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"I haven't held a doll since I was her age."

Baby Celeste's smile was magical. Even Betsy couldn't resist it. She stepped forward and took the doll.

"What's her name?" she asked Baby Celeste.

"Betsy," she replied.

"Betsy? She named her doll Betsy?" she asked me.

"I guess," I said.

"'When?"

"Just now. It means she likes you."

"Oh, brother.'" Betsy looked at the doll. It was one of the dolls Taylor had given Mama. Betsy pulled the doll's dress down off her shoulders and turned her around slowly. Then she held the doll between her breasts and smiled. "I guess were proportionally the same. huh? What do you think. Noble man? Am I built as well as the doll? Is that what little Celeste here is trying to say?"

I shook my head. Why was she teasing me like this? "Can't tell'?" she asked. smiling.

I just stared at her.

"Maybe you need to look closer." She stepped toward me. I actually looked to the side to run off, but she stepped to my right to block me, then she slowly lifted her faded T-shirt to show me her breasts.

I couldn't swallow. I couldn't speak and I thought my heart had become stone. The front door handle rattled and she dropped her T-shirt quickly.

"Later, well talk about it." she said, smiling, just as Mama and Mr. Fletcher stepped out,

"How are we all doing?" Mr. Fletcher asked.

"Just peachy keen. Daddy. Noble and I have been comparing bumps." "Bumps?" He looked at me and I looked down.

"Yeah. Dad, you know. Who has flatter land, them or us?"

"What?" Mr. Fletcher looked at me and I looked away. "All right, Betsy. Enough. Sarah and I have decided to talk about our wedding plans now. You can either spend time with Noble or go back to the house."

"What would I do with Noble?"

"Maybe he would show you the herbal garden."

"Oh, wow, would you, Noble? You know what." she said before I could respond. "I don't know if I could stand so much excitement in one day. Do you mind if I pass today and do it some other day?"

I looked at Mama. Her eves told me to stay calm and ignore Betsy.

"Anytime you're free, Betsy," I said. "We have an herbal tea that might help you be more optimistic about yourself." Mama smiled,

Betsy grimaced, then spun on her father. "I'll walk back," she said, shoved the doll back into Baby Celeste's hands, and started off the porch.

"I won't be long," Mr. Fletcher called to her. "Don't go anywhere, Betsy, until I return."

"Where would I go, the local 4-H Club? Later, Noble." She started down the driveway. "I'm sorry," Mr. Fletcher told Mama and me.

"Its all right. Dave. We both know how difficult it is for a child to adjust to a totally new home and family. It takes time. but I'm sure it will all work out well," Mama said.

"You're so understanding. Sarah. Betsy doesn't know what a gem she'll have for a new mother,"

"Thank you. Dave. Noble, can you keep the baby occupied a while longer while Dave and I talk about the wedding plans?"

"Yes. Mama."


Tags: V.C. Andrews Gemini Horror