Chapter 03: Itchy

[Surprised_by_Witches]

"So what is it this time, Peyton?" Madeleine Patrick asked her most frequent student visitor. "You and Taylor Summerdream fighting in class again?"

"No, Ma'am," Peyton Mustafa said, scratching at his arm. "I need to go home. I think I might have the chicken pox."

"Let me see." Madeleine quite liked Peyton despite his trouble making ways. The kid was one of the brightest students at the Academy and could definitely think for himself. The problem was his mischievous sense of humor, which his teachers didn't appreciate as much as she did. To be fair, if she was still teaching she supposed the constant distractions would not be welcome. Hence the frequent visits to her office.

Now she examined Peyton's smooth brown arm. "I don't see any spots, Peyton. Are you sure you just don't want to go home and play video games?"

Peyton snatched his arm back and began to scratch in earnest. "Honest to goddess, Mrs. Patrick, I feel like I'm on fire."

He really did seem to mean it. With a sigh, Madeleine filled out an excuse slip for him. Now all the kids would be faking itchy rashes, just to get to go home.

"I'll take this to your teacher, Peyton," she said, hoping to head any copycat behavior off at the pass by being discreet. "You go home and take a bath in Epsom salts."

"What are they?"

"Something to help with itching. Is anyone home right now?"

"I think my brother has the day off." Quentin Mustafa had graduated from college and was home living with his parents and youngest siblings.

"Well, ask him to buy you some."

Peyton made a face, but nodded. "Thanks, Mrs. P. I owe you one." Still scratching, he picked up his backpack and left the school.

Madeleine stood up and then sat down again, suddenly dizzy. She'd been dizzy and nauseous a lot lately. She hadn't felt this way since . . . and then she smiled and put her hand over her belly.

Could she be pregnant again? Well, only one way to find out. She'd stop at the pharmacy on the way home. She hoped Liam would be as pleased as she was.

But first things first. She stood up carefully and went to find Peyton's teacher.

Next Chapter

[Lynet]

When residents of Veronaville get itchy skin it's never a good sign.

Good news for Liam, though.

[Sacharissa]

Aaaaawww...Another Patrick baby...Sweet! And with such attractive parents, he or she will certainly be another looker!