16
Once I receive the confirmation email that Isabella Swan is enroute for the weeklong trial run, I decide to drop the bomb on the girls separately.
Naturally, I chose Angela first because she's the easygoing twin.
She's off today, and after a quick look through the house, I find her sitting in the backyard, making flashcards and muttering to herself about the different stages of mitosis.
"What'cha doin'?" I ask.
She doesn't look up from her project, just scribbles away. "Rumor has it Mr. Banner is planning on surprising us with a pop quiz sometime this week, so I'm cramming, just to be safe."
"Do you think you could take a break and spare your old man a couple minutes of your time?"
She nods, sets her things down, and gestures for me to take the seat across from her. When I don't immediately get to the point, Angela sighs. "Uh-oh. What did Alice do now?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to talk to you about a change that's coming."
"Are we getting a new mommy?" she asks cheekily.
I chuckle and shake my head in the negative. "No. Not even close. But we are going to be participating in V.A.M.P until the two of you graduate."
Angela's smile widens. "Really?"
"Yes. I can't keep depending on you to keep your sister in line, and Jasper …" I sneer. "I need to keep him out of my head if he's going to be sticking around."
"So, you hired us a nanny?"
"I'd prefer to call her a sitter. She's also a shield."
Angela gasps. "There are only three shields known. President Swan, her husband, and their daughter."
"Actually, there are a few weaker shields who work for Volturi, but Jasper's gifts haven't been assessed. Jane pulled some strings, and Isabella Swan has agreed to come work for me."
I'm surprised the neighbors don't call the cops when Angela stands up and starts squealing and talking at the same time. "We just learned about her in history class, and she's amazing. Did you know she's one of the main reasons vamps are out? She was one of the first to rush into the wreckage on 9/11! Not to mention she's the president's freaking daughter." She freezes. "Wait. Why would someone of her standing want to play babysitter to a couple of teenagers?"
I shrug. "Jane Volturi is a close friend and thought it would be a good match. I just got the email, and Miss Swan will be here tonight for a week-long dry run. After the trial period is over, we'll make a decision."
The squealing has stopped. Angela presses her hands on her cheeks, eyes wide in horror. "Oh, my God, I have to go clean my bedroom. She's going to think I'm such a slob." She gathers her stuff quickly, muttering to herself about everything she has to get done before the freaking president's daughter arrives. Before she disappears inside the house, she turns to me. "Dad, can you please make sure Alice cleans our bathroom? It's her turn, and you know how she is."