Atley took his first steps by that fall and a whole new world opened up for him. At first it was slow going. He would take small careful steps and Dr. Neevis was always by his side holding his hand. He'd guide him and keep him balanced. They would count a lot as they walked, which I thought was weird at first but then I understood, because Atley couldn't see he couldn't tell how far apart things were so he had to count. Each step added up to how far something was, from his bed to the door, to the door to the stairs.

I got a bike that year and remembered riding over every other day to see how he was doing. Between school, homework, and babysitting, I only had a few minutes each day to stop by but each day he seemed to be doing better and better. He would move faster and go farther, Dr. Neevis could even let go of him sometimes.

At first Mrs. Kessle was frantic, I didn't see her very much but the few times that I did she was always complaining the Atley should stop, that he was going to fall and would hurt himself...Mind you Atley did fall... Sometimes Dr. Neevis would let him go and have him walk from one end of the room to the other. Atley couldn't always keep his balance, he'd trip over something in the floor or even his own feet sometimes.

I worried when I saw him fall but Dr. Neevis taught him how to fall without hurting himself too much. He'd have him try to lean a certain way if he could. I always thought it was best to catch yourself with your hands but Dr. Neevis said it was better to fall on your but or side and to always protect your head.

Whenever he fell and his mother saw she would cry out. She would rush to try and get him up but Atley pushed her away, he even pushed me away when I tried to help him back up. He was determined to get back up on his own even if he fell again or it took several minutes.

It was strange watching him struggle without getting upset, not once did he throw a tantrum. Sometimes I'd see he'd get frustrated, when he'd fall over and over and over again but he'd just sit really still, get really quiet and then try again. He refused to give up, refused to quit even when he'd get some pretty bad bruises and cuts.

Dr. Neevis would watch him and made sure there was nothing too dangerous around. At first they just practiced in an empty room, clearing everything out of the attic. Around that time I also saw that Dr. Neevis was giving Mrs. Kessle medicine. Sometimes he'd get so worked up but he'd give her a pill and she'd be in a pleasant mood. I thought it was strange but Atley said sometimes they had to or they'd get nothing do.

She wouldn't let him do anything and she kept getting in his way. I thought...it was a lot like how she used to drug him. It was like they had switched places. I pointed that out but he didn't say anything, he didn't want to talk about it. I knew he was upset with her but I also knew she had her reasons for doing things.

I talked to mother one night about it and she told me that everyone has to find their own path in this world and be allowed to. Thought she also told me as a mother it was one of the hardest things letting something you brought in this world struggle. He eyes got a distant look and I knew she was talking about Hasley.

We didn't talk about him much but as I got older I thought of him more and more. He'd been a good twelve years older then me and when he died he was young barely eighteen. His had been called to fight and there was nothing anyone could do. My dad told me once that he wanted to fight that at least he wasn't a coward like some boys who tried run off. He said the Hasley look forward to protecting others. My father was also drunk when he said it so I don't know if that was true or not. Sometimes he'd drink and say the strangest things I wondered if that was how he really felt or if it was just the drink.

That spring Dr. Neevis gave Atley a strange stick. I thought it was a walking stick at first but it was really thin and had no support to it. I didn't think it would help him much but Atley showed me it wasn't for balance but sound, distance and objects. He showed me how he could hear when he was on a hard floor or a rug by tapping the stick on the ground. He said he could move it about and know if something was on the floor in front of him.

Dr. Neevis would purposely drop things on the floor and have Atley try to move around them with his stick. We also started going outside, we didn't go on very long walks but Atley practiced going on the different paths from gravel to the side walk to the roads. I asked him what would happen if there was water.

Atley wasn't sure, I pointed out there was a river not far from her. We walked to it and he hit the water with the stick. I supposed he'd hear it if not feel it. When Atley wasn't stumbling about with his stick, he was either listening to music, reading one of his brail books or practicing the piano and violin. He was so good at it. I was jealous. He seemed to be good at most everything he tried. One day I realized some things I didn't. I wondered if he was smarter then me but I didn't want to find out.

He started to teach me how to used the piano and read brail. He'd put a blind fold on me and I found it fun but also sad cause when I was done, I could take it off and see again. Atley couldn't see no matter what he did.

Towards the middle of spring Dr. Neevis hired a crew of men to fence off the empty lot by the Estate, he had them turn it into a garden with various obstetrical for Atley to practice. The local kids were non too happy about it but apparently the Kessle's owned the lot. In fact I learned the Kessle's owned a lot of properties. Dr. Neevis was teaching Atley about his family and their business.

One day Atley tried to explained how the family got its money from different sources. He tried talking to me about budgeting and how much money comes in and goes out. I knew a little about it but there was a lot of different things, it made my head spin and after a while I found it hard to follow.

Dr. Neevis hired some people to make copies of all of Atley business paper work in brail paperwork so he could start learning how to take care of some of the bills. The family had someone who looked over things but he was getting old. He was also taking money that wasn't his...not a lot but enough that he had to go.

On the last day of school that year Atley surprised me by coming to pick me up. I heard about him long before I saw him. Some kids were talking about some strange men outside the school yard with sticks. One of men kept hitting things with his stick. They started mimicking Atley and teasing him.

I looked outside my classroom window and could see Atley and Dr. Neevis standing by the gate. As school let out some of the smaller kids were laughing and calling him names. Dr. Neevis however gave them looks and they ran away. I could tell Atley was bothered by them but tried not to show. His mouth was flat and his head was down. Dr. Neevis would whisper in his ear every so often and put his hand on his shoulder.

After the teacher let us go for summer. I gathered up my things and went outside. I called out to him not wanting to make him wait any longer, "Atley...Atley"

I saw him lift his head and smile, he call my name "Amina," Then without Dr. Neevis he moved to walk to me. Some kids got in front of his stick and he tripped on a brick that was coming up. I watched him stumbled and I thought he was going to fall. I rushed to him and grasped hold of his arm.

"Are you alright," I asked

"Yes, now that you're here," he said. He stood up straight and offered his arm, "May I walk you home."

"Yes," I said and he did just that.

It was so strange to have him walk me from the school yard to my home. When we got there, my mother was surprised to see Atley with me. She knew he was up and about but to see him like this. She fell over herself, wondering what she was suppose to do. I explained just be normal but you know mothers they are never normal. She got him some cup cakes and milk, he ate them and liked it.

Then I introduced him to everyone. Stew was still a bit skiddish but mother got him to say hi. Atley sat at the kitchen table as I guided Patty Jane over and she said hello. Ben was shy but he said hello as well. I could see Atley was amused at the different sizes and voices. I picked June up out of the play pen and held her while he ran his hands over her. I explained this was a baby.

His smile widened and then he said, "I am not a baby."

"No...you are not but you acted like one ...once,"

Dr. Neevis eyed me and I said, "It was an old conversation,"

Atley ran his hand over June again and she clutched his finger with her hand. As I was putting her away I over heard Atley speak to Dr. Neevis," Ever,"

"Yes, Atley"

"How does that fit in a woman's...womb,"

"It expands," said Dr. Neevis. "I also believe this baby has some age on it.

"Oh,"

I realized then Dr. Neevis must have explained pregnancy to him. I picked up Adly and decided to blow Atley mind, "My mother actually had twins, this is the other one Adly,"

Atley ran his hand over him and smiled, "I can tell the difference...wait...BOTH of them were in your mother at once,"

"Yes,"I said. Adly got fussy so I put him down in the play pen with June.

Atley's mouth went agape before he said, "How...how big is your mother,"

"Not too bigger then me," I said, "Give our take a few years.

"No..." he said, "You are small,"

He reached out then and ran his hand around him waste and then up he touched my chest and said. "What has happened, you're bigger here,"

Dr. Neevis slapped his Altey's away as I jerked back, "We discuss this, there are places on a woman you are not to touch, Atley,"

"But Amina isn't a woman,"

"She's a budding young woman." said Dr. Neevis.

I crossed my arms over my chest. They were still pretty knew but I was getting breasts. I felt rather strange about them and did my best not to think about it. I don't know why it just felt strange to have to lumps on you chest...but mother told me it was natural that one day those lumps would feed my children. That did not help me feel any less awkward if anything it made me more uncomfortable.

"I...I am sorry Amina. I didn't mean to upset you,"

"It's quite alright," said My mother, "Its fine really sir,"

"Sir," I said thinking it was strange to have Atley be called sir. He wasn't no sir.

"Will you be staying for supper,"

"Might we," asked Atley.

"I have a roast cooking," said Dr. Neevis. He pulled out a small clock on a chain checking the time before he said "No,"

"No," said Atley, "But another time,"

"Another time," said my mother.

Dr. Neevis helped Altey out of our house, there were toys everywhere. When they were outside I said goodnight.

Atley asked what I was doing tomorrow and said he would like to come get me. I said he could and so every day Atley would walk over and get me. Sometimes we'd walk arm and arm as Dr. Neevis walked behind us or ahead of us.

The summer the heat was insane…We spent some time outside and while I enjoyed the new garden in the empty lot and the lemonade Dr. Neevis had made I needed to cool off. I told Altey I would be right back and then went down to the river. I took my dress off but left my slip in.

The water wasn't rushing fast today and it was nice and cold. I walked into it slowly and then went under the water. I felt a whole lot cooler but much to my horror Atley had followed me somehow. He'd walked right up to the water and was hitting it with his stick.

"AMINA...AMINA...WHERE ARE YOU,"

"I'm right here Atley just...in the water I was getting too hot and wanted to cool off,"

"I want to cool off too," said Atley. He hesitantly stepped forward went into the water with his shoes on and everything.

"You shouldn't Atley I don't know if its safe,"

"I can go where ever you go," he said stubbornly.

He continued to walk and tried to use his stick in the water but there were weeds and mud. He fell forward and splashed into the water. He went under and I realized he might not know how to swim. A moment later he began to flail about. I screamed and tried to help him. I rushed over to get him as fast as I could but I couldn't get him. He started to get tangled up in the weeds and drag me down with him. I thought...I thought he was going to kill us both. I couldn't breath and neither could he.

A few seconds later Dr. Neevis rushed into the water. He grasped hold of Atley pulling him out of the water. He let go of me and I was able to get out. Ately started crying, he lost his glasses and his stick in the water. Dr. Neevis walked him back to the land and laid him down as he coughed up water and cried. To make matters worse Mrs. Kessle rushed out and nearly fell into the water trying to get beside Atley. She just kept screaming, "My precious, my precious boy."

Atley grasped hold of Dr. Neevis clothes pulling on him as he tried to speak. He called out, "Amina...Amina..."

I was still in the water catching my breath but I called out, "I'm here…

He sat up and moved his hands about, "GET OUT OF THE WATER, OUT OF THE WATER,"

"I'm out." I said. I walked out of the water and got on the land.

He reached out for me and took me in his arms. He pulled me in so much I fell into him.

He wrapped me in a tight hug then and didn't want to let go. Mrs. Kessle looked at me and I could see the pain, the hurt in her eyes turned to rage...I knew she hated me then.

Still she waited for Atley to fully recover. Dr. Neevis was really upset. He wanted to know what had happened what we were thinking going into the water without him. I explained it was just me and Atley had followed but Dr. Neevis was mad at me. He said I should have known better that Atley would follow me anywhere even off the end of a cliff. I didn't understand why he said that...why would I walk off a cliff.

Atley didn't ant to let go of me. He wanted to know how...how I had survived on my own in the water. It told him I could swim. Dr. Neevis wanted to get Atley back in the house and change his clothes. Atley demanded to learn how to swim and wouldn't go inside until Dr. Neevis promised to teach him. He let go of me some but held onto my hand.

Dr. Neevis carried him inside and helped him get changed. I had to go home after that. Atley needed a new stick and new glasses, my parents were so mad at me when they heard what had happened. Everyone kept telling me I should have known better like it was my fault Atley hadn't listened. I got mad but also felt guilty. I decided to always make sure Atley wasn't following me.

By the end of the summer, much to Mrs. Kessle's distress. Dr. Neevis built a small pool in the garden. He added hand rails in it and would have Atley practice doggy paddling and floating. He even practiced holding his breath under water. I was surprised Atley wanted to go into the water after what had happened I thought he would be scared.

One afternoon when we were drying off Atley told me he didn't want to be afraid of anything and that if there was something he didn't know he wanted to. He never wanted to be powerless...every. He wanted to do and try everything, at least once.

I don't know why but I got to thinking of ice cream then and how he had never tried it. That afternoon we went down to the diner. I was surprised to see Chuck was working there. He was looking well...different. He is arms was bigger and his chest...I...couldn't stop staring at him in his uniform as he bused tables. He say me staring a few times and would smiled but didn't say anything. I had to look away as I felt like I was becoming a tomato. I couldn't focus on nothing until he disappeared in the back. Apparently Atley was talking to me.

"Amina," he wined as we sat in a booth together.

"What," I said.

"Answer me," he said.

"I am..."

"Now," he said, "but you weren't I don't like that...at all always answer me,"
"Okay," I said. "What is it?"

"I want ice cream, how do we get it?"
"I told you we order," said Dr. Neevis, "We lift our hand and wait for the waitress to come,"
"I want Amina to tell me," said Atley. He ran his hands all over the table and looked like he was getting fussy.

"Maybe this is too much excitement for you," said Dr. Neevis.

"Nooo," he said.

I saw Chuckie mom and waved her down when she saw me she smiled and came over.

"Hello, Amina,"

"Hi Mrs. Alby, how are you today,"

"I am good, who are you're friends,"

"This is Atley and his Doctor. Dr. Neevis."

Dr. Neevis pipped in, "This is Mr. Kessle,"

"Oh..." said Chuckie's mom. She swallowed and I could see she was nervous.

She suddenly stiffened and said, "What can I do for you, sir,"

Again with the sir what was it with mothers.

"I want ice cream and so does my Amina,"

"Okay...uh how would you like that," asked Mrs. Kessle.

"I want mine with chocolate syrup," I said.

"I want mine like that," said Atley.

"No," said Dr. Neevis, "For your first time you should have it plain then add things to it as you like,"

Atley looked disappointed and said, "Just plain,"

"In a cone or a dish," said Mrs. Alby.

"In a dish," said Dr. Neevis before either of us could speak.

She nodded and we waited for her to get it. Atley wanted to hold my hand but I just...was afraid that Chuckie would see...not that I cared or nothing. He got upset and I realized he was in a mood today. Dr. Neevis told him to settle or we'd leave and he got quiet. The ice cream came and it looked so good there was lots of it. I had chocolate syrup on mine and quickly dished in.

Atley ran his hands over his dish and said, "It's cold,"

"Yes it's frozen," I said.

Atley dipped his fingers into it and poked it, "It's weird...feeling,"

"Just try it," said Dr. Neevis he grabbed the spoon and gave it to Atley.

He pushed into it and said, "It's like butter hard,"

"It wont stay that way," I said. "It melts,"

"Melts...like snow," he said.

"Just take a bite," said Dr. Neevis.

Atley took up his spoon and put it in his mouth he immediately like it of course. He tried another bite and then said, "I want to try it with chocolate syrup."

I let him take from mine and he liked that even more he quickly ate up several more bite and then cried out, "My head it hurts,"

"You have to eat it slow," I said.

"But why...why does it make my head hurt,"

"It's the cold," said Dr. Neevis. "It will pass,"
Atley waited and then ate slower until all the ice cream was nearly melted.

When we were done I thought we were going to have to pay but we didn't. We just left I thought that was weird but Dr. Neevis said Atley owned the diner. I guess that is why Mrs. Alby was acting so weird.

A few days later after the first day of school Atley finally came over for dinner at my house. He met my father for the first time and I could tell my father was scared of him. He didn't seem to know how to act and kept putting his hands in his pockets and scratching his head. My dad did that a lot when he tried to fix things.

Both my parents kept watching how Atley touched things and ate. Stew especially couldn't stop staring. I was used to it by now and didn't really notice it. Toward the end of dinner little Patty Jane asked, "What is blind?"

My mother hushed her but Atley said it was okay, "It means I can't see,"

"Oh," said Patty Jane. I could tell she didn't understand.

"Close your eyes Patty Jane," I said, recalling what Mrs. Kessle had said.

She closed her little eyes and I said, "What do you see,"

"I don't see," she said.

"That is blind," I said.

"Wow," she said. She kept closing her eyes as did Stew.

Atley tapped his fingers on the table and said. "That is an interesting way of putting it."

I said, "You're mother taught me that,"

"She did," said Atley.

"Yes I wanted to know and she told me to close my eyes. It helped me understand a lot,"

"Hmm," said Atley. He seemed to be thinking about something before Dr. Neevis tapped him on the shoulder. I thought it was time for them to go but Atley clashed his hands together and said "I have a surprise for you all,"

"A SURPRISE," said Patty Jane excited. She knew what surprises were, "What...What,"

Ately titled his head and called out, "Ever,"

Dr. Neevis stepped outside and brought in a tub of ice cream. It was slightly melted but with that he won over every last one of my siblings including Stewy. Before he left Stewy even said,"You can come over whenever you want...A...Atley,"

"Thank you Stewart," said Ately.

I saw Atley out and he was beaming with pride before he paused. He took my hands and said. "I...wish...I could open my eyes,"

"What," I said

"I wish I could open my eyes and see...there...is a lot I'd like to."

"Oh," I said. "Well there is a lot you can already do,"

"I know," he said, "I just wish I weren't different,"

"Well if you weren't we might not have met," I said. "My grandmother used to say if things were different in the past they wouldn't be the same in the now,"

"And you said you don't like history," chuckled Atley.

"I don't." I said.

"Well history is all about our past, how the past made how we are now," said Atley.

"I've never really thought of it like that. I always thought it was old guys doing boring stuff,"

He shook his head. "Amina...you are missing out on so much. At this rate I will know more then you..."

"We'll see about that." I said. "I've got more school tomorrow I just might learn a thing or two a book or the doctor hasn't taught you,"

"I doubt that," he said

"We we shall find out tomorrow then when I pick you up...just who knows what," he said.

"You're coming, again"

"Yes...I plan to walk you home every day,"

"You don't have to," I said, "The kids they...they might tease you,"

"Let them," said Ately. "I don't care… I'm not afraid of anything...well almost anything...I'm afraid not hear your voice,"

"You're silly," I said.

He just laughed and he Dr. Neevis walked home.

The next few years were pretty routine. I'd go to school and Atley would pick me up, sometimes he'd walk me home or I'd go to his house. We'd talk about what I learned in school and if he knew it he'd pipe in, if he didn't he'd have Dr. Neevis order a book. Atley got smarter and strong becoming more independent.

Things with his mother were still strained but she seemed to finally accept he was able to do things. She didn't stop him as much and even started encouraging him. Once a month Atley would put on a concert for his mother, me and Dr. Neevis, first the piano and then the violin. I got a bit better with the piano but it was clear that Atley was more talented. Apparently his father played the piano and his mother knew a little. I thought they might bond over it but Atley was still cold to her.

As time went on...people got used to seeing Mr. Kessle walk around town with his doctor. It wasn't long before every one in town knew who Atley was…The kids, still teased but not as much. The rumors and legends of the mummy still continued but now, it was some other town, some other time...some other boy.