The Reason Why

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

It was one rainy season in Jerryfields, two weeks after the swimming pool incident. Rain poured down that evening, knocking our windows and roofs, leaving us with the only option of staying at home. But that's not my case. I'm not at home, but stuck inside Little Lights.

A week had pass since Little Lights was open way earlier than scheduled. It was totally renovated neatly, furnished with wooden furnitures and bright wallpapers. The daycare began with a red door accompanied by a polished, golden handle. A mossy green rug laid welcome on the entrance. After the entrance, was an alley which led to two chambers.

In front, there was a big playroom with red and white carpet decorated with big windows, exposing the view of Jerryfields town park drenched in rain. Various of toys were placed in big, blue, toy shelves that matched two big couches. A toy horse stood firm in front of the window whilst the mapple floored building had steps of stairs which led you to the second floor.

"Kimberly," Wilma approached me.

"Yes?" I sat up from the kitchen chair, pausing to read Louisa May Alcott's book on the table.

"Can you do me a favor?" she asked meekly.

Wilma is one of my mom's acquantaince which she offered her to work in Little Lights. Wilma took the job immediately and fit in perfectly. She is a loveable lady which have patience for children (unlike my mom) and loves them very much. She was not far from the age of 40s and had a sweet smile.

"Of course, anything," I nodded.

"Thank you so much, dear," she looked relieved.

"Um..." she looked out the kitchen window and back at me, "I have to pick my son, Toby, from the elementary since it's raining right now. Can you please look after Russel for me?"

"Russel?" I frowned.

"Yes, the four year old who registered recently this week. Have you met him before?"

I shook my head.

Wilma motioned me to follow her towards the playroom. She showed me a brown haired boy, playing with a set of train on the playmat. His curly hair bounced everywhere each time he take a look here and there.

"Shall I introduce you to him?" Wilma questioned me.

"Yes, that'll be good," I smiled.

We walked towards the little boy, who was too busy with his toy train to notice us.

"Russel," she patted his shoulder.

"Russel dear," she called one more time, squeezing his shoulder gently.

He turned his head at Wilma, meeting her gaze with a pair of lively bright, brown eyes.

"I'm going out for a few moment," she began softly, "And here is Kimberly. She is going to look after you when I'm away."

He looked at me with his restless eyes, studying me from top to toe as if he was seeing a new kind of toy. His hands were still fiddling with his train on his lap.

"If you need anything, just ask her. Understand?" she asked.

He nodded in approval. After that, his eyes went back on his toy and made a "choo-choo" sound for his train, ignoring my presence.

"He's a quiet one," Wilma whispered to me, "But when he's getting used to you, he'll tell you lots of stories and things," she giggled.

I smiled back, not knowing what to say. I'm not experienced with kids after all, unlike Claire who is used to have Dane around with her. I'm not the cheery type of person for children either. I doubt that I can succeed this day care business after my mom, who adores babies and fussed with them so much (though she had limited patience).