A/N- Thanks to everyone who reviewed! See, I'm trying to update sooner. Yes, Luthien, people HAVE been slow at updating lately. *hint, hint*. Anyway, fourth chappy coming up!

*          *          *

            The first barrier in caring for Zantar had been crossed; Jess now knew how to feed him. Or rather, let him feed himself. But soon another problem arose; how to teach him to do his business. After feeding, he simply walked around and then went. This planted a new worry in Jess' mind; they couldn't have him simply go when he was in the house. She finally solved the problem by cutting a hole in a diaper, and uh, slipping it on.

            The rest of the day passed uneventfully, Zantar wandered through the house or asked to go outside by tugging on Jess' sleeve. Jess followed him constantly, but he seemed not to get into any trouble. She finally managed to calm her nerves, partly at least.

*          *          *

            For the first few weeks of caring for Zantar, Jess managed to stay home from work to care for him. But she knew she would have to go to work soon. Since her baby had died they would be expecting her back sooner, although they allowed her a few weeks to recover. Mark also went to work every weekday, so if Jess went to work there would be no one home to take care of Zantar. Jess realized they would have to find a babysitter, someone they could trust not to expose their 'adopted' child to the public. But where could they find such a person?

            Then she remembered a co-worker of hers who had an 18 year-old daughter. She had recently adopted another child, who was a newborn. The 18 year-old, Samantha, volunteered at wildlife centers, although she hadn't been able to find a job yet. Zantar wasn't an animal, but maybe someone who loved animals would be more accepting of an alien. Jess could only hope.

            Jess contacted Samantha and asked her if she would come for a visit. Sam agreed, and soon was sitting in the living-room. Mark was watching Zantar in the bedroom, while Jess talked to Sam.

"So, I hear you are interested in working with animals," Jess said.

"Yes, I'm very interested in wildlife. But why did you ask me over?" Sam inquired.

Jess sighed. "I need a babysitter."

Sam looked uncomfortable. "But Mrs…."

"Call me Jess," Jess intereupted.

"Jess, I had heard, I mean, I thought your baby had passed on."

"Yes. He did. But I've adopted another. A very special baby who needs very special care. And I need someone I can trust to give him that care while I'm at work."

"Jess, I'm not sure if I'm ready to commit to something like this."

"I would pay you, of course. As much as I can afford. I need help, Sam."

"I'll do my best. If you really need help, I'll do what I can. May I see the child now?"

Jess got up and led Sam into the bedroom. When she saw Zantar, she gasped. And fell to her knees. After she seemed to have taken it in, Jess spoke up. 'His name is Zantar. I can't stay home to take care of him any longer, and I can't show him to the public. Think what they would do to him!"

Sam responded, in amazement, "He's very cute. Actually he's beautiful. Where did you find him?"

Jess told her how she found him and how she had taken care of him for the past month. She ended with, "And now I need to go back to work, or someone will suspect something. Will you help me?"

Sam looked straight into Jess' eyes and said, "It would be an honor to care for such a child. Yes, Jess, I will help you. I accept the job. When do I begin?"