Axel smiled at the beautiful seven year old girl with the auburn hair. It was one of the most sincere, loving smiles that had ever crossed his lips. This was because that girl was his daughter. His daughter that he had met only yesterday.
But, this blue-eyed girl didn't know that he was her father. Axel had never liked kids, but there was a connection here stronger than he had ever experienced. He hardly knew this girl, but he loved her like nothing else.
"Go play, Aqua. I need to talk to Axel." Amanda, the girl's mother said kindly, smiling at her daughter, gently ruffling her long, well-groomed hair. The girl smiled, revealing her pearly whites, and ran off.
Amanda then turned to Axel. "Axel, I'm really sorry, but I don't want Aqua to know that you are her father. Not just yet, anyway."
Axel closed his emerald green eyes and nodded his head. He had seen it coming. "Alright, I understand." It broke his heart, but he knew it was for the better. She didn't deserve to know what a horrible person her father was. "And I agree." But he really did want her to know…
"Thank you for understanding."
"I suppose I'll have to pay child support now…" Axel didn't want to sound so unenthusiastic, like he didn't want to have to sacrifice for his daughter. He just had hardly enough money to provide for himself.
"No." Amanda said. "I'm making enough money… but it's hard, with having to pay for her babysitter." she paused. "I guess what I'm getting at is that I would appreciate it if you just watched after Aqua while I worked. I know its sudden… but it's either that or child support."
Axel was overjoyed. A smiled spread across his soft lips. "I would love that."
Amanda smiled. "Remember what I said. You're an old friend of mine who will be babysitting her. To her, you are not her father."
Axel nodded. "I know."