Parenting for Dummies

Chapter One

"Mrs. Garret, I'm again sorry we had to bring this up to you. We just didn't want Alexander to pull people hair anymore." I heard Julie talking to Alexander's mom. I'm glad it wasn't me in there.

I walked around the lunch room to make sure all the plates were out and that all of them had the same amount of cheese puffs and slices of bologna. These kids are serious when it comes to being shorted food.

I walk back into the main room and see Mrs. Garret picking up Alexander and leaving, slamming the door behind her. I look over to see Julie coming out of the office, running her hands down her face.

"I'm glad you set up that interview today, we just lost another parent." She leaned against the desk looking my way.

"What happened?" I ask.

"I'll tell you later," she looks around at all the kids. "It's not suitable for little ears."

I mouth, "Oh." And start gathering the kids to go to the lunch room.

***

After lunch was finished, I went to turn on the regular nap time playlist while Julie set up the mats for the kiddos.

I remembered that it was Thursday; and it was almost time to for Julie to leave, 12:46 to be exact.

"Julie, isn't it almost time for you appointment?" I whisper, trying to keep from waking the kids.

"Oh, shi-. I almost forgot." She says as she moves through the maze of kids. "Oh, crap. I forgot to make that list for you. I am so sorry, if you want to we can reschedule the interview?" She asked.

I felt my face flush. "No, no. He seemed like he needed childcare quick. I'll just muddle my was through the interview." I laughed nervously.

Giving me a side hug on her way out, "God, you're the best ever. Thank you."

"You're welcome." I give her a smile as she shuts the door.

Just as soon as the door had shut to the main room, I heard a knock at the front. It must be Mr. Elric. I thought.

I go and open the door, and look down to see this beautiful blonde hair blue eyed girl. She was in a peach dress with flowers embroidered all over, with little white sandals to match. Her hair was in pigtails, one side with a green hair tie, the other bright blue.

"My mom dressed her for me, I did her hair." Said a deep voice beside her. "If I would have dressed her, it would have been a shirt, shorts and tennis shoes. I don't know much about dressing her up."

I look up to see this tall man, medium brown hair pushed back off his face. Hazel eyes and a few days old beard. Dressed in a light blue button down and dress slacks.

"Oh my goodness, hi, I'm Lena. You must be Mr. Elric. And this must be, Naomi." I look back down to the little girl.

"Again, call me Logan." He reaches his hand out to shake mine. It was a very firm handshake. His hand was soft, yet just a little bit calloused.

"Lena." I say again, smiling and staring right into his eyes. I come to my senses, shaking my head I say; "Sorry, I already said that. Please come in. The other kids are napping. Follow me, and we'll get this interview started."

"So we won't be meeting with Julie?" He asked.

"No, sir. Julie is out for the day. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Would you rather reschedule with her?" I ask as we walk into Julie's office. I look back to see him holding Naomi's hand, it's so sweet.

"No, no. This is fine, I was just confused." He said sitting down, picking up his daughter and sitting her on his lap. "So where do we start?"

"Oh, yes. Okay, first question," I slide a clipboard over to write down what I ask and his answers. "Does Naomi have any allergies? Food wise or anything?"

"No ma'am."

"Okay next one.."

***

The interview went on for forty-five minutes. I learned that she loves the color pink, and whales are her favorite animals next to flamingos. Her favorite food is macaroni and cheese with hotdog wienies in it.

"Alright, Mr. Elric, little miss Naomi is all set to attend Julie's Rubies." I said cheerfully as we walked to the front desk.

"Again, call me Logan. And when would you like her to start?" I step behind the desk and reach down the bowl of candy we kept hidden from the kids.

"We can start on Monday, if that's acceptable. I start back work then."

I lean around and hand Naomi and strawberry sucker, which she takes from me and then hides behind her dad.

"Now, Naomi, what do we tell Miss Lena?" Mr. Elric looks down to his daughter.

"Thank you." Her 'th' sounded more like a 'p'.

"You're welcome, honey. I can't wait to see you again on Monday. Are you excited?" I asked her. I was now squatting in front of her.

She nodded her head yes as I stood up. "Is there anything else I can help you with? Or anything you would like to know before leaving?"

"I don't have any questions right now, but if I think of anything I'll call up here." He stepped forward holding his hand out to shake mine. "Thank you so much for meeting with us, Lena."

The way my name fell from his lips made my heart flutter. Geez, Lena. Calm down, you just met the man.

"You're so welcome, Mr. Elric. Oh sorry, I mean Logan." I say, still shaking his hand. A few moments passed when he broke our awkward encounter when Naomi began tugging on his pants leg.

"Sorry." I smiled and stepped back, sliding my hands into my back pockets. "I'll see y'all on Monday."

Logan picked up Naomi, turned back to me and smiled and waved on his way out the door.

I would have to say that was a successful interview. But never again! I turned around and went into the main room to see some of the kids have already woke up from their nap.

***

                             *** Author's Note ***

Thank you so much for your patience on this chapter. Work has been different with all the COVID mess going on. Most day I come home and want to sleep.

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Thank you!