Layla

  Chapter 9

  Not even a yawn crept from my mouth when I woke up. The burly light of a new day spilled into my lap as I sat up in the tiny bed. I lifted my arms to stretch, but one of them fell. It felt heavy and limp. Then I realized: I had slept on it all night. My arm was asleep! I shook and squeezed it as I dressed with one hand. Though difficult, buttoning a dress with merely five fingers was not impossible. I flung it every which way as I jostled down the stairs. As soon as I hit the landing, someone grabbed my arm, and woke it up. I was dragged into the kitchen, and found Wade's face hovering above me, with a thwarted look on his face.

  "What's wrong?" I kept my voice low, not knowing what the problem was.

  Adda motioned me to the door. I walked over and looked over her head, out the door. The sight that met my eyes startled me completely. There was Missy, sitting nonchalantly with her hands set placidly in her lap! The look on her face showed she had a good nights rest and was ready for a full day of conversation.

  I drew my head back sickly and backed up into the wall. Feeling conquered, I slid down onto the floor. "Now what am I supposed to do?" I whined. Then it struck me... An idea so brilliant that not even the devil himself could have thought of it! Well, maybe.

  I huddled Wade and Adda around me and started the debate.