Looking back: SVD 10

Charles woke up bright and early.

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He wanted to know how his trees fared. SIGH Most of the fruit was gone. Charles pondered this particular problem while he paid bills.

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Fiona called during breakfast, asking about toddler books … mainly the Toddler Simstein series. Charles let her know that while they might be entertaining, the company claims of increasing intelligence and improving learning ability hasn’t been proven. Then he asks if she’s heard anything about trees being tampered with. Fiona hasn’t but will keep an eye out and let him know.

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He decides to take a drive around town and see if he spots anything suspicious or unusual. As he is passing the beach … something catches his eye and he pulls over to take a closer look.

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Someone has put up a lemonade stand. Hmm … the coincidence of this not being related to his fruit trees seems pretty slim.

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Charles introduces himself, figuring he could advertise his daycare services while finding out about the stand but it doesn’t go well. Becky Baker is instantly on the defensive. Could it be overprotectiveness or something else?

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When mentioning his missing fruit, she seems to be more upset than one expects a stranger to be. Could she know something? Charles carefully continues the conversation and Becky’s story tumbles out of her lips …

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She and her son, Topher, moved in with her parents and things seemed okay at first. There was a little tension, but she thought it might be caused by a rambunctious toddler living with two retired grandparents. The truth came to light after they passed. Their home was mortgaged to the hilt and between the medical bills as well as caring for two extra mouths, their life’s savings wasn’t enough to stop the bank from foreclosing on their home. This left Becky and her son without a roof over their heads.

They slept on friends’ couches and she did what she could to earn a little money but it just wasn’t enough for her to find a place to call their own. Nor was it enough to enroll him in daycare so she could work a regular job. She took the fruit, hoping to make money selling lemonade and freshly baked treats while caring for her son.

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This confession pulled on Charles’ heartstrings as he pondered what he should say.

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Becky told him she would face whatever consequences her actions caused but he let her know that he had no plans on calling the police when they could work things out between themselves.

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“You need a job and I need an assistant!” “A what?” “Please come with me and I will explain all.” Becky looked into Charles’ eyes and saw intelligence plus kindness. With a nod, she went with him to listen to what he had to say.

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As soon as they sat down, Charles’ phone rang. “Excuse me for a moment.” He listened to the caller and politely declined before ending the call and putting his phone away. “Now where were we?”

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He explained the duties, emphasizing the importance of being attentive and loving, before telling her to take time to think it over and let him know once she made a decision.

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Becky stood up and tried to return the leftover fruit but Charles declined accepting it. “But why? It’s yours after all.” “I know it is but it feels odd taking it back when I know your need is greater than mine.” Becky thanks him and humbly apologizes for all the trouble she has caused.

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Charles accepts her apology AND Becky accepts the job!

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Before he excuses himself, Charles encourages her to look around the facility and have a meal. “There’s plenty! More than I could eat.” Charles eats a salad and they chat further while she’s bouncing Topher on her hips.

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She walks around and smiles while looking over the backyard, knowing her son will enjoy playing there. Becky is also impressed by the toddler bathroom.

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As Becky is trying to steel herself for leaving to go seek out yet another couch, Charles surprises both her and himself with his next offer. “I have additional bedrooms that aren’t being used. You’re welcome to stay there for the time being.” A job plus room and board! Becky feels like she’s dreaming and pinches herself. OUCH!

He leads them upstairs and points out the two bedrooms as well as the second bathroom before heading to his room after saying good night. Charles tries to read before bed but seems unable to focus on the words as he’s listens to the sounds around him.

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splish splash “Bubbles! Whee!” splish splash
Becky bathes Topher and readies him for bed, thankful for being able to put him to sleep in such a safe & cheerful room.

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She cleans up the kitchen and takes out the trash before readying herself for bed.

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Charles falls asleep, confident in his handling of the situation.

Let’s see how Charles fares in SV Daycare 12