The Kingpin

•16•

Rafael

  Rafa wakes to an empty bed, groaning as he sits up to throw his legs over the side. His world spins while he grips the mattress before finally forcing himself to his feet.

  He gets dressed and walks across the hall to see Kalani's door cracked open. He opens the door quietly the rest of the way to see his daughter curled up against Amelia and wrapped in her arms. Rafael decides it won't hurt anyone to lean against the door for a moment. Just to make sure they're sleeping alright, he tells himself.

  Kalani's curls are taking the up topmost part of the bed and Amelia's face. This sight alone leaves him with the faintest smile, even though he's trying to fight it.

  With her arms draped around the little girl so protectively, he had to catch his breath, for his heart was pounding so loudly he thought it would wake them. She reminded Rafa of her just then, his Karina.

  "Fuck," The words tumbled out of his mouth in a whisper. He ran a hand through his hair and decided it was best to keep himself at a safer distance next time, for all of their sakes.

  Rafael shut the door, leaving a slight crack as if he had never been there. It took a moment for him to make himself move but he got there soon.

  He got dressed for the day and headed downstairs to drink some coffee. He and Emmanuel had business to attend to.

                                       ••••

Amelia

Cramping muscles forced Amelia's eyes open. She was met with the lavender walls of Kalani's room and it only took a minute to remember why. The girl still lay sleeping soundly on her chest so moving was out of the question.

She stretched her legs out and practiced much caution, still managing to hit the footboard not too far away. Amelia scanned the room for any sign of what time it might be but realized her attempt was in vain; no six year old cared about time when they thought they had all of it.

Kalani's lashes fluttered across her cheeks shortly before she opened her eyes and broke into a sleepy, but wide, smile. "Miss- I mean, Amelia!"

She couldn't help but return the expression before finding this an opportunity to sit up. The girl soon did the same and rubbed at her eyes.

"Hey! Do you remember what you got goin' on today, kid?"

"Camp!" Kalani exclaimed almost immediately. "I get to see my friends today too!"

"Yes, ma'am you do. We gotta get you ready and then you'll be there before you know it."

At this, she hopped out of the bed and ran into the bathroom connected to her room to begin brushing her teeth. Halfway through the excitement, though, her face fell into a frown and she turned to Amelia.

"My hair is messy," She whispered, her bottom lip beginning to quiver.

"Hey, hey. No need for crying today! You finish brushing and I'll help you out with your hair. Sound good?"

Kalani sniffled a few times before nodding. She finished brushing her teeth and headed back into the room to see Amelia sitting on the side of the bed.

"Alright. What are we feeling today?"

"Buns! Can you do buns?!"

Amelia laughed easily and motioned for her to come closer. "You sit on the floor and I'll be up here."

She sat with her legs crossed in-between Amelia's legs and waited eagerly. Amelia parted the girl's hair down the middle and pulled the first half into the requested bun, using a bright pink scrunchie. The other bun was secured with a glittery one that Kalani gave a little dance in response to.