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Ellie was flying as fast as she could, glancing behind her every so often.
She had just escaped Vlad, he had teamed up with the Guys in White, and tracked her down while she was out and about.
It was a lucky slip. She wasn't even sure how she managed to get away without being caught. She was holding her arm as it was going numb, she had been shot with something she wasn't even sure what. She was bleeding her ecto green blood shining causing her even more confusion as to how she was not found.
She had been flying for several hours with no stop. Her heart pounding, and fear not letting her rest. Her vision now though was going hazy. She needed to keep going, keep running, find a way to either get to Danny, or get to a safe place.
Her head however started to feel heavy, her vision blurring, and feeling quite nauseous.
The last thing she noticed was the odd sound of a rusted rhythmic squeak.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
“Twila, i think we can head in, i don't think the almanac was right about that meteorite shower tonight,” A old well worn man, who could have passed for either a early white haired 40 year old or a well aged 90 year old, his old suspenders faded over top his plaid shirt, and holding his faded jeans up.
“Cleavland, just a bit longer, I just want to try and see if we can catch some dust to help with that luck charm I have up, who knows maybe it can help bring a child to us this year,” She chuckled, they had long since giving up on actually having a child, and hopes of adopting through the state were starting to fade, but then again it couldn't hurt to wish right?
Cleveland sighed, but leaned against the old square farmhouse his great grandfather built, “We have a better chance of leaving cakes at Maw Maws fairy hill to get the good neighbors to help us.” He joked looking over to his wife, she was nowhere near the tiny thin girl he married right out of high school. But even with her hair no longer being forced straight, and her natural tight curls pulled into a loose tied back style, her single white hair streak. Her heart was as sweet and loving as it always was.
“Cleveland, I would feed that child all the honey cakes they could want. You know I'm not fussy, no matter what the child is or was i would love them,” She stated in a matter of fact tone, wrapping herself up in that shawl.
“I know you would Twila, i know,” He looked to the hill, his maw maw often told him old stories of beings of realms beyond, how some could help or hurt, but to be careful of how you word things… heck she was part of the reason he and Twila had such oddities within their home.
He had never seen something himself, though he was about ready to make some kind of trade. Not that he knew how to offer one.
“Cleveland!” Twila’s excited gasp caused him to look, and seeing her pointing up, he noticed the toxic green streak. Possibly a copper based meteorite? If it landed, in his field maybe he could use the metal to replace the destroyed crop?
But he gasped when he realized it was landing closer than planned. He rushed to his wife to block her from what he thought would be a large impact, but instead they just heard a sound of a thump, and groan.
Looking over, he was so confused, there was still the glowing green. But a figure was laying upon the hill.
“Cleveland?” Twila whispered confused.
“Stay here Twi,” he whispered, standing up and making his way over. Confused, as he saw what looked to be a child, with other worldly white hair, pale as death skin, and a black and white suit.
“Cleveland?” she called.
He looked back to his wife not sure what to say as he looked back down at the child.
His wife let out a gasp as she approached, and they both witnessed the child’s ghostly white hair seem to warp to a midnight black, and her black and white outfit changed to a sweater and jeans. The green glowing liquid changed to blood before them.
He felt his wife’s hand grip his arm, and the moment they exchanged a look they were already on the same page.
He gently picked up the child. He was by no means a Doctor, but he helped out on plenty enough of farms to be able to dress a few wounds and tend to someone.
Twila was flipping through several books once they got into the house, calling a neighbor who worked at the clinic to come down saying something has come up and they need someone to help.
Cleveland cleared a space off the couch to lay the child on, wrapping her wounds, surprised she was even smaller then he recalled seeing her outside. Why was a child this thin? He kept quiet, trying to keep his temper down, especially after seeing the bruises and the gashes, these were not made from landing on the hill. Some of these were made by hands. The finger marks around the forearms and legs were obvious enough.
Someone hurt this child. Someone had the spineless heartless cowardice to harm a child. A small fragile child. A blessing that up till now him and his wife had not been blessed with.
So help him. If he found who did this, he would bury them in the back 40.
By morning, neither Cleveland nor his wife Twila slept. He had done everything he could to bandage her. By the time their friend showed up… the wounds were healed, but the bruises stayed, as if her body was focusing on healing the more damaging areas first.
After seeing the bruises, his friend was more than willing to keep his mouth shut, and even promised to keep his ears open if any said they had a run away. No child should have gone through that.
Twila had changed the girl’s clothes and set her up in the attic room. Clothes that had once been left behind by some cousin or uncle… honestly Cleveland wasn't sure, but at least she had clean clothes and a bed.
Whatever brought that child to them last night. He would do his best to do right by that. He would make sure that the child didn't want for anything. Heck he would try and pick up a few more handyman jobs around town. He was pretty sure the one fellow said about needing his kids' old play set torn down and hauled off… maybe he should go and pick that up. The kid may like it.
“Cleveland, you need more coffee, Honey?” Twila asked, setting another honey cake onto a tray she practically had filled.
The sound of the attic door opening caused them both to freeze. As the small all too thin by someone’s standards little girl with Raven black hair, and blue eyes peeked around the corner. The oversized sweater is much too large for her, making her seem even smaller. The worry in her eyes making Cleveland not feel he could really look at her without upsetting the child.
“I should go get some work done, Twila if you need me I will probably be at the feed store, if not there, check Brier’s Farm. I hear they have some work out there,” He said goodbye to his wife giving her a kiss on the cheek, hoping she wouldn't bring too much attention to the fact the old fellow had tears welling in his eyes.
Twila smiled seeing her husband walking out the door. She understood, this was a lot, and her husband was just as much as a soft heart as he was a hard ass or bull headed.
She fixed up a plate and set it on the table, “These are yours dear, no rush or pressure, and if you're not hungry you don't have to eat.”
“Where am I?” came a tiny quiet voice.
Twila’s heart almost broke hearing it, so timid, so worried. “You're at our home, you landed outside last night. Figured you could use a bit of rest and something to eat." She added a few extra honey cakes as she continued to ramble about the town. She made a promise to feed this child and come to hell or high water. She was going to keep her promise to make as many of these cakes this child wanted. Though she might need to go out and get a bit more cornmeal and honey.
Twila fixed her own plate only after seeing the child tucking in, they were eating as if they hadn’t in days, “I can make more if you want it.”
The child slowly stuffed a whole cake into her mouth as if debating she should trust Twila. Twila had to hold herself together not to squeal with delight with how adorable this child was. Best not to scare her.
When the child’s plate was emptied they shoved it towards Twila with skeptical expression.
Twila smiled, stood up and refilled the plate turning around when the child was gone. No sign of them.
Don't panic Twila, the child came through on a star and from the good neighbors, she was bound to be a little odd.
“Here you are dear,” She set the plate down as if nothing had changed, and set to work cleaning the kitchen up a bit.
When she heard the child’s silverware clinking as they ate invisibly. Adorable.
Twila had gotten several calls, one from Sally from the church, of course that women would call. Despite the neighbor saying they wouldn't tell, his wife was a gossip to say the least, and of course she would tell Sally that they called for help last night.
And just like clock work, suddenly most ladies in town had colds, or coughs, or someone had some kind of unknown force in their house they needed one of her patent charms to ward off.
Not that she minded, after all. With the new addition the extra cash flow would be helpful.
While Twila was handing over a small brown bag with a tea mix, and a trinket to help ward off some unwanted things in this person’s barn, an old doll, Twila had picked up at a thrift store due to it looking creepy but not dangerous, landed loudly on the floor.
It scared the customer, but Twila just chuckled and cleaned up the broken porcelain from the floor. No harm, it was just a doll, and the child was probably just curious.
By noon Twila went outside to see what her husband was doing, it seemed he had gotten his hands upon a wooden playground, one that had two swings, a little fort area and a slide.
“You think she will like it?” Cleveland asked, looking at his wife worriedly.
She chuckled, giving him a kiss upon the cheek, “Don't panic, but our little sprite is currently hiding invisible at the moment, she hasn’t left. And I think she will love it.”
Her statement was confirmed as later in the evening, a single swing was going back and forth as if someone were playing with it, despite no one visibly being upon it.
Cleveland looked quite pleased with himself when he was shown through the kitchen window.
“She needs new clothes,” He muttered as he watched the rhythmic swing going back and forth, then flopped as a small dirt cloud formed where the child jumped off the swing, “Maybe some toys?”
Twila smiled, leaning her head upon her husband’s shoulder, “I can take her up to the second hand tomorrow if she wants to go.” She felt quite happy, it had only been a day, but knowing their little fey child was seeming to enjoy their own filled her with such joy.
“Good, oh… uh, did anyone call about… missing?” Cleveland’s sentence wasn't well finished but Twila knew what he was asking.
“Not a soul. Did anyone bring it up to you?” She looked to him worried.
“Nah, No one seemed to be missing a kid,” He replied rubbing the back of his neck.
“Well, if they don't come looking then she can stay as long as she likes then right? No harm.”
>>>>>>>>
Ellie had woken up in an odd room. Well odd compared to what she was familiar with. The walls looked to be painted with a watered down white paint, not pure white like the labs, it wasn't big enough to be some place in Vlad’s manor.
She was laying on an old yellow and natural colored mattress with large buttons all over it, instead of a fitted sheet it seemed like someone just layed a flat atop it before laying her down, the room and blankets all smelled of moth balls and a slight dampness.
The room was both small… and empty. Aside from the bed, there was a dresser against the wall, but it was empty, her clothes smelt like a storage unit. Looking out the large window she could see a large field of grass of some kind turning yellow.
Where was she?
There was a banister next to a set of old wooden stairs, she snuck quietly down, floating. Someone had treated her wounds, at least if the bandages were anything to go by. She went intangible just long enough to remove them, best to not let something hinder her chances to run or get in her way of getting away.
This could be a new ploy from Vlad, his way of trying to force her to go with him, or maybe it was already some form of a new cage. Meant to… to…
Did she smell sausage? And pancakes?
She peeked out, ready to run at any second. But all she saw was a man with white hair sitting eating a pancake with his hand and then picking up his coffee mug and frowning at it.
“Cleveland you need more coffee, Honey?” came the gentle warm voice of the lady, she was wearing an old shirt and a pair of jeans, with a shawl made of yarn over her shoulders, the woman reminded her of a picture of a friendly and eccentric Aunt. Her dark curly hair pulled back to keep the curls out of her face, and the smile lines worn deep in her face.
Ellie could feel the calm emotions coming off them. It was odd. She never even got this feeling from the Fentons.
She felt herself freeze as Cleveland glanced at her, but he just as quickly looked away as if not registering she was there.
Ellie was noticing how the Women was setting a place for herself to eat, given there were only two chairs there was a good chance, they were not planning for Ellie to eat with them.
“I should go get some work done, Twila if you need me I will probably be at the feed store, if not there, check Brier’s Farm. I hear they have some work out there,” Cleveland spoke, standing up giving his wife a kiss on the head while he put his dishes into the sink.
Clearing a space at the table for Ellie. And possibly helping try to show her it wasn't so scary right? But why?
“These are yours dear, no rush or pressure, and if you're not hungry you don't have to eat,” Twi said as she set down a plate full of odd shaped pancakes, and some sausages. Even a cup of warm milk and honey beside it.
Sitting down Ellie felt… hesitant, why were these people helping her? Were they going to turn her over to Vlad or the Guy’s in White?
“Where am I?” Ellie asked quietly, surely this was a trap right? Heck even Danny had not accepted her so easily.
“You're at our home, you landed outside last night. Figured you could use a bit of rest and something to eat. We're in a small town dear, we don't even have a name,” The woman answered as she added more of the pancakes to a plate, “Used to be part of the town a few miles over, but when they did some sort of census apparently we have not been in several decades. It’s just labeled as an odd bunch of numbers. Honestly, locals just write ‘Small Town’, for the address labels.” she chuckled, “Ticks the mail carrier off.”
Ellie wasn't sure what the women meant, how could a town not have a name? And what state was she in? How far did she make it away from Vlad and those government goons?
Looking around the small farm house, almost every inch of the walls, shelves and area one could fit a nick nack or trinket there was something that reminded Ellie of some kind of haunted witches house? Small dolls, little bells, was that a wind chime made of bone? It didn't quite look like a G.I.W. base but one could never be too sure.
Ellie while trying to take in the decor took a bite, her eyes welling with joy for a brief moment, how long had it been since she had a warm home cooked meal? The cakes were sticky, sweet, and soft inside, the sausages were spiced in a way that Ellie wasn't sure what brand they were but it wasn't long before the plate was over three quarters gone. Ellie had just nipped her own finger trying to stuff more food into her mouth when she heard Twila speak.
“I can make more if you like,” The woman spoke softly, and with a warmth Ellie wasn't sure she ever heard someone speak in.
Ellie quickly finished drinking down the warm milk as quickly as she could before going invisible. She flew outside and looked about, ok where was…. Where in the realms was she?
There was an old metal windmill of some kind near the barn, its rhythmic squeaking reminding her of the sound just before passing out. Looking around… there was… nothing?
Well not nothing, there was a single Road, big fields, a run down barn. And…. It took Ellie floating up high to see other houses over hill tops, few dirt roads that turned off the paved road, it was a farming area from what she could tell. And an odd bunch of rectangles and brush if you were to go straight from the door and she were to fly about ten minutes.
But… no massive trucks, no sign of Vlad’s usual pompous extravagance, none of the G.I.W.’s equipment… were these people just helping her?
She also noticed the woman wasn't running out to find her. Flying back to poke her head in through the wall.
Ellie saw her plate refilled, along with her cup. The woman hummed gently as she cleaned up the other areas of the kitchen.
What … What was this woman wanting?
Ellie was about to leave when the scent of the sausage hit her nose. Could she really let good food go to waste?... no. She couldn't.
Ellie floated back over and picked up a sausage, watching the women who seemed to not… care? No, that wasn't right. If the lady didn't care she wouldn't have refilled the plate. But more like didn't mind if Ellie was choosing not to be there.
The child had to sit down and eat slower, especially as she made it through half way through this plate and the food from the previous plate finally hit her. Ok, her eyes may have been ever so slightly bigger than her stomach.
And the women’s humming… it was rather soothing. With a yawn Ellie looked about, Ok. Maybe she could at least use this place as a resting spot for now right? If they were nice folks, and she really was in a town even the government didn't seem to care about. Maybe it would be good to hide here while she recovered?
She put her cup and plate beside the sink cautiously as she didn't want to bother the lady, then found her way to the living room to nap. Ellie curled up with a big yawn. For as odd as it was, this place did have an odd vibe to it. Feeling almost like coming home, even if she hadn't ever been here before.
Ellie wasn't sure how long she had been asleep when the sound of the door opening and closing woke her up.
Ellie drifted about sleepily while invisible listening to Twila give some specific instructions and the other seemed to just babble about their family.
“Oh yeah, Darla just had another bundle- oh… oh sorry Twila, i should have known better.”
“Jammie it’s fine, why don't you head on home now?”
“No no i should have been more careful,” The woman sounded fake sorry.
Ellie had a doll in her hands she picked up off the shelf as soon as she heard the tone, that fake… false friendly tone. It was so similar to how Vlad spoke. That Jammie said something about a kid on purpose.
Wait, was that why the two were so nice to her? Did they lose a kid? It would explain why they had the clothes, and the extra room. And this woman was here verbally poking at them?
Ellie gasped as the head of the doll fell off. She hadn't even been gripping that part. The doll fell with a shatter, and Ellie let go of the body to cover her mouth, Oh Twila was going to be mad for sure now, and not at the lady.
“W-what was that?” Jammie stammered.
“Oh nothing you need to worry about Jammie, seems some spirits maybe up and about,” Twila smiled and chuckled seeing the mess.
Wait, chuckled? Wasn't she mad?
Ellie watched while floating while Jammie left, and Twila cleaned up the shattered doll face.
Ellie felt bad. She smashed the doll that Twila had sitting on a shelf, there was a good chance the old doll was from her childhood, or… well… honestly Ellie wasn't sure when dolls went from being porcelain to plastic, but still. It probably was important right?
After the doll incident Ellie floated about the house, it was so calm. Quiet, but peaceful. Yeah the decor was a little spooky, but no worse then some of the things she seen in the ghost zone.
Twila had a radio playing to listen to the news, and to music while she worked about the house, dusting, sweeping, doing a load of laundry down in the basement in an old white dingy washer, and coming out through the cellar door to hang the laundry on the line.
Ellie tried to help little bits here and there. It was kinda nice. Twila didn't seem to expect anything from Ellie, they didn't seem to want to force her to stay, and they seemed happy to have her about.
Evening came, Cleveland returned and Ellie overheard Twila whispering to him about how she was invisible around them. How did she know? Ok yeah Ellie had helped her with the laundry… and helped knock some things that had fallen under the couch to line up with the path of the broom… Ellie had actually had a little fun game she made out of that, but… huh… weird.
The two really didn't seem to mind.
When Cleveland finished the swing set, Ellie was a little embarrassed, after all she wasn't a little kid anymore. It wasn't as if she wanted to play on the swing set. Heck she could fly. Most kids couldn't do that.
She was only sitting on it a little since the old man put so much work into making it for her, at least… that's what she would have told anyone if they saw her. But obviously they couldn't, she was invisible as she began to swing.
It was really nice, being able to just… swing, seeing the fields of golden grass seem to rise and fall as she was able to look out over it.
Heck when he was let out from the clone pod she was already able to eat and talk. She was trained to fly and use her powers.
Vlad had a lot of things in his house, but playgrounds were not one of them. And prior to her sneaking off to fight Danny, she hasn't really gone outside.
Vlad told her so much, don't go out, the evil half ghost Danny would kill her to get to him. Don’t let the neighbors see her, as they could tell others and have her taken away from him. Looking back, it was so obvious it was manipulation and lies. But…
She jumped from the swing landing with a thud, These two were nothing like Vlad. Yeah they were giving her space, but they were genuine in what they said or did. She didn't have much more than a day of interaction but she could just… feel it in her core, this place was safe.
She felt her breath coming faster, shallower, feeling her chest tighten. She was safe. How often could she genuinely say or feel that?
Did she have the right to feel that right now? Vlad could be looking for her. The G.I.W. could be looking for her.
Looking up to the window she could see the couple giving each other a gentle hug and kiss. Did she have a right to try and ruin their peace?
Ellie was struggling to breath, forgetting she was in her ghost form and didn't need to.
No she couldn't risk it. These people were so nice. There had to be a trap. Either them or Vlad using them right? That had to be it! Ellie would have to leave. She would have to.
“Are you alright dear? You look quite spooked," came an old warn voice.
Ellie leapt up ready to fight, only to find a ghostly woman sitting on the hill behind the house.
“Uh… y-yeah?” Was this a trick?
“Hmm,” The woman was knitting several balls of yarn in her ghostly bag, and her partially finished project upon her lap. A look that showed she did not believe Ellie.
“You look scared dear, come. Tell old Mawmaw all about it. Did my grandson do something to scare you?” she sounded so kind, much like the kindness of the two in the house.
Ellie was NOT weak, she wasn't a cry baby… but… she felt a tear fall.
“Oh, come here dear, it's been many a year since I held a little one, but I'm sure my old bones can still be of use.” The woman put down her knitting and held open her arms.
Ellie wasn't sure why, after all she didn't know this ghost, and it could have just have easily been a trap. Maybe she wanted this to be real? Maybe she wanted to be able to be hugged and not worry about a trap?
Ellie floated over and allowed herself to be pulled onto the lap of the old woman.
The woman hugged Ellie gently, her arms wrapping around her gently softly but firm enough to help Ellie feel that same warm comfort she felt earlier in the house.
“Now, tell old Maw Maw what troubles you dear. What has you upset?” She hummed gently and even rocked a little, a sensation Ellie was not familiar to but had her melting into the comfort.
“Um,” Ellie tried to start, but instead she felt an internal wall crack, she had to calm down, what good would it do to cry on a stranger? No matter how nice she was.
“If you need to take your time go ahead, i have all the time in the world,” The woman assured, even picking back up her knitting, Her arms still around Ellie while she knitted, making it so that she was gently hugging Ellie while she worked.
Ellie sniffled and nodded, feeling several more tears fall. She hid her face while letting the tears fall, doing her best not to be too loud, or bother the lady, not that it really worked. The woman was right there holding Ellie, rocking her, and gently humming giving the child comfort she never genuinely got before.
After crying herself into a sniveling mess, she eventually collected herself, “I'm…sorry,” she sniffled.
“Nothing to apologize for dear, we all need a good cry every so often. Even my grandson, not that he would let anyone other than me see it. Now… are you ready to tell me what has you so upset?”
She sniffled and nodded, “I'm… I don't want to cause problems for those two. They have been so nice.”
“And what’s wrong with them being nice dear?”
“It's not… that isn't the problem. Vlad Masters, he…” She felt her breath coming a bit harder, only to feel a hand gently rubbing her back helping her to relax, “He created me… I was to be a copy of someone. But… I'm not right. I came out wrong. It’s a long story after that, but… after I got away he re-captured me…” She began to explain what had happened to her, what Vlad had done, what the G.I.W. had done, how strong and powerful Vlad was, “I don't even know how I got away. But… if he found me… “ She looked to the house, another tear falling as she realized how much danger these two normal humans would be in.
“Now dear,” The woman stated firmly, “It's not your fault.” She almost sounded angry, but her gentle soft tone was masking and hiding any rage from the poor child in her lap, “You didn't ask to be made, No child did. Copy or not, You are a child. No child should ever go through that!”
Ellie felt herself being pulled into a deep hug, “You need some grownups you can trust, And I assure you, that you found them here. And even if my Grandson didn't want to keep you already, you have my permission to stay in my house for as long as you like.”
Ellie sniffled a little, wiping away fresh tears that were forming.
“I assure you child, this might be a small town, but you're safe here.” The women looked up, seeming to notice something Ellie did not, “I think it's time for supper, Go on now. Wash your face, and hands, then go tuck in. Young ones like you need a few extra helpings to help you grow.”
“Uh… thanks, And sorry again for crying on you,” Ellie sniffled before flying off.
“Not a thing you need to apologize for dear,” Maw Maw said while sitting on her hill. Once Ellie was out of sight she held up the knitting she was working on, revealing Vlad’s face, “not a thing that a child needs to worry about.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Cleveland was getting worried, He did find an extra kitchen chair in the basement and brought it up for their little changeling, not that he was fully sure that was what she was, after all she wasn't exactly swapped with anything. Just… showed up wounded, But he didn't have anything else to call her as yet.
The movement of the juice cup at the once empty place caught his attention, he found the dark haired girl sitting in the spare chair.
“Um… so… is… is it ok if I stay?” Ellie finally asked, feeling confidence brought on by knowing Maw maw would probably haunt them if they said no.
Twila spoke up before Cleveland could even process, “Of course dear, You can stay as long as you want to, isn't that right Cleveland?”
He gave a nod, “Yep. Room is yours, decorate it how you like. Just… no fire hazards and all that…” he ended up mumbling a bit at the end as he felt awkward. He had yet to find the bastards who hurt the kid. What kind of man couldn't find even a hint of it? His Maw Maw would have figured it out he was sure. She was the type who could follow a hunch and find exactly what she was looking for.
He almost wished his grandmother’s gift passed onto him. Maybe then he could assure the kid she was safe.
“Um… I go by Ellie,” She spoke again.
Twila looked between the child who was looking down at her plate fidgeting, trying to open up to them, and to her husband who was fidgeting looking at his plate trying to not scare the child. There was a small part of Twila that felt if they did have a daughter, Ellie would probably be a lot like them.
“Well you can call me Twila, and this here is my husband Cleveland. You don't have to call us by name if you don't want though.” Twila got up to get Ellie another muffin as hers looked crumbled to death.
Ellie nodded, “Thanks… you know… for everything.” She mumbled taking the new muffin.
“Tomorrow, I plan to go to the second hand store, pick up some new towels,” Twila started to explain only to have her husband cut her off.
“We need new towels?” He then realized with the raised brow and amused smile from his wife, that she was just using those as an excuse, “Oh, right…. Holes…” He mumbled going back to his dinner hoping he didn't ruin her plan.
“Anyway Ellie, If you like you can come with me. We can pick you up some clothes. I know we have a few other boxes upstairs but sadly the outfit you're in now is the smallest I could find, Might be another year before we can give you those hand me downs.”
Ellie blinked, another year, they were already planning for that far ahead? “Uh… sure? I don't mind.” Though Ellie did pick up on the towels being an excuse, it was a small lie, and simple enough to see through. But she didn't mind. These people’s lies were not to hide evil truths, but small white ones that were just… trying to help her feel safer.
Twila was practically giddy with the fact she was able to get Ellie to help her with the dishes, and when Ellie came out from getting her bath with the much oversized shirt that she was to use for a sleep shirt for the night. Twila had to calm herself and keep herself from rushing for a camera with how adorable she felt Ellie looked.
Ellie had a little difficulty in the bath, mostly as it was a little odd whenever you used someone else’s bath tub figuring out the hot and cold, figuring out which shampoo to use, and what she was supposed to do.
But when Twila tucked Ellie into bed, in the attic room, Ellie almost swore she heard Mawmaw humming, helping her drift off quickly to sleep. Ellie liked this house. Two nights, and it already felt like home.
>>>>>>>>>>>
Cleveland had to be dreaming.
He looked around, the house was just like when he was a child. It hadn’t changed that much, but the paint had worn away… he should put on a new coat. Not to mention the rose bush his dad took out in an argument was growing meticulously beside the driveway.
His Mawmaw was fit to be tied when his dad ripped it out by driving over it in anger.
“Cleveland,” a very familiar and firm tone spoke.
He snapped back to look at the fairy hill. It had the flowers his grandmother planted all around it, and the small little snacks she would leave for them, and standing atop the hill… was Maw maw.
Dressed in her housecoat, her apron on just as if she were out checking on the chickens just as she used to. She had her hair up in a bun, and her face stern and irritated. The same expression she had the day his drunk father left him with her.
“Cleveland, I need you to listen. Ellie is scared, and earlier she was crying. A bad man hurt her, Cleveland.” She pulled a knitted square out, revealing a black white and blue faced figure, with red eyes, “His name is Vlad Masters. He will be looking for our little Ellie, apparently he made her to take the place of another child, but because he messed up and she came out a girl …. Cleveland, I'm running out of time. So you have to remember this, I don't think I can tell you a second time.”
“Vlad Masters….” Cleveland spoke, trying to commit the name and face to memory.
“You keep our little Ellie safe, Cleve. I have books. In my old trunk. Use them. I can't stay much longer.” with that His Mawmaw was gone from view.
And he felt like he was falling.
Cleveland sat right up with a gasp. Looking around. He was in the bedroom, Twila waking up with a groan.
“Cleveland what's wrong?”
“Evil man,” He whispered, “After Ellie,” He flung the blankets off to go to the basement and find the very books his Mawmaw told him.
“Ok… I'll start the coffee,” Twila groaned with a stretch still struggling to get out of bed as she heard her husband rushing down the basement stairs. She wasn't sure if her husband was having a waking dream, or if he spoke to something, but till she was sure which, she was going to go along with it.
Thankfully before morning, And after Cleveland found the books, Twila convinced him to go back to bed, at least for a few hours, as they didn't get any sleep the night before.
They however had a picture of this monster after their changeling, Cleveland described the image, while Twila drew it. A black and white haired, blue faced vampire.
They used up all the garlic, from the pantry to hang on all the windows and doors in the down stairs, even lining the window seals and door ways with salt.
Even hanging some on the upstairs window just to be safe. Grateful it didn't wake Ellie, or seem to cause her any distress to be near it.
With a bit more sleep under their belt, Cleveland was sitting at the breakfast table eating and drinking his coffee, when Ellie came down in the outfit from the day before.
“Morning Ellie, Would you like some more honey cakes? After breakfast we will head to the store in the truck,” Twila informed.
“Sounds good, thanks again.” She sounded a little more sure of herself this morning, “So… what was with the garlic?”
“Vampires,” Cleveland stated bluntly.
Twila smiled, “Cleveland had a dream about vampire’s attacking, so we put up garlic to help ward away the bad dreams to get some more sleep. Sorry if we woke you last night. But till we had all the windows covered I couldn't convince him to head back to bed.”
Ellie blinked, “Vampires are real?”
Twila shrugged, “Why not?”
Ellie gave her own shrug, she didn't have a reply to that. After all she was an imperfect clone of a half ghost. So… who was to say what did or didn't exist in this world? She also didn't want to think about the chance that they saw Vlad and they confused him for one.
“Oh, Twila, I may go talk with Mr Singh today. Heard he needed help with his old orchard.” Cleveland said as his wife got ready.
“Oh, do you want me to drop you off at his farm?” Twila looked to her husband wanting to ask why he wanted to go to such a guy’s place, when he was known for being even more odd and eccentric then they were. But didn't want to be so negative in front of Ellie.
“Yeah,” He nodded, putting on his coat and picking up the book. It clicked for Twila.
“Alright, then Ellie were going to make a detour, you ok with riding in the back of the truck?” Twila asked while looking down at the child who was slipping on her shoes.
“I can ride in the back?” the thought of riding in the back of the truck now having the full focus of her mind.
“Why not? It's the country dear, and it's such a small town we don't even have town cops, we have to call in the state fellows, they don't even bother with us unless we call, so I doubt we will get a ticket.”
“Oh, sure?” Ellie was a bit excited, also curious. She heard some people talk about riding in the back of a truck when they were kids, but never thought to do or try it.
The scenery was lovely, and they even drove down a dirt road past the odd rectangles, allowing Ellie to see that it was an odd trailer park.
Eventually after they turned down two other dirt roads and to a dead end, Cleveland was let out, and a man who seemed to have a milky white eye came out wielding a gun.
“What the hell are you doing here?!”
“Hey Mr Singh. I heard you needed some help with your orchard,” Cleveland said. He pulled something out from his jacket and handed it to the guy, saying something that Ellie couldn't hear as it was too far away and since they were close enough to just talk normally it didn't come off as odd.
Cleveland gave a wave back to the truck.
“Ellie come on and get in the cab,” Twila called.
Ellie climbed in, thankful for the seats, yes the back of the truck was pretty, but there was no cushion if they hit a bump, and some of the turns forced your back against the metal rail. She could see why some people had nostalgia for it, but she would prefer to sit on a cushion.
Ellie was rather impressed with how many back roads there seemed to be. Most if not all of which were dirt. When they did finally make it back to the black top there were a few scattered stops, a gas station, a bar… some building with a large gas tank beside it.
Eventually they got to what seemed to be a closed down roller ring that had been turned into an oddly shaped second hand store or consignment shop, Ellie wasn't sure as the signs were of several old stores that used to use the building, and no one fully took them down.
Twila led Ellie past the wooden rockers someone was selling through the store, past some other wood works and to the several racks of clothes.
Twila seemed to offer a few different things, both frilly and tomboyish till she seemed to get a feel for Ellie’s taste.
Ellie was looking over some weird dolls, one of which was missing an eye. It almost looked like the one she broke, when she overheard someone talking to Twila.
“So did you and Cleveland finally get a call from the foster agency?” It was Jammie. Ellie hated that false niceness.
“Oh no, we found the poor thing out by the fairy hill,” Twila spoke with such a smile in her voice, several people stopped around them and looked at her.
Jammie snorted, “Oh I'm sure,” she laughed. Ellie didn't like that, and may have taken things into her own hands, going invisible and sneaking up to tie the unlikable women’s shoe laces together.
“Well you know I don't lie, and you know Cleveland’s grandmother was a lady who was good friends with the good neighbors. Best not to mock them.” Twila warned playfully.
“Oh please, I have never been a believer in that old superstitious non-Ahh,” Jammie who was about to walk away tripped over with her tied shoe laces.
Several of the other patrons who had been listening in quickly went back to minding their own, after all you never wanted to upset the good neighbors.
By nightfall, the whole town had heard how Jammie was now possibly spited by the good neighbors for mocking them. The few people who bothered to go to church were even considering lessening their time with her.
Ellie had a few outfits in her dresser. She even had a lamp on the dresser and some nicknacks she found in the halloween section looking like little sheet ghosts. They were cute to her.
When Twila went to tuck her in for bed that night Ellie was handed a black cat plushy.
“I know you're probably too old for toys, but no harm in having a small little sleep buddy right?”
Ellie found herself drifting off quickly with Mawmaw’s humming helping her to lull to sleep.
Cleveland was sitting at the kitchen table waiting for his wife.
“Ok, what did the old man tell you?” Twila asked, sitting down. Mr Singh’s family claimed they were descendants of witch hunters and vampire hunters. They had lived in the area for several generations.
“Well, he told me about a few patches of a plant called blood blossoms, apparently it wards off all… uh… well any kind of witch, vampire, or… “ he glanced up ward with a sad expression, “I don't think it would be wise to have any in the house. Probably shouldn't grow it anywhere near her either.”
Twila nodded, “I haven't gotten to read through your Mawmaw’s books. But I did also pick up some more garlic and salt while we were out. I can call the church tomorrow, see about getting some holy water. I know we have holy water in the one kit we got while traveling, but I don't know if it's real or not.”
He nodded, “Yeah, sounds like a plan, we can work on figuring out how to best keep Ellie safe.”
Twila nodded, “The universe thought she would be safe with us. Best to do our part to prove it right.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Over the next few days, Ellie was met with a pattern, Twila would make breakfast, Cleveland would be having his coffee, and then go off to work. Twila would offer trinkets or teas out of her kitchen, clean house, do some chores, gather herbs and flowers from the garden to dry to refill the herbs.
Dinner was had, and she would head to bed. She started noticing salt on the window seals, and an old rusted coffee can at both the back and front door.
“Hey, what's this?” Ellie asked.
“Red brick dust mixed with salt,” Twila answered, “The salt isn't bothering you is it?”
“No, but why?” Ellie thought it was weird, though their house was filled with apparently monster movie memorabilia if the old VHS Tapes were anything to go off of, not that they owned a TV.
“Vampires,” Cleveland answered bluntly.
Ellie couldn't help but wonder if maybe them having all this memorabilia was messing with him. Or did they think she was a vampire?
One morning while having breakfast Cleveland spoke up, “Going to Granger farm today. Help put up a fence, You wanna come?” He looked to Ellie, “They got a few kids your age.”
Ellie felt hesitant but given how Twila seemed excited and was already packing lunches for the two of them, she agreed.
Cleveland drove down another dirt road, honestly Ellie was contemplating taking her time flying about the town at night if she ever stayed up, to get a better layout of the town.
They drove under a bridge that seemed to be a highway road, before they got to a farm. There were three kids running about, one seemed to be chasing the other two with a dead snake.
Ellie wasn't quite sure what to make of the situation.
Cleveland greeted the guy who came out, and she was introduced to the kids. The youngest who had the dead snake was named Brandon, The middle child who Ellie thought was a boy was apparently a girl named Harper, and the eldest was called Axle. Ellie wasn't too sure if that was his actual name or not.
The two adults walked off after the kids were introduced, and the only thing they were told was no starting fires and trying not to get hurt.
Ellie blinked, this was … not what she was used to adults telling her.
“Are you really a chan-ling?” Brandon asked.
“A what?” Ellie asked, confused.
“He means a changeling, and Mama told us not to talk about that.” Harper stated giving her brother a warning look.
“Mama don't even believe in that stuff,” Axle said with a huff.
“What’s a Changeling?” Ellie asked, confused.
“Apparently it's when the fey swap a child with one of their own. The fey one looks identical to the first, but takes the place for whatever reason.” Axel explained, seeming to sense no danger whatsoever.
“Oh… uh… kinda then?” Vlad had meant for her to take the place of Danny, “But i didn't come out right?”
“What do you mean you didn't come out right? Changelings aint supposed to be perfect, it's how the mama’s and Daddies can tell there was a swap,” Harper tilted her head.
“Oh, Well… the guy who made me apparently tried to make me a copy of a boy…” Ellie explained.
“So your Daddy was mad you were a girl?” Axle nodded, “I heard my uncle left his first wife cus of that, though she cheated just cuz our cousin wasn't born a boy.”
“Can you fly?” Brandon asked.
“Corse she can't fly,” Axle sniped, “She doesn't have any wings.”
Ellie had honestly been about to show them she could, but given how Axle snipped probably best to keep her ghost powers hidden in the small town.
After that interaction Harper offered to show her around the farm, their berry patches, favorite wild apple tree to climb, and so forth. The kids were just walking, chatting, talking about school, and other things they thought were neat. When a noise caused the three to look over while Brandon had caught one of the chickens to show Ellie.
It seemed the Bull that had been penned in the barn while the two adults were off fixing the fence, had gotten out, and was charging.
Harper, Axle, and Ellie had ran, but it seemed Brandon was stunned with fear.
Ellie moved before she could think, flying over and grabbing the rope and pulling so hard the bull lost its footing, slid, and landed on its side.
The two older siblings shared a look. They just saw Ellie fly, then take down a charging bull. But their stunned silence was only for a moment as they ran over to Brandon who was still holding onto the chicken with a shocked look on his face.
“KIDS!” Mr Granger called.
“ELLIE!” Cleveland called, worry on his face.
Ellie had not had an adult call her like that, let alone a father figure who genuinely worried about her. She felt tears welling, but tried to keep it in, “We're ok!” She waved over happily and wiped her eyes quickly.
The four children were looked over, along with the scene before the adults.
“What the hell happened?” Mr. Granger asked, looking at his kids.
“The bull got out, charged at Brandon,” Axle stated honestly.
“It slipped or fell before it could hit him though, he may need to go inside Daddy,” Harper added.
He nodded, “Alright go in and tell yer Ma,” He gave another look to the Bull who now seemed to have a rope burn around its neck. The bull didn't often charge, but he knew the strength it took to stop such a beast. Looking over to Cleveland’s new kid, he saw the red palms.
Cleveland saw the silent ask from the other and couldn't meet his eyes.
“I’ll go get the trailer to toss him in. Don't want a repeat. Cleveland, I got a first aid kit in the barn if your girl needs her hands looked at,” He and his wife didn't really believe in all that changeling talk. But he wasn't so foolish to question or interrogate someone who may have just saved his son’s life.
Ellie had been worried someone was going to say something. Anything, about the fact she had rope burns on her hands. Ask her how she stopped the Bull, or how she got to the Bull so quickly.
No one did.
The ride home was a quiet one, though once they got there, Twila had extra honey cakes and ice cream waiting for them.
“I heard you had a scary time over there. I hope this could help make it better.”
Ellie was unable to hold back the tears now. She had messed up, she showed people her powers, She had grown ups actually caring for her… and instead of her being yelled at or being made to feel like a disappointment… She got ice cream.
And even now while she was a sobbing mess, she was getting comforted and hugged by Twila, and Cleveland was standing awkwardly beside unsure of how to help but still wanting to be there for moral support.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Over the next few days, Twila packed Ellie a lunch, letting her go out and explore, “just be back before dark sweety. That is if you choose to come back. Though I might worry at this point if you don't come home.”
Ellie snorted hearing it, she did have what little of her usual tough kid persona to hold onto right?
But with the lunch, and permission she did get to explore the… uh… town, if it could even really be called that.
There was the Old roller ring, turned into a second hand and consignment shop, but it also had a general store in it.
There was a butcher down another road, who apparently sold the meat from other local farms, and some people from outside of the small town would visit to buy things from.
Upon the third day she found the…. Library? Or Post Office.
The building was about as large as the farm house she lived in, if it had only one floor. Though the Library section had just one computer, and three small walls of books with three isles between two main walls. Ellie was fairly sure Danny and Tucker could stand arms outstretched finger tip to finger tip and take up the length and width of the books section.
And for the post office area, there was a small wall with boxes, some area for pamphlets, but aside from that and a single counter, and maybe a five foot long wall of po boxes, there really wasn't much left for it.
She had sent an email to Danny, or well after seeing the single computer felt a little guilty in the fact that there was a chance Danny was worried about her. She quickly made a new email, as she was worried Vlad may have some kind of alerts on her old stuff.
In the email she let him know she found a place to stay, and maybe someday would invite him to visit. But she was safe. At least then he wouldn't be worried.
All the while she typed it out, the one worker sat reading a book, glancing over at the child. They already were aware of whose child this was. After all there are only so many children who lived in town, and no out of town folks came to this place unless it were for taking pictures and mocking how tiny it was.
The staff member silently munched on their snacks as they glanced at the child every so often. There was that usual town chatter box who complained, they said the child was trouble, that Twila and Cleveland had allegedly kidnapped a kid… but the child didn't look kidnapped, Heck they were wandering around on their own…. And…
“Stupid… What?” The child looked under the table and groaned then leaned forward through the table to re attack a cord.
Back to the book, nope didn't see the rumored changeling child doing that. Nope. Don't need to upset the good neighbors.
Ellie eventually got up and approached the staff member, “Um, the computer seems to have a loose cord. If you can, you might want to fix that. But thanks for letting me use the computer.”
They nodded, “If you can, sign the log in saying you used the computer, it helps with funding… we don't get much, but still.”
Ellie blinked then nodded, “Fair enough, I suppose every little bit helps here.”
That stung. But at least the child didn't seem upset.
Ellie after visiting the Library and sending out the letter continued to walk around, finding the building with the large tank outside apparently was a gas station, but mostly for farm vehicles. The gas station for basic vehicles had a snacks area, where even some kids with no shirts, or shoes were inside buying up ice cream.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Time passed and Ellie had, for lack of better term, gotten comfortable living with the couple.
Be it due to the only other ghost of the town seemed to be Maw maw who haunted the fairy hill, and the house. Only coming to hum to Ellie to help her sleep, or watch her while she played outside, or helped Twila or Cleveland outside with some house chores.
After one such day of chores, Ellie walked into her room and found a desk. It had some notebooks, pencils and other items upon it that Ellie would have commonly seen when she interrupted Danny upon her visit with him while he was at school.
Sitting hanging on the back of the chair was a Bookbag.
Why did she need a book bag?
Ellie took the book bag and headed downstairs to ask about it, “Hey… I found… some stuff in my room?”
“Do you like the desk?” Cleveland sounded like he was excited to hear her answer, in his own, trying to be aloof ways.
“Well you're going to need those for when school starts up sweety,” Twila replied with a smile.
“The desk looks nice thank yo- Wait school? How?” Ellie blinked, “Don't I need a birth certificate? Or… like… proof I exist?” Those were the reasons Vlad told her she could never go to school. And why he only had gotten her tutors back before she found out his real nature.
Cleveland snorted and shook his head.
“Ellie sweety, this is a tiny town, where bigger places think is full of hicks and fools. We also have friends in town who are willing to help out where they can and help us get what was needed. You're a child Ellie, leave those types of worries to the adults. Children need to go to school, they need an education.” Twila stated the last bit as if it were a matter of fact and no room for discussion.
“At least till the 5th grade, then if you want to help out at farms we can work on that,” Cleveland added, proud of himself.
“Aht!” Twila made a noise Ellie learned meant stop, or someone was saying or doing something wrong, “She will graduate. If she wants a chance at going to college she will finish high school.”
“That never did us any good?” He wasn't really arguing, but more like pouting and trying to point out his reasoning for saying it.
“She is a smart kid Cleveland, she should have the chance to do other things,” Twila smiled, “Come on now, i have some honey cakes if you both like.”
Ellie’s confusion as to how these two managed to get her into a school was gone now, as her focus was on the thought of the honey cakes.
As Ellie ate some of the sweet cakes, she thought Twila and Cleveland were… honestly everything she could have hoped for as far as parents went. No she couldn't just go out and buy whatever, but they were there for her. And they were genuine with her.
Though given the amount of self made Vampire hunter’s kits Cleveland was collecting she was fairly sure he should cut back on whatever spooky stories he was reading that were giving him bad dreams.
It didn't seem that long before the first day of school, when the large yellow bus pulled up to the driveway of the small farm house to pick her up.
She was happy to find Harper shared all the same classes as her. As well, it was the first school day of the year, so there were no awkward introductions, of being stood in front of people and told to say her name or any other awkward outcast causing ‘help’ from the teacher.
“How did they get you enrolled?” Harper asked during lunch.
“No idea,” Ellie admitted, opening her packed lunch, which consisted of some left overs from yesterday’s dinner and honey cakes.
Harper snorted, “Well just know i don't have a lot of friends here, Most think i'm to…” she paused to think.
“Harper, I have been to your farm. Cleveland has dropped me off a few times for us to hang out while he worked. I doubt there is anything you can say that will scare me off.” Ellie snorted, shaking her head eating a honey cake. She really did love them.
“Well alright, But if you get picked on, just tell me I will shove them in a locker,” Harper chuckled.
After the first day, Ellie was once more put into a pattern, wake up, go to school, come home do homework, and after either help Twila about the house, or go out with Cleveland to do errands. And on weekends explore the town, or fly over to hang out with Harper and her brothers.
It was… a basic and happy life. Something she had sometimes dreamed of. But honestly, with how slow and mundane it seemed she knew even her dreams were more exciting than this. Still though she was having fun.
Though Ellie knew Harper was a kid and just like any may fall ill. The day the teacher called out Harper’s name, only for the chair to be empty… Ellie felt a rock drop in her stomach.
Mrs. Granger was always good about calling into the school when one of the kids fell ill.
Ellie thought it strange, but shook her head, even adults made mistakes right?
When the second morning came, Ellie overheard whispers in school, and comments between the teachers.
“Have you heard from the Grangers at all?”
“No… and Tommy said his dad seen police near the house yesterday.”
Ellie swallowed hard. And made a split second decision.
Ellie left her stuff in the Class Room and after asking to go to the bathroom, flew off towards their farm to see what was going on.
Sneaking into the Granger’s farm invisibly she found Mrs. Granger sitting looking haunted at the kitchen table, talking to a few state police who were taking notes. Mr Granger was nowhere in the home.
Though shortly found by Ellie in the woods lining the farm looking exhausted and calling out with a hoarse voice. Several officers were out also searching though the fields for whatever reason there were no dogs.
Ellie searched the woods, She knew her friends knew those woods well, so something had to happen.
Ellie spotted an old ghost who was sitting under a tree he seemed to be watching Mr. Granger.
“Hay! You see three kids come through here?” She called down to him from where she was flying.
The old ghost looked up surprised and nodded pointing in a direction. Ellie gave a nod, and flew as fast as her powers would let her, finding what looked to be the remains of an old long forgotten house, something any kid would have had a grand time exploring.
“Harper! Brandon! Axle!!!” Ellie cried, hoping she wasn't about to find their ghosts.
“Ellie!?” Came a confused but hopeful voice of Harper.
“I'm Here!” Ellie followed the vice, finding an almost fully hidden well opening. Looking down the three kids were in the bottom of the dry well, the sides looking as if they had tried to climb and dig their way out, at least till part caved in, and pinned Axle’s leg down.
“Ellie go get My Daddy!” Axle cried up.
“I wanna go home!” Brandon cried, his dirty face streaked with tears.
“I… I can get you guys out. But…. I need you to do something,” Ellie called down, she was not about to leave them there, who knew how long they had been stuck down there.
“What?” Harper asked.
“Close your eyes ok? I know it sounds weird but please,” She didn't want to have to make her friends lie. And spending time with Harper and Axle their word or honesty meant a lot to them.
The two older ones gave a nod and did what she said, after seeing his siblings Brandon did the same.
Ellie quickly floated down, and pulled them out one by one, “Keep them closed, almost… one more…. Ok,” she had used her shirt to tie off Axle’s leg, “I don't know how long you were under that rock so I figured tying it off would be best till we could get you to a doctor.”
Axle nodded, “Ok sounds good.”
“I saw your dad out looking when I came here, You guys stay here while I go get him.” Ellie then rushed to go find Mr Granger, who had been almost a mile away down the fields still looking.
“Mr. Granger!” Ellie called after landing, grateful the police were not nearby, as she hadn't even thought to check first, as she was more worried about making sure she wasn't flying and was back in her day clothes.
“Ellie? Ellie what are you doing out here, Are you ok?” he quickly rushed over, “Did something happen?” his voice was ragged, his eyes sunk in, he looked as if he had been searching ever since the kids had gone missing.
“Yes. Yes something happened, they…. Harper and her brothers were exploring an old house in the woods, and they fell in a well. I got them out, but Axle is hurt.” Ellie hadn't even noticed she had grabbed his wrist and started to fly to get him to the kids.
“If Axle is hurt we need to get the police, they can call an ambulance,” Mr. Granger noticed how her feet hadn't touched the ground, he didn't point it out, if the child was helping his kids he wasn't going to rat the child out.
“NO!” Ellie let go of Mr. Granger's wrist, “Please, no, i ….” She glanced at the farm house and back to Mr. Granger, “I… I don't please don't let the police know I was involved.”
Ellie’s hands were shaking. A child who faced down a charging bull. A kid who he saw rough house and played with his kids, this child… she was scared. And from what he heard in the rumors he could assume from what.
“Ok… Ok you show me where, and i will tell the cops i found them ok? Then you get home, got it Ellie?”
Ellie gave a nod before leading him out to the old house where the three kids were sitting on the old porch waiting.
Mr. Granger had lost pace with the child, falling behind slightly. But Ellie had made sure he was still in eye sight of him, Once he looked over his kids assessed the damage, and assured them that they were safe he looked to Ellie.
“Where is this well?” He wanted to make sure he knew where it was, so it was never a threat to his kids again.
Ellie showed him, then once she watched him leave, she quickly flew off back home.
Her friends were safe. They were safe and the police were not aware she helped… She just needed to get home needed to get to Twila and Cleveland. Back home to Maw maw. Back to… to…
“Cleveland I got the Keys! Come on!” Twila had her purse and looked to be a little frazzled.
“Alright,” he darted out of the door, “Don’t know how a school loses a kid!” Cleveland looked angry, his face was actually red.
Ellie landed in front of the car fidgeting a little, “I'm … I'm not lost.” She didn't know why she felt anxious, it wasn't the first time she took off, though it was probably the first time she left school early.
Twila and Cleveland both froze in their spots, turning to see Ellie who stood there, with dirt, mud, and tears streaking her face.
“Ellie!” Twila quickly rushed over and picked her up into a hug, “Baby what happened? Why did you leave school?”
“Did a kid pick on you? Try to make you eat a blood blossom?” Cleveland’s anger had completely been replaced with worry.
“N-no… Harper was… Harper was hurt…” Ellie felt tears welling up, why were they so worried?
After checking she was ok, and making sure Elli wasn't hurt, she was brought in, and in a fit of trying to calm herself down Twila was whipping up some honey cakes, while also calling the school to let them know Elli had found her way home.
“You're going to be grounded,” Cleveland finally spoke up after sitting down, he nodded as if agreeing with himself, “A week. No walking about town on your own. No going to Harper’s and them’s. Here, to school, and back. You had the school up in worry, you had us up in worry. We had no idea where you were or what happened.”
Ellie at first was about to argue, angry someone felt they could ground her, when the plate of honey cakes were set and a small warm spot hit her hand, only for her to realize Twila was crying.
Why was Twila crying?
“Ok…” Ellie nodded, were they really that scared over her not coming home? And at what point did she really start to call this place home?
Ellie started to eat the honey cakes. It wasn't that bad. Their version of grounding was just staying home for a few days, and still going to school. It was a far cry from being locked in that cell Vlad had.
After a few hours the phone rang, Cleveland answered, “Hello? … Mr Granger? … Yeah… yeah… yeah Ellie said Harper was… she what?”
Twila, who had calmed down quite a bit since Ellie came home listened in.
Ellie who was working on school work at the kitchen table was curious as to what the other needed to talk to Twila or Cleveland about.
After a moment of listening Cleveland hung up. He walked and grabbed his coat.
“Cleveland?” Twila was confused watching him leave.
Ellie wondered if she was going to get yelled at again. It wouldn't take a lot for Harper and the others to notice she had powers… she was trying … She wasn't great at keeping her powers secret but she was trying.
It wasn't long till Cleveland came back with a gallon of ice cream, “Ok… so.” he set the gallon down, “Twila we are going to need more honey cakes. Ellie… you're still grounded, But as i said, you cant walk down to Harper and them’s house, so Twila or I will have to drive you.”
“Cleveland?” Twila looked at him like he was crazy, though as he began to pull out bowls and explain in better detail of what had happened, including the well, and Axle having been hurt, “Turns out the doctors say his leg will be fine, but that string you thought of kept him from losing too much blood. Twila our little girl is a hero.”
Tila blinked then looked at Ellie, her tears welling again, “Well… I suppose that sort of thing is a good reason to have left school. But… baby next time let us know ok?” She hugged Ellie and kissed her atop the head before going to make a few batches of honey cakes.
That night Ellie laid in her bed, looking about her room. It was a far cry from the one Vlad had given her, it was much smaller for one, and unlike the mansion that had been fully furnished, with decorations and all, hers… well she had collected some things like a partially broken old radio that just needed some love and work to work again, random found things like missed matched book ends, or tiny lost trinkets.
Cleveland had made her shelves to put her random odds and bobbles on. Unlike the room at Vlad’s manor, this room… really was all hers.
And she had parents who even when she messed up, were willing to listen, and praise her for doing the right thing, or well what she thought was the right thing. She probably could have waited till after school, but couldn't risk her friends being hurt.
She let out a yawn, she really was loving it there.
During her ‘grounding’ if you could even call it that, she spent the days doing her usual chores about the house. Something Ellie honestly didn't mind. She had some books she got from the Thrift store to help keep her mind occupied, plus some borrowed from the library, though Ellie was sure some were actually from the bigger towns’ libraries that the librarian to ‘Small Town’ had requested for Ellie after she mentioned what sort of books she was interested in.
Overall it really was a nice small town.
“Ellie sweety! Can you do me a favor?!” Tiwla called up the stairs that lead to Ellie’s room.
“Sure what’s up?” Ellie closed her book and flew down the stairs.
“I know there are some bushes along the fields that should be ready for picking, but i'm a little busy, i have to wait on someone to pick up their tea orders, can i bother you to go pick some berries for me?” Tila already had a few old ice cream buckets with lids in hands.
“Sure!” Ellie chuckled, “Are you sure I can? I thought I was grounded?”
“Oh hush, you know we own those fields, you won't be leaving home just by walking along them,” Twila chuckled, handing the buckets over.
Ellie smiled, “Ok, I will be back shortly.” She headed out, she knew where the berries were as Maw Maw had shown her before, saying some of them were her favorites to pick from when she was alive so she could make pies.
So it didn't take Ellie long to fill at least two of the buckets. Though Twila handed her more than two… so chances were she needed them all filled right?
Ellie headed back further along the fields more than she normally had, or usually would.
Ellie paused hearing something and looking back she saw Maw Maw standing on the fairy hill calling out saying something. But Ellie simply smiled and waved, surely whatever Maw Maw wanted to say could wait till after she finished picking Berries, otherwise Maw Maw would come get her right?
Ellie noticed an area along the field where a large tree seemed to make a nice shady area that seemed perfect for the berry bushes to thrive. She wondered why she never ventured this far back before? There seemed to be quite a few berry bushes here.
As she filled the third bucket she started on the fourth, unaware she was now too far to even see or Hear Maw Maw or even Twila if she hollered from the back porch.
Ellie did however start to notice a small tickle in the back of her throat, one that seemed to lead to a cough. She started to feel tired. She had been picking berries for a while, She should prob…
She tried to carry the buckets but fell to her knees. Something felt like it was draining her energy.
As her vision started to go blurry she only then noticed the black thorns and red blossoms that had been hidden by the berry foliage.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Cleveland had been out in the orchards when he felt something hit him like a gut punch.
The others noticed him quickly looking around as if someone snapped at him.
“Cleve, is everything ok?” one of the guys asked.
“No… no… I have to go home, Now,” Cleveland ran to his truck, a feat few would have believed he could do without witnessing it. Not only the running but the fact Cleveland left a work site, and his lunch.
Cleveland drove as if the devil itself were on his tail, his tires spinning.
“I'm going to get her Maw Maw. I'm on my way. Keep her safe…” He muttered to himself as he drove.
He made it to the farm house in record time, the truck still running as he got out and rushed to the door.
Twila met him there, “Cleveland what's wrong?”
“Where is Ellie?! Is Ellie Ok?” He asked her but when she didn't answer fast enough for him he pushed past her to start calling into the house, “Ellie?!”
“Cleveland, she is fine. I sent her to pick berries. What's wrong?” She never saw him this worked up in the day before. From a night mare or two sure… but.
“Maw Maw said to get Ellie. She sounded scared, and you know that women weren't scared of nothing. Where did you send her to pick berries at Twila?” He was already heading for the door to go find her.
“Oh… uh… along the fields?” She grabbed her mud boots and began to follow alone. She started along this side a few hours ago.”
“Get the truck and start up the dirt road along the other side in case she made it that far,” He ordered before he started to jog up along the field, “ELLIE!” he called, his worry rising, why did Maw Maw snap at him like that? What was wrong with her?
It couldn't have been a well, She could fly out of those, he saw how she handled a bull. Was it that damned vampire? He should have grabbed one of his hunter’s kits. Though if he had to fight a vampire with a rock he would absolutely do what he needed to keep his little girl safe.
His heart about dropped when he saw the baskets, he quickened his pace. Then he saw her… laying unmoving upon the ground.
“ELLIE!” he rushed over picking her up, “Ellie?! Sweetheart, are you ok? What happened?” there wasn't a mark on her, nothing but some scratches from the berries. He looked around in hopes to notice some sign of what had done this to her… and there was one of the few black vines.
A plant that was described to him in great detail.
“Blood Blossum…” He backed away, Ellie in his arms, almost as if the plant itself were about to reach out and snatch her from him.
“TWILA!!” He quickly started running through the field.
He had an idea of where he would meet up with his wife if he ran through towards the road.
Sure enough the truck came to a screeching stop as she noticed her husband and the lip child in his arms come out from the brush just behind her through the rearview mirror.
“What-” Before Twila could even ask, Cleveland was in the car.
“Blood Blossoms. There was a small patch hidden in that berry bush she was picken. I don't go out this far so I never noticed it. She… she must have gotten too close to it.” He was breathing heavily and quickly.
“Buckle up Cleveland,” Twila put the truck in gear and quickly rushed to the hospital.
The two hardly got any sleep. Twila promised to add a batch of cakes to the hill with sweets and trinkets if they made sure Ellie was going to be alright.
Cleveland, after the doctors said Ellie seemed to be in a stable condition had gone back to the farm. To rip out that patch of deadly plant and burn it. He nearly burned all of it, but then the thought occurred… What if that vampire came?
One thing was clear, by the time Ellie woke up after dawn, there was not a single living plant of Blood Blossom upon that field's edges that could be found.
Ellie felt a little sheepish, she got taken out… by a plant. Seriously?
“Elie sweety, we're so glad you're ok,” Twila hugged her.
Cleveland looked as if he cried several times over, “I think it’s safe to say you're not grounded anymore… but… please be careful. I didn’t know Blood Blossoms grew near our fields. I should have checked back when I got told there were patches of it in town…”
Ellie gave a dismissive huff, “It’s not a big deal. I'm fine. Besides, next time I see one of those plants I’ll blast it.”
The two adults shared an exchange of looks. Both knowing full well Ellie was young, even for a fey creature. She probably never had run into blood blossom before nor did she know had no power over it or around it.
They would just have to be more vigilant. Who knew how many other harms to their little changeling there was.
After the incident, little happened between then and when school was ending. Harper, Axle and Brandon were much more careful about adventuring around their house, making sure to bring rope and such with them on their new trips.
Ellie didn't have any other run-ins with Blood Blossom though there were some other rumors going around town. But nothing malicious. Simply more helping to solidify the fact the old couple had an unwanted changeling child within their midst.
Ellie seemed to get comfortable and relaxed, she didn't even seem to worry or fret when Twila and Cleveland took her to the county fair, where Twila entered into a pig calling contest and got third place.
Ellie had gotten to try cotton candy, a homemade root beer being sold, some sort of corn cob on a stick, there were even people from the news filming a feel good piece.
It was such a nice day. Cleveland had even won her a large… well it almost looked like an amphibian of some kind, it was quite soft and as large as Elle.
Heading home Ellie nor the two happy adoptive parents had any idea that one particularly irritated fruit loop had just so happened to be watching the news, and catching the sight of his long lost experiment.
“So there is where you have been hiding you ungrateful brat,” He put down his bowl of cereal. As his cat meowed irritably at him.
“Not now Maddy, I need to go and find out who those people are!” He snapped at the cat. Though this was the third Maddy cat he had. The first two having run off.