Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Dani-

She came in holding a bottle of water, ten minutes early, as instructed.

‘Much better than those energy drinks.’

She grinned and sat a few things on her desk before joining me at mine.

‘Bacon, egg white, cheese, and spinach wraps.’

Brooke: ‘Sounds amazing.’

‘Did you sleep well last night?’

Brooke: ‘Yes Ma'am, thank you, I was asleep by eleven.’

‘Very good. Eat up, we have a meeting in half an hour upstairs. I want you to take notes, on everything discussed, then type them up and put them online for me.’

Brooke: ‘Yes Ma'am. I have an intern meeting at noon, should I eat lunch before or after?’

‘We'll eat before you go. I emailed your first evaluation in this morning.’

I laid my hand on her knee and whispered in her ear.

‘It says that you've been a very, very good girl.’

I squeeze her thigh and peck her cheek, causing her to nervously swallow.

‘I'll have dinner ready at six tonight, is there any issues with that?’

Brooke: ‘No Ma'am, can I bring anything for dinner?’

‘Just yourself. You're welcome to bring any, special items, like Robert. I want you to be comfortable.’

Brooke: ‘Thank you Ma'am.’

She smiled and we continued eating.

‘Ok, it's time to begin our workday.’

I pecked her lips and she sighed, knowing there round be no more kisses or silliness until we were done.

The day went along peacefully, and we said our goodbyes leaving the office, separately, so we didn't cause any suspicion.

I stopped at the grocery store on the way home and was pleased to find several packages waiting on the porch when I arrived home.

I went in and began preparing for our weekend together.

Even though I’d taken on the responsibility of taking care of her, and being the one in charge, she was teaching me so much.

I was learning that my particular way of doing things, my entire life, tapped into a need to control things, but not just for a power high, instead, I believed it was so I'd be able to take care of myself and others.

I found genuine satisfaction, and happiness, in knowing I was helping her.

When I thought about things like watching cartoons with her, I was actually excited, but a month ago, I would have rolled my eyes at the thought of wasting my time on such nonsense.

I continued getting things ready for her then went to the kitchen to start dinner when I saw a text saying she was on her way.

Just as I fixed our plates the doorbell rang.

When I opened the door, her demeanor was noticeably different.

‘Hello there little girl.’

She grinned shyly and giggled.

‘You are a very little girl already, aren't you?’

She nodded and I opened my arms, lifting her in a firm hug.

‘I've just finished fixing our plates, I guess it's good that I made broccoli and cheese. After dinner, I have a surprise for you.’

She lit up as I put her down.

‘You can put your book bag on the couch for now. I'd like to eat at the table so we can talk, but I have purchased some TV trays, so when you're good we can watch something while we eat.’

She grinned looking excited, following me inside.

Brooke: ‘Thank you Ma'am!’

She sat her bag down and continued behind me going the table where I had sat our plates.

Brooke: ‘I love chicken tenders!!’

‘I'm glad, I sliced these from fresh chicken breast and breaded them so they are healthier for you. What would you like to drink? I have strawberry kiwi Hawaiian Punch, lemonade, and soda, but only caffeine free this late.’

Brooke: ‘Punch please Ma'am.’

She requested adorably as she sat.

I got our drinks and joined her at the table, then we began eating.

‘So, I'm very happy to meet you when you aren't upset. Is there something you would like to be called when you're little? To acknowledge the difference?’

Brooke: ‘I was never asked if I wanted a special name, but I think I would. What should it be?’

I thought a moment.

‘What about Brookey? It's basically the same, but cuter, Brookey Baby.’

She grinned and spoke with joy.

Brooke: ‘I am Brookey Baby!!’