Nathaniel's  POV:

   I finally told her. I told her the truth about everything.  I did not say anything about Queen Been reminding me of her.  I did tell Chole that I knew how Jeff had treated her, that jerk. I also kissed her hand and told her I admired her for singing to Sarah to calm her. I know she will be a great mother to Sarah.  I hope it works out for her to adopt her. The child needs her and she needs the child.

    I confessed that I love her.  She did not look at me when I said it. Well, it is probably just as well. Chole does not love me. Not yet. Someday, when she heals from all the emotional and mental damage done to her along with the physical damage from her ex, she will love me.

    I will not press her.  I love the way she handles Sarah. It is amazing for all she has been through herself and she loves the little girl. I am sure of it. I will do, what I can to ensure she and Sarah are never ripped apart.

   I head back to my hospital room worn out from the short walk to the waiting room area. I smile.

      Chole and Sarah my girls are adorable, in different ways, and I love both of them for it. I will ask Chole to marry me when I feel she is ready.  As for Sarah, I already know she approves of me. I can tell.  

     I recall how, Sarah asked, "Why don't you ask her to marry you then?"  I blush. How could a child that young know so much?  I shake my head. I  sigh. I should have been there for Chole before that monster violated her.  Now, it is too late.  I will ensure no more monsters like him ever harm her or my little bee.

       Something is special about Sarah I can tell.

     I know Sarah carries a teddy bear with her. I overheard her tell Chole her mother gave it to her before she died. It breaks my heart; knowing the little girl feels like no one loves her.  

     Don't worry, I thought, Chole, Mr. Bougerious, and I are all here for you.

       For a child of eleven, she has respect for adults. She calls me, "Mr. Nathaniel, and I hear she called Chole's father, Grandpa."   I smile.  I hope Chole will be able to forgive me someday, I thought. I witnessed that creep slap her in the park the day we helped Sarah and should have stepped in and done something then, but I didn't. I frown.  Why did not I stop him? 

         Was it because Sarah was with me?  Was it because I feared for the child's safety? Was that it?  

         I sat on the bed and felt a lump under the sheets. What is it?  I lifted the sheet and saw a strange box there. Where did this come from?

           I opened it and saw a bright light shine. It was yellow and orange. I  removed the funny-looking object and put it on my right thumb. Soon, this flying chicken came out. "Hi, I am Orikko the rooster kwami."  I hear it say.

         "Hi, I am Nathaniel Kurtzberg," I introduced myself. "Yes, and I will help you to become a hero so that during the next battle against evil you can assist Queen Bee and Kid Zebra."

         "Look there must be some mistake," I argued. "No mistake, Nathaniel, you have been chosen for this task." Orikko said. "Fine, but  I need some rest. I am in the hospital recovering from a stab wound."  I explain.

      I hear a sound at the door. Orikko hid inside my hospital robe. Great now there is a talking rooster in my garments.   Just what I always needed, I thought.

       "Hello?" I say.

        I saw her enter and smiled. "Hey, little bee, what brings you here?"

      "Mr. Nathaniel I woke up and Miss Chole was napping, so I came here to see you." I smile.

     "That was sweet of you, but don't you think Chole will be worried when she wakes up and finds you missing?" I reply.

         "I don't want to make her upset. I wish she could be my mother, and I don't wish for her to think badly of me,"  Sarah responds.

          I hugged her and she hugged me back. "Mr. Nathaniel take care and don't let any more bad guys hurt you. I feel her touch my knee and wince. I looked at it after she left the room and saw no more damage not even a scar.  Whoa, she has healing powers, but how? I thought.

  Find out more in Chapter 15

    Until then,

bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!