The Teacher

19: WREN

Bella and Gabby didn't ask too many questions about why I was taking them home. But when we arrived at my house, all the questions started to be asked. One in particular was whether I would be their new mommy. "No, sweetie," I managed to say, trying to keep my voice steady as I unlocked the front door. "I'm just here to take care of you while your dad is away."

I left the two of them in the living room, watching cartoons while I busy myself in the kitchen cooking dinner. I've reached out to Skylar every hour on the hour, and he kept saying that he's still in the meeting.

As I stir the spaghetti sauce and boil the pasta, my phone buzzes relentlessly on the counter. Glancing over, I see Skylar's name flashing on the screen. With a sigh, I wipe my hands on a dish towel and answer.

"Skylar, everything okay?" I ask.

"There's been a situation at the office," Skylar's voice comes through, tense and rushed. "I need to stay longer than expected. Are you alright with the girls for another few hours?"

No.

"Of course," I replied, trying to mask my annoyance. I don't want to watch them any longer, but I know it's not their fault for having a father who is important to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of my people. "Good thing dinner is almost ready."

"I'm sorry, Wren and thank you so much for this. I know it's not normally for a teacher to—"

"I get it." I cut him off. "Just try to get here as soon as possible. I have plans." I remind him, but there are no plans. I have no plans whatsoever, but I don't want the girls spending the night because that will only mean he will—we will—I don't even want to think about it.

"I will call you once everything is over." Skylar's voice softened, "I really appreciate this, Wren."

After hanging up, I focused on finishing the meal.

Dinner went smoothly, with Bella and Gabby chatting about their day, their voices bubbling over each other with the enthusiasm only children possess. I laughed more than expected, finding their stories endearing and their perspectives refreshingly innocent.

Once they were settled in the guest room, playing with whatever toys I had from my childhood, I retreated to the living room and lay on the couch. As I lay there, staring up at the ceiling, I can't help but wonder how the hell did I get myself in this situation. Of course, I know. I fucked their father, so here we are.

My phone vibrates beside me. It's Skylar.

I tap the green icon and bring the phone to my ear. "Hello,"

"Hey, Wren. I just wanted to update you. It will be another couple of hours, but Roxie is on her way to get the girls."

I sit up. "Oh, okay." Relief that I wouldn't have to spend the night coaxing the twins to sleep, but there was a strange twinge of disappointment, too. I guess because he is sending his assistant to get them rather than himself. "I will get them ready." As I hang up, I stand to gather the girls' things.

I went to the guest room, where the girls were quietly playing with some dolls. "Sweethearts, Roxie is coming to pick you up soon," I announce, forcing a smile as their faces fall.

"But we want to stay with you, Miss Wren!" Gabby protests, her lip trembling slightly.

Isabella nods vigorously in agreement. "Can't we stay just one night? Please?"

Their hopeful eyes pierce through my resolve to maintain professional boundaries, but I gently shake my head. "Not tonight, loves. But another time maybe," I promise, knowing full well the complications that might entail. "You can keep playing, but I will come back for you once Roxie arrives." I leave them to their games and head back to the living room, picking up my Kindle.