Chapter 23: The talk

Derek p.o.v


I was working in my home office when the words of Rose echoed in my head. I just want you, Daddy. I got worried when I heard those words leaving her lips. I could understand that I meant a great deal to her. Especially because I had helped her. But her attachment to me was more dangerous than endearing really. 


I had hoped that making friends with my friends would help her to gain confidence, independence and most of all help her how to socialize. Olivia had remarked from the very beginning that her development was low on many levels, not just her schoolwork. 


My concerns grew more and more as the days passed. 


Olivia had been staying here for a couple of days. She went to her work during the day and on the weekend she taught Rose. 


I noticed that Rose had a hard time sharing me with her teacher. Olivia tried to assure me that it would do good to her. Only I want to prevent any kind of resentment Rose would build towards the woman I love so dearly. 


I knew Rose and I need to have a talk of some sort, but she remained too little the past few days. So, I had to wait. 


It was when Olivia had left I thought it was the right time to talk to the little girl, that was now terrorizing Jack. 


Rose was practicing her makeup skills and used Jack as her model. I could see the misery on Jack's face, which made the sight of him and Rose even more humorous. 


I remained out of sight for a couple of more minutes to enjoy the sight. I could see that Rose was at peace and having fun. I didn't want to ruin that moment, yet. The talk we were going to have would be difficult. 


It was when I saw that Jack couldn't handle any more highlighter being brushed on his face that I decided to step in. 


"What are you up to my little artist?" I asked Rose while I walked up to her. 


"Look, Daddy! I am practicing. Miss Olivia taught some things and Stella too." The little girl in front of me smiled. "What do you think Daddy?" 


I looked at Jack and really had to contain myself to burst out in laughter when I looked at Jack. It was mostly because of the expression he made. "He looks beautiful, little one." 


Rose laughed and clapped her hands. I felt a tuck at my heart. I did not want to ruin her happy day with our talk. I really didn't, but I had to. 


"Rose, why don't we go to my office? So Jack can admire your work." 


"Yes, Daddy." And with that, she hopped off the chair and took my hand in hers. I stroked her little hand while walking up the stairs. Trying to soothe her even though she did not know what was coming. 


"What are we going to do in your office Daddy?" She looked up at me with her big brown eyes. 


"We...we are going to have a small talk princess," I responded as calmly as possible.


Rose tilted her head in confusion. "Talk?" 


"Yes talk." 


The last couple of steps we made in silence. I let her enter the office before me and made sure she was comfortable on one of the chairs in front of me. I even brought one of her stuffies to help her give comfort. 


As I took place behind my desk Rose asked, "What are we going to talk about Daddy?" 


"Before I tell you, I need you to be a big girl. Can you do that for me?" Rose nodded her head and waited for me to start talking. 


"It...it has come to my attention that...that you like me very much," I started. "And first before I get to my point I need to ask you something rather important." 


Her brows went up and she asked, "What is it, Daddy?" 


I changed my sitting position and folded my hands on my lap. "Do you perhaps have any feelings towards me?" 


Again she tilted her head in confusion. "Feelings, Daddy?" 


"Uhm, what I try to ask is if you might like me in a romantic way." Rose's eyes went big and she looked down at her stuffie. She remained silent for a while. 


"I don't think so," she whispered. "Why do you ask?" 


I noticed she did not dare to make eye contact with me after my question. 


I cleared my throat. "I ask because I see that you are quite attached to me." 


"But that is only because you are my Daddy." She held her stuffie even closer to her. I noticed the panic she was feeling. I did not think this through. I did not want her to feel I did not want her here anymore. 


I sighed. "Rose, I don't want you to leave if you think that. I only want to talk about certain things." 


I could see some of the tension leave her body. "Promise?" 


"I pinky promise sweetheart." 


Rose nodded her head but stayed silent. I was glad she did not have any feelings towards me, but still, this talk would be difficult. 


"I think you noticed that Olivia has become more present in our lives." Rose again nodded her head but still did not look at me. I became nervous. I did not want to lose her. 


"Would you mind if I told you that Olivia and I are in a relationship?" Her head shot up and her eyes widened. 


"What do you mean? Like boyfriend and girlfriend?" 


"Yes like boyfriend and girlfriend."


Rose was quiet and it looked like she was thinking, pondering about something. "Since when?" 


My mind wandered to the day I asked Olivia. It was the morning of the day she was going back to her own place. We were laying close to each other she in my arms and I in her arms, our bodies intertwined. 


It was then it just fell off my lips, 'do you want to be my girlfriend?'.  


I was shocked by my own actions and before I could retreat my question, Olivia was giving me a big, radiant smile. 'Yes, and I say that with my whole heart,' she responded. I never felt happier than right then. 


I shook my head and came back to reality. Rose was still patiently waiting for my response. "The day Olivia had to head back home." 


When she didn't react I asked, "Do you mind if I have a girlfriend?" 


Again silence filled the room. Rose looked every way except mine. Then she mumbled something that I couldn't catch. "What did you say, Rose?" 


"But you are my Daddy..." She whispered, but now louder. 


"I know sweetheart and I will still be your Daddy, even with Olivia as my girlfriend. That won't change. I promise." I tried to assure the little girl. 


I could see it didn't please her. Her shocked and worried expression changed into a sad and angry one. "But I want you." She said. 


"I know and I understand you might find it difficult to share my time with Olivia, but that's why I tried to introduce you to my friends, so you could make some of your own. Wanting me is nothing wrong with, but it is still important to spend time with others." I paused. Giving her time to take in all the things I said. 


"Can you try for me? Can you try for your Daddy?" I desperately asked. 


Rose sighed and said, "Yes Daddy." 




A/N: What do you think? Did Derek do a good job? 


How do you think Rose feels? Will she accept it? 


Thanks for reading and have a nice day/evening/night!

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