The Life We Live

Chapter 12

A week later (October 17, 2000)

Isabella's POV

Today is Marshall's Birthday and since its Tuesday the grown-ups were at work and the kids at school or daycare, well except for Hailie. I took Hailie with me to work today because she wanted to see the dance studio and I promised her when I got time that I teach her new dance moves and also to plan her dad's birthday party at my house. It wasn't hard for Kim to let me take Hailie with me, probably so, that she could only take care of herself. As much as she doesn't like me, at least she trust me enough to take care of Hailie and Alaina.

And Marshall, he's been a little stressed, because of the last preparations for the tour that'll start in two days. He keeps asking me to come with him, like he did with the Up In Smoke Tour and like I did before, I told him I can't because I won't leave Jack and I have to work, but he still tries to convince me every time. He would be touring for two months, until December the 19th, January he got off and in the beginning of February he would be back on tour but only for a week, he would perform in Europe then.

With one hand I carried my duffle bag and with the other I held Hailie's, we made our way to the studio. Hailie asked me again if I packed her dance outfit and I told her that I did. She is so excited to be here and dance in a real dance studio, since we only danced most of the time in my house or at Marshall's.

"Bella, when we pick Lainie and Jack from school up, can we get some ice cream... for Daddy's party? I loooove ice cream." she batted her eyes. I chuckled, oh how I know that that's the truth.

"Of course, princess." She smiled up to me, as we walked towards the girls locker room, I greet some people on the way, but was stopped by Anthony.

Anthony is one of the dancers I work with, he's a funny guy and a great freestyle dancer, he works here for two and a half years now and was actually the one who showed me around this place. I asked him why he wasn't a choreographer and he told me that he isn't good with giving people directions, but has no problems with learning dance routines in a group for music videos. Well let's just say that he can learn but he can't teach, if that makes any sense, that was what he told me.

"Hi Isabella, who's this little lady?" He hugged me and smiled at Hailie, who gave him an evil eye for no reason. I don't know why she is doing that but she looks cute.

"Hey Anthony, this princess right here is my bo-" 'He isn't your boyfriend, remember. You didn't discuss with him about your relationship...' "-best friends daughter, Hailie. She is going to dance with me later, when I'm done with Anna's girls. Isn't that right?" She gave a short nod but kept eyeing him.

"Oh really? Well you are one lucky girl Hailie," Anthony was bending down so he was on eye level with her. "Isabella here is a really good dancer, well not as good as I am." He said jokingly, smirking up to me.

"Please... You dance like a monkey who slipped on a banana." I said, making Hailie giggle but she quickly returned to giving Anthony her mean face. He noticed it, stood back up and rubbed his neck and let an awkward chuckle out.

"Hailie baby, stop--" I tried to tell Hailie to stop but was cut off by Anthony.

"Well... uh... I won't hold you guys up any longer. I- I need to check with Frank about a music video. So... uhm. Nice to meet you Hailie. Bye girls." He hurried away.

Okay that was weird, I never saw Hailie acting like that. I looked at Hailie and she smiled up to me, looking all innocent, shrugging her shoulders.

"What was that about, sweetie?"

"Was he your boyfriend, why did he hug you? Daddy won't be happy if he is."

'Oh that was the problem. Yeah, she's such her father's daughter.' I shook my head and let out a snicker.