So here we are into week three. Special reminder all mistakes you find are ours alone, and we have to send a MEGA HUGE thank you out to the wonderful group of ladies who keep us from making massive amounts of grammatical errors. AWayWithWords, EdwardsFirstKiss, and LaPumkle, thank you so much for all you three amazing ladies do for us.
Parallel Parenting Chapter 3
Edward POV
Cordie and I are both up early, for her first day of school. "Do you think I'll meet any new friends, Daddy?"
I nod at her. "I am sure you will," I say with a smile. "But sometimes it takes time to be friends. Just remember everyone in your class is new, too."
"Even the teacher," she giggles making me snort a little.
"Yes, Cordie, even the teacher."
"Will you be there after school to pick me up?"
"Yes, and I will be there every day for the rest of this week." I stop and swallow a little. "Next week you will be going to the after school program, for at least a half hour and then I will be there to pick you up."
"I am going to miss you so much, Daddy," she tells me as she comes to me and hugs me close.
"I'll miss you, too, Princess." I smile giving her a winksFirstKiss. "Now, go and get dressed for school. I'll come help you with your hair in a few minutes," I tell her holding back my sigh. I put the dishes into the dishwasher, and head to Cordie's room.
I get there to find that she's wearing a white dress, green socks, and her green-furred, trimmed vest. The dress is one that she often wears when we go out for dinner.
"What do you think, Daddy?" she asks as she spins around.
My first thought is the dress is much too fancy for school, but I hold that thought and push it aside.
"You look beautiful, Princess," I tell her sitting on her bed. "Come over here and I'll fix your hair," I carry on.
This is the one aspect where I feel that I don't handle things as well as I should. When she wears something dressy or fancy, when I think she should wear something more relaxed. I just know that what she has on will stop her from having fun and playing just in case she ruins it. But, I have no idea how to tell her she should pick something else without making her feel like she's made a bad decision.
My eyes flicker to the mirror, and I can see she still looks deeply worried about today. "Just remember that Colton will be at school, too. He'll make sure you are okay. If at any time you need me, ask to talk to the headmaster, Mr. McCarty, and have him call me."
Cordie only nods at me, but I know she will do exactly what I say if it all becomes too much. "What will you do today, Daddy?"
"I have a short meeting this morning, other than that nothing; no work for me until tomorrow," I tell her with a grin.
Once we are both ready, we head to my car and I drive to her new school. I walk her to the main door, seeing a woman standing there. As she chats to some of the other children, I take some photos of Cordie as well as some of the both of us together.
When I've taken almost fifty pictures, I motion Cordie to walk with me to the woman.
"Good morning, and welcome to the first day of school," she says with a smile. She looks at me, and her eyes drop, as she kneels down, so that she can look Cordie in the eye. "Hi, little miss, what is your name?"
"Cordelia Faith Cullen," Cordie whispers as she moves to stand a little behind me.
"Well, Cordelia, I am Mrs. Copper, but you can call me Ms. Vicky. According to my list, you are in Miss Swan's classroom. It is right down this hallway, and Taylor will show you to your room. Have a great first day of school."
A young boy around thirteen steps forward.
"You have a great day, Princess," I tell her giving her one last big hug. I watch as she slowly follows Taylor down the hallway.
"She'll be fine; sometimes the first day of school is worse for parents than their children. It's hard to know that you aren't going to be able to take that step with them.
I turn and look at Mrs. Copper and give her a small smile. "Give me a call if she needs me or anything, please."
"I am sure she'll be fine, but we will call you if there are any problems."
"Hey, Edward." I feel a little shocked as I look at Emmett. "Don't tell me I missed meeting your daughter again?"
I shake off the shock of him calling me by my full first name, and answer him. "Yes, you did, she just went inside with a young man named Taylor to go to her class."
"Darn, I guess I will have to meet her when I do my rounds of the classrooms this morning." He stops for a few seconds. "Hey, I was hoping to get us all together for dinner. I think it would be great to catch up. I was thinking you, Jasper, me and our significant others."
"That sounds good, except I have no significant other. However, I would love to meet the woman that took you on," I tell him.
Emmett just rolls his eyes. "I was also thinking of asking Bella to come; she doesn't know anyone here, so she'll need to bring her daughter with her. But that just means you and Jasper could bring your children, too."
"Okay. I'll talk to Jasper and Alice and let you know what they think."
"I think it sounds like a great idea," Alice says making me jump.
I turn and look to see her smirking at me.
"Jesus, Alice, you're not normally this quiet, ever." I say as if I am reprimanding her.
My eyes move to Jasper as he just chuckles at me.
"We'll be there, and of course, you can ask Bella. The way I see it, if she's got your seal of approval, I know that I will like her," Alice says. There's an evil glint which crosses her eyes. Before I can say anything about her not making this woman her new dress-up doll, Emmett has barked out a booming laugh.
"Well, Alice, I'm sure you'll love her, but she's tough as nails, and I am telling you she will not allow you to dress her up. Hell, if she doesn't stop you her daughter will. Rose tried to set Bella up on a date, and my little Kitty-Kat cut her down to size." I just look at Emmett who looks my way. "I would love to have seen it," he carries on shaking his head.
His eyes move to Colton, who is standing quietly with us. "Hi," he says. "You're taller than your mom already, and you're only like five, right?"
"He's seven and you know it," Alice answers with her hands on her hips.
"I am seven, Sir," Colton says.
"Colton, I told you the last time, when we are at school, you can call me Mr. Emmie," Emmett says with a wink.
"Seth, can you take Colton inside to his class; he is in room 2-A."
"Sure, Mr. Emmie. Are we okay to start this week for soccer practice?"
"You are free to start this week if you want to get a group together, but James will not be picking the teams until October."
Seth chuckles with a huge smile. "Yeah, I know Kassie cornered him this morning, and she told him he was not going to cut her out."
"I hate early morning meetings, I missed that, too. I bet that was a sight," Emmett says with a pout making Seth nod at him.
"Okay, Colton, my name is Seth, and I will show you to your room. Are you ready for school?"
"Yeah," Colton says and hugs Alice and Jasper before moving to me. "Bye, Uncle Edward, and don't worry, I'll be sure to watch over Cordie for you.
"Thank you, Colton, have a nice day at school, Buddy," I say hugging him.
"Okay, we need to head for the office," Jasper says as he looks at his watch. "I'll see you both at three."
I nod at him, and they both walk away. I know Alice and she didn't listen to Emmett. And I can bet right now she is talking Jasper's ear off about her plans to make over her new best friend, she hasn't even met yet.
"Don't worry," Emmett says and I turn look at him. "Bella will be able to deal with Alice just fine," he carries on, and then winks at me.
"I need to go and do some work. Later, Edward."
I shake my head over what has just taken place before I get to my car and drive directly to Jenks' office.
I walk up to his office seeing that my parents have beaten me there.
"Hey, Mom, Dad," I say as I sit on a chair across from them.
"How was Cordie when you dropped her off at school?" my mom asks.
"She seemed a little unsure, but I'm hoping the rest of the day goes well. I think it will help that everyone in her class as well as her teacher are new, too."
"Did you meet her teacher already?" my father asks.
"No, the school wants the parents to wait a few days before entering the classroom for the elementary kids. They say it helps to keep things even because not all the parents are able to come in. That way there is less of a child feeling left out. We were greeted by Mrs. Copper this morning, and upperclassmen who took the students to their classes. I'm going to wait a few days and give Cordie a chance to get settled. I thought it'd be a good way to see how she's doing." I tell him, holding back that the meeting with Cordie's biological mom has still thrown me a little. I'm not able to say anything else as Jenks walks out his office to call us in.
We all stand and follow Jenks into his office.
"Edward, your parents tell me that you have met Cordie's biological mother." I only nod at him, and he carries on. "Okay then, take me through what happened."
I tell him the little I know, and the whole time he just looks at me. "So, there is a chance she's not the mother?"
I shake my head at him. "No way, she has to be the biological mom. I mean, really Jenks, what court would give a teenager a child that wasn't hers?"
"She may have been an older sister?"
I again shake my head. "No … the information stated this was the birth mother's first child, and she had no siblings or parental help available."
"What about the biological father, was he there, too?"
"There was no information on him. I'm not even sure if the woman was sure who the father was," I answer from the knowledge I had from the caseworkers.
"So, she—the woman you saw—could have been his new girlfriend or wife with his other biological child?"
I shrug because I'm not sure. "Doesn't matter; this girl was for sure Cordie's twin, and why would either parent keep one and get rid of the other?"
Jenks shakes his head at me. "I am not sure, but whether she is you daughter's biological mother or not, she has no rights to Cordie. The biological father, however, could be an issue."
I feel myself pale a little but he carries on talking.
"If he was not aware he has a child or children, and is able to prove that they—Cordie or this other child you saw—is his, he may have some rights."
"No way! I will not allow that!" I state and Jenks holds his hand up at me.
"Edward, I'm not saying that a court will give Cordie to him; I'm just saying the court may hear him out. Let's just wait and see what happens." He looks down at his papers. "Did you bring her adoption records in with you?"
"I did," I tell him as I hand them over.
"I will look into this and find out what's going on. If she approaches you again, I would say hear her out—whether it is just the two of you, or if you are with your family. Try to get her to agree to a meeting in an open place; a place where you can have witnesses if need be."
"If you're going to allow her to meet Cordie, make sure you take all precautions to safeguard Cordie at all times."
I snort shaking my head holding back my anger. "She's not seeing her; I don't care if she's drug-free or not. She gave her up and didn't care if she lived or died. She only worried about how and where to get her next fix."
"Edward," my father sighs and I just glance at him. "Son, you read her note. You read how much pain she was in, and what she had to go through. I'm not asking you to forget, but you have to learn to have empathy for others who are in bad situations."
I shake my head at him. "This may make me a heartless asshole, but I can't. I can't forget what Cordie went through, and I have zero empathy for the drug-infested woman who cared nothing for the little girl I love. Her so-called biological mother was not a mother at all. She was more worried about drugs than the welfare of an innocent life. She's nuts and doesn't deserve a second chance. She had enough chances when she was pregnant to stop and get help. She knew the risks to her unborn child and didn't care."
The rest of the meeting I stay quiet, unable to speak anymore. They all know how I feel, and a few choice words from them are not going to make me change my mind.
"I want to go through with you what we will do from here. I will put a private detective on to find this woman, and child. I will have them followed, to gain information on them. I will be in contact with DCFS, and get to the bottom of why you weren't told about Cordie being a twin. I will also get a head start on preparing to take this all the way to court if need be. This will not be cheap at all: about a thousand dollars per person per day. Am I to assume that you wanted to move on this immediately?" Jenks' eyes flash to mine.
"Yes, I don't care about the price, I want the info ASAP."
"Okay, the ball is rolling as of now. I will have at least five guys on this around the clock if needed. Are we all in agreement?"
"We are," I tell him.
"Let me know right away if you have further contact from her, and I will contact you as soon as I have any information at all for you."
I nod at him as I stand to shake his hand. It's not until I am out of his office building that I let out a long breath.
"Edward … it will be fine – you have to have faith," my mother says.
I just look at her and let out a sigh.
"She's your daughter, and our granddaughter. Even if this woman fights or the biological father comes forward and fights, the court will take us all into account. Cordie is six, and the judge would talk to her and take her wishes into account as well. Cordie adores you; she would pick you over anyone else."
I nod at my mom, trying to hold back tears of fear. "I know she does and I adore her. I just don't want her in danger."
"We'll get through this; now come on, let's go, and I'll make us some lunch."
I smile at my mom.
"You two have a good lunch. I need to get to the hospital," my father tells us, and I look to him.
"Thank you for being here, Dad," I say into his ear as I hug him.
"Always, son; take care of your mom, and tell Cordie I'll see her Friday to find out how her week went."
I nod at him. We leave my dad at his car and my mom and I walk to mine. I help her into her seat and then drive us back to her home.
"I'm doing the right thing, aren't I?" I ask my mom with my head down.
"I can't answer that. You are her father; you are the one that has to make these choices."
I let out a huff, and move to the cupboard and take out Cordie's photo album.
The first pages are when I was first told about her. "She was so small," I say looking at my mom who is looking at the album, too.
"Yes, she was, but she's a fighter."
"She is," I agree as I flick through the pages.
"She's so amazing, and I … it would kill me if someone hurt her, someone I let into her life."
"Edward, we're all going to make sure that she's not going to be hurt. We all will be there for both of you; no matter what choice you make." She takes my hand in hers. "We don't have to make any decisions right now; she may not even care that you have Cordie. Let's just take it one step at a time. We can get prepared and be vigilant, but we don't have to run out and conquer the world or make uninformed choices. Let's see where the ball falls before we try to field it."
I nod at her. "Yeah, you're right; come on … let's get some lunch." I say as I close the book and put it back on the shelf.
My mom and I cook, and keep talking, but we don't bring up Cordie's mom again. I am just helping with the dishes when my cell rings.
I frown looking at it as I see it's the school's number appearing on the screen.
"It's the school," I tell my mom as I pick it up. "Hello, this is Edward Cullen," I say feeling my heart take off.
"Edward, this is Emmett. First of all, Cordie is fine, don't worry about her. However, if you could come in about an hour before pick up, I need to speak to you."
"What about?" I ask still feeling my heart race.
"I would rather you were here, Edward; this is not something I would like to speak to you about over the phone."
I look at my watch seeing that it almost two. "Fine, but I am coming in now," I tell him knowing that I need to know what's going on.
"I thought you'd say that, just come straight to my office."
"Okay," I say and look at my mom as I hang up.
"Something's wrong at the school, but Mr. McCarty wouldn't say what it was on the phone," I tell her. "I know something is wrong because Emmett was too professional, there was no joking in his voice."
"Let's just go," my mom says and I nod agreeing with her.
The entire drive to the school, my mind is in overdrive over what Emmett could want. Does he not think Cordie is ready for first grade? Or has she had a freak out? Has someone already picked on her?
I park my car, getting out as my mom follows. "Edward, take some deep breaths, don't let the last few days upset or cloud what happens in Emmett's office."
I know she's right, so I close my eyes taking some large deep breaths. We walk in the main door, and just as we approach Emmett's office door, Cordie catches my eyes.
"Cordie?" I say happily, but my smile falls as she looks at me, and I know right then and there it's not Cordie but her twin.
"Cordie," my mom says, and the girl turns and runs off.
"That's not Cordie mom, that's her twin," I reply running after her, needing to say sorry. I go to yell her name just as she runs into a classroom.
"Shit," I hiss moving to the door. I look in and see the girl at the table. A head pops up, and I see the woman that was with her, and I frown as she stands.
"Daddy?" my eyes snap to where Cordie's voice comes from.
"What are you doing here?" I hiss out.
"Edward?" my mother says looking between everyone.
"Class, I need you to carry on with what we are doing and I'll be right back," the woman says walking to me.
"Mr. Cullen, you were supposed to go to Emmett's office."
"You're Miss Swan?" I ask quite loudly.
"This is a school so please keep your voice down," she retorts.
"Don't tell me what to do," I hiss back at her.
"Edward Anthony Cullen," my mom hisses and I look at her.
"Edward, I asked you to come to my office," Emmett says running toward us.
I turn and glare at him. "On my way now, because I want a word with you as well. Just know she's not teaching my daughter!"
"Edward!" My mom and Emmett yell together.
"Is everything okay?" another teacher asks.
"Yes, Vicky, can you take Bella's class so I can deal with this in my office, please?"
"Yes, of course I can," the other woman says but I just glare at Emmett.
"Bella, you had best come with us."
I walk with them and it hits me this is the Bella he wanted to join us for dinner.
"Hell no, Emmett, I am not letting this woman around my daughter, nor my sister and nephew for that matter, you can forget it!"
"There seems to be a misunderstanding going on between you two," Emmett says.
"No, there's not!"
"I agree there is no misunderstanding, Emmett, it's more like this jackass has made an assumption. You know what they say about those who assume things … they're making an ass out of themselves, but not me!"
"Who do you think you're talking about like that?" I yell at her.
"The only one who's pissing me off is you," she retorts with a smile.
She steps towards me only to have Emmett pull her back.
"Edward, we need to talk—now," Emmett says and I shake my head at him.
"How can you have a druggie as a teacher? I thought this was a private school with the utmost standard of education," I ask him.
"She's not a druggie, Edward," Emmett states acting shocked.
"Oh … is she 'clean' now?" I snort out. "How can you have a woman who abandoned her child—an infant at that—who was born addicted to drugs. How can you have her as a teacher at your school, not to mention have her as a friend?"
"What?" Emmett states.
"I told you he thinks I am the girl's mom. I can't deal with this jackass right now," Bella says storming away.
"I'm pulling my daughter out of here if she continues to work here."
"Edward," my mom yells and I look at her. "Let him speak."
I roll my eyes looking at Emmett.
"You really think she's the biological mother to the girls?"
"Emmett, no one would let a kid adopt a kid, especially a drug-addicted infant who had numerous medical issues."
"Well, you're right about something. She did not adopt her child, Edward, her parents adopted Kassie."
I shake my head at him. "That doesn't make sense; clearly she's lying to you, too. I saw the little girl with her in public, and the child calls her mom. Do you really think I am that stupid?" I argue.
"Yes, it does make sense. Bella is her mother now. Bella and Kassie's first adopted parents died four years ago. Bella lost both of her parents that night and went from being a big sister to a mom. Three years ago she legally adopted Kassie wanting her to have a mother, not just a big sister."
I feel myself gulp.
"Jesus, Edward, that kid … both Bella and Kassie have been through a lot. Bella and Kassie just moved here. She even told me that she met someone with a kid who looked exactly like Kassie. She sent you a freaking email about this! How could you come in here yelling like a maniac? This was not only her first day working here, but it was also both of the girls first days, too. One of those girls happens to be your daughter."
I shake my head closing my eyes, knowing I have just made a huge mistake.
"I just thought …"
"Thought someone you never met was a drug addict?"
"There's been a misunderstanding," I say walking out the door needing to apologize.
~P.P~
BPOV
I wake up feeling nervous and a little sick. I move to the bathroom, taking deep breaths the whole time.
"Mom, it's my first day of school," Kassie says jumping up and down.
"Kassie, give me a few minutes," I tell her and try hard to pull myself together.
I pull myself out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. I make Kassie her breakfast opting to only have dry toast and coffee myself.
As she eats, I type out an email, to tell Mr. Cullen who we are, and how my parents adopted Kassie. I don't really go into their death very much, mainly because I still find it hard, but also because he is a stranger. I hit send as Kassie heads back to her room to get changed for school.
We arrive a little early and Kassie accompanies me to my classroom. When the other kids start to arrive I send her to Vicky Copper's room where a student teacher is watching her class until she is done completing the 'meet and greet' with the new students today.
As my small students come into the classroom, I write my name on the board. I decide to open my day just like Emmett and ask them to all call me Miss Bella. Once the bell rings, I turn to my class.
"Good morning, everyone," I say with a smile, but my eyes land on Kassie.
"Kassie?" I stutter just as she looks at me in shock.
My eyes glance to my register and I see a name that I never paid attention to before now. "Cordelia Cullen?" I say as I read it.
Her small head nods at me, and I know I need to speak to Emmett about this. More importantly, I need to talk to Kassie about this right away. I swallow and place a smile on my face.
"How about today we just get to know each other? First, I need to make sure you are all here. So raise your hand as I call your name," I say and I go through the list of children. "Okay, now that roll call is taken care of, I would like to introduce myself and get to know you as well. I'll tell you a little about me and my daughter, who is in the other first grade class, and you can tell me about you, and your family."
I tell them only a little information mainly that Kassie is my daughter and that we have recently moved here. The class takes turns and when it's Cordie's turn she looks a little hesitant.
"You don't have to do this, Cordie, but this is about helping us know who you are. Just tell us what you want us to know."
She nods at me and stands up. "My name is Cordelia Cullen, but everyone calls me Cordie. I live with my daddy," she says keeping her eyes on me. She goes on to tell me about her grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin.
She's just finishing when the bell rings telling us that it's recess time.
"Cordie, please stay with me for a minute," I say as I lead the rest of the class out to the playground.
I look around seeing if I can find Kassie.
"Cordie!" someone yells, and I look to see there is a boy and Kassie talking to each other.
"Kassie," I say loudly and she turns and looks at me in shock. My eyes flicker to the boy who looks at Cordie and then to Kassie and back again.
"Oh, cool, do I get a look-a-like here, too?" He asks me when I reach them.
I laugh and shake my head. "Does Uncle Edward know about this?" he continues, but is looking at Kassie.
"Yes," Cordie laughs as she taps his arm. "I'm Cordie, that's Kassie. Daddy and I saw them at Six Flags," she carries on now that he is looking at her.
"Can you two read each other's thoughts?" he asks them and they shrug but shake their heads.
I step away a bit looking around making sure the rest of my class is okay.
"Cordie, why didn't you tell us you had a sister?" Billy, a boy from the class, asks. All too soon, most of the school, including the teachers, is looking at the girls.
"Holy hockey-sticks, they do look alike?" Emmet says looking between them. His eyes flicker to me.
"This is Cordelia Cullen," I tell him using her full name.
"Oh, hockey-sticks, it just had to be Edward's daughter, didn't it."
I look at him with a frown.
"He and I went to school together. No matter; I'll give him a call."
I nod at him and move to the side so that I can talk to him without the little ones hearing. "What are you going to say? Remember, he may still think I am her biological mother, who was a drug addict."
"Don't worry. He's not that stupid, and I said I'd handle it," he says looking back at the kids. "But what are we going to do about this?" he asks pointing to the girls who are both looking a little overwhelmed.
"Not sure, but we need the other kids to move on; let them get used to the other being here."
"I agree, I will go around the classes and give them all a little talk."
I nod and start to collect my kids.
"Kassie, we'll talk at lunch time," I tell her as I walk away. "Okay. Miss Bella's class back to the classroom," I call.
"Miss Bella, why does your daughter and Cordie look alike?" Billy asks when we are back inside.
"I am not sure, and that's something her dad and I will have to look into."
"Are you Cordie's mom, too?" Mary asks and my eyes flicker to Cordie who also looks interested in my answer.
I shake my head. "No, I am not; there's a lot to the story and I don't think today will be the day to get into it." I continue so unsure if I should say that I adopted Kassie or not.
"Well, Kassie says that you adopted her; what does that mean?" Sammy asks.
I run my hands through my hair. "That means that I asked for her to be my daughter in a court of law. The judge in charge said that I could be her mom, because her mom …" My own mom comes to mind as I am talking, and this is who I see in my mind when I talk about Kassie's mom, "couldn't do it anymore."
"Why not?" Sammy again asks.
"She passed away," I answer.
"My mom died, too," Billy says with a sad face.
I talk a little more to them, making sure they are aware they shouldn't go up to people and ask them questions about their life. Emmett soon joins us, and I know he is again taken aback at just how alike the girls look.
He also reminds everyone that they have to be nice and try not to upset people by asking questions they don't want to answer, or may not even know the answers to themselves.
When lunchtime comes around, Cordie walks over and sits down next to Kassie, and they are soon joined by Colton.
I watch them from my own table. "Is this one of those times where you kept one twin and your ex kept the other?" Jessica asks as she sits down next to me.
"Emmett told everyone not to do that!" Vicky says.
"He told the kids; we are adults," Jessica counters. "So am I close? Because I am sure her daddy is one sexy man. I mean, Edward Cullen is hot as fuck. He could do anything and I would stick with him."
I raise my eyebrow at her. "So he could cheat on and beat the crap out of you, but you would still give him a free pass because he's good looking?" I question hoping this is not what she meant.
"Heck yeah; I mean, he has money, too." Jessica says making me just look at her.
"You're nuts," Vicky says, "and you already know that Bella adopted Kassie."
"Oh, Bella, you hit the jackpot on that adoption. Now that you know your daughter's twin is related to the sexy, moneybags, Cullen, you have yourself an in. Let me know if it bothers you because I'd even adopt your kid to have a shot at him."
"Jessica, don't make me put you on a written warning," Emmett says as he sits down.
"Mr. Emmie," Cordie says shyly.
"Yes?" he says and I chuckle when he is unsure which girl he's talking to.
"Cordie," I tell him and he smiles looking relieved slightly.
"Why can't Kassie come into my class with me? She's my bestest friend."
"Sorry, Cordie, honey, her mom is your teacher. I could see about changing you to Miss Vicky's class?"
Cordie looks at me and shakes her head. "No, I like Miss Bella."
"Oh, come on, Emmie, if you do this, I'll make every kid in this school love you," Kassie says making me snort at her.
"They all love me anyway," he counters. His grin tells me he sees the difference in the girls now that they are standing together in front of him.
"If you say so," Kassie retorts and she and Emmett have a bit of a stare down.
"I am sure you two will see plenty of each other," I tell them softly.
They both hum and walk back to their table. Colton seems to look our way and then places an arm around Cordie's shoulders. I feel so badly for her, and I look at him, giving him a kind smile.
"We can't …" Emmett says.
"Well, maybe look into changing her to Vicky's class," I suggest, wanting the girls to be happy most of all.
"Yeah, that will be fun for me. Yay, twins," I ignore Vicky and look at Emmett.
"She just said she didn't want to be moved from your class."
I simply hum feeling frustrated about this whole thing. "Have you talked to her dad yet?"
"No, I'm waiting until two to call him, and that way when he comes straight here, we can talk to him together and have this sorted out before the other parents get here." Emmett looks to me. "I have to be there as this now also involves the school. Vicky, can you take your class and combine it with Bella's at two-thirty, so she can join me in my office?"
"Sure, Emmie," Vicky answers.
I nod at him in agreement as well.
~PP~
I was a little surprised that Kassie came running into my class at quarter past two. When I looked up, and saw Edward Cullen standing in my classroom looking angry, I knew I had to get him out of here.
Getting both him and his mom to Emmett's office wasn't easy, and then I had to listen as he yet again made assumptions about me, and never shut up long enough for me or anyone else to correct him.
As he starts yelling more and saying how I shouldn't be a teacher, my anger erupts. I knew I needed to get out the office before I got fired for hitting the dickhead. Who does he think he is? Okay, I'll give him some benefit for thinking I am the girls' biological mother, but if he'd just shut up for a second and listen to someone, he'd realize his mistake.
I get to Vicky's classroom door, and I look in the window. Right away my eyes land on Cordie and Kassie. Both girls are talking and smiling with each other.
As I watch them, I know I need to get him to listen; there has to be a way. These girls have an instant bond, and I don't think we can separate them again.
I turn but walk right into someone.
"Sorry," I say as I look up.
"It's okay," the dickhead says and I step away from him.
I take a few deep breaths knowing I need to calm myself. "I am not their mother," I tell him. "My parents adopted her," I say.
"I know that now; I am sorry," he says, sounding sincere.
I roll my eyes at this guy and his whole 'I'm sorry' but I don't walk away because the girls need me to remain calm.
"It was just a misunderstanding," he says.
"On your part alone," I say and he looks at me.
"I think we should head back to Emmett's office," I say and without waiting for his answer, I walk back to the office.
Walking into Emmett's office, my eyes go to the woman who was with Edward when I see she's still there. "Hello," I say offering her my hand, "I am Bella Swan, Cordie's first grade teacher, and mother to her twin sister Kassie."
The woman takes my hand. "Hello, Dear, I am Esme Cullen, Edward's mother, and grandmother to Cordie."
When the dickhead joins us, I just look at him. "Well, I think I should start," I say as his brow rises.
"My parents couldn't have any more children after me, so they became foster parents. Wherein they loved being foster parents, they still wanted another child. At the end of February of two-thousand-ten, they were told about Kassie. The caseworker told them how she had been born addicted to drugs and that the mother didn't want her. There was no mention of her being a twin, so this is all as new to me as it is to you. My parents immediately pooled all the money they could from their savings and retirement funds to ensure her health needs were met. They wanted to adopt her, even though she was very sick for several weeks. On June the twentieth of that year, they were able to take custody of her when she was released from the hospital." I stop talking and take a breath. "Sadly in March of twenty-twelve, our parents were killed in a car accident. I adopted Kassie the next year. We moved here almost three weeks ago," I say stopping and giving Edward a look to say I'd like to hear his story.
"My dates are almost the same as yours, only I adopted Cordie at the same time your parents adopted Kassie."
"Do you and Kassie have any other family?" Esme asks and I turn to her.
"No, both my parents were only children and their parents had already passed away. It's just the two of us now. But I have Rose and Emmett, who are like family to me," I tell her looking Emmett's way. He gives me a nod, and a small smile. I turn my attention back to Edward.
"I would like us to come to some kind of agreement about the girls. I honestly believe they're twins." I stop and lick my lips. "I think we should have DNA tests performed, just to have absolute proof that they are siblings. If you would like to wait until we have the results, then I'll understand. But I would like them to get to know each other. I may sound a little selfish, but Kassie doesn't have any other family besides Rose, Emmett, and me. If this is as I suspect, and they are twins, this will give her some other family besides me." I stop talking and take a deep breath.
"I think that would be a good idea," Edward says and I look towards the guy who seems to be in deep thought. "Do you really think they are twins?" he asks.
I nod at him. "Yes, I really do. The fact that they look so much alike, but their eye colors are reversed leads me to believe they are what some people call 'mirror twins'. I have already read about it. I learned that mirror image twins are monozygotic: twins that form from a single fertilized egg. When the split occurs late—more than a week after conception—the twins can develop reverse asymmetric features. You should be aware that I have already called Tia, she was our family social worker, as she was involved in helping me legally adopt Kassie after my parents died. There's also the fact in Kassie's original adoption papers, they have her eye color mixed up.
"They had Cordie's eye colors mixed up, too," Esme says sounding shocked.
"I had it corrected when she was handed to me, and I never thought anything more of it," Edward adds.
I give him a nod, knowing that likely my parents hadn't seen it and if they had, they didn't think it was a big deal.
"How was her first day of school?" Edward asks sounding unsure.
"I think she enjoyed it," I stop and bite my bottom lip. "She and Kassie spent most of their lunch break and recesses together. They are both trying to campaign to be together in my class," I say as my eyes flicker to Emmett.
"Yeah, you and your bringing in gifts, has made everyone want to be in your class. However, as I have said, Kassie can't be in your class, and Cordie wants to stay in yours, so there's nothing I can do."
Edward looks between us. "So what happens now?" he asks, and I shake my head.
"We do the DNA? We swap phone numbers and arrange a time for the girls to meet outside of school?"
"Let's do the DNA tests to be sure," he says looking a little white.
I nod in agreement just as the bell rings to signal the end of the school day. I get up and walk back to my classroom and help some of the smaller students get their jackets on. Vicky smiles at me as she takes my class to meet their parents.
"Miss Bella." I smile as I kneel down next to Cordie. "I am sorry my daddy shouted at you," she says.
"It's okay, Sweetie, it's not your fault," I tell her as I fix her jacket.
"Are Kassie and I still able to be friends?" she asks.
"Sure we can; your daddy won't scare us away," Kassie answers for me, and I just look at her.
"I am sorry," Edward says as he joins us, having obviously overheard his daughter and mine.
"Cordie, I have said I am sorry to Miss Bella. Now, I am saying I am sorry to you also Kassie," he turns looking at Kassie who looks right back at him. His eyes shift back to his own daughter. "You, too, Cordie, I am sorry if I have upset you."
"It's okay, Daddy, I still love you." I watch them hug feeling my angry heart soften a little.
"Kassie, this is Cordie's daddy, Edward," I say as a formal introduction.
Kassie just looks at him. "Hi, Teddy," she says sticking out her hand.
"It's Edward," he tells her.
"Yeah, I know, my mom just told me. However, you remind me of my moody teddy bear, so Teddy it is."
I cover my mouth holding back my desire to laugh, more so because Edward's mouth is hanging open in shock.
"Oh, hey, Uncle Edward, you're here, too. Isn't this so cool?" Colton asks as he joins us.
"So, Kassie, are you going to come to my party?"
"What party?" Edward asks.
"Mom's throwing me a party next weekend so I can get to know my new classmates," he answers but keeps his eyes on Kassie.
"Oh, yes, please come, Kassie," Cordie pleads. "You're the only person that I want to come."
"And just think of the pranks we could play on people," Colton laughs and both girls join in on his joke.
"Sure, I'll be there, as long as there is food."
I roll my eyes over my daughter's love for food. "Maybe I can talk my mom into making her super yummy meatballs."
"Why wasn't I told about this party?" Edward asks, reverting to sounding a bit like a dickhead again.
"I don't know, Uncle Edward, you'll need to ask my mom. Miss Bella, if you could come and make those meatballs Kassie was talking about, that would be cool because my mom cannot cook … at all."
"Hey!" I look behind everyone to see both a small woman and man standing at my door.
"Sorry, Mom," Colton says. "Check it out. We have two Cordie's now, by the way," he says stepping out the way.
"Wow, Cordie, you're right," Kassie stutters.
"I know it's crazy, right?" Cordie says making Edward seemed shocked by his daughter's words.
"What?" I ask having no idea what they are talking about.
"Cordie said her aunt Alice looked more like a Smurf than you do," Kassie says.
"Kassie!" I yell giving her a look.
"What? I am only telling you what Cordie said and I must say that I agree," she tells me.
I watch her as she looks at Cordie, who shrugs her shoulders. I hear a few people snigger, so I know I have to move quickly on.
"Alice, Jasper, come in; this is Bella Swan, and her daughter Kassie," Edward says to them, but they are still looking between the girls in shock.
"It's nice to put a face to the names Cordie talked to the class about," I say hating how awkward this is starting to feel.
"Aunty Alice, this is Kassie, she's my best friend, my twin best friend."
"Best friend?" Edward says as if he is in shock again.
"Wow, they really look alike," Alice stutters as she looks between Cordie and Kassie.
"Twins do tend to look alike," Kassie answers and I cover her mouth.
"Kassie," I say through my teeth, and she licks my hand, making me let go.
"What, Mom, you said stupid questions, get stupid answers."
"Yes and mouthy kids get grounded," I say raising my brow.
"I don't mean to be rude, but the custodians are going to need to get into this room, and Miss Bella has to finish up for the day," Emmett says from the door.
"Yes, sorry we'll leave," Edward quickly says, almost like he is relieved.
"Can Kassie and Miss Bella come over for dinner?" Cordie asks.
Whereas I am shocked that she has asked, I am more shocked over the look on Edward's face than anything else.
"Please, Daddy?" Cordie carries on. "Just for a little while, and you can say sorry correctly?"
Edward looks at me. "Would you and Kassie like to join us for supper this evening?"
"We'll be there as long as you feed me," Kassie answers for us.
All I can do is nod at him.
A/N: Does anyone else besides us love these girls? Cordie is shy, but comes out of her shell a little more around her twin, and Kassie is all brassy and bossy. How do you think Edward is going to handle this dinner? We are excited to see what you all have to say.
