Reforming Little Anya Read Online Free PDF Page A

down her meal between sobs. When she was done, she was released, and promptly began hopping about, clutching her sore behind and doing the ‘sting dance.’ After that, she helped clear the table, wash and dry the dishes, and sweep up, all without complaints. The sight of the spoon hanging on the wall was motivation enough. Jessica didn’t know what was worse: the throbbing pain in her ass or the unbearable cheerfulness of the girls. It was as if they were a nauseating mix of Mary Poppins and the Stepford Wives . She just couldn’t understand it; how could girls with so little be so happy? Then Misha inspected the dinner room and kitchen. Jessica almost rolled her eyes; the woman was like a drill sergeant doing a white glove inspection.
    “Very good, my little girls,” she said, and looked straight at Jessica. “ All of you did well. So, ice cream all around, and we’ll watch a movie.”
    This brought cheers from the girls, even as Jessica slowly shook her head in disgust.
    That’s what they consider a big deal: ice cream and a movie? What simpletons.
    Still, she wasn’t about to pass on the treat; it helped to get the icky taste of dinner out of her mouth. Once everyone had a bowl, they moved through the dinner room to the great room, the main room at the front of the building. It was large and yet had a quaint homey feel to it: large couches with soft pillows, big easy chairs, and a bookcase full of actual books and a modest TV. It was color, but an old set, not flatscreen, and a VCR was hooked up to it. The girls made themselves comfortable; it was clear each had her favorite spot, and Iva patted the cushion next to her.
    “You want to sit with me?”
    Jessica groaned. “I’d love to, but… I can’t. I’ll just lean next to the couch.”
    “Oh, right. Sorry, I forgot.”
    Viktor slipped in a tape, then moved to sit at the center of the couch, and a moment later the movie started. Jessica again groaned; Aladdin , a Disney animated movie! Oh, well, what did she expect? She was a bit surprised that it was in English, but she quickly realized that they probably used movies to help the girls with their English. Still, it did afford her a valuable opportunity: with the lights out she could study the room and look out the windows to examine the grounds. The garage doors were broken, easy access there for tools and supplies. The front gate stood open, easy escape. Next to the front door was a desk, which was awash in papers. Was a map of the area among them? She couldn’t see in the dark.
    Mental note: check it out later tonight, once everyone is asleep.
    Misha took a seat in a large easy chair on the other side of the couch from where Jessica was standing. From this angle, she could see how—throughout the movie—the girls would cuddle up next to Viktor for a few minutes, and he’d compliment them on their studies or work, and then they’d move to either sit on Misha’s lap or the arm of her chair. These girls were old enough to be out on their own. Why were they acting so childish? Yet, what did it matter to her? She had her own troubles to think about. Right now, A-number one was her sore ass. Standing for the entire movie proved tiring, but there was no way Jessica could sit. She was so glad when it ended and the lights came on.
    “All right, girls, upstairs,” Misha said happily. “Time for bed.”
    Jessica’s jaw dropped. Bed? It wasn’t even nine o’clock! But she wasn’t about to dare voice any objections. The girls scampered to the kitchen to drop off their bowls, with Jessica bringing up the rear. She walked slowly, wincing with every step.

Chapter Three
     
     
    It took a while for Jessica to climb the stairs, but she finally made it, and got to her room. All around her, the girls were giggling and chatting, even as they headed to the bathroom to shower and brush their teeth.
    Great, communal bathing, the topper to a perfect day. Oh, well, I did it at the gym.
    Getting her clothes off, she