Hey guys, this is a new Vauseman fanfic that I've been working on. Let me know what you think :) Don't worry, this doesn't mean that I'm abandoning my other fics. This is just an idea that's been stuck in my head for a while. Tell me your thoughts. It will contain more Alex and Piper as they grow up. Stay safe guys :)

Growing Up

Chapter 1:

April 22nd, 1993

It was a warm spring day in Hartford, Connecticut as the colourful flowers began to blossom. With spring comes new life and for some it brought a feeling of hope.

Diane Vause was a young woman in her late teens. She had long, dark brown hair, emerald green eyes, and a slim figure. Her baby weight had dropped off like magic. It was easy when she had spent the past few weeks walking back and forth across town from business-to-business, begging for a job. Again, she found herself begging for yet another job that she was unlikely to get. But failure wasn't an option, there was lives on the line… Literally!

After walking a few miles outside of town, the young woman had finally reached her destination. In front of her stood an extraordinary mansion surrounded by trees, giving the family plenty of privacy. Diane approached black, electronic gates at the end of the driveway. The young woman buzzed the intercom and the gates opened immediately. Taking that as her invitation, the brunette began walking up the tarmacked driveway. Diane glanced around at her surroundings amazed. The driveway was at least a quarter of a mile long and it was paved at the edges with stone bricks that lead to perfectly mowed grass either side, not a blade of grass was out of place. A few trees stood tall along the edge of the driveway, leading up to the mansion. As the driveway ended it opened up into a huge, paved courtyard as big as a parking lot. The courtyard was surrounded by small trees and shrubs and in the centre of the courtyard was a large waterfall fountain which sparkled like magic dust in the spring sun. Behind the fountain stood the incredible, three-story mansion. To the left of the courtyard was a four-car garage with another driveway leading somewhere. To the right was a stone path leading through the grass and trees. The property seemed to be surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Diane nervously knocked on the front door of the Chapman house with her new-born daughter in her arms. Diane looked down at her tiny daughter and placed a gentle kiss on her head as she waited anxiously.

''Wish me luck, kiddo.'' Diane whispered to her daughter with a loving smile as the baby happily cooed back at her.

The front door suddenly opened, startling the new-born. Thankfully, the baby didn't make a peep, she just wriggled in her mother's arms and soon settled again. A pregnant woman in her early twenties opened the door, she had shoulder length blonde hair and was well dressed.

''Hello, I'm Carol Chapman… You must be Diane?'' The woman greeted as she reached out her hand to shake, only noticing the baby with a look of surprise.

''Hello, Mrs Chapman. Yes, I'm Diane Vause and this is little Alex. It's a pleasure to meet you.'' Diane returned the greeting as she nodded to her daughter, then shook the other woman's hand.

''The pleasure is all mine. You're here for the nanny position?'' Carol asked a little surprised.

A little while later, during the job interview…

''Like the newspaper stated, I have a two-year-old boy, named Daniel and I'm expecting again within the next two months… Do you think you can handle a toddler and a new-born as well as a new-born of your own? That's a big undertaking, Diane'' Carol asked politely as she eyed baby Alex.

''My daughter's name is Alex and she's no trouble. She only cries when she's hungry or needs her diaper changed, otherwise she just sleeps. I have a couple of months to get to know little Daniel and get him settled into a routine until your next little one comes along. Then Alex will have a little friend to play with.'' Diane explained in her thick Brooklyn accent as she gently stroked her daughter's hair, Carol looked unconvinced.

''Are you aware that this is a live-in position, Diane? How does your husband feel about that?'' Carol asked curiously as she stared at the mother and daughter.

''Look, I'm gonna be honest with you Mrs Chapman… I'm a single mother, Alex's father isn't in the picture. We've no family. When my parents found out that I was pregnant they didn't want anything to do with us. We've nowhere to go. We've been staying at a shelter across town but the money I'd earned before Alex was born is about to run out. I can't go back to my old job because a diner doesn't provide childcare and I can't get another job without it. This is my last option. Please just give me a chance!'' Diane explained as tears started to cloud her green eyes.

Carol stared at the woman opposite her, watching as she rocked her little daughter, and her heart broke for them. Carol was lucky in life; she was born into a wealthy family and never wanted for anything. She married a hardworking man from a wealthy family, and they inherited this property from his parents as a wedding gift. Unlike Diane, Carol never knew the financial struggles of life, but sitting across from the young woman and her daughter she felt a need to help those less fortunate than herself.

''When can you start, Diane?'' Carol asked the with a friendly smile.

''Immediately… I can start right now!'' Diane answered with a huge smile.

''That won't be necessary. How about we get you and Alex settled first. Tomorrow we can discuss your salary and you can get to know Daniel. Then the following day you can officially start.'' Carol said as she stood from her seat. Her and the brunette were in the main living room as they had their interview.

''Thank you, ma'am, I won't let you down.'' Diane replied with a grateful smile.

''There's no need to call me ma'am. Please, call me Carol.'' The blonde said with a friendly smile.

''Thank you, Carol.'' Diane said as she peppered baby Alex's head with kisses. ''You're my good luck charm, kiddo.'' Diane said to her daughter as the baby giggled with delight.

''How about I show you where you and little Alex will be living. Follow me.'' Carol said with a smile as she led the young mother out through the front door to the courtyard.

''To your right is the garage, where you can park too. I'll get you a remote made, it also controls the gate.'' Carol stated as she stopped to look around. ''Diane, where did you park your car?'' Carol questioned curiously.

''I don't have a car anymore… I had to sell it a few months ago to buy things for Alex.'' Diane explained, looking away embarrassed.

Diane owned a candy red, 1970 ford mustang inmint condition which her parents bought her for her sweet sixteen. The brunette loved that car, but not as much as she loved her daughter. The young mother worked hard throughout her pregnancy, even towards the end when her feet were as swollen as watermelons. She worked two jobs; one at Wendy's diner and the other at Walmart, up until her water broke during a busy dinner shift. The young, expecting mother worked hard to pay rent for a small apartment and cover medical bills from baby scans to make sure that Alex was healthy as well as eat for two. By the time she had paid these expenses from her little paycheck, there wasn't much more than a few dollars left. When Alex was born, the single mother couldn't work either job as she had no one to look after her daughter. At two-weeks-old, Alex and Diane were evicted from their apartment as they couldn't afford to pay the rent. The poor, young mother and daughter were homeless and had to live in the ford mustang with their few belongings. As the weeks drew on, money was extremely tight; Diane would survive by buying a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter and try to make it stretch as long as possible, while Alex would live off breast milk. Eventually, the money completely ran out and the young mother was forced with no other option… Sell her beloved mustang. As much as she loved her car, it didn't even compare to the love she had for her daughter.

''A good mother always puts her children first. Now, I know I've picked the right woman to look after my children. May I ask how you got here today?'' Carol asked even more curious as she tried not to sound too nosy.

''Thank you, Carol. I walked here with Alex in my arms.'' Diane answered proud, she would do anything for her baby girl.

''Good heavens, Diane! We're at least a couple of miles outside of town and the driveway alone is half a mile… You must be exhausted!'' Carol said, completely shocked.

''Desperate times call for desperate measures! Like I said before, this was my last option... I would walk thousands of miles to provide for my baby.'' Diane replied proudly.

''You are a remarkable woman, Diane.'' Carol said fondly with a smile. ''Let me show you to the guest house. I'm sure you could do with a rest.'' Carol said as she walked past the garage up the smaller driveway.

'I wondered where this driveway went, I guess we're gonna find out.' Diane thought to herself as she followed the older woman.

Carol led the young mother, holding her baby about one hundred yards up a tarmacked driveway to a large guest house. The house looked homely, decorated with grey wooden panelling, white windows and complete with dark grey window shutters. The house had a white, wooden porch that went the whole way around. Trees surrounded the house, creating privacy from the main mansion. There was plenty of room for Diane to grow a garden full of colourful flowers that she had always wanted. The house had a private little backyard, big enough for a swing set, slide, trampoline and even a vegetable garden. A stone path led through the forest that connected with the mansion's back garden. The house was far less extravagant than the mansion, but it was everything that Diane had ever dreamed of for her and her daughter.

''This is where you and Alex will live. You can decorate and rearrange it how you like.'' Carol said as she handed the brunette a key to the house.

''This house is just for us?'' Diane asked amazed. Homeless one moment to house owner the next.

''Yes, this will be your own private home. You'll spent a lot of time at the main house with the children and so will little Alex. But when you're not working, you're free to do whatever you want. You're welcome to explore the forest and the grounds. You can use the swimming pool, gym and home theatre in the main house as long as we're not hosting an event, just let me know.'' Carol explained with a friendly smile.

''Thank you so much, Carol.'' Diane replied as tears clouded her eyes.

''You're welcome, dear. Us mothers have to stick together. I'll give you a quick tour inside then I'll leave you to get settled.'' Carol said as she opened the door to the house and walked inside, Diane following.

Carol led the brunette throughout the whole house, showing her where things were and explaining how things worked. The inside of the house looked just as homely as the outside. The guest house was bigger than your average house; it had four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. The master bedroom had it's own bathroom, two bedrooms had an adjoining bathroom (they would be Alex's bedroom and playroom when she was bigger) another big bathroom (for guests) and the half bathroom was downstairs. Downstairs; there was a big dining room that led into a huge, white kitchen with black marble counter tops with everything you could ever need. There was a main living room which was rather big and a smaller living room which was cosier, both with a beautiful handmade, wooden fireplace. There was a study filled with every book imaginable and it also had a handmade, wooden fireplace. The house came fully furnished and it was tastefully decorated, the only thing missing was baby things for Alex.

''I think that I've shown you everything… Press 1 on the landline to call the main house or press 2 to call the kitchen. The housekeeper can cook your meals if you're interested or you can do yourself if you prefer. The refrigerator and cupboards are fully stocked. It's your choice. Do you have any questions or is there anything you need?'' Carol asked with a smile.

''When can we move in?'' Diane asked excitedly.

''You can move in right now if you wish.'' Carol stated with a friendly smile.

''Fantastic! I'm just gonna head back into town and pick up our things then we'll be back.'' Diane explained happily.

''You're going to walk?'' Carol asked in disbelief.

''Yeah, my feet are our only form of transport.'' Diane replied not seeing the big deal.

''We can't have that! I'll drive you into town, Diane. Tomorrow you'll have your own car. You'll need to be able to take the children places so we'll provide you with your own car.'' Carol said happily, the thought hadn't occurred to her until now.

''Thank you, for the ride. But I can't accept a car off you, Carol. It's too much! You've already provided an amazing house for me and my baby, I can't take anything more from you.'' Diane declined politely.

The young mother didn't want to seem ungrateful because she was far from it. She truly appreciated everything the Chapman's had done for her. But she didn't want to take advantage of them either.

''Don't be silly, dear. A car is a necessity… Especially when we live miles outside town. You'll need it soon enough to drive the kids to school. We can discuss it more tomorrow. First, let's get your things so you can get settled into your new home.'' Carol explained as she left Diane's house and headed towards the garage, with the young woman following.

Carol drove the brunette and her baby to the homeless shelter/soup kitchen. Diane had to hold baby Alex in her arms as Daniel's car seat was too big for the new-born and as Carol was still expecting the new car seat hadn't been installed yet.

The shelter was located in a rough, run-down part of town, making the blonde woman feel uncomfortable. The pair pulled up beside the shelter and parked along-side the curb.

''Would you like a hand getting your belongings?'' Carol asked, looking conflicted about going into the run-down building or being left alone in the rough area.

''I'm fine, thank you… There's only a few things to grab.'' Diane replied as she settled Alex in her arms.

''Would you like me to keep Alex until you come back?'' Carol asked as she stroked the baby's soft, black hair.

''It's okay, Red will want to see her and say goodbye. She's grown kinda attached these past few weeks.'' Diane explained with a warm smile.

''Red?'' Carol questioned curiously.

''Red is the woman who runs the shelter. She's been very kind to us… Helped me apply for jobs and bought little Alex diaper's and things when I couldn't afford to.'' Diane said, praising the older woman.

''That was very kind of her. Well, I'll wait here until you're ready.'' Carol replied with a friendly smile and a look of uneasiness in her eyes.

'Poor Diane, I couldn't imagine having to live here with my children. I hope she isn't gone long.' Carol thought to herself, locking the doors as the brunette left.

A little while later.

Diane came out of the shelter carry a trash bag full of clothes, (no baby Alex) packed it into the car and then went back inside the shelter. Again, the brunette came out carrying a small, cardboard box containing a few baby bottles and toys, but no Alex then retreated back inside. A few minutes later, the young mother appeared again with a diaper bag on her shoulder, carrying a baby blanket and a teddy bear but still no Alex. Carol watched curiously as the brunette packed the car.

As Diane finished packing the car, an older woman in her mid-thirties with fiery red hair appeared carrying Alex. The older woman peppered baby Alex's head with kisses then handed the baby back to her mother. Carol watched curiously from the locked car as the two women had a brief conversation, she unable to hear what they were saying when she saw Diane point to her. Carol took this as her que to introduce herself as she unlocked the car and walked over to the women.

''This is the woman who was kind enough to give me a job and provide a house for me and little Alex… Red this is Carol Chapman. Carol this is Red.'' Diane said happily as she introduced the women.

''It's nice to meet you Mrs Chapman. Thank you for looking after my girls!'' Red said in a deep Russian accent as she reached out her hand.

''It's a pleasure to meet you. Diane speaks highly of you! Please, call me Carol.'' Carol replied with a friendly smile as she shook the older woman's hand.

''I will let the three of you get on your way. Diane, don't forget to come see me and bring the little 'detka'. Nice meeting you, Carol.'' Red said as she pulled the young mother in for a hug and placed a kiss on the baby's head.

Red waved goodbye and went back inside as the two women got into the parked car with baby Alex settled in her mother's arms.

''Is that everything?'' Carol tried to ask subtly, noticing the lack of necessary baby things.

''Yeah, that's everything we have. I know it's not a lot but I'm gonna use my paycheck at the end of the month to buy things for Alex.'' Diane explained, feeling mom guilt for not being able to provide her daughter the basic necessities.

''Do you mind coming shopping with me, Diane? I've got a few things left to buy for this little one.'' Carol said convincingly as she rubbed her pregnant belly. The blonde woman had been lying, she had bought everything for the baby months ago.

''Sure, I wouldn't mind doing some window shopping for Alex.'' Diane happily agreed.

A few hours later, in the middle of the town mall, somewhere in a baby department store were Carol, Diane and Alex.

Carol had gone on a serious spending spree; she had bought two baby cribs, even a travel crib, a couple of baby mobiles, another new-born car seat, a baby bath, a bottle sterilizer, bottles and a bottle warmer, bibs, dummy's, swaddles, different types of baby clothes and outfits, a breast pump and breastfeeding accessories, a pram and a double pram (Diane assumed for Daniel and the new baby), a high chair, a bouncer, a play gym, a baby walker, a variety of toys, a few baby playpens, safety gates, baby monitors and baby proofing supplies, a couple of baby changing mats, even a changing table, and nursery furniture. Diane couldn't believe her eyes as she seen the zero's piling up on the bill at the checkout. The whole time throughout their shopping spree, Carol kept asking the brunette's opinion and what colours she preferred. Diane thought it was sweet that she considered her opinion. Although, the brunette thought it was odd that she asked for next day delivery, but she assumed that the blonde woman wanted to have it ready and waiting in case the baby arrived early. The blonde asked for a few items to be packed into her car, ready to take home which were; the car-seat that doubled as a baby carrier, the various small toys, the travel crib, a breast pump, bottles, the bottle sterilizer and warmer, the baby monitors, the changing mat, the bibs, dummy's, swaddles and baby clothes, a playpen and a baby mobile. All the bigger items were to be delivered tomorrow morning.

As the store assistant was packing the car, he went to grab the final box to pack.

''Excuse me, do you mind installing that item into the back seat for me? I'd like to use it now.'' Carol asked the store assistant politely, referring to the baby seat/carrier.

''Certainly, ma'am. Would you like it behind the driver or passenger seat?'' The man asked, happy to be of help.

''Behind the driver seat, please.'' Carol said as the younger brunette watched the interaction confused.

A few minutes passed and the man successfully installed the baby seat, he wished the women a good day and disappeared back into the mall, taking the empty baby carrier box with him.

''That was a successful day's shopping. How about you put little Alex into the car seat and give your arms a rest. They must be killing you.'' Carol said happily as she got into the driver seat of the car.

Diane did as she was told, and then got into the passenger seat. It felt weird not having her baby in her arms for the first time in a long time. The brunette missed the closeness of having her daughter snuggled into her arms, but the blonde was right, her arms were killing her. Diane looked into the back seat and baby Alex was happily sitting in the new car seat, intently studying this new object. Carol and Diane seemed to get along just fine, judging by the pleasant conversation as they drove home.

As Carol drove up the long driveway into the courtyard, instead of parking in the garage she drove past it and drove down the brunette's short driveway to her new house.

''You didn't have to drive us to the door, Carol. We could have walked the short distance just fine.'' Diane said gratefully to new her employer.

''Nonsense, Diane. It will be easier to carry the things in from here.'' Carol replied as it was the most obvious thing in the world.

''Carry the things in?'' Diane asked confused.

''Yes, dear. All these things are for you and Alex.'' Carol said with a friendly smile.

''Carol, I can't accept these things from you. It's too much!'' Diane protested feeling like a charity case.

''Like I said before, us mothers need to stick together.'' Carol said with a friendly smile as she began to unload the light things from the car.

Carol had carried baby clothes inside the brunette's house when Diane insisted that she rest and made the blonde a cup of tea. Carol watched a sleeping Alex in her carrier as Diane carried in all the boxed and bags and placed them in the living room. Taking a seat next to the blonde when she had finished.

''Are you sure about this, Carol? I feel like I'm taking advantage of you!'' Diane said with an uneasy, guilty feeling.

''Don't think such a thing, Diane. You never asked me for anything! I'm just an employer providing the basic needs for her employee. You're a single mother so your needs differ from a woman with no children.'' Carol stated politely, trying to east the younger woman's guilt.

''Thank you for everything you've done for us… I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity.'' Diane said gratefully with a warm smile.

''Thank you for dedicating your life to caring for my children as well as your own. I hope that we can become friends. Now, I'll leave you to get settled into your new home with your daughter. We can talk tomorrow about your salary and you can meet Daniel and get a proper tour of the main house and grounds. I'll see you tomorrow around noon, perhaps?'' Carol said as she stood to leave.

''I'd like it if we became friends. I can't wait to meet little Daniel and get a tour of this amazing place. Noon is perfect, see you tomorrow.'' Diane replied as she walked the blonde to the door and waved goodbye before shutting the door.

Diane came back into the living room to check on Alex in her carrier before sorting through all the boxes and bags. The young mother began by unpacking the playpen and setting it up with all Alex's new toys, she then made space on the kitchen countertop for the bottle sterilizer and the bottle warmer, removed the packaging and sterilized the new bottles. Diane set aside the breast pump, knowing that she would need it soon and began setting up the baby monitors, leaving one beside Alex. The brunette quickly assembled the travel crib and attached the baby mobile. Diane set aside the changing mat, knowing she would also need it soon, neatly placed the bibs into a drawer in the kitchen and set the dummy's beside the sterilizer to be sterilized next. Finally, after checking that her daughter was peacefully asleep with the monitor beside her in case she wakes, the young mother carried the travel crib upstairs with the swaddles and baby clothes inside. Diane placed the crib beside her bed and set aside the clothes and swaddles to be put away at a later date, along with her own clothes. Inside the crib, the brunette placed Alex's favourite teddy bear and blanket that she loved from the day she was born.

Diane came back downstairs just in time to be greeted by a crying baby. Alex was crying after walking up from her nap because she was hungry. The young mother gently lifted her crying daughter and cuddled her until the tears stopped then fed the infant. Diane snuggled with her daughter and showed her around their new home. The brunette was talking away to her daughter as if she could understand what she was saying, pointing out the different rooms and explaining what she was going to do with Alex's room and playroom. The new-born was fascinated by every word that came out of her mother's mouth and cooed away happily. Suddenly Alex started to cry again, and Diane knew it was diaper time, for the first time ever she was excited to change a diaper as she wanted to use her new changing mat. After her feed and diaper change Alex was beginning to get sleepy as her little eyelids began to flutter and she sucked on her tiny thumb. Diane lifted her daughter in her arms and took her upstairs and gently placed her in her crib. The young mother tucked her baby girl in with her comfort blanket and teddy bear, placed a kiss on her sleeping little face and whispered sweet words to her.

''Good night, kiddo. Sweet dreams. Mommy loves you!'' Diane whispered with another kiss, placed the baby monitor nearby and went back downstairs.

Diane made herself a quick dinner with ingredients from the fully stocked cupboards and refrigerator then ate it at the kitchen island. The young mother decided to try the breast pump for the first time as she settled to watch a little tv while doing so. The brunette stocked the refrigerator with milk for Alex in the morning and prepared the coffee maker for herself. Diane double checked that all the doors and windows were locked as she took another tour around the house, amazed that all this belonged to her and her daughter. The brunette mapped out in her head how she would decorate and rearrange the house with her own personal touch, but all that could wait until Alex was a little bigger. Checking that her daughter was okay and still sleeping soundly, the young mother grabbed the baby monitor and decided to take a bubble bath for the first time in a long time.

After a relaxing bath, the brunette felt her exhaustion from the long, exciting day and difficult few months take it's toll on her. Diane checked on her perfect little girl again and jumped in the king-sized bed with the crib placed beside it. For the first time since before her daughter was born, the young mother slept soundly. Her troubles and worries melted away as she sunk further into the comfortable bed. No more financial struggles, no more worrying that someone would break into their room at the shelter and hurt her and her daughter, no more homelessness, for once everything seemed to be looking up for the mother and daughter. All thanks to a kind woman by the name of Carol Chapman.

There we go, chapter 1 of my new story. What do you guys think? Do you like it? Is it boring? Do you think it's worthwhile continuing? Let me know your thoughts :)