Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 110: Responsibility

TW: talk of SH

The next morning Vivian and Siobhan jolted awake to their alarms that seemed louder than usual. Before they rolled out of bed, they could hear Ciara and Zuri talking. Ciara had woken Zuri up and began helping her to get dressed. As they walked down the hall they heard Ciara's voice, her tone was different, "Come on, Zuri. We have to brush our teeth and be ready to eat breakfast before we go to nursery."

It wasn't a negative tone. It was just heavier, older— like someone that felt responsibility. Siobhan and Vivian observed the slight changes, but weren't sure what to do or if they should do anything.

When Zuri saw Vivian and Siobhan as they walked to the bathroom, she smiled, "Good morning, momma." Ciara jerked Zuri by the arm into the bathroom. Vivian and Siobhan knitted their brows, noticing the odd behavior, but continued with the morning routine, filing it in their minds.

That was a bit rough.

As they made it out to the car, Ciara picked Zuri up and placed her in the seat before either woman could reach them. The older sister secured her and buckled her in and made sure the restraints were settled properly. Siobhan and Vivian quietly looked at each other with an expression of mutual worry. Nothing was necessarily wrong, but Ciara seemed different— she carried herself differently.

At the nursery, Vivian dropped Jamie and Ciara in before meeting Siobhan in the office with Zuri. Marjorie lit up at the sight of the new face. "Hello, Zuri. My name is Marjorie. I'm the manager. Would you like to walk with me to your class while Siobhan and Vivian do your paperwork?"

The little girl had her pointer finger in her mouth with the other hand twirling her shirt as she nodded. Marjorie put her hand out offering for Zuri to take hold. And she did. Silent tears slid down her face as she looked back at the two women she was comfortable with. Siobhan and Vivian watched as their hearts leapt in their chest.

Once the door closed, Siobhan turned to Vivian, "She looked so nervous— and she was crying..." The brunette placed a hand on her shoulder, "Bon, give her some time. I know you are worried about her, but she has us to help her now. Not to mention Ciara and Jamie." Siobhan nodded, "Oh, about that. You noticed the shift in Ciara too right?" Vivian's expression flashed with concern, "I did. Let's just keep an eye on it. We may have to talk with her, alone, later."

They finished all the paper work and peeked in at Zuri to make sure she settled in with Sorscha and Winter. Marjorie was headed out of the room and smiled at the couple, "She settled right in. The tears dried up immediately and she has quickly taken to Sorscha." They took another look as Zuri was pulling the Irish woman to the book corner.

"Come on, Bon. I'll drop you at the office before I head to the Dae Nursery to do some first aid training." The blonde took Vivian's hand in hers as they walked towards the exit. Marjorie smiled as she watched them leave together. She whispered to herself, "They are just so perfect for each other..." A smile brushed across her face before she walked back to the office to get back to work.

The day flew by and it was time to collect everyone from the nursery. Siobhan still had a few things to finish at head office, so Vivian was alone to do the nursery collections. She picked Zuri up first, eager to hear how her day went. As soon as Vivian walked through the door, the little girl ran over to her jumping into her arms. "Momma!" Vivian's eyes widened as she secured Zuri in her grasp and turned to Sorscha. "Hi, Viv. Zuri has had a wonderful day! She had a few moments that she was unsettled, but they passed quickly. She had a great time in the garden with Polly!" Vivian squinted slightly, "Mandy's Polly?" Sorscha snorted, "Yep." They laughed a little before Vivian left to pick up Jamie and Ciara.