The babysitter

Multitasker

Lucy sat at the kitchen table, her police academy books spread out before her. The air smelled faintly of coffee and vanilla, a desperate attempt to keep herself awake after a long night of studying. Kojo lay at her feet, occasionally sighing in solidarity, while Emma sat across from her, coloring a picture of what appeared to be a police car being chased by a dragon.

"Is that... me as a cop?" Lucy asked, pointing at the figure driving the car.

Emma beamed. "Uh-huh! And I'm the dragon, but I'm a nice one. See? I'm helping you catch the bad guys."

Lucy smiled, ruffling Emma's hair. "I love it. You're the best partner I could ask for."

The moment was interrupted by the front door opening. Ashley walked in, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. "Hey, everyone," she said with a bright smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Emma's coloring stopped. Her little hands froze, and her cheerful demeanor evaporated. She closed the coloring book and slid off her chair, clutching her stuffed bunny tightly.

"Emma," Ashley began, crouching to her level, "I was thinking we could play a game together. How about—"

"No," Emma said, her voice trembling.

Ashley's expression hardened. "Sweetheart, I'm trying here. You need to give me a chance."

Emma shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I want Lucie!"

Ashley sighed in exasperation, straightening up. "Emma, you can't rely on Lucy for everything. I'm part of this family too."

That did it. Emma burst into tears, her sobs echoing through the house.

Lucy's pen froze mid-sentence. She glanced between Emma and Ashley, her heart aching for the little girl. Setting her book aside, she stood and scooped Emma into her arms.

"It's okay, Em. I'm here," Lucy whispered, rubbing her back as Emma buried her face in her shoulder.

Ashley crossed her arms. "You're not helping by coddling her, Lucy. She needs to learn how to—"

"Not now," Lucy said firmly, her voice calm but unyielding. "Emma's upset, and right now, she needs comfort."

Lucy carried Emma to the couch, Kojo trailing behind them like a loyal shadow. She sat down and held the little girl close, letting her cry until the sobs turned into sniffles.

"Want to tell me what's wrong, sweetie?" Lucy asked gently, brushing a strand of hair out of Emma's tear-streaked face.

Emma hiccupped. "I don't like Aunt Ashley. She's mean."

Lucy's heart sank. "She's not trying to be mean, Em. She's just... different. Sometimes grown-ups don't know how to show they care in the right way."

Emma shook her head stubbornly. "I don't want her here. I just want you and Daddy."

Lucy bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. She glanced over at Ashley, who stood awkwardly in the doorway, looking both frustrated and defeated.

"Tell you what," Lucy said, kissing Emma's forehead. "Why don't we draw something together while I finish my studying? You can even help me pick which book to read next."

Emma nodded, sniffling but managing a small smile. "Okay, Lucie."

As the day wore on, Lucy managed to juggle studying with taking care of Emma. She read chapters on police protocols while Emma sat beside her, doodling dragons and dinosaurs in her notebook.

When it was time for lunch, Lucy made sandwiches, cutting Emma's into fun shapes to cheer her up. They ate together at the table, Kojo sitting dutifully by Emma's side, waiting for crumbs to fall.

Ashley, meanwhile, remained distant, clearly struggling to connect. She tried a few more times to engage Emma, but each attempt was met with resistance.

"Lucy, can I talk to you for a second?" Ashley asked as Lucy was cleaning up the kitchen.

Lucy glanced at Emma, who was happily playing with Kojo in the living room, before nodding. "Sure."

Ashley leaned against the counter, her expression tight. "I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm trying to be nice, but she just... won't let me in."

Lucy sighed. "Emma's been through a lot. She's still processing everything—her mom not being around, the changes in her life... It's not personal, Ashley. She just needs time."

"I don't think it's just time," Ashley said, her voice tinged with frustration. "She listens to you. She trusts you. But with me, it's like she's building a wall."

Lucy hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I've spent a lot of time with her," she said carefully. "And I'm not trying to replace her mom or anyone else in her life. I'm just... here for her when she needs me."

Ashley's gaze softened slightly, but there was still a hint of tension. "I just want to be part of her life too."

Lucy nodded. "Then give her space. Let her come to you on her terms."

That evening, as Lucy was tucking Emma into bed, the little girl held out her bunny.

"Can Bunny stay with you tonight, Lucie?" Emma asked, her voice small.

Lucy smiled, touched by the gesture. "Of course, sweetie. Bunny will keep me company while you sleep."

Emma hugged her tightly. "I love you, Lucie."

"I love you too, Em," Lucy whispered, feeling a surge of emotion.

As she left the room, Lucy found Tim waiting in the hallway.

"She asleep?" he asked.

Lucy nodded. "Yeah. She had a rough day, but she's okay now."

Tim sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Thanks for stepping in. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Lucy shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "You'd figure it out. You're a great dad."

Tim looked at her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, it seemed like he wanted to say something, but he simply nodded.

"Goodnight, Lucy."

"Goodnight, Tim."

As Lucy returned to her room, Bunny tucked under her arm, she couldn't help but wonder how much longer this delicate balancing act could last.