The Pet Sitter

It was a warm June day as Sarah packed the last couple of bags into the trunk of her car. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and moved her black hair from her face as she finished loading. After closing the trunk, the blue-eyed girl would climb into her decade old car and smile as it started with no issues, Today was going to be a good day, she thought as she pulled out of the parking spot at her apartment. She had just scored a well-paying job for the summer that would pay tuition for her last year of university that didn’t involve selling her body. Sarah had struggled to make ends meat as she worked to offset the cost of college, working as much as she could as well as go to school full time. She had thought about taking the year off school to focus on saving money to pay her bills and had already spoken to her counselor about exploring that path but with this job she wouldn’t have to. She had to remind herself to send an email saying that she would be continuing her classes this fall but she had a month to do so, this would just be a vacation for her.

The job was taking care of some 18-year-old brat who had angered her parents. Sarah learned after interviewing with the parents, the Masons, that they would be leaving the country for at least thirty days for business overseas. Their daughter Chelsea Mason had barely graduated from her prestigious private school and had no college applications out nor any job prospects. They had given her the summer to decide whether to attend college or work for her father’s business. ‘Lucky brat’ Sarah thought as she drove. The brat's parents would pay for her entire education, but she chose to be a lazy good for nothing. Sarah had no respect for people like that, coming from a family of good for nothings which is why she attended a college as far from them as possible. It was during that thought where she turned off onto the interchange to the highway that would take her to the Mason’s home.

Sarah drove down the highway now more focused since the exit towards the home was easy to miss since it was in the middle of nowhere. On her first visit to the home, she was almost late after missing the exit and backtracking several miles before finding the road again. The area was full of large homes on large multi-acre properties where trees prevented neighbors from seeing or hearing each other. She had wondered what the Masons did to afford to live like this only being vaguely told that Edith Mason was a fashion designer and Nathaniel Mason worked for an international shipping company. Sarah just assumed they had already come from money, she had already written them off as people of privilege as they could afford to send their child to a fancy school and the influence to get her an easy job for her father’s company and still make more than Sarah. She didn’t have time to be annoyed at the thought, as she almost missed her exit. 

She felt at odds in the fancy area, passing private security patrols and definitely feeling out of place. She was glad that she found the paved private road that went towards the Mason estate. As she drove on she looked back down the twisting road and could no longer see the main street anymore, she really was in the middle of nowhere. Part of her felt that she was entering some sort of trap, that the Masons were some rich psychopaths who planned on murdering her on her first night. Thankfully, after several interviews she felt she could trust the couple, though she had yet to meet their daughter. She had barricaded herself in her room after her parents informed her that she would be watched over by a caretaker during her parents’ trip. Sarah could understand how she felt, having complete freedom with her parents gone and to find out that she effectively had a babysitter, Sarah would have been upset too. 

Her squeaky brakes were loud as she stopped in front of the home, parking behind the parents Porsche on the curved driveway. ‘Well, I’m here.” She thought to herself. She got up and grabbed her backpack, duffel bag, and suitcase before heading to the front door. She pressed the doorbell and waited there looking up at the large two-story home. What it lacked in height, it definitely made up for in width as she couldn’t see where the corners of the home were. She stood at the doorway dressed conservatively with blue dress pants and a white blouse, trying to look professional on her first day. She had to find loose fitting pants to hide her round butt knowing an oogling husband could lead to a bad situation. The same went with her blouse which helped a little in hiding her full D cup breasts, she knew she should have worn her blazer, but it was too warm today. Finally, the door opened and Mrs. Mason stood there with a warm smile on her face, “Welcome Sarah. I hope you found the place okay. I know it’s a little confusing at first.” She looked at her bags, “Here, let me help.” Taking the girl’s duffel bag as they both walked into the luxurious home.

Sarah followed Mrs. Mason into the house, always surprised to see how spacious it was inside. She had been led into the parlor where Mrs. Mason turned around, “So Sarah, how has school been? I know you’re close to finishing.” Sarah sighed, “It’s been rough. Classes are steadily getting more difficult but I’m getting used to it. I can’t wait to finish.” Mrs. Mason smiled, “I’m so glad you’re pushing through the difficulties. I wish I could get my daughter to do something like that, but it seems all she wants is to sit in her room all day on the computer.” The woman shook her head a moment but looked up at Sarah and smiled again, “Anyway, let’s get you to your room.”

The two women walked through the house to the staircase then went up to the second floor where the family bedrooms were located with several guest bedrooms. They walked down the hallway to the last door on the right where Mrs. Mason opened it and led Sarah inside. Her eyes went wide as she saw the room, it was massive, at least twice the size of her tiny apartment. “Wow, this is amazing.” The girl spun around to see the whole room, “It’s so luxurious. Are you sure this is a guest bedroom.” The older woman smiled, “Of course. It’s our largest one. We want you to be comfortable during your stay here. Why don’t you take a few minutes to settle in and meet me downstairs. We’re planning on heading out within the hour and we'd like you to meet Chelsea before we go.” She placed Sarah’s bag down on the bed and went for the door, gently closing it behind her.

Sarah sat on the soft bed for a moment just thinking about how good she had it right now. Her room was huge and comfortable, she looked forward to her first night here. The comfy bed, the soft sheets, the quiet countryside, this month would be the first good rest she had in a long time. She spent the next few minutes unpacking a few things before grabbing her phone and heading downstairs. Walking down the hallway she saw the closed doors, one with a sign hanging that read, “Chelsea’s Room. Keep out or else.” Sarah snorted, “What a child.” She said to herself quietly. Once down in the parlor again she saw Mr. Mason moving suitcases towards the front door looking up as she walked in, “Sarah! Welcome. I hope you like your room, it’s the nicest we have. Please enjoy it while you stay here.” Sarah looked at the man, he was in his early forties but looked great, having a mix of college professor with his salt and pepper beard mixed with a movie star look. She nervously smiled knowing that if he were to flirt or come on to her, she could not hold herself back. Luckily Mrs. Mason came back to break the tension. “Are we almost ready honey? I told Chelsea to come downstairs to meet her caretaker before we leave.”

A moment later, soft steps could be heard coming down the stairs and soon a short dirty blond haired eighteen-year-old Chelsea walked into the parlor. She didn’t say anything, just standing next to her father only glancing at Sarah a couple of times. The time Sarah caught her gaze she could see a mix of shyness but also fury. She could understand why she’d be upset but she’d had to deal with it, the brat would have to accept living with a glorified babysitter for the next month. Mrs. Mason spoke first, “Here’s our daughter, Chelsea. Sweety, say hi to Sarah.” Chelsea gave a short sarcastic wave to Sarah and at the same time rolled her eyes. “She’s actually a sweet girl when you get to know her. I’m sure you two will be close friends before we get home.” The teen made a gagging noise to show how she felt about that. Her father cut in, “Sweetheart, try to be a little respectful.” The teen looked at her father, “Yes daddy.” She said in a half sarcastic tone. Her mother continued, “Anyway, the main rules for her are, she can’t leave the house without you, have friends over, and has no access to any of our accounts. The credit card we left you will be enough to cover the two of you for the next month.” Chelsea looked even more pissed now but chose to remain quiet for now.

With the awkward conversation over, the couple began to move their luggage to the front door where their driver was already waiting outside. He quickly and efficiently packed their suitcases in the luxury town car and held the door open for Mrs. Mason. She had given Chelsea a hug, “I’ll be home soon sweety. Try to get along while we’re gone.” She gave Sarah a hug as well, “Try to go easy with her, she’s strong but a little hardheaded. She’s much smarter than she lets on. Take care.” She let go and got into the car. Mr. Mason gave Chelsea a big hug, whispering something in her ear before approaching Sarah. He shook her hand, “Good luck. I told her to be at her best behavior, or to at least pretend to behave. Text or call us anytime if you have any questions or concerns.” He let go of her hand and climbed into the car. The driver quickly got into the driver’s seat and the car would soon accelerate down the driveway then to the private road, it took less than a minute before it was out of sight. Sarah and Chelsea were all alone now. 

A couple of hours later, Sarah had changed into a comfortable pair of gym shorts and a plain T-shirt. She was glad to finally get rid of the formal attire and finally get to relax in her home for the next month. She was making some dinner for her and Chelsea while checking her phone. There were no messages since she told everyone that she’d be busy working for the summer and telling her family that she would be in summer school. She wanted to be left alone and this job would give her that. She warmed up some chicken and veggies, all pre-prepared by Mrs. Mason who made a week’s worth of food that just needed to be warmed up. This job was too easy, maybe she would tackle disciplining Chelsea sooner than later. The teen showed her no respect and she needed to rectify that, having a few plans to get the rich brat to get used to her being in charge. She walked upstairs to Chelsea’s room and gave the door a solid knock, “Hey, dinner’s ready if you’re hungry.” She expected to be ignored but a moment later the door opened, and the teen dressed in sweatpants and a tank top stared at her, “Give me a minute. I’ll be down.” She showed none of that sarcastic tone from earlier, maybe her father had really got it into her head to be good.

Sarah was setting the table when Chelsea came downstairs, she wanted to see how helpful she could be, “Hey, could you get a couple of glasses and some juice for us. I’d really appreciate it.” Chelsea looked at her, “Yeah sure, whatever.” Then went back through the door into the kitchen. Sarah had everything ready and sat at the table waiting for Chelsea to return. A minute later, the teen would return with the full cups and place one in front of Sarah and one on her side, “I prefer water.” Gesturing to her clear drink while Sarah had what looked like fruit punch. She just shrugged, “That’s fine. I appreciate the help.” The other girl sat down on the opposite side of the table and began to eat.

They would eat in silence for the next few minutes until Sarah finally broke the ice, “So, what do you do for fun?” No answer, “Um, any plans for what you want to do now that you’ve graduated?” No answer again. Sarah sighed, she guessed it was time to lay out the ground rules for the house. “Well, your parents already told you that you have to stay home and not have friends over. I don’t plan on letting you break that rule but if you’re good and help me around the house, I’ll give you an allowance from the credit card your parents left. It won’t be as much as you’re used to but it will be better than nothing. Also, if you don’t give me trouble this week then I’ll take you anywhere in town you’d like to go. How does that sound?” She looked at Chelsea who continued to eat in silence. 

Suddenly her face started to look blurry. ‘What the hell?’ Sarah thought. She shook her head and took another drink of her juice. It was getting worse, and she tried to get up off her chair but immediately collapsed to the floor. Her body felt heavy and unresponsive which scared her. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Chelsea walk up. Sarah tried to ask for help, “C-c-c-all…..ni-ni-ni-ne……” The girl squat down next to her, “You thought you could come into my house and tell me what to do bitch. I think you need to know your place. Now close your eyes and sleep. When you wake up, you’re training begins.” Sarah couldn’t make sense of what she was saying, what was going on? She didn’t have time to dwell on it as her vision faded to black.