Come Turning of the Tide

AN: Thanks to CaptInuJohnny, lonelyheart, and Ero Sennin for the reviews! I got a four point on my Health Occupations exam! Get my final English paper back tomorrow. Now I just need to live through math and guitar. *sigh* I'm just a little terrified.


We spent lunch in cheerful speaking. Johnny tried to sell me to the kids. The girl didn’t seem to look up from her bowl. And of course, Jack didn’t seem to need much. I told him that I loved puppets, and I knew that he was hooked.

“Okay, guys, have fun at the park!” Johnny told us once lunch was eaten and the dishes in the dish washer. I was still wiping the last traces of tomato soup off Jack’s face.

“Are you sure you can’t come with us?” Lily-Rose pouted.

“Absolutely. I need to let in the movers. How else will we get your toys inside?” he was very careful not to make eye contact with me here, afraid that either of us might give away the ruse.

“Don’t worry. We’ll have fun.” I told her brightly. She glared and tossed her hair at me. My, they were boarding the Snob Train early these days. When I was young, it wasn’t until middle school that they started getting so nasty.

We exited the house and headed down the street. When I offered my hands, Jack jumped at the chance. Even though his little fingers were dirty and slightly sticky, I still felt warmth at the fact that he wanted to hold my hand. There was something in the way a child loved you that made you feel like you couldn’t be the worst person in the world.

“I’m a big girl. I don’t need to hold a hand.” Lily-Rose told me with a sneer. She eyed my hand with disdain, as though I had been dipping it in pig droppings or something. Okay, fine. I held my peace on the subject as we continued on.

We got to the corner were we needed to cross. Johnny lived in a very safe neighborhood, but L.A. traffic is anything but predictable. I stopped us and looked at the girl.

“I’m quite sure you think you’re old enough to cross alone, but I can’t let you do that.” I held out my hand. I didn’t see the point in trying to reason with her. She’d only beat around the bush, and I just wanted to get over this.

“No,” she shook her head.

“Lily-Rose, you need to do as I tell you.”

“No, I don’t. You work for me.” She smirked. Oh Lord, here we go, I thought. I expected this, but not so soon. Might as well get it out of the way, I figured.

“No. I work for your daddy.” I corrected her. “I take care of you. That means that when you’re with m, you’re under my supervision and you have to do as I tell you.”

“No!” she crossed her arms and stomped a foot. I waited for a few minutes, giving her the chance to change her mind. When she looked firm in her beliefs, I could only sigh.

“Okay.” I shrugged coolly. “It looks like you’re not interested in any cookies for dessert or a bubble bath tonight.”

“We don’t even have bubble bath.” She sneered.

“Says you. I brought some for you guys.”

“You brought us bubble bath?!?” Jack squeaked. He looked at me with wide, glowing eyes. I gave him a quick smile back.

“I thought it would be perfect after our playtime in the park.” I held out my hand once more. Lily-Rose only turned up her nose.
“Now!” I demanded.

“I thought you said I didn’t have to, I just lost cookies and stuff.”

“Oh no,” I shook my head. “We’re not trading privileges for opting out of the rules. You’re losing those things because you chose to disobey me. Now, come on.”

“I’m telling my Daddy.” She puffed out her lower lip at me.

“Really? So am I!” I said cheerfully. “We can tell him together.” We continued with her sulking down the shady street.

Finally when we entered the park, Jack began to tug at my hand.

“Will you push me on the swings? Please, Charity?”

“Sure. Want a push?” I asked the girl, trying to show her I wouldn’t hold a grudge. She shook her head and headed off to hide in the tunnels. Fair enough. I could at least see her. I put Jack on the swing and began to push.

Jack cheered and yelled. I smiled. Maybe this wouldn’t be such a bad gig after all. Finally, I stopped him and told him that my arms needed a break. I let him down and he scampered off to climb on the rope ladders.

I headed to a shady tree and plopped down, picking leaves off my shirt.

“You’re doing well.” A voice said from behind the tree.

“Picking up a few spy tips?” I giggled.

“What can I say? I’m in show business. I have to be at least a little bit dramatic.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I wanted to say good job with her tantrum. See you in about two hours?”

“Fine.” I tried to be careful not to look like I was talking to myself. I didn’t want anyone here to think I was crazy. It was the only playground within walking distance.
The afternoon passed quickly. I watched the kids playing and occasionally went and gave the boy another turn on the swing. He’d often stop what he was doing to wave at me. I’d smile and wave back.

Soon enough, though, a woman walked over and plopped down on the ground next to me.

“Which ones are yours?” she asked promptly. I glanced over at her. She looked exhausted with a messy brown bun, bags beneath her hazel eyes, and a baby in a Snuggli against her chest.

“Oh! Um, none.” She gave me a sharp look. Why else would I be at the playground? Maybe I was a kidnapper, or some strange weirdo.
“I’m a nanny.” I told her quickly. I pointed out Jack and Lily-Rose. “Their dad lives in this neighborhood.”

“Oh,” she eyed me up and down. “That a good paying job.”

“Sure,”

“Wish I could afford a nanny.” She sighed. She took the baby out of its pack and held it listlessly.

“Um…” I stammered, feeling uncomfortable. She shifted her weight.

“You know, we should get our kids together. Set up some play dates. Maybe at the house you work at?”

Oh God, I could see it now. She’d leave the kids and never come back. She’d head straight for Vegas at the first chance. I jumped up.

“It’s time for us to go. Bye.” I said quickly, stalking over the kids and gathering them up to head on home.

Why did stay at home wives have to be so creepy?