Placations. Mere placations and a veiled threat. I feel my teeth grate together as she kisses me. I want to snap at her, and a part of me wants to wrap my hands around that pale throat and snap her neck; but I do neither of those things. I keep my tongue and temper in check. No good will come of my anger today.

"Thanks for the tea," And just like that, she is gone. No goodbye for the child she proclaims she is so proud of.

"She may be your child, but actions speak louder than words." I murmur to the empty space Tammy just occupied. She already knows how I feel for her, and what her sire feels... or more to say; what he doesn't feel. He can be proud and coo over her, but I will be the one there as she grows. I will be the one there.

Take one more moment to get my emotions back under control, then head out to the backyard where Kent is entertaining Rose. She's be disappointed that her Daddy left, I cannot control the things he does to hurt her.

But I can be there to wipe away the tears and remind her that I am still here and I love her, and I always will. Cross to her and Kent, singing softly; for my singing always makes my darling smile.

Careful the things you say
Children will listen
Careful the things you do
Children will see and learn
Children may not obey, but children will listen
Children will look to you for which way to turn
To learn what to be...