"So..." Father Pete Higgins said, looking at the tiny child across from him. She seemed to be engulfed by the simple straight back chair that sat in front of his desk. "You're... Kalidra?"
"Well, actually," Kalidra said, "I prefer to think of myself as part of much more than just a 'Kalidra'," she leaned forward. "But it gets a little confusing to people that aren't as one with the universe as I am."
"I... see." Pete cleared his throat, wondering what kind of parents allowed such a little girl to get so many piercings. "Then... how did you get here?"
"Well..." she said, leaning forward as if to tell him a great secret. He found himself leaning forward as well, expecting some great story, filled with vegetables and unbelievable happenings. "I--"
"You?" he prompted.
"Got lost!" she finished cheerfully.
Pete fell back, barely restraining from groaning. She seemed quite comfortable with the idea of getting lost. He felt sorry for her parents. He barely glanced up as someone knocked on the door.
"Father?" Chris said as he came in. He was still a baby, Pete noticed, but he looked to be twice as big (in mass) as the girl sitting in the chair. "I lookin for--Oh, there you are," he said.
The little girl cheered, throwing herself at the monster-like baby. "Chris!" she cheered. "You found me!"
"Christian?" Pete asked. "Who is this?"
"Is my sister," Chris said, patiently putting up with the overly affectionate girl hugging him. "She Kalidra."
"I see."
"She big sister," Christian went on with a nod. "Well... big little sister."
"Chris is my new brother!" Kalidra bragged. "Isn't he gorgeous?"
"Um... yes. I suppose," Pete said.
"I not gorgeous," Chris said, only to get a kiss on the forehead.
"You are!" she said firmly.
"We go now," Chris said, heading for the door. "We be back, Gramma wants Kali wet, too."
"Um, yes, I'll see to it," Pete said, reaching for his schedule. It had gotten to the point where he never asked questions when it came to the Deakon family. Ever. It was better for his health.
