Hide It

36

September 2017

Pippa's POV

We walked with Diana down the road to her school. I didn't like how far away it was, but at least we would walk with her. She was starting first grade and I was really nervous for her already.

"I'll be good!" Diana smiled at us.

"You better be good. Or you'll get no dessert!" Jasmine pointed. Diana gasped and quickly nodded her head. She was so cute.

"And remember to make lots of friends." I added. "We love you so much." I said while getting down to hug her.

"Mama!" She giggled. "I can't breathe!" She smiled.

"Sorry!" I said while letting her go. Jasmine gave her a hug as well then we watched her run up the stairs to her school. "I didn't think it was gonna be this hard..." I frowned.

"Relax Pippa." Jasmine laughed. "It's only for a few hours." She said while taking my hand in hers. I needed to relax. Diana going to school was a normal thing. I just had gotten used to her being home all the time... That was all...

Our first home visit was tomorrow and I couldn't believe that we had been parents for a few months now. Jasmine was already better at it than me, but at least one of us was really good at it already. Diana had gone to her for most of her problems, but when it was something Jasmine couldn't do, I was the hero of the day.

Just the other day she was playing with her stuffed animals and one of them had a rip in it. Jasmine couldn't fix it, but I did. I got the biggest hug from her and a kiss. I was the best parent that day. According to Diana that day of course.

"When do you think they'll come by tomorrow?" Jasmine frowned.

"Probably while Diana's in school." I shrugged. We were nervous, but at least we knew that we had everything. We had a fridge full of food, Diana had her own bed, room, and had a bunch of clothes already. Renee took advantage of Diana's small stature and passed along old clothes from her kids to us. It was a lot less work for us that way too.

"I hope we pass." She said while leaning more into me. I let go of her hand and draped it over her shoulders.

"We will. Don't worry." I smiled.

~~

"And this is her room." I said while opening Diana's door. The case worker walked inside her room and looked around.

"She draws a lot." The case worker laughed.

"Yes. We enjoy her pieces of art work." Jasmine said while leaning on the door frame.

"How is she doing in school so far? I know she just barely started?" She asked.

"She's doing great. Her teacher is a delight and she's been making lots of friends from what she told us." I answered. The case worker nodded and wrote something in her little notepad...

"Well, I see nothing wrong here. Everything is good between you two?" She asked without looking up.

"Yes of course." Jasmine said while leaning back into me. I wrapped my arms around her waist while resting my head on her shoulder. She smiled at my actions and I kissed her cheek.

"Then we're set. Your next home visit will be in a few months after she's been in school for a while." The woman gave us a warm smile as she walked out. "You two are wonderful parents already. I can tell." She said before she left.

Jasmine let out a squeal of delight since we passed our second home visit. Her arms wrapped around my neck in a hug which I decided to lift her up to have her closer to me.

"We did it!" She giggled.

"We did." I smiled. She pressed her forehead against mine and shut her eyes. "Now to take care of other things today." I smiled while walking towards the bedroom.

"What other things?" She asked.

"You'll see." I smirked. Her eyes widened a bit once she realized what I meant. She let out a little laugh when I shut the door with my foot.

~~

"You treat me so good." Jasmine whispered.

"I try to." I said while moving some hair from her face. She had cut it short recently and I wasn't complaining. She looked gorgeous no matter what she did.

"You really do. I'm so glad I married you." She said while snuggling into my arms. I was glad we had gotten married. I really didn't want anyone else in my life.

"We have to get up soon to get Diana." I said once I had seen the time.

"Can you get her? I'll stay behind and start prepping for dinner." She mumbled without opening her eyes. I sighed knowing she already got herself comfortable.

"That means I have to get up now." I said quietly. She groaned and tightened her grip around me. "Jazzy, baby. As much as I really want to stay in bed and cuddle with you... I have to go pick up our daughter." I laughed.

"Fine.." She sighed while letting me go. "Please don't be gone too long... I miss you when you're gone." She frowned. I pulled my hair up into a loose bun, then bent down to kiss her.

"Something for you to remember me by while I'm gone." I smirked. She smiled at my remark. I could be a little smart when I wanted to be. I was careful never to push my luck with it either.

~

"We're starting a science project at school! And it's going to be so cool!" Diana explained while skipping the way back home. Her little hand was holding onto mine tightly. As if she was afraid to let go. "It's going to be with butterflies so we have to watch them very carefully." She pointed.

"Oh really?" I asked her.

"Yes! They start as baby caterpillars!" She giggled. I was happy she was learning so many things about creatures at this age. It gave me hope.

"That's great sweetie." I smiled. "Do you have homework?" I asked.

"Uh huh! I have to look up different caterpillars!" She giggled. "I like caterpillars." She smiled. When we got to our apartment building, I climbed up the stairs with her and entered the code to get inside. Diana instantly began firing off the questions to press the elevator buttons. I let her press them and we waited.

"Mommy is going to make dinner tonight." I said to her.

"Mommy cooks good." She smiled. "You cook good too mama." She added quickly. The elevator dinged as she spoke and the doors opened. We climbed inside and she pressed our floor button.

"I'm glad you think so." I laughed. Oh this child was a bundle of joy.