Obsession

Chapter 4 - Getting Out

Terrified, petrified child

maybe we should stay inside

The cutest sight ever greets me on awakening. Rosa has managed to sneak over to my side of the partition. Curled up with Molly, thumb wedged into her mouth, both of them snoring. They are blissfully unaware of being watched, ah bless. I walk quietly over to the window. I am hoping for good weather, although, do not think we would care either way, but it would be nice to have a bit of sun. Oh, Sir must have been up all bloody night. He has the garden completely fenced off except for a little square area. Seems like enough, maybe, for Molly to do her business and walk around in circles, the size of a walk-in closet. He is such an exasperating and petty man. I was so looking forward to watching Rosa explore and run about and have some space to herself. He even got the grass cut. How had that not being heard when it was taking place by either me or Rosa? I have long suspected that my sleeping habits tend to change with Sir's needs. I can only hazard a guess that he may have slipped Rosa and me something but he would never admit it and there is no proof. I had been anticipating snuggling under the shade of an oak tree drawing or reading together, Molly gallivanting around. Alas, it is not to be he left not one flower and I have learnt through bitter experience not to question him unless necessary. I will take what I can; it is a big step for him.

At least that little square also has a little bit of sky for Rosa, last time she was outside she was toddling and out of nappies, I risked sneaking her out. He fired me for that transgression and got a new Nanny. Rosa fretted so much, she gave him no choice, and he came and brought me back. He must have been aware this might happen as he kept me on the sidelines. He paid for the bedsit I lodged in and made sure I had all my monetary needs met. This was important as having no family to speak of and at eighteen, there is not, many would take me on. I would have hung around as near to Rosa as possible whatever my situation, but the money certainly helped.

When I returned, and it was with a joyful heart, even though I did the work of at least five. I was the cleaner, cook, Nanny and the rest. It was still easier than the orphanage and having Rosa was an added bonus. Poor Rosa she had regressed to drinking from a bottle and had a lot more toiletry accidents, events, as they were called.

The drama that ensued if he knew about them was unreal, and he took no responsibility but seemed personally put out by them. The new Nanny obviously was not lifting her to the window either because she had sunken eyes and too pale cheeks. He must have begun to realize that to Rosa I was her Mommy, and the best she and he were going to get. Beside myself with anticipation, just imagining her beautiful smile when she gets outside, the fresh air will do us both the world of good. There is only so much reading and talking, I, with the best will in the world, can do to keep her entertained and progressing. I am no match for the health benefits of the great outdoors, imagination only takes one so far.

Gently waking up my two charges, and explaining to Rosa that we are going to be going outside soon. I suggest she has a quick change and gets dressed as Molly will need the bathroom, and we do not want to clean the floor again.

"Ugh, you're right Nanny. It gets all stinky and sticky when she does it on the floor."

She skips away happily to do exactly that Molly in tow. I laugh those two are already inseparable it is so sweet.

"Right, Rosa dear, are you ready and have you got Molly? We're going to take her for a walk."

"Where are we going to take her Nanny? Will she like it?"

"I told you, outside, remember, and yes you're both going to love it."

"Yes, but I don't know where that is. Is it far?"