Empress of The World

Bella Mae had a hard time getting to sleep tonight. It wasn't entirely her fault. It didn't help that a 30 minute lightning and thunder storm passed over our house RIGHT at bedtime. And she insists I lay down with her, desperately trying to keep my composure whilst she attempts to cuddle by wrapping her whole body around my face. I don't understand why my face is particularly comfy, but alas, to each his own. I'd had enough "cuddling" and tried to bid her goodnight, which always ends with numerous warnings and threats to PLEASE STAY IN BED, while she tirelessly argues the rights of three-year-old-dom. Finally, I got to turn the laptop on for some "me" time. I called Nate and was having a nice conversation when I heard hiccuping coming from the living room. I wished Nate a safe trip and, ending the call, went to investigate. Bella Mae was asleep in front of her door...hiccuping. I gently carried her back to bed and tucked her in with a kiss and a whispered "goodnight" for the hundredth time tonight. Some minutes later, the hiccuping had subsided and I heard a door softly open and close. Followed by muffled movement. A few moments of silence. More shuffling. Silence. Shuffling. Suspecting what I'd find, I peered around the corner and bellowed, "Bella MAE!" She shot up from the floor with a squeak and fled to her room, blankey flapping behind her. What did she expect? That she would somehow escape detection until just the right moment, when I would look down and find her curled in a ball at my feet? Then what? I would scoop her up in my arms, declaring she could stay up forever and eat all the treats she wanted, as long as she promised to grace me with her presence? Silly girl. I'm afraid it came as quite a shock to her when I bellowed her name and chased her back to her bed. Ah, well. It's not easy being the Empress of The World. Especially when you're three.