First Day of School- Andrew “Pope” Cody Imagine
Andrew is nervous about his daughter’s first day of school. You’re there to comfort him.
“She looks so peaceful. I don’t want to wake her up.” Andrew frowned at the idea of waking up his four year old, who was sound asleep in her bed. Her long eyelashes fluttered against her plump cheeks as she slept, clutching her favorite plushy, an adorable, fluffy bunny that she’d had since she was born. Her chest rose and fell slowly, only the sound of her light snores filing the room.
You gave him a reassuring squeeze with your arms, which were wrapped his waist, your head resting on his chest. You both had been stood in Isabella’s doorway for the past ten minutes, putting off waking her up for as long as you possible could. You lifted your head and let out a sigh. “Me either. But I fear it’s now or never, or she’ll be late for her first day.”
Andrew’s frown deepened. He didn’t want that either, just the thought of his daughter walking in late, already being the odd one out on her very first day. He’d spent most of his years in school being that kid, he knew how isolating it felt. He wouldn’t dare let that happen to his daughter.
Still, once she was awake, that would mean it was real. That you were really sending your sweet baby girl off on her own to school. Your first born. She took after you, her mother. So kind, sweet, sensitive. They were the qualities that had led him to fall madly in love with you, traits he’d thanked heaven you’d passed onto your child.
But they scared him too. He knew how much of an easy target they made someone seem. His heart ached at the thought of his precious baby’s most beautiful qualities being used against her.
You knew his mind was reeling by how stiff he stood, not even allowing a breath to escape his lips, which were pressed together in a tight line. You had an idea of the troubling thoughts racing through his mind as he stared at Isabella, his eyes full of dread.
“Andrew.” Your voice, always so melodic and sweet, was one of the few things that could break him free from the prison his mind often felt like. He turned his gaze to you, eyes softening at the corners just a bit. He didn’t speak, but kept his eyes trained on you. You reached up, wrapping your arms loosely around his neck, speaking earnestly. “She’s going to be fine. She’s a tough girl. Just like her daddy.”
His tense body relaxed just a bit beneath your touch, but he didn’t relent entirely. “She’s sensitive.”
“She can be both,” you shot back. He didn’t seem to convinced, quiet. You could tell his mind was starting to wander again. You knew how hard Andrew had it in school. How relentless the teasing had been, how horrible teachers had been to him, how much he hated it and you didn’t blame him for that feeling. However, you knew that if he wasn’t careful, he could easily project those feelings onto Isabella without meaning to.
You took your hand, cupping his chin to turn his attention back to you. “Listen. I wasn’t going to tell you this, because I didn’t want you to freak out. But-“
He cut you off, brows snapping together in frustration. “Wait, tell me what? I won’t freak out. What is it?” He managed to keep his voice low, but his fists clenched in nervous anticipation for what you were about to say, his breathing speeding up. He tilted head closer to yours, urging to keep speaking so he could figure out exactly who or what he needed to angry at, and what he needed to do about it.
You pressed your lips together, shooting him a look that said, “Really dude?” He read this on your face. He inhaled and exhaled a few times, unclenching his fists. He steadied them on your waist, trying hard to keep his voice even when he spoke next. “Okay. Sorry. Can you please tell me?”
“Last week, when I told you Bella got the scrape on her leg because she fell off the slide?” You reminded him of the memory. Andrew had been concerned at the pink bandaid on Isabella’s calf that he’d noticed when he walked in from work later that evening.
He’d immediately scooped her up, immediately urging you to tell him what happened. Not in a way that was anything but concerned for his daughter. No hint of blame, or distrust, or anger in his tone. Andrew couldn’t begin to describe how amazing of a mother you were. It brought tears to his eyes sometimes, knowing Isabella had a mother like you. Patient, loving, safe, playful, the list was endless. You were a kick ass mom.
He just liked to be in the know when it came to Isabella. When you’d told him she’d fallen off the slide, he’d accepted this explanation without second thought. He kissed your daughter where the bandaid was and promised her an ice cream sundae after dinner. Him doting on her wasn’t unusual, but he kicked up a special notch that evening.
You shot him an apologetic look as you spoke your next words. “Well, it wasn’t the entire truth.”
Andrew didn’t get angry. He didn’t even move. He just waited patiently for you to continue. He knew better than anyone that sometimes, half-truths were necessary. He trusted that if you’d delivered one to him, you had good reason. Still, he couldn’t the anger that rose in him when you elaborated. “A little boy pushed her.”
“What?” He cried loudly. Both of your heads shot toward Isabella, worried he’d woken her. She didn’t even stir, still sound asleep. A heavy sleeper, just like you. When you looked back at Andrew with a frown, it was his turn to look remorseful. “Sorry.”
You sped up the story. “A little boy pushed her. A boy she was playing with, actually. She’d said he was her friend.” Andrew had to bite his bottom lip hard to keep from interrogating you about who exactly this boy was. What he looked like. Who his parents were. He’d never hurt a child, ever. But maybe he had a dad who could use a rough shake or two.
“She fell and she cried. Of course I started to run over to her, but I stopped, because her crying stopped short. I watched her pick herself up, brush herself off. Her eyes, you know how they’re usually so big and cute?” Andrew just nodded to show he did in fact know, his mouth twitching with fondness as he thought about them. There were moments where he was sure those big, beautiful brown eyes swallowed him whole, like the world ceased to exist when he looked in them.
You continued. “Well, there was nothing cute about them in that moment. The opposite actually. They were terrifying.” You emphasized the last word, which caused Andrew to cock his head in surprise. “Really?”
“Really,” you confirmed. “She had her little hands in fists and didn’t run after the boy. She walked, so calm toward him. When she was close enough, she tackled him.”
“What?” He whisper-yelled, eyes wide. You weren’t sure how this must’ve sounded, you just standing by and watching. But in all reality, your daughter’s actions had shocked you. You’d watched, frozen in anticipation. “She tackled him,” you repeated. “It was in the sandbox so he didn’t get hurt too bad. I got there just in time to hear her demanding for him to apologize.”
“Holy shit.” Andrew couldn’t help but sound impressed, glancing at his sleeping daughter. She looked so innocent and harmless. He looked back at you, grin on his face. “Well, did he?”
“He did. Then Isabella apologized for tackling him and helped him up. His mom and I cleared the air. I cleaned her up and she went right back to playing.”
Several emotions crossed Andrew’s face throughout the story. Anger. Worry. Shock. Pride. But as your final words registered, a calm look settled on his face. His entire body relaxed as he let out a long, deep breath. “Tough and sensitive,” he finally agreed. His next words elicited a soft laugh from you. “She’s pretty bad ass. I should’ve given her way more ice cream that night.”
He leaned down, pressing a sweet kiss to your lips before wrapping his arms tightly around you, hugging you tight. “Thank you for telling me that,” he murmured. “You always know exactly what to say.”
Once you’d both broken apart, the morning started. You’d woken Isabella up together. There were a few cries here. Some protests there. Then a couple minutes of snuggling, Isabella loving being squished between the two of you. Once she seemed content enough, Andrew lifted her from the bed. He brushed stray curls from her face. “Mommy is gonna help you get ready while daddy makes breakfast. Sound like a plan?”
“Yeah.” Isabella nodded. “Can I have pancakes? With chocolate chips?” She asked. Her eyes, wide and sparkling, stared up at her father, hopeful. They were a carbon copy of his own, a deep hazel with flecks of golden brown. They were framed by long, thick lashes that she’d inherited from you, along with an insane sweet tooth. Andrew nodded. “Sure kiddo.” He placed a kiss on her cheek before handing her off you.
You went your separate ways, him heading downstairs to kitchen while you and Isabella disappeared into the bathroom. You took your time. Careful as you brushed her teeth. Wiping her face gently with a warm towel. Helping her change from her princess nightgown into the school uniform Andrew had ironed to perfection the previous evening. Even down to her frilly socks, which stuck out of the glittery pair of Converse she’d picked out last weekend. You’d had to stop Andrew from buying her four different pairs when she had trouble deciding, reminding him how fast children feet grew.
Several laughs were shared between you and your daughter as moved through the morning routine. She was especially silly this early in the morning.
Andrew appeared as you were carefully brushing her long curls into two ponytails, leaving some hair down at the back. He leaned against the doorway of the bathroom, arms crossed as he watched, admiring you both. His beautiful girls. How he got so lucky, he will never know. But he learned to stop questioning it, choosing to savor these moments instead.
Once you’d placed two bows at the center of each ponytail, you leaned down to place a kiss on Isabella’s nose, a loud giggle leaving her lips. It was like music to both you and Andrew’s ears. “All done pretty girl.”
She smiled wide, showcasing a few missing teeth as she hopped up and down excitedly. “I love my hair mommy!”
“I’m glad baby.” You smiled fondly at her. Isabella turned, presenting herself to Andrew. “I’m all ready daddy.” She bounced over to him. He scooped her up, nodding. “You sure are. You look beautiful.”
“Did you make me pancakes?” She asked. He nodded. “I did. With broccoli, right?” Since becoming a dad, Andrew had grown a lot more playful. She wrinkled her tiny nose. “No! I said chocolate chips!”
You bit back a grin as he continued the joke, faking alarm. “I thought you said broccoli!” He turned and you followed the both of them downstairs. Isabella was not amused by his joke. “Daddy I’m gonna be really sad if there’s broccoli.”
“Well we can’t have that princess,” he said as you all entered the dining room. On the table, a stack of chocolate chip pancakes sat at the center. Around it sat a bow of fruit, plate of scrambled eggs, and bacon resting on a napkin. Andrew had filled two glasses with orange juice, meant for you and Isabella while he’d grabbed water himself.
As he sat Isabella down, she erupted into a fit of giggles. “You tricked me!”
“I’m sorry,” Andrew apologized as he served her plate of pancakes and fruit. He even placed a piece of bacon on her plate, thought she wasn’t likely to touch it. He’d always try though. One day he’d get her to eat an adequate amount of protein. He’d managed to get you to do so. He figured this was possible as well for Isabella, even if that day may be far in the future.
He began to cut up her pancake, then frowned at himself. “I forgot the syrup. Hold on.”
“No, I’ve got it.” You stood. He frowned slightly at having made you get up. He watched you carefully as you lifted yourself from your chair, needing to brace against the table to do so. At four months pregnant, your belly wasn’t huge, but enough to slow you down. “I would’ve got it,” he said, annoyed at himself. You passed by him, delivering a swift kiss to his cheek as you did so. “Of course you would’ve. But I’ve got it.”
You retuned with the syrup, warmed, along with something extra. When Andrew saw you, he narrowed his eyes, shaking his head. “Oh, you’re sneaky.”
“The baby asked for it,” you shot back as you swirled a dollop of whipped cream onto your pancake. Isabella practically vibrated in her seat at the sight of the can. “Can I have some mommy?”
You glanced at Andrew, who let out a chuckle. “Well at least we’ll know she’ll be full of energy.” Upon hearing his words, you squirted a small amount onto Isabella’s pancake. “You know Bella, I heard the if you dip your bacon in the whipped cream, it’s delicious.”
Andrew wrinkled his nose, but Isabella hung onto every word you said, eyes peaking with curiosity. “Really?” She asked. You nodded. “Try it.”
“Okay.” She grabbed the bacon from her plate and sipped it into the dollop on her pancake. Andrew watched in disbelief as she actually bit into the bacon. You both watched in anticipation, watching as her little face twisted and turned as she munched away, waiting for the verdict.
Finally, she shot you a pleased look. “Yummy!” She exclaimed before going back for more. Andrew let out a shocked laugh. His eyes were on you now. “Always know just what to say.”
You smiled at him. Your little family finished breakfast together, with Isabella chatting excitedly about all she was looking forward to today. Playing on the playground. Eating the lunch she’d helped pack the previous night. Showing her teacher the notebooks she’d picked out while school shopping, one printed with dolphins while the other was blue with white stripes.
Both you and Andrew finished long before her, just happy to sit back and listen. When you glanced at the clock, you held back a sigh. “Alright. We’ve got to get going.”
Andrew cleaned up while you wiped down Isabella’s face and hands. You double checked that everything was in her backpack, her lunchbox was closed tight, and her water bottle was full. When you were positive you had everything you needed, you disappeared to change out of your pajamas and into something more presentable. You ran a brush through your hair along with a coat of mascara and lip balm just so you didn’t give the kids in her class on scare on everyone’s first day.
When you returned to the front of your house, Andrew and Isabella were stood by the door. He held her backpack, lunch box, and water bottle all in one hand, a small smile crossing his face when he saw you. “Ready to go mommy?” He asked.
You nodded, though you weren’t actually sure it was true. Now it was your turn to feel nervous. You all exited the house, Andrew locking up behind you. You settled into the passenger seat, beginning to toy nervously with a loose thread on your pants as Andrew buckled Isabella into her car seat. When he got situated in the drivers seat, he glanced over at you, eyes scanning your face before falling to your nervous hands.
His own hand, large and warm, clasped over yours, giving you a reassuring squeeze. You offered him an appreciative look.
The drive was short. Less than 10 minutes. When you got to the school, Andrew parked. You’d both registered to be able to walk Isabella to the door of her class today. All you needed were the two yellow stickers with your names and pictures that you each stuck to your tops after you pulled them from your purse.
With Isabella between the two of you, hand in hand, you began the trek up to the building, Isabella excitedly pointing out things she remembered from the open house night. The purple doors. Green picnic tables. The mural that featured tons of zoo animals right inside the entrance of the building.
The building itself was gorgeous. It was a private school, at the insistence of Andrew. He’d spent the entire year prior researching the schools in your area. This one was the best, he’d assured you. Had the best marks, small class sizes, high parental involvement, and was rated the highest for safety. That was the most important to you both, and you gave the security guard a friendly smile as he gave you all a thumbs up after glancing at your stickers.
You came to the classroom in the pre-kindergarten hallway that belonged to Mrs. Lowell, Isabella’s teacher. She was a lovely older woman with salt and pepper hair and bright red glasses that hung around her neck. She was inside the classroom when you all entered, chatting with students as they settled in.
When she spotted you, Andrew, and Isabella, she approached you all with a bright smile. “Good morning,” she chirped, stretching her hand out for you and Andrew to take turns shaking. “Very nice to see you again Mr. and Mrs. Cody.” She turned her attention to Isabella. “And I’m very excited to see you, Isabella! I love those sparkly sneakers!”
Isabella smiled shyly, still clutching onto both of your hands. Mrs. Lowell seemed to sense this, because she pointed to a very cozy looking area a few feet away. It was decorated with fuzzy pillows atop a soft green rug. “Right over there, Erica and Jennifer are building with som magnetic blocks, but I think they could use some help. Would you like to help them?”
Isabella stayed put, lips twisting as she thought about the question. You tensed, wondering if this was the moment where she would show her nerves, maybe turn down Mrs. Lowell’s offer. It’d give you guys time with her, being able to stay and help coax her into the environment.
That was not the case. Isabella let go of your hands, nodding excitedly. “Sure!” She went to move quickly but Mrs. Lowell spoke quickly to stop her. “Hold on sweetheart. Why don’t you say goodbye to mommy and daddy?”
“Oh yeah.” Isabella turned back to you both. She started with you first, little arms moving to wrap around your legs. However you were quick, even with being five months pregnant, you lowered yourself to your knees. You felt Andrew’s firm hand on your shoulder, holding you steady as you wrapped your arms around your daughter. Her little hands came to rest on your back. You squeezed her tight. She spoke first. “Bye mommy!”
You felt tears threaten to well up in your eyes, but pressed your tongue to to the roof of your mouth as hard as you could to keep them from actually forming. It took you a moment to be able to speak, as you didn’t want to sound as nervous as you felt. Still, your voice came out shaky. “You’re gonna such have a fun day! Make good choices, okay?”
“Okay.” Isabella went to let go of you, but you weren’t ready. You held onto her. “I love you so much baby.” You pressed a lingering kiss to the side of her head.
“I love you too mommy.” She pulled back, shooting you her biggest smile as she kissed your cheek. “I’m gonna miss you so much mommy.” She looked up at Andrew. “And daddy.”
The tears burned hot at the corners of your eyes. You hands shot up, quickly brushing at the corners of your eyes. Andrew stepped in to divert Isabella’s attention, knowing you needed a moment. He dropped down, pulling her in tight. “I’m gonna miss you too kiddo. But mommy and I will see you later okay? We’ll be waiting for you as soon as school is over.” He paused, before adding. “With ice cream.”
“Yay!” She cheered, squeezing him. She pulled back, her big, beautiful eyes looking at her father with such admiration. “You’re the best daddy.” She kissed his cheek. Andrew pulled his lips tight between his teeth, blinking rapidly to keep tears from falling as Isabella released him. Letting go of her felt like it was the hardest thing he’d ever done. He straightened up.
Mrs. Lowell spoke again. “I’ll take her things and show her where to place them.” Her tone was gentle as she held out her hands. Andrew handed them over. As he did so, Mrs. Lowell spoke in a low voice. “Your feelings are valid. This can be a very emotional day. But I promise, your daughter is safe with me.”
Her words were comforting. You both nodded. She then turned her attention to Isabella. “Ready to have some fun?”
Isabella looked to you both for permission. Andrew nodded while you spoke in a shaky voice. “Go ahead baby.“
With that, she took hold of her teacher’s hand, who offered you both a soft farewell before leading Isabella toward a pair of cubbies. You both stood, watching as Isabella put her items inside before walking over to where the two girls mentioned earlier were indeed playing with magnetic blocks. They were close enough you could hear the entire exchange.
“Hi,” Isabella offered in a cheery voice. “I’m Isabella Cody.” You both figured Mrs. Lowell must have reminder her to introduce herself, as this wasn’t something she usually did.
Despite how bittersweet this moment was, a smile crossed your face. Andrew waited nervously for the exchange to continue, waited to see how these girls would treat his daughter.
A girl with dark black hair braided into two new pigtails replied first, shooting up to stand. “I’m Erica Johnson. Do you want to be friends?” She opened her arms wide. Isabella accepted easily, embracing her in a hug. “Sure!”
The other girl, a blonde with freckles spread across her nose and cheeks, popped up. She joined the hug. “I’m Jennifer!”
Andrew brought his hand up to his mouth to stifle a relieved cry. You watched as the three girls pulled apart, erupting in giggles when Erica accidentally knocked over the tower she’d been building. They settled onto the rug as Jennifer’s curious little voice could be heard asking questions that Isabella answered easily. “Is that your mom and dad?”
“Yes,” Isabella answered. Jennifer again, “Is your mom having a baby?”
“Yes,” Isabella repeated before adding. “A girl. She’s gonna have the same middle name as me. Julia.”
You glanced at Andrew, who wore a poignant expression. Then it was Erica’s little voice that brought you back, brought a small grin to both of your faces. “Your mommy is really pretty. But your daddy looks scary.” She said the last part lower, her little eyes flitting to Andrew then back to Isabella, who looked at her like she was crazy. “What? He’s not scary. He’s really nice. Well, except when sometimes when he hits his toe on the table in our living room, he yells bad words really loud. But mommy and I are never scared. Sometimes we laugh.”
You bit back a laugh, feeling Andrew’s gaze flit to you, a bit unimpressed.
This answer seemed to please Erica. “Oh, good! What did you guys bring for lunch?”
You felt Andrew’s warm hand on your back. “I suppose now is as good a time as ever.” Tearing your gaze from Isabella, you looked at him through glossy eyes. His own were rimmed red, but he tried his best to sound calm and steady for you. “She’s bad ass, remember?”
You nodded. Just as you both began to turn, Isabella’s familiar voice rang through the room, causing your attention to snap to her. “Don’t forget the ice cream!” It was those words that solidified it in both of your minds. She would be okay.
You both let out laughs, nodding to reassure her. She gave you both a final wave before returning to play with Erica and Jennifer.
With this, Andrew threw an arm over your shoulder and you both headed out. Once you were back in the car, you let out a simultaneous breath that felt like it’d been stuck in your throat since the you awoke this morning.
He rested a hand on your thigh, his thumb rubbing gentle circles into it. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” you answered and meant it. “You?” You studied his face, hard to read. He pondered the question. “Those girls were really nice.”
“They were,” you agreed. He squeezed your thigh. “Hopefully neither one pushes her off a slide. Heard she gets viscous.”
You shot him a funny look. “I wonder where she gets that from.”
You shared a laugh. Then a tender kiss. He then drove the both of you home. When you walked in, an unpleasant look crossed his face. “It’s too quiet in here.”
Your eyes were instantly glued to his arms as they maneuvered his jacket off, the muscles in his arms flexing as he did so, the veins prominent. Warmth bubbled within you. You took a step forward, running a hand down his chest as he you stared up at him. “I can think of a few things we can do to fix that.”
It didn’t take him long to read between the lines. A suggestive smirk made its way onto his face. “Yeah?” He breathed, voice thick with desire. “Mhm.” You let your hand drop just above the waistband of his jeans.
He scooped you up swiftly in his arms, easily despite how pregnant you were, making toward the bedroom. He narrowed his eyes playfully at you. “Don’t think I forgot about you laughing at me hitting my toe.”
You felt lust course through you, mischievous look in your eye. “Oh baby, I was hoping you didn’t forget.”
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