“Do you mind? I’m trying to talk to my friend!” Emma asked, rolling her eyes. Then she turned to Rosie and whispered, “Don’t you hate it when your nanny and butler eavesdrop on you?”
“Okay, if we’re going to be friends, please cool it with the rich-people problems. It’s super-annoying,” Rosie said.
“I used to feel the same way,” Jessie interjected. “Try the massage chairs in the screening room. You’ll get over it.”
Ravi had never felt so popular. He stood at his locker snuggling a cute teddy bear and surrounded by girls.
“…And sometimes,” he was saying to the girls, “when I watch a movie where a doggy and kitty make friends, I cry a little. Please do not think less of me.”
“Awww!” the girls cooed. Ravi smiled proudly and took a few steps over to meet Luke.
“Nice work, bro,” Luke complimented Ravi, putting a hand on Ravi’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you.”
“Yes, vulnerability is catnip to the ladies,” Ravi said eagerly. “Next week, I will feign a sports injury.”
The bell chimed and a scratchy voice came on the school’s speaker. “Attention. Ravi Ross, please report to the office. Your nanny has dropped off your odor-control shoe inserts and wants to remind you that you’re a special little boy, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.”
The girls Ravi had been talking to gave him a disgusted look and wandered away, giggling. Ravi turned bright red and leaned his head against his locker.
“Hope you enjoyed it while it lasted,” Luke said, cringing in sympathy.
“The gods giveth, and Jessie taketh away,” Ravi said, shaking his head.
Babysitting Tips
from Jessie
1) KEEP AN EYE ON THE KIDS
Basically don’t lose the kids on your first day. I did. It didn’t turn out well. Don’t worry—I found them. All’s well that ends well, right?
2) HELP THE KIDS WITH THEIR HOMEWORK
Don’t do their homework, just help them. Word of advice: Try not to break their science fair project in the process. To all the klutzes out there, I feel your pain. Walk first. Help second.
3) BOND WITH THE KIDS
If they like videogames, try to join in on the fun. Just don’t let them get so distracted that you get trapped in the cage with their pet Velociraptor (and can’t get out).
4) REMEMBER: CHILDREN ARE IMPRESSIONABLE
It’s your job to be a good role model, even while you’re pulling the kids off of each other in the middle of a fight.
5) KEEP AN EYE ON THE KIDS AT ALL TIMES
Even if there’s only one of you and four of them.
6) EVERYTHING IS IN YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION
Rejoice in doing things that are out of the ordinary, like flying a helicopter. (Or stopping the kids from flying their parents’ helicopter! How many nannies have done that?!)
7) MAKE SURE THE KIDS ARE FED
I try and have the kids sit down as a family for dinner. Not only does it help me get to know the kids, I can make sure they aren’t up to any mischief for an hour or so.
8) STAY POSITIVE
Even in the face of extreme challenges, always have a good attitude.
9) OFFER EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Their parents may not be able to be there, but you can. They might not thank you all the time, but they appreciate your support. Try and remember that.
10) ENJOY IT!
If you have a good group of kids, like I do (don’t tell them I said that), babysitting is a piece of cake and I really do love it.
Adapted by Lexi Ryals
Based on the series created by Pamela Eells O’Connell
Part One is based on the episode “Creepy Connie Comes a Callin’,” written by Eric Schaar & David J. Booth
Part Two is based on the episode “The Trouble with Tessie,” written by David J. Booth & Eric Schaar
Jessie was sitting on a sunny bench in Central Park, enjoying the last of the autumn sun as she watched Luke break dancing with two of his friends. She had to admit it—the kid had some serious moves. There were several clusters of middle school girls watching and letting out squeals as Luke executed a series of flips, ending with splits.
“Careful!” Jessie called. “If you break your neck, your parents will break mine!”
A cute girl named Connie with long blond hair plopped down next to Jessie. She had her smartphone out and was recording the dancing.
“Doesn’t Luke have the most amazing moves?” the girl asked her dreamily.
“Yeah, you should see how he wiggles out of doing chores,” Jessie, said laughing.
The girl pulled a flip-cam out of her bag and held it up with her other hand, filming Luke with both cameras.
“So why two cameras?” Jessie asked.
“I can’t decide which is his best side,” Connie explained matter-of-factly. “Plus, if I blink and miss something, I have two backups.”
“Good thinking. Here I am, blinking and missing everything,” Jessie said sarcastically, but the girl beamed at her, totally oblivious. “So…are you a friend of Luke’s?”
“I wish!” the girl exclaimed. “I’m Connie. We’re in the same math class.”
“I’m Jessie, his nanny, and considering his grades, I’m stunned he even goes to math class.”
“Oh, he does! I’ve got the video to prove it,” Connie said fondly. “I’ve got Luke texting, throwing spitballs, going sleepy-bye…”
“I didn’t know he could go sleepy-bye without Kenny the Koala,” Jessie mused. When she saw the odd look Connie was giving her, she hurried to cover. “Which is certainly not a stuffed bear he still sleeps with, because that would be an inappropriate thing to reveal. The point is, he should be paying attention in class!”
“You know,” Connie said sweetly, “I’m an A-plus student. I could help Luke get his grades up. And do his chores.”
“I love you!” Jessie exclaimed, hugging Connie. “Could you come over tomorrow and help Luke study?”
“Let me check my schedule…” Connie replied, trying to play it cool. “Yes!”
Luke finished his solo dance to wild applause.
“Hey Luke,” Jessie yelled over to him. “I got you a study buddy!”
Luke smiled broadly until he saw that Jessie was pointing at Connie, and then his look of delight turned to horror.
“Creepy Connie?” Luke asked as he lost his balance and fell over mid-dance move.
“He knows my name!” Connie exclaimed, obviously thrilled.
Jessie: New Nanny (Jessie Junior Novel Book 2) Page 5