The housekeeper had obviously dealt with Bowena before and knew the latter liked to pick on faults even when there were none. Without explaining, she turned off the television and rose from the couch, saying, "Willow's already asleep "
Rowena burned and made her way to Willow's room after that.
Willow was an angel at bedtime and got into bed at 9:00 pm sharp every night. Tonight was no different.
After pulling the blanket over her, she gazed up at me and said, "Mommy, I don't want another princess story."
I blinked in surprise. "Why not?" She used to adore beautiful and delicately made–up princesses.
"The princesses in those fairytales are always waiting for someone to save them." Willow had realized today that waiting for others to rescue her meant she had to suffer in silence for a while. She couldn't even express her frustration and anger until somebody asked her about in.
But things would be different if she learned martial arts. She could live fearlessly and stand up for herself.
She continued, "And I think it's weak of them. I don't like it."
I was shocked. It took me over 20 years, during which time I had endured my fair share of hardship, to learn such lessons. And yet, my⠀⠀ five–year–old daughter understood then.
I stared at her chubby cheeks. Relieved, I bent to kiss her forehead and said, "All right." I set the book of fairytales aside and picked up a book on life lessons for children. After that, I began to read to her.
Just then, loud knocks sounded from the door.
Willow frowned and said, "That must be Grandma "Rowena was the only person in the family who knocked like that.
She might not like Rowena, but she got out of bed to open the door anyway.
"Stay put," I said, patting Willow. "I'll get the door."
Willow obediently pulled the blanket over her but could not fall asleep,
I opened the bedroom door to reveal Rowena. "Do you need Willow for something?" I asked courteously.
Rowena assessed me warily. "Who are you? Why are you in my son's house?"
I chose my words carefully. "I'm here to look after Willow "
The woman quirked her lips. "Oh, so you're a nanny."
I was technically "Mommy" to Willow, but my job was not all that different from a babysitter, so I didn't bother correcting her. Rowena grumbled, "I don't know what Zane is thinking, hiring two nannies for Willow. It's like he's got nothing better to spend his money on!" She looked at me and snapped, "I want to see my granddaughter. Step aside!"
This was the woman Willow hated. I couldn't let her through and risk affecting Willow's mood, nor did I intend to step aside.
Just as I was about to make up an excuse to turn her away, Zane's voice rang out. "Mom!"
I glanced in the direction of his voice and found Zane walking over to us, the lights bright above him. He had one hand in his pocket as he drawled, "Don't bother Willow while she's sleeping."
Rowena argued, "I'm her grandmother. Do I not have the right to see her?
"No," Zane bit out without hesitation.
Rowena glowered at him. "What did you just say?"
"I don't wish to repeat myself." Then, he warned darkly, "Leave before I run out of patience, Mom, or else."
scurried off.
Rowena bristled at his tone, but she thought about how he had so readily acted on his threat to cut her off and held her tongue. She then
I stared at Zane, but all he did was pat me on the shoulder as he said, call me. I'll take care of it."
"Go tuck Willow in. If you ever run into a situation like this just call me.