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It took longer than she’d estimated to gather herself, and Vada didn’t rush it. She had to be exactly who Allie needed at this moment. I need to be her mom. Vada grabbed the handle and softly knocked, waiting to hear Allie’s voice.
“Come in.”
Vada squeezed the knob and hesitated briefly before peeking her head inside.
“All ready for bed?”
Allie smiled, showing no signs of being upset. Kids were resilient, especially when they had strong parental figures reassuring them. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind Bailey had handled the situation with calm reassurance. She’d probably given her everything that Allie needed. But she shouldn’t have had to. Allie should’ve never heard that conversation.
Vada walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. Allie wiggled her way to a seated position and folded her hands.
“I brushed my teeth.”
“Good job.” Vada slid her hand across Allie’s cheek and looped a strand of hair behind her ear.
Vada wasn’t sure what approach to use with Allie. Direct seemed redundant and risked bringing it to the surface again after it had already been settled. The last thing she wanted was for Allie to dwell on anything she’d overheard from Vada’s mother.
“Can I tell you a secret?”
Allie shifted on the bed, turning toward Vada, and her face lit up. “Yes.”
“You have to promise not to tell anyone, even your dad, because I don’t want to hurt his feelings.”
“I promise.” Her hand shot out, and she wiggled her pinky finger.
There was no better kept secret than those made on a pinky promise. Vada hooked her finger with Allie’s and leaned close, lowering her voice. “I loved you first.”
Allie blinked and cocked her head. She didn’t understand. Not yet, so Vada would explain.
“I love your dad, and I love him more every day I get to be with him. It took time, though. But you? I fell in love with you instantly that first day we met on Main Street.”
“You said my dress was pretty and that pink is my color. And you said I was going to love kindergarten. Do you remember?”
How could she not? It had been just another day she’d been marked as Ghosttown’s enemy number one. No friends, no family, and very few pleasantries from the townspeople. Except Phoebe. Not many people ever took the time to get to know Vada, but Phoebe did that day. It was a highlight since she’d arrived in Ghosttown. And then they’d showed up.
How do I get myself into these predicaments? It’s beyond awkward, not to mention unsettling. The only person offering any friendliness was Phoebe, but that’s completely overshadowed by Kase and the others glaring at her. It was the worst habit, but she rocked back on her feet and smiled. It was forced and nervous, most likely making her appear deranged and weird. Oh dammit! Of all the members, none stood out more than Hades and his obvious contempt for me.
“Hi.”
I looked down at the little girl gripping Hades’ hand. It’s such a strange contrast. A big scary biker with a tiny girl wearing a frilly pink dress. She could be anyone, but I see the resemblance. It’s the eyes. I shouldn’t notice, not even give a second glance his way. His disdain for me should be a turnoff. Unfortunately, it’s not. Why do the best-looking men have to be the meanest? Nonetheless, there’s no second-guessing this little girl clinging tightly to Hades with the same purple eyes is his daughter.
Interacting with children has always been second nature to me. Kids are so much more accepting and kinder.
“Hi there. That is a very pretty dress.”
“It’s new. It used to be Cia’s, but she’s too big now, so it’s my brand new dress. I’m Allie.”
Oh, the perpetual hand-me-downs. Even in an affluent family like mine, I hadn’t escaped the previously worn. It didn’t faze me as a child. If anything, I was much like Allie, taking pride in a beautiful dress, even if it had been worn by someone else first. You and I are kindred spirits, Allie.
I’m not sure what came over me, but I bent down, setting myself at Allie’s eye level.
“It’s nice to meet you, Allie. I’m Vada.” I pointed at her. “That’s super exciting. Pink is definitely your color.”
Much like Vada at her age, Allie seemed to soak up the compliment. Vada was sure Allie had seen more positive affirmations in her life than Vada had, but she liked knowing she was contributing. It’s important to build children’s self-esteem. They are like sponges; they absorb everything. Their surroundings, other people’s words, and their life circling around them.
“That’s a weird name,” Allie said with a soft giggle.
I snickered with a small nod. Some people might be offended by the comment. I’m not. I agree with her. Vada wasn’t common, and to this day, I’ve never met another. When I was younger, I thought it made me special and unique. But once the teasing began, I would’ve given anything to be an Emma, a Hannah, or an Ashley. Those are the pretty girl names. I learned early on, unique is overrated.
