“Absolutely,” I reassured her.
The truth was, the extra money always came in handy, and the Hargroves paid well. But that wasn’t the main reason I’d said yes. I loved spending time with their kids. I was more than happyto pour into these kids the same kind of steady care my brother Tripp had always given me.
Just as Mrs. Hargrove finished going over the details, little footsteps pounded down the hallway. Four-year-old Jenny came barreling past her parents and launched herself straight into my arms. I caught her easily, laughing softly as her small arms wrapped around my neck.
“Aubrey! You’re here!” she squealed, burying her face in my shoulder.
My heart melted as I hugged her back, brushing a hand over her soft hair. Moments like this reminded me exactly why I loved being a nanny so much.
“I can see why you chose early childhood education, Aubrey. You’re a natural with them.” Mrs. Hargrove grabbed her husband’s arm. “We’ll call if we’re going to be later than planned, okay?”
I kept one arm around Jenny and patted my backpack with the other. “Don’t worry about it. I have plenty of studying to do with finals coming up soon. We’ll be just fine.”
After their parents left, I buckled Jenny and Mike into their car seats and drove us to the beachside park about ten minutes from their house. It was one of their favorite spots, and I always enjoyed taking them there on days like this.
We started at the playground. I pushed Mike on the swings while Jenny waited for her turn, bouncing on her toes.
“Higher, Aubrey!” Mike called out.
I laughed and gave him another gentle push. “Any higher, and you’ll fly right over the trees, buddy. How about we keep it safe so you can keep swinging?”
He grinned back at me, clearly happy with that answer. I made sure to keep the rhythm steady, watching both kids carefully. When Jenny started getting impatient, I switched topushing her, keeping Mike entertained with silly songs until it was his turn again.
Once they’d had enough of the swings, we moved down to the sand near the water. I sat with them as they started building a sandcastle together.
“Look, Aubrey! It’s got a moat!” Jenny announced proudly, patting the wet sand.
“It does.” I helped her add another tower. “That’s a very impressive moat, Jenny. Mike, do you want to dig the trench a little deeper right here?”
Mike nodded and plunged his shovel into the sand. I stayed close, offering encouragement and helping when their castle started to crumble. When I noticed Mike’s movements slowing down and his shoulders drooping a bit, I checked my watch.
“Hey, let’s take a quick break,” I suggested. “Jenny, I think you might need a snack. I brought those apple slices you like.”
Jenny perked up right away. I handed her the snack bag while keeping an eye on Mike, who looked relieved to sit for a minute.
Later, we took a break from the sand to chase seagulls across the open grass. Jenny ran ahead, her arms flapping.
“Come on, Aubrey! They’re getting away!” she shouted.
I jogged after them, laughing. “They’re fast, aren’t they? Mike, don’t go too far, okay?”
When everyone started to wind down, I bought them ice cream from the nearby stand.
“Chocolate for Mike and strawberry for Jenny, right?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yes!” they both cheered.
I handed Mike his cone and knelt to help Jenny with hers. “Careful, it’s starting to melt. Take small licks.”
They both ate happily, chocolate and strawberry smeared across their faces in minutes. I wiped their hands and mouths with napkins, smiling at how happy they looked.
This was exactly why I wanted to become an elementary school teacher. After losing our parents when I was ten and I moved in with my aunt, Tripp had worked so hard to give me stability and love. I wanted to pass that feeling on to other kids. Even though their mom and dad obviously adored them, being with Jenny and Mike made me feel like I was doing something that really mattered.
Once we got back to the house, I helped the kids wash up and change into their pajamas. They were tired from the park but still buzzing with energy, so I suggested we settle in for a movie.
I popped a big bowl of popcorn in the kitchen while they picked out an animated movie. We carried everything into the living room and got comfortable on the big sectional couch. Jenny immediately snuggled into my right side, and Mike tucked himself against my left. I draped an arm around each of them as the movie started, the bowl of popcorn resting in my lap.
Halfway through the movie, Jenny tilted her head up at me. “Aubrey, why does the bunny have to leave his home?”
