46 SCHOOL TIME
Before Christina knew it , it was time for Camille to go to school. The boys were three weeks old. Christina needed to go with Camille, but Tom wanted her to stay home. He tried to convince her that he and Amanda would take care of things, but he already knew he was fighting a losing battle. She stared at him while he pleaded his case. Camille laughed quietly as she listened to Tom talk to Christina. When he finished talking, she said, "So this is how we can work this situation. Bobbi can watch the twins while we go inside. You, Marcus, and Steve, can carry her things inside. When you all finish, Bobbi and I can go inside and you all can watch the boys. Ok Tom?" She turned and walked toward Camille's room to see what she had packed. Tom stood there in silence and shook his head and smiled before he headed to the boys room. They slept in their room during the day, but at night they stayed in the room with Tom and Christina. Christina said they would move into their room when they were 6 weeks old. She thought it would be better for everybody.
The night before Camille left for school, Christina and Camille spent nearly the entire day together. She spent the night in Camille's room and left bottles for Tom to feed the boys. Tom if it gets to be too much, we'll come and help you. I should be ok Christina. Hopefully, I won't have to interrupt your time with Camille. Camille and Christina talked about things she use to do when she was younger. Tom and the twins were in Camille's room for this bonding time. Christina and Camille had Tom laughing at the things Camille use to do. Christina and Camille got the boys ready for bed. She breast fed both of them and Tom decided he would keep them in the bedroom with him. Christina went to the room with him to make sure the twins were settled and kissed him goodnight. I'll see you in the morning sweetie. She gave him a long seductive kiss and held him close to her. You'd better watch those kisses. They're going to get you in trouble. He swatted her as she left the room, I love you baby. He fanned her away, she smiled and blew him a kiss. She and Camille did some talking about her dad and Amanda.
They called Amanda while they were bonding and tried to get her to come over. Amanda was feeling nostalgic thinking about Camille and her son. She would meet them in the morning. Camille and Christina laughed and cried a lot during the night. The tears were tears of joy, pain, and happy times. Before they went to bed, Christina stared at her and said, "Camille, I'm proud of you. You've changed a lot and I appreciate you standing up for me. You could have given us a hard time when Tom and I started dating, but you didn't. Thanks for understanding my feelings for Tom. You're my mom. Nobody gets to mistreat you. Like I said before, that 's my job. They both laughed and Christina said, "I know and you've done a damn good job of doing your job. They both laughed again and on a serious note, Camille made the comment, "I trust Tom now and I am sure he will take care of you." Oh, and mom, don't have a baby while I'm gone. Christina rolled her eyes and it ended in a pillow fight. Although the school was not too far, Christina wanted Camille to stay on campus at least a week before she came home. When they finally went to bed, they snuggled together and Christina held her first born one last time before she headed to school.
The next morning, they all had breakfast together. Tom was worn from keeping the boys all night. I have a new found respect for you each day you have to keep the babies by yourself. Why didn't you come and get me? I wanted to do it for me and for you two. Thanks pops. Christina laughed and put a plate in front of Tom. She planted a kiss on his cheek and watched him as he ate his breakfast. Tom laughed at Christina and shook his head. Just before he finished eating, she asked Camille to keep an ear open for the boys while she went to shower. Bobbi should be over in a few minutes. Mom, Marcus is on his way too, ok? Ok Camille. Tom went to the room with Christina. She straightened the sitting area where Tom apparently spent the night. Was it hard taking care of the boys? Honestly, it was somewhat hard. I need to do it again so they can get use to me, or I need to figure out what makes them comfortable. She felt proud that he wanted to assume that responsibility while the boys were so young. Tom took a shower with Christina and it got a little heated. He held her and did not want to let her go. He began caressing her body. His kisses got hotter and it was hard for her to pull away. She moaned under his touch. Finally after enjoying his touch and not wanting to stop she looked into his eyes. Tom we really need to be careful. Remember those two boys down the hallway. Tom laughed and slowly pulled away. I love you baby. Love you right back Tom. She stepped out of the shower and got dressed. Her stomach was going down, but not the way she wanted it to. Tom saw her looking. You're beautiful baby, just like that. Thanks Tom. He walked over and stood behind her as he wrapped his arms around her. He moved her hair and kissed her neck. You're beautiful ok? She turned toward him and kissed him again. Thanks sweetheart.
After she got dressed, they all left so Camille could move into her dorm. Christina, Tom, Austin, Nicolas, Amanda, Bobbi, Steve, and Marcus went to school with Camille. They were all excited on the drive to school. It was very exciting and emotional for everybody. Camille never thought she would tear up when she left for school. The men helped her move into her dorm and the ladies changed plans and took the boys inside for the adventure. Since this was the beginning of school, they thought it would be safe at this time. They took lots of pictures with Camille and the rest of the family. They toured the dorm where she was staying and a little of the area around the dorm. Tom didn't want Christina and the boys out to long, even though it was August. He thought it was still to early for Christina to be out and about too much. After they went back to the dorm, they all got ready to leave. Camille hugged everybody before they left. Amanda and Marcus wanted to stay a little while longer but Camille actually had a dorm meeting in an hour. Amanda would drive back another day. When everyone got in their vehicles, Camille and Christina were still in the dorm.
They looked at each other and smiled. Well, this is it mom. I'm proud of you Camille. I'm proud of you too, mommy. They both had tears streaming down their face. Ok mom, no more tears. She smiled, Ok Camille. They both dried their tears and backed away from each other. She whispered, "I love you baby." Camille smiled with tears streaming again. Love you too, mom. Tom came back inside to see if they were ok and thought it would be a good idea to snap a couple more pictures. He snapped their pictures backing away and blowing kisses to each other. He kissed Camille on the forehead and stood behind Christina hugging her waist as they backed out of the door. She whispered, "My baby." They turned and walked away arms wrapped around each others' waist once they got to the double doors. Camille's roommate, a friend from her school, had arrived so Christina felt better leaving her. When they got outside, Christina looked at Tom. You ok Sunshine? She wiped her eyes. I will be. He kissed her cheek. I'm proud of you baby. We'll call her soon. We can drive back here to see her when ever you want. She smiled at him and was very appreciative that he was trying to be so helpful. Thomas Wakefield, thank you for being so understanding. My pleasure Sunshine. They laughed and got in the truck after he kissed her again.
The twins were asleep on the way to the house. Steve and Bobbi left at the same time. Do you want to pick up something to eat before we get home? Sure, that would be fine. Tom wanted Christina to sing on the way home. He held her hand while she sang songs to him. He blushed and smiled the entire time. Her singing to him also lifted her spirits. He laughed at some of the songs she was singing to him.
The next week, Tom was watching the news in his room. Tom? Yes Christina what is it? I need to know something. What is it sweetie? I need to start walking on the treadmill when the boys are asleep. Do you mind if I use the one in here, or do you want to buy equipment for the room by the boys bedroom? Sunshine, I don't mind if you come in here to watch TV, relax, or use the equipment whenever you get ready. I have one request. And that is what? She smiled at the expression on his face. Don't make it a girl's room. She made a face at him and he pulled her in his lap and tickled her. Ok Ok, I won't! I won't! She tried to hold his hands to keep him from tickling her. When she couldn't hold onto his hands, she pulled him into a kiss. It worked. He stopped and wrapped his arms around her and continued the kiss. She took a deep breath and pulled away slowly staring into his eyes. Don't over exert yourself while you're exercising. Ok. Do you promise? She nodded. Now I have one question? Why does everybody want me to say I promise? Maybe because that is the only way we can get you to keep your word. She thumped him and he said, "The next kiss won't stop me from tickling you." "Yes it will." she said and she made a face as she moved from his reach.
Just as she moved her phone began to ring. Hi Camille, What are you doing? Nothing right now mom, What are you love birds doing? Trying to get exercise privileges in Tom's room. Is it working? Yes, What are you doing? Some of us were trying to decide if we were going to some campfire activities for freshmen tonight. What are the little rugrats doing? Eating, sleeping, soiling pampers, and keeping me awake at night. You think about that help yet? Nope. Ok mom, but if you need it you'll hire someone right? Yes Camille. Now did you actually call here for that reason. Well, not really.
Mom, you said, I had to stay here a week before I came home right. Yes, I did. Well it's been a week. Ok Camille, it's been a week. So I miss you and home. Camille, why now? I don't know mom. I just do. Normally I come and go, but this time you said wait for a minute. I didn't realize I would miss not seeing you all everyday, but I do. Don't you miss me? Everyday Camille. I go to your room, look around, sit on you bed, and sometimes I even sleep there. So don't you want to see me? I do. Well dad already said I can come home whenever I get ready. So why are you asking me anything and giving me the third degree if you and Tom already discussed this? Camille, if I walked to the door, would you be there? Christina opened the door and Camille was there. Mom how did you know? She smiled and hugged her mom. Tom was standing behind watching them. Christina looked at him. You knew she was coming. He smiled and hugged Christina. Camille you can come home whenever you want to ok? She nodded and hugged her mom again, then Tom. Where are the rugrats? They are asleep Camille. Well I need to see them just the same. Oh by the way, I'm staying here for the weekend, sleeping in my bed, and eating breakfast in my kitchen. I'm bonding with my parents, watching movies with them and just plain hanging out. Tom and Christina laughed at her as she walked through the house.
When Christina woke the next morning, Tom was preparing breakfast for them. Christina walked into the kitchen while Camille and the twins were still asleep. She sat on the stool while Tom made coffee for her. How did you sleep Sunshine? He stood between her legs and kissed her while she sipped the coffee he put in front of her. Between the twins waking me and their dad being a baby, I think I slept for three - four hours. His eyes twinkled and he laughed at her response. He kissed her forehead. Does the boys' mommy forgive me. Ummm I don't know. Maybe. There's a possibility. Maybe if he promises to be a big guy and not tease mommy. Well tell mommy that he wasn't teasing, he was dead serious. I believe you, too Tom. You need to watch that . It's not good for us. You mean, it's not good for you. I'm totally fine with getting in trouble with you. She watched him mix the pancake batter and add blueberries to the mix. Tom, Camille doesn't like her blueberries mixed in her pancakes. He held a bowl of pancake mix up for her to see. She rolled her eyes and he asked, "Would you like to cook my dear?" She shook her head. You are doing an excellent job. I wouldn't stop you for anything. He fixed their plates and they ate at the counter. Christina fed Tom some of her pancakes and then kissed the syrup that dripped on his lip. You did that on purpose Sunshine. Did not. If I wanted to kiss you, I would do this. She leaned over to his stool and kissed him long and sweet. What would you do if you didn't want to kiss me? Probably something like this. She placed short kisses on his jaw and another passionate one on his lips. Your kisses are sweet even when you don't want to kiss. She laughed and continued to eat her breakfast. By the time they had finished, Camille was up and smiling at them. Tom got up and poured the batter for her pancakes while Camille put fruit in a bowl and bacon and eggs on her plate.
Christina heard the twins cry and went into their room to get them. She brought them to the kitchen with them. Tom fed Nicolas, while Christina gave Austin a bath. They switched boys when Nicolas finished nursing. After they fed and cleaned the boys, Camille played with them while Christina and Tom cleaned the kitchen. Christina took a shower and when Tom peeped in the room to check on her, she was asleep. He took a shower and laid across the bed with her and fell asleep too. Camille kept the boys for a while. She thought it would help if she let them sleep for a while. When Christina finally got up again, Tom was watching TV in his room. She looked around and realized she had been sleep for a while. She wondered if she was dreaming when she felt Tom's arms around her. She knocked on his door and called his name. Come in Christina. He smiled when she slowly pushed open the door. You get enough rest? She yawned and sat in his lap. You want me to rub you? She nodded and he pulled a blanket over her and began to rub her. When she didn't answer his question, he looked down and saw she was asleep. He called Camille and asked if she was tired of the boys. She said, they were doing just fine. Good, Christina is sleep again and I think she is just tired. If you get tired of the boys, bring them to me or call me. Thanks Camille. Christina slept past noon. Tom thought he would hire someone to come into help at least two days a week.
Later that afternoon, Christina sat in the hearth room with Camille while Tom was cleaning the patio. Christina leaned on Camille's shoulder while they talked about school. Camille told her how different it was being away from home, even though she was not far from home. Christina asked her if she thought she would do ok living on campus. I still get homesick, but it makes me appreciate coming home more. Christina raised her head and looked at Camille with admiration. Camille blushed and looked away. What's the matter Camille? Nothing. Uh yes there is baby. You have to remember who you're talking to. I just…. What ? I like Tom and all, don't get me wrong. Christina raised up and said, "Go on." I just wish sometimes you , dad, and I could have had times like this. Ohhh Camille!. Christina sat up and hugged Camille. We did for a while baby. You were so young. We were too young to carry a responsibility like that. We didn't have money or good jobs. That placed a big strain on our relationship. And of course your grandmother didn't help. Maybe if we had been older when we started dating, it might have been different. I know mom. Mom? Yes? I know you all were going to get a divorce before dad got sick. How do you know that? I heard grandma talking about it with dad. Really? Yea. That's why I don't blame you or Tom. I'm glad he loves you and you're getting a chance at real love. Thank you baby. They sat in silence for a few minutes. Hey mom, let's go outside with my new dad for a while. Ok Camille. Tom looked up as they came out. "Would you like company?", they asked. He smiled, and nodded. Christina realized he heard some or all of the conversation. She touched his hand, you ok? He winked and nodded. Tom turned on the music and they listened to the music and absorbed the beautiful fall day.
