PRELUDE
Norman Bates fell in love. Her name was Bonnie. He tested her name. What a nice name. What a nice Mrs. Bates she would make. Bonnie Bates. It just rolled off his tongue. Bonnie Bates. Not as nice as Mommy's name. Of course. Not as nice as Betty Bates. Of course. But sort of like part of a song. Bonnie Bates. Betty Bates. His Mom asked him what he was humming. Just a song I'm making up Mommy, sort of a love song, you know.
Bonnie was in his senior class and Norman sent her messages that hovered over her head. Peonies and pierced red hearts, he prayed the powers above would let his love drop into her virgin mind. Bonnie knew that she would be his bride. Norman could tell by how she blushed.
Bonnie came to the Bates Motel. Norman asked her to wave to Mommy, rocking at the front window. Dust filtered the view. There she sat every afternoon. Her favorite place before the sun went down, and Norman helped her to her room. But tonight would be different. Tonight Norman would introduce her to his bride.
He shifted his weight to open the door, and carried Bonnie across the threshold. Mommy, he called, I have a surprise for you.
Heart pounding in anticipation of their honeymoon, Norman had in mind a special treat for his bride. He hastened up the stairs to prepare a bath for Bonnie Bates.
Wash away any sins, little Bonnie; he hummed a new part of his song. He placed her in the bubbles, let her feet rise to the rim, polished her toes like he did Mommy's, and sang the rest of the song. Bonnie Bates, Bonnie Bates. Not as nice as Mommy. Not as nice as Betty Bates.
Once again, thank you Willow for this prompt. We never know when inspiration will raise its lovely head!! Please attend to all the other Magpies!!!
