Page 17 of Deciding for Little Dallas
Pike chuckled, picking her up. “Teefs doesn’t have hair.”
Daddy was walking her to the nursery and the closer they got, the more nervous she felt. She’d been making excuses since they’d left the cafeteria.
“I promise I’m not making you stay today, baby. We’re going to have a whole day of Bitty and Daddy fun, but I do want you to see the nursery and meet Nanny J so you’re not so terrified tomorrow.”
“I’ll still be scared tomorrow,” Dallas argued, burying her head in his neck.
He patted her back as he continued walking. “I know, but I promise you won't stay scared. You’re going to love it once your nervous butterflies fly away.”
Dallas didn’t think he knew too much about her nervous butterflies because she was sure they were moving into her belly permanently.
“Look, Bitty Baby. There’s your teacher.” Pike set her on her feet and turned her to face the direction where?an older woman stood?in front of a door with caterpillars decorating the glass top half. The woman had her hair pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck. She wore horn-rimmed glasses, a white blouse and a black skirt. She smiled, a real genuine smile at Dallas and clasped her hands together in front of her.
“Hello, sweet girl! Are you coming to play with us today?”
“T-tomorrow,” Dallas said, closing the distance between them. She held Teefs tightly against her chest.”
“You’re going to come play with us tomorrow? That will be so much fun,” the woman encouraged.?
“My name is Dallas. This is my Daddy Pike,” Dallas said.
“My name is Nanny J and I am so happy to meet you both. Who is your friend?” Nanny J asked, nodding her head toward Teefs.
“This is my zombie baby, Teefs.” She turned the lovie?around so the woman could see her better.
“Well, isn’t she just the spookiest! Do you like zombies?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Dallas said after taking a shaky breath. Pike rested his hands on her shoulders, giving her silent support.
“You must be so brave! Zombies are spooky to me.”
Dallas smiled, liking the silly banter. “I won’t let Teefs eat you,” Dallas promised.
“Oh, thank you,” Nanny J said with a wink toward Daddy.
“Teefs is going to stay with Dallas during school time, but Dallas promised Teefs would be on her very best behavior,” Daddy said.
“I promise,” Dallas said with a nod.
“Okay, as long as you promise,” she said, touching her hand to her heart.
“Can you show Nanny J what makes Teefs so special?” Pike asked Dallas.
She turned the zombie over and opened the velcro patch on her back. She pulled out her rescue inhaler and showed it to Nanny J. “In case of an emergency.”
“Dallas has asthma. We keep it managed with dietary restrictions and medication, but just in case of an emergency, she is prepared while she is here. I did fill out the forms online,” Pike explained.
“Oh, that’s brilliant! I have the forms out to look over before tomorrow but thank you for taking the time to tell me as well. We want to keep Dallas safe! And Teefs must be so helpful to you and Dallas by keeping her medicine safe,” Nanny J said.
Dallas nodded. Teefs had a bad reputation, but she really was a good friend.
“We stopped by so that Dallas could meet you and see the room so maybe she won’t be so nervous,” Pike explained.
“Well, that was a wonderful idea. Why don’t you both come in and I’ll introduce you to everyone,” Nanny J said.
Dallas nodded and grabbed Daddy’s hand.
“You’re being so brave,” Daddy told her, following Nanny J?inside the room.
