Ollibear [ on going ]

01 | eyes so smoldering

01 | eyes so smoldering

I misplace things easily (mainly my phone, keys, wallet, shoes-- you get the point), but never have I thought it was possible for me to lose a child. A living, breathing, human child.

It hasn't been five minutes since I landed in the country and already, she disappeared faster then the bottle of wine I had by the bed. Running from one side of the airport to the other which was no easy feat, let me tell you, I desperately looked for a certain six year old in pink frilly dress. How could this happen? She was wearing a puffy, pink dress for God's sake.

What if someone kidnapped her? Sold her for cheap child labour? Oh, my god, what if she ran away from me?

I would so kill her if she ran away from me.

Kids were expensive as hell and I already invested so much in her.

Love, I mean.

Invested so much of my love.

And money, too. But love, mostly.

"Is this her, ma'am?" asked the very tired police officer from behind me.

I turned around and started bawling when I saw the familiar pout and the slightly worn out large sunglasses resting on Audrey's button nose. She seemed more confused than devastated. Knowing her, she probably found a target to gush on and press on her interests.

"Audrey, don't ever let go of my hand ever again," I cried, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You're in big trouble when we get home." Then, I let go of the hug to inspect her, looking for any signs of cuts, bruises, or any indication that she was taken by force. There was none. Thank god.

With a sigh, I took the sunglasses from her and said, "You'll get this back when we're home, alright?"

Eyes wide, she looked at me with such betrayal as if I just stomped all over her favourite toys. "But, Mommy, the sunglasses completes my look!" she whined, pouting. She looked at me from her lashes, her dark eyes blaring guilt deep into my soul.

If it wasn't from the tremendous amount of self-control I've exercised since the day she learnt the puppy eyes, I would have given it back to her. But I was the one in charge of this relationship and I cannot give into her even though I really, really wanted to. "When we get home," I repeated, placing the sunglasses inside my purse. She opened her mouth to say something, but I cut her off, stating: "I'm taking the gloves, too, if you keep pouting like that."

Then with the most exaggerated sigh, she said melodramatically, "Okay, I'll hold your hand so you won't get lost again."

Chuckling, I gave her a kiss on the cheek before turning to the policeman and saying, "Thank you so much for finding her."

He returned the smile and said, "Just doing my job," before giving me a curt nod and making his way, probably helping other helpless mothers with adventure-seeking daughters.

"Come on, sweetie, don't let go of my hand," I said, taking her hand in mine and leading her towards the carousel of spinning baggage. "Your Auntie's going to be angry if we're late."

Audrey obeyed but still managed to say, "I'm too cute to be mad at, Mommy."

I rolled my eyes at her, deciding not to retort. She had too much sass for a six year-old and whatever I say, she would use it against me later. God, why did she have to be so smart? Not that I didn't like it. But this kid could be so drama queen sometimes.