Rescue Nova

The Assessment

Nova came home from trick-or-treating at nine o'clock that evening.

"Hi, sweet girl," Leila said. She and Kimberly were in the living room watching TV and waiting for Nova. "How'd it go?"

Nova ran to them and jumped in the space between them on the sofa. "Look at all the candy I got!"

Kimberly gave her a purposely exaggerated gasp. "Wow! Only a great costume could earn that much candy!"

Nova giggled, "Thank you. Could you check it now?"

Kimberly had earlier explained the importance of not eating the candy before she or Leila inspected it to be sure none of it had been tampered with before it was given to Nova. Kimberly agreed to look through the bag, but asked that Nova not eat too much because Kimberly and Leila were tired and needed to get her - and themselves - into bed soon.

•••••••••••••••

Leila was in bed, rubbing lotion on her hands and arms when Kimberly came in after being the one selected by Nova to put the little girl to bed and read her a bedtime story.

"Out like a light before I even finished reading the story," Kimberly chuckled as she got into bed.

"She's had a busy day. So, what was that whole thing about her not reading good? When did she tell you that?"

"She didn't. But after Emily told me that Nova had never seen a classroom before, I started thinking. Why would Brian be interested in educating his prisoner? It really makes no sense. But for some reason, all this time, I'd been assuming she'd been in some way educated while growing up."

"As did I. But you're right. It wouldn't really serve him to teach her. So, you think she can't read, like, at all? Because I was thinking maybe it's just that she isn't very good at it."

"I don't know. I'll ask her. I'm also going to talk to the principal tomorrow. Maybe she can point me in the direction of someone who can do a full assessment on her. It will help us and her know what she needs."

"Speaking of things she needs, I was thinking about her health today. We really should take her to a doctor. I know she got a clean bill of health at the hospital, but she needs to be seen as far as her development is concerned, and I'm sure she is not up to date on any immunizations."

"I never even thought of that."

"Beth told me about Emily's doctor. I called his office and, thankfully, he is accepting new patients. Nova has an appointment next Wednesday."

"Wait, if this is in any way going to result in answers about her development, the doctor is going to have to fully examine her, which involves her removing her clothes. He has to see her to make judgements on how she's developing."

"I know. I'm going to be working with her on that. I have almost a week."

"Honey, she doesn't even let us see her undressed. How will you get her to consent to letting a stranger see her?"

"I don't know, but I'll think of something."

•••••••••••••••

Late the next morning, Leila sat Nova down in their living room to have a talk. Leila had waited until Nova was out of headspace, figuring out-of-headspace Nova would better understand Leila's reasons for her to see a doctor.

"Besides when Kimberly brought you to the hospital," Leila began, "have you ever been to a doctor?"

"No. Brian didn't like doctors."

"Doctors are very helpful people who we all need to see from time to time. Kimberly and I are worried about all the vaccines you've been missing. Do you know what a vaccine is?"