Page 55 of Challenged By You
But before I reach for my phone, I throw myself in Jonas’s arms, whispering, “Thank you,” over and over.
Trusting is hard especially after an emotional day like today, but Jonas is making it hard not to.
* * *
“As you might be aware,Mrs. McPhearson, they can be a handful.”
She doesn’t say anything, merely crosses her feet at the ankles again. She takes another sip of the tea she brought with her in a travel mug when I called her before asking if she minded coming over. I babble on. “Mom was always complaining about how much work they are, and I know they’re a handful, but I thought she loved spending time with them. Maybe I didn’t appreciate how much.”
“Stop that,” she says sharply. “Your children are a delight, Trina. I’ve seen how hard you work not only to provide for them but to just be with them.”
I’m flabbergasted. “Well, thank you, ma’am.”
“You’re a credit to them,” she informs me primly. “They are merely at an excitable age. They need direction and challenge.”
“Why did you give up teaching kindergarten?” I can hardly believe it—my next-door neighbor used to be a schoolteacher.
“There’s a big difference between twenty a day and two. I can still handle two; it keeps me young. But it was time for me to retire.”
“And your fees on the website that Jonas showed me, that’s what you charge?” I await her answer anxiously.
“Unless you plan on being out all night, those are my fees until midnight. So many parents in this area have to work in service industries—teachers, nurses, food service. Why one time I watched a sanitation worker’s children.” She chuckles warmly as I gape at her. “Those were some early mornings, let me assure you. They were such a lovely family; I was quite sad when they moved.”
“There are times when I have to work late,” I warn her.
“Then we can work something out, Trina. Life happens to all of us, dear. And if I get ill, we’ll have to make other arrangements. It’s all in my contract.”
“A contract?” I repeat dumbly.
“Certainly.” Her face softens. “Of course, you didn’t have one with your mother.”
I shake my head. “No. To be honest, it’s not something I thought we needed.”
She reaches over and pats my hand. “Completely understandable. “But yes, we’ll have a contract to protect us both. How does that sound?”
“Like the answer to a prayer,” I tell her honestly.
“Wonderful. When’s your next day back at work?”
“I go back the day after tomorrow. Is that too soon?” I worry my lip anxiously.
“Let’s play it by ear. Why don’t I come by tomorrow and meet the children more formally?” Mrs. McPhearson suggests, standing. I do as well. “Does ten work for you?”
“You’re welcome anytime after eight, Mrs. McPhearson.”
She beams, causing a million little wrinkles to appear in her face. I feel like kissing each and every one. She nods at Jonas, who’s been silently leaning against the doorjamb. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rice. I enjoy your column when I read it inCity Lights.”
“The pleasure’s all mine, Mrs. McPhearson.” He lifts a hand in her direction.
“Is there any special food you need me to buy for your home, Mrs. McPhearson? Anything you need me to send the children over in, toys you want me to bring…” A million questions fumble out of my mouth.
“Oh, dear. I suppose I should have asked if you minded if I watch them here.” My eyes bug out at her softly spoken words. She shakes her head. “I generally prefer to let children be in their own environment at this age; it offers them a sense of comfort.”
“But I don’t have a television,” I blurt out.
She shrugs, indifferent. “That’s why I have two hands to knit. And if that ever gets boring, I have an e-reader. Trust me,” she confides. “It’s like a little soap opera in your mind.” And much to my surprise, Mrs. McPhearson giggles. And that simple act settles the last nerves inside of me because I can’t remember the last time my mother laughed.
Holding out my hand, I thank her profusely. “You’ve lifted an enormous burden from my shoulders.”
