Not a Baby

'I'm not a baby!'

Laila sounded indignant. I was catching her attention, and I called her 'baby' like I always do.

My response was as indignant: 'Since when?'

I promised myself I wouldn't mow her down with the cutting remarks I am so used to dishing out. But I couldn't help myself.

But Baby Cat wasn't about to be intimidate by my arching eyebrows and slits for eyes. She stood up as high as she could, placed her palm on the top of her head as if she was measuring her height against a wall.

'See, I'm tall. Babies aren't tall.'

By this time I've collected myself. I shrugged and said 'Ok.' She went on about her business and I pretended to go about mine.

But who the he** gave her the idea she wasn't a baby anymore? Probably got it from school. She's got classmates who have little brothers and sisters and they're just so into not being a little baby. I read somewhere that kids use the word 'baby' as a slur.

I've been wanting to kick that person's a**. I don't usually swear. Especially not here because I plan to show Baby Cat these writings one day. But yes, sweetie, Mommy wants to kick that person's a**. Whoever he or she is, he or she has no right to give you ideas that you're not a baby.

You'll always be mine. Even if I have no right to keep you one.