by Sadie Grubor
"You look nice." He spoke monotone to Victoria.
"I'm a snowflake." She beamed. He looked up to me.
"We were just heading to her school play." I started to wrap Victoria up the best I could with the costume and then reached for my coat. Dr. Bishop grabbed it first and held it open for me. "Um…thanks." I slipped my arms in and wrapped the coat around me tightly.
"I figured we would all go over together." I spun my head around and looked at him curiously. "One car is easier than taking two." He slid his coat on and held the door open. I swallowed and followed Victoria out the door.
I helped Victoria into the car and then considered sliding into the backseat with her, but that decision was made for me when Dr. Bishop opened the front passenger door for me.
"Thank you," I mumbled out and got into the car. He closed the door and rounded the car.
The drive over was quiet and, honestly, uncomfortable, at least for me it was. The typical tension was there and the inability to escape him was really pushing my limits. I think I audibly exhaled a large breath when we finally pulled up to the school and parked. I hopped out quickly and assisted Victoria out of the car. Turning to walk toward the school, I noticed Dr. Bishop's familiar look of irritation, though I wasn't sure what I had done this time. Taking Victoria's hand I walked her into the school and then to the door we were supposed to drop students off at.
She turned her big eyes on me, full of nerves.
"Sophia…"
"You got this." I kissed her forehead. "I'll be right out there in the audience and if I need to I will climb on that stage for you, okay?" I winked and she giggled.
She hugged me and then took the teacher's hand to go into the room. I stood and turned around, colliding with Dr. Bishop. My hands were on his chest and his on my waist. Heat radiated from our points of contact and that in combination with his scent caused my pulse to quicken. I pushed off of him quickly.
"S-sorry. I didn't realize you were behind me." I walked around him and headed toward the seating.
I was walking toward some familiar nannies seated off to one row, but was gripped by the arm, pulled back to another row, and pushed in. I turned and saw Max smiling at me with a wide grin.
"You are sitting with us." He chuckled a little. "Ow!" His shoulders hunched up.
"Don't scare her!" Larissa peeked around Max. "Sorry." She mouthed to me.
"It's okay, but I was going to go and sit with the other nan –"
"Nonsense." Larissa pushed around Max and took my arm, sitting me down next to her.
"Victoria told you that you were family to her, so you should sit with us." I didn't know what to say so I just relaxed into the seat.
Larissa didn't even look as if she had given birth just a month ago. She was gorgeous and statuesque. She could easily put herself in a bikini already. Regardless of her intimidating appearance, Larissa was so kind to me I didn't understand how she fit in with this family. As I sat there, I watched her and Max interact. Max wasn't as cold and conservative as his brother. Besides that Larissa seemed to keep him in line.
I was starting to feel comfortable, until we had to stand for a person to enter the aisle. When he walked in front of me it felt like he paused for a moment, the closeness of his body almost electrocuted me. He finally moved down toward his seat and his parents appeared next to him. I couldn't help but watch closely. It was all air kisses from his mother, no real physical interaction. His father shook his hand and pulled him in for the one armed hug, but Dr. Bishop seemed stiff. Then Allison arrived. I groaned and put my head in my hand.
"Shhh…it will be fine. Just ignore her like I do." Larissa leaned in to my ear and whispered.
"You are allowed to ignore her, you are her family. I'm just the 'help'." I took a deep cleansing breath.
"Did she say that to you?" Larissa looked at me wide eyed.
I shook my head. "No."
"But she's made you feel that way hasn't she?" I shrugged. She patted my hand. "She did the same thing to Amber, but I put a stop to it. Speaking of – Max!"
"Yes my love?"
"Where is Amber?"
"Ummm…she is down there with Ella and William." He looked back at her and was met with a scowl. "I'm going, I'm going." He got up and headed toward Amber. I watched him pull her up by her arm and then motion to our row. She shook her head, but he insisted. She grabbed her things and started to follow him to our aisle. When she saw me her face lit up.
Larissa and I stood to let Max through and Amber sat next to me.
"Thank God you are over here too." She leaned in and whispered.
"Phsh, Me? I was about to have a break down over here. Thank God Max brought you over." I whispered back and she giggled quietly.
Allison caught sight of me then and narrowed her eyes on me. She sat in the seat farthest from me, next to her mother, and I was never happier about a seating arrangement.
When Victoria came out on stage I saw her putting her hand over her eyes trying to look for someone she knew. I stood quickly and she caught sight of me. I waved small and then sat back down. I felt eyes on me, so I looked around out of the corners of my eyes. On my left, Larissa was smiling largely at me and she squeezed my arm. On my right, I could see Mrs. Bishop and Allison looking appalled, Dr. Bishop looked confused as he looked to the stage. Only then did he seem to realize Victoria had been looking for someone. He looked back to me quickly before returning his attention to the stage.
"Did I do something wrong?" I whispered to Amber.
She shook her head.
"Not in my opinion, but I'm sure Mama Bishop doesn't approve." Amber shrugged. I looked slightly passed Amber and saw Dr. Bishop's attention was on his mother's flabbergasted face instead of on his daughter's performance. That pissed me off and I turned my attention back to Victoria.
The play finished after a couple of hours and I excused myself right before the end so I could go and get Victoria. Amber followed. We collected the kids and then headed back toward where the Bishops had congregated.
"Where are our reservations tonight?" Mrs. Bishop turned to her husband. He was on his phone and held up a finger to her.
They were going to dinner. Perhaps I could get a cab home. I got my cell phone out.
"You're coming this time, aren't you?" Victoria was tugging on my coat.
"Sweetheart, this is for your family okay? I will see you at home, just like last time." I rubbed her head and then started to scroll through my contacts.
"Please, please, please Sophia. Please!" Victoria was begging.
"Shh…Victoria, you don't beg." Mrs. Bishop snapped at her.
"Sophia, don't be ridiculous. We came in the same car and Victoria has requested your presence. You're joining us." Dr. Bishop's voice caught me by surprise.
"No, really, it's okay." I held up my cell. "I'll call for a cab, problem solved."
"Please, join us for dinner?" Dr. Bishop looked at me with an expression unfamiliar to his face.
"Collin," Allison hissed, "If the nanny wants to go home then let her."
"No, come with us. Please." Victoria begged.
"Collin, stop her from begging like that." Mrs. Bishop complained.
I narrowed my eyes on her and then turned my attention to Victoria.
"I'm only going because you want me to." I smiled at her and she wrapped her arms around my legs tightly. Her hug pushed me off balance and I started to tilt back. My arm flew out for anything, but only found air. Then I felt two arms catch me. I looked up to see a familiar tall blonde haired man chuckling.
"Thank you." I breathed out.
"She's a strong one, isn't she?" He laughed and I nodded.
"Sorry," Victoria blushed.
"It's okay, just be careful with those super muscles of yours." I laughed and tapped her nose. She smiled.
"Jonathan." Allison practically yelled at the tall blonde man who had saved me. He excused himself and headed toward his wife.
This was going to be a l
ong night.
Chapter Seven
Dinner that night had been…different. Ilene Bishop seemed to be the source of the distant cold behavior her son displayed on a daily basis. She didn't really touch her children and she didn't kiss them. Most of her conversation revolved around society gossip, money, and shopping trips. While her husband Connor, Mr. Bishop, talked about medical procedures and latest technology with his sons. He was much more affectionate than his wife, so I figured that was where Max got his soft side.
Max worshipped Larissa and anything she said, did, or touched. He kept a hand on her at almost all times and when she spoke he would immediately look to her before either joining the conversation or turning back to the one he was in. Their relationship was truly a beautiful thing to watch in person. It made my heart ache with a twinge of jealousy.
Allison and Jonathan on the other hand were like the younger version of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. They barely spoke or touched. I started to wonder how they had possibly conceived the twins with the lack of interaction between them, but obviously Mrs. Bishop had produced three children in a similar relationship.
I, also, took some time to examine each of the Bishop children. Collin looked exactly like their mother; coppery brown hair, green eyes, and fair skin. He was built like Connor, but taller. Max was all Connor, except for his dimples and darker shade of hair. The more I looked at Allison and examined her I realized she looked mostly like Connor, except for her dark hair; it was so dark it could have been black. Out of the three of them Allison seemed to not truly fit according to appearance.
Thanks to the person up there looking out for me while I mingled with hell spawn. Amber was sitting on my right and Victoria on my left. We talked when I wasn't observing the strange family dynamic. Amber was so genuinely nice and I was slightly jealous she got the 'normal' Bishop couple. However, I wouldn't want to give up Victoria for anything, so here I sat in the mix of this family that functioned in ways unfamiliar to me.
I noticed Victoria was practically falling asleep at the table, but they all continued to talk amongst themselves. Eventually I pulled her into my lap, hoping it would draw some attention to the situation. However, I was sadly mistaken. At my final breaking point of the night, I softly excused myself from the table with Victoria in my arms.
"If you'll excuse me," I pushed away from the table and stood, wrapping my coat around my shoulders while trying to keep a tight hold on her. I looked around the table and all eyes had turned to me. Allison's eyes were narrowed on me, Mrs. Bishop had a look of annoyance, Mr. Bishop was smiling small at Victoria, and Dr. Bishop had a perplexed look on his face. "Thank you for dinner; however, I need to get her home and to bed." I glanced to Larissa and Max giving them the only genuine smile for this family.
"Let me help." Amber stood quickly and grabbed my purse for me. I wrapped my coat around Victoria as I got a better grip on her. Amber helped to slip Victoria's coat on her as well.
"Thanks, I've got it." I turned over my shoulder to the table. "Good night." I walked away.
When I reached the front of the restaurant the host quickly grabbed the door for me. I smiled.
"Shall I get your car for you?" The valet asked upon my exit.
I shook my head. "No, I don't have a vehicle. I'm going to hail a cab, but thank you." I turned to go.
"Miss, we have cabs on stand-by, let me call one over for you." He turned to a small black phone behind the podium.
"Thanks." I smiled and adjusted Victoria in my arms again.
"That won't be necessary." I spun around. Dr. Bishop was stepping toward me. He handed the valet his ticket.
"I can get a cab." My words were a bit harsher than I intended, but I had my fill of an evening with cold and snobbish behavior.
"Don't be ridiculous. I drove you both here and will take you home." He reached for Victoria and without thinking I pulled away from him. His face reflected his shock and anger. I knew panic was washing over mine. I hadn't done it intentionally.
"I've got her." I quickly mumbled and looked away from him.
Before he could say anything his sleek black car pulled up and the valet stepped out. I quickly opened the rear passenger door and slid into the back seat with Victoria still in my arms. I wasn't even giving him a chance to trap me in the front seat with him again.
As I reached to close the door, it shut and Dr. Bishop's hand rested on the window for a few moments before he thanked and tipped the valet. When he climbed into the driver's seat I could feel the tension rolling off of him like fog over a swamp. It also had not escaped me that he had adjusted his rear view mirror enough so he could take fleeting glances into the back seat.
When we pulled up to the house I adjusted Victoria again. The door opened and Dr. Bishop was standing there with his arms out. I bit my lip before I slid to the edge of the seat and waited for him to take Victoria out of my arms. I felt instantly cold the moment her body was removed.
I closed the door and walked quietly behind him. He took her into the house and up the stairs. Once in her room, he just stood holding her.
Tossing my coat and purse to the floor, I quickly started to remove her shoes and coat. He was still holding her as I unzipped the back of her red velvet dress and pushed it off of her arms. Finally, I managed to get her out of the dress and grabbed her out of his arms to lay her on the bed.
Once in her bed I removed her tights and her button up shirt before rushing to the dresser and grabbing her night gown. Trying to function as easily as I could under his intense stare, I slipped the gown over her head and tucked her in to bed.
While gathering her clothes from the floor I glanced over to Dr. Bishop. He was staring down on Victoria with his brow furrowed. I couldn't tell if he was upset, irritated, or sad. He was difficult to read when he wasn't wearing his iceman mask. I quickly returned my attention to the clothing and grabbed my things.
I had just taken a step out of the room when I felt his unmistakable presence behind me. Before I could get away, the familiar tingle of his hand on my arm stopped me. I turned with confusion on my face.
"I apologize if you were uncomfortable this evening at dinner." The cold tone, his mask, was in place.
"Don't worry about it." I had forced a smile and pulled my arm away from him, heading toward my room again. I heard a mumbled sound from him, but there was no way I could tell what he had said.
The days following the play were as normal as they could be in this house. The only exception being Victoria was on winter break and only had dance classes. I was surprised, yet fully relieved, when I found out that the dance class did not do a holiday recital. Instead the dance studio chose to put a recital together during the summer. That was one less thing I'd have to concern myself with during the holidays.
However, I had been made fully aware, for a second time, by Allison, in all of her snarky gloriousness, that the Bishop family held Christmas Day at Dr. Bishop's home, family in the morning and friends would arrive in the evening.
"I will be having professionals in and out of this house next week to prepare." She eyed me over with disdain as she spoke. "The caterer will arrive the day before to prepare and set up, so once they have set up I need you to make sure you stay out of the kitchen. I don't want you to ruin anything."
I sucked in a deep breath through my nose.
"No problem." I grumbled out. It was already Saturday. I knew she was going to start all of this 'preparation' on Monday.
"Well, I also needed to let you know that neither my mother nor I can take Victoria tomorrow, since we both will be preparing for Christmas. I suppose it means you will not be able to take the day off tomorrow, given that Collin is away at a conference this weekend." She shrugged.
My mouth gaped open.
"I have plans to leave this evening to visit my family, since I won't be able to see them for Christmas."
She spun around on me with a look of disgust.
"Don't tell me your problems." She spat. "Victoria is your
responsibility, so you need to handle it." She quipped and walked away from me, grabbing her purse from the entry table and slamming the door on her way out.
"Ahgghh!" I yelled to release the tension. "FINE!" I shouted at no one stomping up the stairs.
I entered Victoria's room and she gave me a strange look when I walked through her door. "Where is your suitcase?"
"Am I going somewhere?" She looked confused. I nodded. "Closet, on the back top shelf," She climbed off of her puffy pink princess chair and skipped over to the closet. I walked in behind her, flipping on the light. Her arm was extended and her one finger pointing above her head, "Right there."
"Thanks." I grabbed the pink and green plaid rolling suitcase and pulled it down.
"Where am I going?" Victoria asked curiously, "With Aunt Allison?"
"Nope, you are going with me." I rolled her bag over to her bed and tossed it on top of her comforter before heading to her dresser.
"Where to?" I could hear the excitement in her voice.
"Well your Aunt Allison and Grandmother are busy this weekend and I have plans to visit my family tomorrow for Christmas. So, you are going with me." I smiled at her widely and turned my head back to pulling out pants, sweaters, pajamas, underwear, etc.
"To your house, really?" I nodded. "Do you have toys or things to do there?"
"Hmmm…I suppose you should bring some things." I furrowed my brow in thought.
"Okay!" She spun around quickly, grabbed her pink back pack and dumped out her school things into a pile on the floor.
"Victoria…" I used a slightly scolding tone and started picking the things up. "You can't leave a mess like this."
"Sorry." She rushed back over and helped picked up the rest of her things placing them on her white desk. Then she ran to her back pack and started putting things inside.
I smiled at her eagerness and finished packing her bag. Once finished I pulled her bag out to the hallway and then headed to my room, grabbing the bag I had already packed for the trip. I wrote a note and placed it in Dr. Bishop's mail box on his office door, but then recognized I should probably call him.
