Monster girl slice of life chapter 6

Chapter 6- Once bitten, twice shy

I left the club with a slice of pizza and the remainder of my soda.  I still had a good chunk of my Saturday left but the pizza I had eaten earlier was paying me back by making me groggy. I needed a place to curl up and digest for a little while. I figured I'd check my exam score to see how I did and chill in the lecture hall afterward. There wouldn't be any classes at this time of day on a Saturday and it can be nice and cozy when no one else is in there. I tossed the crust of my pizza into a trash bin outside the lecture hall as I approached it.

Scores were posted outside on a cork board with our last names next to them. The professor was old school like that. I passed with a solid 94%.  If I hadn't been late on the exam day I could have been more thorough with my final check but overall I was pleased. I figured the problems I got wrong were ones I probably would have missed even if I did have more time to solve them.

The chairs inside were nice and soft and with Amanda's scarf folded into a neat square, it made a nice cushion to rest my head on.  I sat by the heating vent and felt snug and cozy. It wasn't as comfy as my bed but it would do nicely as a place to sit and digest the pizza. I thought about tomorrow and what exactly Star meant by 'overtime'. I'd have to ask for the time off then. Hopefully, she'd work with me. Even if she only gave me half the days I requested that would be a miracle. I tried to think of how I might impress her enough to allow such an indulging favor.

The hum of the heater through the vent was like a saccharine lullaby for me and I felt my mind fog over with the preamble of a nap. I could feel the soft tickle of vented air caressing my head. Actually, it was quite a corporeal sensation and it penetrated my beanie. Was someone tickling my head or was I dreaming? I wriggled in my chair and the sensation ceased.

"Eddy are you awake?"

I snapped to attention.  I stirred to find Maddie scrunched up beside me in the corner of the lecture hall "M-Maddie, what are you doing here?"

She looked annoyed at me "I could ask you the same question. Why are you sleeping in an empty lecture hall?" Her tail rattled and I noticed it was coiled around the aisle and seemed to have me trapped.

"I'm just trying to sleep off some junk food. How'd you find me here anyway?"  I wiped my eyes and checked my phone for the time.

She crossed her arms "Will said you'll sleep around the campus like a hobo and you like to hide in empty lecture halls."

I nodded and smiled "Beats having to walk all the way back home between classes." Honestly, I only had two classes and neither of them ran on the same day so it was more an excuse for me to catch some extra rest before work.

Her tail rattled violently "Eddy! That's very immature. You can't just lay around campus like you live here!"

I shrugged "I’m paying for tuition. I think that entitles me to go to whatever classroom I want as long as I'm not disturbing anyone. It's not like there are any classes happening in here today anyway." I laid my head back down on the scarf. "Besides it's really comfy in here." I smiled and nuzzled the scarf.

Maddie slammed her hand down on the elongated desk of the aisle and the reverberation hit me through my scarfy cushion. I recoiled with a yelp. "That's no excuse for behaving that way! It's very slovenly Eddy!" She shook her head and put a hand on my shoulder "You're smart Eddy but sometimes you act strangely in public.  So,  from now on I'm going to keep a close eye on you to make sure you stay out of trouble. Understood?"

I was trapped both literally and metaphorically as Maddie leered at me with her coils forming a wall in the narrow aisle. I stood up and attempted to get around her but she continued to block my way. I didn't want to play any games with her "What is it Maddie?"

She frowned "I wanted to say thank you Eddy...because I passed thanks to you. I don't like seeing you struggle through so try not to pass out around the campus. It's not very flattering."

I stretched "Well if it bugs you that much I'll make sure to find a more secluded spot to take naps. How about that?"

Her tail rattled violently as she shook her head "You better not! If I find you-"

I gave her a smarmy grin "You'll what? Pet me some more?"

She blushed "You were awake!? Why didn't you say something!?!" her rattler went nuts.

I pointed at her with a grin, suppressing a giggle "So you admit it, you were petting me. Ya know, that's sexual harra-"  She sprung at me an instant. Maddie had completely constricted me and we found ourselves crumpled under the tables.

She shouted excitedly at me "Listen Eddy, I don't know what kind of girl you think I am but I would never do something like that! If anything you're the one who took advantage of me by pretending to be asleep!"  She tightened her coils around me and I felt myself get a light headed. I wanted to tell her how that didn't make any sense but she had taken my breath away in a very non romantic fashion.  I blacked out.

....

I found myself being shaken awake.  "Eddy! Please wake up!  I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I..-oh thank goodness" She squeezed me close when my eyelids cracked open. My body felt like pins and needles were pricking me all over and I shivered.  My head was still fuzzy about my prior ordeal but the last thing I remember was Maddie tackling me to the floor.

Maddie had tears rolling down her cheeks and her voice was shaky "I'm sorry Eddy,  I really didn't mean to do that, I just felt so embarrassed and...and" I shook my head and tried to regain Maddie's and my composure.

I panted as I spoke "It's okay Maddie. Just don't try and kill me anymore okay?" I gave her a smile and forced a laugh but I'd file this incident in the back of my mind not to mess with her too much. I knew she had a temper but I didn't realize how vicious she could be. Regardless of whether she was cognizant of her actions or not this was not a healthy way to deal with the transgression I'd given her.

She kept crying "I don't want to get expelled...I really...I'm really sorry!" She wiped her eyes and sniffled.  "You're my friend Eddy!  I didn't mean to hurt you! You know that right?!" She hiccuped and cooed weakly.

I tried to break free of Maddie's grasp and get up but I crumpled back down into her arms. I still felt a little woozy "Maddie, I told you, it's alright. I won't tell anyone about this. In the meantime, can you help me up?"  She nodded and helped me back into my chair. The pins and needles had stopped but my chest and back felt sore. I groaned and attempted to massage my back but Maddie took charge on my cue and began to rub my back for me.  I slumped over the desk and Maddie massaged my back for me. Like the prior head patting, I wasn't going to tell her to stop.

With a  mournful voice of concern, she asked "You'll forgive me Eddy? We're still friends right?" Her tail rattled cautiously and the familiar warning gave me a shiver.

I nodded and moaned as her fingers dug into my back. She could be very sweet when she wasn't trying to kill me. She worked on me for a while.

"Eddy, are you feeling any better?" her rattler shook tentatively.

"Yea, I just need to chill for a while. Thanks for rubbing my back."

"If I hadn't hurt you I wouldn't need to. Sorry, Eddy..."

"I told you it's-" my phone rang. I'd set Star's ringtone to be Steve Miller's 'Fly Like an Eagle' so I knew who it was before I picked it up "Hey Star." She told me she was on her lunch break. She worked an earlier shift on the weekends so she'd be out later in the afternoon and she explained as much over the phone.

I turned away from Maddie after gesturing for her to give me a moment "Yea  Star, I didn't forget about tomorrow."

"I was thinking for our date we could see a movie and have dinner afterward. What do you think Ed?"

I nodded "Sounds like fun. Can't wait."

She questioned me "Oh? Would you like to hang out later tonight?"

I looked over at Maddie as I spoke to Star "I slipped and hurt my back earlier  so I think I'll probably retire early this afternoon." I turned away from Maddie as my remark wounded her somewhat.

Star's voice took on a concerned tone "Are you okay sweetie?"

"I'll be fine. I just need to rest."

She gave me a brief pause and I almost started in on my goodbye before she chided me "Be careful Ed! And call me later. If you don't I'll have to stop by and make sure you haven't died on me alright?"

I grinned hoping my smile might seep through into my voice "I told you I'll be fine. Don't work too hard Star." We wrapped up the call and I slipped my phone into my coat. When I returned my attention to Maddie she had a pensive look on her face.

"Eddy, I was curious, on the phone just now was that uhmmn..." she averted her eyes  "Do you have a girlfriend?"

"She's more of a grown woman. I'm not sure if I'd call her my girlfriend, although we do have a date tomorrow so I guess it's starting to look that way." I'd wrapped my scarf back around my neck.

"I see... well have fun." Maddie sunk down into the chair beside me and played with her rattler.  I knew on some level she liked me but I wasn't sure how much. At the very least news of my date wasn't putting a smile on her face. I put my hand on her shoulder.

"Wanna hang out with me for the rest of the afternoon? I'll take you out for something to eat."

Maddie perked up "S-sure I'd love to!"

I nodded "Great, you can choose the venue. I do have a request though." Maddie cocked her head to the side with an expression that said: "go on."

"Would you mind if I leaned on you? My back is still tender."

She nodded "Of course not, Eddy." She helped me up and I draped my arm over her shoulder. Along the way to wherever she was taking me, we talked about classes and my earlier adventure at the sewing club. Then she broached the subject again; my relationship with Star in more detail.  I chose my words carefully.

"It's complicated. She's my Boss and a good friend. She knows how to make me laugh and I enjoy being around her." I stopped myself before divulging further personal information and Maddie was quick to pick up on it.

"That doesn't sound very complicated. Sounds like you really like her..."

"I do. I mean, well..." I felt like I'd talked myself into a corner. I changed the subject and hoped Maddie would follow me "So where are we going to eat at?"

I could see in her eyes that she saw my tactic but obliged my request nonetheless "We're going to my Dad's bakery. It's not far from the campus. 'Lotta my friends eat there after class so he does good business."

I continued down this much safer conversational path as we neared the end of the campus grounds  "Bakery? What's it called?"

"The sign says Cartwright Confiserie but everyone calls it the 'sweet shop'." We were going down some steps that led out of the main campus and I took my time. Maddie took care to tuck her arm under mine and held me close as we descended.

The bakery was indeed close- block and a half away from the campus. It was a two-story building with flamboyant signage and elaborate cakes on display in their window.  If anything the place had a great presentation.

"I guess I should tell you I also live here."  She smiled as we reached the entrance.

"You live here?!" I unwrapped my arm from Maddie's shoulder and the lack of support caused me to hunch over. I waddle walked into the shop with a posture not unlike Nick had in the sewing club. Maddie observed this and ushered me into a booth at a table. I looked around the shop and took in the sights and smells. There was all manner of sweet and savory treats behind a glass counter. The lobby had a handful of tables and booths. There were a few people sprinkled between them and the atmosphere was lively.

The variety of aromas was intoxicating and I figured I'd have to come here again for the smell alone. A bombastic warm voice caught my attention from behind the counter.

"Madeline! My bon-bon, Tu fais quoi?"  A rather portly blonde haired man with a curly mustache beckoned Maddie to the counter. He wore a white chef hat and a less than clean apron with several kitchen stains adorning it.  He chortled and clapped as they spoke to one another. I wasn't paying close attention to their conversation but he would intersperse French into his English so every so often and I'd lose what he was saying. Maddie kept to English yet didn't miss a beat and I wondered how much French she knew.

He looked over at me and pointed before looking back at Maddie with a big grin  "Ton petit ami?"

"No dad! He's just a friend from school. Remember? The one who helped me study for my test on Thursday."

He stroked his chin "What about the loup garou?"

Maddie shook her head "That was someone different. He's definitely not my boyfriend!"

He put his hand on his hat "Allez! You bring so many boys around here it's hard for me to keep track." Maddie's dad chortled again and she looked completely flustered.  Her rattler started going and she leaned in close to whisper something to him.

Whatever she said to her father it caused him to nod "Oui Oui". Maddie disappeared into the back of the shop and her father followed her in the same direction behind the counter. While they were away I checked my phone for texts. Nothing of note. Willard wanted to go out and party as usual. With my back messed up I wasn't going to be up for that. I simply replied "No thanks."

Maddie returned from the back with an impressive platter.  "Hope you're hungry Eddy!" She set it on the table;  Sweetbreads, Chicken Alfredo, buttery creme-filled treats of all varieties, Basques, and more.

"That's a lot of...uh..." I was speechless.

"Leftovers. Dad always makes too much." She set the table as she spoke, putting a plate and utensils down for me.   "What would you like to drink?"

"Give me your best carbonated sugar water." Maddie gave me a confused look. I tried a more explicit request "Coke or Pepsi." She nodded and retrieved some caramel colored sugar water from a fridge by the counter.

"Thanks for the food Maddie but we don't have to eat leftovers. Christmas came early for me so I have some extra dough on hand." I flashed my wallet.

"It's fine Eddy, besides our worst leftovers are better than a lot places' fresh stuff." She coiled around the booth's center leg and I felt her tail smush up against my feet. The remainder of her tail snaked up into the booth's U shaped chair and her rattler rested on my lap.  Besides being physically locked in I also felt it would be impolite not to sample the platter even if I was still full from earlier in the morning.

"I couldn't tell they were leftovers at first glance. It all looks delicious!" I picked some of the alfredo and assorted sweets and put them on my plate. They composed a very bready and rich meal.

"You like it?"  Maddie looked nervous with anticipation. I nodded as I nibbled. "It tastes great."

"Please eat up."  She looked happy to see me eat and I felt her tail wriggling beneath the table. We whittled away the platter and let our mouths run over with idle chat. Her father interrupted us and Maddie shrunk down.

"Mr. Edward correct? Mon nom est  Arsène Cartwright, I just wanted to thank you personally for helping Madeline. She told me all about how helped her study for that test of hers. You filled her head up so much maths she forgot her bookbag and you had someone bring it to her." He laughed and patted Maddie's head.

I nodded "Yea, well Maddie's a very hard worker. She passed because she studied." Her rattler vibrated in my lap and it gave me a jump. She remembered where it was herself and became flustered by her own involuntary reaction.

I extended my hand "Nice to meet you Mr. Cartwright."

He smiled and shook it. "Egalement!"

A strange voice pierced the air. "Who is this one?" It was a from a Naga. She had hair, not unlike Maddie's but she was noticeably slimmer. She had a stylish dress with matching nylon gloves and she smoked a cigarette through a jade holder. She had a deep rouge eyeshadow and a fancy hairpin that dialed back her bangs. Her entire ensemble was reminiscent of a woman from a 50's era noir drama.

She continued "I hope you're not giving away food again Arsène" She pinched Arsène's cheek and he flinched, letting out a yelp.

"Mon cher, Celine! He is not a charity case. He is Madeline's tutor. A fine one at that! Our bon-bon thought we should thank him and I could hardly disagree!" He patted my head. Maddie's mom gave me a glare.

She took a drag from a cigarette, brought her tail close before she opened her rattler and dabbed some ashes into it before shutting it with a latch. "Madeline, didn't you pay him 60 dollars for his...'services' already?" She blew smoke in my face and I coughed. Maddie's rattler vibrated in my lap when she did this.

"M-mother, I really couldn't have passed without him. I just thought-"

Her mom cut her off "You thought you'd give away food?  How many other friends deserve your handouts? Do I need to remind you we're running a business here Madeline? What about those drinks? Are they 'on the house' as well?" Maddie's mom looked pissed. I needed to deescalate this fast.

I opened up my wallet "I can pay for the drinks. It's not a prob-"

Celine's tail smacked the floor next to our table and caused all the silverware to shake from the impact. She pointed at me with her cigarette holder. "I don't believe I was talking to you."

Some of the ashes fell on my plate before she turned her attention back to Maddie. "If you enjoy playing house so much you can work through your winter break to make up for all the food you've been giving away."

Maddie was aghast "But!- You promised I'd be free for the break if I passed my test!"

Celine took another drag from her cigarette. "I changed my mind."

Maddie shrunk down with an utterly defeated look. Arsène grabbed his wife's shoulders and massaged them "Now now, mon amour, no need to be so hasty. We can talk about this later. How about a nice cheesy risotto? Just the way you like it." He pulled her down to his level since she was arched up on her tail and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Celine threw her arms up "Peh! Should we go into debt feeding the entire neighborhood then?"  She growled as  Arsène tried to calm her.

He continued to rub her shoulders "Non non, mon cher, I will speak to our bon-bon. Do not worry yourself over such things." he proceeded to kiss her cheek once more.  "Va te reposer! Je te rejoindrai plus tard!" His eyebrows jumped up and down and he smiled at her with this phrase whatever it meant.

Celine groaned "As always, coddle her then!  You will kill her with kindness. She's no child you know!"

Arsène nodded "Je connais, but she is OUR child." Sight unseen from Celine he leaned over and winked at Maddie.

Somehow he was able to escort her from the lobby. Maddie looked ready to die of embarrassment. I wanted to broach the topic carefully but I couldn't really say anything other than "That was kinda scary."

Maddie looked at me with a half smile "Well you've met my parents now at least..."

"Your dad seems really nice."

Maddie nodded "Thanks.  I'm sorry about my mom. She isn't always like that. She's on some different medications to fix some things but...it kinda makes her a grouch."

My phone vibrated. A text from Star "You okay? Miss you. I get off soon. If you're still hurting I'll take care of you tonight ^3^" I checked the time on my phone as well. It was well into the afternoon.

I looked back up at Maddie who was munching on a cream filled puff.  "Thanks again for the food Maddie. I don't think I'll need to eat for a few days." She smiled and I felt her tail wriggle beneath the table.

"Eddy, I wanted to ask you about the..." She licked her fingers after downing the rest of the creme puff "...the winter break trip you're taking with Will."

"He told you about that?"

Maddie nodded "He told me I should ask you since..." she averted her eyes "...since we're closer."

"Well..." while contemplating how to respond I stretched out and heard my back pop. I hunched over "uhnn...I think that did it"

"Eddy?!" her rattler vibrated in my lap again.

I put my hands up to calm her "I'm fine! I feel a better actually." I swiveled around in my seat. I guess I just needed a good stretch. I continued "About the trip, I don't even know if I'm going to be able to go myself. I gotta ask for time off still.  If I can't go you're welcome to go with Will."

Maddie recoiled and I felt her tail squirming beneath the table "Eddy, if you're not going I don't think I'd wanna go."

I smirked and teased her "What's wrong with Will? Don't you want to spend your winter break with him?"

Maddie wasn't amused and her rattler vibrated in my lap letting me know. I picked it up and shook it myself "What do you have in this thing anyway?"

"Eddy! you can't touch that" She tried to wriggle her rattler free but her tail was locked up under the table and I held onto it.  She looked flustered but I was curious.

"You're the one who kept rattling it my lap!" Maddie blushed.

I continued "Your mom used hers as an ashtray. Does yours open up like that too?" I didn't see a seam or latch attached to it.

"No Eddy, mine doesn't open up..." The tip of her tail wriggled in my hands and I admired the cutesy designs on it.

"I think it looks lovely. Did you decorate it yourself?"

Maddie smiled at my comment before she pulled her rattler back to her end of the table and stroked it "I did a little myself. The rest I got done at the salon."

My phone vibrated again, another text from Star "Lemme know where you are and I'll pick you up. I can't have you using up sick days because you hurt yourself!"

I looked up at Maddie from my phone "I don't want to say for sure yet but I think you may have given me an excuse that will definitely get me the time off for winter break."

Maddie looked surprised"R-really?"

"Yea, but first can you get your tail off my feet?"

Maddie obliged and uncoiled herself from the booth. I stood up and stretched again. She gave me a hug and thanked me for hanging out with her.

"You're welcome Maddie, next time I'll pay for dinner."

"Next time?" she smiled and her tail rattled.

"Yea, you're my friend after all. That and your mom doesn't like you giving handouts."

 My back wasn't aching like before but I remembered how I looked well enough to fake it if I needed to. Now came the next part of my master plan.

End of chapter 6.