Page 41 of Axton
“Please don’t leave me tonight.” I could hear the fear in her whisper.
I shut my eyes and cursed, because I didn’t want to leave her either.
“All is clear in here. I'll go get those badges.” The guard said then opened the door and it was freezing.
“Hang on a second.” I walked over to the bedroom and reached into a cabinet where my coat and Bolton’s hung. I grabbed mine then walked to Belle and put it on her. Although she was tall, and beautifully curvy, it was big on her and her arms weren’t long enough.
I ran my hands down the arms of my coat. “The worst part is over. From here we will go see Creed’s wife, Morgan. She will take you upstairs and get you some clothes. After that, we will go to the community center where you will sign some paperwork and our intake counselor will give you a packet that explains everything, and she will start working on ordering things likeyour birth certificate, social security card, and a copy of your driver’s license.”
She blinked. “I don’t have one and I’ve never driven a car. It’s not appropriate for women in our community to drive.”
I smiled. “Well, you learn here. We do everything we can to help people become independent and prepare for the outside world.”
I saw a little glimmer in her eyes as she gave me a slight smile. “That’s wonderful.”
I studied her eyes, and dammit I wasn’t ready to be done with her. Then I felt eyes on me and turned to see Koty glaring at me. I understood, since I was born with the burden of protectiveness because of a sister.
“We’re all set.” Bolton stepped inside. “These are your resident badges. You have to wear them at all times, unless you are at home. Do not step out of your apartment without them. They are your apartment keys, your money, and your Identification. Our intake case manager will explain your security access and where you can and cannot enter. You can, but are not expected to socialize for the first few days. We understand if you want to adjust to your new home before venturing out and having dinner at the community center.” She put the lanyards around their necks. “Well, let’s go see our niece, it’s been days now.” Bolton sat in the driver’s seat and started the motorhome.
Belle was amazed as we pulled up to Creed’s place and I made it clear that my house was a lot different. When we walked up to the house, the door flew open.
“Uncle Mike!” Addie squealed then jumped into my arms as soon as I walked over the threshold.
“What did you bring me?” She gave me big puppy eyes.
“Sorry, we were on a very important mission to bring some special people home with us.”
Her eyebrows drew together. “You on my list now.”
Oh right, her shit list.
“That’s not nice, Addie, but I heard someone got five stars this week.” I said as I held her.
“Don’t tell daddy, but Gwiffin didn’t tattle. It’s a secret.”
“Addie, will you ever stop punishing boys?” I asked.
“When day stwop being dickheads.”
I gasped. “Adeline! Where did you learn that word?”
“Mewissa day Uncle Scott is a dickhead because he won’t gwow up like you and uncle Twabis or daddy.”
“Addie, we’ve been through the bad word alphabet, and you know that’s a bad word.” I scolded her.
I glanced at Belle and her jaw was dropped.
“But it fun when I see you face look dat way.” Addie giggled then looked down at Koty and made a little growl noise.
“Addie, this is my friend Koty, and he’s a grown up.”
She giggled. “He widdle, not like mewissa, but still widdle. Like a widdle man.”
“That’s not nice, Addie. This here is my friend Belle.”
Addie turned and looked at her and her eyebrows drew together. “We don’t want no more pwincesses, mommy’s going to be mad.” She looked Belle up and down then looked at me. “Not you too.” She pouted and I chuckled.
She looked at Bolton then squealed as she squirmed out of my arms, so I put her down. “Aunt Vow!” She ran for Bolton.
