The Bad Apple

Part II

Part II

As he went around the corner, I saw a group of men wearing suits talking by an elevator.

"Those are my clients, behave yourself... That means no closing your eyes and I will be watching you."

"Hum-hmm."

My heart was beating faster as we came closer. I started to sweat as I gripped the padded handles tight, unwanted readiness of more embarrassment.

Dad greeted them and he took turns shaking their hands. Then they all looked at me. Dad removed my pacifier, I was so relieved to have that out of my mouth.

"This is my baby girl Tina."

I didn't want to upset Dad and wanted to make him proud. Still embarrassed and shy, I spoke softly.

"Hello... Hi everyone."

The men were commenting about me; I was adorable, I was cute and other childish things. As they talked, all of us went through double doors and we were in a banquet room. A large table and chairs. Behind that were platters of food and drinks. All the suited men grabbed plates of food and sat at the table. Dad pushed the stroller between the table of food and the bottled drinks. I watch my dad placed food on two plates. He put one at the last empty chair and back over to me. He gave me the plate and placed a water bottle on the edge of the food table, for me to reach.

"Tina, after you are done eating, sit tight and wait until our meeting is over, understand?"

"Yes, Daddy."

As he turned around, I started eating. I was so focused on what I was eating, I blocked out the men's voices and some of my discomfort feelings. I ate the pieces of fruit first then started on the mixed deli meat sandwich. Whatever sauce that was in it was outstanding. It was so good, I was licking my fingers.

The talking suddenly became quiet. I looked up and everyone was looking at me, Dad was angry. I looked at my fingers and back at them.

"Sorry, Daddy... Sorry, Daddy's clients."

The men giggled and smiled at me. I smiled back but more scared at Dad's face. One of the men was talking about his young daughter. I cleaned my hands and when I went to get my water bottle, it was gone. I looked at the floor and around the stroller, it vanished. Dad came over to me and removed my plate.

"What are you looking for?"

"Um, my drink Daddy... It's gone."

Then a man walked over and said to my dad.

"I am sorry Mr. Conner, I didn't realize that water bottle was your baby's. "

"It's alright, Mr. Philip."

"It's not really, that was the last water."

There were dozens of flavored sodas and I wanted one but, nervous asking dad so, I pointed at them.

Dad replied to me, "No, Tina... Sodas are for grownups and teenagers who don't skip school."

I disliked his dumb answer.

Mr. said to my dad, "I might have seen juice, let me see."

My Dad replied, "That would be great or milk."

"No, only soda and iced tea."

Another man walked over with his briefcase and said to Dad.

"I dropped off my son at my parent's house and accidently left his drink in my briefcase. It's baby formula, can she drink it?"