Alexus's Point of View
Two days later, Papa had Mr. Xigbar train me with my knives. The one-eyed man scared me. I could almost never tell if he was joking or serious. After several hours of training, Papa came into the room and talked to Mr. Xigbar. "That should be enough for today. How has she been doing?" Papa asked.
She's been coming along really well. A little whiny, though. You sure I have to teach her? Never been too great with kids," Mr. Xigbar commented.
"Someone has to, and as you are fully aware, I have other business to attend to and cannot be spending all my time with her," Papa remarked.
"Well, I guess that's that. At least it gets me out of real work." Mr. Xigbar turned to me. "Hey, Midget, keep practicing, okay?"
I glared at him. "I'm not a midget."
"Yeah, yeah. Anyways, daycare is over. See ya," Xigbar said before teleporting away.
"I don't like him. I want you to teach me. You're better at it," I stated.
"There are times when I'll be able to. Today was not one of those days. I know he can be… eccentric, but he is a good option when I'm unavailable. Alexus, I don't ask for much; just please do what he asks when I have placed him in charge of your training," Papa requested.
I knew he was right. He didn't ask much of me, and it was a small thing. Papa took me in, kept me safe from the dangers I would have faced otherwise, and treated me well. Complying with his small requests was the least I could do. "Yes, Papa," I sighed.
Papa picked me up and tossed me into the air. I giggled as I sailed through the sky before Papa caught me again. "Did you work hard today?" Papa inquired.
"Really hard," I answered.
"Then I suppose you deserve a treat. Let's get you some ice cream," Papa suggested. He carried me to the kitchen and got me an ice cream bar before setting me down.
"Thank you, Papa," I smiled.
Papa sat in one of the chairs, and his expression changed from smiling to thoughtful. "Alexus, are you happy here?"
"Of course I am. I still wish I could go back and be with Mama, but I'm glad I ended up here instead of with Aunt Ralene, or worse," I said.
"It's good to know that you're adjusting well. I know you had a rough start," Papa mentioned.
"Yeah. I was angry and hurt. It still hurts that Mama is gone, and it probably will forever, but going back home for a while gave me the closure I needed. I'm glad I got to spend that time there with you," I commented.
Papa held his arms out, and I ran into his embrace. "I'll always do everything I can to keep you safe and happy, Alexus. I promise I'll never lose you again," He swore.
Thank you, Tara Mccann, for your review.