I pushed the stroller faster on the empty sidewalk. I was running out of time to find a daycare, and if I didn't get home before dark...
No. I didn't want to think about it.
This will be the last daycare I go into, I promised myself as I walked into a promising looking building. 574Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmC3Cr8BoV
"Hey," I said politely to the woman at the desk. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a tight and uncomfortable-looking bun. Her thin lips were painted a bright red that matched her nails. She smiled at me, though it didn't look very happy.
"Hello," she replied. "You look young. Is this your kid?"
"No," I said. "My brother. My parents... are dead. I'm living with my aunt, and she's always working. I just need him to go to daycare when I'm at school. 7 to 3:30, preferably. And, if he does stay, don't let him take naps."
"Mmhmm..." the lady at the counter said. "Your name, please?"574Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHwtPiQQp1
"Lyvvia. Lyvvia Long."
"And the parent/guardian's name?"
"Lillian Bade."
"Alright. I'll have to call her--"
"No," I said quickly. "I'll do it." The last person that had called her got yelled at and refused to enroll Lukas. 574Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbnAtYwST4
"All right," the woman said, clearly annoyed. I sighed and punched in Lillian's number.
"You're late. Where are you?" she demanded.
"Daycare, trying to get Lukas enrolled. Can you tell this lady that you're allowing him to be here?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"Give 'er the phone," Lillian said.
I handed the phone to the lady at the desk and the lady put it to her ear.
"Hello? ... Okay ... Okay ... Okay. And I'll send home something for you to fill out, and, since I know you're busy, I'll just need a copy or picture of your ID. ... Yes ... And Lyvvia can take it here when she drops Lukas off. ... Okay ... Okay."
The lady handed the phone back to me and I hung up, texting b home soon to her. Then I looked back up at the lady.
"All right, here are the papers. And, as I'm sure you heard, you need to bring a copy of Lillian's ID. When are you planning on dropping Lukas off?"
"Monday at 7, probably."
"Okay. I'll see you then. Remember to bring the papers."
"Okay," I said, pushing down the urge to roll my eyes. "See you then." I shoved the papers in my backpack and pushed Lukas and the stroller outside. It was almost completely dark. Dangit.
I ran as fast as I could to the house. When I got there, I snuck in through Lukas's window and put him to bed with some crackers, since I knew he wasn't tired. Then I walked downstairs and waited for Lillian to yell and possibly throw something.
***
I got up early. My first day at school. Yay. Note the sarcasm.
I quickly threw on a green sweater and jeans. I snuck into the bathroom, combing my short, messy hair and brushing my teeth. Then I ate a quick breakfast of toast and coffee. By the time I was done with that, it was almost six. I had time to take a shower.
I jumped in and took a quick shower, and when I was done I started waking Lukas up. He whined a little, but not too much. I quickly changed his diaper and got him dressed, then filled a bag with diapers, wet wipes, and food (just in case they didn't provide snacks). I got the papers, scanned over them to make sure they were all filled out, and shoved them in the bag too. Then I quickly fed Lukas some dry Cheerios.
Grabbing my backpack, I hurried out the door with two bags and Lukas in my arms. It was 6:30, and it was a 30-minute walk to the daycare. I walked as fast as I could, equal parts to ensure I wasn't late and to put distance between me and Lillian's house.
When I arrived, the same lady was at the desk. She smiled at me again, and this time it held a little emotion. I smiled back.
"Hello," I said. "I have the papers right..." I quickly dug through the bag to find the papers, "...here."
"Thank you," she said. "And you did read the papers as well, correct? You know that you have to provide the diapers, baby wipes, food, etcetera?" 574Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVjqSq1bcl
I nodded.
"Good," she said.
"It's in this bag," I said. "And please make sure that I get it back. Thanks... and I have to go, school starts soon."
"Okay." 574Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmkLy57Fxg
I set Lukas down in the play area where a few people were watching. One nodded slightly as I did. Then I left to face the dark pit that school was sure to be.
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