Returning to Oz

Chapter 3

After Dorothy fell asleep, Em was set on finding a replacement for her job tomorrow, someone who could take over her shift while she watched Dorothy. There was no way she could let Brittany watch Dorothy, especially after the knife incident. After that Em was doubtful she'd ever feel comfortable with Dorothy staying home alone, or even her staying with someone else.

One of Em's coworkers: Alicia, who seemed as if she could end up being one of Emilia's new confidants, agreed to cover for Em since she had that Friday off and tried to console Em saying the usual cliché's. Emilia was very appreciative for the help and kind words of her new friend, but nothing could ease the storm inside of her or the questions that would not quit echoing in her mind: What if Dorothy cut someone, or even worse herself? What if Dorothy had to stay at home for good? What if the dreams and nightmares won't stop, and the no one will be able to help? How was Dorothy ever going to be able to stay anywhere by herself alone?

And of course Emilia blamed herself for not being there enough. Her thoughts repeated themselves over and over.

Why would I leave her alone, especially after everything she's gone through? How could I do that to her, how could I not have been her confidant anymore? Why isn't she talking to me? Em's fears continued to plague her all night.

Dorothy awoke that bright Friday morning with a good feeling, maybe tomorrow would be better, she thought. For the first time in a long while Dorothy could not recall any dreams from the night before, all she could remember was hitting her pillow and blacking out.

She was still somewhat tired, and it was only eight in the morning, but instead of risking another nap, Dorothy got up and grabbed a nearby robe to hold against the cold brisk air. When she got downstairs she saw Britt already sitting at the black table on her phone.

Britt looked up to see a very sleepy, yet happier Dorothy. "Finally you got up, it only took you about 40 years. I'm hungry" she got up and walked over to the fridge, opened it and glanced around, "Do you guys have anything to eat? You would think with your aunt's fancy job you could at least get some waffles or something." She held up a bag of asparaguses in disgust.

Dorothy scoffed, "You know my aunt doesn't like frozen food, I can make you some eggs and ham if you want."

"I mean as much as I would love some toaster strudel right now, that doesn't sound too bad. Anyway after this you want to go outside or something?"

Although Dorothy loved fresh air, especially in Oregon where all you could smell was pine trees, it was cold outside and she wasn't sure how her Em would feel to awakening to an empty house. "I don't know, it's freezing outside," Dot turned her attention from the outdoors to her energetic friend, "and we have homework we haven't even started from yesterday, let alone today's which we have to get from like Anna, or something" Anna was one of the prettiest, most organized and practically perfect girls you could find. She was always on time with the homework, had a million different projects she was the leader of, and somehow had enough time to join several different groups and sports. It was difficult to even keep track of what Anna really did, it just seemed as if she did everything. "Ugh" Britt groaned, "I don't even talk to her, you guys are closer than we are and I've known her all my life. You have her number so you should text her, I am not about to text the chick who embarrassed me in front of my entire class."

"Wasn't that situation" Dorothy said slowly, unable to find a different word, "in like 7th grad. Yeah she embarrassed you, but it was so long ago. Plus, all middle schoolers are mean, it's just a fact."

"Ok yes, but still, I mean it's not a big deal now I just don't trust her anymore." Britt stated. "She's always hanging out with people that I think are so superficial anyway."