Wannabe
“Wake up, sweetie, we’re there.”
You mumble incoherently for a second, while you take stock of your situation. The car, the little house in the country, and the babysitter you totally don’t need in the driver’s seat. You’re way too old for all of this now. But at least you apparently got some rest, rather than meaningless small talk for the ride over here. You feel completely refreshed and awake now.
“I think now it’s time to talk about what kind of fun and games we’re going to have this week. Don’t you?” I talk slowly as I get out of the car and walk around to your side, as if you might need help opening the door.
You mutter something pretty disrespectful about how you’d be happier staying alone for a week. How you’re an adult now, and how unreasonable it is that your parents are locking you out of the house while they’re away.
“So angry,” I shake my head slightly, not voicing the expected dismay about today’s youth. “This is why I prefer to look after babies, their tantrums are much cuter. But maybe there’s a compromise here. None of your friends are around, you know? If you wanted to be my little girl again, nobody would ever know. I’ve still got the magic touch.”
You know the difference between magic and hypnosis, and you’re not afraid to say so. And you’re already sure what your answer would be if I asked you to play along with my fantasies again this year. Unless there was something in it for you, perhaps. But no. You don’t dwell on confusing memories; you just reiterate the thing you’re sure about. You tell me again that you plan to treat me less like a babysitter and more like a housekeeper during your stay this year; so that you can go out and have fun like the adult you are.
“And this is why I need a little magic to help you tell the truth, isn’t it? So I can know how you really feel even when you’re lying to yourself. So let’s try this, a simple, practical question. How would you like to start today? We could go see what the craft table in the garage has to offer, or I’ve got some more lego sets you could try out. Or I could put you in a cute diaper so you can play in the baby gym, and let go of those silly big-girl thoughts. Maybe you’re ready for lunch already, or you could have a little accident in your panties so we’ve got an excuse for you to be back in diapers. If you want to go potty first, that would really prove what a big girl you are. Or maybe innocence isn’t quite what you’re after. Maybe you’d rather be a bratty teen who goes potty in her pants just to earn a spanking. Or I’ve got a new games console if you wants some screen time, I’m sure we could find a movie to watch together, or… if you really want to be that grown-up, maybe you can convince me you deserve some adult fun and games. What do you think?”
The last option sounds kind of appealing; you’re old enough to admit that your babysitter looks kind of hot, in a mature way. But you’re already sure that option would come with a price; agreeing to do some of the childish things as well, perhaps. And you’re not sure it would be worth it. So you try to find some other options, like jokingly suggesting movies you’re sure I wouldn’t be so comfortable with.
“I’ve watched Pirates before,” I answer with a smirk. “I wasn’t always a babysitter. But this kind of insincere answer is why I need a little magic. Tell me which option you’d really enjoy the most. Just the truth.”
The sharpness in my voice takes you by surprise, and your first response is a wordless syllable like when you first woke up, no thoughts and no meaning until you understand the situation.
“See, isn’t it easier when you’re honest with your feelings?” I’m almost laughing now. “And for cooperating so easily, I’ll give you the choice. Number one or number two. Or would you prefer both? Just the truth.”
Again, that pointed tone in the question, demanding a response before you could even ask what the options are. You hear the sound of your own voice, but if there is a word in there you don’t know what it is.
“Good girl. So let’s make this happen, shall we?” I turn around and you notice that your pendant is in my hand now, casting a little maze of rainbows against the wall as it swings in the sunlight. You don’t know when I took it, but it’s such a surprise that you find yourself staring at the crystal, wondering if it’s really the same one, taking in every detail of the facets with such care that you don’t need to remember the words I’m saying. It’s a beautiful crystal, though, with brilliant colours but also familiar and comforting. And you know you’re going to enjoy this week as much as you always do.













