On top of the list

by Natjena

Rose Langly is a citizen of Storybrook. She has been living there all of her life yet the only friend she seems to have is mister Gold from the pawnshop. Sure the others would say hello, but most people ignored her. She knew something was wrong with this town, can she figure out what it is? Something special is about to happen to Rose when Gold proposes a deal...

6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6 the babysitter

"Back so soon?"
"Don't get your hopes up Gold, I'm just here for some idle chatter… if you don't mind."
"Of course not, it's near closing time anyway." Stealthily he turned the opening sign before guiding me towards the back. "Tell me, how's the assignment coming along?"
"Splendid! I'm playing matchmaker for every bachelor in town."
"Perhaps you could start your own 'psychiatry' and give counseling to couples?"
"Haha… I'll let Archie do the counseling. Besides I'm only getting their fairytale-selves together. Evelyn has never been so quiet in her life."
"Uch… It was about time the little siren learned to keep her mouth shut. Else I would have chopped all her hair off."
"I'll keep that in mind when she comes to me, weeping, screaming about her baldness…"
"Wouldn't that be a sight?" the pawnshop-keeper smiled "I've heard you've started working at the petshop, how is that coming along?"
"With all the animals at my feet I feel like Snow white. The paper hardly needs me these days, I needed a new challenge, the pet shop was the perfect opportunity."
"Why not do something about it? Get back to writing?"
"Now you mention it.. I have been harboring the idea of…" I started but then changed my mind "I'm not gonna tell, you'll figure it out yourself."
"Of course I will."
"See you in a fortnight Rumpelstiltskin."

Regina awaited my arrival in her office, not expecting me to be so punctual. "Come in, sit down." She said ordering me around "Do you have any relevant experience?"
"Well… I look after my nephews once in a while, they're a grade higher then Henry."
"I see. And what do you think makes you special?"
"Special, you say? I think we're all pretty normal here in Storybrook, but if there's something special about me; it's that I'm afraid of you."
"That's a bold thing to say." Regina replied, her eyes darkening, but then she grinned. "An impressive feet, something I appreciate. In fact; only one other woman seems oblivious of my aura."
"Katherine, right?"
"I see you've done your homework, though I advise you to stay out of my business."
"Of course Madame Mayor, as far as you'll let me."
"What do you want to earn Rose?"
"Seven dollar an hour?"
"Deal." The mayor replied "So Henry goes to school till 15.30. When he finishes his homework you can take him to Granny's, but I prefer homecooked meals. There's plenty of food in the fridge most of the time. Most days I come home round 8 or 9. He should be in bed by 10."
"Anything else? Activities?"
"Make sure he feeds the rabbit and once a week he has to clean his room. Oh and try to make him read something else than that fairytale book, I fear it may cloud his judgement and sense of reality."
"Yes ma'am."
"Don't let him watch horror movies and stay clear of late night snacks."
"Got it."
"Well then there's only one question left: When can you start?"
"Tonight, or doesn't he know yet?"
"Tonight's perfect. I've vaguely told Henry about hiring a babysit but he didn't stay long enough to catch your name, so it'll be a bit of a surprise."
"No worries, I'm sure with the right persuasion he'll come around."
"Sounds like a plan. Be here back by four so I can introduce you two properly."
"I'll be there."

"Hey Jonathan!" I exclaimed enthusiastically but only received a non-committal response. "What's the matter? You're not angry with me for taking on yet another job, are you?"
"No, no, it's not that. I couldn't muster up the energy to work the whole day like you… I might have said something on the phone to Eve that upset her.."
"I'm sure she'll forgive you though, right?"
"Not sure. We started of pretty good and really got into a conversation on our vegetarian lives, but then I told her I wasn't always like that. My parents didn't allow it."
"John, she can't just throw that argument in your face! It's unfair of her to judge something you had no control over. Your parents loved meat, especially horse if I'm not mistaken but they've supported your decision once you were old enough, why can't your girlfriend?"
He just slumped his shoulders and mumbled something.
"I think you forgot to take the guppy's food with you. Why not take her some and explain?"
"Why didn't I come up with that? Thanks a bunch Rosebud, I'll deliver it.."
"Tomorrow, please, today I start babysitting Henry. Plus, it'll give Evelyn some time to think things through."
"Thanks for the advice Rose. Here, you deserve to take the dogs out today. I'll clean Monty's cod."
"Great! Here Boy. Lady, Chip sit. Very good! Who deserves a treat?"

I walked them all the way to Granny's and tied them to a lantern pole.

"Hey Ruby, quick I need some caffeine please. I'll be heading in the monster's lair later on to watch over Henry while she supervises me."
"Here you go babe. Oh is that a golden retriever?" she replied, coming outside with my favourite drink "Such a cute one, what's he called?"
'Should have known canines attract each other.' "The name's Chip, the wild one of the bunch, he reminds me a bit of you actually."
She didn't understand the comparison, but smiled, not minding the dog slobber.

I ran the dogs back to the shop, realizing it had taken longer than expected.
"Where have you been?"
"Granny's. I brought you some doughnuts, thought they might cheer you up some more."
"Great, but you still have to catch up work." He smiled.
"Sure chef. Kittens…?"
"Kittens."

"Hey there Henry, you've grown a lot since I last saw you."
"You're the girl that works at the pet store, right?"
"That's me! Jonathan is an old friend of mine, back when we were in high school. Which year are you going to, 5th?"
"6th actually."
"That probably means tons of homework, right?"
"You have no idea."
"Well I can assure you Henry. In 10 years' time, you won't remember a thing, promise. But let's focus on preparing dinner. I have an inkling your mother is eavesdropping."
We made spaghetti with lots of sauce. We got left over apple pie from the day before and played a game. Even mme. Mayor joined us for one round. We let her win… Then she went back to work on some files in her office.

At the end of the night Regina seemed pleased with how I was treating the boy so she paid me and exchanged phone numbers.
I hugged Henry as I left and whispered "Happy I'm not the savior."
He was happy with my company before, but now he was possibly beaming that he had found a believer.