Partners for Life

Lost and Afraid

Trixie wandered down the street trying to walk fast through the neighborhood where people were sitting outside watching her.  She knew where she was going even if she hadn't walked it by herself before.  

"You lost?" said the boy who wasn't much older than her but certainly didn't seem like just another kid.  His eyes were mean and he approached her with purpose.

"No," she said as she kept going.  I am afraid though but I am not telling him that she thought to herself.

"Leave the little girl alone, Chester," the teenage girl said as she hit him on the arm after seemingly appearing out of no where.  All the gangster wannabes started laughing at the name.  

"Who are you and how did you know my name!"

Where did she come from?  Not gonna stick around and find out.  Trixie made it to her destination and used the key around her neck to unlock the door.  Her heart broke when she made it inside the empty apartment.  She hadn't been here since her dad was killed.  

"Trixie?"

Trixie jumped when a hand touched her shoulder.  She turned to see Lucifer standing behind her.

"Lucifer?" she said.  "How did you know I would be here? Do they know I am gone?"

"No, Urchin," he said walking over to the window to look out.  "No one knows where you are but me."

"How did you know?"

Lucifer smiled at her and took a seat in the chair that was left in the apartment.  "Your mother wouldn't want you out by yourself like this."

"I know.  I just miss him, Lucifer.  I don't understand why this happened and I just needed to feel him near me.

"Lucifer, what is Heaven like?"

Lucifer stared at the child in front of him.  Of course he knows now that she knows he is the Devil because she saw his eyes the first time he met her.  She does not know of his new role.

"It is...uh," he stammered, "peaceful."  

"So my dad is at peace.  Maybe he is getting to make waffles for everyone and spend time with Charlotte.  That would make him happy."

Lucifer stared at the ground and just gave her a nod and smile.   

"I was right.  There are bad people in this world.  They took my dad from me and I miss him so much, Lucifer.  I don't know what to do or how to do it.  I am just lost.   I want to scream sometimes and cry other times but if I do, everyone keeps bugging me.  So I just wanted to come here and scream and cry and just let it out.  Is that wrong?"

Lucifer smiled at her.  "I've done that more times than I care to admit.  But I've made some bad decisions because of my inability to deal with those feelings.  So if you want to come here and deal with them, let me come with you.  I won't say a word but at least I know you will be safe."

Trixie's eyes filled with tears and she went to look out the window.  "My grandma said they've already rented this place out so I don't have anymore time."

"Well, it just so happens that I know the guy and I know he will let you come here anytime you want as long as someone responsible is with you."

"Really?" Trixie turned and looked at Lucifer with such sadness.  "I can come here sometimes?"

Lucifer nodded at her.  "Anytime you want.  I even heard some comfy furniture was going to be delivered and I bet the fridge will be stocked with snacks and drinks."

"You rented it, didn't you?"

"Ehh, yes."

"Thank you, Lucifer," she said completely breaking down and running into his arms.  "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"Tell you what, let's go to a store and pick out some things that you want in here.  Deal?"

"Could I put some pics of my dad in here?"  

"Yep."

"I won't keep it forever.  I just need a little more time, Lucifer.  Is that okay?"

"You can keep it until you are 90, Trixie, and I will continue to pay for it and visit with you."

"You'll be dead when I am 90, silly!"  

"Will I?"  Lucifer said with a smile.  "Now let's go get some stuff and go see your mom.  I texted your grandparents and let them know I picked you up for some devil little girl time today."

"Can I drive?"

"Ehh, maybe later."