where i'm safe

finding nemo

i giggle and shake my. "i don't think so, sweets"

"ok!" she says before going to look at the next area "come on ari!"

she pulls my hand and i follow her around to look at everything before we go to look at the gift shop. there's plushies, keychains, shirts, blankets and plenty more and kai is just bursting with joy.

she looks at me shyly before calling my name.

"yes baby?" she looks around and fidgets with her hands.

"can i get something please?" she asks hesitantly. my heart is melting.

"of course you can, my love. such good manners you have! what would you like?"

"can i have a shark blanket?"

"yes love, let's go get it"

we walk to the stand and get her blanket and then continue to look around the aquarium.

we've been here for two hours and i can see kai is starting to get tired. she's walking slowly and she's not talking anymore. she turns around and looks up at me.

"i'm hungry aria" she says rubbing her belly. she is literally the cutest.

"i'm hungry too, we've been here for a while. let's head out and get something to eat. how about a pizza?" i ask.

"yes! can i have a pepperoni? please?" she asks.

"of course sweetheart, let's go."

we leave the aquarium and head to the nearest pizza place. it's about ten minutes away. i talk to kai on the drive there so she doesn't fall asleep. she's not gonna want to eat anymore.

"we're here bubba!"

we go inside and get in line. we won't be here for long. we're just getting a slice of pizza because we're pretty far from home.

i look at the menu before giving it to kai. "do you want a dessert kai?"

she thinks. "can i have ice cream?"

"of course baby" i smile as the cashier comes to take our order. kai stands behind me.

"what can i get for you?

"may i have a slice of pepperoni and then a slice of sausage and pepperoni?"

"sure. to-go or are you dining in?"

"to go. can i also have— i look behind me. "kai what flavor ice cream do you want?"

"strawberry." she whispers.

"can i also have a strawberry ice cream with sprinkles please?"

"of course. your total is $8.75." i swipe my card and we get our food before heading back to the car.

since the drive is thirty minutes, i let kai eat in the car while i drive. she looks exhausted. she's barely even chewing her food.

i finally make it to her house. i get out and help her get her blanket, the rest of her pizza, her key then help her get out the car.

"i'm tired ari" she whines.

"i know bubba. your home now"

she looks up. "no i don't want to go home yet i want to stay with you." she says about to cry.

it takes everything in me not to just buckle her back in and bring her home with me for a sleepover, but i have work tomorrow morning, and i know she's just sleepy.

"i know bubba, but you're tired. and you have to put your ice cream in the freezer. remember?" we start walking to her door.

she whines and nods her head. "can we play again tomorrow?"

"of course bubba. after i leave work we can do whatever you want" i help her unlock her door and she sleepily takes her shoes off when she gets inside.

"okay?" she nods her head again and reaches her arms out for a hug.

i just want to carry her to her bed and tuck her in. she's the sweetest little thing. i bend down and give her a hug.

"good night sweetheart" i whisper before kissing her forehead.

"night night ari" she yawns before closing the door.

i smile and head to my car and go home. she is so precious. i'm glad she's starting to feel more comfortable with me.

when i get home i shower, eat my food, and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth. when i go in the bathroom i notice that kai has forgotten skye on the counter. i smile and finish brushing my teeth before bringing her to my bed.