Chapter 8
I woke up with a jump and fell off the couch, Lok's cries were from a desperate baby, scared and completely heartbroken. I got up off the ground quickly, although it was a more complicated task than I thought, I felt my neck and my back protest from the sudden movement, falling asleep on the sofa again was not a good thing for me, I felt like a gentleman of 80 years, and that was not good for my self-esteem. Lok's cries did not stop ringing and he sounded more and more desperate. I took the stairs two at a time or three at a time, and ran down the hall, I could only think of getting to Lok. He couldn't stop thinking that something bad was happening, that something was wrong with Lok, had someone come into the house? Had they tried to take him away? The Organization? The sect? Zhalia? It was unlikely, but not impossible. I yanked the door open and almost fell over, Lok was standing on the crib, clutching the wooden edge as he shook him hysterically.
I approached the crib and took him in my arms, I began to rock him to try to calm him while he examined him for any injury or damage that this desperate cry might have caused him. Finding no cause, I searched the room for an intruder who might have scared him. I was relieved to find nothing, but I still didn't understand that I had Lok crying so hard.
There was no way to calm Lok down, it took five minutes, and he couldn't get him to calm down, he didn't want the pacifier, he checked his diaper, but it was clean, and he kept walking around the room trying to make him stop crying, but the desperate crying didn't stop. I realized that his stuffed animal was not there, the damn dragon was not there. I looked for it in the crib, got up and shook all the blankets, he was not there, I looked on the floor in case it had fallen from the crib, but it was not, I went crazy looking for it around the room, but I could not find it. The dragon had to be somewhere, I kept thinking about everything, what had I done with the dragon ...? I washed it, put it in the washing machine and then…! In the dryer! I ran out with Lok in my arms to go find the dragon and end this nightmare.
-HAS HE BE QUIET OR I WILL SHUT HIM UP!
I was lost in the door of the room before Zhalia's scream, a chill ran down my spine and for a few moments the thought of having to flee back to Germany just to get Lok away from Zhalia ran through my mind. Although I was not the only one surprised, since Zhalia's scream made Lok stop crying, it was still a disaster, his eyes were wide and his mouth was slightly open, he had red cheeks and many traces of tears. I took a tentative step down the hall, and it was like flipping a switch, Lok cried again, only louder. I flinched at his yell because he had the detail to show his irritation and his displeasure with the whole situation in my ear. I hurried again to retrieve the stuffed animal from him. Indeed, the stuffed animal was inside the dryer, clean and dry and finally in the arms of its owner.
As soon as he had his stuffed animal, Lok stopped crying, hugged him tight against his chest or rather, his body and snuggled into my arms ready to receive pampering, as if nothing had happened.
-Don't you think you've exaggerated a bit?-Lok looked at me innocently from my shoulder as he sucked his thumb.- Someday you will have to tell me what is special about that dragon, because I can't understand it.
Seeing that it was already eight o'clock in the morning and that after all the fuss and running around my house I wasn't going to be able to sleep again, I started making coffee and Lok's bottle. I sat Lok in his highchair so I could use both hands, (it had nothing to do with my back pain). Lok did not protest at any time, he was dedicated to watching me move around the kitchen while he clung to his stuffed animal and sucked his thumb. Today had not started well, I could only hope that everything would be better.
Obviously, in this life I have no luck, as expected Zhalia fell into a bad mood, although I could not blame her, being awakened by Lok's hysterical cries was not something pleasant, so I understood her anger. She sat on the table without speaking and trying to destroy Lok with her eyes, while he did not know it and looked at us in an adorable and innocent way. I'd be angry too, but I don't have time. I put on the tray a plate from his set with pieces of various fruits and a bottle with a little milk. I gave Zhalia her toast and served coffee for both of us. I sat down for breakfast in silence, I didn't want to anger Zhalia even more, besides, today I had to go to work, and I had to ask Sophie to come take care of Lok, because I would only leave Lok with Zhalia if the world was ending.
Lok happily ate his fruit, this time with his fork, I had proposed to get Lok to eat with the cutlery and not with his hands, I did not want to go cleaning food from the floor, neither from Lok, nor from myself. I had to correct Lok a couple of times for eating with his hands, the first times he doesn't protest, but then he started to get angry and complain, he frowned and his lips, I think his intention was to intimidate me into letting him do whatever he wanted , but he only managed to be adorable, he even made Zhalia laugh with his rebellious attempt.
After the fruit from him, Lok was very happy to go for his bottle full of milk. Zhalia and I finished breakfast and started picking up and washing breakfast, all silence. On one of my trips, Lok grabbed the sleeve of my sweater, gave me the empty bottle and raised his arms so that I took it out of the bottle, put it on the ground to continue collecting, it had nothing to do with my inability to maintain weight due to my back pain.
- Isn't that the clothes you were wearing yesterday?
I looked at all my clothes, they were all wrinkled. Zhalia was right, it was the clothes I was wearing yesterday, as I had fallen asleep on the sofa, and I woke up unexpectedly I had not been able to change.
-Why did you let me sleep on the sofa? My whole body hurts.
-After the movie you stayed up so you could put your baby's stuffed animal in the dryer and give it to him before he woke up. But, because of what happened this morning, I think you failed in your mission.
-Yes, my back pain confirms it. I think I'll go change and dress Lok.
I walked away from the counter with a sigh, I had to carry Lok upstairs and the idea of having to bend down and lift Lok didn't enter my head, I don't think my sword and neck could take it.
-You should also take a shower- I looked at Zhalia very seriously, she didn't bother to look up from the cups she was washing- It's just advice.
-I think you're right, you can take Lok upstairs and change him into what I take a shower and wear something that hasn't taken 24 hours.
-I don't change diapers, but I feel sorry for you, so I'll take pity on you and give you fifteen minutes, I'll take Lok upstairs and leave him on his changing table
-I appreciate you taking pity on me.
I rolled my eyes at Zhalia's offer, but I wasn't going to waste her offer, so I decided to go upstairs and take a quick shower, I took one last look at Lok before I left, I was walking around the kitchen and opening all the cabinets and drawers that they were within reach, it was funny, he left everything open as he went by.
The shower did me good, the hot water relieved my back and neck pain a bit, I wished I could stay a while longer under the jets, but I had already used ten of the fifteen minutes and I was afraid that I had left Lok with Zhalia so long, the two together were an explosive combination, for me, for my home and my sanity. I quickly dressed in my usual outfit and went straight to Lok's room, Zhalia was standing with Lok in her arms, and she was talking sweetly to him.
-And now we have to wait for Dante, because he is completely unable to calculate what 15 minutes are.
- And I thought you hated Lok.
Zhalia turned to look at me, she seemed embarrassed that he had caught her coddling Lok.
-I don't hate him, but I don't like this drooling version and he's capable of waking up a whole street because he doesn't have his stuffed animal with him.- Zhalia knocked Lok down on the changing table- And now that you're here, you take care of yourself.
Zhalia, although I knock Lok down, did not part from him until I approached, then she walked away and prepared to leave.
-Do you want to learn how to change a diaper and dress a baby?
-No thanks, it sounds tremendously unpleasant and like something I don't want to learn, besides, I am not interested in knowing what is in that diaper that is capable of generating that vomiting smell.
Zhalia left and I took care of Lok, they changed his diaper and got him dressed. I put him some pastel green pants and a navy-blue long-sleeved shirt with a white and red rocket, I had bought it to match the pacifier that Mezt lost, and now I didn't have the opportunity to see it on, this was something that was not going to forgive Mezt. When Lok was ready, I spread a little of the cologne that I liked so much with my hands and left him on a soft and fluffy carpet on the floor so that he could explore a little. I had to admit that whenever I could I had him in my arms, that I used to be at all hours, and according to the book, it should let him explore and develop his independence for his proper development. Releasing him was something that was hard for me, I still hadn't lost the fear that he would disappear again, but I had to.
I sat in the rocking chair that Mezt had placed next to the crib, I had not used it yet, I had not even taken off the stupid red ribbon of the many that were still found throughout my house, and that I detested with all my soul. Lok was engaged in grasping the threads of the carpet at his cuffs and loosening them to grab another area. Although Lok was hypnotized by the carpet, he did not take his eye off him while he took out his mobile, Lok had a bad habit of putting everything in his mouth, or rather, everything that should not be put in his mouth, it was something else we had to work. I called Sophie in the hope that I would take it and that I could come, with the lunch disaster we had yesterday and her rush to leave I had not had time to ask her if I could take care of Lok today, although I would not be surprised if she refused. After yesterday, and unfortunately, I did not want to call Mezt, Den and Zhalia were not options and it did not seem right to ask LeBlanche or Lucas, since I did not want to burden LeBlanche with more work and did not know Lucas well enough to ask him.
Luckily Sophie picked up the phone on the third ring.
-Dante, is everything okay?
-Yeah, just ... I need a favour.
-Of course, you ask.
-This ... you know you can refuse.
-Wow, I don't like that.- Sophie giggled. -Now I'm scared to ask.
-I must go to work and I need you to take care of Lok.
-Okay, but isn't Zhalia living with you?
-Yes, but ...
-I understands.
-I will be away for several hours and I will not eat at home ... I don't know if that is a problem for you.
-Actually, I was going to tell you that Den and Cherit would come with me ...
-Okay, I have a job for them. But I warn you that will be more work for you, you will have to protect Lok from them.
-I think I can handle it.
-It's okay. I'll leave Lok's food ready for you and I'll give you the rest of the instructions when you come.
-It's okay. When do you want me to go?
-Before 11- I looked at the clock, 9:30 -Wow, I hadn't realized that it caught you so off guard
-Do not worry. Ah, good morning, Den. You're lucky, Den just got up, we had breakfast, and we're going there.
-That seems perfect to me. Thank you very much, Sophie.
For once life was smiling at me and I had gotten a free babysitter, for the moment, now I had to worry about Lok and Zhalia. I had the option of telling Zhalia or not, I watched Lok keep looking at the carpet while he spoke to his stuffed animal, I sensed that on the carpet. After thinking about it, I decided that it would be best not to say anything to him, and after explaining to Sophie what was necessary and assigning a very important task to Den, I would leave without explanation and not take calls. And as for Lok, well, he wasn't a big fan of her leaving him with other people, but with Sophie there had been no problem yesterday, but, he hadn't had to leave the house, although, I decided, whatever happened, for once I would not be the one who had to endure Lok's cries.
Lok got tired of me ignoring him, he got to his feet awkwardly and walked up to me, I raised my arms, I lifted him with a groan of pain down my back and sat him on my lap, I instantly started to bounce him. Lok looked at me, I couldn't look away from those huge blue eyes that looked at me with such innocence, and even, I daresay, admiration, although it may be my lack of sleep that clouded my vision. After looking at each other for a few more seconds, Lok hugged me, I felt my heart melt.
-How can you be so cute?- I hugged Lok tightly, while he hugged him I stood up.-Let's prepare the things I need for this afternoon, and your food. -I was about to leave the room- Is that okay?
-No!-Lok started pouting as he turned to look over my shoulder.-Mine!
I turned around to see what was happening, on the floor of the room, on the carpet where he had left it, he had kept his stuffed animal. I went back to pick it up but bending over with a baby in my arms and back pain is not something that goes hand in hand. Reaching for the stuffed animal and getting back up was a very hard task, but I managed it. Now that I had everything, I was able to go out and go to my office, I needed to know what time I was going to do today, take my calendar, my camera, and my laptop to work, and I needed to leave things ready to make it easier for Sophie to find things. I put all my things in my work bag and went down to the living room to leave the briefcase at the door so as not to forget it and went to the kitchen.
Look in the cupboards for Lok's food, I thought it was a good idea that today he had a zucchini puree first, meatballs with tomato second and strawberry yogurt for dessert, all child size, of course. I sat Lok on the highchair to start cooking. Take the ingredients out of the fridge to make the meatballs and tomato sauce. Lok intended to protest until I gave him the wooden spoon and an empty bowl to "help me cook."
When everything was ready, I put it on a covered plate and put it in the fridge, the zucchini puree was from a can, even so, I left it on the counter. I went up to Lok's room quickly to find one of the pacifier and a hitch, and went back downstairs, before Lok realized that he had left him alone. The doorbell rang at just eleven o'clock, Sophie's punctuality was impressive, and even more so considering that he had had to drag Den with her.
Although in Den's defence, it was not Lok, one of his main qualities was to always be late, although once you get the point, the trick is to tell him to stay an hour before the real time, that way he would arrive on time or before. Sophie always said she didn't care, as Lok's delay gave her more time to prepare.
I put the duckling coat on Lok and clipped it to his shirt to keep him from losing it while he was in Sophie's care. I opened the door with a smile and a baby in my arms with a stuffed animal. I was surprised to see Den with Cherit on her shoulder first, and Sophie behind her with an apologetic smile. I step aside and let them pass.
-Thanks for coming.
-Quiet, we are delighted.
-I was telling Sophie, Den. But also, good to see you, and you too Cherit.
-I say the same Dante. Sophie told us that you have a mission for the two of us.
-That's right- I led them into the kitchen with Sophie following us amused. I opened one of the cabinets and showed their all the things with red ribbons- You have to remove and remove all the red ribbons around my house, there are more in the cabinets, the fridge, Lok's room and the living room, initially.
-Why is there so much bond?- Den asked with a terrified expression.
-Because Mezt decided it would be fun to torture me. And if you can take the bags that you fill with them to the trash, I would appreciate it very much.
-That's done, Dante. When we finish, we can play with Lok-Den and Cherit started with their homework.
-That's not a joke- I turned to Sophie- Do you remember the two rules?
-Rule number 1 of mini-Lok: Never separate him from his stuffed animal. And mini-Lok rule number 2: don't yell in his presence.
-Brilliant. You have your food ready; I leave the zucchini puree on the counter and the meatballs and yogurt in the fridge, eat around one-thirty. There are diapers in Lok's room next to the changing table, you know where the toys are. He has a pacifier on, I don't think he will lose it if he has it hooked, so if for any reason you are forced to change his clothes make sure you put the hook on him. Today it will be a little cold, so do not take it anywhere, but you can go to the backyard if you put a jacket on it. And finally, after eating he will want to take a nap, do not put him in the crib, he likes to sleep on a person.
-Please tell me that's all, because this is starting to be scary.- Sophie had a surprised expression that she did not understand, what was she afraid of? -If there is nothing else, give it to me and you can go.
Sophie held out her arms ready to take it, but there was a little problem I hadn't counted on, she didn't want to give it to her. I did not mind leaving it to him while I was home, because if something happened, I could take care of and protect Lok, but this time, I would be away from home, away from Lok, if something happened, I could not help, I could not protect him, I couldn't pick him up and keep him calm, let him know he was safe.
-Dante, don't you have to go?
Sophie was right, she couldn't keep my client waiting, that marriage had waited a long time for me to help them, now she couldn't stand up to them because I was unable to detach myself from Lok. With much effort and suffering I gave Lok, Sophie gladly took it and placed it on her hip while she cajoled. My arms felt empty without Lok in them, I didn't like it.
-Dante, are you okay?
Sophie was looking at me worriedly, Lok was just looking at me, it seemed like he was expecting something from me, and it was probably not that he was leaving me.
-I should better go. Zhalia is at home, I think. I haven't seen her since breakfast. I will not take calls that do not come from your mobile in case something happens. -I looked over my shoulder to see Den and Cherit fighting with a difficult ribbon to remove and whispered- You can also call me from my office phone, just in case.
Sophie smiled and nodded. It was time to go, but I didn't want to. I took a breath for strength and left the kitchen, grabbed my work bag, and left the house. When I closed the door, I wanted to cry, but what kind of person cries for leaving a great friend, whom you consider a brother, who had now become a one-year-old baby, in the charge of another great responsible friend? She thought she was thinking a lot about everything. She was away from home to work and that's what she was going to do. I was going to leave, meet with my clients, do some research and come home before dinner so I could bathe Lok, give him his bottle and put him in the crib, exactly, that's what I would do. All set, I nodded to myself and started on autopilot, what happened at home during these hours was not my problem, and the best thing I could do was stop thinking about all the possible scenarios that could happen and in which I wouldn't be there to protect Lok. By God, today was going to be torture.