Just Us

|9|

A few days pass, and Pia seemed to actually be eating one strong meal a day. Vinícius could tell a major difference. She even seemed different, lighter and happier.

The doctor came, suggesting vitamins and mineral supplements for both Pia and Adalie. There was nothing they could do beyond that, it would have to be on Pia's own will.

Vinícius hated the idea of being away from them, but it was time he got back to work. He needed to work out the plan for the village they came from, as well as a million other things he had left behind.

He made it down to breakfast first. He had been sleeping in a spare bedroom for the time being. He knew Pia wanted him close, but he didn't want to crowd them, and the bed was too small for the three of them.

Pia and Adalie were inseparable, but maybe they'd consider letting Ada have her own bedroom. It was a selfish thought, but he would really like a set time where it could just be the him and Pia. They really hadn't had the opportunity to get to know each other.

His two girls join him in the dining room, each looking stunning. Adalie ran straight towards him, and he stood up to catch her, sweeping her into a massive bear hug.

She giggled gleefully, "Good morning, Vinny."

"Good morning, princess." He set her down on her feet and she raced off into the kitchen to greet Sherry and the kitchen staff.

Pia walked shyly towards him. He found it adorable.

Vinícius wrapped her in a tight hug, "Hey, sweetheart. How did you sleep?"

She sighed contently, wrapping her arms around his back. "Missed you," she murmured. "Maybe Ada could have her own room?"

"I was thinking the same thing. She's never been separated from you through, I imagine it will take time for her to actually sleep alone," he released her, and she took her new normal seat right beside his.

"That's true," Pia agreed. "but she has adjusted really well. She might actually want her own space."

Vinícius nodded, "I do have to get some work done today. She could have the bedroom right across from ours. Maybe you want to paint it, pick out some furniture?"

"That sounds really good," she gave him a blinding smile that he couldn't help but return. Food was placed down in front of them. Pia's plate consisted of half a banana and half a slice of toast. She was attempting three meals a day which was a huge improvement. 

Adalie rushed back in, sitting across from Pia and Vinícius. "Miss Sherry has a special dessert she won't let me know about."

"Is that so?" Pia asked.

"Yup." Her food was placed down and she smiled up at the servant named Lucy. "Thank you so much, Miss Lucy!"

"You are welcome, Miss Adalie," Lucy smiled.

Adalie loved talking to the servants, and was very fond of quite a few of them. Vinícius figured she liked having people to accept her, not having to hide who she was from them.

"Ada, what do you think about having your own room?" Pia asked gently. "We could paint it today if you'd like."

"To sleep in?" she look fearful and panicked, a look Vinícius hated seeing on her young features.

"Eventually. But for now, it can be a place to keep some of your things. We can get you some new toys to put in there," Vinícius reassured.

Adalie nodded, "Can we paint a rainbow?"

Vinícius smiled, piling his dirty dishes. "Alright, girls. I have to go get some work done now."

"Will we see you for lunch?" Pia asked, standing up so she could look at him. He was so much taller than her.

"Not today, baby. I have a lot to catch up on. I'll see her for dinner, okay?"

Pia nodded and he wrapped her in a hug, kissing her forehead. "I'll send James your way. He can help get you some paint."

"See you later," she whispered as he released her.

He went over to Adalie, kneeling down so he was eye level. "Alright, princess. I'm going to go do some work. I'll see you at dinner."

"Okay, Vinny. I'll miss you lots." she reached up for a hug.

He left the dining room. He had never ever felt the way he currently did. He felt loved and strong. His mind wasn't raging and he was truly happy.

When he was gone, Pia turned to Adalie. "What rainbow colors are you think for your room?"

Ada thought about it, "Will you paint a picture on the wall?"