Temporary Nanny

Prologue

There are lots of ways I saw my day going. Finish unpacking, maybe order a pizza, watch a movie, avoid the mess of things scattered around my newly rented apartment.

However, opening the door to a frantically knocking man with red hair - who I'm sure had stolen my parking at the grocers just yesterday - holding a chubby-cheeked baby in his arms was not one of the ways.

"Hi, I'm Michael. So sorry to do this but I'm in a rush and my nanny just canceled. Do you mind coming over and watching this little one for a bit?" The man rushes quickly, hardly taking a breath.

I warily eye the babbling baby propped firmly on his hip. "Oh, uh, I don't...I don't know.." I blink idly. I'm not even sure I'm credible to watch a child of any age under 4 and even then, it's still questionable.

"Please?" He pleads. "It'll only be a few hours. Just until I can get ahold of my mum and she'll come get her."

I'm still unsure of the whole situation. Seems a bit strange if I'm being honest.

"You don't even know me. What if I take off with her?" I try to convince him to find another alternative. "Are you going to take off with her?" He sighs. "No but.." "Do you have a criminal record?" "Well... no.." "Drug problem?" "What? No-" "Any plans?"

"Yes actually. I'm unpacking." I sniff. "Right because you're clearly doing that." He retorts pointedly, eyeing my messy apartment full of boxes.

I move to block his view, shutting the door only slightly in order to shield the sad apartment. He raises his eyebrows with wide eyes all but begging me. I'm not sure what does it, but in a matter of minutes I'm letting out a breath of defeat.

"Alright fine, give me the baby." I cave. "Does she need to be fed and all that?" I ask, taking the little giggly thing in my arms.

"Yes, 6 ounces usually about every 3 hours, the formula is in the kitchen you can just read the side to know how much to use." He starts.

"She'll need to be burped after, she likes to sleep so she'll probably sleep for the next couple hours and again in the afternoon." I try to follow along as he rushes his words. "Umm, there's diapers and wipes in the nursery and oh, she's kind of sensitive so try not to leave her diaper dirty for too long."

"Jeez, that all?" I reply slightly sarcastic. "Just...feel free to make yourself at home." He ignores the sarcastic undertone. "My numbers on the fridge along with any emergency contacts." "Right. And it's just for a few hours, yes?"

"Yes. I'll call if anything changes. Thank you again if I didn't already say that!" He offers a polite smile. It's nice. "You didn't, but sure. I didn't really have much of a choice, did I?" I chuckle. "I know, I'm sorry. Never again, promise!" He places a quick kiss to the baby's forehead.

"Oh hey," I call after him when he starts toward the elevator. "What's her name?" I ask when he turns to face me. "Shit, did I not say? Stella. Her names Stella." I nod and he's on his way.

"Stella." I repeat to myself, grabbing a few things and heading next door.