The Babysitter and the Sisterly Trio/ChapterI/Met The Girls

Somehow my parents are still chatting with the new neighbors when I return. They do that a lot. Sometimes I swear they can talk to anyone about nothing all day long...

As I approach them, they turn to face me. "How'd it go?" asks Laura. "Did they react well to meeting you?"

"Your girls are very sweet, ma'am. I think it went well, and they all seem to like the idea of having someone else to play with."

Laura and Mike glance at each other. "Even Evy?" they ask, surprised.

"Yeah, things went well with her. She was a little shy at first, but I got her to talk to me by asking about her dolls." Laura grin at this.

"Ah, that sounds like Evy. She's such an imaginative little girl, always lost in her own fantasy works. I worry that she's going to have a hard time making friends in kindergarten."

Laura looks sad as she says this. Then she brightens. "But she opened up to you, a complete stranger!" She turns to Mike. "I think this move going to be really good for her. A fresh start, where she can feel safe."

Turning back to me, Laura says "Well, I'm impressed. You're really great with kids! I feel so much better having a responsible adult around who they won't resent. Can you start tomorrow?"

Startled, I laugh and reply "So soon? Sure, why not!"

...

Lying in bed that night, I think about the future. I need to be careful with how I handle these three girls. They're all so different, and yet they all seem to be a little starved for affection. If I'm careful...

I drift off to sleep, and have some very lewd dreams.

• Chapter III