”
“That’s good. How did you respond to this?”
Rion felt the heat creep into her face. “I got mad, until I realized she was asleep.”
“How did you know she was asleep?”
“Well, she doesn’t appear to remember any of it.”
“OK.”
“And she…she looks…strange.”
“Meaning?” Jennifer tilted her head.
She looks…like—a demon? The devil himself? “She...she looks like she is enjoying trying to kill the cat—not like herself. She…I don’t know. She just doesn’t look present. Not her usual self anyway. I mean, she’s a quiet kid. But, she’s a kid—you know. She likes to watch the news. She likes scrambled eggs. She likes to play Mario Kart. But, when she is sleepwalking…she’s like someone else. Not a kid. Her face…” Rion sank back into the couch and stopped rambling. “I don’t know how to describe it. It’s kind of scary.”
Something Happened Page 9
