There are times, when I look at my sweet little girl, I worry about her future.  I worry how she will handle unwanted advances of teenage boys or how she will hold up against boys with strong personalities.  To me, she’s a fragile flower who is sweet and gentle and kind.  I can’t help but worry.

Turns out, I needn’t worry.

Just this week, for example, Swee’Pea has begun to show the beguiling ways of a young lady who knows how to get what she wants.  And it just so happens I have been her test dummy.

For example, Easter candy has been meted out in small portions to Swee’Pea and TheMonk and this has not sat well with Swee’Pea.  She wants candy, dammit, and she wants it now.  Unfortunately, I have been totally uncooperative in her efforts to procure more sugary goodness.  But that hasn’t stopped her from trying.

On Monday morning she snuggled up to me on the couch, rested her head on my arm and asked for a piece of chocolate.  I explained to her that it was much too early to be eating chocolate and suggested a nice tangerine for her to snack on if she was hungry.  I swear, I could see her eyes roll even looking at the back of her head as she walked away.

Not knowing she was being watched, she slyly picked up a plastic egg filled with chocolate on her way out of the room, fully intent on having a little bit of chocolate in spite of her old man’s wishes.  Until I called out her name, that is.  She froze upon hearing me call her and when she turned to face me, it was clear she knew she was busted.  I admonished her for taking the egg and took it away while she went off to sulk and, it turns out, map out her next plan of attack.

The next morning, as we are rushing around the room getting ready to get out the door to daycare and work, Swee’Pea approaches me with a piece of chocolate.  “Here, Daddy.  I have chocolate for you for doing such a great job.”  As she handed me the candy she gave me a big hug and I almost broke into tears right there that my own little girl was so appreciatve of all I have done for her.  I held the chocolate in my hand as I helped the kids get their coats on as we were heading out the door.  Swee’Pea waited patiently as I put TheMonk’s coat on and then, as I turned to assist Swee’Pea, she asked me if I was going to eat my chocolate.

Sensing she wanted me to eat it, I unwrapped it and took a bite.  As I looked down at her, expecting her to smile with pleasure at seeing her old man eat the chocolate she had so lovingly given him.

Until she spoke.

“Can I have a bite, Daddy?”

And it was at that moment that I realized I had been played like a cheap violin.

On the plus side, I don’t have to worry about her any more. The girl will be just fine.