Chapter 5: Planning for Andrea

Dexter POV

After four days of honeymoon, we were finally back in the country. We can’t leave for too long due to Andrea wasn’t with us. It was hard to leave her in the mansion, but since she already made up her mind not to tag along, we can’t do anything to persuade her. She might be the youngest one, but she was the most powerful one among us.

“Where is my sweetheart?” I called her since she was nowhere to be seen. We just arrived from the airport and I expected to see her the moment we reached the mansion.

A moment later, I heard someone running towards the living room. I smiled as I know who is that without the need to look in that direction.

“Daddy, you’re back!” Her voice echoed in the hall.

I bend down and caught her in my embrace. She giggled when she was in my arms as I slightly tickled her stomach. I planted a few kisses on her cheeks.

“How are you, sweetheart? Do you miss me?”

“I’m doing good. Yes, I miss you.” She kissed my cheek in return.

“Where is mommy? I missed her more.” She teased me which made me feigned an irritated face. At the right time, I heard Elsie’s voice approaching from behind.

“Hi, princess. I heard you missed me more.” Really, they made a great team together.

“Mommy, come, hug-hug,” she pulled Elsie closer for a hug and she was squished in between us. 

“How was your holiday, mommy?”

“It was fun, princess, but it will be more fun if you were there with us. Next time, we will go together for a family trip, okay?”

“Sure, but maybe daddy will stay home that time?” She talked as if I wasn’t there with them. Elsie’s laughter already filled the air during that time, enjoying the way Andrea’s teased me.

“Uh, why was that? Are you saying that you’re going to leave me behind?” I interrupted their conversation.

“You’re always busy, daddy. If you want to come along, then make sure you clear your time. If not, I will go with mommy and you will stay home alone at that time. But don’t worry, Uncle Alex is always here, he can play with you if you get bored.” I was impressed at how smart she talked.

“Ah-ah, look at how this little rascal threatened me.” I tickled her again and it resulted in her burst out in laughter and screamed for help.

“Mommy, help, help me from the monster.” She screamed, pretended that she was attacked by some scary monster.

“Enough, daddy. Let’s prepare for our dinner.” Elsie’s voice stopped me from my action.

“Come, let’s go. Time for dinner.” I placed her down and she immediately ran to the dining room. Elsie followed her from behind, but I pulled her to stop her.

“How nice of you calling me daddy just now,” I whispered the sentence to her ear, making sure no one heard it. I walked away afterward but turned to look at her on the way to the dining room. She was stunned and her face was covered with a red shade. I guess that word just accidentally slipped from her mouth. I winked at her before leaving her there and soon she catches me from behind.

*****

I came out of the bathroom with the white towel hanging on my hip. I walked to the closet and pulled out sweatpants. I felt a pair of eyes was observing my every movement, even though I wasn’t looking in the direction.

“Back to earth, love.”

“How do you know I’m looking at you?” She asked innocently. I turned around and glanced at her. She sat at the edge of the bed, with her chin rested on her palm.

“I can feel your eyes making a hole on my sexy back,” I said jokingly with a smirk on my face. That caused her to laugh.

“I have something to tell you, Dexter.”

“Yeah, that was too obvious from your face. Spill it out.”

“About Andrea’s school.” The last word caught my attention. I sighed at that, aware of the issue that she wanted to discuss with me.

“Don’t sigh. Can you come over so we can talk properly?” She patted the empty space beside her, signalling me to come to her. I walked to her and sat beside her after placing the wet towel aside. I didn’t say anything, just wait for her to say her next sentence.

“Dexter, don’t get angry, okay? It’s time to talk about this topic. I think we need to send Andrea to school. We can’t lock her in the house forever. This is part of her future.”

“What’s wrong with home schooling? We can hire a private teacher for her. It’s the same as going to school.”

“It’s not the same, Dexter.” She pulled my hand in hers and caressed it before continuing to convince me. “She doesn’t have friends and it is not fair for her, Dexter. Even though she doesn't say it, but she is lonely. She needs to have her own circle and we need to give her the chance to make friends among her ages and grow up like other normal girls.”

Her words hit me really hard. No matter how much I denied it, that was the truth that I need to accept. My fear was stronger against everything. I can’t shove my worries about the danger that she will face if anyone finds out about her identity. Keeping her in the mansion was the best way to protect her from the danger outside.

“Dexter,” I was brought back from my deep thought by her voice.

“I know you are worried about her safety, so do I, but I believe we can do something about that. The bodyguards will always take care of her and ensure no danger near to her. We can also entrust the school to protect her.” She got the point.

“I know. Maybe you are right, it’s time to let her step out from the mansion and make friends. I will ask Alex to look for the best school tomorrow. We will do this as you planned.”

“You are a good daddy.” She moved closer and hugged me allowing me to bury my face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent as always.

“Your scent calms me down,” I told her honestly. She tightens her hands around my body and snuggled closer to me. I tried to shove my thought about tomorrow at the end of my head, not wanting the issue to spoil the moment. The first step always will be the hardest one. I sighed inaudibly thinking about that. 

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