Wanted to talk about chapter releasing for a minute. I'm trying to release two chapters a week though I've been doing better than that for the past week. I try to keep chapters around 3,000 words(excluding the first chapter which was just a fill-in for you all). The next chapter could be a bit(a week or two) since I hope to make it longer but it should be worth the wait. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the story and hope you're enjoying it so far.
The most interesting thing Jim found about Estelle was her eyes. While most baby's eye pigmentations took a few weeks or days to develop, Estelle's were already a prominent grey, most likely to grow bluer over time. He wondered if her emotional manipulative abilities had anything to do with it. He'd already noticed signs of it, Claire breaking down when Estelle woke up during their first night, crying. She'd quickly snapped out of it, catering to the newborn, but it was still strange. The postpartum was worse this time around but Claire was coping.
"Excited to meet your big sister?" he asked the crying Estelle as he lifted her from the hospital provided bassinet. Wiped away from the fluids of just being born, her skin was still a light pink, a big difference from the sickly white Cassidy had been, and she had a light dusting of auburn hair atop her pointed head. Her fingers were less long and bony and more chubby, though she didn't don the same chubby cheeks her big sister did.
"Cass was probably upset when she woke up," Claire said, holding her arms out to take Estelle."Maybe we should call," she thought, wincing slightly as Estelle latched on. She never realized how gently Cassidy was or more for say weak when she was younger. But Estelle, a perfectly sized baby had all the newborn strength her sister hadn't.
"Don't worry. Knowing Strickler and his driving they should be getting up here sometime today. Cass will be fine with Tobes and Darcy." he assured her, laughing now thinking about how crazy both Toby and Darcy appeared when they called them, asking if they could watch Cassidy. Of course, at the moment he was freaking out, but now it replaying the scene as just comedic. A messy-haired, long-faced, dark-eyed couple arriving at their door at 5 A.M., struggling to stand whilst Jim was sweating out of his shirt, transporting their few bags to the car while Claire experienced occasional contractions.
"I guess you're right," she said, turning down to Estelle. At that point, she'd basically forgotten the pain, though was still scared. But it was worth, having her placed on her chest just like that. It was an incredible feeling and a moment she wouldn't forget.
"Definitely less stressful," he said, sitting beside her, entranced by Estelle, still in disbelief she was actually there.
Claire laughed, throwing her head back onto the pillow." Ten times more painful," she stated, her phone vibrating for the hundredth time. She sighed but quickly smiled."Everyones demanding more photos." she said with at least fifty texts from her mother, father, Barbara, Darcy, Mary, and Toby.
"Soon enough they will get to see her," he said, hesitant the go home since it felt strange. Cassidy had spent two more weeks in the NICU after they met her, but here they were, going home with Estelle after only a day.
Claire trend up to him, a frown crossing her face when he saw the worry on his as he packed up the stuff they'd brought."Nervous about Cass?"
"Ya," he admitted."She's okay with Enrique but he's her uncle and older," he never had siblings and had no idea how Cassidy would react, Claire of course had but she'd been 15 when Enrique had been born and was too old to cry about it as their one year old could.
"They'll learn to love each other," she assured him, pulling Estelle away from her chest. The newborn protested loudly, continuing to screech as Jim took hold of her again, lying her down on the bed to change her into her going home outfit. Gritting her teeth, standing up was still a slight struggle, body still healing from childbirth.
"Need any help?" he asked, ready to assist her at her word.
Stubborn and hating the feeling of needing help with everything, Claire shook her head, managing to stand." I'm good," she said, picking up her backpack to change. She smiled, watching over his shoulder as he changed her into a light pink onesie. Nothing fancy but comfortable. He hoped she would be a bigger fan of the car than Cassidy had been though he doubted she would. In just a day, he'd picked up on so many similarities between the two girls, from how they were stubborn when feeding, the times they got up, and even their cries." I forgot what it was like." she said, running her finger down Estelle's pointed nose. The newborn closed her grey eyes for a moment, just as her big sister would.
"What?" he asked, leaning his head against hers.
"Just seeing her, I forgot what it was like, bonding for the first time," she explained, Estelle staring up at her parents, eyes now more blue than grey, making both feel happy and fuzzy inside.
"I know," he agreed, excited to get to know Estelle, watch her grow into the kind and caring young woman he'd met. And on top of that, he was excited again to watch Cassidy grow into the high strong woman he'd met. And mainly, watch the two grow closer.
"I forgot how annoying these things were," he sighed, struggling to strap a wide-eyed Estelle into the car seat that had been her big sister's. Her glaring eyes appeared innocent, a more ocean blue, similar to his and Cassidy's. They'd already theorized that depending on her mood, her blue eyes would change in color, more of a stormy grey when mad or upset, and a more ice blue when calm. Her lip quivered as he finally succeeded in strapping her in. A quiet whine left her small mouth, followed by a sad feeling rising in him. Easily able to ignore it, he rocked the car seat back and forth, making small cooing noises."Not a fan of the car seat like your sister? Why am I not surprised." he sighed, relief and the sad feeling leaving him as she quieted, eyes returning back to ice blue.
"You got her in?" Claire asked, walking out of the bathroom, throwing her hair up in a messy bun. She was wearing a baggy long-sleeved shirt with a logo for the musical Wicked - she'd never actually seen it but Jim got her a shirt for it for her birthday two years ago and it came in a size too big so it still fit - and black leggings. She didn't care how gross she appeared, she'd just had a baby and wanted to feel comfortable." Wow," she said, genuinely surprised to see a calm baby in the car seat, the opposite of the screaming baby Cassidy had been when going home from the hospital.
"She gave a bit of a fight but I prevailed," he said heroically, stepping aside so Claire could give the newborn her pacifier.
Rolling her eyes with a smile, Claire reached an arm forward, waiting for Estelle to open her small mouth. The second Claire let go of her pacifier, she opened her mouth slightly, letting it fall down. She whined loudly, eyes darkening as the room did the same."Sweetie, it's okay," Claire said sweetly, stroking the newborn's cheek. Under her mother's touch, Estelle claimed slightly but cries still called out for attention. It might've been Estelle's influence or just stress, but Claire frowned deeply, tears flooding her chestnut eyes.
Feeling the influence reaching him, Jim gently gripped his wife's shoulder, managing a caring smile."Don't worry. She'll calm down once we get in the car," he said, removing his hand and picking up her bag, placing it on his shoulder. Grasping the car seat's handle, he lifted it gently, not wanting to frighten her. Claire shook her head, wiping her tears away as the influence broke. She nodded, saying nothing as she picked up the bag that had Estelle's thing in it. Jim wondered what Estelle had made her think off. All he knew was it must've been upsetting.
"Oh my-"
"Sshhh!" Claire screeched through a laugh, rocking Estelle who was happy to be out of the car seat. Stepping into the apartment, both were relieved to see their parents weren't. Barbara had called on the way back, letting them know they were at a nearby hotel, and Ophelia and Javier would be there the next day. Toby was at the doorway and so the one who'd practically screamed eyeing the baby. Darcy was seated next to Cassidy who was playing with the Disney themed magnets they'd bought her as a big sister gift and so they could return their magnets to the fridge.
"M-ma!" she exclaimed in a stutter, face brightening seeing her mother and father walking into the apartment. She didn't notice Estelle, letting a Daisy duck magnet fall onto the rug, she panted, struggling to crawl over. She still persevered, managing to crawl two feet towards the door.
"Hi baby," Claire said, overjoyed to see her first baby after two days, the longest she'd ever been away from her.
"Oh my god," Darcy exclaimed, standing up and staring at Estelle."She's darling."
"I know," Claire laughed, finding so far things were already so much easier than with Cassidy. Not in how they acted but in stress. Both were early by a similar amount but even after bringing her home the daily stress of basically keeping her alive was enhanced, constantly fearing if her oxygen was on or if she was getting enough.
"Damn, you both did good," Toby said, slapping his friend on the back. Jim laughed, not minding the curse in front of his... both his daughter's. Walking by, he set the bags on the table, noticing Cassidy was looking up at Claire and Darcy, both fawning over the newborn, with a questioning gaze.
"Claire did all the work," he said finally, picking Cassidy up and kissing her cheek. The girl squealed, pulling lightly at his hair.
"You let me squeeze your hand," she said with a gleeful smile, sitting down onto their bed, cradling Estelle who was asleep finally after a cry filled car ride.
"I'll add it to my resume," he laughed, walking towards the bed. Gently, he sat Cassidy beside Claire, holding onto her for a moment to make sure she was stable. Cassidy looked at Jim with confusion in her blue eyes, preferring it when her father was holding her.
"Cassie," Claire called, the girl giving no look to her." Cassidy," she called out again, this time catching the girl's attention. She turned, ocean gaze meeting her mother's chestnut." I want you to meet someone," she said, everyone, holding their breath. Still questioning what was happened, Cassidy looked down, noticing the baby her mother was holding."This is Estelle," she said, hoping Cassidy would recognize the name.
Cassidy stared at Estelle for a moment, turning back up to her mother." Bee bee?" she asked, Jim, sitting down beside her.
He nodded, rubbing Estelle's small leg."This is the baby," he said, Cassidy, turning back to Estelle who'd woken up.
The sister's stared at one another, both's thoughts and emotions a question to the teens. Cassidy placed her hand forward, touching Claire's stomach, confused it wasn't as big as it was two days earlier." Bee bee?" she asked, voice saddened.
"This is the baby that was in mommy's tummy," Claire explained, realizing Cassidy couldn't put the pieces together that Estelle was the "bee bee" as she called her.
Cassidy, of course, didn't understand, tears filling and clouding her blue eyes." Bee bee," she cried, the sound startling Estelle and causing her to start crying, eyes turning dark grey. Claire teared up, from the emotional manipulation Estelle was accidentally using on her, but also at the disappointment the two didn't get along immediately as she hoped they would. Jim frowned, picking up Cassidy and holding her in a loving hug.
"It's okay sweety," he said, not wanting to overwhelm and confuse her anymore." I'm going to take her outside," he whispered to Claire how was trying to clam an inconsolable Estelle.
"Okay," Claire said, voice shaken.
A frown etched on his face, Jim grabbed the handle of her oxygen tank, pulling it as he walked into the hallway. Worry only grew in him when coughs joined her cries."Baby there's no reason to cry," he said, stepping outside into the cool air of the afternoon. Rocking her, Cassidy looked up at him, tears running down her face.
"B-bee... bee, g-gone..." she wailed, coughing loudly.
Jim walked around the building, continuing to rock her."It's okay Cassie, but you need to stop crying," he said, wiping her tears away with a single finger. Cassidy calmed down, though tears still ran, lip puffed out in a frown. He smiled weakly, keeping his finger on her cheek as he tried to explain." The Baby is here. You know the baby that was in mommy's tummy? That baby came out and that's Estelle, your little sister." he explained the best way he could.
"Bee.. bee," she said emotionally, not understanding anything he was saying.
"Baby's have to grow in their mommy's tummies, you used to be in there," he said, pointing at her. Cassidy looked at him with an expression asking if he was serious." I can show you," he said, hoping this could help. Quickly scrolling through his thousands of photos, he finally came across one taken over a year and a half ago. It was one of the last school events they attended, Spring Fling. Luckily neither were nominated but still chose to go even if Claire was seven months pregnant. Both aware they'd never get to go to prom, they treated that Spring Fling like their prom, dressing up more than they usually would. He pointed to Claire's protruding stomach, obvious in her knee-length royal blue dress, both their hands on it as they posed for a typically Prom photo."You're in there."
"Dada," Cassidy said, not believing him.
"I'm serious," he laughed, enjoying having arguments with a one-year-old."You were in there until coming out, like Estelle."
Cassidy stared at the photo, not paying attention to what he was saying. She took his phone, circling both their heads with her finger." Mama, dada," she said, finger slipping and switching to another photo. It was of him holding a four day old Cassidy in the NICU. A relief filled smile was plastered on his face as he looked down at the unhealthy newborn, many tubes attached to the tiny creature." Bee bee?" she asked, looking at herself in the photo.
"That's you when you were a baby," he answered, smiling at the photo. So much about the little girl he loved had changed. He'd watch her go from the helpless newborn, battling death in the beginning, to the sassy one-year-old who he knew would grow up to live a happy life.
"Me?" she asked, holding the phone closer to her face.
Jim chuckled, nodding and swiping to another photo of Claire showing her to Enrique."See that's-"
"Un Rique!" she squealed, flapping her arms at the sigh of her uncle. She was a big fan of her uncle only a year older than her.
"Ya, that's your Uncle Enrique meeting you," he said, recalling how lovey he was towards her.
"Bee bee... me?" she asked, head tilted to the side in question.
"That's right," he stated."And the baby that was in mommy's tummy is Estelle."
"Stell?" she asked, trying to pronounce her baby sister's name.
"Mhmm, Estelle. And you're Estelle's big sister," he said, pointing at her chest.
Cassidy giggled as he touched her nose." Cado," she said, forgetting about their conversation, hunger rising in her.
"You want avocados?" he asked, Cassidy, nodding her head furiously. He laughed, leaning forward and pressing a kiss against her forehead."We can make that happen."
Take two of the sister's meetings was approached slower the second time. Estelle had to breastfeed and Cassidy was hungry as well so there was a break in trying to eat. Mashing avocados, Jim sat in the dining chair as Cassidy began to stuff her face with the green food. he laughed, listening as Darcy questioned Claire about labor, for the future she and Toby assured them. Still, that didn't stop him from poking fun at his friend about when he'd propose. Jim was surprised by the response, Toby covering his mouth, letting him know that it was something in his mind. Through the conversation, Jim noticed Cassidy turning towards Claire, probably seeking her attention but also curious about the baby.
"Jim's already talking about another," Claire sighed, wincing as she adjusted Estelle in her arms.
"Really?!" Darcy said, shocked, turning back to Jim.
"What? I want a boy," he said, of course, aware that moment was not the ideal moment to start trying. Another new sibling would probably break Cassidy.
"I'll give you some condoms," Darcy whispered, just loud enough Jim heard. Claire and Toby broke into laughter while Jim turned defensive.
"For god's sake, it isn't just me!?
"Con-dom," Cassidy said, looking up at the adults surrounding her. She'd only consumed half her avocados before growing bored, returning to playing with her magnets.
"No baby," Claire corrected, not wanting another situation of her saying colorful words in public.
Cassidy pouted, lip puffing out and shoulder's slumping. Her eyes immediately snapped up towards Claire as Estelle whimpered." Stell?" she asked, turning to Jim.
Claire's mouth fell opened slightly, shocked and overcome with emotions hearing Cassidy say her baby sister's name." Y-yes baby," she said, fighting tears." Estelle," having Darcy sit Cassidy on her lap. Cassidy looked down at Estelle who Claire was holding out in front of her. Puzzled look on her face, she reached her small hand out, patting the baby's forehead." Stell!" she exclaimed, smile with two from teeth shining bright.
"Ya, Estelle," Claire said, a single tear rolling down her cheek from the emotional two days. The relief washing over her and Jim was much deserved, joyful to see their girls were bonding.
"She's your little sister," Darcy added, setting Cassidy beside Claire.
Claire, still mainly holding Estelle, set the newborn her Cassidy's small lap, allowing the girl to look over her. Poking at her cheek, Cassidy was curious about every aspect of the baby. Excited by the small creature, Cassidy flapped her arms, the motion making Estelle stir. Placing her arm under Estelle's head like Claire was, Cassidy smiled, hugging the newborn much too tight."That's sweet baby, but you have to be gentle with her." Claire stated, prying Cassidy away from her sister who started whining.
Cassidy frowned, eyes following as Claire cradled her." S-tell sad?"
"Estelle's okay," Darcy assured her, Cassidy staring up at her godmother with wide eyes."Baby's are just sad sometimes."
"I sad?" she asked, focusing in on Toby who was spinning a coin on the table, the swift motion memorizing her.
"No," Darcy said." you should be happy," she said holding her Mickey magnet up, making a Mickey Mouse voice as she spoke.
Cassidy giggled, shaking her head."You no Mik," she said, taking hold of the mouse."Mik a mou,"
"You're right, Mickey is a mouse," Darcy smiled, able to decipher the girl's mouse which sounded like a Meow.
"Mik Mou," Cassidy said, trying to forge her own Mickey voice, making all four young adults out into laughter.
Reviews and Critiques are Welcome.
