~Little Tooth~

Chapter 10;

Betrayal 

-...-

It was yet another morning, where sleeping in her bed, she was awoken by someone calling her name softly.

"Toothiana."

But It wasn't Jackson, and probably not any of the other children.

"Toothiana, wake up my dear."

Baby Tooth twisted in her bed a bit more, squeezing her fairy plushie, NightLight, in her arms. She opened her eyes, rubbing them and yawning real big. Once she was done, she sat up and turned to see Mrs. Overland. She noticed that the windows didn't let any light in, even when opened. It was still early in the morning, probably just 6. Baby Tooth's chest was heavy, for she had been up last night watching those fireworks. It was the first day of the new year, huh?

"Toothiana, I have someone here to meet you." Mrs. Overland smiled. "Please come with me, darling."

Baby Tooth was confused, and too tired to say anything. She slowly nodded her head and climbed out of bed, following the adult as they walked out of the room. Her feet were shoeless and she had on her long, dark purple shirt and dark brown skirt, her precious bag with Alexis Hamilton's tooth and a bunch of quarters still tied to her waste. In her arms was still Nightlight.

They walked down the quiet, dark halls, their feet hitting the wood hardly making a sound at all. Baby Tooth had let another yawn get away by the time they had reached the front of the building. They turned into Mrs. Overland's office. Baby Tooth took a few steps into the room before stopping, while Mrs. Overland went to her chair and sat down. Baby Tooth took a few seconds to realize that there was another person in the room. She looked over to see a man. Brown hair, brown eyes, brown jacket, blue shirt, red striped tie, brown vest, a smile and- HOLD ON A SECOND.

"Baby Tooth, I'm sure you remember Mr. Time."

Baby Tooth nodded her head. Yes, she very well did. But what was he doing here?

And then she remembered something.

"Awww, indeed, but you'd have to leave sooner or later." Oliver was upset, but he was an adult too. "It's not like this is your new home at the moment."

Baby Tooth felt her hair stand and shivers going down her spine. She really liked Mr. Time, b-but she wasn't an orphan and she liked it here with Jackson anyway! JACKSON! He'll save her, right!?

Baby Tooth dropped Nightlight and ran out of the room, surprising Oliver and Mrs. Overland. She raced down the hallways, slipping once and hitting the floor with a loud thud. She cried out quietly, pain tormenting her head. She got back up as fast as possible and ran back into the room where the beds where. She ran as fast as light and jumped on top of the bed that had a sleeping Jackson. The bed made a small cracking sound, but other then that Baby Tooth had startled the boy awake. She hid under the covers, holding onto him and shaking in what I can only really call fear.

"B-BABY TOOTH!?" Jackson gasped, frightened. "W-Whats wrong!?"

Baby Tooth began to cry, her little fingers digging into Jackson's sides. He Watched her, feeling confused but also sad too. What scared her so badly? He sat up and pulled her into his arms, like a mother does with her own child. He pat her head, trying to calm her down the only way he knew.

"Whats the matter?" He asked after a few seconds.

"I..." Baby Tooth took a deep breath due to her crying and sniffling. "I don't...wanna leave!"

Jackson froze.

"L-Leave?"

"I like Mr. Time, but I like you even more!" Baby Tooth shoved her head into the boy's chest.

Jackson said nothing. So Mr. Time, the man that Mrs. Overland once took Baby Tooth to visit, was really going to adopt her. Jackson thought that it had been so long since that meeting that there was no possible possibility that Mr. Time even remembered it. But I guess not.

Jackson cared deeply for Baby Tooth, and didn't want to her to leave at all. He may never see her again. Baby Tooth had become the reason he liked being at Little Apple. The reason why he didn't- ...never mind.

Slowly pulling Baby Tooth's head away from his chest, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, pulling her into his arms and getting out of bed, carrying her out of the room. Back down the hall, Jackson stopped as he stood right outside Mrs. Overland's office. He gulped. His hands trembled.

But this was for the best.

Jackson pushed open the door and walked in, the voices of Mrs. Overland and Mr. Time suddenly stopping and only Baby Tooth's crying being the only sound in the room. Jackson stared blankly at Mrs. Overland. What was she doing? She knew Baby Tooth was the closest person to him. Well, this was an orphanage, and it was supposed to be a place where children could stay UNLESS someone came to adopt them. It may be permanent for some people, but not for all. Jackson's eyes crossed the plushie on the floor, realizing she dropped it.

Jackson placed Baby Tooth down on the chair that was in the corner of the room, being ever so gentle in doing so. He then picked up Nightlight and tucked it in between Baby Tooth's arms. Baby Tooth opened her watery eyes and looked at Jackson. What was he doing? Why was she back here!? She thought Jackson would keep her all to himself! She thought he'd save her.

Jackson turned to the two adults, saying nothing.

"Thank you, Jackson. At least you know the import-"

"Shut up."

Both adults looked at the boy with surprise. Jackson's hands were in fists.

"I don't agree with this at all, but I know." He looked over at Mr. Time. "But I know she's got a better chance living with you."

Baby Tooth stopped her crying, staring at Jackson. What was he doing!?

"Thank you, Jackson, you seem to-"

"I said SHUT UP!" Jackson hissed.

"Well." Mrs. Overland's eyes narrowed as she leaned back in her chair.

"Baby Tooth is like a little sister to me. Closer then that, even." Jackson walked closer to Mr. Time, locking eyes with the confused man. "If you do anything to hurt or upset her, you won't be forgiven."

Jackson hadn't realized it, but even his own eyes were watering up.

"You don't have to worry," Mr. Time placed his hand on the boy's shoulder.

Jackson took a few deep breaths, turning around to look back at Baby Tooth. Her eyes were wide, staring back at his. He knew what he said had made Baby Tooth upset. She probably had come to him so that he could convince them to let her stay, and what had he done?

"Baby Tooth." Jackson began, noticing Baby Tooth's cold stare. "Trust me. You should go with Mr. Time."

Jackson knew Baby Tooth was probably mad, and so he did not hug her or kiss her forehead.

"Goodbye." He sighed, then turned towards the door. "I'm going back to sleep."

Jackson left. Baby Tooth was mad at him, but now she also felt abandoned. She looked down at Nightlight, the thing Jackson had bought her yesterday. She rubbed her face into it and started crying again. The two adults looked at her, and then at each other. Mr. Overland sighed and stood up.

"We can go over the paper work later this week, if that makes things easier." She said.

"Thank you." Mr. Time nodded his head.

Mr. Time walked over to Baby Tooth, and oh so gently, picked her up into his arms. He felt guilty taking her from this place. He had no idea how important this was to her. But he also had his reasons. He had been thinking long and hard about adopting her. It was oh so very lonely in his house, and a pet simply did not fill the gap. He wanted to be a parent, but never did marry.

"I will get her things if you take her to the care." Mrs. Overland sighed.

Oliver Time simply nodded his head.

It was around 7 when Baby Tooth arrived at Oliver Time's house. It was the same as she remembered it. It was kind of small, there being a small porch in the front. Oliver took Baby Tooth out of the car and they walked together up the steps and into the house. Baby Tooth yawned, the sleep she lost now returning to her. Her mind was blank, and she was still upset. She felt betrayed, but there was nothing she could do. Maybe this was a dream. Sandy, she thought, I believe you can stop now.

"And here we are!" Oliver smiled, setting down the bag with Baby Tooth's things next to the door.

Oliver turned to the girl just in time to see her yawn. He sighed and picked her up. He walked across the small room, down a small hallway, and reached a room. He opened the door and turned on the lights so the girl could see.

"This will be your room." Oliver said and Baby Tooth looked around.

The room had a soft bed, a desk with a chair, a dresser, a book case, and a window. In the book case were some books and stacks of paper. On the desk was crayons and other drawing things. Baby Tooth could tell Mr. Time was prepared, for he had almost everything a child could need or want.

"The walls are just plain white, but there is a reason behind that." Oliver smiled and Baby Tooth looked at him. "If you want to draw on them, I won't mind at all. I never really understood why parents didn't like that, I mean it shows their child's creativity. And believe me, every child draws on the walls some point in time. It's your room, do as you please. If you want to draw on paper and THEN tape it to the wall, go ahead." Oliver stopped when he realized he was being garrulous.

"Anyway, it seems that you're still pretty tired. Would you like to go back to bed?" He asked.

Baby Tooth nodded her head slowly. Oliver took her to her bed and placed her down, pulling the sheets over her and making sure the pillow behind her head was comfy enough. Baby Tooth was given Nightlight and she hugged the fairy tightly. When she was tucked in, Oliver leaned over and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Sweet dreams."

And with that, Oliver walked out of the room, stopping to look back at her one last time before turning off the lights and leaving.

Jackson sat at the end of his bed, watching all the other children playing. His fingernails dug into the wooden frame he sat on and his head throbbed. He missed Baby Tooth very much, though he knew that she wouldn't survive very long if she had stayed. They were targeting her, and he knew that. Why? He had no idea at all. Her hair was an odd combination of colors and she appeared out of nowhere. Was that why?

"Hey! Jackson!"

Jackson turned to see Pip and Sofia, followed by Alyss. The youngest, Pip grabbed the boy's arm and tugged on it.

"Why awr you swad, Jwakson?" Pip cried with a puppy-dog face.

"I noticed Baby Tooth isn't here. Was she a-" Alyss stopped. "Hey, um, Pip, lets go ask Aster to play. I think Jackson wants to be alone."

"But I wanna pway with jwak!" Pip whined.

"Pip, i'm very tired and I feel sick." Jackson said, his voice darker then he planned it to be.

Pip let go of Jackson, sighing. Sofia grabbed the younger boy's hand and walked closer to Jackson.

"If you play with us, then maybe you won't feel so sad anymore." She said.

"Guys, I really don-"

"PLEASE, JWAK!" Pip cried.

"My name is not Jack." Jackson said.

"It's just a nickname, jeez." Nova walked over, Felix and Toby following.

"I think it's unhealthy for you to sit there and sob." Toby said, putting his hand on Jackson's shoulder. Jackson hit Toby's hand away.

"I want to be alone." Jackson muttered.

"Alone is never the answer." Alyss said back.

"She's come and gone, but you still have all of us." Felix stepped up, putting on a sympathetic smile.

Jackson choked. "She was special."

"And we are not?!" Felix continued. "Jackson, I've known your for four or five years. You've known Alyss since for one and a half years."

"Toothiana has only been here for three or four months." Nova added.

"Her name is Baby Tooth!" Jackson growled.

"And my name's Pewdiepie," Felix spat "Look, Jackson, this is an ORPHANAGE. You should be thankful that someone came to adopt, because how many people in your time being here have come by to even look at us?"

"..."

"That's right. You don't remember. You don't know." Felix paused to calm down. "Don't get me wrong, I like being here. I met Toby and Marzia and all the other amazing people here. Including you. But this is home for now. If you want to spend your whole life searching for Baby Tooth once you get out, you can, but she wasn't your only family."

There was a long silence.

Jackson looked down at his feet. He knew Felix was right, but he didn't want to hear any of it. It only made him feel worse. He felt guilty, but they would never know.

"Leave me alone." Jackson sniffled.

"Stop being so down!"

"Shut up."

Felix looked back at the others.

"Jackson, you've changed. Baby Tooth changed you. And not for the better." Felix sighed. "For the worse."

Felix was about to leave, but then felt Jackson's hand grab his arm. Felix felt a shiver echo in his body and he tried to pull away.

"Felix."

"What?" Felix asked, looking down at the teen.

"Baby Tooth has nothing to do with this."

Felix turned to fully face Jackson. "Then why are you so down? I need to know because all I see is your love for that girl. And your betrayal of us."

Jackson clenched his fists, squeezing Felix's arm. Felix yelped and pulled back, looking at his arm to see scratch marks.

"W-What the hell!?" Felix looked shocked.

"I'm not betraying you. I'm not doing anything." Jackson stood up off the bed frame.

Alyss took this chance to pull Pip and Sofia away. Nova , Toby, and Marzia watched. Jackson could feel tears in his eyes, but hoped that they couldn't see. Jackson had no more words to say, so he walked off. By the time he reached the doors, he was speeding down the halls. He wanted to be alone. His breath grew heavy and his tears fell, splattering on the floor. He reached the end of the hallway, leaning on the wall. He didn't know where to go, but he wanted to be alone.

"J-Jackson!"

Jackson turned to see Mrs. Hamilton and Mr. Frosten. The ran over to him and helped him, making sure he was okay.

"Jackson, are you okay?" Mrs. Hamilton asked, worry beating throughout her body.

"I.." Jackson was out of breath.

"You feel warm, I'm going to get Mr. Auditore." Mr. Frosten said and left.

"Jackson, what happened?" Mrs. Hamilton asked, placing her hand on his forehead. He was very warm.

Jackson replied with nothing, sliding down to sit on the floor. He didn't opening cry, but there were tears. Many of them.

"Ah, you're awake already!"

Baby Tooth walked into the kitchen, seeing Oliver at the stove making something. She had awoken at 11 o'clock, smelling something good cooking. She smiled at him, holding Nightlight in her arms still. Oliver walked over and pulled out a chair from his table, motioning her to sit down.

"I'm making some crepes for lunch. What would you like on your's?" He asked as Baby Tooth walked over and sat down.

"Um..." Baby Tooth didn't know what to say.

"How about cheese and ham? That's what I'm having." Oliver suggested.

"Okay." Baby Tooth nodded her head.

Oliver went back to his crepes, doing a few more things before turning back to see the girl playing with Nightlight. He smiled, deciding to start a conversation.

"Is there anything you want me to call you besides Toothiana?" Oliver asked. "It seems you don't really like the name."

Baby Tooth looked at him to see his friendly expression. She nodded her head.

"Baby Tooth."

"Baby Tooth?" Oliver repeated.

Baby Tooth nodded her head.

"Okay!" Oliver then placed a crepe on a plate and walked over, placing it in front of Baby Tooth. "Here is your lunch, Baby Tooth Time, would you like some tea with that?"

Baby Tooth nodded her head yes. Oliver walked off to get her some and she bit into the meal that sat in front of her. It was amazing! She sighed, digging in. While eating , she thought about what Oliver called her.

Baby Tooth Time.

Toothiana Time.

Man this crepe was so good.