Ember and Wade each held a hand of their little girl Vapor, standing on opposite sides of her. The poor little steam element shivered and drew back from the door that stood before her. It was her first day of kindergarten and she did not want to go.
"C'mon... It'll be fun." Ember gently chided. "You'll make lots of friends and color and... Do math."
"I don't wanna do math!" Vapor bursts into tears, letting go of her parents' hands so that she may hug her father's legs. "I don't wanna go, I don't wanna!"
Impatience flares up in Ember, briefly turning her flames purple as it subsides. She takes a deep breath. Every kid is like this on their first day. It just takes time.
In truth, Ember was just as nervous as she was. Both herself and Wade were concerned that Vapor would be treated differently simply for being a steam element.
Taking over, Wade crouches to Vapor's height and places a hand on her shoulder. "Mommy and daddy will be right here when school is over to pick you up. Then afterwards, we can get ice cream!"
That seemed to perk Vapor up some. She lifted her head and smiled. With Wade, it was like he had it easy when it came to parenting. He always knew what to say and when. Ember envied that.
Ember got down to Vapor's height as well. "And you could tell us all about your day!" she added. "Would you like that?"
Vapor nodded slowly. She turns towards the door with hesitation. "Could you... Walk in with me?" The steam element sniffled between her words.
Ember and Wade shared a heart wrenching glance.
"Of course sweetie. That's what we're here for." Ember said, taking Vapor's hand in her own once again. Wade did the same.
All three look at the door with bated breaths. Wade suggested that they go in at the count of three. "One..." he said.
"Two..." Ember continued.
They waited for Vapor to finish. She puts on her game face, setting her brow in determination. "Three!"
Wade opens the door and the family steps in together.
Immediately they were greeted with a bustling classroom. Other elements with their children, gathered around the colorful environment. However, something was obviously apparent.
"Wade," Ember whispered, leaning in close to her husband. "Are you seeing this?"
His eyes dart towards hers. "Yeah," he responded. "They're all just like us."
Each pair of parents had two different kinds of elements. Every pairing possibly imaginable, standing in one room. Ember and Wade happen to be the only fire and water couple.
"Hello hello!" A jovial looking earth woman approaches them. Based on her attire, she had to be the teacher. She was shorter than Ember and Wade based on her eye level but her branches reached up to their height. Nestled in her leaves were apples. "I'm Mrs. Goode, and you are...?"
"Wade and Ember Ripple-Lumen." Wade responds proudly. Ever since they got married, he loved to say it. The charm never wore off. "And this," he holds up his daughter's hand. "Is Vapor."
Wanting to make a good impression, Ember dipped her head in acknowledgment. If it wasn't dangerous to touch Mrs. Goode, she would've shook her hand. This would have to do. "Nice to meet you. Say hello Vapor."
"H-hello." Vapor greets in a small voice.
Mrs. Goode smiles warmly. "It's very nice to see you! I'm sure you all will be happy to know that this is a blended classroom with elements just like you." She was referring to how all the children were mixed.
The teacher gestured towards the classroom. "As you can see we have accomodations for all types." All the materials in the classroom were heat and water resistant, along with safety precautions for airborne elements and a cleaning station for accidents.
Mrs. Goode then took a pamphlet out of her pocket and handed it to Ember. "If you'd like you can join the PTA and be a part of all things Element Elementary."
Between her glass making job and taking care of Vapor at home, Ember doubted she would have time for this but she considered it nonetheless."
"Now." Mrs. Goode reached out to take Vapor's hand. "Let me show you to your cubby where you can put all your belongings."
The little girl looked up at her parents as if to ask for permission.
"Go on," Wade encouraged. "It'll be okay."
Becoming more confident, Vapor grabs a hold of her teacher's hand and allows herself to be shown around. This was Ember and Wade's cue to leave. Together they turn around and head out the door.
As soon as the door shuts behind them, Wade bursts into tears. "They grow up so fast!"
"Jeez Wade," Ember playfully elbowed him. "You act like she's graduating college."
Wade turns his head, biting his lower lip to hold back his cried. He was quivering with the effort. Tears dotted the corners of his eyes. Ember was making a similar expression. Despite her cool demeanor, she was just as emotional as he was in this moment. A flame tear traces down her cheek.
Wade lifts his hand to brush it away with his thumb. "Em..."
"I can't believe she's starting kindergarten already..." Ember silently cries as Wade brings her in for a hug. Ever since Vapor was conceived they had been concerned for her well-being and her health.
At first, they didn't even think it was possible to have a kid. Now look where she was, alive and well and starting school.
Wade rubbed Ember's back soothingly. His water bubbled against her skin, sizzling softly between them. "We're good parents." he murmured.
"Yeah," Ember agreed. Wade could feel her smiling against his shoulder. "We are."