The moment we park the girls look aghast. "Daddy????" Carol says.
Jay looks at her.
"Baby, flu shots. I am sorry." Jay tells them gently. "But we'll have ice creams after! I promise!"
"You did not tell us! This is cheating! I want to go home! No shots!!!" Carol starts screaming and crying and Ana looks like she is still processing what is going on. I think she is wondering if she should scream and cry too.
She chooses to cry silently. "Hey, shh... I know it's scary, but I'll be with you. Not leaving you alone for anything in the world again." I pick her up while Carol starts thrashing around going berserk.
"Shh! Carol! You're scaring Ana!" Jay scolds her mildly but to no avail. She screams bloody murder refusing to let Jay touch her, let alone get out of the car.
"You go, I'll come in a minute." Jay tells me. I take Ana inside and we are done with the shot five minutes later with a few tears.
"All done, see? Such a good girl. Daddy's so proud of you, big girl!" I kiss her on the cheek as Mr. G puts a band aid on her arm. She is still hugging me tight, refusing to let go.
I rub her back. "I know, I know. I am right here baby. Let's go out and see what's taking uncle Jay so long?" She just clings onto me refusing to speak. I make her have a little water and then go outside. Carol is still screaming and Jay looks like he is about to lose it on her. I run back with Ana inside and give her to a nurse. She looks at me quizzically.
"Ana? Can you be a big girl for daddy? Uncle Jay needs my help. I'll go help Carol get the shot and come back for you real quick?" I ask her a little desperately. If she refuses I don't know what will I do.
She looks at the nurse.
"Hello Ana, would you like to snuggle into my arms for a bit? I am a great hugger. I promise."
The old nurse looks at us and smiles. She looks warm and kind.
Thankfully Ana goes into her arms and hugs her.
"Awww..." She coos at her.
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