Since the birthday, Josie and Penelope had no contact. Next morning Rick sent the girls to Europe to be with Caroline and recover from the loss of Joe and Josie being buried alive. For more than three weeks Josie had to listen to Lizzie talk about Raphael and how he left her for reason she didn't really understand. During their fourth week there, Lizzie found new object of affection and Pierre was now the and all and be all of her existence. Josie wished she could do the same. She had Penelope on her mind all the time and it was like something she couldn't get rid of. Penelope Park was all she thought about all the time…and the kiss…That kiss and I hate you. Going back to school was something she feared a lot . She was not ready to face her again and be that close to her. They shared too many classes and since she was one of the best in many subjects, Josie had a feeling she might get Penelope to be her tutor.
Josie was doing all she could to avoid Penelope. She started dating Raphael and she was really trying hard to make herself forget about the other girl. Lizzie was ok with it because now she had a French boyfriend to brag about and she didn't need Raphael anymore. So, Josie and him tried to date. Penelope tried to talk to her, but she avoided her but there were still longing looks and long stares from both of them. It took some time to get the guts to say yes and finally cut the cord with Penelope. She tried to forbid herself to even think about her, but Penelope being Penelope always managed to sneak into her thoughts. She was on her mind usually late in the evening, when she had no way to occupy her mind with schoolwork or anything else. She would think about her lips, touch…feeling her body next to her. She missed everything about the girl. She would even think about her during her time with Raphael. The worse was during the alone time with the boy. He was good to her and he treated her well, but she knew better. She felt better in someone's arms. She would often compare two of them and it always came to same conclusion. She was not over her ex. She still felt something for her. When Raphael kissed her or tried to make love to her, only way she could go through with it was if she thought of Penelope and how she was the one in bed with her, not the other boy.
School was not fun at all. They had so much make up work to do. Hope was helping, but she was not as patient as Penelope was. To Hope, many spells were simply a given… She says the words and it happens, but Penelope would explain to Josie how and what to do. They had crazy home ec teacher who had even more insane idea. Twelve students from her class will spend two weeks under the eye of the camera (they don't know about) taking care of baby(s). Babies were not dolls but real babies. They were made with magic using characteristics of their ''parents''. After two weeks, those babies would evaporate and that was that. In her career Professor Car had only one case when parents wanted to keep their baby so she did the spell and made their baby normal baby. Now that girl was five and she was also at school. Professor Car made a list of parents and it turned out that Josie was paired with Penelope and Raphael with Lizzie. She couldn't spend two months alone with her and especially alone rising ''their children''. She was freaked out by the fact that she would get to live something that was part of her dream future. She and Penelope talked about having a family, having a home together and then Penelope left her. Now, she was with someone else in a relationship and this assignment will get Penelope back into her life and too close. She had to try to change her partner. She couldn't do this with Penelope. It was too hard for her. She had to find the teacher and try to change it. Miss Car was sitting in her office writing something. Josie knocked at the door and entered.
''Miss Saltzman? How can I help you?''
''Miss Car, I was wondering if I can have different partner?''
''No, Miss Saltzman and don't even think about going to your dad. You got who you got… And please inform Miss Park about this. She was also not in class today. It would be good for you. You will have amazing tutor to make up with your work. You missed two months of school. Think of it as a favor from me to you.''
Now she had to tell Penelope about this. This day was just getting better. She found Penelope outside talking to some new girls. She was helping them with some herbology homework.
''Penelope, can I have a word?''
Other girl was surprised Josie even noticed her. She has been avoiding her for some time now.
'' It's for home ecc…''
Penelope got up from her chair and came to Josie.
''What can I do for you?''
''It's not for…It's with…''
Penelope was confused.
''Since we were not in the class, and I was gone for two months she put us together to take care of the baby for the assigment.''
Shit. It was clear that Penelope was not glad either that she had to spend all this time with Josie. She was also trying to get over Josie and this time together was a setback for her.
''Just peachy… Two of us and our little offspring…Or as your sister would call it, mini Devil's spown. I see you are as happy as I am about this.''
For some reason Josie was hurt by that.
''I didn't ask for it Penelope.''
''I know… But it's just…''
''I agree.''
Penelope took a deep breath and tried to be rational.
''Ok… When do we have to be in the room to take the baby?''
''We have two hours to pack.''
''Ok, so four in the classroom?''
''Yes.''
''Ok… See you later.''
''Yes, see you.''
They went to their rooms and prepared their suitcases. Two weeks with Josie and a baby… Penelope was not sure how would that be. She packed big suitcase and made sure to have all the things she really loves and needs to function.
Josie entered the room and saw Lizzie throwing things around.
''I have no idea what to pack… What do I need? How will I do it?''
''You will be ok… ''
''Are you worried because I will be with Raphael?''
Honestly, Josie didn't care. She had more issues about her partner.
''No, it's ok.''
''Who are you with?''
There it goes. She really wanted to avoid it.
''Penelope.''
''WHAT?! How dare she? She did it on purpose…. I hate Satan!''
''She was not in class too. She had nothing to do with it. She was out of school during first three periods. It's Miss Car. She put us together.''
''Why?''
''To make a point.''
''What point?''
Josie didn't want to go back that far memory lane, but now she had to.
''We had discussion with her few months ago. Penelope and I were still together, very happy, very in love and full of planes for the future. One of them was having a family together.''
Lizzie made disgusted face.
''So, someone was teasing us during class and Penelope answered that we do want to have kids and how we would use her egg and I would carry it. And all the things we wanted were out in the open. Then teacher reacted and stated her opinion about same sex parents and how it's not normal to have two moms and families like that.''
''So?''
''She was against it. She is more supportive of the idea of traditional family than this.''
''So what? Why would that have to do with any of this?"
''Lizzie! Think! She knew we dated and that now I have different partner…This is her small revenge. Now she put us to be two moms… We are only same sex parents in the group.''
''We must go to dad.''
''No, we will not. It would only create more problems.''
''But two months with Satan and a baby… Oh, that is hell.''
Josie agreed with her sister. It's a good thing Lizzie had no idea why it would be hell for Josie. She was in love with her partner and being that much together would only bring more feelings out. They would have to talk about the birthday and the kiss.
Josie packed her suitcase and changed out of uniform. She packed comfortable things since they would be with a baby and not go anywhere. Some of the things in her suitcase were even Penelope's. Some sweats and shirts that she stole during the time they dated. She was ready for her two months in hell with Penelope Park.
Classroom was full of suitcases and twelve people waiting to get their cabin and baby. Lizzie and Raphael were first. Miss Car took her chart and invited them to come closer to her desk.
''You have two weeks old baby boy. What will you name him?''
Lizzie responded for them.
''Rick Saltzman.''
''And your family name?''
''Saltzman.''
''Ok… Emma will give you your baby.''
Emma came with little bundle that what their baby. He was gorgeous. He had Lizzie's eyes and Ralph's skin color.
MG and Hope were next. They got a one year old girl and they named her Elena Michaelson. She looked a lot like Hope, but had MG's curls and skin color.
Penelope and Josie were last.
''Family name?''
Penelope looked at Josie and nodded. She didn't care what name she would pick.
''Park- Saltzman.''
''Ok… Since Miss Saltzman asked to change her partner and she knows how much I don't like that… You get to be mommies of one day old twin girls.''
Emma brought two beautiful girls and Penelope and Josie fell in love with them right away. One of them was Josie's little copy and the other was tiny Penelope. Funny thing was that they both took the baby who looked like the other girl.
''Names?''
Penelope looked at Josie and Josie gave her a nod.
''Charlotte (mini Josie) and Christina (mini Penelope) Park – Saltzman.''
She smirked at the girls.
''And who is the birth mother?''
Penelope took that one.
''Josie is a birth mother and I am the egg donor… Just like we said it would be.''
''Ok… You have all the answers ready…I see you took time to think about all this. Good job! Finally it paid off that you dated. Unlike your classmates, you were quick and ready. Now let's see if your parenting skills are as good as planning.''
Miss Car gave them a fake smile.
'' Now it's time for you to move in into your houses. You can visit each other; you can spend time with your friends and their babies, but only in the houses or the marked spaces outside. One more thing, in the end of your assignment… You can pick to keep your child and it will continue growing as a normal baby would. Now you are all free to go.''
Each pair had their own ride to the house. Penelope and Josie got the biggest one because they had two babies. Driver helped them get the bags in and gave them the keys of the house and folder with all the numbers and instructions they needed. Now they were on their own with their twins. Josie and her each held a carrier with a baby in it.
''Penelope, let's find the twin's room and put them in their cribs. I think it's nap time.''
''Sure, but let's change and feed them first.''
''Ok…''
Baby room was beautiful. It was very big, pink and had two rocking chairs. They had entire closet full of stuff for the babies. Penelope changed the babies and Josie put them in their cribs. They put them in the crib. In the instruction sheet it was written that they were fed, so Josie and Penelope had two hours until the next feed. Penelope took the baby monitor and got out of the room. Josie gave her a surprised look.
''House is huge and they are tiny. We will not hear them cry if we don't have this.''
''Ok mama… Let's check out the house.''
Next room was master bedroom. It was beautiful. Very bright for Penelope's taste, but something she could see Josie picking as bedroom decor. It had huge four post bed, TV, walk in closet, nice bathroom and it was perfect. It smelled of vanilla, that Penelope loved and had a lot of candles, that Josie loved. Only trouble was that they had to share the bed. Both girls were very nervous about it. In the corner of the room Penelope saw another baby crib that was for traveling. She put it together and put it in the corner of the room.
''Why did you put it there?''
''Since they are only one day old, it's better for them to sleep in the room with us. We have to feed them every three hours and it's easier with them in the room than running to them to the other room.''
Josie didn't think of that. Penelope was very practical and Josie had to admit, she didn't expect the other girl to be this good. Penelope opened bedroom balcony and got out. It had beautiful view to the lake and in the distance she could see Hope's and MG's house. She saw them playing with their kid outside. Babies woke up and Josie went to the room. She tried to calm them and few moments after her Penelope came with two bottles.
''They must be hungry.''
They each took a girl and fed her. Penelope fed Charlotte and she enjoyed having mini Josie in her arms.
''Good job love… I am your mommy P and your mama Jojo is feeding your sister… Christina is being a bad girl. She is messing with mama a little bit…''
Josie gave her a glare…
''Why do you get to be mama P and I have to be mama Jojo?''
''Because if I say mama J, it sort of sounds like Mr. Jay… You know? The Joker? Batman?''
Josie just rolled her eyes at the other girl.
''You are weird one Park.''
''For next two months it's Park Saltzman.''
''Oh, God!''
Christina and Josie had trouble bonding. She was staring at her with a Penelope Park signature look and Josie was lost. Even on the baby, those eyes made her feel things.
''This one is just like you…''
''What is she doing?''
''She is getting on my nerves…''
Penelope smiled…
''Take Charlie and give me the other baby… Let me try…''
Penelope took the other baby from Josie and admired her on features on her. Her eyes were green and a bit devilish…just like her mama's.
''Let's see Miss Christina what is the issue here? Why are you getting on your mama's nerves?''
Baby looked at Penelope completely hypnotized by her. She opened up her shirt and put the baby on her chest.
''What are you doing?''
''Skin on skin… That calms them.''
''Oh, God… Are you going to be in your bra all the time?''
''No, just sometimes with the kids. We need to bond…''
Josie was distracted by Penelope in her bra, but the girl on her chest was calm. She moved her a bit so she could give her the bottle. Christina ate and after she was done, she fell asleep again. Penelope placed her back to the crib and left the room with Josie and the other baby. They took Charlotte to the living room with them and Josie gave her to Penelope because she went to make them something to eat.
''Our children hate me. Especially Christina, she really hates me. She is your daughter 100%.''
Penelope smiled. Josie actually said our children. It made Penelope feel butterflies in her stomach.
''No, they don't. They just feel that you are scared of them and then they are scared of you.''
''How do you know so much about babies?''
''I grew up with sitters. I watched how they treated the babies…. Mothers were there just for show.''
''And your mom? What was she like?''
''I don't know. She died in labor with me.''
''Oh, I'm sorry. I had no idea she died like that.''
''It's ok.''
Penelope pulled Charlotte closer to her and kissed her face.
''You are perfect little bundle of joy. Just like your mama. You have her eyes and that deep thoughtful look… Looking like you are trying to solve world problems…just like your mama.''
Josie finished lunch and Penelope placed the baby in the basket beside the sofa. They had all the crazy baby stuff and she was excited to use it.
''You are really good at this and I suck.''
''Just relax Jojo… They will adore you.''
They had lunch in silence. It was very awkward and none of them knew how to behave and what to say. If they were not talking about the babies, they had no idea what to talk about. Christina's crying ended that tension and silence. Josie went to try to calm her and Penelope cleared the table and sat by Charlotte's basket. Josie came back with Christina. She was not crying anymore but she was fussy.
''Let's test your idea.''
She unbuttoned her shirt and put the baby on her chest. She did calm down a bit but she managed to scratch Josie. Josie remembered having scratches on her chest from Penelope…back in a day and she sort of smirked at the other girl.
''She is your daughter.''
Penelope smirked back at her. Christina was now calm and ok on Josie. Penelope picked up Charlotte and put her on herself. The moment she did it, Charlotte gripped her bra.
''Looks like this one is your daughter….''
Josie looked at the sight in front of her and rolled her eyes. She did that sometimes when she was on Penelope's chest.
''I hate you…''
''I know Jojo… You always hate me when I am right.''
Josie felt weird. Having this sort of banters with Penelope was so familiar…Like she was home in a way and babies gave it some deeper dimension. They were parents. They will parent twin girls for two months… They were back to being a team…and that was one of Josie's biggest fears. She placed the baby in the crib and went to get her phone. She saw a lot of missed calls from Raphael and messages. She sent her reply that they were dealing with the girls and that she will try to see him tomorrow at some time. Penelope helped her get the girls ready for bed and they got them to their bedroom. Both of them were sound asleep as they finished their bottle. Josie took them to the kitchen and prepared next few sets of bottles for the night. When she came back with supplies for the night, she found Penelope standing above the crib looking at them.
''Are you ok P?''
She wiped her eyes and smiled.
''They are so perfect.''
''I agree… They are perfect…''
''Is it crazy that I already love them very much?''
''Than I am crazy too… I adore them…their tiny fingers, toes…button noses…how they smell. So, I am crazy too.''
''That is not comforting.''
''Oh, sorry….''
''Let's get ready for bed… They will wake up soon.''
''Ok.''
They got ready and got into bed. It was very tense being in the same bed after so long and trying to stick to their own sides. It was never the way they slept together before. Josie remembered how she loved falling asleep on top of Penelope's chest, listening to her heartbeat. This would be long two months for them and none of them had an idea how will it end.
