Persephone

III

"I'm going to assume you want your fact books on the carry-on," I state as I begin neatly packing dinosaur books into the red backpack.

Gray isn't paying attention, he's looking through a camera toy at images of dinosaurs. He's extremely excited, but also extremely nervous about going to Jurassic World.

"Perry?"

"Yeah, hon?"

"Do my parents talk to you?" he asks but keeps his eyes on the toy. Like the toy, a Viewmaster, his entire room is covered with dinosaurs.

"Course they do," I say.

"Do they talk about adult stuff with you?" he presses and I raise an eyebrow. This kid is onto me.

"Sometimes."

"Boys, let's do this!" Karen yells from outside. She seems to be done packing the Nissan minivan. "Perry!"

"Come on Gray, are you taking the Viewmaster?" I ask, but he doesn't respond.

In a minute his mom is knocking at the door.

"Gray? Perry?"

"Come in, Mrs. Mitchell," I call and she enters. "I was just finishing up Gray's carry on."

"Thanks, Perry," she says briskly before rushing up to Gray. "Honey, what're you doin'? What is this here?" Mrs. Mitchell gently takes the Viewmaster from away and sets it down. "Let's go. Come on, honey your flight's in two hours." She looks to me as I zip his bag and hand it to her.

"Dane County Airport is thirty-six minutes away, sixty with traffic," Gray responds shortly.

"How many minutes to get your little butt in the van?" she counters with a grin and Gray smiles sheepishly. "Hmm? How many of those?" Mrs. Mitchell passes Gray his bag and ushers him from the room. I follow close behind.

Just before we exit his room she pauses.

"Feed the monster under your bed?"

"Yes." Mrs. Mitchell grins and nudges us out, shutting the door behind us.

Not a second later Gray runs down the stairs and goes barreling out the front door of their two-story suburban home.

I chuckle and follow with Mrs. Mitchell.

Outside Zach Mitchell, Gray's older brother and my friend, is saying a tragic goodbye to his girlfriend.

"Call me every day. And text me pics so I don't forget what you look like," she gushes and I roll my eyes. She is so into Zach and he is so not into her.

"I'll only be gone a week," Zach grumbles.

"But it'll feel like forever," she whines.

"Zach, you're not goin' off to war, here. Please. Come on," Mr. Mitchell calls from the driver's seat. He looks equal parts impatient and amused.

Zach and his girlfriend stare into one another's eyes, her more intently than him.

Secretly his less than involvement in the relationship makes me happy.

"I-"

"I love you."

"Will see you later," Zach finishes without pause. He seems unfazed by her proclamation and she unfazed by his answer.

"Vamanos! You too Perry!" Mr. Mitchell yells.

"Yes sir Mr. Mitchell sir," I respond and walks down the steps.

"Bye. Okay," Zach says.

"Bye," she murmurs. "I wish I could come."

"Sorry only family...and Perry," Zach replies. I watch with crossed arms and a curious stare.

"Why does she get to go?" his girlfriend pouts.

"I'm the nanny," I cut in cheekily and back step towards the van. "Let's go Zach Attack." Zach shrugs me off and kisses his girlfriend one last time. I huff and hop into the back of the van next to Gray.

Zach runs to the van as his father starts up the engine and crawls in the back next to me.

Unfortunately, I am squished between him and Gray.

Zach's girlfriend waves somberly at us.

"I know it hurts, sweetheart," Mrs. Mitchell sympathizes.

"Are you gonna be okay?" his dad teases but the sullen Zach ignores them. Instead of a human conversation, he slides on his Beats headphones and tunes us out.

"Don't worry Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell I will assure Zach does not die of heartbreak," I promise sarcastically.

"You're a blessing Perry."

III

Christmas music plays and lovely decorations cover the entire airport.

We stand in front of the security gate as Mrs. Mitchell and Mr. Mitchell say goodbye to their sons.

"Everything right on there?" Mrs. Mitchell asks as she looks over the tickets with Gray. Gray nods dutifully and she smiles but tears are behind her eyes.

"Don't worry Mrs. Mitchell I checked the tickets twice already," I assure and rub Gray's shoulders.

"Thank you, Perry," she says and squeezes my hand. Her smile and pleasant demeanor seem a little forced. "I'm so jealous. You're gonna have so much fun."

She suddenly gets serious and cups Gray's cheeks.

"I love you."

"I love you too," he returns and hugs her tightly. The hug lasts a little too long. Something isn't quite right. While hugging his mother, Gray looks over at his father, and he seems a little uncomfortable but he manages a small smile.

I know what's taking place, they told me, but Zach and Gray seem happily oblivious.

"Okay. Right. All right, um, let's give these to Perry, okay?" Mrs. Mitchell suggest after she finally lets Gray go. I turn and hold out my hand as she passes the tickets over. "Hey, Zach?"

Zach isn't paying attention. He has the hood of his jacket up over his head and his headphones blasting music into his ears as per usual.

"Zach? Zach can you please look out for your brother," she requests and grabs his hoodie. He jerks and pulls his headphones off. "Take care of your brother okay?"

"Isn't that what Perry's for?" he deadpans and I roll my eyes.

"Look out for her too okay? You all have to look or for each other," she insists and Zach shrugs indifferently.

"Listen to your mother," Mr. Mitchell cuts in.

"Alright take care of each other and answer your phone. I'm serious. It's the green button. When you see my name, push it, okay?" she persists. She is reluctant to let us go.

"I'll stay in touch Mrs. Mitchell," I chime in.

"Thank you, Persephone. And remember, if something chases you..." she pauses for dramatic effect and leans in close. "Run."

The single word sends a shiver down my spine, I haven't forgotten the other Jurassic Park.

"Yeah, you're funny," Zach huffs sarcastically. "Come on Gray, Stef, let's go." I try not to blush at the stupid nickname reserved only for Zach.

Zach ushers Gray along but Karen and Scott pull me back.

"Bye, guys," she calls them turns to me with a serious face. "You'll keep an eye on them? Make sure they don't do anything stupid, make sure Zach isn't mean to Gray, and make sure no dinosaurs eat them."

"I will not let your sons be eaten Mrs. Mitchell," I promise. "Don't worry I'll watch them, it's my job."

"I knew I could count on you," she sighs in relief and hugs me briefly. "Have fun."

"I will, bye now," I say and speed walk to catch up with Zach and Gray.

"I miss you already!" she calls to her boys. I wave and Gray does too. The second Gray and Zach turn their backs I watch the Mitchell's acts drop and their smiles turn to frowns.

They don't want the boys to know the real reason they're being sent away.