A/N: Hi guys! Here is a new chapter of the story. It's pretty short but I hope you will like it! Don't forget to review, thanks!
I could see her glancing between the both of us, unsure of the situation. I tried to be as calm and composed as possible but Tessa could sense it.
"Tessa can you say hi?" I encouraged. She stared me in the eyes with a look that answered that question quickly. She leaned in closer to my ear and placed her hand to cover her mouth.
"You didn't like him when we got ice cream." She whispered.
"I know sweetheart, but you can say hi." I assured her. She turned around to give Edward the death glare.
"Hi." She said sharply before burying her head into my shoulder. I mouthed the words "I'm sorry." to Edward who looked heartbroken.
"Tessa. Can you be nice to Mr. Edward for mommy?" I pleaded. She shook her head no in my shoulder. I knew she wasn't going to like this but I began to set her down on the couch with Edward.
"No!" She screamed. I could tell that she wasn't actually crying but it still pained me to make her to sit next to Edward. "Momma!" She sobbed. I sat down next to her and she immediately crawled into my lap. She stopped crying as soon as she was in my arms. A small smirk played on her tiny face. I laughed at the thought of her being so smart at only three. I plucked her off of my shirt and placed her between Edward and I. She took one look at Edward and began to sniffle but I stopped her before she started crying.
"Tessa Riley Swan. I don't want any of this fussing. Mr. Edward just wants to meet you. And if you don't cooperate I'll put you in time out." I threatened. She knew her act was up, though not without a fight. She stared me down before she finally gave up. Edward seemed traumatized by the whole Tessa situation.
"Hi, I'm Tessa Riley Swan. I'm three years old and I don't like you because my mommy doesn't like you." Tess said curtly.
"But I like you and your mom a lot." Edward tried.
"You made my mommy sad at the ice cream store." Tessa shot back.
"Well, back when I knew your mom, I did some bad things and I didn't want your mom doing the same. I might have made her sad but it was for the best." He explained. Seeing Edward break down a little softened Tess up.
"I sorry Mr. Eddie." She apologized. She gave him a hug which left him stunned. Slowly but surely he wrapped her in an embrace that wasn't letting up soon. The minute they stopped hugging, they began to talk. They talked about her life and his with only a few interjections from me. Tessa brought him to her room to play with her dolls which he seemed thrilled about. When I could see that Tessa was comfortable with Edward, I went to the kitchen to get some water. I could hear their laughter as I walked down the hallway of my apartment. I poured my water and turned to look at what time it was. The clock read 5:30.
"Shit!" I cursed out loud. I heard Edward run down the hallway with Tessa in tow.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked out of breath.
"I just realized Angie is going to be here any second to babysit Tessa." I explained. "She can't see you here."
"Why not?" He questioned.
"You know why!" I scolded.
"I am Tessa's f-"
"Friend. You're Tessa's new friend." I covered. Edward looked pissed at my response. Edward opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the doorbell being rung.
"Shit!" I cursed under my breath.
"What did you say mommy?" Tessa inquired.
"Shoot." I answered. The doorbell rung again, this time more persistently, most likely because of Iris.
"Edward you go into the living room and pretend to be my classmate and we're going to study. Don't you dare say anything else or swear to God..." I threatened. He held his hands up in surrender and went to the living room. I grabbed Tess's hand and led her to the door for her to open.
"Hi Angie. Sorry, I was talking to..."
"Mr. Eddie!" Tessa squealed.
"Who?" Angie asked, confused.
"One of my classmates, we're going to study together." I clarified.
"Oh, ok." She smiled. I opened the door wider so that Angela and Iris could get through. Edward stood up as soon as Iris rushed past him with Tessa not far behind. Angela nearly dropped her bag as soon as she saw him.
"Is that...wait what?" She muttered.
"This is my classmate." I lied.
"Hi, I'm Eddie?" He questioned with his eyebrow raised towards me. I made a small nod in appreciation.
"Sorry about my behavior, you look like someone else." She apologized.
"No problem." He assured. An awkward silence ensued.
"Momma! Come help. Tessa's stuck under the bed." Iris called from Tessa's room. All three of us ran to where the girls were. Tessa was crying under the bed and Iris looked distraught.
"Tess. We're going to get you out of there." I soothed. I analyzed the situation and decided to try and move her head sideways so she could get out. "I'm going to move your head now sweetheart." I carefully maneuvered her head so that it was on its side. She then crawled out from under the bed and fell into my arms.
"Momma, I don't want to play hide and seek anymore!" She hiccuped.
"Shhhh, we don't have to. Want to have some dinner before I go?" I offered. She nodded her head in a weak yes. I stood up with her on my arms and walked to the kitchen. I was going to make chicken nuggets but I needed my hands free to do so.
"Do you need me to hold her or something?" Edward asked sheepishly.
"Could you?" I whispered. I passed Tessa from my arms to his making sure not to disturb her. She started to protest but I rubbed her back and she calmed down.
"I'll make some juice for her." Angie announced. I returned to putting chicken in the toaster oven and poring ketchup on her princess plate.
"Iris would you like some too?" I inquired.
"Yes, please!" She answered quickly. I made a matching plate for Iris and put them both on the table. Tess climbed down and sat in her chair at the table. Iris sat in my seat next to Tess and dug right in.
"You can go, I got this." Angie assured. I breathed a sigh of relief and I could have sworn Edward let one out as well.
"Tessa, mommy's got to go do some school now. I'll be back to tuck you in." I carefully said to Tess, as not to upset her even more.
"Mama, I don't want you to go!" She complained.
"I'll be back in an two hours tops." I comforted. She nodded her head in understanding and gave me a hug before going back to eating her chicken.
I grabbed Edwards hand and yanked him towards the front room.
"Look, I've got to go write a paper that's due tomorrow so you need to leave." I insisted.
"What? Can't I stay with Tessa?" He pleaded.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I told Angela you were studying with me."
"Can I come with you?"
I paused at his question.
"No, I actually have to get this paper done."
"I won't bother you once you start but can we talk when you walk where you're going."
I sighed. I motioned for him to follow me. He grabbed his coat and walked behind me through the door.