Maudie's Story

As I was walking past Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, Washington, I saw a little girl. She was crouching beside a grave. I gently tapped on her shoulder, and the little girl looked up at me. I asked, “where's your mother and father?”

She looked at me and mumbled, “Daddy killed mommy, my brothers and my sisters. They took daddy away.”

I looked at her with pity and guilt. I looked at the grave, it said, “Susie Hassell December 24, 1885 – December 8, 1926. I asked “what's your name?”

She said, “Maudie Hassell” She stood up, only coming to my stomach, and curtseyed like a little ballerina. I felt so bad for her.

I thought about it for a little bit and decided to ask, “Maudie, would you like to live with me?” Her eyes grew wide with surprise.

“I'd hate to burden you, but I have no where else to go.” I smiled and held out my hand to her, she hesitated but grabbed it.

After we got down the hill, to the cemetery exit, I said, “I'm saving up for a car but until then we have to walk.”

She started to talk but yawned instead, I watched her and realized she is asleep on her feet. I gently scooped her up and carried her the rest of the way home. When I got on the porch I held her in one arm and unlocked the door. I carried her up to the spare bedroom and laid her under the covers. I went to my own room and grabbed my pink silky pants and my pink zebra print tank top. I snuck downstairs so as to not wake Maudie and went to take a shower, I wanted to wash the bad feelings away. After my shower, I got dressed and wrapped my hair in a towel. My hair is Auburn, it reaches the middle of my back. My mom used to tell me it made my eyes stick out, they are jade green. I'm fairly average, I guess.

When I opened the bathroom door, Maudie was standing there rubbing her eyes. I asked, “what's wrong?”

She mumbled, “I have to pee.”

I moved out of her way and asked, “Are you hungry?”

She nodded and said, “I haven't eaten in forever.” I went in the kitchen and looked through the fridge, it was empty. I sighed.

Maudie came in and I asked, “Do you like pizza?”

She looked at me curiously and said, “I never had it before.”

I told her, “You will love it, I promise.” I called Domino's and ordered two medium cheese, pepperoni, and bacon pizzas. As we waited for the pizza I turned the TV on and put a movie in the DVD player.

After about 40 minutes the delivery guy knocked on the door and we both jumped and we laughed. I went to the door with my wallet, and the delivery guy said, “2 medium pepperoni, cheese, and bacon pizzas?”

I nodded and he said, “It's $11.43” I handed him $12 and took the pizzas. I watched him go and shut the door. I locked the door and went to the kitchen to grab two plates.

Maudie was standing on the sink, holding the plates.

I said, “Maudie, I don't want you getting hurt, so put the plates on the pizza boxes and I'll give you a piggyback ride.” She laid the plates on the pizzas and climbed on my back.

While I carried her I would randomly jump and make her laugh. I crouched down in front of the couch so she could sit down, and I sat next to her. I put two pieces of pizza on her plate and also on mine. As she took a bite she smiled, it looked so genuine. I pushed play on the remote and Maudie asked, “What are we watching?”

I looked at the movie case and said, “The Last Unicorn.” She asked “What's it about?”

I looked at her and said, “A mean man traps all the unicorns in the ocean using the red bull. One unicorn escaped and a wizard and a woman find it and help save all the other unicorns. It's for younger people but I love this movie.”

The movie started finally and we were quiet for a while. I got up and went to the kitchen and grabbed two cups and a 2 liter of Cherry Coke. When I sat down I poured some in both cups. I handed Maudie her cup and smiled, I grabbed another piece of pizza after I put the 2 liter down. Maudie leaned against me and by the end of the movie, she was fast asleep. I carried her up to her new room, and laid her in bed, under the covers. Before I went to bed, I turned the heat up and made sure all the doors were locked. As I was laying down, I became conscious that Maudie doesn't have any other clothes or shoes. I decided I'd get her clothes, maybe even some for myself. I feel horrible that I didn't realize until now. I grabbed my wallet and started counting, I had about $572 and some change. I have more than enough. I will also have to get groceries, more plates and stuff. I think tomorrow will be fun.

When I woke up, I went and woke up Maudie. I told her, “I have a surprise for you but we have to go get it.” She was so happy she kept asking what it was. I warmed up some leftover pizza for us. After we ate, I grabbed my hair brush and brushed my hair, then I asked Maudie if I could brush her hair.

She said, “yes, My mom used to brush my hair all the time. I miss it.” I got dressed, put my shoes on, and helped Maudie put her shoes on.

I said “We have to walk a little while to somewhere, so I can give you your surprise. Is that okay?” She nodded and ran to the door. I grabbed my keys and unlocked it. Maudie was so happy, I was very content with myself. I've never had such a affable girl stay with me.

We finally got to the mall and I smiled, “We're here Maudie. Let's go inside!”

The first store we went to was Sears. I bought Maudie a cute zebra striped jacket with a zebra face on the front, a white sweat shirt with a girl on the front, and a pink Glee Club shirt with a singing panda on the front. We also got pink plaid leggings, some cute blue jeans, and a couple skirts. The next store we went to was JC Penney’s, we got Maudie blue and black footie pajamas, plaid shirts in all colors, a blue dress, and a black sparkly butterfly shirt.

I got a blue striped sweatshirt, a neon color block sweater, an oversized grey sweater, a black and grey cardigan, and a striped cardigan. I also got pink skinny jeans, blue skinny jeans, and tie-dye print skinny jeans. Next we went to get shoes.

Maudie got blue converses and black fuzzy boots. I got black pumps, and black and blue converses. We dropped our stuff off at the house, and walked to Walmart.

I still have around $294 and some money in the bank.

Maudie asked, “What are we getting here?” I smiled and led her to the bikes.

I said, “It gets exhausting walking everywhere so, I’m getting us bikes. Pick any of them you want.” She went and looked at some pink Mongoose bikes, some Huffy Cranbrook bikes, and some Next Bikes. She picked a 20” pink bike with blue rims, it was $94.00 + tax, I got a Huffy Nel Lusso 26” Women’s Cruiser for $129 + tax. I also bought blue and pink bike locks. Maudie was so happy! I felt so successful. We have one more stop. As we left Walmart we got on our new bikes and rode to the dollar store. We locked our bikes to the bike rack. I got out my list:

My Grocery List:

Milk

Sugar

Flour

Canned food

Boxed food

Tea Bags

Eggs

2 Small baskets

2 Ropes

Candy

A large book bag

Children movies

Taco supplies

Silverware

Cups

Plates

Chips

Pop tarts

Chicken nuggets

French Fries

A Deep fryer

After we checked out, I used the rope to tie the baskets to our bikes and put the groceries in the baskets. “It’s getting late, let’s hurry home.”

Maudie nodded and asked “Can we get something to eat on the way home?”

I smiled and led her to McDonald’s. We locked our bikes up and went inside. Maudie ordered 2 kids meals and I got 2 big macs with a large fry. It was getting dark so we put our food in the book bag and I carried it home. We went through the alley behind my house and locked the bikes in the shed. I carried everything inside.

We put a movie in after we got into pajamas, and we drank cherry coke. We both laughed when May started screaming when she met Totoro After the movie, I told Maudie I had to get one more thing and She’d have to be alone for about an hour.

I ran all the way to the pet store and finally found what I needed. I bought two Great Dane puppies, A boy and a girl. I also bought two leashes and a large bag of puppy chow.

I hurried home and let them run to Maudie, She started laughing and the puppies yelped. I nailed two hooks low enough for Maudie to reach and hung the leashes up. I asked, “What are you going to name them?”

She looked up at me and said, “The Girl is Nannie Martha but, Ann for short. The boy is Samuel, but Sam for short.”

I smiled and went out back to make sure the fence door was closed. I said, “Let’s take them outside to use the bathroom before bed. She nodded and ran out the door with the puppies on her heels. She slipped on the wet grass and the puppies jumped on her until she got up. She was dirty and had grass stains on her knees and elbows. She came over to me limping and I hugged her. The puppies licked her knees and her feet making her giggle. After they went potty, I took them inside, and had Maudie grab pajamas and take her shower.

While Maudie was in the shower, there was a knock at the door. When I glanced out the window, I smiled. Warren is here! I unlocked the door and I opened it enough for him to squeeze through, I hugged him for a few minutes then took a step back to look at him. I smiled and kissed him until we were both gasping for air. He looked around and saw the puppies. He said, “Aw, Who’s puppies?”

I smiled and said, “Maudie’s, she is my new housemate and I bought them for her. He looked at me and sat on the couch, he picked up some movies I didn’t put away.

He asked, “How old is she?” I looked at my feet and mumbled, “Around 7.”

Maudie came out of the bathroom, then saw Warren so she stayed in the doorway. I smiled and said, “Maudie, This is Warren. He is my boyfriend. He won’t hurt you, I promise.” She ran to me and hid with only her face peeking out from behind me.

Warren said, “I like your puppies, Maudie. What’s their names?” She kept behind me and mumbled, “Ann and Sam.”

He nodded approvingly and said, “I’ll buy Chinese if you girls want it.” I nodded and Tossed him my iPhone. He ordered his usual General-Tsu and 2 orders of Sweet and sour chicken with white rice.

I put “Charlie and the Chocolate factory” in the DVD player, filled a bowl with food, A bowl with water and put them on the floor in the kitchen. Warren came in with the food and gave Maudie her’s. She said, “Thank you Uncle Warren.”

I smiled and hugged him, I said “Thank you! You’re the best! I love you!”

He smiled and said, “My pleasure and I love you too!” We went to the living room with Maudie and sat on the couch. We started eating at the part where the Fat boy found his golden ticket when the puppies started barking.

I got up and went to the kitchen, I couldn’t believe what I saw. Sam was on the table, whimpering. He was surrounded by rats.

I grabbed a shoe and smashed a dangling tail and grabbed Sam, but not before one rat bit my wrist. I cried out in pain and Warren and Maudie both came running.

All they saw was Sam in my arms and both of us blood splattered.

Warren handed Sam to Maudie and she took him to the sink and rinsed my arm off with hot water. He used dish liquid to clean the wounds and patted my arm dry with a towel. He wrapped my arm in bandages. I hugged him and started sobbing like a child. He held me until I calmed down, then we both went to the bathroom to check on Sam, Ann, and Maudie.

Maudie said, “Sam got bit a lot... Can you help him?”

I sighed and said, “I have an idea but it might not work. I can take him to the Veterinarian.

She nodded and said, “Can you get there on time using your bike?”

Before I could answer Warren said, “Use my car”, and tossed me his keys. I wrapped Sam in a blanket and carried him to Warren’s car, Warren followed me out.

I said, “Please watch Maudie for me” He only nodded and went inside. I set Sam in the passenger seat and got in. As I started the ignition, I put the car in reverse and sped to the Vet’s office. I just hope they’re open today. They were. I grabbed Sam and carried him inside as fast as I possibly could. I begged the Vet and the Secretary to fix him, and reluctantly they agreed.

I woke up to the Secretary shaking me. When I looked up, she was holding Sam. Sam was awake and looked like normal. The vet said, “Ma’am, he was covered in blood when you brought him here, but we saw no wounds. Your dog...well...He was unconscious. He is safe to take home. Have a nice night. Oh and by the way, we won’t charge you this time.” I took Sam and went outside to the car. It had started raining! I started the ignition and waited in the parking lot for the ca’s heater to warm up. When I got home, I shut the garage door and ran inside carrying Sam. I set him on the floor and went into the living room. “The Last Unicorn” was playing, Warren was laying on the couch, holding Maudie and they were both asleep. I smiled and lifted Maudie up and carried her to her room. Sam came bounding in and almost got onto her bed... He instead got a face full of bed. I smiled and stacked some old books up like steps for him. Hel climbed up and laid, cuddled against Maudie.

I laid a blanket over warren, and kissed his forehead. Then I went to my own room, I found Ann whimpering and trying to jump onto my bed. I made book steps for her- identical to the ones for Sam- to climb. After I got my pajamas on, I laid down with Ann and laid my arm over her gently. After about an hour I still couldn’t sleep, so I went downstairs to the bathroom, with Ann close behind. I unwrapped my arm, it looked as if I spilled kool aid on my arm, it was swollen and disgusting. I can’t believe my arm is like this! As I was trying to wrap my arm up, Warren flipped the light switch on. I hadn’t even realized the light was off, I could see perfectly in the dark. Warren said, “Can’t sleep?” I nodded and unwrapped my sloppy wrapping and showed him my arm. He went to the living room without saying a word and called the ambulance.

When the ambulance arrived, they woke up Maudie, she came down the stairs sleepily and asked, “What’s happening?”

I smiled and said, “They are going to fix me so I’m all better.”

Maudie grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the bathroom. She took the wrapping off and gently ran her fingers over my wounds. I watched, paralyzed by curiosity and fear. I noticed the wounds starting to disappear. Maudie said, “Please don’t be afraid of me.”

She hugged me, and we went to speak to the ambulance men.

Warren said, “ Babe, show them yo-” I was already pulling off the bandages that Maudie had redone for me and I showed them my arms, there was nothing.

I said, “I think he was just hallucinating. He was having nightmares all night.”

The men nodded and said, “Maybe next time you should check before you call, okay sir? Warren nodded and showed them to the door.

I picked Maudie up and spun her around the living room. She started laughing as Warren came in. He stood watching us from the doorway.

Finally he said, “Can I speak with you Elizabeth?” I nodded and told Maudie to watch a movie until we come back in. When we got into my room, Warren shut the door and looked out the window for what seemed like a lifetime. When he finally turned and looked at me, what I saw surprised me. He closed the distance in 3 long strides and held me as if I had been killed in front of him.

He started sobbing and said, “I’m sorry, I was so scared! I didn’t want to believe you were hurt and I wanted you to get better.” I nodded and wiped his tears away.

I said, “Baby, I was hurt and it was making me delusional. Maudie made it go away. She healed me. I don’t quite understand it but she also helped Sam. You probably don’t believe me but maybe she will demonstrate.” We headed down stairs just as Maudie was running upstairs. We ran into each other and I grabbed her before she fell.

Maudie murmured, “I didn’t mean to... It was an accident...I just wanted to make you a picture but I ran out of paper and the walls were so dull...I’m sorry! Please don’t spank me. I promise I’ll never do it again” I looked at her skeptically and walked past her to the living room. Maudie tried pulling me away but I slid from her grip easily and felt like I hit an invisible wall. What I saw, was something I was amazed at. I slowly walked into the living room looking around me as if I were in an art museum. She had painted the walls, vibrant blues, unique greens, majestic purples, electrifying reds, and zesty oranges. I realized I was looking at myself with Warren beside me, and Maudie was in the middle. We looked like a family.

I held back a smile and said, “Maudie, we need to talk. Let’s go up to my room and discuss why this is wrong.”

I looked at Warren and said, “Don’t erase anything until I tell you.” He nodded and I took Maudie upstairs to my room.

I smiled and said, “Maudie that was SOOO beautiful! I can’t believe you painted that we were only talking for like 10 minutes! I’m going to enroll you in school okay? I’m putting you in advanced art because you can make really good money when you’re older. Is that alright? I don’t want to do anything you don’t like.” I bent down so I was eye level which wasn’t far since she’s grown, a lot.

Maudie smiled and said, “Yes, I would very much like that.” She hugged me and I felt as if I was a mother. I wanted so desperately to make her happy. I wanted to keep her close to me every moment of every day. I want to keep her safe. I vow she will never be in danger while I’m alive.

I picked her up pretending to huff and puff with effort and made her laugh.

Then, we went downstairs and I hugged Warren, bringing Maudie into the hug also.

She smiled and mumbled, “It’s like we’re a happy family!”

“We are a happy family. We’ll always be together. I promise”

“Elizabeth is right Maudie, We’ll never leave each other. We’re in your heart.” Warren replied.

He picked her up and swung her onto his shoulders in a thrilling display of twisting and turning. She started giggling and laughing. I watched her face light up as Warren brought out a flyer from one of his many pockets.

I looked at it and read:

Aberdeen Fair

Fun ,games, prizes, rides, candy, and more!

Come on down!

At the Aberdeen Fairgrounds

Opens: Sunday Oct. 14 - Saturday Oct. 20

From: 9 am - 12 am

I smiled and said, “Warren, that looks like a great way for us to spend some time together! Do you and Maudie want to go? I’ll pay her way in and everything.”

“Sure, Today is only August 3. Tomorrow is our Anniversary, we can celebrate. Then, we can start saving up to have an amazing time at the fair.” Replied Warren.

I grabbed Maudie playfully and swung her around and plopped her on the couch. She looked up at me and I realized how happy we are.

“Do you have any education yet? like reading? Writing? Math? or maybe Science?” I asked Maudie.

“Not Science, but I know everything else.” She replied. I nodded and got a sheet of paper out and jotted down:

Maudie to-do list

School supplies

learn science

take advanced art

get school clothes

help her understand everything

get a car to give her rides to and from school

I looked over the list and hummed to myself. I looked up at Warren standing behind me and reading over my shoulder. He smiled and said, “That’s a great idea, to make lists and all, it’s very helpful.”

“It helps me see the overview of everything that needs done, like looking at a video of myself doing exactly what’s on the list.” I replied feeling childish because of how it came out.

“That’s a unique way of thinking of it... I love it!” He said, surprising me.

“Are you both ready to leave?” I asked Warren and Maudie. Maudie was untying her shoes and slipping them on. I heard a loud Crash and looked just in time to see Sam and Ann trying to take Warren’s pants right off of him. I tried to suppress my laughter as he tried to yank his pants from Sam’s mouth.

“Sam! Ann! You better Drop Uncle Warren’s pants right now or I’ll get the spray bottle!” Maudie hollered. Sam ran to Maudie and snatched hold of Maudie’s coat and pulled her down like a slow racoon in reach of a hungry hound. Sam didn’t try eating her only licked her with his huge slobbery tongue.

“Sam! Quit that or you’ll answer to me!” I shouted. Ann whimpered and hid under the table as Sam whined and laid on his back trying to roll over in the small living area. Warren was yanking his pants back up and looking for his shoes as I picked Maudie back up and wiped her face off with a wet wipe I had in my pocket.

“Are we gonna leave soon?” Maudie asked.

“We’ll leave as soon as Uncle Warren is ready-” I looked up as Warren came in and smiled “-See there he is.”

“I’m ready, I’m ready. Are we walking or am I driving?” Warren said, returning the smile. I looked outside; it’s fall and the sky is pale blue, the leaves are turning different colors. The wind is slightly blowing rustling the leaves and I can imagine the lines to show wind flowing through the air in squiggly lines.

“Let’s get in the car before I carry you out there my self!” I yelled playfully at Maudie.

“If you can catch me!” Maudie yelled back and took off out the door. I ran after her and smiled. Warren grabbed the house keys and locked the door on his way out. I ran in front of Maudie, cutting her off from the car and grabbed her spinning her around.

“Get in the car or I’ll leave you both behind.” Warren said out the car window. I looked at him and carried Maudie to the car and set her on the seat. I ran to the passenger side and went to open the door, right after Warren locked it.

“Open the door!”

“On the count of three!”

“One-”

“Two-”

“Three!” we said in unison, I was quick as a cheetah but he had it locked before I could open the door.

“unlock this door or I’ll tickle you til you pee!” I yelled so Warren could hear through the window.

“What-” Warren started saying as he rolled my window down enough for me to unlock it and open my door faster than he could react. I climbed in the car and stuck my tongue out at him playfully.

“Let’s go now, or the store will close before we get there.” I said before Warren could finish his sentence. I rolled my window up as he backed out of the driveway. Driving as smoothly as a ball on newly paved asphalt. I turned the radio on and and the static was loud enough to bust my ear drums!