Chapter Three
Mary Anne
Well, this is defiantly a job I won't forget anytime soon. I had just settled down with my homework when Mrs. Bruno called me. Hunter had had an asthma attack and she needed a baby-sitter. She said she called me because I had already been exposed to Logan's virus. So I went. Logan wasn't doing much better, but Kerry and I did her homework…
The whole next day I was feeling much better about Logan. I even managed to forget about him during lunch. I know that sounds horrible but it was a good thing. I didn't have a baby-sitting job that afternoon, so I went home and began my homework. I had just settled myself with my work and a snack when the phone rang. Since I was the only one home, I would have to answer it. I got up and ran to the phone.
"Hello?"
"Mary Anne?"
"Yes, this is she."
"Hello dear. This is Mrs. Bruno."
"Oh, hi."
"How are you?"
"I'm good. And you?"
"Well, I'm afraid I'm in a bit of a pickle and I was hoping you could help me."
"I'll do my best."
"Hunter just had an asthma attack and I've got to take him to the doctor. I was wondering if you could come and stay with Kerry. Logan, I'm afraid, isn't doing much better than yesterday. I can't get a hold of Mr. Bruno and I would rather you baby-sit because you've already been exposed to whatever Logan's got."
"Sure, I can come. When do you want me over?"
"Right now, if possible."
"Sure. I'll be right over."
"Thanks Mary Anne. You're a lifesaver."
I hung up the phone and grabbed my coat. I dashed out the door and walked quickly all the way to Brunos'. By the time I was there, I was out of breath.
"Hello Mary Anne. Come on in." Mrs. Bruno had met me at the door. She ushered me inside and closed the door.
"Okay. Kerry is in her room doing some homework. She just had a snack, so nothing more or she'll spoil her appetite for dinner. Logan's in his room, of course, and he should be fine. He was sleeping when I went up a few minutes ago. I'll be back probably around five o'clock or so. The number where I can be reached is on the fridge. It's the number for the doctor's office."
"Okay."
"I think that's all. Do you have any questions?"
"Nope."
"All right then. Hunter!"
Hunter came slowly out of the den, breathing deeply and slowly.
"Thanks again, Mary Anne." Mrs. Bruno said as she closed the door behind her and Hunter.
I sighed and took off my coat. I hung it up and then headed up the stairs. I peeked into Logan's room and found him still sleeping. I watched him for a moment and listened to his breathing, which was short and raspy. I sighed and then I went to Kerry's room.
"Knock-knock." I said, tapping lightly on the door.
"Come in." Kerry said, without looking up from her desk.
"Hi Kerry." I said. Kerry turned around when she heard my voice.
"Hi Mary Anne."
"How's it going?" I asked, sitting on her bed.
"Good. Do you understand fractions?"
"I can try and help you with them, but math isn't my strong suit."
"Okay."
I got up and went to Kerry's desk. I tried to help her with the fractions and in the end we got them right.
"Great! No more homework." Kerry said.
"That is great. What do you want to do now?" I asked.
"Can I invite Becca over?"
"Well, I don't know. We don't want Becca here because then she might catch what Logan's got."
"Oh." Kerry looked disappointed. "Maybe I'll just read my book."
"What book are you reading?"
"James and the Giant Peach."
"That's a good one. Do you want me to read some of it to you?"
"No thanks. I like reading by myself."
"You're sure?"
"Yep."
"Okay. I'll be downstairs if you need me."
"Okay."
I left Kerry's room and went to check on Logan, who was still sleeping, although his sleep was still not restful. He kept tossing and turning, muttering things under his breath.
I went downstairs and sat down with a book from the Bruno's shelves and lost myself in it. I jumped when the doorbell rang.
I got up from the couch and checked my watch. It was 4:30. I went to the door and peeked through the peep hole. Austin Bentley was on the step, holding a stack of books. I opened the door.
"Hi Mary Anne." Austin said, sounding somewhat surprised.
"Hi. Come on in." I opened the door wider and Austin came in.
"Are you visiting Logan too?" Austin asked.
"What? No, actually Mrs. Bruno had to take Hunter to the doctor and needed a sitter for Kerry."
"Is Logan here?"
"Yeah. He was sleeping, but he might be awake now."
"I've got all his homework again. Do you mind if I go up and see if he's awake?"
"No. Go ahead."
"Great."
Austin went up the stairs and I went back to my book, although I couldn't really concentrate. I was listening to see if I could hear if Logan was awake or not. After five minutes, I realized he must be because if he wasn't, then Austin would've come down again. I settled myself and got lost in it again. I jumped when Austin said,
"Mary Anne."
I turned, my face turning a deep shade of red.
"Sorry I scared you. I'm going to leave, but Logan wants to see you."
"Okay. Thanks Austin."
"See you in school tomorrow."
"See you."
I got up and headed up the stairs. Logan's door was closed so I knocked.
"Come in." I heard Logan call. I opened the door and went into the room. Logan's face broke into a smile when he saw me.
"Hi Mary Anne."
"Hi. How are you feeling?" I asked, sitting at the desk chair. I glanced around the room and saw that it hadn't changed much from the day before. The basin of water was still there, along with the thermometer in the cup. Logan, however, looked much better. His face wasn't as red and his eyes were bright and clear.
"Okay, but not great. Austin told me you're baby-sitting."
"Yeah. Hunter had to go to the doctor so your mom called me."
"What's wrong with Hunter?"
"He had an asthma attack."
"Oh. Poor guy. What's Kerry doing?"
"She's reading. We already finished her homework."
"What were you doing?"
"Reading. So did Austin bring your homework?" I knew the answer but I could tell we were struggling for conversation.
"Yeah. Lot of it, too."
"Uh-huh. Do you think you'll be in school tomorrow?" I asked.
"Probably not. Day after tomorrow for sure, though."
I had run out of things to say so I didn't say anything.
"Mary Anne." I turned to look at Logan.
"Yes?"
"Did you keep your promise?" Logan stared at me expectantly. I looked down, trying to figure out if I dare tell him about the BSC meeting the night before.
"Mary Anne?"
"Yes, Logan. I did." I really hoped my face was showing that I was lying, but I didn't want to make him feel any lousier than he already did. Logan must've believed what I said because he didn't say anything else.
I was searching my brain for something to say when I heard the front door open.
"Hello? Anybody home?" Mrs. Bruno called.
"I'll be right back." I said to Logan. I got up and went to the top of the stairs.
"We're up here!" I called down. Mrs. Bruno appeared at the bottom of the stairs and began to come up.
"How'd it go?" she asked.
"Fine. Kerry and I finished her homework and then she wanted to read, so she's still in her room reading. Austin came by a little while ago with Logan's homework and I was just visiting with him."
"Sounds like everything was fine. Do you want to visit with Logan awhile longer or are you ready to go home?"
"I just need to say good-bye and then I'm ready to go home."
"Okay. I'll be downstairs when you're ready."
"Okay. Thanks."
Mrs. Bruno headed off to Kerry's room and I went back to Logan's room.
"I'm going to go now." I said. "I hope you feel better really soon."
"Thanks Mary Anne. See you later."
"See you."
I turned and went downstairs and collected my pay. Then I walked out into the autumn air and headed for home.
That night, I was lying in my bed, trying to fall asleep. I knew I had seen for myself that Logan was going to be okay. Instead of being insanely worried about him, I pictured myself running in the park with him. He often chased me and then we would fall down into a pile of leaves or snow. I smiled at the memories and turned over onto my side and fell into a restful sleep. If only I knew what was to come.