After coming back from their walk, Edie wanted to see what Stuart was doing. Stepping into the room they had prepared for Cecil, she heard the water running. "Stuart, are you in there?" she asked.
"Yes, I was getting the bath ready for Cecil. I thought we could do it together," Stuart said in a calm tone.
The smile shrank from Cecilâs lip. He rushed into Edieâs arms. His eyes opened wide, and he cried out with uncertainty in his voice, "Youâre coming in with us?"
"Yes, itâll be fun," he said. There was a calm of determined resolve in his voice.
The tone in his voice sent a shiver through Cecilâs whole body. From the tips of his toes to the top of his head. He stood there with a frightened look on his face, but Edie didnât notice. She felt relieved and thought Stuart was finally having a change of heart when it came to the boy. She lowered her head to look at Cecil and said in a gentle tone, "Iâll be right there. You go with Stuart. I have to get you some clothes."
Cecil shook his head, "NO!" He reached out for Edie. "Donât go..." But it was too late, and she was gone.
Stuart steps toward him with a broad smile on his face. "What are you so afraid of? Iâm perfectly capable of helping you take a bath." Then he picks Cecil up and carries him into the bedroom.
Just as Stuart was about to open the door to the bathroom, Edie peeks her head in and says, "Be careful! Remember heâs only a little boy. Wash him gently and donât rub too hard."
Stuart nodded his head. "Donât worry, and itâll be fine." Then he took him into the bathroom and closed the door. Instantly, his eyes grew cold. "Now, itâs time for us to have a little chat," he said firmly.
There wasnât anything Cecil could do, and he couldnât scream or hide. He lowered his head and rolled his eyes. "Okay," he said.
Stuart cleared his throat and began. "You will be sleeping by yourself tonight, and you will leave early tomorrow. Is that understood?" His voice was so demanding it startled Cecil with an inquiring look.
"Yes, I swear to God and hope to die," Cecil said, his fingers crossed behind his back.
Stuart seemed satisfied with his answer. He nodded his head. "Okay, do you need help with your clothes or getting into the tub?" he asked.
"No, I can do it myself," Cecil replied as he took off his clothes and started to climb into the tub.
"Whenâs the last time you had a bath?" Stuartâs nose forced out the rude question.
Cecilâs hair was practically standing on end. He had brown smudges of dirt all over his face and arms. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I donât know."
Stuart helped wash his hair, and then with his hands till soapy, he washed Cecilâs legs and arms. They had been soaking in the water, which in itself was getting a bit slick. Just as Stuart finished, Edie walked in. She laughed internally while her face showed a pleasant but serious expression. "That was fast," she said to Stuart. Then she turned and looked at Cecil, "Whoâs this little boy? I hardly recognize you. Youâre all clean now."
Cecil giggles. "Itâs me," he said.
Wrapping the towel around him, she lifts him out of the tub, drying him off and dressing him in his pajamas before handing him his toothbrush. "Time to brush your teeth," Edie said.
Cecil hesitated while looking at Stuart. He wanted to tell her what happened, but how could he? "Iâm glad youâre here," he sounded relieved. A curious expression had crossed his face, though there was something vaguely sinister about it as well. "What kind of boys do girls like?"
Edie thought about just blowing off his question, but something about his tone made her curious. "All right," she said as she turned to face him. "Are there any girls at school who like you?"
"I think all the girls in my class like me because they sit with me and chase me every day. Even my teacher likes me," Cecil sounded proud. He hesitated and looked at Edie with the most serious expression on his face and said. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?"
Edie could feel herself blushing, she leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. "Thatâs very kind of you to say."
"My teacher was beautiful, too, and would come over to my house to see me." Cecil lets out a deep sigh. "But then she fell in love with my father," Cecil said in a sad voice.
"Youâll understand it all when youâre grown up like me. It can be complicated sometimes," Edie couldnât help but laugh.
"Itâs not nice to laugh at others," Cecil pouted.
"Iâm sorry," Edie said apologetically. She tucked the blanket around him where it had slipped down, and he turned so he could see her face.
"Good night," Stuart said, coughing to remind them of his presence.
Cecil completely ignored him and looked at Edie. He wrapped his arms around her neck and rested his head on her shoulder, making sure it was facing Stuart. Then with a slightly defiant look in his eyes, he kissed her twice on the lips. "I want to marry you when I grow up. Youâre the kindest person Iâve ever met," he said as the tears trickled down his cheeks.
"Stuart and I are married. Do you understand what that means?" Edie explained.
Cecil shook his head. "It doesnât matter. Everyone knows Stuart doesnât like a woman. Therefore, he doesnât like you. He canât make you happy, but I can. Iâll take care of you and give you everything you want, but all you have to do is wait for me," he begged her.
Upon hearing these words, Stuart felt a surge of rage. He raised his hands, both fists clenched, determined to get rid of the enemy. He took a deep breath and controlled his emotions. What could he do to him anyway?