One thing I’ve noticed is that Bria is so open. So believing. So accepting. I secretly wish more people were like her. I guess that’s why they say a child’s optimism can’t be beat, because damn, Bria makes me want to be happy all the time.
As I’m cutting up some chicken for dinner, Cecelia walks in and we discuss our day. She seems pleased, and I can tell that Bria likes me, which is oddly comforting. I never thought she wouldn’t like me, but it validates everything for me.
I never realized how much I like kids. Elijah was always my brother, which was different in a way because we always had the sibling rivalry, even when he was young. With Bria, it almost doesn’t feel like babysitting. It doesn’t feel like work. It’s fun, and I’m glad I can say that my job is fun. I know a lot of people don’t get that luxury.
I place a grilled chicken breast and some broccoli on Bria’s plate and she eats it appreciatively. Not a picky eater, I think, pleased. Thank god.
“Well, it looks like you two get along just fine,” Cecelia says, taking some chicken and broccoli and handing me a plate. “Here, eat something.” I take the plate and sit down at the table. I can’t help but smile. Today went exceptionally well, and I know that I made the right decision in taking this job.
Cecelia’s phone vibrates, and she excuses herself. After a minute, she returns, and she suddenly looks sad and solemn.
“Evianna, would it be too much trouble to ask you to watch Bria overnight?” I see her push food around on her plate, and I try not to act surprised.
“Of course. It’s not a problem.” I look at her, and she keeps her eyes downcast on her plate. “Everything okay?”
“My husband…” She stops and looks up. “He has cancer, and sometimes, like tonight, it’s painful for him to even get into bed.”
“I see,” I answer, and I try not to act horrified. As if she hasn’t been through enough already, losing her only child a year ago…
“I live less than a mile away, if you need anything.”
“Cecelia,” I say, taking her hand gently. “Go. I’ll be fine. Go be with your husband. I will call you if I have any questions.”
“Okay. Obviously, Nick will pay you overtime. Bria needs to brush her teeth before bed. We usually read her a story. You can sleep in the guest room, next door to Bria,” she says, eyeing me. “That way, if she needs anything, you’ll be close.”
“That’s fine,” I say, smiling. I’m suddenly really nervous. I know I shouldn’t be, but I am.
“You’ll be fine,” she says, putting her hand on top of mine. “I’ve been watching you all day. You’re great with her.” She glances at Bria, who is too busy with her coloring book to pay any attention to us. “It’s just a few hours, and Nick will be home around the time Bria wakes up.”
“Thleepover with Evi?” Bria squeals, overhearing Cecelia. “We’re gonna have tho much fun!”
*
After I put Bria to bed and read her a story, I look around the giant house and wonder what to do until I go to sleep. I remember that Violet is supposed to come over, so I quickly text her.
Hey, don’t come over tonight. I’m working. Tomorrow?
Love you.
She replies almost immediately.
Wow–they’re putting you to work fast! ;)
Okay, I’ll come over tomorrow.
Love you too.
I go out back and into my guesthouse. As I put on my pajamas and brush my teeth, I can’t help but feel nervous. I know I can do this, but I’m alone with a child who is my responsibility. And on top of that, it’s technically my first day.
When I’m done getting ready for bed, I check and double-check all of the locks. I make sure the stove is off. Once I’ve done a thorough walk-through, I head upstairs to the spare room. I peek inside Bria’s room. She’s sound asleep.
I take my phone and my charger into the spare room and get all set up. It’s just a generic guest room—similar to my room in the guesthouse. I’m sad I’m not there tonight, but at the same time, I’m relieved that I’m so close to Bria if she needs anything. Luckily, there is a television, so I switch it on and watch TV for a few minutes before dozing off.