“I know, little one. But remember what we said? If you’re a good girl for the doctor, Daddy has a surprise for you after.”
“I don’twanta surprise.”
Chuckling, he pats my diaper-covered bottom as he carries me down the stairs. “You say that now, but Tori and Juju will be very disappointed if you miss out.”
The thought of seeing my friends again does lift my spirits a bit. If nothing else, maybe we can get away from the Daddies long enough for me to ask some more questions about Juju’s failed escape attempt. Knowing what hasn’t worked in the past might help me plan better.
Either way, it’s clear no amount of whining or pouting is going to get me out of my appointment. Daddy doesn’t even hesitate as he carries me out the front door to the waiting car, where he climbs into the backseat and holds me captive on his lap while we drive.
As the woods around us give way to pretty streets lined with buildings, I twist in his arms to look out the back window. All of the buildings are made of immaculately kept brick, nearly uniform but for the signs on each building. A boutique, a candy shop, a cafe, a toy store. Everything, I imagine, a Little girl could dream of.
The car slows then stops in front of one of those nearly identical buildings. Instead of a sign, this one simply has “Doctor’s Office” painted on the large picture window.
Dread settles like a rock in my stomach and I immediately press myself against Daddy, squeezing his neck for all I’m worth. Maybe,maybeif I can convince him I’m truly and utterly terrified of what waits for me in that building, he’ll relent.
“Shhh, my little doll. Daddy’s right here. You know I’d never let anyone harm you, right?”
“Please don’t make me go!” Without me even meaning for it to, my voice pitches up, making me sound very much like a frightened Little girl. “I’m scared!”
“That’s perfectly alright, little one. Daddy will help you be brave.”
My heart shouldn’t leap at that declaration. Not when he’s the whole reason I’m here to begin with.
And yet, leap it does, and my entire body loosens as well, like he’s somehow commanded my muscles to believe him even when my head still strongly disagrees.
He somehow manages to climb from the car with me still in his arms, giving a nod to the driver whose name I haven’t yet learned as he carries me into the building. The stark white waiting room is cleaner than any doctor’s office I’ve ever visited. And emptier. There isn’t a single soul to be seen other than the pretty, smiling blonde sitting behind the reception desk.
“Good morning, Mr. Drake! And this must be our newest resident, Isabella. Dr. D is almost ready for you if you’d like to come back so I can take Isabella’s vitals.”
“Of course. Say hello to Millie, Isabella.”
The last thing I want is to make nice with yet another person who will be taking part in my humiliation, so I bury my face in Daddy’s neck, refusing to acknowledge Millie.
“Isabella. You’re being very rude.”
It’s the hard edge to his voice even more than the words themselves that has my muscles tensing. Even still, I can’t bring myself to greet this new tormentor.
The sound of a door opening greets my ears, followed by Millie’s cheerful voice. “It’s okay, Mr. Drake. Some Littles are just a bit more shy than others. I don’t take it personally. If you’ll please follow me.”
“Thank you, Millie. I’ll be sure to let Dr. D know how helpful you’ve been today.”
“Oh, um, thank you, Mr. Drake.” Millie’s voice rises to a squeak. “I would appreciate that very much. He’s been in a bit of a mood since he got back to the island.”
Great. The sadistic doctor is in a bad mood. Just my luck.
Beneath me, Daddy’s chest vibrates with laughter. “I believe our good doctor is getting set in his ways here on the island. It wouldn't surprise me if he decides to stop traveling and close his practice on the mainland altogether.”
“God, I hope not.” Millie gasps, and even though I’m not looking at her, in my mind’s eye I imagine her slapping a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with horror. “Oh, please don’t tell him I said that. I love my job, it’s just… well, it’s nice to get a break every now and again.”
“Your secret is safe with me, Millie. I know Doctor D can be a bit… difficult.”
“Intense is the word I’d use,” Millie says with a small sigh. “Anyway, enough about that! I need to take Isabella’s blood pressure and then we can take her temperature. Would you like me to do that or would you like to learn?”
“I would prefer to take her temperature myself. I have done it before, but I would appreciate any pointers you may have for me.”
“Excellent! Could you please have Isabella turn around for me?”
Gripping my waist, Daddy tries to lift me up but I cling to him even more tightly, refusing to budge.
