Thierry and Hannah entered his office closing the door gently behind them. Thierry plopped down on the couch with sigh. "Those kids have too much energy even for a vampire," said Thierry.
"I think tomorrow I'll take them out and buy them some new clothes. The stuff they have is all worn to the woof. And I'm sure they haven't had anything new since their parents died," said Hannah.
"Yeah why don't you take them to that store that only sells kids clothes?"
"You mean the really expensive one?" asked Hannah. "That place has prices that would make any normal person flinch."
"But they're going to be our kids they're worth it don't you think?"
"Of course they are," said Hannah giving him a hug and a kiss.
"And then after that why don't you take them by the toy store and buy them anything they want. Well anything that's appropriate for five-year old anyway."
Hannah nodded and they just sat that way arm in arm silently for a long time.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
A while later Hannah and Thierry reappeared in the den. What they found made Hannah smile in satisfaction. Paul was sitting on Mary-Lynnette lap, his head against her chest. As for Mary-Lynnette, she was running her fingers through his short blond hair. Ash had his arm around Mary's shoulder and was looking at Paul with longing. Lena was sitting on Thea's lap half asleep and Andrew was sitting between James and Eric.
Thierry picked up Lena and Hannah picked up Paul and with Andrew following half, asleep they headed up the stairs. Thierry and Hannah lay their charges down on a queen, sized bed. Hannah took off their shoes and covered them with a blanket then kissed each one on the forehead.
They both tiptoed out closing the door softly behind them.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
The next day Hannah and Lupe took the children shopping. "Come on children it's time to go shopping. You need some new clothes."
"You don't have to buy us new clothes Hannah," said Andrew.
"You need some new clothes the stuff you have is all worn out," said Hannah. "Besides we love to shop don't we Lupe?"
"Yeah we love to shop," Lupe agreed easily. Earlier this morning Thierry had called her into his office and gave her, her walking orders. Nothing was to happen to any of them.
"Thierry is supposed to meet us for lunch," said Hannah.
"Why isn't he going with us?" asked Paul.
"Shopping really isn't his thing Paul," Hannah told him honestly.
Hannah opened the door is to her navy blue convertible and helped the children buckle into the backseat. Hannah got into the driver's seat while Lupe rode shotgun. Hannah started the engine and they were off.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
A few minutes later Hannah pulled up in front of a shop. They all got out and headed inside. Hannah looked around nervously this was usually not her kind of place, but Thierry had insisted.
"May I help you ma'am?" asked the, guy looking her over critically. He frowned at what he saw she did not look like she belonged here. She was wearing a cheap pair of jeans at least by this store standards and a T-shirt. Her hair was a straight, wheat blond, and her eyes a startling gray.
"Yes sir you can. I need some clothes for the triplets here," said Hannah
"Are you sure you would not prefer somewhere cheaper madam?" the man able to tell just by the accent that she did not belong here. Before Hannah could respond Lupe took the man aside. Lupe pretended not to hear Hannah's protest or see her shake her head.
Once they were out of hearing range Lupe asked, "Do you know to whom you're talking to?" The man shook his head too frightened to respond. "That just happens to be the wife of one of the most influential men in this city. Have you ever heard of Thierry Descouedres?" the man gulped but did not respond. "Now Hannah might not say anything, but I would be expected to make a full report . . ." Lupe fell silent and let the man draw his own conclusions. Finally, he nodded and stepped towards Hannah.
"How can I help you ma'am?" inquired the man politely. Hannah looked at Lupe but Lupe looked away refusing to meet her gaze. Hannah's look said 'we'll talk later'.
"I need some children clothes. Some pants, shirts, shorts and a few dresses for Lena."
"Very well ma'am this way," said the man turning around and headed towards the back of the store.
He led then to the back of the store where there were racks upon racks of children's clothes to serve on racks of its business children clothes. "Do you need anything else ma'am?"
"After this we need shoes," said Hannah.
"Yes ma'am I'll be back in awhile."
Hannah sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "You okay Hannah?" asked Lupe in concern.
"I'm fine it's just that people like that make me want to barf. It's draining just to be around them."
"Yeah I know they think they can stick collective their noses up at us," said Lupe.
"They can't help the way they are Lupe so let's just forget about it," said Hannah with a sigh.
She was about to respond when she remembered the children and stopped herself. They stopped talking and Hannah went through the racks of clothes and in minutes had several outfits.
One had a teddy bear and the other a dog. "What do you think guys?" she asked the boys.
"The teddy bear one is kind of cute," said Andrew, fingering the soft material.
Hannah nodded and picked out several more outfits. Awhile later they were ready to go. Hannah carried all her purchases up to the cash register. "Will that be cash, check or charge ma'am?" asked the woman behind the counter. The woman looked Hannah over and frowned at what she saw. Hannah noticed and paid no attention for Thierry opinion was the only one that really mattered to her.
"Charge," said Hannah handing over her credit card. "Lupe would you please take to children to the car I'll be their in a few minutes," asked Hannah, seeing that Lupe was about to say something to the rude sales lady out of the corner of her eye.
"Sure Hannah," said Lupe. Lupe knew what Hannah was doing and in a way was appreciative, but she wished she could give that saleslady a piece of her mind for sticking her nose up at things she didn't understand.
The sales lady finished ringing up and Hannah flinched at the price, but paid it nonetheless. "Would you like help taking this out to your car ma'am?"
"Yes ma'am that would be very helpful," said Hannah politely.
A man helped her carry all her purchases out to the car and then loaded her trunk as soon as she popped the lid. Hannah thanked him and got in the driver's side. A minute later they were off.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
Hannah drove off and headed towards the highway. It was a few minutes later before either spoke. "I know why you stopped me Hannah, but I swear I wanted to—" Lupe suddenly remembered the children and fell silent. "You know," said Lupe after another few minutes of awkward silence.
Hannah knew she had wanted to say with rip her to pieces. "Yes I know and I appreciate your discretion. You probably just avoided an international incident." Hannah said the last sentence with laughter in her voice.
They both fell silent and reached the restaurant without another word being spoken. Hannah parked and looked around for Thierry's limo. She spotted it over in a corner of the parking lot and she could almost see Nilsson sitting behind the wheel.
"Looks like Thierry's already here," said Hannah, as she helped the children unbuckle.
"Yeah," said Lupe also spotting the limo.
They went inside and a waiter almost immediately approached them. "Can I help you ma'am?" asked the man.
"Yes I have a reservation, Thierry Descouedres," said Hannah.
"Uh yes, right this way ma'am." The waiter led her party to a table where Thierry was already sitting waiting on them.
"Thierry sorry we're a tad late," said Hannah.
"It's okay," said Thierry with a smile. His white blond hair fell over his forehead making Hannah want to brush back his bangs. The tender look in his eyes said it all and the thoughts he sent her way made her blush. Thierry pulled out Hannah's chair while the waiter pulled out Lupe's. The children sat themselves.
"So Andrew, Lena, Paul what would you like to eat? A hamburger? A hot dog? A chicken sandwich? Order anything you want," said Thierry.
The children told him their preferences and he ordered for them. "So how did the shopping go?"
Lupe was about to respond when she noticed Hannah shake her head out of the corner of her eye. "Everything went fine Thierry," said Hannah. "All the stuff is in the trunk."
"Good, good," said Thierry.
"Thank you for the clothes they're the prettiest things I've ever owned, "said Lena a bit shyly.
"You're welcome sweetheart it was my pleasure," said Thierry, running his knuckles across her cheeks in a gesture of affection.
Their lunch arrived and they all ate in silence. As soon as lunch was over Thierry paid the bill and the whole group went outside together. "I'll see you at home," said Thierry as he opened Hannah's door for her. He gave her a kiss, which Hannah thoroughly enjoyed.
Hannah started the engine and waved goodbye to Thierry, who was standing on the sidewalk watching them, leave. He waved back until they were out of sight. Thierry sighed and walked over to his limo. He missed them already. Nilsson opened the door for him and he slipped inside. Nilsson got in the driver's seat and they were on their way.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
"So where to?" asked Hannah. "I know we'll go to a toy store."
"That's okay Hannah you don't have to buy us anything else," said Andrew.
"Listen you three, "said Hannah, a bit sternly, "You're probably haven't had any new clothes or toys since your parents died. You are going to be, mine and Thierry's children now, which means we are supposed to provide for you. But also in the short time you have lived with us you have become like the children we never had. Not to mention all children need at least a few toys to play with and you don't; have any. So quit protesting." Hannah finished her speech and fell silent and keeping our eyes on the road.
Lupe looked at her in admiration and surprise. The rest of the drive was made in silence.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
They arrived at the biggest toy store in Las Vegas and all five got out of the car. The children were excited now even Andrew and all three raced towards the store Hannah and Lupe following behind. They entered and the three children raced down the aisles. "Pick out anything you want," Hannah yelled after them.
"You know they worry more about money then any kid I've ever met," said Hannah.
"Yeah I noticed," said Lupe. "Maybe it's because you aren't their real parents."
"Or maybe their parents went broke and their afraid we will to, but we are their parents now and they need to get that through their heads."
"Just give it time Hannah. They'll grow out of it. It's, probably just a stage they are going through."
"You're probably right," said Hannah with a sigh. "I just hope they grow out of it soon."
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
A few minutes later Hannah and Lupe found Paul playing with a train set. "Choo, choo, chug, chug, choo, choo," said Paul as he watched the train go around the track. He was so engrossed he didn't notice Hannah and Lupe walk up.
"Well I guess we know what Paul wants," said Lupe with a grin.
"Yeah I guess we do," said Hannah. Then she too grinned.
Two hours later they exited the toy store. They carried everything out to the car.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~
Hannah drove home in silence for the children were exhausted. When they got there; Hannah helped them out of the backseat. By the time they got home it was after five o'clock in the afternoon.
Hannah headed upstairs the children following sleepily behind. "I'll come back and help you get the stuff out of the car, Lupe. Just let me put the children down for a nap first," she called back over her shoulder.
A few minutes later she reappeared downstairs to see all her packages stacked neatly in the foyer. Hannah shook her head. Ever since she had married Thierry, this always happened. If she left for even a second to go to the bathroom or something she found her packages neatly stacked when she returned. She was really going to have to have a word with Lupe. She picked up the packages and placed them by the children's bedroom door then went to find Thierry.
~~~Thierry and Hannah~~~