by Debra Kayn
Her eyes burned. She ducked her head and stared at her plate, no longer hungry. Just once, she wished her mom would pay attention to her and realize she was growing up.
Stunned that her mother was leaving again, having only been home a week, she refused to ask why she needed to see a doctor. She wasn't sick.
A clap of thunder contaminated the silence around the table. Taken back to the night her father died four years ago, she closed herself off. It was her fault her father hadn't been home. It was her fault that her dad had died.
"I believe the family who lives on B circle, one street over from you, have a daughter who is twelve years old." Dr. Conner's low voice broke through the terror of her memories. "If I remember correctly, her mother has mentioned in passing that her daughter is going to be babysitting this summer."
Her mother scoffed. "My child doesn't babysit others. That's what nannies are for."
She tried to peek at the doctor from behind her hair. Curious to know if the girl he talked about went to her school. Having never been able to explore in the gated neighborhood, she wasn't aware of another kid her age living close by. And babysitting?
Catching Dr. Conner's dark-colored gaze, she eagerly looked at him. She had so many questions. How had the girl received her parents' permission to get a job? Did she spend nights with the baby she was watching? Alone? Was she scared? Was it fun?
"Twelve is the normal age when parents give their child more independence. It's prudent to growing up and being self-reliant." Dr. Conner put down his fork and picked up his napkin, wiping his mouth. "I can evaluate Katie's maturity level during our appointments."
Evaluate? She glanced at her mom. Evaluate how?
Afraid if she asked, the focus would come back on her. She stayed quiet, wanting to know what her mother thought about Dr. Conner's suggestion on letting her stay by herself.
"I'll see her twice a week like planned. Ms. Gray can come at dinner time and stay in the house until morning because every woman should have someone near at night."
She swallowed, no longer interested in dinner. He called her a woman.
Finally, having someone supporting and sticking up for her, she wanted her independence more than ever.
"What do I do when I'm in a different country, and something goes wrong, or Katie changes her mind and wants her nanny during the day?" Her mother's lips pursed. "I will not come back and baby her. She's not ruining my vacation."
"If Katie changes her mind, she can let Ms. Gray know, and the nanny can stay twenty-four/seven." Dr. Conner looked at Katie and lifted his brows. "Acceptable?"
She nodded enthusiastically.
"Perfect." He tossed his napkin on the table. "Now that I've met Katie and she's aware of her summer schedule, I'll expect her ready for our talk on Tuesday. I'll see myself to the door."
"But..." Her mother stood from the table. "Won't you stay and have dessert?"
Dr. Conner dismissed the offer and walked out of the room. Katie gawked at the bravery of standing up to her mother. She'd never met anyone strong enough to leave her mother speechless. Not even her father had won every argument.
