It was a chilly winter evening out, but Malaika was nice and warm in the library of Holy Innocent's Church, working on her Algebra homework. The math had certainly been getting easier for her recently, once she'd figured out a few things.

Father Borden was going to escort her home around seven thirty so she would be home at eight for dinner at the orphanage, because after her recent run in with trouble neither party wanted her to be in that situation again. So she would take the bus to school in the morning, and either take the bus back or have someone escort her home before eight o'clock.

It had been almost a week since those scary times had happened, but Malaika was coping with them the best she could. Not everyone was like those men, she knew that well. So she knew she couldn't keep thinking it and being afraid.

There were a lot of people like Mr. Drake, who wouldn't ever hurt her and would help her when she needed it.

But where was he? He had promised to visit her soon, but he hadn't come yet and she was getting kind of down about it. He'd saved her from so many horrible things, had held her close as she cried... And now he didn't want to see her?

With a sad frown and a sigh she looked down from her math and then up and out of the window. Would he come to visit her sometime? Would he want to hug her close like he had before? Maybe... Maybe even give her a home.

She gave a light smile, sad and helpless. No... That was too much. He wouldn't be able to adopt her. What was she thinking. She shouldn't expect that he would just take her into his home after one little time of seeing him, it was ridiculous. But still... Shouldn't he come to visit her like he promised he would?

Dylan had been debating whether to visit Malaika again. He had promised to come by, but he knew that she'd probably be better off if she just forgot about him. But... she was so innocent, and that was something he really missed. He had never had kids, and he'd never really even been near any children. And especially after so long, 70 years of being alone, it was something he regretted never having. So, after a long debate, he put on his coat and headed to church.

When he arrived, he didn't really want to talk to anyone, so he went around checking the windows, hoping to catch a glance of Malaika. He finally found her and tapped lightly on the window.

She looks busy, maybe I better come back. Dylan said, hoping she'd at least turn around and he'd be able to chat with her for a few minutes.

He waved at her through the window, still hoping to avoid talking to any of the church staff.

Malaika had just started working on her Latin when she hears a tapping... She was the only one in here as far as she knew... But... Who was it?

Looking around she was frowning with curiosity, but as she saw the face of her angel outside of the door, her face brightened instantly. "Mr. Drake!" She called out loudly, nearly falling out of her chair as she scampered to the door.

She opened the door and flung her arms around his waist eagerly.

He'd come! He'd really come to see her now and it made her just so happy that he actually came to see her.

"Mr. Drake I was just thinking about you! Oh, I'm so happy you came at last!" She said as she stepped back and looked up at him. "I... I was almost afraid that you wouldn't come... But... Why here? Why now?" She asked as she looked up at him with a puzzled smile. "I... I don't know how long I'll be able to talk... Father Borden said he'd be escorting me home at seven-thirty... I... I don't know if they'll let me stay out much longer... But maybe you could walk me home instead?"

The sound of gentle footsteps was heard from behind Dylan and Malaika poked her head around.

"Ah, I thought I heard you making a commotion here." Father Borden said with a kind smile. "And this must be Mr. Drake that you've been talking about." Malaika nodded with a grin. "Yes, well you have all of our thanks for caring for her Sir. She's a very precious child and we are so very thankful that we didn't loose her to something so horrible." He said holding out his hand to the man.

Dylan groaned quietly as Malaika cried out loudly. He'd really wanted to avoid any of the clergy members and a cry like that would most definitely bring someone to investigate.

Well, it had to happen sometime I guess, at least if I ever planned on coming back after this. He thought to himself.

As Malaika came running over and hugged him, Dylan bent down to scoop her up and spin her around. He lifted her easily.

"Hey there you!" He said, setting her back down, "I told you I'd come visit, you didn't believe me?" He reached down and messed with her hair. "Well, maybe I'll talk to Father Borden and see about taking you for a bit."

As he said that, Father Borden came around the corner and held out his hand in introduction.

"Hello there Father." Dylan said, holding out his hand, glad he'd fed before coming here. "Would it be a problem if I took Malaika here home this evening?"

The way he lifted her up, spun her around, it made her heart soar. Laughing with delight she gave him a quick hug. "Well... It was so long... And I missed seeing you Mr. Drake." She said with a bright smile before the Father came up.

"Oh, please Father? Can he take me home tonight? He'll keep me safe." She said pleadingly as she looked up at Father Borden with a begging smile.

The father sighed defeatedly, he could never deny the girl such a simple harmeless request, and the man seemed genuine enough. The brief glimps of the two as he had come up the steps was proof of that. "Have you finished your homework Malaika?" But the little girl winced. "Just about Father. I just have to answer some latin questions and translate a few lines... But it's not due until Monday! I'll have time over the weekend Father, I can get it done, and you know I can."

He laughed softly then. "Of course you can child. And you've always been a hard worker, so you should have some time to have fun. A good job should always be rewarded. Go collect your things darling." And without hesitation Malaika flitted off to gather her books and papers. And then Father Borden turned to Dylan. "She is such a precious child. A delight to all she comes across. Do take care of her, she is as much my daughter as can be allowed. I've been looking over her for years now, a bright curious child, nearly fearless. And I've never seen a stronger faith," He smiled at the young man, wrinkles appearing with his smile. "or a bigger heart in such a small girl." He said with a little sigh, lookign back to Malaika in the library.

"I can contact the orphanage and let them know you'll be watching her. I'm sure that they will feel safe that she's with her Guardian Angel." He said with a light chuckle. "But I'm sure that the Sisters would appreceate it if she were home by nine-thirty."

"Well, I'll tell you a secret... I missed you too!" Dylan said, kneeling down to her level. "But I'm a busy man, and I can't always come. But I'm here now, so you don't have to miss me anymore."

Dylan looked over at Father Borden, giving him a friendly smile, assuring him that he would care for the girl.

"Latin eh?" Dylan said, actually surprised. "That's some difficult stuff for you to learn. And you can do it? You are such an amazing little girl!" He actually felt a swell of pride in his chest, and he briefly wondered why. This girl was of no relation to him. But... she was so precious, he wished he could keep her.

As Malaika ran off to gather her things, Dylan watched her go. "She is indeed. So innocent, but such a strong heart. She doesn't even seem to be affected by... well, the incident." He smiled at the young girl's flurry of movement as she ran around gathering her things at a seemingly frantic pace. Such energy.

"Of course Father, I'll have her back safe and sound by 9:30. You don't have to worry. I thought perhaps a movie or something else out of the cold. Don't want her getting sick or anything." He replied, smiling at the term Guardian Angel. "Oh Father, I'm no angel, whatever Malaika may tell you. I am just a man, the same as you. I have my sins, but I try not to let them ruin my life."

"Indeed... It doesn't seem to affect her... But... That is what worries me. A child should not be able to forget such a thing as if it never happened." He said with a puzzled frown. "Please... If she seems troubled, she may have been around us too long to tell us things like that, but she seems to have taken quite a liking to you. Please let me know if she says anything to you or seems scared of something. I only have her well being in mind, so any help you could provide would be wonderful, as I'm sure we both have the same goals. Whether it be convincing her to talk to us or telling us yourself... Any information would be wonderful Mr. Drake."

He said with a hopeful smile. It may have seemed like spying, but was it so horrible when the mental health and happiness of such a dear child was at stake?

"Okay Mr. Drake!! I'm ready to go!" Malaika said eagerly as she rushed back to Dylan, taking his hand with a squeeze. "Goodnight Father! I'll see you Sunday for Mass. And I'll make sure one of the sister's calls you when I get home. But you won't have to worry if I'm with Mr. Drake."

The Father smiled kindly caressing the girl's head. "Oh yes, I know that Mr. Drake will take wonderful care of you dear. You sleep well tonight and be sure to finish your Latin tomorrow. Otherwise Father Luther isn't going to be happy that you didn't keep up with your studies." He warned with a laugh. But he knew that she didn't plan on putting it off any longer than tonight.

"Of course Father. Have I ever not finished my homework?" She asked with a light roll of her eyes."

"Yes Malaika, I know. Goodnight child, take care and be sure not to wear Mr. Drake out. He is a wonderful person indeed." He said with a smile before heading back the way he came.

"So where are we going Mr. Drake?" She asked with a grin up at him as she shouldered her backpack.

Dylan nodded solemnly, having thought something similar himself.

"I know what you mean. I have seen things like this before, and she needs to talk about it. Or at least come to grips with it." Dylan said, and then, as Malaika ran out, he instantly brightened up and grabbed her tiny hands in his much larger ones.

"Hey Malaika, what are they giving you here? Nothing but coffee?" Dylan teased. "You're wound tighter than a Swiss watch!"

He turned to Father Borden, still holding Malaika's hand, and nodded a farewell. "Don't worry about a thing Father. I'll treat her as if she were my own child. Better even." He squeezed Malaika's hand gently. "And don't worry, I haven't met a person yet who could wear me out."

As Father Borden walked away, Dylan knelt down and turned to Malaika. "Well, first things first, why don't you let me carry that pack, its way too big for you to be lugging around." He said. "And as for what we're doing, I think that's mostly your call, little lady." He smiled. "Whatever you want to do. As long as you're back by 9:30, we can do it."

Malaika's heart soared as he said that he would treat her like his own child. Maybe... Maybe he did want to adopt her! Maybe he was just waiting for the right time, or the right situation, but maybe he did! She squeezed his hand affectionately in return, looking up at him with bright, hopeful eyes.

She tilted her head though as he asked to carry her backpack. "Are you sure? I can carry it myself, but if you want to, I won't complain." She said with a grin as she shrugged the bag off.

"But didn't I tell you that Father Borden was a nice man?" Malaika said pointedly. "He's not like the others here. He doesn't judge because of his own past... He knows that things can happen and people can be just swept up in things. I... I don't know everything, but he didn't always want to be a priest, but he told me that God saved his life, and so he wanted to give his life back in repayment." She said, looking down the way the Father had left.

"He's a wonderful man. I couldn't ask for a better friend or mentor." She said with a bright smile. "Or a better Guardian Angel." Malaika grinned up at him. "And you're not just my Angel because you saved me... But every time I think of you I just become so happy." She said as she slipped her arms around his neck as he was bent down, laying her head on his shoulder. "But as long as I'm with you, I don't care what we do. Really." She said with a grin.

Dylan smiled and grabbed the bag. "Don't worry, I'm a big strong guy, I won't even notice carrying it."

He looked in the direction of where Father Borden had walked off and smiled. "Yeah, he does seem like a nice man. And I can tell that he loves you dearly. I hope you know that." Dylan said, shouldering Malaika's pack.

Dylan smiled as Malaika complimented him again on making her happy and put her arms around his neck. He hugged her back and scooped her up and placed her on his shoulders.

"Well then, lets be on our way then!" Dylan smiled and bounced her lightly. "How about a movie? Or whatever else you want. I have enough money for whatever you want, I've been waiting awhile to come visit you. So this is your night. Or at least your 2 and a bit hours."

Her laugh was light and youthful as he scooped her up in his arms. Just like it should be. She leaned in, her arms tight around his neck, another giggle and squeal of delight escaped her as he bounced her lightly.

"A movie?" She asked, her eyes opening widely. "I... I've never been to the movies before! Oh! That would be so much fun!" She said bouncing herself slightly as she looked down at him. "But... But are you sure it's okay? I mean I know movies are expensive... I would be just as happy walking through the park or going to the playground or something. I mean I don't want you spending a lot of money on me." She said simply as she rested her chin on the top of his head.

She would love to go to a movie... To see a movie on a huge screen... With hot buttery popcorn and a soda...

She knew what they were about of course. The orphanage occasionally had movie nights for the older children when they would watch a special movie in the common room and would each get a napkin of popcorn and a cup of soda...

But to go to the real thing....

"I mean, I would love to go to the movies, but only if you promise it's not a problem Mr. Drake." She said with a smile.

Dylan enjoyed making Malaika laugh. She had such a nice innocent laugh, and she enjoyed everything as if she'd never done it before. She treated everything as if it was new.

"Yep, a movie." Dylan said. "What, you've never been before? Well, you're missing out." He continued to bounce her on his shoulders. "We'll have to fix that."

He began walking towards the movie theater. It wouldn't take too long, and with any luck, they'd be able to catch a whole movie before he had to get Elaina home.

"Of course we can go!" Dylan said excitedly. "Money is no object! We'll see a movie and we'll have popcorn and soda, and maybe even candy if you like. It'll be the ultimate movie experience! A whole bunch of fun."

While he walked he adjusted Malaika's back pack on his shoulder.

"You alright up there? Do you want my jacket? Its a chilly night, and I don't want you to catch a cold. I'd never hear the end of it from Father Borden and the sisters."

Well there were so many things Malaika hadn't ever done before. She'd never been able to crawl into someone's bed after having a bad dream... She'd never been able to have someone tuck her in and read her a story or sing her a song before she went to bed... She had never gotten to hear someone whisper 'I love you' as they held her tight and close.

It wasn't as if she had been neglected at the orphanage, but there were just so many others there that she was never treated special like that... And the sisters... They wouldn't say things like that anyway. It had always been 'God loves you' and where that was indeed a wonderful thing, God loved everyone... She wanted someone who loved her, just her.

But the little girl giggled again as he promised that she could have popcorn and soda, maybe even candy of she wanted. He really was spoiling her, making her feel special like only Father Borden ever did. But he was making her feel even more special. "That would be so much fun Mr. Drake!" She said with a bright grin.

"Oh! My jacket's in the main hall, the closet off to the side! We can get it just before we leave, I'll be okay. My jacket's really warm." She assured him. It might have been old and a little bit snug, but it was enough to keep her warm even in the snow.

This was new kind of fun for Dylan. Always before it was sex, either with one girl or many, or drinking with his mob friends. But this, this was new. He was doing nothing for himself, and yet he was having a lot of fun. In fact probably more fun than ever before. All because of this amazing little girl. This shining example of hope in such a dark part of a dark city. No matter how bad this city was, she seemed to be filled with hope that someone would come along and make it better. And she seemed to think that he was that someone.

"Alright, we can go get your jacket before we go." He said, making an about face. "But we're gonna have to hurry, I have to get you back by 9:30 and I want to be able to visit you many more times, so I can't bring you home late, ok?" He said with a smile. "So you run in and grab it, and then come right back out here so we can go to the movie."

Dylan reached up and lifted Malaika off of his shoulders and carefully lowered her to the ground.

"And tell you what. If you do it real fast, I'll promise buy you something nice before we take you home ok?"

"Oh of course not! I hope I would get to see you a whole lot more too. So it wouldn't be a good thing for us to be late at all."

Malaika was all in agreement for getting her coat as quick as possible. They were only just outside of the church, so it wasn't too far at all. With a nod she took off as soon as her feet hit the pavement and was back, tugging on her jacket not too much longer.

"Let's get going!" She said as she ran ahead of Dylan towards the direction of the theater. Turning back to wave at him she laughed. "Last one there's a Rotten Egg!!" She giggled before running off again.

But... She didn't get too far away from him, she just had a bad feeling and when she was about half a block away she ran back to him quickly and grabbed his hand without a word, but a grin up at him.

"You... You don't need to buy me anything nice though... Really Mr Drake. I just like spending time with you. It's a nice change from the orphanage or the church. And I haven't done anything to deserve it... So I wouldn't want to just get something for nothing... Really. Just being with you is what I want." She said with a smile.

Dylan smiled and watched as Malaika's little girl legs pitter-pattered on down the sidewalk, and then came back the same way this time with a jacket on. He pretended to press a button on his watch and threw his hands up in the air.

"Wow! Record time!" He cheered. "You're one fast little girl!" He watched as she ran past him towards the theater calling out the typical children's taunt for a race. She came running back of course and grabbed his hand seemingly squeezing it tighter than previously.

"Oh I think I'd like buying you things." Dylan said. "I don't have any kids of my own you know, and no family to speak of. So I don't really have anyone else to spend my money on." He beamed down at her. "And besides, I told Father Borden that I'd treat you like my own child, and if you were my kid, I'd definitely buy you things."

"Besides, its nice to be able to spend time with you. I don't really get out much, and I don't have many friends, so I'd say you're pretty special."

Of course she squeezed his hand tighter than before. It was worry and nervousness that made her do it, what else would it have been.

She blinked curiously though as he said that he wanted to buy her things. He didn't have any kids on his own? That was a pity, he would be a great father, she had no doubts about that. But as he smiled down at her, the curious, puzzled look was replaced with one of sheer delight. To know that he was just as happy as she was, it brought her more joy than she'd ever felt before.

"You're special too Mr. Drake. You saved me, you say, by chance... But how could an accident make both of us so happy? Just this past week, every time I felt lonely, I just thought of you and I would always feel so happy. Happy because I knew you would come to visit me soon." She said as she leaned her head again his arm.

"But... What movies are playing? What kinds of movies are there out now to watch?" She asked curiously. After all, with no money to go to the movies, she didn't keep up with them.