The sad story of the babysitter

Chapter three - I need a job

Lily's POV:

I don't know what to do anymore. I feel like the more I am staying at home the more things are getting worse. I can't understand my parents. Even Rapunzel when she was locked in the tower had more freedom than I did. Ok, maybe she didn't, but you got the idea. I don't know what to do anymore. No matter what I do, my parents always will find something that it's wrong. I need to stay far from home more often. Yeah, but mom and dad will ask what I do. What if I go out with people? I forgot that I don't have friends. Then maybe I have to find a job. That way I can be occupied and will not think that much about them. So it's decided. I need a job as a way to escape from home. The question is what type of job. I can't do anything. 

Currently, I am in school. Since it's my lunch break, I went to where the football team usually is training. Now it's empty and I can be alone. I searched for Internet jobs for teenagers. The top three were to walk dogs, deliver food, and be a babysitter. The last one isn't that bad. The only problem is that I have zero experience with kids. I mean I love them, but that's not enough for someone to take me. 

After school, I went home and made the design for my poster. I put a picture of me and at the bottom my number. The picture was the hardest thing. I don't like taking selfies or people taking photos of me. I went to one bookshop and asked the woman if she can print my poster 100 times. 

- Excuse me, miss, can you print one thing 100 times. 

- You know that this won't be very cheap. 

- How much will it cost me?

- It depends. Do you want it in black and white or in colors?

- Black and white. 

- For black and white it's 20 cents for a page. It's 50 if you want colors. 

- I'll take the black and white. 

- Give me the file and I'll print it. 

I gave the flash drive to the woman and told her what I want her to print. After 15 minutes everything was done. I paid her and walked away. I took from home my scissors and double-sided tape. Now I have to put these posters around the town. I'll take time, but I think that it's worth it. I wrote that for details people have to call me. I take only one family for a day. I can't handle two or more. Except if they don't have one kid each. After three hours of walking, I was done. Now I can proudly go home. 

When I walked in my parents were there. Can't they come late at least once? I guess no. They have to keep checking what I am doing. 

- Finally, you are home. - my mom said

- Yes I am. Is there a problem?

- Can you explain to me what is that? I found it on one scoreboard. 

- Yes, I can. I decide to search for a job and this is the perfect one. I can't stay always at home. Moreover, I'll make money. 

- You won't go anywhere. 

- And why not? Mom I don't want to be always home. I don't have friends to go out with so this is my last chance. To be honest most of the time I'll stay in someone's house to watch kids. I won't even be outside. 

- Just say yes. At least that way we can take a rest from her. - dad said

- I'll agree with dad, no matter that I don't like the reason for which you'll let me. 

- Fine, but you better make enough money. Since you want that job from now on, you won't ask us for money. Whatever you need, you'll buy it with your money. Understood?

- Yes mom, understood. Thanks. 

I went into my room. There were no missed calls. Well, I put the posters today. Maybe people haven't seen them yet. Let's see what will happen tomorrow. Maybe someone will call me. 

I took one of my books and started reading it. At least this is something that I like. Sometimes I wish that I was living in a book. No matter what type is the story there is always a happy ending. I wonder will I be able to find mine. 

I was lost in my thoughts when my mom entered the room. 

- Dinner is ready. Come now if you want to eat. 

- I'll come downstairs in a minute. 

I took a deep breath and sighed. Sometimes I think that mom and dad won't care if something happens to me. I felt tears in my eyes. I quickly wiped them and went for dinner. 

- I'm here. 

- Yes, we can see. - mom said

- Mom are you mad at me?

- No, I'm not. 

- Then why are you talking like that? I mean that you sound mad.

- Don't think that I agree with what you are doing.

- But I am doing it for myself. I need this job. 

- No, you want it, you don't need it. If you think that you can escape from me, that won't happen. 

- I didn't do, because of that. I just get tired to stay all day at home. 

- You know the rule. 

- Yes, I got it. You don't have to say it again. 

Until the end of the dinner, I didn't say anything. Like that is better. Otherwise, I'll start arguing with my parents. I tried to help my mom with the dishes, but she didn't let me. I think that she really is mad. However, I don't know is she mad at me or someone else. Maybe it's something. 

Later I went into my room. I pulled out the letter from Lizzy. I have read it million times, but somehow every time when I read it, it feels sadder. I wish I could go and talk with her, but it's too late. My parents won't let me do it. Maybe tomorrow I can go. 

In the morning I woke up like usual, got dressed, and walked out. I'm not in the mood to see my parents. Probably they'll ruin my day like always. I checked my phone on the way to school, but no calls. Maybe no one needs a babysitter. 

When I walked into the school I saw some girls with Ryder and his friends. He threw me a smirk to which I responded with a roll of my eyes. I can't stand him. Soon he came to me. 

- What is my favorite nerd doing today?

- Trying to avoid talking with you.

- And why? Because you can't resist? I know that you want a piece of me and I'll give you one if you do something for me. 

- I won't do anything for you. Now if you excuse me, I have to go. 

With that, I walked away. Will he ever learn? I won't do anything for him. He doesn't deserve it. First, he doesn't even know my name, second, he might try on me like he always does, and I don't want that. I know that somewhere deep inside of him there is a good boy, but I don't know why he is pretending to be a bad one. If he is doing it only for attention, there is no point in that. I prefer to do things for myself. 

When I walked out of my math class, I saw that I have a missed call. Finally, someone decided to call me. I immediately called back. I hope that this will be my chance. 

- Hello, you are talking with Lily Jenkins. How can I help you?

- Hi Lily, this is Anna Collins. I saw your poster that you are a babysitter. I want to talk with you. Are you free today?

- Yes, sure. When do you want to talk with me?

- I'll finish my work at 5 pm. So maybe at 7 pm. Can you come?

- Sure, no problem. Just tell me your address and I'll be there.

- Thank you so much, Lily. 

Miss Collins gave me her address. Finally, I might have my chance. I hope that she will like me. I won't lie and will tell her that this is my first time being a babysitter. I know some things about that, but every kid is specific and parents teach their kids differently. 

After school, I went home. I started searching on the Internet for some tips. The good thing is that there were many. I tried to learn as much as possible. After all, I'll be myself. If miss Collins doesn't like me, maybe it's not meant to be. 

It is 6:30 now and I walked out from home. I told mom and dad where I am going and they didn't say anything. All the way, I was thinking about what to say and how to act so I can get the job. 

I knocked on the door and I saw two little girls. 

- Hi, I am Lily. Who are these sweet girls? - I said and tapped their noses

- These are my daughters to who I have said million times to don't open the door to strangers. 

- We are sorry. - both of them said in sync

- Come in Lily. I want to talk with you. 

I walked in and followed miss Collins. I have to say that their house is really big and pretty. I would love to work here. We walked into the living room where on the couch was sitting a man, probably her husband. I greeted him and sat down. 

- This is my husband David. 

- It's nice to meet you mister Collins. 

- So Lily tell me since when you work with kids? I mean what is your experience. 

- Look, I won't lie to you. This is my first time working as a babysitter. I know that you probably are searching for someone who has more experience, but all I'll please you is to give me a chance. If you don't like the way I work, you can fire me. I won't complain. 

- Yes, I would rather take someone who has the experience, but I need someone to watch the kids for tomorrow night so I'll give you a chance. You have one night to prove to me that you are a good babysitter. 

- Thank you so much. You won't be sorry, I promise you. 

- I hope so. I'll bring the girls. 

I waited until she came back. Soon miss Collins came with the girls who opened the door. I won't lie that they are really cute. 

- These are my daughters Lea and Mia. 

- Hi girls. You look really cute. 

- Thanks. I am Mia and she is Lea. 

- Girls, this is Lily and she will watch you tomorrow night. I want you to act good and no pranks. Understood?

- Yes mom, we'll behave. 

- I hope so. Now you can go to play. 

The girls left and mister Collins turned to me. 

- I have to warn you that with every new babysitter they act differently. Usually, they do pranks so watch out. 

- I will, but I think that I can handle it. 

I was talking with the parents when the girls came to us. They looked at me and I smiled at them. One of the girls sat on my lap. Before I could realize what was happening the other girl put her hand full of flour on my head. 

- Mia Collins you won't watch TV tonight and will go to bed early. Same as your sister. - miss Collins said

- But why me? She did it.

- Because I know that both you worked together. 

- If you let me, can I say something?

- Yes, sure. 

- I think that you don't have to punish them. 

- I'm sorry Lily, but they are not allowed to do that. 

- I know, but I have a better idea how to make them stop doing this or any kind of pranks. 

- Ok, let us see what you will do. 

I got Mia and put her on my lap next to Lea. I looked at her with a smile. She was very confused. I kept smiling at both of them. 

- Why are you looking at us like that?

- Why can't I? I want to know who was the idea with the flour. 

- It was mine. So what will you do now? Punish me? - Lea said

- No, this is way too easy. I'll leave this to your parents. I have a better idea. 

I started running my fingers to some spots and I felt how she started to move. All the kids have tickles. Soon enough I was tickling her. She was laughing and I saw tears in her eyes. 

- Please stop. I will do everything. - Lea said laughing

- Are you sure? You will do everything? If I stop tickling you, will you stop pranking me?

- I will just stop. Please. 

- Ok, I won't tickle you anymore. If you do something like this one more time, I will start tickling you again.

- I won't do it. 

- The same thing is for you Mia. No matter who of you two does something, I will tickle you until your breath ends. - I chuckled

- We understand and we promise to never do this again. Please don't tickle us.

- If you do this for me, I promise you that I won't tickle you. Now you can go and play. 

- Will you play with us?

- Tomorrow night I will. 

With that, the girls walked away. Punishment is not always the best decision. I look at miss and mister Collins who looked surprised. I gave them a small smile. 

- How did you do that? - miss Collins asked me

- Very easy actually. They are just kids and sometimes you have to talk their language. 

- I am very impressed. Ok, I won't take more of your time. I'll wait for you here tomorrow at 5 pm. 

- I'll be here. Don't worry, I won't disappoint you. 

I told them goodbye and walked home. I am so happy that they give me a chance. I really hope that they will like me and maybe to leave me to watch the kids in the future. Maybe if I play my cards well this will happen. I need this escape. My parents are taking all the energy that I have. As much as I try to don't let them affect me somehow they are doing it. I can't wait for tomorrow night.