Sitters and Little Hearts

Chapter Two

"I need you to take care of Nirin for a month." Am repeated as she stared at Off with a pointed look.

Off didn't move an inch ever since Am asked him to look after Nirin. He stared blankly at Am as his mouth hanged wide open. He felt goosebumps all over his body.

Is Am really asking him to have Nirin 24/7 with him, in his condo, in his work, in his dates, and in his parties for a whole damn month? That would be the biggest nightmare. Off can handle a few normal baby sittings that wouldn't last for a whole day. But having Nirin for a whole month? He'd die in frustration. He can't even imagine what chaos would ensue when that happens.

"W-What?" Off asked dumbly

"I need you to take care of Nirin for a month since Nut and I need to go on a business trip in the US and-"

"Can't you bring her with you?" Off interjected trying to change his sister's mind. "It would be a great family bonding too, great memories. Nirin would love to see the US."

Am sighed. "As I've said were going onto a business trip, not a vacation, Off. We can't bring Nirin there if we will have our full attention on work. We'll go to business meetings and conventions with our potential investors. It'd be tiring for Nirin and we can't assure ourselves we can attend to her needs and take good care of her there."

"Why not ask Mae and Pa to take care of her? Nirin would love to experience life in the province. Mae and Pa would also like to spend time with their only grandchild, right?" Off suggested.

"You know Mae and Pa are in the Philippines for their vacation. And they're old, Off, they'd be too tired to keep up with Nirin's lively energy especially when she suddenly wants to run around the house and play in the middle of the night." Am explained.

"Then hire a baby sitter then, Phi." Off said "I can help you find the most trustworthy sitter in Thailand."

"I can't leave my child with a stranger for a month, Off. No matter how trustworthy they are. You can never know what people have up their sleeves" Am said as she also starts to get frustrated. "That's why you're my only choice for this. You're the only family I'd trust to keep Nirin safe."

"Well Phi I have my work too, I'd be busy and I won't be able to look after Nirin. I can't just stop my career in a month and go MIA just to babysit."

Am looked at Off sharply. "P'Godji has already informed me that your schedule would be less hectic than the usual. You would be only having a few projects here and there since you moved them all for next month so you'd be able to go Paris and go after Mild next week."

"I would not!" Off exclaimed which made Nirin stop playing and look at him with wide eyes. She'd burst into tears if he continued on shouting.

Off sighed. "I'm not going after Mild, we're through."

"Then take care of Nirin," Am said "you can still hire a babysitter to help you when you're out doing your projects. Just make sure Nirin would be always under your supervision."

Off looked at Am. It seems he can't get of this favor this time. Am is dead serious with this.

"Fine," Off gave up and agreed.

"Great, I'd have Nirin's things be here by Friday," Am smiled "By also then I'd like to meet your chosen sitter. I'd want to know who'll be around my Nirin while I'm away."

"Already?" Off asked in disbelief. He'd have to find a sitter within three days? That's Ridiculous.

"When are you leaving?"