She Hates Me

Huffing, Malik continues, "Come now," He says, his voice softer now. "Don't be shy. Say hello to Ms. Emerson."

Zaria peeks out from behind her father's legs, her eyes still narrowed at Robin.

She takes a step forward, then another, until she's close enough to reach out and touch Robin's hair. But instead, she yanks on it, hard.

"Ow!" Robin cries out, more surprised than hurt. She glares at Malik, who merely raises an eyebrow in response.

"I see you're making quite an impression on my daughter," he says dryly.

Robin feels a surge of anger and frustration, but she pushes it down.

She can't afford to lose her cool, not if she wants to gain Malik's trust. She takes a deep breath and forces a smile.

"I'm sorry, Zaria," she says, her voice saccharine sweet. "I didn't mean to scare you."

Zaria stares at her for a moment, then turns to her father, her face lighting up. "Dada!" she cries, reaching up for him to pick her up.