I always looked forward to hearing from Jenny. Every few weeks, she sends me a text, an email, and an occasional phone call to let me know how much she is enjoying her college time. She even gives me credit for helping keep her head on straight anytime she starts to slack off.
Last week, she called to let me know that she has some very challenging classes, and was not likely to make it home until the end of the quarter. She added that if we need a sitter, her sister Sue is a junior, and would like to start babysitting. She said that Sue is a great student and very good with kids.
I told Jenny that Jan would be on a business trip next week and I would need a sitter on Thursday.
She said, "Mr. Mann, I know Sue is available. She can come over right from school. Your house is close and on the way."
After thinking about it briefly, I anxiously asked Jenny, "Just what exactly does Sue know about me?"
"No worries, Mr. Mann, she knows that you're a great guy and that I think a lot of you, but there are some things that are a little too private to share, even with my sister. I told her that your kids are cute and she would even enjoy talking to you. I'm sure you will notice that Sue is a little on the shy side, but I know she will like you."
"Thanks, Jenny. I'm excited to meet her. Thanks for your help."
Thursday arrived, and I was looking forward to meeting Sue all day.
The doorbell rang at 4:30. I was wrapping up a phone call, but the kids let her in. They knew that she was Jenny's little sister so they were excited to meet her. When I got to the foyer, Sue was finding out the kids' names and ages. I could tell right away that they would get along.
Before leaving, I took Sue aside, introduced myself, and told her how happy we were that she could come over.
I sensed that she was a little unsure of herself around me. I told her that the kids seemed to like her immediately, so I was sure that they would all get along, just like they do with Jenny.
She told me that Jenny liked my kids and thought they were lucky to have such a great Dad. Then added, "Thank you for letting me babysit tonight."
Sue was every bit as pretty as her sister. She had come right over from school, still wearing her uniform green/blue plaid shirt, white blouse, and saddle shoes. She seemed slightly more serious than Jenny, but I knew she would be great with the kids. I gave her a few basics regarding dinner and bedtime. I told her I expect to be home close to 10, so once the kids are in bed, watch some TV or whatever you like. She told me she would probably just get caught up on homework.
I got home at about 9:45 to find everything looking perfect. The dishes were cleaned, the kids were in bed, and Sue was doing homework.
She looked up and said hi as she began to put things into her backpack.
"Sue, the place looks great. How did everything go?"
"Oh, I enjoyed your kids a lot. They were fun and polite, and there was no problem going to bed on time."
I asked if they had shown her around the whole house.
She told me they had. She thought the house was lovely. She said that she noticed the door to the office was closed, so she had not seen that room, even though Jenny told her that was her favorite part of the house.
A bit surprised, I asked, "She said that my office was her favorite part of the house?"
"Oh yes, Mr.Mann. She said it was very masculine and felt she got to know you through your office."
"I just always keep the door closed, but come on in."
I showed her in, and she said, "I think I see what Jenny meant. I love the furniture and the decoration. It's a great-looking room."
She sat on the leather loveseat and commented on how much she liked the feel and smell of leather.
I told her to enjoy it for a minute and asked if I could get her a Coke or drink.
"That sounds wonderful, Mr. Mann."
I brought in some Cokes and sat in the chair facing her.
"So tell me about school, Sue. Jenny is very proud of how well you are doing."
"That's nice to hear, Mr. Mann. I have been studying for a math test I have tomorrow. I think I am ready for it."
"That's good to hear, but you don't sound so confident."
"Oh, I think I will do fine on the test, I do have another little dilemma."
"Tell me about it, if you like. Maybe, I can help."