Josh's POV
I hate leaving the kids, but especially Bella just because she hates it so much. Sam and Paul have only gotten closer so they barely even notice when I'm gone, and I know when they are home Bella is fine. She follows them around and demands they play with her, but she doesn't bother them at all.
They have always been very protective of her. They often get into arguments with Tina over her, when they think Tina is being unfair to her which is basically always. Sometimes Tina is being unfair, but sometimes the boys just think Bella can do no wrong.
Bella can definitely do her share of wrong when she wants to. That's usually when it's just her and Tina.
I'm almost done here and then I'm heading back home just like I told Bella. It's late and I'm trying to sleep, but I don't sleep well when I'm not home.
My life has changed so much in the last few years. When I left Alison I threw myself into work to not think about her and Sam. When Tina called I left everything I had in hopes that Alison would let me back into her and Sam's life.
I had no idea I would become so attached to Bella, but from the first time she demanded I pick her up I wanted to protect her and love her and she took to me so quickly. I know part of it was because she was so young, but I think part of it is because she was meant to be my daughter.
She's already lost so much in her short life.
My phone rings and I answer it to Paul.
"Paul, what are you doing awake so late?"
"It's Bella, she had a nightmare and she won't settle down. Mom wants to give her Benadryl and I told her I wasn't going to let her drug her, and she can sleep in my room with me; she said fine, but if she can still hear her she's giving her the medicine. Now she's just lying on my floor with Sam crying, and I was just hoping you could settle her down." I hear him tell her it's me on the phone, and he says OK talk to her now.
"Sweetheart? Can you hear me?"
"I need you to come home daddy." She cries into the phone.
"I can't leave until tomorrow afternoon. Baby what's wrong?"
"You all died. Just like my mommy and daddy and Alison. You, Paul and Sam. It was just me and Tina. I don't want to live alone with Tina. Please come home daddy."
"Baby it was just a dream. No one is going to die. I can't come home yet, the boys will take care of you." I feel terrible, but I cannot leave until this job is done.
"There was a bad man and he killed everyone, just like in the movie."
I think I might kill Tina when I get back.
"It was just a movie sweetheart, you're safe. Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"
"Sing me Shooting Stars." After I sing her the song I tell her I love her, and I will see her tomorrow night.
"Will you wake me if I'm asleep?"
"I always do sweetheart. Let me to talk to Paul."
"I'm here Josh."
"Thank you for calling me. I need to talk to Tina."
"OK I will go get her, and don't worry about Bella. I only called you so you could calm her down, Sam and I will take care of her tonight. Sam is walking around with her right now showing her all the doors are locked, and he's going to get her a drink and her shark. Then put her in my bed. I won't let my mom give her the medicine Josh."
"Thanks Paul." I tell him and he hands the phone to Tina.
"Hey, I am so sorry he bothered you."
"Paul is not the problem here Tina. Were you really going to give her Benadryl to make her sleep when all she needed was you to hug her, and listen to her for a few minutes?" I ask her.
"Oh come on, she's overreacting. I doubt she even had a nightmare, she just likes attention. You act like you don't know her at all."
"She's 5 years old! Of course she likes attention Tina. Just leave her alone and let the boys handle it OK?"
"That was the plan. I'm sorry Josh… she's just difficult and I don't know what to do with her." She sounds like she really feels bad about it.
"I know, but you need to try a little harder OK? I love you Tina and I will see you tomorrow."
"I love you too Josh."
Once I get off the phone with her I know I'm not going to sleep for a while.
I lay awake and worry about Bella. I wonder if Tina is ever going to be better with her. She does fine with the boys, but of course they don't need nearly as much as Bella does. Even at 8 Sam can take care of himself and Bella if he needs to, and Paul grew up taking care of himself when he wasn't with Alison.
I love her, but she's so selfish.
