Jenny the babysitting

 “Dear Jenny,  
These are just a few rules, I am sorry I could’t be there to greet when you get there, but these are just a few rules/pointers I have for caring Samantha tonight.  
1.  She enjoys listening to classical musical so I made a playlist for you on the computer.  If she gets a little too rowdy this should calm her down. 
2.  Do not go too heavy on the sugary treats.  She will be up all night otherwise.  
3.  She usually goes to bed around ten but she might wake up once or twice during the night.  
Other than that have a great night and I will see you and Samantha tomorrow morning!  Thank you for doing this on such short notice and have a great night.  
             Sincerely, 
                                                             Mrs. Clarkson

P. S. I left your payment, plus a little extra, on the table.  If you need anything you have my cell number.  Help yourself to whatever is in the fridge.”

    Jenny set the note down back on the table and made her way to the living room.  Jenny was not new to the babysitting scene but this one was a bit unorthodox compared to her usual clientele.  The blonde girl made her way to the couch and sat down on the plush leather.  Dressed in a simple pair of gray sweat pants and black tank top, Jenny made herself quite comfortable as she reached for the remote and turned on the television. “Ready for a fun night?” Jenny asked with a smile.  She felt a gentle nudge at her ribs.  

    Samantha was not a young girl, a toddler or even an infant; Samantha was actually four weeks from her due date.  Jenny was a unique kind of babysitter that specialized in temporary surrogacy.  Her rules were simple; nothing later than six weeks from the due date and nothing longer than twenty four hours of carrying.  Tonight however was an exception.  Mrs. Clarkson was a dear friend of Jenny’s family and she needed to fly out of state temporarily for a family emergency.  So Jenny agreed to watch Samantha for a night.  

    Jenny sank into the couch and smiled to herself.  She glanced down at her new, maternal figure.  She peeled back the overstretched tank top and looked down at her burgeoning belly.  Her normally slender waistline has bulged out to a round, baby belly.  
“Your mom failed to inform me on just how big you were,” she remarked as she felt Samantha wedged her heel underneath Jenny’s ribs.  She ignored the kick and quickly immersed in the television; unknowingly placing a hand on her belly. 

    “Oof!” Jenny remarked as a knee pressed against her side and remained there.  She pushed back against the hard bulge but Samantha refused to move.  “Well I was wondering when your antics were going to start.”  The unborn girl continued to stretch and move about despite Jenny’s minor protest and pokes.  Jenny awkwardly made it to her feet as she waddled to the kitchen.  She opened the fridge and greeted with a plethora of food items.  She scanned the interior for a moment, internally debating what she would like.  She opened the freezer door and instantly any doubts or questions were silenced.  

    Jenny’s eyes fell on a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream; the world seemed to stand still for a moment.  Jenny had never wanted mint chocolate chip ice cream so badly in her life.  The world would not be right until she satisfied the craving that was quickly building within her.  The babysitter seized the container of ice cream and quickly shut the door.  Jenny did not even bother with a bowl as she quickly scoured the drawers for a spoon.  Her quest victorious, she waddled back to the couch.  She flopped back onto the couch and tore the lid free and quickly carved a mouthful out with her spoon.  

    Jenny closed her eyes and sighed in content as her craving was at last satisfied.  “You like that Samantha?” she asked her belly.  An elbow nudged her side in reply.  Jenny chuckled as she set the container down on the curve of her belly and quickly took another bite.  “You have good taste,” she said through the mouthful.  Soon Samantha’s kicks were not so gentle and subtle; the sugar was doing its work.  

******* 

    Jenny awoke and rubbed her eyes.  The empty carton sat on the ground next to her with the spoon lying beside it.  She quickly fumbled for her phone; no messages or missed calls.  She was once again greeted by Samantha’s kicks again.  

    “I think it is time we got you to bed Samantha,” Jenny remarked as she felt the baby roll about inside her.  Jenny managed to roll herself upright onto the couch before standing up with a huff.  The expectant babysitter slowly waddled from the living room, groggy and tired from the ice cream, and made her way to the laptop.  Jenny opened the computer and quickly opened iTunes; thank goodness for easy setups.  She opened the playlist as she fumbled with the slightly tangled headphones before pressing the attachable buds to the front of her swollen belly.  She rubbed her swollen sides as Samantha kicked about.  “I know Samantha, I’m not too happy about moving either,” she murmured as she clicked play.  

    Mrs. Clarkson’s unborn daughter continued to roll about, pushing and kicking about inside Jenny’s belly.  The babysitter rubbed her sides slowly as the rambunctious showed no signs of slowing down.  As the music progressed Samantha’s movements became sluggish; the music soothed the tiny beast.  Jenny breathed a sigh of relief as she glanced down at her belly.  Samantha had grown dormant and now rested peacefully inside Jenny’s belly.
“Good girl,” she cooed as she let the playlist continue.  She cradled her swollen belly as she gently rocked from side to side in the chair to ensure Samantha was lulled into a deep sleep