"It is, but Sarah said it's good for people who love people with other types of addictions as well."
She looked confused momentarily and then realization took over.
"Oh," was all she said as she set the pamphlet back on the table. "I'm not hungry," she said as she stood from the chair and opened the fridge, "but I'll be ready to go in a half an hour."
She shut the fridge and walked out of the kitchen without another word. I hadn't intended to upset her with the mention of addiction, but it probably was a good time to bring it up, especially if I was going to successfully convince her to see a therapist while she stayed with us.
Nobody had any idea how long that would be, and I felt better knowing there would be someone who was better equipped than I to help her navigate the feelings that were going to come with all this uncertainty.
"Well, might as well go take a shower and get changed, Eden," I said.
She wagged her tail, always patiently waiting by my side for a snack or a pet, both of which I handed out to her freely.
"Time to start my day," I said, scratching her behind the ear.
16
ELYSE
Iwas answering emails at the kitchen table when the doorbell rang. Eden immediately sprang from her spot under my feet, racing to the door with her tail wagging furiously. Holly, who had been arranging a stack of freshly folded towels in the linen closet, poked her head around the corner.
"That must be Allison and Noah," she said, her voice betraying a mix of excitement and nerves.
I closed my laptop and gave her a reassuring smile. "Ready for your first official babysitting gig?"
"I think so," Holly replied, smoothing down her t-shirt. "I made a list of activities like you suggested. And I've got all the emergency numbers in my phone."
The doorbell rang again, followed by a small voice calling, "Miss Eyeese! Eeeeeeeden!" through the door.
"Coming!" I called, hurrying to answer it before Eden's enthusiasm knocked something over.
When I opened the door, Noah immediately dropped to his knees to wrap his arms around Eden's neck. His dark curlsbounced as Eden licked his face, making him giggle uncontrollably.
"Careful, Noah," Allison said, adjusting the tote bag on her shoulder. She looked exhausted but managed a warm smile. "Thanks again for doing this, Holly. The preschool closing for teacher training today of all days..."
"It's no problem at all," I assured her. "Holly's been looking forward to it."
Noah finally tore himself away from Eden and looked up at Holly, his big brown eyes assessing her carefully. "You're the girl with the pink and purple hair," he said solemnly.
Holly crouched down to his level. "That's right. I'm Holly. And you're Noah, the boy who knows all the cool facts."
His face lit up. "I know lots of facts! Did you know octopuses have three hearts?"
"I did not know that," Holly replied with perfect seriousness. "That's very interesting. Maybe you can tell me more facts while we play today?"
Noah nodded enthusiastically, then turned to his mom. "Can I go play with Eden and Holly now?"
Allison knelt down and straightened his little dinosaur t-shirt. "Yes, but you need to listen to Holly, okay? And be gentle with Eden."
"I will," he promised, already edging toward the living room where Eden had retreated.
"He's had lunch, but there's a snack in his bag," Allison explained, handing the tote to Holly. "And a change of clothes just in case. He's fully potty trained, but accidents happen, especially when he's distracted or excited. Or in this case, both."
"Got it," Holly said, taking the bag with a confidence that surprised me.
"We'll be fine," I added. "Take your time, Allison. I know this orientation is important for your schooling this semester."
After a few more instructions and a tearful goodbye fromNoah (who recovered approximately three seconds after Allison left), Holly led Noah to the living room where she'd already set up an impressive array of activities.
