The Babysitters

~Iris~

Holy crap this kid was fast. Why I continued to say yes to babysitting, I don't know. Caleb ran about his house, every which way, thinking I was joking when I told him to stop. "Caleb! I mean it!" He giggled his demonic little giggle. He ran down the main hall and stopped in the middle. I narrowed my eyes and pursed my lips. I took small steps toward him. He ran away again. I almost screamed in frustration. I did another lap around the house until I finally cornered him in the family room. "Caleb. You better stop running this instant or mommy's going to get an unpleasant phone call." Caleb froze, eyes full of fear. I smiled an evil smile, knowing I had won. I moved quickly to Caleb and scooped him up in my arms. He allowed me to bring him to the kitchen table, where his mac and cheese sat waiting for him. I sat next to him, giving myself a well deserved neck massage. Just when I thought everything was going to be fine, I heard crying from upstairs. I groaned. The baby had awoken.

I left Caleb to his food, telling him to stay put while I went and dealt with his sister. Rushing up the stairs the cries got more distinct. Baby Rose lay in her crib squealing about. I rushed to her crib and picked her up, resting her head on my shoulder. She didn't need to be changed... That was a relief. It was time for her to eat her lunch. I carried her downstairs and put her in her highchair. I looked to the table where Caleb was... Or at this moment, wasn't. I fumed and hollered, "Caleb!" I heard giggling but didn't know which direction it had come from. I was not in the mood for this.

"Caleb get out here, now." More giggles. I scanned the kitchen. My eyes fell upon the pantry. It was half open. I had shut it. I knew Caleb was in there. "Oh fine," I began moving quietly to the pantry, "You win Caleb." I heard giggles from the pantry. I opened it quickly and saw Caleb's joyous face. I lightly grabbed his wrist and pulled him from the pantry. "Caleb, I don't think I've explained myself quite fully. Never — and I mean never — hide from me again. Do you hear me?" Caleb looked seriously into my eyes and nodded his head, yes. I pulled him closer into a hug. I didn't want to scare him, but it had to be done.

I let go of Caleb and returned to Rose who waited patiently in her highchair for me. "Now what does Rosie want today? How about... some Cheerios?" I spoke more to myself rather than the baby. On the counter beside me was the box of Cheerios I had set out to remind myself. I open it up and pour a few on the tray before Rose. Rose picks at them with her chubby fingers and smashes them to her face. I bring Caleb over to the living room, keeping a close eye on Rose. I sit Caleb on the couch and turn on the TV. "What do you want to watch?" Caleb thinks for moment before shouting, "Toy Story!" I smile at his answer and rummage through the stack of movies until I find it. I put it in the DVD player and press play when the menu shows. I march back over to Rose and pull a chair up beside her's. I dump a few more Cheerios on the tray, seeing she wasn't ready to stop after she had eaten most of them.

I suddenly remembered to get her water. I hopped up from my seat and grabbed a bottle from the cupboard. I filled it up with cool water and placed it down next to the baby. She was at the age where she could drink on her own. I enjoyed the comfort of my chair while it lasted. A few minutes later, a key unlocked the front door and Caleb's mother entered her house. Caleb jumped up from his spot on the couch and ran to her.

"Mommy," he wailed. Was he crying? He was. But why?

"Mommy, Iris hurt me!" I heard my name. Wait... What!?!

"What? How so?" I heard the mother's soft voice.

"She pinched me, then slapped my arm. Then she yelled at me for doing nothing!" I rose from my seat and rushed to Caleb and his mother.

"Mrs. Slattery, I—" She cut me off.

"Is this true?" I was surprised she believed him.

"Of course not! Why would I hurt him? I did yell at him because he was being disobediente but I would never hurt a child!"