Tʜᴇᴀ's Lɪᴛᴛʟᴇ : Aᴄᴇ Eᴠᴀɴ

[Six]

It's been two weeks since the two of us got into a somehow stable settlement. Ace has been a good boy and didn't have any episodes till now. So far, we're doing pretty good. Last night, we sat down and talked about his rules, rewards and punishments.

I've already submitted the application to finalise our pair as a Caregiver and Little, so that no one ever dares to take my baby away from me. We'll soon have an evaluation done by the social service team—to inspect our situation and clarify that everything's okay and we're actually good together. That I'm suitable to take care of a Little. It works like adoption.

I am not worried about the interview since we are already in a relationship so it's not like Ace was forcefully assigned to me by any organisation or anything.

To assure the social service that I'm stable and well enough to take care of the both of us, I've talked to dad about my early graduation and then joining his business. He's too happy to hear about it, saying he's already got my cabin ready and all.

Thus it's safe to say everything's going really well in our lives.

"Nu!"

Till now.

"Baby, you need to go to college. You can't miss on studies. I'm gonna be there as well, you don't need to worry about anything. I've already submitted your Littles' form so you're now going to be attending your special classes. You're gonna make new friends."

He pouts and crosses his arms across his chest, jutting his chin out to emphasize his adversary while looking to the side.

I sigh, rubbing the sides of my head to ease down the stress. I need to go to my new office to take a look over everything before I start, and I was planning on going after dropping Ace at college. I have a class at 1 pm, so I'll be there a bit later than him. Which he doesn't need to know otherwise he'd cause another havoc.

"I no want go! I say, so I say!" He stomps his foot on the floor, still refusing to look my way.

"You've been such a good boy for mama so why are you being like this now? How about we stay up late and watch a movie tonight? Anything you want."

"I say no!" He throws his horse plushie across the room and it hits a showpiece on the shelf, causing it to fall and break into pieces.

I clench my jaw and his face pales, scared and fearful eyes finally looking at me to peek at my mood which has already soured beyond repair by now.

"Sowwy, mama."

I shake my head. "You've been a very bad boy, Ace Evan. We talked about the rules just last night. We do not throw things. You'll go straight to your room and get ready for college right now and we'll talk about your punishment at night."

I try to keep my resolve as his bottom lip starts quivering and those big, round eyes fill with tears. I can't give in, no matter what. If I do, it'd only patronize him to repeat his mistakes. So even if my heart's breaking to see the utter defeat in his face, I keep up with my angry face. He waits a couple more seconds, probably to see if I retreat on my decision or not.

"Go!" I raise my voice a little and he flinches, not saying another word and slowly dragging his feet to the stairs.

I've already come to conclusion of his headspace by now. It's around 10 months old to some times 4-5 years old. He slips in between these ages, he barely slips younger than that, not completely comfortable of doing so yet. But mostly, he stays 2-3 years old so it has been easier to keep a flowing conversation between us.

I get his baby bag ready along with my class and office one. I've packed a bottle and some cut-up fruits for him, the teachers in the Littles' classes are always Caregivers so it won't be a problem if he needs change. Only if he lets them change him.

I don't take his hand or carry him when he comes back, dressed in a simple tee and shorts. I only check his pants to see he hasn't gotten a pull-up on.

He climbs on the carseat and I buckle him up, refusing to meet his eyes, mostly because I'd not be able to keep up the tough act if I see the gloominess on his face one more time.

"Tell the teacher if you need to go potty."
I say from the driver's seat, glancing briefly at him through the rearview mirror, he's staring out the window, bottom lip still jutted out as if he's trying to hold back his sniffles. "It's okay to ask the teachers when you need something, keep that in mind."

He still doesn't respond and I sigh, feeling so done with his attitude since morning.

"Ace, when I'm talking, I need a response from you." My voice rises slightly and he shuffles on the seat uncomfortably.

"Okay." His voice is barely above a whisper.

I keep my focus on the road and half an hour later, we arrive at our college and he climbs out before I have the chance to help him. He seems to have gotten out of his headspace, probably to defend himself in this situation. But he knows being big doesn't mean he gets a pass to forget whatever he did while being a Little.

Handing him his bag and lunch, I notice the curious look on his face.

"Y-you aren't coming?"

I hate to have lied to him, but since he's already been a bad boy, there's no point in keeping him in false happy bubble.

"I'm going to the office for a bit. My class starts at 1."

His face visibly falls and I see his hands shake a little.

I shouldn't have made another plan on his first day in college after his classification.

"It's gonna be okay, Acey." I soften my tone a little, reaching up to stroke his arm. "I'll be here before you know it. All of your teachers have my number so you have nothing to worry about."

He keeps staring at his feet and I wait for him to say something.

"You said you'd be right here. You lied." That's all he says and doesn't wait for me to respond as he walks away through the open doors of the building.

My heart squeezes painfully inside my chest.

I lied to him, I broke our own rules.

I'm sorry, baby.

☃︎•••~~~•••☃︎

Vote & comment.