Hoping that Miss Evelyn will be able to put my Little one at ease, I hang back a few steps as I follow them into the schoolhouse. It looks exactly like I imagine a preschool would, with tables set up for activities and I assume lunch, a reading nook complete with cozy-looking beanbag chairs, and a changing table at the far end of the room. Everything Miss Evelyn could possibly need to care for our precious Little ones.
So why does the thought of leaving Camilla here fill me with dread?
Doing my best to shake off the feeling, I stash Camilla’s diaper bag in her designated cubby at Miss Evelyn’s instructionand force myself to put on a cheerful face as I turn to my Little girl. “Well? What do you think?”
Instead of answering me, Camilla looks up at Miss Evelyn. “May I go play, Miss Evelyn?”
“Of course, little one. There’s plenty of time before our day officially begins.”
My heart constricts in my chest when Camilla turns away and heads toward a corner full of toys. But she only makes it a few steps before Miss Evelyn calls her back in a firm, clear voice.
“Camilla. Aren’t you forgetting something?”
Turning back to face us, Camilla frowns. “What did I forget?”
One brow raised, Miss Evelyn gestures to me. “Give your Daddy a hug goodbye. You won’t be seeing him again for a few hours.”
Camilla stiffens, her face going carefully blank at the suggestion. “No, thank you.”
But Miss Evelyn is not deterred. “Young lady. It’s very rude not to give your Daddy a proper goodbye.”
Eyes narrowing dangerously, Camilla crosses her arms, huffing out an annoyed breath as she stomps one foot against the carpet. “He’snotmy Daddy!”
Her denial, stated so clearly and loudly, cuts right to my core. But I don’t want to make any more of a scene than she already has, so I offer Miss Evelyn an apologetic smile. “She’s having some difficulty adjusting. We don’t need to push the issue right now.”
Frowning rather fiercely, Miss Evelyn shifts her gaze between me and my stubborn Little girl before nodding slowly. “All right. If you’re sure.”
“I am. It’s more important to me that she has a good day with her friends. I’ll see you again this afternoon.”
Miss Evelyn smiles again, though now it’s full of sympathy as she lays her hand on my arm and gives it a gentle squeeze.“You’re a good Daddy, Doctor D. Your Little one is lucky to have you.”
“No.” I look over at where Camilla is still glowering at us and I can’t help but chuckle. “I’m the lucky one. She’s everything I ever wanted in a Little girl, stubborn streak and all.” I pitch my voice up so Camilla can hear me more clearly. “I’ll be back for you this afternoon, little one. Enjoy your day with your friends.”
And even though it feels a bit like leaving my own heart behind, I force myself to turn away from her and walk out the door.
She’ll be fine. She has the other Littles and Miss Evelyn. Maybe it will even help to remind her why she chose this lifestyle. Because while she may not have chosen me for her Daddy, she wants this. Craves it as much as any of us. I just need to give her time to remember that, and maybe then she’ll realize having me for a Daddy isn’t so dreadful after all.
Maybe.
Millie
My entire body flushes with heat and a heaviness settles in my chest as I watch Donovan walk out the door. It takes me a long moment to recognize what I’m feeling.
Guilt.
But that’s ridiculous. I have no reason to feel guilty. If his feelings are that fragile, maybe he should try not kidnapping people and forcing them to be his Little girl.
Clutching that righteous indignation close, I turn on my heel and stomp over to the play area, dropping onto my knees andreaching for a large truck capable of hauling the alphabet blocks stacked neatly in the corner.
“Are you building something, little one?”
Without bothering to look up at Miss Evelyn, I jerk one shoulder in a shrug. “I dunno.”
“I see.” Settling on the floor across from me, Miss Evelyn picks up a block and places it in the back of the truck. For several long minutes, we play side by side in peaceful quiet, and the weight on my chest slowly dissipates.
“You know, sometimes when I’m upset about things, it helps to talk to someone. Is there anything you want to talk about, Camilla?”
Doctor D isn’t my Daddy. I’m being held here against my will. I hate him and I hate this island but most of all, I hate how much Idon’thate him.
