Temporary Nanny

Chapter 11

After lunch I help clean up and attempt to slip out while Daryl and Stella are caught in an episode of Chopped.

Of course Stella notices when Karen lends a hand and quietly retrieves the kitten near Stella's crawling space. Her green eyes watch her grandma, crawling forward to peek behind the couch as she walks back over to me.

"She's watching," Daryl calls out to us. Karen and I exchange a look and fall into the 'abort mission' mode we're both used to by now.

I slump down into the near by chair and start petting the kitten as if that was the plan all along. Stella sits on her butt and looks between where I'm sitting and the television screen.

"I swear she's too smart for us." I shake my head with a small smile. "Looks like you're staying for dinner." Karen chuckles, patting my shoulder and walking away.

I eye the baby gnawing on her little hand and watching the TV carefully. She looks away from the screen humming at me and bouncing on her bum. "How may I help you princess?" My voice soft in endearment.

She pulls her hand away from her mouth and reaches both out while making grabby hands.

The books all say the same thing, to let them sit on their own for a bit and not going to them the second they start to seek attention. So I try it, calling out to her instead so she knows she's alright without me.

"You're okay Stel. You watch your Food Network with grandpa." I point toward the TV. She follows my finger to the screen of chefs cooking away but it doesn't hold her attention. "C'mere butterball," Daryl tries to help but to no avail.

Her facial expression becomes distraught and she starts bouncing again with her hands up towards me.

"Don't you start, you trouble maker." I scold lightly. When she realizes I'm not going to go to her she begins crawling in my direction.

However, the baby gate is up keeping her in the living room area. She starts to stick her bottom lip out with the same doe-like eyes Michael uses when he wants something.

"Stella, you're fine tiny. You don't need me right now." I coo from my seat but can feel myself slowly giving in. It's not my fault really, the Cliffords have me wrapped around their fingers.

I try to distract myself with the kitten but Stella keeps at it and when I chance a glance her little lip starts to quiver.

With a defeated sigh I quickly go over to her, lifting her into my arms.

"Lasted longer than I thought." Karen sing-songs with a small smile on her face. "It's not my fault, she and Michael have that face that'll make you jump through fire if they asked." I frown.

"I know love, I've had 20-some years with that face and it doesn't get any easier." She gives a breathy laugh. "You're both weak," Daryl teases over his shoulder. "Is that why Michael came home with a new toy every time I sent you two out for something?" Karen retorts.

"Yup, I told you, I don't know where they came from." He shakes his head, putting his hands up in surrender. "I'm sure," she hums rolling her eyes lightheartedly. "Ah, it all makes sense now." I grin. "Yes, you can blame Daryl for that look," Karen replies.

"Don't believe a word she says Charlie," Daryl calls. "Somehow I find it hard not to believe." I chuckle. "You see what you've started Stel? You've ruined grandpa's credibility," he stands, poking at the little girl propped on my hip.

"That's alright sweetie you didn't have much credibility to begin with, now come help me with these veggies." Karen teases, moving around the kitchen. "That's my cue, this little ones just as much a menace as her father," he says lovingly, giving Stella a little tickle. "Now that I believe." I nod.