Page 28 of His Little Garnet

Kelkef steps forward, dragging his one leg along as if he can’t possibly move it or bend it with the impediment of his Little girl holding on to him. He’s exaggerating.

His gaze is on Olivia. “Hey there, Little one.” He stops shy of Olivia’s stroller and pulls Julia around to his front. “Julia, can you say hello? Maybe you could make a new friend.”

I hold my breath, hoping this goes well.

Olivia is staring at Julia skeptically, but her gaze trails down to Julia’s nipple rings and stops. She stiffens.

This is a hurdle I hadn’t thought of before making the decision to come to the clinic today. I haven’t mentioned nipple rings to Olivia yet. I have no idea how she’s going to react.

“Hi. I’m Julia,” the Little girl says in a weak voice. “What’s your name?”

Olivia glances at me. I can see defiance in her eyes, and she hesitates before luckily deciding not to be rude. “Livy.”

Julia releases Kelkef to step closer. “My Papi says you just got here ten days ago. Don’t worry. You’ll be able to walk around like me and play soon.”

“I don’t want to play,” Olivia declares.

I cringe. “Olivia…” I warn in a stern voice.

“What?” She looks at me. “I’m not a baby. I’m a grown adult with a degree in nursing. I’m supposed to be working right now. Helping patients.”

Julia smiles at her. “I have a degree too. It’s not as great as yours. It’s in art. Papi bought me all kinds of supplies so I can do art in his house. I’ve never seen so many colors in my life. It’s so beautiful here, and I have way more paints and pencils and colors than on Earth. Maybe someday, you could come over and see them.”

Olivia blinks at her. “Maybe.”

“What is your favorite color?” Julia asks, warming up quickly. She’s very kind.

“Red.”

I hadn’t known this. I should have asked.

Julia’s eyes widen. “Do you know how many shades of red there are?”

Olivia shakes her head.

“A million bazillion. So many more than on Earth. Has your Papi taken you for a walk yet? You have to go see the flowers at the park. They’re so vibrant. I could stay there and color all day.” She sighs. “If Papi let me.”

Kelkef sets a hand on the top of her head, tipping it back. “Do precocious Little girls get left alone at the park?”

She shakes her head under his hand. “No, Sir.”

“Why not?”

“It’s not safe.” She sighs.

Olivia gives a slight smug smile. At least they’re bonding over something even if it is something naughty.

“Can Livy come over to our house for a playdate, Papi?” Julia asks.

“Of course. If her Papi says so. I bet Olivia would like a few more days to get her feet under her so she can keep up with you though.”

Julia’s shoulders sag. “Yes, Sir.”

Kelkef looks at Olivia. “I need to speak to Chadka for a few minutes. Is it okay if Julia stays to talk to you?”

Olivia nods slowly.

I take a deep breath as I follow Kelkef to the check-in desk across the room where Jeikin is still getting ready to greet today’s patients.

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