Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Dani -

I poured soapy water over her back.

‘These are looking much better baby girl. How are they feeling?’

Cameran: ‘Itchy.’

‘That's good, it means they're healing.’

She sighed.

‘I go back to work soon, we're going to have to address you being here alone.’

She groaned, unhappy with what I said.

Cameran: ‘I don't like it.’

‘I know, baby, but it's not a choice. We still have the weekend, but I'll be expected to be there for coffee Monday morning. I need to know that if Mimi makes an appearance while I'm away that you'll be safe.’

She nodded.

‘I need to know if I need to make your food, or if you can use a microwave.’

Cameran: ‘I do good with a post-it system.’

‘How does that work?’

Cameran: ‘If it has a post-it, I can do it by myself. Like, I don't need to see a post-it to know I can handle eating fruit, but if it goes in the microwave, you can write the number of seconds on the post-it, and I do good. I'm not good with instructions, though. Like the meals that you cook, then stir, then cook again, Mimi doesn't keep up with that well.’

‘So chicken nuggets are ok? Steamed vegetables?’

Cameran: ‘Yep. It's best if you say no sweets while you're away, or a very specific limit, otherwise, I'll likely overdo it.’

'Ok, I can handle that. Do you want me to keep stuff like nuggets around, or would you like me to make you meals and snacks when I'm away?’

Cameran: ‘You don't have to do that...’

She hung her head, but I quickly guided her to face me for a small kiss.

‘I know, baby girl, I don't have to do a lot of things, but I'm not offering to do anything I'm not more than happy to do.’

She gave me a cute smile.

Cameran: ‘I really love peanut butter and banana sandwiches.’

‘I imagine I can make an ok peanut butter and banana sandwich. Maybe we can make some cookies together, so you could have one after your real food.’

Cameran: ‘I would really like that. Could we watch Tangled tonight?’

‘Yes we can. Are you ready to get out?’

Cameran: ‘Yes Ma'am.’

She let the water out and stood up.

I got a big towel and she held her arms out so I could wrap it around her.

She carefully stepped out and let me dry her, gently patting her back dry before spraying it.

‘Do you want panties?’

I asked guiding her to the dresser.

Cameran: ‘Only if you want them on me.’

I giggled.

‘Shorts or pants?’

Cameran: ‘Your choice.’

I got a pair and she stepped in.

‘Shorts it is, I like us keeping each other warm.’

Cameran: ‘Me too.’

I got a little tank top and carefully helped get it on, making sure the fabric didn't drag over her back.

‘How about some coco with our movie?’

Cameran: ‘With marshmallows?’

‘Perfect. You get the movie pulled up and I'll go make coco.’

She nodded and puckered her lips for me to kiss.

I went to the kitchen and prepared our coco, stacking the whipped cream tall.

She was already snuggled up in bed with her hippo, the movie on the TV.

‘Here baby, take your coco for me.’

She sat up and did as I said.

I got into bed and she cuddled up to my side so I could wrap my arm around her.

‘Are we ready to start the movie?’

Cameran: ‘Not yet, I want to ask about rules.’

‘Rules?’

Cameran: ‘Well if you'll be gone, and I'm here alone. I've tried to be a good girl, but I've always had you to ask.’

‘Well, you're welcome to watch movies in the living room, you can play, have snacks I put together, or even play my old Xbox if you'd like. You're not to open the door or leave the house, no using the stove or oven, no sharp knives, or anything I would say is dangerous.’

Cameran: ‘I can handle that.’

‘I think we're ready to talk about punishments as well. I'll never use a switch on you, or a belt, like your daddy did, but I will absolutely spank you with my hand or hairbrush if you misbehave.’

Cameran: ‘Yes Ma'am, that's fine.’

‘Anything else we need to address?’

She nodded and took my mug, sitting both of them on the bedside table.

She seemed nervous as she moved to straddle me.

Cameran: ‘Dani, I'm not trying to rush, but I've realized something these past couple of weeks. You don't have to say it back or anything, but Dani, I really love you. I hope that's ok.’