She shakes her head so her blond curls bounce around. “Usually that’s up to you. Papis don’t like their Little girls to feel pressured to get their nipples pierced. I bet he’s waiting for you to tell him you’re ready.”
“Oh. I hadn’t thought of that.” When I look around, I see I’m the only Little at the park without shiny stones hanging from my nipples. It’s oddly disconcerting. I think I want them soon. I’ll tell Papi when he gets back.
Sophie keeps talking about the facets of the purple stones and how pretty they are, but I’m struggling to focus on either woman. I’m looking for Papi. He said he would only be gone a few minutes. Why isn’t he back yet?
I glance at Chadka and Ekert, but all they do is wave our direction. Papi’s duocruiser isn’t back yet. I feel heavy and sad and lonely even though I’m with my best friend and a woman I’m sure will also become a good friend in time.
“Where did your Papi go?” Sophie asks.
“I don’t know. He said he would be right back.”
She reaches for my hand. “Let’s go play. That will make it easier to keep you from panicking. He’ll be back before you know it.”
Livy nods. “She’s right. We’ll distract you.”
Suddenly, I remember what Papi said about how I would feel if we were separated. He said it would be like a hole in my soul. He’s right. I’m on the verge of hyperventilating. Apparently, Sophie and Livy not only sense that but they understand.
They’re both very kind. They each take one of my hands and lead me toward the playground.
Livy gives my fingers a squeeze. “Let’s play in the sandbox.”
“We can build a sandcastle,” Sophie suggests.
I feel kind of dizzy by the time we arrive and sit in the sand. Livy hands me a shovel and bucket, but I can’t focus on anything except the spot where Papi had parked the duocruiser. It’s still not back yet.
I go through the motions of filling the bucket without really looking. I feel like I’m in slow motion. Like I’m underwater and I can’t quite breathe.
Finally, a duocruiser pulls into the spot, and I jump to my feet. It’s Papi. As he climbs down from the vehicle and starts walking our direction, I step out of the sandbox and run toward him.
I run so fast that my legs get tired and wobbly. I’m not really strong enough for this much exercise yet, but I’m determined.
“Slow down, Baby girl,” Papi calls out as I approach him.
I ignore him and close the distance, throwing myself at him when I finally get to him. I wrap my arms around his hips and hug him so tight he has to take a step back.
Papi bends down, lifts me into his arms, and brings me up to eye level.
I wrap my legs around his waist. I’m almost in tears.
“Take a breath, Little one,” he encourages, rubbing my back. “You’re okay.”
I try to breathe, but it’s hard. I was so close to hyperventilating. “Where did you go, Papi? You were gone so long, and I was scared and sad and freaking out.”
His hand comes to the back of my head. “Sweet girl, Papi’s here now. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t do that again.” I’m trembling and tears start to fall. “I missed you and I love you and I want to get my nipples pierced like all the other girls. Can I? Please, Papi?”
He smiles. “That’s a lot of information all in one sentence.”
“It’s all true.” I hug his neck.
He pulls me closer, rubbing up and down my back and patting my bottom. “I have a confession, Baby girl.”
I lean back to look at him, confused.
“I was just around the corner the entire time. I wanted you to understand how it would feel to be separated from me. I tried to tell you the other day, but you didn’t seem to understand. You reacted a lot more powerfully than I expected. I’m sorry.”
I want to be angry with him, but I’m just so glad he’s back and holding me that I can’t. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you, Papi. I love you so much.” I hug him again.