Chapter 4
Natalie
I had almost finished my first week of work.
I was getting ready to leave for my weekend off, the first two days I would be able to get away from Sam and his life. I was looking forward to the break, I needed it. I packed a bag and ordered a cab to take me to my apartment. I wanted to grab the first bus to Cape Cod. I hadn’t seen my family in weeks, and I was looking forward to visiting them.
As soon as I came down the stairs, I heard Ethan screaming. It sounded like he was having full-blown tantrum. I ran into the kitchen and found him in his seat, bashing his little fists on the counter while shaking his head and making high-pitched screams. Sam was standing on the other side of the table, looking bewildered.
“I just gave him his toast and he started going…” He shrugged. “Completely berserk!” He stared at me. “He has toast for breakfast, doesn’t he?”
I looked at Ethan’s plate and saw that the slices of bread were burnt slightly, not a lot, but darker than he liked. I took the plate away and stood behind Ethan, stroking his arms, and talking gently to him.
“It’s okay, Ethan, it’s okay. I’ll make the toast you like.” As soon as he had calmed down a bit, I wrapped my arms around him and held him tightly. He thrashed about a bit but after a few minutes, he stopped moving so wildly.
I popped more bread in the toaster and watched carefully, taking it out when it was barely brown. Then I buttered it slightly and cut it into triangles. He took a slice, and I could see Sam relaxing.
“His mother was supposed to pick him up, but she’s late. As usual!” He was angry.
“We’ll wait outside,” I said.
“Outside? But it’s freezing!”
I lifted Ethan out of his chair and went to get his coat.
“It distracts him,” I said in a low voice so only Sam could hear.
We went round to the back garden, with the beautifully mowed lawn and the hydrangeas flowering in large stone pots next to a stone path. It was early summer, and they were coming into bloom, a lovely blue color. We walked down to the trees, and I pointed out the birch trees to Ethan. I let him feel the bark, the rough texture and saw him staring in rapt attention at the foliage. He still wasn’t speaking much, and I knew this was an issue for Sam. I had told him to be patient, but patience had never been one of Sam’s qualities. He thought Ethan needed all kinds of art and music classes, but he was being overstimulated in my opinion. Ethan needed calm and steady routines more than anything.
I let him play with the leaves and we watched a caterpillar slowly making its way along a fallen leaf. I picked it up and let Ethan touch it. He was completely calm now and engrossed in studying nature. I looked up towards the house. It was barely visible between the trees. The grounds were so large, and I wondered how big this property was. The place must have cost a fortune. I knew Sam had done well for himself, but this place was really something. I sat down on the ground and leaned back against one of the tree trunks. I closed my eyes and listened to the leaves rustling, trying to identify some of the birds I could hear. Ethan had sat down too and was playing with some sticks and leaves.
After a few minutes, I heard footsteps and looked up to see a woman coming towards us. She was very skinny, and well-dressed in tight jeans and boots, a long camel coat. Her hair was a trendy ash blonde and fell to her shoulders straight and smooth. Her make-up was flawless and when she reached us, she smiled.
“Hello there, so sorry I’m late! Are you the new nanny?” She stretched out her hand, “I’m Skye, Ethan’s mom.”
I shook her hand and introduced myself.
She turned towards Ethan, who had not acknowledged her yet.
“Sam said something about him having a rough morning?” She glanced nervously at me. “Do you think he’s okay to come with me?”
She was very pretty, I thought. Her eyes were a bright blue, and her features delicate and fine. But I sensed a brittleness to her and could not imagine her being married to Sam.
I walked to Ethan and kneeled to get to his level.
“Ethan, your mom’s here.”
I spoke softly but clearly. “Don’t you want to say hi?”
He looked towards her and dutifully said, “Hi.”
Then he turned back to play with his leaves.
I went over to stand with Skye. “I wanted to take him to a petting zoo,” Skye said uncertainly. “We’ve been there before. There are ponies there. He liked them before.”
I smiled at her. “I’m sure he’ll love that.”
“Did you hear that, Ethan? Your mom’s taking you to see the ponies!”