If You're Not Busy

Chapter 71 Parenting Skills

Four months after having Crystal, Mariah had settled back into working at Jabot. Tessa was also starting to work on some new tracks for a new EP. It was also time to celebrate Bowie's second birthday. How is our little man two already? said Mariah to Tessa. I have no idea laughed Tessa. But this one is also four months old. Tessa had just finished changing the diaper on Crystal in the nursery as she handed her to Mariah, while she went downstairs to get their coffee. They always spent the mornings before work, drinking their coffee and playing with the kids in the giant bed. Each of them showered during that time too. It was their normal morning routine now that they had two kids to look after. After they showered and drank their coffee, they took the kids to the nursery to get them dressed for the day, then they took them down and gave them breakfast before either Mariah's or Tessa's parents arrived to look after them while they went to work.

I don't know how I'm going to manage this when you go on tour again? said Mariah. Well, I guess we will have to ask the grandparents to take it in turns to stay here while I'm away, or we could start looking for a nanny if you prefer? said Tessa matter of factly. Err you want a stranger looking after our kids? Mariah had a certain tone to her voice when she was a bit miffed! "Mariah" If we find one now, they will get to know the kids and their little habits, they're hardly going to be a stranger by the time I have to leave. said Tessa. She could tell by the look on Mariah's face that, that was not the right answer she wanted to hear. Mariah did no more than hand Crystal to Tessa, picked up her coat, and headed out the door. "Mariah" Tessa shouted after her, but it was too late she was gone. Just as Mariah got to her car, Cindy and Carl pulled up in theirs. You're going to work early? Cindy inquired. Err yeah, you'd better ask Tessa why that is said Mariah as she got in her car and drove off down the driveway.

Cindy and Carl entered the house into chaos. Mariah had only been gone for a few minutes! Tessa was trying to juggle breakfast and clearing up, the kids were having none of it. Hey Bowie, shouted Carl to break the tension. "Gramps," said Bowie and ran towards him. Let's go into the garden to the swings, so nana can take care of mama and Crystal. Off the pair of them went. Good morning said Cindy to Tessa. It looks like you could do with some help? Oh god, I don't know how things got out of hand so quickly? I upset Mariah and she stormed off and the kids just ran rings around me within a few minutes. We saw Mariah getting into her car, she did not look happy and said we needed to talk to you. Yeah, well I guess she's right. It was my fault we had a falling out. What was it about? asked Cindy. Ooh, err well, me going back on tour mainly. You're going back on tour? When? said, Cindy. In a few months. I mentioned getting a nanny to help her while I'm gone!

I did also say that the grandparents could take it in turns to stay here too. Tessa tried to smile at her mom. I should think she was none too pleased about a stranger looking after the kids? "Mom" I wasn't going to introduce a nanny to my kids the day I left. I'm not that stupid! I was going to find one now and then by the time I leave they would know the kids inside out. But we know the kids inside out already, said Cindy. So why introduce someone else? Oh, I don't know, it seemed a good idea at the time said, Tessa. But obviously, Mariah doesn't think so does she? said Cindy sternly. No mom, obviously not. I'm sorry I even mentioned it now because I have to do a lot of groveling to get back into Mariah's good books. Maybe you should think of taking her on a date night? Or even better a few days away? You've not been anywhere since before Bowie was born, and I'm sure the grandparents won't mind moving in here for a few days to look after the kids for you.

Do you know what mom, that might be a great idea? I'll have to look at both our schedules first and see where I can fit a break-in. But first I have to apologize to Mariah tonight when she gets home. Maybe try and get the kids to bed early and order a takeout delivery? That sounds awesome said Cindy but maybe while we have the kids, you could drop by her office with some flowers and her favorite brownie and coffee? Tessa went over and hugged her mom. That's a great idea thankyou. She kissed her parents and the kids goodbye and headed to the store for some flowers and then onto Crimson Lights for the rest. She turned up at Jabot around eleven O'clock. She came out of the lift and came face to face with Kyle. Hi Tessa, long time no see. Hi yeah, it's been a bit full-on lately.#, what with Mariah in the hospital, trying to write some new songs for my EP, and of course the kids. I'm sure you have your hands well and truly full. He said smiling at her.