Back to James

James backed away from the door. He could see pink dance around beneath the wood. What did that mean? The colors she made were beautiful, but confusing. At least, he resigned to himself, as long as he knew blue was safe and red was danger he'd be alright. She was learning quickly and soon they would likely be able to hold conversations. That would clear up a lot. As he turned to sit down at his computer, he heard the water splashing a bit; accompanied by a light sound that he guessed was frustration. One of the cupboards opened and closed. Then the other opened. Pause. Close. Back in the water now. Silence for a while, and then he heard the water splashing frequently.

Eventually, he managed to find a forum meant for people who hosted a Novaxan to communicate. It hadn't been easy, but the information was well worth it. As soon as he found a section titled "color code" the door swung open. He closed the window quickly, hoping she hadn't seen. When he turned, he saw pink and purple dotting her form in faded tones. The soaked purple shirt and green skirt she had told him she hadn't undressed before entering the water. She glanced at him and slowly made a request.

"Hhhalp...", she **** herself to say while tugging at the waterlogged shirt.

He felt idiotic. Sally had dressed her. Of course she didn't know how to remove them. He stood slowly, grabbing the bottom of her shirt. "Arms up."

She didn't move. He tapped her arms and pointed to the ceiling, and she jerked her face up to his before following his instructions. The shirt made a wet peeling sound as it moved across her skin, slapping against his forearm when he had it free of her. He dropped it into a laundry hamper beside the door. When he looked back, she was trying to wiggle out of the skirt. With a light chuckle, he gently brushed her hands away and undid the clasp in the back before sending it to join her shirt.

After several moments of staring, and her lavender spots intensifying, she rubbed at her arms and looked a the floor.

"Bu-aatthh...", she half-groaned.

"I...yeah, you probably could use a bath huh?", he asked.

She nodded.

"Do you need anything?"

She nodded again, before making a scrubbing motion. "Sszzaaand."

Sand? "Okay," he nodded, "I have to leave to get it, though."

She flickered yellow. "I too."

"No, people could see you."

Her spots turned a dull blue color. That was easy to figure out, especially accompanied by the way she pouted at the floor.

He put a finger on her chin, stroking her cheek gently as he lifted her face. "It will be okay. I will be quick.", he made sure to speak slowly, only continuing when she didn't seem confused. She bit her lip, and backed away into the bathroom.

"I...wait.", she pushed herself to say. She watched him ready himself and leave, though. He thought, for a moment, he'd seen her in the window. She was smarter than that, though...right?