I carried Makayla to her room, which was barely bigger than a closet. Deira was going to change her into pajamas, so while she did that, I looked around the apartment some more. It was a mess. Just from what I could see with my eyes, there were several problems that needed to be fixed, and I shuddered to think about what problems might be hidden in the walls. This was how they lived?
The more I looked around, the more my heart sank. Before, I'd mostly offered to help Deira because I felt I owed it to her. But seeing the conditions they were living in was like a punch to the gut. It made me sad, and I also felt a pang of guilt. After all, weren't things this way because I hadn't been around? I knew that wasn't my fault, but I couldn't help feeling responsible for it anyway. I sat down on the couch to wait for Deira to come out, determined that I would do something to assist them.
When she did come out, she seemed surprised that I was still there.
"You didn't have to wait," she said.
"I don't mind," I replied, standing. "Did you eat? Let's order something." She shook her head.
"I made pasta. Do you want some?" She pointed at the stove.
"Sure," I said. I wasn't really hungry, but the food gave me an excuse to stay. She made us up two plates, and we sat at the table in a comfortable silence.
"What do you want to talk about?" she suddenly said.
"Who said I wanted to talk to you about something?" I asked, surprised that she had figured this out. She just grinned at me.
"Let's just say, I think I'm starting to be able to read you pretty well."
"Well, since you brought it up, there are a few things... Your car, your house, and the things I buy for Makayla."
"The things you buy..." She paused, then looked at me. "You don't need to buy things for Makayla." I could beg to differ, given what Makayla had said about their budget, but I decided to go with a gentler approach.
"I want to," I said. "When she's with me, she can buy whatever she wants. I have the money, so please let me spoil her a little. And please let me cover anything she needs, for school, or at home."
"Cassius..." Deira's voice was a little tense. "I understand you want to help, and I appreciate it. But this is a bunch of big changes for us. I don't like the idea of you just sweeping in here like some Prince Charming. It's not realistic."
"It's very realistic to me," I said softly. "Also, you think I'm charming?" I raised an eyebrow, trying to break the tension a little. She blushed.
"That's not what I meant," she said, but I could tell she was hiding a smile. "How about this? I send you my budget for things Makayla actually needs. Clothes, school supplies, etc. You can pay for that. As for spoiling her, let's agree on an amount that she can spend when she's with you. She doesn't need everything she wants, and it's not good for her to just get whatever she asks for." She fidgeted with the tablecloth, and I could tell it was a big deal for her to make these concessions. I wanted to meet her halfway.
"Deira, look at me," I said. She looked up, her green eyes big and vulnerable. "You guys have been doing this on your own for too long. I think Makayla deserves to be just a little bit spoiled. You both do. Speaking of which," I pulled the rental keys out of my pocket and put them on the table, "I think you should keep the car from today."
"Your friend's car?" she asked.
"I didn't borrow it. I rented it. It's reliable and safe. If you don't want to let me pay for it, you can pay me back at your own pace. Consider it a no interest loan. It's the least I can do, because it's my fault you don't have a car."
She considered this, glancing toward the bedroom.
"Okay," she finally said, nodding. "Thank you. But only until I'm able to save up enough to get my own."
"Done," I agreed. Then I took a deep breath. That had been easier than I expected, so I moved on to my next proposition. "Next, I think you should move in with me," I said.
"Absolutely not," she said, without even thinking about it.
"Deira," I coaxed, "my place is huge. There's more than enough room."
"I'm not worried about the room. Please, Cassius, try to understand. That puts all the power in your hands. What would happen if you and I had a fight? I have nowhere to go if we're living with you."
"That won't..." I started to speak.
"You can't guarantee that," she said. She looked at me very seriously, and I realized she was right. I could see her point of view. Maybe moving in with me was pushing things too far.
"Okay," I said. "Then how about this? You're making better money now, right?"
She looked me over, and then reluctantly nodded.
"So let me help you find a better place. Somewhere that you can afford with your new salary. Let me help you with the deposit, the broker's fees, and the first few months' rent. It'll all be in your name; I'll just be helping."
She wasn't looking at me. She was staring at Makayla's bedroom door again. I leaned closer to her so I could lower my voice.
"Don't be stubborn, Deira," I pleaded. "Let me help make your life better. For Makayla."
I knew those were the magic words, so I said them, and then I just let her think. After a long while, she finally looked at me. When her eyes met mine, I could see I'd won.
"Okay," she agreed. "I'll let you help."
I did my best not to show it, but I felt like I'd just won the lottery.
"Thank you," I said, managing to sound normal even though I wanted to grin and celebrate. If she was finally willing to let me help, that meant not only could I do more good things for her and Makayla, but that she was finally opening up to letting me into their lives.
I told her I'd have my broker start looking at places and left before she could change her mind.