The Mix-Up

Getting Away

Parents Julia and Paul had been planning a romantic couples getaway for a while, and the day of their departure had finally arrived. They loved their daughters, but the non-stop bickering between Maeve and Sara left them drained at times. They both figured 10 days taking in the California coast would do them well, and hopefully the sisters could bond too.

The babysitter they had hired, Jenna, was an unknown to them, but she provided great references, and promised to get the girls acting right. The couple was finishing up final preparations for their departure when Jenna's knock graced their door. Paul went to answer, and opened the door to a tall, slim brunette wearing a short skirt and green crop top, with a large duffel bag draped over her shoulder. The two exchanged brief greetings, and Paul then beckoned the 21 year old in to meet his wife. More formalities ensued, before Paul began to give the rundown.

"As mentioned over text, we'll be gone today until the 18th, I believe our flight gets back late, so you're welcome to stay that night as well." Paul said. "Obviously we don't expect you to cook anything substantial, so we have a few meals of leftovers ready to reheat. All the other meals you can just eat out wherever you and the girls pick." With that he handed her a card, saying, "You can use this for any purchases you need. Snacks, supplies, meals, or whatever else comes up. The girls are both in their rooms right now, I'm sure Maeve is sleeping so you might not see her for a while. You might not see her much all week to be honest. She's 16, and you know how that age is. We're okay with her sort of doing her own thing, she's old enough at this point. The one you have to keep an eye on is Sara. She's 12, but seems to fancy herself as much older. We've being trying to remind her she's still just a girl, but she doesn't listen to us. We were hoping you could maybe remind her that she's still young, and how she needs to be acting, if it's not too much. Sara still wets the bed too, so make sure she wears her goodnites to bed. If necessary, you can have her wear them during the day too if she acts up too much. Anyways, sorry to rush but we've cut our flight a bit close here so we gotta run. You've got both our numbers, please text if you need anything at all!" With that, the couple made their leave, and just like that Jenna was alone in the house.

The babysitter took in her surroundings, and quickly surmised that the family was very well off. "No wonder they didn't hesitate to have me buying everything rather than cooking." She thought to herself. Jenna made herself at home on the couch, and waited for the girls to come to her. After about 30 minutes, she heard shuffling in the hallway, and went out to meet the girl. She was faced by a fairly tall, slender girl with long brown hair, brown eyes, and freckles dotting her cheeks. Jenna realized she hadn't been given descriptions of either girl, but based on the height, body, and facial features of this one she assumed she was looking at Maeve. "You must be Maeve" she said. The girl paused for a moment, then made eye contact, saying "Yeah...that's me. What's your name?" "I'm Jenna, I'm here to watch you and your sister for the week, although it sounds like I'm mostly here for your sister?" "Yes, that's correct" Replied "Maeve", "Sara likes to act a lot older, always stealing my bras, tops, shorts, underwear. Basically anything to make herself seem older. Unfortunately, she totally isn't." She said with a laugh, "If you ask me, she's closer to 8 than she is 16. She even has to wear diapers to bed still!" "So I heard..." Remarked Jenna, "Do you mind hanging out with me for a while for awhile until Sara wakes up just so I can talk to both of you about expectations for the week? "Of course!" Said "Maeve".

Maeve turned and walked to the large couch, giddy with herself. "It's so fun that she believes I'm Maeve". The girl thought to herself. "Now, if I can just keep this going once Maeve actually wakes up...it will be a fun week." The two sat and talked for a solid hour before a shuffling was heard on the stairs. Darkness had fallen, and no doubt the real Maeve was coming down for dinner, unaware of what she was about to walk into. She walked into the living room, and saw her sister, smiling very weirdly, and the woman she presumed was the babysitter for her sister. "Hi Sara!" The woman said enthusiastically. It took Maeve about half a second of processing before she erupted. "What?! How could you think I'm Sara? I'm Maeve, that's Sara sitting next to you!" Jenna sighed, responding, "I figured you might act up, but this is worse than I thought. I haven't even introduced myself!" "Well" responded Maeve, "When I'm accused of being my bratty sister, I'm going to get a bit upset!"

*This is a tricky situation* Jenna thought to herself. *This girl is more of a handful than I thought she'd be. There's no question this is Sara, she's shorter, looks more childish, and generally has that younger sister demeanor. What do I do about it though?* "Okay Sara sweetie, why should I believe you?" "Because I'm telling you, duh" Maeve said, rolling her eyes. "That's enough of that attitude!" Responded Jenna. "Your parents have said I can deal with you however I see fit, so I suggest you sit down before you get punished." Reluctantly,  Maeve took a seat on the couch, huffing as she did.

"Alright then." Said Jenna. "I'm looking forward to spending the next week with you two, and I think it can be a fun time. Maeve, you're welcome to do what you please, your parents said you were pretty reluctant. Of course, you're welcome to join Sara and I with whatever we do. I can give you guys rides if you need, just ask. Sara, I want you to check in with me every ~30 minutes if you're on your own. I expect quiet past 10 and before 9, but between then you guys can do as you wish. Any questions?" With that, Sara spoke up. "Jenna?" She asked, "Yes Maeve?" "I don't want to cause more of a fuss, but Sara is wearing one of my tops, and probably one of my bras as well." Jenna looked over and saw Maeve, sitting in a red striped crop top. "Sara, is this true?" She asked. "No of course not" Then Sara chimed in, "What bra are you wearing" Maeve grimaced, but when Jenna asked her to she revealed a lacy white bra underneath. "It's mine, I swear" Maeve pleaded, but Jenna was not convinced. "Girls your age don't have clothing like that. You're coming with me." With that, Jenna grabbed Maeve's arm, and began to lead her up the stairs.