I still remember that face staring at me from the window as the police car drove away. I stared back helplessly as the terror still clutched my heart in a vice grip.
That morning had been bright and sunny, with a warm breeze and blue
skies. I woke up early with a smile on
my face, ready for the day’s adventure.
I was babysitting for a new client today. It was a sort of test run. The couple was looking for a live-in nanny
for their 6-year-old daughter. I had
babysat for many years growing up and taken CPR courses and even recently completed
some child development classes at the local community college. Things were looking bright for my future and
today was my chance to secure my first real job.
“Bye Mom, Dad! I’m heading over to Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair’s house
now!” I picked up my bag and headed towards
the door.
“Good luck Honey!” My mom
called from the living room. “See you
tonight!”
I caught the local bus and 20 minutes later, stepped off in front
of a beautiful Brownstone. I checked my
notes and walked to #712. I was almost
immediately buzzed in. Huh, I guess they
saw me get off the bus. I thought. I went inside and the door shut automatically
behind me.
“Hello? Mr. and Mrs.
Sinclair?” I looked around. “It’s me, Melanie. The sitter.”
I walked slowly towards the first door. “Hello?”
It was locked. I moved to the
next door but found it locked as well.
“Are you here to watch me?”
A small voice echoed down the hall.
“Lilly? Is that you?” I turned around. “Yes, it’s me, your sitter, Melanie.”
“Try to find me.” The voice
said.
‘Maybe Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair were out back and didn’t hear my come
in.’ I tried to shake off the odd feeling
that was creeping in. ‘I’ll go find Lilly
first then talk to them.’
“Ok, I’m coming to find you.”
I said figuring it wouldn’t take long.
I checked the rest of the doors downstairs but all of them were
locked. ‘Weird.’ I frowned.
Then I went upstairs, and it seemed even quieter than before. She was really good at keeping still. At the top of the stairs I turned left and
checked the door at the end of the hallway, locked. I checked the next door and the next and the
next, but they were all locked. ‘Very
weird.’ The hair on my arm got
prickly.
“Don’t be stupid Melanie. I’m
sure there is a logical explanation.” I grumbled to myself.
Then I stopped in front of the door at the end of the other
hallway. It must be the master bedroom
because it seemed to take up at least 1/3 of the upstairs space. I turned the knob and it squeaked loudly. I cringed as it echoed down the hall behind
me. I pushed the door open carefully and
it creaked in reluctance. The room was dim,
but some sunlight was seeping in around the curtains. I checked the wall for a light switch but
couldn’t find one, so I made my way to the nearest window and pulled the
curtains open. I heard a loud hiss from
somewhere behind me and jerked around.
In the farthest, darkest corner I could see a small figure huddled
there, shielding its eyes from the burst of light.
*******
to be continued *******
No comments:
Post a Comment