Free R.E.M.: The Hidden World by Corrie Fischer Page A

children were not the only ones with a fearful respect of Ms. Morrison.  “Absolutely, Ms. Morrison” She managed a weak smile with the response.
                  “Wonderful!”  Then Ms. Morrison’s voice dropped to a whisper, “Do not mention anything about the field trip next week.”
                  “Yes ma’am.”  Ms. Wilkins wore an inquiring expression, but she did not dare question her superior, especially in front of the children.
                  “Now class, will you be respectful and obey Ms. Wilkins for me?”
                  “Yes ma’am!” chirped fifteen young voices.  Ms. Morrison knew it was likely a lie, but she would enjoy handing out the repercussions for any bad behavior later.  After all, she spent quite some time working up extra homework as the result of a lesson plan mix-up.  This would certainly provide an excellent opportunity to assign it.  Without another moment of delay, she spun around and exited through the door, on a mission to see Principal Herbert.
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11. FIREWORKS
     
     
    In front of her now stood one of the most handsome men in the world.  He was six feet tall with broad, muscular shoulders.  The jeans and red polo covering his body could not disguise the perfection of its form.  Visually working her way up the man, his face left Emily completely off guard.  His jaw line was strong and defined, his hair jet black as her own.  When she finally dared to look into his eyes, sparkling pools of blue destiny stared back at her.  Whoa!   The moment her mind acknowledged all that she was absorbing, something incredible happened.  Amongst the overly loud tune of the long forgotten music, a loud popping sound made its presence known.  Fireworks were going off, literally.  For a split second Emily’s attention was drawn to the brilliant lights in the sky.  Her whole body tingled with chills and desires.
                  “Dr. Ortega, I need your assistance with treating my new friend.  Her arm is badly wounded.”  Lucy’s voice came as a shock, pulling Emily out of her mind’s trance.  She suddenly realized her jaw was hanging open.  She quickly snapped it shut, correcting her mistake.  Looking back up at the sky, she saw no sign of the incredible light show.  Was that all in my head?  Well either way now this guy is going to think I’m some kind of loony person…or worse….a creep .  Embarrassment filled her and Emily transitioned her focus to her arm.  Though she was not actively aware, she now realized she was holding it with her right hand the entire time.  With Lucy and the doctor standing there in silence, the focus was all on her.  She felt an ever growing need to speak.  “The pain is rather severe.”  She did not know what else to say.  Her words entirely escaped her.
                  “Well come in; I will treat you immediately.”  He met her eyes as he said this and offered a powerful, yet gentle, smile as reassurance.  Emily was hooked.  Changing his gaze to Lucy, the doctor asked, “Will you lead her to my back office, please?”
    Lucy nodded in acknowledgment, as a flash of irritation crossed her eyes.
    Why would she be annoyed?  It makes no sense.   Before Emily contemplated further, she was guided through the incredible house.  The entranceway which led to what Emily assumed to be the living room (or one of them at least) was not unlike any ordinary cabin in its basic design.  However, its size was massive.  Whole oak logs lined the walls supported by enormous beams stretching across the elegantly vaulted ceiling. 
    The sight reminded Emily of something.  Her mind wandered off as she recollected a vacation she and her family took.  They stayed in a log cabin not severely unlike this one, only a mere tenth the size.  It was one of her last happy memories of them as a family.  She, with her mother and father, went boating at