A Safe Place
Date Published: January 6, 2023, 3:10am
Written By: safeandhappy
A Safe Place
Daycare
“I can’t believe you’re making do this,” Valerie said upset. Her voice hinted at frustrated tears since she couldn’t get through to her mother.
“I’ve thought this through and I would be much more comfortable if you went,” Laura stated calmly.
“To daycare!? Daycare, mom!” Valerie raised her voice.
“I know it seems like a step back but I just want you to be safe. I can’t worry about you all day, every day,” Laura expressed concerned. She knew ahead of time Valerie would have difficulty accepting reduced independence.
“I’m old enough to stay home alone, what do you think is going to happen? Do you think I’m going to stick a fork in an outlet? Burn the house down?” Valerie asked rhetorically.
“It’s not you. I trust you. But you know how this city is. Please know that I’m just trying to parent responsibly,” Laura said.
Valerie hesitated. Laura made a good point. Anyone with access to the newspaper could see that their city had a high crime rate. However, she resented her mother’s decision and stormed away upset.
“Please try and understand. We can talk about it more but my decision is final,” Laura called to Valerie.
Valerie entered her room and closed the door behind her. She lied on her bed and planted her face in her pillow.Daycare. The thought of the word humiliated her.How long has it been? Three years? I’m going to be the oldest one there by far. What will all those little babies think? Why did Stacy have to get a job?
Stacy was Valerie’s older sister. The last few years Valerie could stay home because Stacy was there. This year Stacy got a summer job and wouldn’t be home during the day. She had looked forward to more responsibility this year but was devastated by Laura’s revelation.Daycare!She sulked. Her eyes welled up. She cried for a few minutes when came a knock on her door.
Laura opened the door and stepped inside. She walked to the bed and sat on the edge. She put a comforting hand on Valerie’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry I yelled,” Valerie said.
“It’s alright, Valerie,” Laura said. “I just hope you can accept that this is for the best.”
“What if I called you to check in every day?” Valerie asked.
“I don’t want to take any chances,” Laura explained.
“You could ask one of the neighbors to keep an eye on me,” Valerie pleaded.
“Valerie, it’s my final decision. I already called and spoke with Amanda. She’ll be expecting you on Monday,” Laura said.
“Amanda still works there?” Valerie asked. Her tone told Laura that she liked the sound of that.
“Yes, she does, and she’s excited to see you again,” Laura smiled.
“Wow, Amanda,” Valerie said. “I haven’t seen her in forever. Well I guess it won’t be all bad. But I’m still mad at you.”
“Well, you’re allowed to be,” Laura said supportively. She rubbed Valerie’s back and then exited the room.
Valerie lied there for a moment and collected her thoughts. When she was ready she got out of bed and went to the living room.
“Hi, Valerie,” Stacy said. “Sorry to bail on you this summer.”
“You don’t have to apologize for that. I hope your new job goes well,” Valerie replied.
“Thanks, sister,” Stacy smiled.
They enjoyed family time and then everyone went to bed. In the morning, Valerie awoke looking forward to the last day of school. She decided she was too embarrassed to tell anyone that she had to go back to daycare.
After the final bell rang, Valerie found her best friend, Sarah, by the lockers.
“Summer vacation!” Sarah exclaimed.
Valerie didn’t share Sarah’s enthusiasm but tried to fake it. “I know, it’s gonna be so much fun,” she said.
“I can’t wait to hang out with you like every day,” Sarah said.
Valerie needed someone to bare her emotions to and she decided that she would trust Sarah. “Umm, yeah, I’m won’t be able to hang out as much this summer,” Valerie said.
“Why not?” Sarah asked disappointed.
“Walk with me please,” Valerie said. She led Sarah down the hallway to somewhere private. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Of course,” Sarah said. “What is it?”
“Do you remember when I told you that Stacy got a summer job?” Valerie asked.
“Yes.”
“My parents aren’t ready to let me stay at home alone so they’re… sorta… putting me in daycare,” Valerie admitted.
“Are you serious?” Sarah asked shocked.
“Yeah,” Valerie nodded. She blushed and looked at the floor. “Sorry I won’t be able to hang out with you as much.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” Sarah shook her head. “It is a bummer though.”
“My mom just likes to worry. She did say it’s not me, it’s the city,” Valerie said.
“Oh my god, did you hear about that armed robbery? It was really close to my house,” Sarah said.
“Yeah, I heard,” Valerie nodded.
“What am I gonna do without you?” Sarah asked.
“Hopefully we can still hang out on weekends,” Valerie said.
“Maybe your mom will let you get out of daycare sometimes and you can hang out at my place?” Sarah asked.
“I can ask, but I doubt it,” Valerie replied.
“Well, at least we will have the weekends,” Sarah encouraged.
“Promise not tell anyone about daycare?” she asked.
“I promise,” Sarah nodded.
“Thanks, Sarah,” Valerie put her arms out for a hug. “It feels really good to have someone to confide in.”
“Awe, you’re welcome. Thanks for trusting me,” Sarah responded.
“Of course,” Valerie said.
They walked outside and found their mothers waiting to pick them up. Valerie enjoyed the weekend as much as possible. She spent plenty of time with Sarah. She was still nervous when Monday rolled around.Well, here goes. No use fighting it now. I’m glad mom cares about me but this seems excessive. What are the younger children gonna think? At least I’ll get to see Amanda again. I always liked her.Valerie walked down for breakfast.
“Good morning,” Laura said gently.
“Good morning,” Valerie responded.
“I made your favorite, homemade waffles,” Laura said.
To Valerie, this was a measly attempt at diplomacy but waffles were exceedingly enjoyable so she gave Laura a smile.
Valerie got dressed for the day. She walked to the car and they drove off. She stared out the window counting the blocks. She tried to ignore how nervous she felt. When she saw the daycare she felt a mix of nostalgia and heartbreak.I’m gonna be so nervous just walking in. The children will probably think I have a younger sibling that goes there. How will they react when they find out I’m an attendant?
Valerie’s mom parked in the lot and they got out. Valerie looked around to see what looked the same and what had changed. Memories flooded back as she took it all in. She looked at the sign that read ‘Rainbow Daycare Center’.
They entered the front door and were greeted by Amanda. “Hi, Valerie, welcome back,” she smiled.
“Hi, Amanda, good to see you again,” Valerie sounded suppressed.
“Valerie was a little reluctant to come back since she is a little older now, but she is being very brave,” Laura explained.
“I understand. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. If it means anything I’m very excited that you will be joining us,” Amanda said. She hugged Valerie.
“You can head on in if you want. I need to go over some paperwork with your mom,” Amanda said positively.
Laura hugged Valerie goodbye. “Thank you, Valerie, I love you,” she said sincerely.
“Yeah, no problem,” Valerie said quietly. “I love you too.” She walked to the shoe cubbies and took her shoes off. She placed them in an open slot. She walked through the play area and looked around reminiscing. She was too nervous to make eye contact with anyone. She found a chair that was too small for her and sat down. She stared down at the ground and felt nervous and insecure. After a few minutes she noticed someone sit next to her. She was too afraid to look up.
“Hi, Valerie. It’s good to see you again,” a girl’s voice said.
Valerie recognized the voice but couldn’t put a name to it. She looked up at the girl and then she remembered. “Natalie!” she exclaimed. “Oh my god, I never thought I’d see you here. I can hardly believe it.” She stood up and hugged Natalie.
“Yep, I’m still here,” Natalie laughed. She gave Valerie a tight squeeze.
“This whole time?” Valerie asked.
“Mm-hmm,” Natalie nodded. “After you left I watched all of our friends leave one by one until no one here was within two years of my age.”
“Your parents still don’t trust you to stay home alone?” Valerie asked.
Natalie shook her head. “I’ve asked them but my mom just says, ‘we’ll see later on.’ I get that she wants to protect me but she’s gonna have to let me have some freedom eventually. It feels like she still thinks I’m eight or something.”
“Tell me about it. Stacy got a job and my mom doesn’t want to worry about me so here I am. She sprung it on me last Thursday.”
“Amanda told me you were coming back. I know it’s a drag but I’m so excited to have someone my own age here,” Natalie said excited.
“Totally,” Valerie said relieved. “I’m so glad you’re still here. No offense.”
“Hehe,” Natalie laughed.
“What a blast from the past,” Valerie and Natalie held eye contact for a moment.
“I’m glad to see you two getting re-acquainted,” Amanda smiled.
“I’m surprised. Suddenly I’m feeling a lot less bummed out,” Valerie smiled.
“There’s that smile,” Amanda grinned. “I think this is gonna be great.” They shared a silent, positive moment. “Well if you need anything let me know,” Amanda said. “For Natalie’s sake we have games and toys for older children. Natalie, will you show her around for me?”
“Of course, Miss Amanda,” Natalie said politely.
Valerie’s eyes grew wide. “Miss Amanda…, that’s what I used to call you!”
Amanda smiled brightly.
“What a trip,” Valerie said delighted.
“I’m glad you’re coming around. We’ll go at your pace,” Amanda said.
“Come on, Valerie,” Natalie said.
“Sure,” Valerie said.
They walked around and Natalie pointed out things that changed. Valerie would chime in when nostalgia got the better of her and she had to talk about something. They arrived where toys and games were stored.
“These activity books are fun. They’re pretty challenging. There’s a scrabble board, but I don’t play with anyone besides Miss Amanda, and she’s usually too busy. I think we have an Uno deck somewhere,” Natalie said.
“Cool, I’d love to play Scrabble with you,” Valerie said.
“Yeah?” Natalie smiled.
“Yeah,” Valerie said. “Do you want to play it right now?”
“Sure,” Natalie nodded. She grabbed the box and started setting up.
They played a round which Natalie won. They did activity books for a while and eventually got called to lunch. Natalie and Valerie sat at a table together. When they finished eating they bused their plates and silver wear. Then they went outside for recess.
Valerie’s fears had mostly subsided. There was still some lingering nervousness but it was manageable.
“Remember we always used to lose barrettes and toy rings and stuff in that sand box.” Natalie pointed.
“Yeah, I remember that,” Valerie smiled widely. “And remember the time I fell off those monkey bars and bled all over the place.”
“Eww, that was so gross,” Natalie said giggling.
“I have so many memories here, I can’t believe how much is coming back to me,” Valerie said astounded.
Valerie felt like a young child again as they ran around and played. After a while Valerie heard her name being called. She looked up to see Sarah looking in from outside the fence.
“Sarah!” Valerie exclaimed as she ran over.
“Hey, Valerie, you seem to be doing much better,” Sarah said.
“I really am. Sarah, this is Natalie. She’s a friend from when I used to go here. Natalie, this is my best friend from school, Sarah,” Valerie said.
“Hi, Sarah,” Natalie said.
“Hi, Natalie. So what’s your story? Your parents must be even more over-protective than Valerie’s,” Sarah said.
“I suppose so. I even ride the bus here after school. It’s pretty much my second home,” Natalie said.
The three girls chatted for a bit. Natalie and Sarah got to know each other. Before long, one of the workers called everyone back inside.
“Natalie, real quick, when do you come outside to play?” Sarah asked.
“12:45 to 1:45,” Natalie said without hesitation.
“Alright, I’ll hopefully see you two tomorrow then,” Sarah smiled. “Looks like we found a way to hang out after all, huh, Valerie?”
“Thank you so much, Sarah. I wish you could come in and play with us,” Valerie said.
“Me too. Well, see you,” Sarah said.
“Bye,” Natalie said.
“Bye,” Valerie said.