Underworld Ties

School Not Boys

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table. Bobby watched as Bella twirled around the living room, her excitement palpable. It was her first day of school, and not just any school—a private school that promised a bright future filled with opportunities. She wore a pastel pink dress with white polka dots, paired with shiny black shoes that sparkled with every step. Her curly hair was tied up in two cute pigtails, and she looked like a picture-perfect little girl, ready to conquer the world.

"Bobby, can you help me find her backpack?" Nicole called from the hallway, her voice mingling with Bella's giggles.

"Yeah, I got it!" Bobby replied, feeling a rush of pride as he rummaged through the closet. He found the bright purple backpack with a unicorn design, the kind that Bella had insisted on. "You ready for this, kiddo?"

"Yeah! I'm gonna make so many friends!" Bella beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Bobby chuckled, remembering his own school days. "You know, Bella, when I was your age, I was lucky if I made it to school at all," he said, shaking his head. "Most days, I was just trying to dodge trouble."

"Why?" Bella asked, tilting her head.

Bobby took a deep breath. "Well, let's just say my childhood wasn't exactly a fairy tale. I grew up in a rough house, and things were pretty tough. My parents... well, they had their own problems. I barely remember them, but I do remember the yelling and the fighting."

"Did they yell like in cartoons?" Bella asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Uh, kind of. But it wasn't funny like in cartoons," Bobby replied, trying to keep it light. "It was more like a scary movie. So, I ended up getting adopted by a great family with my brothers—Tommy, Frances, and Jack. They were my ride-or-die crew. We had each other's backs."

"Did you all play together?" Bella asked, her curiosity unending.

"Every single day! We'd ride bikes, play basketball, and get into all sorts of trouble. I guess you could say we were like a little gang," Bobby said, grinning at the memory. "But a gang of goofballs, not the scary kind."

Just then, Nicole walked in, her expression teasing. "A gang of goofballs, huh? And here I thought you were just a bunch of troublemakers."

"Hey, we were very responsible troublemakers!" Bobby defended, raising an eyebrow. "We were just trying to survive and have fun at the same time."

"Sounds like a wild childhood," Nicole said, shaking her head. "But look at you now! You're here, and Bella is ready for school."

"Speaking of which," Bobby said, kneeling down to Bella's level, "I want you to promise me something. When you get to school today, go color in your coloring book and focus on that—don't be thinking about boys, okay?"

Bella's face scrunched up in confusion. "But Daddy, I'm only five! Why would I think about boys?"

"Exactly! You should be focused on coloring and having fun, not on all that nonsense," Bobby said, crossing his arms for emphasis.

Nicole chuckled, shaking her head. "Bobby, she's literally five years old. I don't think she's thinking about dating anytime soon."

"So what? Just because she's five doesn't mean she can't be preparing for the future! I don't want her getting all distracted by some kid named Timmy who thinks he's cool because he can do a cartwheel," Bobby said, feigning seriousness.

Bella giggled, spinning around in her dress. "Timmy can't even do a cartwheel! He just falls over!"

"See? It's already starting!" Bobby exclaimed, throwing his hands up in mock exasperation. "I'm telling you, we gotta nip this in the bud!"

"Bobby, I think you're overreacting," Nicole said, trying to contain her laughter. "She's just a little girl."

"Yeah, but I'm just a dad trying to protect his little princess!" Bobby replied dramatically, putting a hand over his heart. "I gotta be vigilant. You never know when a rogue boy might come trying to steal your crayons!"

"Daddy, I don't want to steal crayons," Bella said, her brow furrowing in confusion. "I just want to color rainbows!"

"Exactly! Focus on the rainbows, Bella, not the boys!" Bobby said, nodding emphatically.

Nicole rolled her eyes playfully. "Okay, Mr. Overprotective. Let her color her rainbows in peace."

With the conversation lightening the mood, Bella grabbed her backpack and swung it over her shoulders, the unicorns adorning it bouncing as she moved. "I'm ready!" she shouted, her excitement contagious.

As they walked to the car, Bobby couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He was thrilled for Bella, but he also couldn't shake the memories of his own childhood. He remembered being scared, unsure if he would even get to school some days, and now here was his daughter, dressed to the nines, ready to embark on a journey he had only dreamed of for her.

"Bobby, you alright?" Nicole asked, glancing at him as they pulled out of the driveway.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just thinking about how lucky Bella is," he replied, shaking off the memories. "When I was eight, I was just trying to stay out of trouble and find a place to fit in. I never thought I'd get to send my own kid to a school like this."

"Things are different now. You're different now," Nicole said softly, reaching over to squeeze his hand. "You've built a good life for her."

"Thanks, Nic. I just want her to have every opportunity I didn't," Bobby said, his voice steady.

They pulled up to the school, a beautiful brick building with a sprawling lawn. Bella's eyes widened as she gazed at the colorful playground and children laughing and playing.

"Wow, Daddy! Look at all the kids!" Bella exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over.

"Alright, let's get you inside and see what this place is all about!" Bobby said, opening the car door for her.

As they walked toward the entrance, Bella skipped ahead, her backpack bouncing with each step. Bobby felt a swell of pride watching her. This was what he had fought for—the chance to give her a life filled with love, laughter, and opportunities.

They reached the front door, and Bobby knelt down beside Bella. "Remember, focus on your coloring, okay? No boys!"

"Okay, Daddy!" she giggled, rolling her eyes playfully. "You're silly!"

"I'm serious!" he replied, trying to keep a straight face. "You color those rainbows and show them how it's done!"

With a final hug and a kiss, Bella darted inside, her laughter echoing down the hallway. Bobby watched her go, a bittersweet smile on his face.

"Look at her go," Nicole said, wrapping an arm around Bobby's waist. "She's going to be just fine."

"Yeah," Bobby said, his heart swelling with pride. "And I'm going to make sure she stays focused on those rainbows."

As they walked back to the car, Bobby felt a sense of hope wash over him. He had come so far, and now he had the chance to give Bella everything he never had. He glanced at Nicole, who was smiling at him, and he knew they would navigate this journey together—one colorful page at a time.