Chapter 4: School Days
Walking down the halls of St. Teresa's School for girls Madeline held on tightly to her mother's hand. Even though she had been going to the school for at least two years now, she always hated to leave her parents when school started up in the fall.
Girls ran past them as they made their way to their rooms. They looked so egger and happy to start the new school year, but Madeline however was not. She was content with playing out in the big yard, swinging on the swing set with her brother, helping her mother in the rose garden. Anything sounded better than going to school all day.
Hearing the clicking of her mother's shoe's Madeline's grip grew tighter. Madeline knew she wasn't alone. Parker was probably just as nervous as she was.
Before long all four of them arrived at room 3A. "Here we are." Vivien answered. Madeline still held her mother's hand as she hid behind her legs. Vivien felt her little girl tug on her hand and shift quickly behind her. "Oh," her arm could only go back so far. Feeling her hand go numb Vivien tried to relax her fingers; her little girl must be petrified if she wasn't giving an inch.
"Mummy, I don't want to go." Madeline cried. She tried to blink back the tears she knew were coming. Maybe if she cried and begged maybe her parents would take her home. By now she had let go, but she still did not emerge from behind her mother. Instead she stayed hidden from the cold, hostile world called school.
No longer feeling her little girls hand within her own Vivien turned around. "You're going to love third grade. You've always liked school." Vivien answered with a warm smile as she got down on the child's level. She sure hoped Jacqueline and Robert were having better luck with Caroline.
Looking at her daughter Vivien could see how much she had grown over the year. Not just physically but mentally as well. By the time she was three she was already learning her ABCs. And at four knew all the way up to ten. And now she was learning her times tables and division. And Parker did this as well could tell you the entire ABCs when he was two along with his numbers. Vivien and Larry were blessed with some smart kids.
"No, Mummy I want to go home." Madeline begged. She was on the verge of being on her knees and begging like a beggar on the street.
"Why do you want to go home?" What has gotten into her? Vivien thought as she tried to think of some reason why she didn't want to go to school. Was she being bullied? Oh God, Vivien couldn't think of that. Was she not getting along with the teachers? Surly not. Madeline always loved her teachers. And this year she had Mrs. Elizabeth Mills. She was the best third grade teacher. Vivien would know she herself had gone to this very school and had Mrs. Mills when she was eight.
"You always make friends very easily. There is nothing to be scared of." Larry reassured his daughter. Parker agreed with his parents as he gave his twin sister a huge. Even he would admit he was a bit scared, but also very excited. Hanging on tight to her brother he could tell something was different. Something Vivien nor Larry could decipher what it was.
"What happened to the little girl the other day that was so excited to start a new grade?" Vivien asked as her eyes glanced at the clock behind Madeline. 7:25. School started in five minutes. Thank goodness Parker's didn't start till 7:45. Madeline had tears in her eyes. She didn't want her parents to leave. Madeline didn't answer she just stayed quiet as her fingers went into her mouth.
Madeline's lower lip quivered. "I don't want to leave you and daddy." Madeline burst into tears. Big salty tears began running down her now red face. The tears still came as she struggled to catch her breath. She sobbed and pleaded with her mummy to take her home. Seeing that she wasn't getting anywhere with her mother she turned to her father. "Daddy," she sobbed. Surly he would do something.
Seeing his little girl in distress Larry knew he had to think of something and quickly. Picking up his little girl Larry tried to calm her nerves and to stop the tears. "Who's my brave little princess?" he asked. He could feel her little body shaking from the fear and the tears. His sweet little girl she truly was scared.
"Me" Madeline said with a giggle. She felt a little better. But the tears stilled stained her face and now her nose was red. Just like Rudolph the red nose reindeer.
"I believe someone's got a red nose like Rudolph."
Madeline giggled as she thought about this. "Daddy, I'm not Rudolph. I'm your daughter Madeline."
"Are you sure?" he asked her not sure of her answer. Madeline nodded her head. She was positive. "Alright now give mummy, Parker and me a kiss goodbye." Hanging on tightly Madeline hung on for dear life, poor little thing she was quite nervous.
"Madeline, there's Ellie." Vivien answered as she saw Anna and Peter's daughter. "I think she's probably looking for you."
"You will be here when I get out?" Madeline asked as she could feel her heart beating.
"The moment it hits 2:30." Her parents told her with smiles.
Madeline smiled. That's all she needed. Knowing that her parents would be there the moment school was over made her feel more at ease. "Bye Mummy, Daddy, Parker. I love you." And off she went to sit next to Ellie. Off to start a brand new school year.
Vivien could feel a tear trickle down her face. Taking the back of her left hand she wiped it away. "Shall we go?" she asked. With a brave face that hid her sad expression she turned and faced her husband and son.
Parker nodded his head. He was ready to start a new school year, but like Madeline he was a little scared. Heading out to the car Larry put an arm around Vivien. "It's alright. You're alright." He whispered to her. Parker looked over towards his mother. She was crying now.
"Mummy, please don't cry." Parker said in a whisper. He hated to see her cry weather they were sad or happy tears.
Vivien managed a smile for her son. "Mummy's alright darling." Parker still looked at his mother. This answer was obviously not going to work. "Mother's just a little upset to see you two leave." Parker let go of his father's hand and went to his mother's side. Taking a hold of her hand he smiled up at her."It's alright Mummy, Madeline and I will be fine." In that moment Vivien knew that her children really were growing up before her very eyes. As they walked out the front doors of the school they got into the car and headed to the Thorpe House and Kingscote school. "You'll be in the same class as William," Larry smiled in the rearview mirror. William was his brother's son. "Won't that be nice?" Parker nodded his head yes. Just like Madeline he also had someone he could buddy up with.
"Mr. Kent, are we ready to start a new school year?" a deep voice came. Turning from his parents they saw Mr. Fisher Parker's third grade teacher. Mr. Fisher was a middle aged man. With light hazel colored eyes, dark black hair with a hint of grey, he seemed very well in shape.
"Yes, sir," Parker answered as he put on his brave face. He wasn't going to cry like Madeline. He was a man and men did not cry. Turning back towards his parents he gave them hugs and kisses goodbye.
"We will be back later to pick you up." Vivien said softly as she blinked back the tears. Giving him a hug she clung tightly to him.
"Viv, darling we have to go. He has class." Larry said as he rested his hand on her shoulder. Letting go they parted ways and left their children at their respected schools. As they climbed into the car Vivien broke down.
The tears clung to her long black eyelashes while her hands trembled. Resting them on her lap they soon became fist. Seeing his wife crying Larry rushed over to the driver's side. Flinging the car down open he got in. Shutting the door he reached for her and held her close. Running a hand through her chestnut colored hair he spoke gently. "Darling, you mustn't cry. The children have to go to school you know that."
"I know. It's just that-every year it's like this. I can't bear to see them leave." She cried into his chest as he held her close.
"I know darling I know." Kissing her hair he rocked her back and forth. Looking up He saw Parker looking out the window of his class. Mr. Fisher came over to lead him away from the window."We both know that we have raised the children right. There is nothing to be worried about." Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a white handkerchief. Handing it to her Vivien held it to her eyes and wiped away the many tears.
"I know we have." Vivien sighed as she was finally brave enough to look up at him.
"My dear I don't know what you are going to do when they go off to college." Larry laughed. Oh good heavens what would happen when they went off to college?
Vivien laughed a little. He was right. What would she do when they went off to college? Lock herself up and never come out? Getting a chill down her back she pushed that thought out of her mind. Good heavens no. She would face that battle with a smile on her face.
"I think we should head out. Parker saw us sitting here a mere few moments ago." Giving his wife a kiss they made their way home. A little over half hour later they arrived home.
"The children made it safely to school I see." Richard replied as he rolled into the room. Vivien nodded her head. She forced the tears away as she looked at her father.
"Come here my lovely daughter." Coming over to her father Vivien collapsed into his lap. Crying her eyes out she let the comfort of her father put her at ease, but she still cried and still worried about her children. "There, there everything is going to be fine. The children will be fine and will learn many things." Richard looked at up at Larry. "She will be alright." He mouthed to him.
Larry nodded his head. He knew his wife would be alright. Heading out of the room he came back moments later with a glass of water. Handing it to his wife she drank it and went back to sobbing her eyes out. "Why don't we take a stroll outside?" offered Larry.
Smiling weakly up at him Vivien agreed and went with him to take a walk and to get some fresh air. Walking out into the rose garden they began talking and carrying on as if they were 18 and 21 again. Richard was proud of the scene. He was glad that Larry was around to keep his daughter safe from any harm, but also to keep her in good spirits when things got tough.
Madeline's eyes drifted up towards the clock 2:30. Her parents were going to arrive any moment. But in the meantime she put things in her desk and waited until they stepped through that door. As she placed her books, pencils, glue and a slew of other things in her desk she heard a voice. "Madeline, I believe some people would like to see you." Mrs. Mills said with happiness.
Madeline lowered her desk lid and there stood her parents. "Mummy, Daddy," Madeline said with delight as she ran over to them.
"How's our princess?" Larry asked as he picked her up.
"Good," Madeline giggled with a toothless smile.
"Darling, go get your backpack and we will leave." Vivien said as she gave her daughter a quick kiss on the check. Just a few hours ago she was crying over having her children leave her and now her and Larry were there to pick them up.
"Alright, Mummy," Larry put his little princess on the floor. The moment her feet touched the floor Madeline ran to gather her things.
"Vivien Alexander is that you." Elizabeth asked as she stepped up to them.
"Mrs. Mills it has been a while hasn't it?" Vivien asked as she faced her old teacher. She hadn't really changed all that much. Older, wiser, all her lovely blond hair had turned grey, but she was still the same teacher Vivien remembered.
"Yes it has been a while. How have you been for all of these years?"
"I've been well. The children keep us busy." Vivien pointed from her to Larry.
"My, Madeline looks just like you." Mrs. Mills laughed with delight. "As curious as a kitten," She watched as Madeline gathered her things and told her friends goodbye. "Just like you at that age."
"Yes, we've been told that several times." Vivien laughed, but that was something they would never change. Vivien began to think back to when she was her age. My, that was quite a while ago, but yes, Madeline was just like her at that age. Always wanting to do something, always getting into things, always wanting to learn something new.
"Do you have any other children?" Mrs. Mills asked.
"Parker, her twin brother," Larry answered.
"TWINS! My you must have your hands full."
"Yes, but we wouldn't change it for the world." Vivien answered as she knew they had to get to his school to pick him up. Madeline came back moments later with her Cinderella backpack packed and was already to go.
"Ready to go pick up your brother princess?" Larry asked. Madeline nodded her head. Taking her parents hands she pulled them from the classroom.
"Bye Mrs. Mills." She yelled down the hall. Madeline was happy that her parents were there. She missed them so very much throughout the day. "Mummy, Daddy, I missed you." She smiled up at them.
"Well we missed you to sweetheart." Vivien answered. Even though she spent about the whole way home in tears she knew that school was where her children were needed.
"It's been quiet at the house for the past several hours." Larry chimed in. "I'm sure your grandfather will be glad to see you two." Getting into the car they all buckled up and went to pick up Parker.
"Larry, he is the spitting image of you when you were a young lad." Mr. Fisher said with a big grin on his face as he stepped from the classroom with Parker by his side.
"Why thank you Mr. Fisher." Larry answered as he was glad to hear that. "Glad to hear it. He didn't cause you any trouble did he?"
"Oh no, no trouble at all, William is the one I have to watch out for."
Larry chuckled under his breath a little. His brother's son could be a handful sometimes. "I'm sorry to hear that." He had to suppress a laugh as he answered. Andrew always thought that his son did no wrong and that he thought he was the best son ever. Just wait till he got the news it would knock him on his butt quickly.
"Parker, darling, do you have all of your things?" Vivien asked.
"Yes, Mummy," Parker answered with a nod of his head.
"Don't you think we better go dear?" Vivien asked as she faced her husband he just wanted to gloat about Parker. "Darling?"
"Yes, darling we better get home."
"Bye Mr. Fisher see you tomorrow." Parker said as he waved bye to him.
"Yes, see you tomorrow young man."
"I can't wait to see my brothers face when he finds out about William." Larry laughed as they were finally alone.
"Watch what you say it has been said that things can turn around." Vivien reminded Larry as they drove off.
"I suppose you are right," Larry agreed, but couldn't help but know deep down that they had two great kids.
"Mummy, Daddy can you help me on homework?"Parker asked as he glanced up from his homework.
"Me too," Madeline chimed in rather quickly. They were sitting at the bar later that afternoon after having their after school snack.
"What do you need help with?" Larry asked as they stepped over to the bar ready to help.
"Math,"
"Spelling,"
Vivien and Larry looked at one another. "I get English and you get math?" Vivien answered quickly. She hated math. In fact when she was in school Richard had to help her practically every night with it. Vivien would put up quite the fuss over that awful subject. But Larry however was very brilliant at math. He seemed to get through to the children much easier then she probably could.
"Sounds fair enough," Larry agreed as he shrugged his shoulders. Parker handed his father his math homework. Looking at it Larry thought for a moment. 2 times 3. "If you can't remember how to do it mentally I was taught to do it on my fingers." He held up three fingers. "Two," he held up one finger. "four," he held up a second finger "six," and held up the third finger. Parker wrote down the answer. "Does that make sense?" he asked. Parker nodded his head yes that he understood.
Madeline looked at her mother. "I need help with three, five and ten."
"Alright," Vivien read the first sentence out loud. "The blank necklace is one hundred pounds" Looking up at the word bank she saw what Madeline had crossed out. "The words you have left are Value, high and checked." Madeline looked at the word list and then to her mother. "To help you figure it out put each word in the sentence to see if it makes sense."
"The value of the necklace is one hundred pounds."
"That one," Madeline giggled. Madeline got the problem right off the bat if someone read it to her, but if she read it herself she sometimes second guessed herself.
"That's right." Madeline marked it off and was ready for the next one. However the phone rang moments later.
"I've got it." Larry answered. "Be right back buddy."
"Alright Daddy," Parker answered with a smile. Maybe just maybe while he was gone he might be able to get the last one done by myself.
Walking into the sitting room he picked up the phone "Hello." Facing Vivien and the children Larry spoke again. "She's right here. Hang on just a moment and I will get her." Vivien's head shot up and looked at her husband. What happened? What was going on? "Jacqueline is on the phone for you."
"I wonder how Caroline's first day of Kindergarten went." Vivien asked as she got up from the bar. "Can you try the next one by yourself?" she asked Madeline.
"Yes, mummy, I can try." Madeline answered. She knew she could do it she was a Kent. They didn't give up just like that. Looking at the list of words she went on, but not before asking Parker a question. "Parker, what's that word?" as she tapped him on the shoulder.
Turning and facing his sister Parker looked down at the word. "Checked,"
"Thank you," now knowing the word she went along her merry way.
Smiling at the scene before her she answered the phone. "Hello Jackie how was Caroline's first day of school?"
"It went well until we got to the school. Bobby had a hard time getting her into the classroom."
"Don't I know that feeling Madeline did the same as well?" Madeline's head looked in her mother's direction when hearing her name. Pointing at her to do her homework Madeline went back to what she was doing.
"Bobby and I thought she would do very well, just like all of her cousins. Boy were we wrong."
"What happen exactly? I know Caroline was looking forward to school." Sitting down on the small blue couch Vivien began messing with the cord that was coming from the phone.
"She was. She got up when she was asked to, got ready in her new uniform. Chatted with all the children as they ate breakfast, she seemed rather happy to start school." Hearing the phone crackle a little Jackie's voice came back on. "Hang on a moment. It's in the closet on the right hand side."
"Mummy, can I watch TV?" Madeline asked as she came into the room where her mother was sitting.
"Did you get all of your homework done?" Vivien asked as she could hear noise in the background on the other line.
Madeline nodded her head. "Daddy checked it to make sure they were right."
"Alright then, but only a half hour, have daddy set the timer for thirty minutes."
"Yes, Mummy," Madeline dashed out of the room and asked her father to set the timer for thirty minutes. Sitting down in the living room and in front of the black and white TV she watched cartoons.
"I'm sorry Bobby was looking for something."
"It's alright Madeline wanted to watch TV."
"As I was saying once we got to the school Caroline just started crying and throwing a fit. I tried to calm her down. She wouldn't let go of my gloved hand all she did was cry her eyes out. She loves walking and not even taking a small walk outside helped. Caroline got to the point where if she kept it up she was going to make herself sick. Bobby picked her up told her to calm down telling her that her new classmates didn't want to see that she had been crying. Taking her into the classroom Bobby told her to be a good girl. Seeing that I wasn't coming into the classroom her cries got louder and her fight grew harder. Finally the teacher came over and told Bobby that everything would be fine. Taking Caroline from him he kissed her goodbye and we left. After about ten or so minutes she calmed down, but not until then. It was an utter and complete nightmare. I just hope tomorrow goes better. If it doesn't I don't know what I will do."
"Everything will be fine. It was Caroline's first day of school, naturally she was scared and wanted you and Bobby." Vivien answered with sweetness in her voice. She wasn't just saying it she knew things were going to be fine. Knowing Caroline and she did she knew she would be quick to make friends and quick to get used to her new surroundings.
"Your right, it's just that I'm scared that she will withdraw from her classmates. And dread every morning to go to school." Jackie sighed sadly as she sat in her and Bobby's bedroom.
"You are over thinking this. Tomorrow will be a new day and Caroline will be fine. Parker and Madeline loved kindergarten."
"Mummy, will you color with me?" Vivien heard six year old Caroline ask.
"In just a minute mummy's on the phone talking to aunt Vivien,"
"Alright mummy," Caroline skipped happily down the hall and waited in the big play room for her mummy to come color with her.
"I better get off of here. Thanks for taking the time to listen."
"No problem. When things get hard you need someone to vent to. Keep your chin up things will be fine."
"Thanks Viv," hanging up the phone Jackie went to go play with her daughter.
"You never told me how your fist day of school was." Jackie asked as she sat across from her six year old little girl. The sun shinned through the small window behind her as the birds sang and the other children ran through the house.
"Fine," Caroline answered as she colored Cinderella's hair. Being as careful as possible Caroline tried to color like her mummy. Picking up a blue crayon she began coloring the headband.
Jackie rubbed her lips together. Was everything alright? Normally Caroline talked much more and wanted to know anything and everything there was to know. "It was just fine? What happened? Did you make friends? Did you get to know the classroom?"
Caroline didn't look up from her coloring. Keeping her dark brown eyes on her own drawling she went along her merry way. "Yes, the room is nice. Big and bright," Taking a blank piece of paper out she began drawling.
Jackie knew something was wrong, but what? "Caroline, is there something you aren't telling me?" Jackie looked at her daughter as she watched her color. How sweet she was. Always giving and carrying. She was so much like her. But there was a hint of shyness as Jackie and Bobby could tell.
Finally looking up from her drawing Caroline looked at her mother. Tears were forming in her dark brown eyes. "Mummy, I don't like school. The other children don't talk to me. They all ignore me." The tears fell and Caroline began sobbing.
"Oh sweetheart," Moving to the other side of the table Jackie sat her daughter on her lap. Rocking her back and forth she dried her tears. "You just have to give it sometime. Show the other children how out going you can be. Show them how sweet you are. Show them that you are a Sanger and a Sanger doesn't just give up just like that." Kissing the top of her daughters head she held her close and calmed her down.
"But mummy, what do I do if they still treat me that way?"
"You just sit right down with them and play with them. Join the group." She sure looked like her father, but then again she also looked like her. "Do you know what your father and I always tell you?" Caroline shook her head. "Always remember that God is always with you no matter where you are he is always with you."
"Okay Mummy," Ever since she was a baby she had gone to church. Her mother and father wanted to raise their children in a good Christian home.
"Will you promise me something?" Jackie asked as she looked out the window out at the lovely summer day. Caroline nodded her head. "Promise me tomorrow you will try to like school. You've always wanted to go to school. When you're other cousins first started going to school you always asked your daddy and I why you couldn't go. Do you remember that?" Caroline nodded her head. "Well now is your chance to go to school and to get a good education. Will you do that for mummy and daddy?"
"Yes, mummy," Caroline answered as she nodded her head.
"What do you say we finish these pictures?" Jackie asked as she smiled down at her daughter.
"Yeah!" Caroline said with excitement. Pulling out a little green chair Caroline sat down next to her mother and worked on her picture. Jackie was glad she had, had that talk with her daughter. Getting that taken care of Jackie knew things were going to go so much better from now on.
"What are you drawling?" Jackie asked as she looked over at her daughters drawling.
"It's you, daddy and me." Caroline said with a wide smile.
"It's lovely." Jackie said tapping the end of her daughter's nose. "What's this?" she asked pointing at a little brown spot next to Caroline.
"Our dog," Caroline said as happiness danced in her eyes.
"Oh, but we don't have a dog." Jackie answered with a laugh.
"I know that's our dog that we are getting soon."
"I see," there wasn't going to be a dog. There wasn't any room for a dog let alone a back yard for it. There was barley a back yard for all of the children to play in. "Who told you we were getting a dog?"
"Daddy," Caroline said with happiness. Jackie shook her head a little. She would have to have a talk with Bobby. There wasn't room for a dog let alone anything else. He already told Phillip that he could have a plan. Which wasn't going to happen for a while.
"Mummy, will you draw me some hearts?"
"I sure will." Picking up a crayon she began drawling them. "I'll draw three one for you, one for me and one for daddy."
"Okay," Caroline clapped her little hands together as her little feet swung back and forth on the chair.
Smiling at her she drew the hearts. "What color is this?" she asked holding up the small item.
"Red," Caroline answered loudly.
"Very good," Jackie answered. Looking at the table her hand waved over the many other colors. "This one?"
"Orange!" Caroline said louder.
"Very, very good," Jackie knew she had done well teaching her, her colors, shapes, numbers, reading, math. She knew many things. Looking up at the small yellow clock that read 3:30, she spoke in her sweet voice. "How about we go get a snack,"
"Okay Mummy." Holding out her hand Caroline took the gloved hand and they headed downstairs for a healthy snack.
The following day the birds chirped as they sat on the window ledge outside of Caroline's bedroom. Sun shinned through the white lace curtains. Rolling over Caroline hugged her brown teddy bear to her chest. Opening the door slightly Jackie saw her little girl sleeping peacefully. Stepping into the room she walked quietly over to the bed. "Time to get up sweetheart," Jackie whispered as her hand went up and down her daughter's warm cheek.
"Mummy, five more minuets please," Caroline begged as she threw the bedding over her cheek.
Anthony, Caroline's little brother came in moments later. "Mummy," he said as he drug his little blue blanket behind him. Seeing his mom over by Caroline he waddled his way over. "Care, Care get up." He pulled a little on the pink and white bedding. Anthony wasn't yet able to say Caroline so Care, Care became her little nickname for her brother.
"UH! Mummy, make Anthony stop!" Caroline said sleepily.
"Alright, but the chocolate chip pancakes will get cold." Jackie answered as she pushed the curtains back from the window letting the rest of the sun shine through to the little girl's room. The dull cotton candy pink room became brighter and prettier.
Sitting up straight Caroline's brown eyes went wide. "Chocolate chip pancakes!" Those were her favorite! Throwing the covers off of her she went to her closet. Seeing that her mother had already sat out her school uniform she began to get ready.
While Caroline went around getting ready Anthony saw a doll sitting in the corner of his sister's room he walked over to it. Picking it up he began playing with it. Messing with the hair and clothes the doll began to look rather well—ragged.
"Anthony, stop!" Caroline yelled. Going over to her little brother she yanked the doll from his grasp. Tears filled his young eyes and spilled over running down his cheeks. Not seeing the tears Caroline tried picking him up. For three years old he sure was a heavy thing. Anthony began to wail once again. Squirming in his sister's grasp he smacked her across the face.
"OW! ANTHONY!"
Hearing the commotion Jackie came back into the room. "Caroline! You don't treat your little brother like that." Her voice rose as she saw the scene before her.
"But Mummy, Anthony won't leave and he smacked me across the face." Caroline pouted.
"He didn't mean to honey. He's only three." Jackie answered as she picked up her little boy. Bouncing him up and down she got him to stop crying. Looking back at her daughter she noticed Caroline still had her pouty face on. Crossing her arms Caroline's brow wrinkled together. Jackie looked at her daughter with her eyebrows raised. "Tell Anthony you are sorry and say it like you mean it."
"But Mummy," Caroline protested.
"Caroline." Jackie answered as her son clung to her. "Do I have to go get daddy?" she questioned. Caroline shook her head quickly. No, no mummy didn't need to get daddy.
Caroline knew what she had to do. "Sorry Anthony." She said in a muffled voice.
"That's better." Jackie said with a smile. "Five minutes and you need to be downstairs."
"Mummy, will you help me with my hair?" Caroline asked as she tapped her little feet together. She just loved it when her mother played with her hair.
"I can take him." Robert answered as he stood in Caroline's bedroom door. "Are you being good Caroline?" He questioned.
"Yes, daddy," Caroline answered as she bit her lower lip.
"Thank you dear. His breakfast should be ready." Handing Anthony to Robert Jackie kissed him.
"How is my little man this morning?" Robert asked as he walked downstairs. Hearing Anthony's reply which was somewhat hard to understand Jackie giggled a little. My how big her children were getting, Anthony was three and Caroline was six and in school. My how the years flew by. Sighing a little Jackie headed over to Caroline's bed. Jackie sat down on the twin size bed and placed her daughter on her lap. "How do you want your hair done today?"
"Half back," Caroline answered as her brush and a maroon colored hair bow lay on the bed next to them.
This would be quit the challenge considering Caroline had shorter hair, but it was worth a shot. Picking up the brush Jackie began brushing her hair. "When I was your age I wore my hair like this quit often."
"Really?" Caroline asked as she looked at her mother in her small hand mirror that rested in her small hands.
"Yes, your grandmother would help me with it before heading to school. She and grandfather were very active in my life along with your aunt's lives." Jackie stopped and fell quiet rather quickly. It made her sad to think about her parents and that terrible accident and how they never got to see the girls fully grow up and see them get married and settle down. But she knew she couldn't let that stop her from thinking about all the good times they all shared together. Picking up the bow she tied it in her daughter's hair and blocked out the sad moment. "There all done."
Bouncing off her mother's lap Caroline went and looked in the mirror. Perfect. Everything was in place. The uniform fit well, her socks were freshly pressed. Her shoes freshly shinned and now her hair was in place. "Thank you mummy,"
"You're welcome." Jackie answered giving her daughter a kiss. "Now what do you say we get downstairs and get to breakfast?" Caroline nodded her head yes and raced down the hall and down the stairs. "No running!" Jackie hollered after her daughter. Hearing Caroline's little footsteps slow down Jackie continued her way downstairs. That was something they didn't need. Caroline hollering and throwing a fit while her arm or leg was set back into place.
Getting to the table Caroline said her prayer quickly and dug into her chocolate chip pancakes. "Slow down there princess." Robert said as he looked at his daughter from across the table. "You don't want to make yourself sick." Caroline gave her father a big chocolate smile. Chocolate and pancake was in every tooth she had. Sticking get another bit that was on the fork in her mouth Caroline slowed down.
"There is no need to rush this isn't a contest young lady." Jackie scolded her daughter. "You have plenty of time to enjoy your breakfast. We are not leaving here until 7:30."
Caroline looked at her aunts, uncles and cousins. Her parents were right there was no need to rush. Slowing down she took a sip of her milk. As it ran down her throat she found that it cooled her mouth and got rid of the rich pancake that was left behind.
Hearing Anthony whimper in his highchair Robert faced his son. "Drink, drink," Anthony said leaning over the side of his highchair. Looking down Robert saw the little boy's sippy cup. Bending down he picked it up. "Here you go little man." Taking it from his father Anthony was happy as the milk went down his throat.
As conversations started and laughter filled the rather large table the big grandfather clock struck finally 7:30. Caroline began to get a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach as she finished up her breakfast. Looking at her Jackie and Robert began to get worried. "You ready to head to school princess?" Robert asked as he smiled at his six year old daughter.
"I guess," Caroline answered as she avoided her parent's eyes. Robert's gaze went to his wife's.
The look on Jackie's face changed as she prayed they wouldn't have the same reenactment of yesterday. "Go brush your teeth and get your Snow White backpack." She told her daughter as she smiled gently at her. "Then we will leave."
Dashing off to get her things, Caroline could feel tears roll down her cheeks. Things would be better today…right? After all she was her parent's daughter, happy, sweet, but above all she was strong and she could get through anything.
Stepping up to the door of the classroom Jackie and Robert looked at one another. While Caroline held both of her parent's hands within her own. She could feel her knees knocking as she stood there.
"Are you going to be good today?" Jackie asked her daughter who by now was looking down at her feet.
"Yes, mummy," Caroline said with a smile. Looking up she gave them a big smile. "Goodbye mummy, daddy. I love you. Love you Anthony." Giving their daughter a kiss Caroline raced inside as one of the girls asked her to play house.
Seeing the scene before them Jackie knew that her little girl, her little princess was growing up right before her very eyes and there was nothing she could do about it. Big round tears filled her dark brown eyes as Anthony stayed propped up on her hip.
"Care, Care," Anthony cried as he reached out for his big sister. Where was she going and why couldn't he go to?
"She will be home soon." She kissed his forehead as her own tears fell. The tears began to fall as they fell onto her sons face.
"Mummy," Anthony said as he looked at his mother. "Cry," he reached up and touched her tearstained face. Why was her face wet? Why was it getting red?
"Mummy's fine sweetheart," Jackie took out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes.
"Down," Anthony yelled as he squirmed in his mother's arms. Putting him down Anthony began walking down the hall. Seeing the toys sitting out in the hall he dashed over to them.
"No, Anthony it's time to go, maybe we will go to the park later today." Robert told his son as he took his hand and put his other arm around his wife and left the school.
As Caroline played with the little red head girl she saw her parents and little brother walking from the building. Running over to the squared window she knocked on it. Turning from where they were they saw their daughter waving at them with a big cute smile on her six year old face.
They smiled and waved back. They didn't want Caroline to see the sorrow within their faces. Anthony broke away from his father and walked over to the window. "You have to stay over here buddy." Robert picked him up, but Anthony had other plans.
He squirmed, kicked and screamed within his father's grasp. "Care, Care!" he stuck out his arms towards his big sister. He could tell Caroline was saying something, but what?
"Be good," she said with a toothless smile. She rested her hand on the cool clear glass as she watched the scene before her.
Big round tears poured down Anthony's face. He began crying so much that he almost made himself sick. Putting his right index finger in his mouth he cried more. Eyes were now red and puffy as his face was stained with tears. "Come here sweetheart," Jackie took him from her husband as he still continued to wail. Taking her thumb she wiped away her sons many tears.
Mrs. Kunklemen came over to the window and turned to Caroline. Caroline pointed out the window. Turning Mrs. Kunklemen saw the girl's family. She smiled warmly at them. She turned back towards Caroline. The teacher said something and Caroline took her hand and went back to playing with the little red haired girl.
Anthony began to calm down as his mother held him in her arms. Humming a little Jackie began to notice that his eyelids began to get droopy. That worked every time. No matter what was going on when she hummed a certain song he was out like a light.
"How do you do that?" Robert asked as he opened the door for his wife. He was just amazed at how that worked with a snap of a finger.
Jackie laughed softly. "When you have two children along with a lot of other kids to look after you learn very quickly what works and what doesn't."
"Isn't that the truth?" Robert answered as he sat in the driver's seat. "Maybe the men should try that instead of our hands."
Jackie laughed again. "Alright then next time Anthony or Caroline throws a fit you can take care of it. I'm sure my sister's would love to see that work on their children as well."
"Nice try darling, but I think their husbands can carry their own. They don't need any help from me telling them how to raise their children."
Jackie peaked behind her seat and saw that her son was still asleep. "Why do I have a feeling he will not be taking his afternoon nap?" she questioned as she folded her gloves and put them in her purse.
That afternoon arrived rather quickly. Caroline ran to the door to meet her parents and her little brother. "Care, Care!" Anthony exclaimed loudly. Caroline picked him and held him close.
"Hello Anthony," she answered with a smile. She put him down and wrapped her arms around her parent's legs and squeezed in between them.
"I think someone is happy to see us," Robert laughed as he looked down at his princess. Caroline smiled big.
"I second that motion." Jackie agreed. Kneeling down she looked at her daughter. "Do you have everything?"
"Yes, mummy," Caroline responded with a nod of her head. Turning around she showed them her backpack. Leaving they headed to the park on their way home. Caroline's second day of school had gone so much better than the first.
A/N: Hello everyone! I'm finally back! Sorry I've been MIA for so long. I've had massive writers block. I hope to have finally come out of it. I also hope I still have readers out there:) Review Please:)