Go back to Marie’s grandad

“Let’s just go back to your grandad’s room,” suggested Leanne. She had practically given up hope of getting away from Marie any time soon and preferred to be somewhere her problems could be contained. She was sure Marie was happier about this situation than she was.

“Great! Let’s go!” she took Leanne by the arm and led her down the hallway to her grandfather’s bedroom. The old man grinned as he saw them enter. His eyes fully focussed on Leanne in her little black dress. “Maybe we should give grandad a bath,” suggested Marie.

Leanne couldn’t believe this. They had just returned and already she was being placed in another awkward situation. She turned to face the chubby imp-like girl who had the same stupefied grin across her features.

“I’ll go get the bath started and you help grandad out of his clothes,” instructed Marie.

“Actually I think it’d be better if you did that and I’ll start the bath,” replied Leanne.

“Whichever you prefer,” answered Marie with a smile.

Leanne began heading towards the en-suite bathroom when she had a sudden realisation. She froze in the doorway. Marie had told her to do something and she didn’t. Had the power worn off? And if so, how long had she been like this? She didn’t even want to contemplate that she did those other things willingly.

“Actually, I think there’s something else I’m gonna do while you do that,” she informed Marie. The chubby girl turned and stared at her with surprise. “I think I’m gonna go find that guy, Dan. He promised to show me around and I don’t want to miss this opportunity.”

“I can show you around later,” offered Marie. “Now come and help me with grandad.”

“Maybe some other time,” replied Leanne as she backed cautiously away towards the door.

“Leanne, I think you should stay here with me.” Marie’s voice was sterner now. More serious. But the young woman failed to obey her. Moving away, closer to the door. Looking back with the handle and her escape almost within reach. “Leanne. Come back! Please.”

Leanne hesitated. Looking back at Marie feeling almost sorry for her. But despite the imp-like girl’s pleas Leanne flung the door open and darted out into the corridor. Free at last from the demands of her new friend she could do as she liked. Now she could find Dan and hopefully some kind of normality. The problem was she had no idea where he might be.