“I bet Livy had a fit.”
Papi laughs. “You have no idea. I wasn’t sure she was ever going to relax and submit to Chadka. She was stubborn.”
I reach out and slide my palms up Papi’s amazing, solid chest. “I can’t wait to see her. I’m so glad you found me, and I’m so glad you’ve claimed me.”
“You don’t know how relieved that makes me. It will make your adjustment so much easier if you’re not fighting against the inevitable every step of the way.”
“I can’t believe it takes six months to arrive. I wish we were already there.” I’m excited and anxious. Nervous, yes, but I know Papi cares about me and will help me every step of the way. Maybe it’s an easier transition for me since my closest friend in the world is already on Eleadia. I’ll be reunited with her.
“To you, it will seem like you went to sleep and woke up. I’ll be pacing, anxiously waiting for you to come back to me.” He kisses me gently on the lips. “There are a few things I need to warn you about.”
“Like what?”
“Your body will be very weak when we arrive. It takes humans a few weeks to regain muscle control. I don’t want you to wake up scared. I won’t let anything happen to you. At first you won’t be able to speak. Gradually, you’ll find your voice and then slowly your energy and strength.”
I shiver. “That sounds scary.”
He nods. “I know, but remember, I will not let anything happen to you. I won’t leave you unattended except to sleep, and even then, you’ll be safe in your crib with a monitor so I can see you at all times.”
“Crib?” I squirm at the idea. I shouldn’t be shocked. After all, I’m being bottle fed, and I’m diapered. What did I expect?
“Yep. Your crib will keep you safe and make you feel secure. Little girls need a quiet space to be alone for naps and at night. Most of the rest of the time, you’ll always be with me. Even when I’m working, you’ll be close by.”
“Oh. You said you work with Chadka, Livy’s Papi. Does that mean I’ll get to see her often? What does she do?” I’m excited all over again.
He smiles. “You will get to see Olivia every day.”
I clap my hands together between us.
He chuckles. “She’s far more intense than you. I’m surprised you two are such close friends. She was very stubborn about moving to Eleadia. Dug her heels in for a long time. She didn’t put any effort into regaining her motor skills and wasn’t walking on par with other females.” He taps my nose again. “You aren’t going to turn into a stubborn Little girl when we arrive are you?”
I giggle and shake my head. “I’m going to walk in one week instead of two.”
He snuggles down closer to me and kisses me again. “Looking forward to it.” After nuzzling my nose with his, he continues, “Olivia wanted to work, so she helps out some around the clinic. It’s not customary for our females to work. It’s very rare. Most Papis prefer their mates have no responsibilities. But, again, Olivia was stubborn on that issue.”
I grin. “Probably because we just finished our nursing degrees that very day. She never had a chance to use hers here on Earth. I bet she was disgruntled by that. Unlike me. I’ve been working for a year. It’s hard work. Harder than I ever imagined. I’m already exhausted.”
“Well, you won’t have to work another day as long as you live.” He seems quite pleased by this idea.
I scrunch up my nose. “I might get bored. Maybe I can help in your clinic with Livy.”
“We’ll see. In any case, Chadka and I live next door to each other. The clinic is between our homes, linking them. We each have an entrance to the clinic.”
“How fun!” I nearly squeal at the idea. “But if you work all day, how do you also keep an eye on me?”
“We have a receptionist. I mentioned him before. Jeikin. He will help keep you two from getting into trouble. I predict there will be shenanigans.” His eyes are dancing with mirth.
I giggle again. “Definitely.”
“I also predict there will be some sore bottoms and noses in corners.” He lifts one brow, trying to look serious.
I shake my head, still giggling. “I’ll be good.”
“Uh huh. We’ll see. In any case, we have playpens to corral Little girls so they can’t get into trouble or injured.”
I scrunch up my face. “I’m not nearly as accident prone as you seem to predict.”
“Doesn’t matter. My heart races every time you walk through a room, Little one. It’s in my nature. Because of that, you will follow Papi’s strict rules at all times. Rules are meant to keep you safe.”