Protecting a Promise - Chapter I: Enya

"Emberlynn! Get your butt in here and start cleaning up this room!" The sound of my voice echoed through the apartment as I struggled to bring the box full of her never ending toys to her brand new Bedroom.

The little ball of energy rushed right by me, nearly knocking me over with her sonic speed. I laughed at her eagerness and dumped all her barbies, dollhouses and ponies in the middle of the floor. She bounced on her bed like the little three year old she was. She acted like she'd eaten too much chocolate, but I couldn't blame her. It was the first time she'd ever had her own room.1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64LAZhQeeF

There was a loud knock on the door and I sighed, not wanting to say hi to any of the neighbors. Emberlynn raised her arms, asking to be picked up, and I happily complied.

"Come on Emmy, how about we go say hi to the neighbors. Is that okay?" I cooed gently at her. She gushed at the affectionate nickname I used for her. Opening the door, my mood immediately changed and Emberlynn noticed as she buried her face into my neck.1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmngNhimIPc

It was Mr. Alcocer, a man who was most likely a relative of mine. He was definitely up in years with a balding head, a small but prominent beard and the wrinkles of a man who has smiled a lot in his years. He was slightly taller than me, fatter as well, but the extra poundage suited him. If that made sense. He gave me a full smile but I didn't return it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Alcocer. I took care of your mama when she was growing up and I'm so happy that I get to meet her kids."1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM7Ez1XIEe

His smile was warm and he held his hand out to me, obviously wanting me to take it. I didn't want to. I knew he was trying to be nice, but I hated touching people of the other gender. Obviously, I had to though since he was the one kind enough to let us live here. I reluctantly took his hand in mine and was met with warmth only a man could have.

My dad had warm hands too. Now he's in jail.1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrZXxBkNqt

I quickly retracted my hand as though I had been burned and used it to sooth the now whimpering child in my arms. He gave me a sad smile as though he knew what I'd been through for most of my life.

"I hope that you enjoy living here, Enya. I'm always here if you want to talk okay?"1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0fJgFVMrs

"It was nice meeting you but I gotta get this little monster to bed by 8 or else she won't wake up tomorrow." I smiled at him before shutting the door, giving one last smile. I sighed and sat on the plush, brown couch. Pulling Emberlynn, away from my chest, I smiled at her.

"Come on baby. The big man is gone now," I glanced at the clock on the beige wall, noticing it was 7 pm. "It's time for your nightly bath. Then it's a story and off to bed with you."1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImQthAsTtz

I set her down on the wood floor and moved to the bathroom, watching her run into her now light green room. I ran the water and made sure it wasn't too hot for her. I put her favorite strawberry towel on the sink and pulled out a microfiber body rag to wash her body with.

Thinking of the now forming rash on her hip I sighed, knowing I would have to give this place a deep cleaning after school tomorrow.1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8DJzRnQmw

"Emmy, It's bath time!" I yelled into the hallway. I heard footsteps and the sound of high pitched laughing. Looking out the door, I saw her in all her naked glory. She looked so proud of herself and I couldn't help but smile at her.

"Enya! Look I take off!"1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMj8YliaLu

I went to go pick her up but she began to run. Those pudgy legs carrying her through the hallway and into our mostly barren living room. I was thankful that there was nothing on the floor when she tripped and fell on the dark rug on the floor. It was a dark brown color that covered most of the floor. I made sure it was soft in case anything like this happened.

I picked her up, lightly scolding her on she could've gotten seriously hurt. All she did was cling to me and sneeze lightly. "Come on, let's get you washed up."1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lYw4C1Zza

"You never play with me," She pouted in my arms, hitting me with those tiny hands of hers. "You don't like me?"

My eyes softened at her words. "I love you. I promise you that," She brightened at my words and I kissed her forehead. "I'll play with you after the bathtub, okay?" She cried in happiness and I dropped her into the warm water.1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ICN930sQI

I began to wash her up with the sensitive Dove soap I'd recently brought. I lathered her up in it distracting her with the plastic red boat and fish when I had to clean under her arms and her butt. Luckily, this time she didn't give me too much trouble. After I was sure that she was clean I rinsed her off and smothered her the towel she loves so much.

I followed her to her room and after putting her lotion on, I helped her pull on her Dora the Explorer pajamas. I laid her on the bed and went to go get her favorite book. Little Red Riding Hood. She practically screamed with delight when I brought it out to her.1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwCvBVXVK6

She loved how I acted it out. I'd make the howling noises for the big bad wolf, the squeals for little red red and the hacking noises when the woodcutter saved everyone. By the end of it she was running on fumes, her eyes becoming blurry with drowsiness.

"I hate the bad wolf. He's so mean." She pouted and I laughed, agreeing with her as I put the book away. "You'll protect me... from wolf."1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsf1pQ57LS

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I stopped, just for a second. Slowly, I turned around only to see she'd already fallen asleep. I moved over to her and kissed her forehead.

"I'll always protect you. No matter what." A single tear fell, even though I willed it not to. Standing, I made my way out of her, gently shutting her door. I moved to my room and crawled into bed and wished that I didn't have to go to school tomorrow.1045Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9f8c2awGO

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