TEACHER TAKES CHARGE (Private for LittleJai)

[likes to be babysat]

Twenty two year old Sierra Daniels' thoughts were racing as she left her small, modest, two story, three bedroom home on the outskirts of Nashville. Rushing as usual, she was on her way to pick up her four year old son Neil from pre-school, and even more importantly to meet with her little boy's favorite teacher Bethany "Bethy" Smach (pronounced SMACK). Sierra had something extremely important that she needed to ask the young nursery school teacher.

Little Neil adored Miss Smach, and talked about "Bethfany or Bethfy", as he would call her, all the time. It was always "Bethfy" this, and "Bethfy" that! Sierra actually felt a little jealous, and envious of the mature sixteen year old daycare worker's relationship with her son, but she couldn't blame her.... After all, she barely had any time to spend with her little boy. There just wasn't any! Indeed, as a mother Sierra knew that she was failing. She thought, "Neil has become naughty, anxious, wilfull, defiant, and terribly insecure. Heck! I still haven't even been able to get him fully potty trained!"

Sierra had been dealt a bad hand in life, and she knew it! As it was, even working full time at WalMart and overtime in her second job as a waitress at the truck stop she could still barely make ends meet. The young mother shook her head, and laughing ruefully thought, "My life should be the inspiration for a country western song, or a Movie on The Lifetime Channel."

Her mother was both a drug addict and a prostitute. She had been born drug dependent, and as a result The Tennessee State Child Welfare Department had immediately taken Sierra from her mother at birth. She had then spent her entire childhood, and adolescence in and out of at least eleven different foster care homes, until she had finally been able to become emancipated at age seventeen. Sierra Daniels knew that she only had one thing going for her, and that was her voice. She had been told that she sang like an angel from God's own choir. Recognizing her talent and gift, she had applied for and been granted a scholarship to Juilliard in New York City! One day she had hoped to become a Diva for the New York Metropolitan Opera Company, and perform at La Scala. Unfortunately, her unexpected pregnancy with Neil had ruined that dream. Not even knowing who the father was she had had no choice at the time, but to forsake her calling, and earn a living in whatever way she could.

The lottery scratch off ticket she had found on the ground at the bus stop at age eighteen had literally saved her life. It had been a winner! The money she received had not lasted, but at least it had allowed her to buy a small, used, Chevy Pick-Up, as well her current home outright.

Today however; God had truly blessed her, and had given her the opportunity of a lifetime! Taylor Swift who had been in town recording had happened to be at the WalMart store where she was working. "Taylor" had overheard Sierra singing while she had been folding clothes that needed to go back on the racks.

Sierra still couldn't believe her good fortune! The country star had simply walked up to her, and right on the spot had invited her to join her group as a back up singer on tour. "Taylor", as the star had insisted she call her had offered her a yearly salary of $200,000.00 plus expenses! The only catch was that Sierra had to be able to leave, and join the group in less than a week! She knew that she had little time to find someone very special who would be willing to watch her son. Almost immediately, Bethany had come to mind. Sierra had decided to offer to triple the teen's salary in exchange for her agreeing to become Neil's full time live-in nanny.

She arrived at the small nursery school, and walked inside. As luck would have it, there was no one else there at the time except for Bethany whose job today was to greet the parents as they arrived to pick up their children. Through the school's office window Sierra could see her little boy playing happily on the monkey bars while being closely monitored by another one of the teachers. Smiling hopefully, the young mother made eye contact with Neil's pretty, teenage "crush", and said, "Bethany! You're not going to believe what's happened to me today..... I have a very special offer I'd like to make you....."

[LittleJai]

"Miss Daniels, good to see you." said Bethany. A slim, short creature of 16, she kept her brown hair in a short pixie cut. She adjusted glasses over wide brown eyes and sent the woman a friendly smile. "An offer? What would this be, exactly?" She seemed bemused by the woman's actions.

[likes to be babysat]

"Oh, call me Sierra please. After all I'm not a whole lot older than you.... We could almost be sisters.", the young mother said somewhat anxiously. Drawing a deep breath she studied the pretty, petite young woman who stood so confidently before her. She had a radiant smile, and kind, warm features. Sierra could see why her son was so drawn to her. Bethany just seemed to be one of those rare individuals that made you feel good when they were nearby. Yet despite seeming so sweet, she also exuded a sense of quiet strength and determination....

"Bethany, I have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity. Taylor Swift has invited me to go on tour with her as one of her backup singers, but unless I can find someone to take care of Neil I'm afraid I won't be able to accept her offer. I have no family, and no true friends to speak of. Neil is all I have.... We're alone together in this world. I work all the time, and still can barely make ends meet. As a result, I barely see my son, and I know it's having a negative effect on him. This opportunity would at least get rid of all my money problems.... I'm sorry, I'm getting off track.... Anyway, I know it's a longshot, but Neil absolutely adores you, and he talks about you constantly. Honestly, I'm jealous. I think he loves you more than he does me.... I'm digressing again.", Sierra said starting to become tearful. Then pausing and beginning to shake, she looked at the young pre-school teacher imploringly before saying, "Bethany, I trust you. Would you ever consider caring for Neil on a full time basis! Could you please be his Nanny? You're my only hope...."

[LittleJai]

"Oh, Miss Daniels, that's wonderful!" said Bethy encouragingly. "You get packing and I'll be there tomorrow morning at... nine?" she asked. "I'd love to take care of Neil! A sweet kid, if a little... willful. About that... how do you usually handle punishment at home? I hate to ask first-thing, but it seems like Neil of all people will need it..."

[likes to be babysat]

Overcome with relief Sierra exhaled deeply, then spontaneosly reached over to give Neil's teacher a timid, and awkward little hug. It was almost as if the insecure mother viewed the mature teenager as an authority figure, rather than her own employee. Happily, and gratefully she said, "Oh Bethany, you're a lifesaver! Thank you so much.... I don't know if I told you, but hopefully this will help you out as well. I would be happy to triple your current salary. That's how important this opportunity is to me! I never planned to be a parent. Neil was shall we say a surprise.... Don't get me wrong. I love him dearly, but I'm not sure I'm up to the job. To be honest, I even resent him.... I know it's not his fault, but if it wasn't for him I could have gone to Juilliard. I could have been someone.... Someone that mattered! My own mother abandoned me at birth. No one ever loved or cared for me when I was a child, and as a result I have no idea how to be a mom.... Bethany, I'm counting on you to make up for all my shortcomings. Neil needs you. We... we... we both do."

Openly sobbing, feeling terribly embarassed, and sounding more like a small child herself rather than a grown woman, Sierra said, "Bethy, Neil calls you that too doesn't he? I'm so sorry.... I don't know why I'm telling you all this. Forgive me. Tomorrow morning at nine would be great. Do you think your parents will be okay with it too? I'm going to tell Neil that mommy has to go away to work for a long time, but that someone very special is coming to take care of him. I'll let you tell him that you are going to be his Nanny, and what that actually means. I'm sure he'll have no idea what that is. As a matter of fact, I'm sure he's never even heard that word before...."

Sierra paused to take a deep breath. She smiled at Bethany hesitantly before continuing. She said, "You asked about discipline.... I know he's difficult and at times can really be a brat, but deep down he is a good kid. Do you think you'll be able to handle him? I've tried everything. I've tried praising him when he's good, and ignoring him when he's bad. At times, I've taken away his toys and privileges. I've yelled at him. I've scolded him. I've even tried "TIME OUT". Nothing works. I can't even get him fully potty trained! I think he's mad at me for never being around. God! I hope he doesn't sense my resentment.... I just couldn't live with myself if he knew!"

Sierra let out a deep sigh, then while grabbing Bethany's hand beseechingly, she said, "Oh Bethy, can you help us...?"

[LittleJai]

Bethany beamed. "Of course I can... Sierra. I fully agree with time-outs, we give them here at the school. Unfortunately, we're not allowed to do much more... Frankly, miss, I was raised in a Southern family, and spankings were a common occurrence. I'd like your permission to use those, and possibly Tabasco. It's healthier than soap, and cures lying tongues just as fast."

Her smile turned sympathetic and she pulled Sierra in to a deeper hug. "I can feel for you with the college thing... I don't know if I'll get to go, most of my salary gets sent off to support my younger brothers. You live your dreams, Sierra, and I'll take care of Neil for you. Leave it to me!" She let the woman go. "And honey... don't worry about tripling my salary. If you could just keep the utilities running, we'll be fine." she said, giving Sierra a smile and a thumbs-up.

[likes to be babysat]

"Spankings, Oh my! I trust you, but are you sure that's necessary? It just sounds so awful.... He's never had that before. I don't even think he's heard the word, or understand's the concept.... How would you give one? Is it just a swat or two? Or... I don't know. As long as it's not abusive, I guess it's okay.... You see, I grew up in foster care, a new one almost every year. Bethany, I was horribly abused, and in any way you can imagine. It was terrible! Each one was worse than the next.... I swore that Neil would never be abused, and that he would only be raised with love. I can see now that I've over compensated. I guess I've been far too lenient. I haven't done him any favors, and it's been to his detriment.... Anyway, I'm sure you know best.... I'll leave his discipline up to you, except for the tobasco. Neil's allergic to peppers, so if you feel it's necessary you'll have to make do with soap instead.... I'm doubling your salary. I'll leave money for you tomorrow, and I'll send you more every two weeks. Additionally, I will cover all of Neil's expenses, and all the household expenses. You can also use my pickup. I wont be needing that on tour. Here's our address, and my cell phone number. You can reach me any time....", Sierra said anxiously as her eyes glistened tearfully.

[LittleJai]

"Sierra, I would never harm your son." said Bethany firmly. "I know what that's like. I was taken from my father at a young age because of abuse. The Tabasco thing... I do hate to use soap. How about... castor oil?" she suggested lightly. "And thank you... maybe I'll get to send the boys presents for Christmas this year." she said optimistically. "I'll be there at 9 on the dot... with some things to help with the potty-training issue, as well." Bethy looked out the door. "NEIL! Your mama's here, sweetheart!" she called.

[likes to be babysat]

The following morning, four year old Neil Daniels was playing with his Tonka Trucks on the floor, near the base of the stairs of the modest three bedroom home. He was close to the front door. Mommy had told him to play quietly while she was upstairs, and finishing getting ready to go away.

The little boy who was still dressed in cute, little, duckie pajamas was both sad, and excited! Mommy had explained that she was "sad" because she was going to "have to work far away for a long time", but that she had arranged for someone "special" to take care of him while she was away. She had told him that the person was not a stranger, and was a person that he really liked! She had said that she would be leaving in the morning as soon as his new, "special" caretaker had arrived!

Just then, Neil heard a loud "KNOCK" on the front door. Mommy had told him many times that for "safety" only "grownups" should answer doors. Neil, as he often did, decided to disobey!

Little Neil threw open the front door, and was shocked when he saw the person who was standing there in front of him! "MISS BETHFANY!!!" he exclaimed loudly. "What you doin' here?", he asked as he immediately threw his arms around her thighs, and bottom in a loving hug. Releasing her, and stepping back the child noticed that on the front step next to his favorite, nursery school teacher were several suitcases. Even so, it was the large, quilted, babyblue bag, with pale yellow letters on each side that really caught his eye. Miss Bethfy was wearing the babyblue bag over her left shoulder just like his mommy carried her handbag.

Neil did not know how to read, but while he had been at school, Bethany had taken it upon herself to give the little boy special, individual attention in order to teach him his letters. He could see that the yellow letters on each side of Bethfy's quilted bag were the same. Speaking OUT LOUD, so his teacher would know that he had paid attention, and had been a good learner, Neil recited the name of each letter that he saw. He said, "D-I-A-P-E-R-B-A-G, wight Miss Bethfany?" Then while hugging her once more, he pointed to the lettered bag, and said, "Miss Bethfy, I nebba seen you bwing dat bag to skoo 'efore. What in it? you bwing me toys?"

[LittleJai]

Bethany laughed and swung the little boy up into her arms. "Hello to you too, Neily. No, I'm afraid the toys aren't in this bag. That's very good, by the way, with your letters." She stepped inside and maneuvered her suitcases in the door, still carrying Neil. "SIERRA!" she called out to the woman. "I'm here!" She looked at Neil. "Your mama wasn't the one who answered the door, was she? Did she say you could open it?"