You (All I Need Is)

From Mildred And Little Ava

"Ava, be careful!" Mildred said from the waiting area. She took Ava to the playground after school so that the child could release more energy before going home. It kind of makes her work easier, because Ava sleeps earlier than her usual bed time and she finishes her chores for the day.

Mildred Baker was the former nanny of Liz's nephew, Michael Herthy, and she has been with the McGraws since Ava had her first birthday. She loved working with them and they treated her like a family member. Nonetheless, Ava became a part of her.

Watching her play with the other kids, Mildred couldn't help but smile and whisper,

"The McGraws are missing a lot these days; for five years."

Ava ran around, smiling, and laughing with her classmates and newfound playmates.

"Ava! Let's go to the slide!"

"Then to the monkey bars!"

"I'll race you to the seesaw!"

"Not if I see you first!"

"How about the merry-go-round?"

After an hour of neck-stiffing, mud-throwing, and throat-drying action, Ava finally came to Mildred.

"At last, the princess is tired! Come on, I'll change your clothes then I'll give your sandwich."

"Okay, Nanny." And in the end of seven minutes and a half, Ava was fresh from dirt and sweat. Mildred had given her snacks while they watched the other children play.

"Thanks for taking me out today, Nanny."

"My pleasure, sweetheart. We'll be back here tomorrow if you want."

"Yes, please!" Ava smiled. It was the kind of smile that would melt your heart and make you think twice about your existence in this world. She looked at Mildred instantly.

"Nanny, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Ava. What is it?"

"How come Mommy and Daddy don't take me to school?"

"It's because they have lots of work. They do that so they can earn money to buy the toys and dresses you like." Mildred answered.

"They don't have to buy me new ones, Nanny. My old stuff are still good."

"You're such a good kid, Ava. Why did you ask all of a sudden?"

"It's because I get jealous of the other kids who have their Mommies and Daddies with them. I see them hugging, kissing, and even running to them when school's over. When it was 'Bring Your Parents To School Day', you came along with me then I cried because I was jealous of my classmates and I didn't tell you. I'm sorry, Nanny."

Mildred put her arm around Ava's shoulder and said,

"It's alright, honey. You know I'm always here for you. I'm sure your Mom and Dad will take you to school, too."

"I guess so."

"And don't get too jealous of the other kids. Your parents are the best people I know. Your Mommy's a surgeon and your Daddy's a musician. I think you'll grow up like them!"

"I don't wanna."

"Huh? Why? Don't you want that?"

"They don't take me anywhere."

Mildred laughed at Ava's remark then she answered,

"Oh, little Ava. Don't worry about that! Pretty soon, they'll be taking you to surprise trips, like in Disneyland! You'll see Cinderella and Mickey Mouse! Isn't that fun?"

"Oh! I wanna go there, nanny! I'll tell them! Look, it's a puppy!" Ava pointed and ran to the little boy with a German Shepherd puppy. Mildred took their things with her and started following Ava. When she got close to them, the two kids were having a conversation.

"What's your name?" Ava asked the boy and he extended his hand.  She shook it right  away.

"I'm Billy. What about you?"

"I'm Ava and this is my nanny. Can I touch your puppy?"

"Sure, go ahead! He's Rio." While Ava was rubbing Rio's head, it wagged its tail and she laughed.

"Look, he likes you!"

"Yeah! Rio's so nice!"

* * *

Ava and Mildred are now at home and they are preparing for dinner.

"I'm gonna ask Daddy for a puppy! Rio's so cute!" Ava was ecstatic as ever.

"That's a great idea, Ava! Your birthday's in two days!"

"Oh, yeah! I want a puppy just like Rio!"

Mildred put the food on the table and prepared Ava's portion of the meal. Then Ava said,

"Nanny, you said Mommy and Daddy have lots and lots and LOTS of work, right?"

"Yes, I did."

"I hope they won't forget about my birthday." Then she ate a spoonful of her food.

"They won't sweetie. Trust me."