Chapter 16

Monday

Monday morning Helen, Aron and I rode our bikes. It was fun this way, too. We stopped to give Aron a hug and warned him to lock his bike. At school, Helen locked her bike to mine and mine was locked to a post.

Rita was waiting and gave me a hug and a surreptitious kiss, then after a moment gave Helen a hug too. "I am happy to see you. We couldn't make it to church yesterday. Dad is mad at our car. He didn't want to fix it during the rain." She paused for a moment the added, "Mom and dad found a new house close by. They want to move in soon."

"That's great. Did you pick out your bedroom?"

"It is not as good as what I have now," she said sorrowfully.

"You don't have to move out of where you are right away. Alterations, repairs and painting can be done before you move in. Maybe you can get new curtains if you get your mother to buy the material."

Rita stopped to see the room in her mind and a small smile came to her face. "I can see some other things to do, too. Maybe we can really fix up the place before we move in. I hate the smell of paint."

I went to the office to say hello to Linda and Valerie but found them missing. Laura's door was closed and I could hear crying behind it. I just leaned against the wall and waited. Other young men came by but when they saw the door closed they left. This looked to be good advice and I went too.

With a few minutes to spare I went to see Mr Creighton. We shook hands, which was something none of the other students would think of doing.

"Alex, those two salesmen came to an agreement and will work together. How good their pricing is, is yet to be determined. I can make some long distance calls to find out how good they really are."

"Yes do that. I will pay for the calls. I believe this was for six machines. Make sure all the motors are easily accessible. Hydro is still changing all the 25 Hertz motors to 60 Hertz as the power becomes available."

"Hertz? Don't you mean cycles per second? I heard that all the motors are being changed over."

"Sorry, it is a new way of doing things. Most everything will be changed in electricity to reflect the pioneers. It is like Ohms, Coulombs, Henrys and Faradays."

"I remember hearing about those in specifications."

"If the quotes are in line, ask them to order the half dozen to start. I can write a cheque when you give me the total."

"That may be up to $20,000 Alex."

"You can't make money without spending money. I need to get a contract to make the various tooling necessary. If we get that thrown in with the overall price, it will be more effectively captured." I looked at the clock and added, "I have to run, Sir."

"Ok, run along. I will check into this in my next spare time."

The only good thing with the morning classes was draughting. The modules had long since been drawn with variations for the different functions. I had even made a room for showers and another exclusively for sinks, toilets and urinals. As a variation, the floor and walls were altered and an undercarriage used so the trailer could be towed on its own wheels. This would be much cheaper to transport.

Transportation was another factor that I would have to consider. Silva was going to be going home after one more chance to talk tonight. An effective method of carrying the gold over the border had to be found. You would think that any country would welcome the gold, especially if many other countries were sending in their US dollars for the gold all ready. Bureaucracy and some foolish regulations made this sort of thing much more difficult than it really had to be.

I did brighten up when I considered the truck being useful for the upcoming moving of the Leone family. The appliances had to be trucked to the mine site and installed. The truck would be a useful addition to our vehicles. Stake trucks with a canvas tarp were the most common and one more use for the truck came to mind.

I cut my lunch short so I could see Laura. When I went to her station I found her very upset. "What is wrong, Laura?"

"Ahh... Oh maybe you can help. Linda is very upset. She seemed to recover when Summers was put in the hospital. The police upset her a bit more but she seemed to recover nicely, especially when she went on the trip together. Her period hasn't come yet and I think Rita and Libra reminded her of that fact. She is worried that she is pregnant by Summers."

"She just has to go to a doctor and take a simple test."

"You don't understand Alex. She is afraid of doctors."

"Is she afraid of me?"

"I don't think so."

"Well I can take a blood sample and drop it off at Doctor Smiles office. The only thing wrong is that he will be off for a few weeks on vacation and won't be able to give us the lab report. Too bad we can't have a simple chorionic gonadotropin test and we would know almost immediately."

"A what test?"

"A test that shows the amount of chorionic gonadotropin in the blood. This hormone stimulates the corpus luteum, preventing it from dying in early pregnancy. Even a haemagglutination test would find what we need. I think I will just have to make a home pregnancy test. It would be another good product to sell. Too bad I don't have it yet."

"Sometimes you worry me Alex. You are a young man and then you seem to know more than any doctor I ever met. I don't know what we are going to do with Linda, though. I'm afraid for her."

"Do you think she may do something drastic?"

"I'm not sure. I did warn Valerie to watch out for her. Valerie is upset too and much of it is her own worry of being pregnant."

"Shit, I am going to have to talk to Mr Corfu now."

"You can't do that. The girls confided in me."

"You just said that Valerie had to watch Linda because you were worried about her. I am just as worried and I have to do something about it. You do not have the same doctor patient status under the law."

I ran to the office and the few people that saw me must have wondered what was happening. Just shy of the doors I slowed down and entered the front of the office. Laura and Valerie were not present.

Mrs Cranston got up with a worried look. I must not have taken the expression off my face in time.

"Hello Alex. What can I do for you?"

"Two things Mrs Cranston. Where are Laura and Valerie?"

"They are taking a break. They are having a tea in our small lounge. Do you want me to get them for you?"

"Not right now, thanks. Would you see if Mr Corfu will see me? It is very important. Then go to your lounge and see if Linda and even Valerie are all right. Please don't let on that you are worried or doing this at someone else's request. I am worried about their mental stability."

"Oh my. Is this serious?"

"Possibly very serious. Now please get Mr Corfu." Mrs Cranston just opened the Principal's door and talked for a few seconds then waved me in.

Mr Corfu had a worried look on his face and a napkin in his shirt collar. He took the latter out and said, "What is wrong Alex?"

I closed the door and got close to him. "Summers' legacy may turn out to be more than just physical and mental troubles. Linda and Valerie are late with their periods and are worried that they may be carrying his children. At a time like this their periods can be extra heavy or just not have one. It might also be that they have a good reason to worry."

The man stood up. "What else is there Alex? I can tell there is something."

"From hearsay evidence I think Linda may be contemplating taking some very drastic measures."

"Abortion?"

"No, possibly suicide. Linda is much more distraught than I figured."

"What am I going to do?" He said more to himself than me. He looked up to me with a very worried face and said, "You have any ideas?"

"The girls and especially Linda, need to be watched. They need to have structure too so they have to continue working. Keeping them busy is best but they may not be very productive. This means that you may have to get an extra secretary or even two for the final month of school. They need to be either motherly for Linda or a young girl with a head on her shoulders to watch out for Valerie. These secretaries should be counsellors, if the board hires any."

"You may get some static from the office. Tell them that I believe that they are responsible for watching out for not only the students but also the employees. If they can't take that hint they are seriously in trouble."

"How do you know this?"

"I talked to the school nurse. She is not a psychiatrist or even a psychologist but she can see a possible danger and asked Valerie to watch out for Linda. Rape makes people contemplate many odd things and the thoughts of their life being altered by an unwanted child may just push them over the edge."

Mr Corfu said, "I better go out and check myself."

"Yes you should but it may be advisable to have your words carefully picked out ahead of time. I don't think it advisable to let them know you are going to put them on suicide watch."

The man looked at me oddly. He had probably never heard the term before. "Ok, I want to go. Are you coming with me?"

"Yes, I am."

We walked down the hall to the small lounge. The room was full of cigarette smoke and I knew that Linda didn't smoke before. She now sat with one between her fingers. It was easy to see that both girls had been crying. Not only were their faces streaked but their hair and clothing was unkempt as if they didn't care any more. Even Mrs Cranston was there and she was as bad as the other two. I was sure that if a bottle had been present, it would have been empty by now.

There were lots of things I wanted to say but the fact was that I just couldn't mention them now and not in front of these two others. The two girls didn't even seem to notice yet that we were there. I bent down and took the cigarette from the startled girl's fingers and stubbed it out in the ashtray on the table.

"Hello ladies. Mrs Cranston, would you take Linda into the washroom and help her clean up a bit. Linda, Valerie and I will be going out soon and I want her to look her best."

Mrs Cranston and then everybody else, just stared again. "Yes, we are going out for some fresh air and won't be back today. Valerie, we will need to talk very seriously on this matter. Mr Corfu, I hope Linda and Valerie will not be docked any pay."

"Ah... no. There is no problem with that. Are you going to be all right, Alex? Linda, will you be all right with this young man?"

For the first time that any of the girls spoke, she said, "I am safe with Alex."

The bell just rang and I ignored it. "Linda is going to have a rest after a little walk."

Mrs Cranston took Linda by the arm and directed her to the small staff washroom. Linda looked back at me as if she were leaving me forever. When they were behind a closed door I continued, "I will phone about any developments. We actually have many things to do."

Mr Corfu asked, "What are those?"

"A trip to the doctors for a test..."

Valerie interrupted, "She is afraid of doctors."

I smiled at her and said, "I will see what I can do about curing that too. You are going to have to be strong to help prop up our friend. You should go get cleaned up too. We are going to see Miss Vachon, then we will be on our way."

Valerie looked at me uncertainly. Finally she looked down at her cigarette and put it out in the ashtray. A moment later she was on her way to the same washroom as Linda.

Mr Corfu said, "I didn't know what to say to them when I got into the room. It is easy to see that they were all very upset. I think Miss Vachon made an accurate assessment. Linda looked to be on the very edge. I hope you know what you are doing. I would have called in some professionals."

"We are going there too. Police departments are not very responsive to the needs of a rape victim. There should be some female officers on a special team and a group or counsellors on call to ease some of the troubles. The girls just need someone to show them what to do and as you know I am that kind of person."

Mr Corfu looked sceptical. I took the next few moments to lay out all the things that should be done after a crisis like this happened, including the rape kit that had not even been invented yet. The simple form was not even made that would guide the investigator through all the pitfalls to get at as much of the truth as possible.

At the end I said, "It is not just the schools that have to respond to a victim's needs but the police, the medical profession and even society in general. Too often not enough weight is given this situation."

Mr Corfu said, "I never looked at it very deeply before. There seems to be a fair amount of logic behind your arguments. It appears to be our perception of the way a woman is viewed in our society." It was my turn to smile. Perhaps it was not going to be that hard to change some people's views as to what was right or wrong.

"You are very correct sir. Women will soon be gaining more rights and privileges and I think the pendulum will swing the other way for a while. Men will feel that they are the injured parties. Eventually things will even out but I have no idea when."

The door opened then and Valerie then Linda came out. It looked like both Valerie and Mrs Cranston had worked on Linda. The frightened look in her eye told me that it was all a sham and she could collapse at any moment.

Each of the girls got a kiss, even Mrs Cranston. The halls were now clear and we had an easy time going to Laura's office. I held their hands and at the open classroom doors I felt them squeeze me as if they were frightened what of who could jump out at them.

Laura jumped up as soon as we got into the room and Linda broke down immediately and started to cry. Valerie was not far behind her in this outpouring of emotion. Soon Laura was doing the same thing. I was there to hug each of them and give what support I could. Even though the sentiments were contagious I had to appear strong for the rest.

When the sobbing slowed down. Laura asked, "How come you are here now Alex? Your classes have started."

"I am taking these two ladies for a walk and then for some business. I never really skipped school before but this will be my first time."

"You can't miss any school Alex. You will not graduate."

"I have a small amount of leeway and perhaps Mr Corfu will fudge the records so I will not get penalised. Would you be able to come with us?" I left unsaid that she would be able to give her support in many ways. I couldn't see the girls leaning on me as much as they would on Laura.

She thought for a minute and the pregnant pause was a pun I didn't want to verbally use. "I have some time coming. If you need me, I will go with you." The other girls hugged her to them as if she were their mother in some way. "I just have to clear it with Mr Corfu." She made a quick phone call and nodded her head to what was said on the other end of the line as if he could see her.

She was soon grabbing her purse and looking around to see if anything was left undone. I wrote a small note to Helen and took two adhesive bandages from a bottle of them.

Laura got on the other side of Linda and held her hand too. We must have been an odd sight walking down the hall all hand in hand. It felt good to me, too, for they were some of the prettiest girls in the school.

I went to the bikes and wrapped the message around the crossbar and taped it to place with the two bandages. Helen would now know not to wait for me.

When we were all seated in the car Laura asked, "Where are we going?"

"Your apartment first, so you can change and we can clean up my girls. Then we are going downtown to shop for some clothing."

"Yes, Alex."

Laura gave me the look but did drive where I wanted. Once in her apartment I went to the closet and found it much fuller than it was before. I picked out the dresses I wanted and laid them on the bed.

Laura smiled and stepped out of her dress and took off her white stockings. She said, "Which one do you want me to wear Alex?"

I said, "The red dress. You will look hot. It shows your breasts and I feel even prouder to be showing you off to the rest of the population."

She smiled and got behind Valerie and started to undo Valerie's dress without even dressing herself first. The girl did not even understand what was happening to her until the dress was at her ankles and then she put her hands to her body to keep my eyes from seeing too much.

I walked close and took each of her hands in mine. "You have nothing to hide from me. Now stand up proud like Laura. You are with me now and I will be strong enough for both of us." She did come to her senses and stood straight. While keeping her arms straight up I inspected her body. The bra was what was commonly available and so were the cotton panties. Maybe it would be fun to get even these things changed.

"You are pretty, too. I would be happy to be seen in the company of such beautiful women. Now turn around; I want to see your bum." Valerie made a quick indrawn breath but then did as I asked. My hand on her bum only made her flinch a bit then she even wiggled a bit for me.

"Hmmm nice." When Valerie completed her turn I pulled her face to me and gave her a gentle kiss. "I want you to wear the red and white dress I left out. The belt will draw attention to your bum and I like that. Leave the top two buttons undone, Sweetie."

"Ah... ok."

"Say 'yes. Alex' the way Laura does, Sweetie."

"Yes, Alex," she said with a small chuckle and the first smile I saw on her today.

"Laura, Valerie's shoulders look tense. Will you massage them to get her to relax before she dresses?"

"Yes, Alex," I heard with another chuckle. Laura got behind Valerie and caressed more than she was massaging and this was exactly what I was looking for.

Linda just stood with her mouth open watching what was happening. I walked close to her and bent down a bit to hold each of her hands in mine. I looked into her surprised eyes and said, "Linda, I am a boy in body and I will not hurt you. Do you believe me?"

"I guess," she said after a moment.

"Say 'yes, Alex', Honey. Now I have to explain something to you." I waited and soon she replied the way I wanted and I smiled at her.

"Most people need to feel that they are in charge, especially now. You are not managing well enough at the moment and you are having problems. You need somebody who is strong to look out for you till you recover. Now, do you think I am smart enough to take care of a pretty girl till she can get back on her feet?"

Again I just waited till she said, "You are smart, Alex."

Before she could say more and spoil it I asked, "Do you think that you need some assistance till you can carry on with your life?"

Again I got the pause but I waited. This forced her to talk and she said, "I have problems now. You are right."

"Good, then I will be you mommy for the next few months. Do you agree?" I got a better smile and then she gave a small nod. "If you mean it baby, say 'yes, Alex'."

There was another pause because actually putting this into words was much more difficult than giving a nod that could be construed as almost anything. The wait was long but I finally heard a weak, "Yes, Alex."

"Thank you baby for putting yourself in my hands. I will not hurt you but I may spank your bum if you are a bad girl." This got a surprised expression. I continued, "Let's go to the bathroom. Laura has to work deeper on Valerie's shoulders and will need the bed for a while."

I didn't give anyone time enough to think and walked backwards into the bathroom pulling Linda after me. I put the toilet seat down then sat her. I bent over and took off her shoes as if she were incapable of doing this herself. I pulled her up and started to undo the buttons on her blouse. Her hands came up to stop me.

"You are my baby, now behave. I will not hurt you." Her hands went reluctantly down and I continued to unbutton her. She became docile after the garment came off and was placed on the sink. The skirt came next and Linda just stood stunned at what was happening to her.

I pulled back the shower curtains and started the water till it was warm. Linda watched the water flow into the tub as I undid her bra and she mechanically helped me. The stockings came next and then she came alive as I got her panties halfway down her legs.

"What are you doing?" She asked in a worried voice.

"I love the smell of my baby but I hate the smell of cigarette smoke. I am going to give you a shampoo and then wash your back. If you want, you can wash my hair, too. When we go out, you will have a nice smell about you. Now, lift your right leg." She did this and then the other and she was naked before me. Rather than gawk I just took off my own clothes and put them on the sink beside Linda's.

When I was as naked as she was, she looked at my waist and found me still dormant. This seemed to make her feel better. I helped her into the shower and made sure all the towels and soap were ready.

After pulling plastic curtain closed I directed her under the spray and got her wet. I pushed her down as Summers must have but this time she was looking away from me. The shampoo went into my hands and I started to massage it into her long hair. The only thing she did was to put her arms out to steady herself.

I washed her hair a second time and dug my fingers more forcefully into her scalp and I heard her groan in contentment. When she stood up to get her hair rinsed, I continued with some conditioner. Looking at the bottle I knew that the product could be vastly improved. When she stood up the last time, I started to wash her back but used my hands, not the cloth that was available.

When her back and arms were done I simply stooped down and did her long legs. When I got to their juncture I simply said, "Put a foot on the edge of the tub. I have to clean the other parts too."

She did this quite quickly and I cleaned her professionally but again with only my hands and some soap. The creases in her mons and even her anus were not missed. She flinched a bit but not very much. I did notice that she moved back just a bit when I was doing the latter job.

With her foot back down, I turned her around and started to do her neck and chest. Her nipples stood up but I did not linger on them. I wanted to let her start trusting me to take care of her without seducing her at the same time. I still remembered my talk with Laura about Linda. She was very fragile at the moment and I did not want to take advantage of her at this time. If and when, she recovered, then it would be a different thing.

I did linger at her navel and she giggled at this. Her underarms were similarly ticklish but I did manage to wash her. I used the cloth with care on her face to keep soap from getting in her eyes.

When she was done, I rinsed her all over again and this meant that her leg had to go back on the tub. This time I was in front of her and her other leg had been moved.

I shut off the water again and handed her the shampoo. "You are squeaky clean, the way I want you, baby. Now you do mommy please."

Her hands followed mine as if she had memorised all my movements, even to the times I had to raise my leg to the side of the tub. To be fair I wiggled as if I was as ticklish as she was.