Just Breathe

Chapter Twenty Two

Vanessa knew the most nervous she had ever been was seeing Lin when she and Lia had seen Hamilton for the very first time. A close second was arguing before the Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Division. If someone had asked her what third place would hold, she would have never thought it would be sitting in the office of the director of her toddlers' daycare.

She and Lin had been running around like crazy the past week trying to wrap up things before the Thanksgiving holiday and their impending trip to California. Vanessa finally felt that the two of them had hit a stride when it came to being working parents. They were consistently checking in with each other and coordinating their schedules as best as they could. It was also helpful Beatriz, their nanny, had returned back from Puerto Rico and they were able to leave the children with someone they knew they could trust.

The two parents had received an email from Ms. Cabrera, the director, stating that she wanted to meet with them. Lin was in the thick of press junket for 'Mary Poppins Returns' so Vanessa was flying solo. She had met the director on previous occasions, and found the older Puerto Rican woman to be extremely warm and friendly - evident by the bright colors and quotes that filled her office. That didn't take away all of the nerves the mom was feeling as she sat in the hardwood chair.

"Sorry about that," Ms. Cabrera said as she walked through her office door, shutting it behind her, "One of the four year olds scraped his knee on the slide and Ms.Baker needed someone to watch the class while she got him cleaned up,"

Vanessa shook it off with a polite smile, "No problem at all." She placed her purse near the foot of the chair.

"Does your family have any special plans for Thanksgiving?" Ms. Cabera asked as she sat down in her office chair.

"Not too many," Vanessa replied, "With our trip to California next week, our family pretty much decided we wanted a day to just lounge around in our homes. What about your family?"

Vanessa saw the instant light in the director's eyes at the mention of her family, "My kids and their families live all over and Thanksgiving has been the one holiday I've declared is mine since my oldest first went off to school," The two mothers shared a laugh, "The last two days have been a revolving door of children and noise which is much better than the quiet nights where I'm by myself,"

"You're so lucky to have such a close family,"

"Thank you," Ms. Cabera brushed her fingers across a photo frame that was facing her, Vanessa assumed it was of one of her said children or grandchildren, "Anyways, I know you're probably busy and I don't want to keep you all afternoon. I wanted to talk to you more about the twins,"

"Okay," Vanessa had expected as much and could tell by the change in her expression that it wouldn't be something pleasant.

Ms. Cabera held a sympathetic gaze, "All of us love having Stella and Sebastian at our center. They are generally so sweet and funny."

Vanessa held a tight smile, "Thank you,"

"There have been some concerns though over the past few weeks regarding their behavior towards the other children,"

"Concerns?"

Ms. Cabera nodded before continuing, "As you know, there have been issues with getting Stella and Seb to play with the other children,"

Vanessa nodded in agreement, "We've been trying to encourage that more at home." Although the director's tone was nothing but kind, she still felt a bit on the defensive, "They do great whenever we take them to the park!"

"That's good," Vanessa heard the doubtful tone in her voice, "And I'm sure that will get better with time. However, the more pressing concern is with Stella. And her outbursts,"