Walking on Fire

Chapter 11

Chapter eleven

Julie Fescue

People can’t force you to do something you don’t want to do. They can, at the very least, try to get you to comply, but your final word is law. Even being so, some just don’t understand what the word no means. If they keep insisting, or even demand you to go forth, they could get what they want. At least, that’s how the Americans won over Mexican territory to complete what you now know as “The United States of America.”

The Americans thought it was fate to expand their horizons, even if that meant fighting to the death for what you want.

But, what if what you want is something that isn’t yours to fight for?

Anyway, that’s if you think about it in a broad spectrum. Sometimes you just don’t want to do something but you end up doing it anyhow. It could just turn around and be beneficial. You have to take chances sometimes.

Maybe that’s how some people grow to be the way they are, because they decided to put everything at stake.

Everything

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“Here’s a list of all their allergies, emergency phone numbers, their pediatrician’s office, and specifically what they can and cannot eat!” she said in a rush.

She gave both Fleur and I a copy of these lists, which went on for many pages. Thankfully, however, she did alphabetize the foods, which also happened to be the list with the most pages.

We were in charge of babysitting our lousy neighbor’s children today. Someone had finally asked her out on a date after who knows how long.  She was practically peeing with excitement and anticipation of her date.

“Little Louise has a cold, so be sure to have your apartment set to at least 75 degrees! Also make sure Robby does his homework!” She peered inside our apartment, “I do hope you tidy up a bit inside. I wouldn’t want my children basking in your filth!”

 “Don’t worry Ms. Jenkins; your little rays of sunshine will be just fine! We’ll be sure to have buckets of fun while they’re here!” Fleur assured.

Ms. Jenkins chuckled a little and added, “But not too much fun! I wouldn’t want these two getting hurt!” Her demeanor changed, “If you get so much as a paper cut on any inch of their body, you won’t hear the last of me.” She looked back and forth from me to Fleur and then down at her children. “If these two ladies hurt you, you be sure to call me with the emergency phone I put in your front pocket!”

I looked over at Fleur, who looked just about ready to give the lady her children back.

“I’ll be back by 10, at which time I expect to see them asleep!” She looked down at her phone, “I think it’s time I leave! I want to be right on time!”

“I hope you have a good time Ms. Jenkins!” I smiled.

“Have a safe drive!” Fleur added.

Just as she was leaving and as we were shutting the door, she stuck her hand in to stop it, “you two are CPR certified, right?”

“Yes ma’am, we have the certificates and everything to prove it. Would you like to see them?” I asked, jokingly. We really are certified, but I don’t think I could find those certificates if my life depended on it.

She looked torn in deciding but then looked down at her phone again, “No, it’s okay. I trust that you two are telling the truth. Besides, if anything happens to them…well… we already had this conversation.” She kissed her kids on the forehead and bid goodbye.