Daddy, The Boss

The set-up

My sixteenth birthday has passed, but I didn't get anything. He told me I would need to get a job to help pay for my present, I knew at that moment what it was, soon I'd have my own whip. I was okay with waiting, not really a big deal, but what is a big deal is living with his girlfriend and her daughter so he could save money. I mean, I like them. Her daughter is my best friend - always has been. My mom was friends with this chick, Mindy, and my dad was friends with this dude Charles. Charles and Mindy got married and had a kid, Noel. We've been friends ever since we can remember. Its weird living with them and sometimes I don't like it, I mean I feel unwanted. My dad and Mindy got engaged and didn't tell me, I had to find out while I was high with Noel out in the garage. Oh and apparently Mindy knows I smoke, which is great. I am basically a third wheel no matter where I go. Dad and Mindy, Noel and her boyfriend, Ricky. I'm too awkward to have a relationship, but I want one. Maybe i'd feel different if I had one.
"You have to get a job, you hear me?" My dad yelled through his truck speakers while I was on the other end of the phone.
"Yes. I hear you, I dont know-"
"You can see if Noel will put in a word for you at the donut shop."

I mean I don't know about you but I'm looking to stay home and not work.

"Oh! You could talk to Betty's mom and see if she could set you up babysitting for her boss. She was just talking to me about how he was asking for somebody. Oh, Hun, it would just be great! Our girls working and helping." Mindy squealed to my dad. . .

Basically, I had no choice but to get the babysitting job since she asked her friend. And I have to remember that while I'm here today. Im working for this man and thats it.

"Im Michael, and you're Lo?" I nodded and starting to walk in his house until i realized he didnt invite me in.
"You're right, my bad. Will you please come in?"
Nodded, again.
He put his hand on my shoulder and slid it to my upper back, "Let me show you around briefly before i have to go. I have about thirty minutes, Mrs. Lee, my wife made you a very detailed list on our little Jason. Just the usual- bedtime, medicine listed in case of emergency. Pretty self explanatory if you can read." He let out an abrupt chuckle and sigh while continuing to point in the directions of the numerous things I needed to quickly learn so i didn't accidentally kill his only child right after he left the house.
"Oh im sorry" I stepped aside away from his hand. My black toms slid against the dark wood floors.
He chuckled low, decibels under what I can actually hear, "I could always use the company." He smiled and walked down the long, naturally lit hallway. Glass walls instead of windows here and there, not a single finger print in site. Impressive.

He pointed down each hallway and showed me all of the necessary rooms before he left for work. "I'll be back home in around three hours, just after this meeting. My wife wont be home until later, if you could do my laundry and make the bed along with tidying up in general that would be splendid, Lo."

He gave me a quick glance over while he was gathering his belongings to walk out of the house and suddenly I became insecure about my entire being. My ruffled lace socks, I wanted to take them off. My black plaid skirt that I figured would be appropriate for a job, now makes me feel ashamed to not be covered up more. I start to feel like Alice in Wonderland when she drinks the potion and shrinks, but this was my reality.

This huge house and tiny me. I suppose it's best I don't actually have to watch the kid today, I would honestly probably forget where I put him in one of the many grand rooms I have to clean.

• • • • •

Until next time, Lo
Is it okay so far? A little glimpse into your near future.