TBaby/Jason/Veronica

When you asked Mum about the babysitting job, she encouraged you to give it a try. "Most of the time just have to be there and I'm always here if anything happens. All you have to do is sit and watch TV or do your homework and you get paid for it."

To tell the truth, you're a bit scared of Veronica's mother. Those black clothes, black makeup and the stud in her nose that must've hurt, you think. She is taller than you, even in bare feet, and you stand up as straight as you can in the doorway while she asks you questions. You've had some experience with small children, although you've never been left in charge, and you can't help smiling at the little blonde girl peeking at you around her mother's legs.

Eventually, you get invited in and sit down. It seems that Veronica answers to Ronnie and she's pretty shy at first until she brings some wooden blocks in and you get down on the floor to play with her. You think that she's probably decided you're okay when she goes and fetches her doll. When she comes back she trips over one of the blocks and falls into your lap. You feel her tense up at first, but she soon relaxes and then sits and allows you to have a look at Molly the doll. We point out that she seems to have forgotten to put her knickers on, Ronnie bursts into giggles.

Emily hasn't said much, but when she stands up and puts her hand out you to shake it, you realise you got the job.

• First Thursday