He sat very still on the distant bookcase looking down at me the stranger in his territory. With piercing green eyes and his display of noticeable reserve, he was obviously just tolerating my presence. His black coat made him look royal . So we just decided to avoid each other.
As we played, he just stared as if standing on guard for the child.. This was my first babysitting job. I about sixteen years of age was very proud of my new position. And was indifferent to the presence of the cat. Even more so, was he of me.
Evan was a delightful child ; tousled blond hair and about three years of age . He loved playing with games that shot balls high into the air. And then after that wore off, he liked building with Alphabet blocks and built them until they were about three feet high. Soon after, they would come tumbling down. Evan would roll on the floor laughing . Well , as you can imagine his laughter was contagious for everyone, but his cat. He looked intently on our play arena and then decided to disappear. Which was just fine with me. Thankfully, when his throne like position; gave way to his stalking pace , I was all too glad to see leave , as his attitude just made me uncomfortable. No way, did I want to befriend him, not with an attitude like that ! .
"He loves you," the Mom said to me, as we smiled at her little tousled blond headed boy. But certainly, not, his cat I thought. Soon I found myself baby sitting for Evan many times during the summer months. Aregular now, so the cat just has to get used to me or did he ? I wondered. There he was again , sitting on his throne, as if fixed in a permanent place. Very much like the ceramic imitations seen on the shelves of home decorating stores.
Evan greeted me at the door and as the parents left for their night out. I was determined to avoid eye contact with him, the cat that is, the cat who again hovered in silence over the room.
As we played. The black cat watched. This time we danced around to a musical CD with Nursery Rhymes. Evan bubbled with delight especially when we sang and danced to "Ring Around The Rosie " when we got to the " all fall down " part. We laughed as we both fell to the floor. In my peripheral vision, the black cat caught my eye, this time he was licking his paw. Not much caring about our frolicking.
"Whats your cat's name ? " I asked Evan. " Nero" he said with a smile on his face. Following his path to the pedestal . Where Evan reached out to pet him. As he lovingly pet his head ,Nero met his eyes. I debated if I should reach out and do the same. With some reluctance, I tried to pet him, but he quickly left the scene. With one great pounce he left the room.. So he doesn't like me "so what" I thought to myself. " I don't care" I said to myself. However, deep down inside there was hurt from his rejection.
Our distant relationship continued , I mean the one with Nero the cat. When Evan's energy ran out it was soon replaced by sleepy eyes , calm cuddles lead to his bedtime. I tucked him in , and even remembered his favorite blanket. Then returned to the living room. Picked up all the toys that we had left scattered about. Then returned them to his bright red toy box. Then, doing my usual flop on the couch. Picking up my favorite teen magazine advertising the newest look I thought. "Now only if I were allowed to wear make up, I know I could look like this. " was a thought to myself.
With a start that made me jump up from my seat, Nero, leaped on my shoulder. Scaring me, half to death and making me feel as if I was just attacked. He disappeared quickly, and I sat fearing he'd do it again. " Why can't he just walk over to see me ?" " Like everyone else ! " a passing thought...liking him even less than I did before.
My first teen novel quickly distracted me from my trauma with Nero. Intently focused on how Mary stole Jessica's boyfriend. And how Alex lied about Mary and what they did and didn't do. Slow moving warmth crossed over my feet and brushed across my legs. It was Nero, reaching out to me. Hi Nero, I gently pet him this time and he didn't run away. " Gosh your soft" and a thought that one couldn't help but admire his beautiful green eyes. Is he saying hello to me or maybe even saying that he is sorry that he scared me to death ? Was my fleeting thought.
The next time I sat for Evan. Nero wasn't in his usual place. This time I missed his presence in the room. However, Evan was happy to see me as he gave his parents a casual good bye. " Where's Nero " I asked Evan. Who's response was a little shrug of his shoulders. Not seeming to care. Our playtime began.
As summer passed , so did my babysitting days. As soon my hectic school schedule would begin. . On my last evening with Evan. The time went by quickly as I read to him some of his favorite stories. He never grew tired of them. So lucky for me , I almost had all of them memorized by the time summer was over. While tucking him in, we said our goodbyes. With promises to come by for a visit now and then. His sleepy smile showed he was pleased , however, I knowing that I would be missing him.
Shortly after leaving Evan's room. Nero showed up on his throne. Surprised that he wasn't sitting closer. But not at all concerned this time. I quickly dove into my new novel. When the evening was over and Evan's parents and I were saying our goodbyes. Nero showed up at my feet and as he circled around and around my legs. Gently petting his sleek black coat , we heard him purr. Do you suppose he was saying goodbye ? "Goodbye Nero" Words from my lips, that left just a twinge. "So does this mean you like me ?" I said. " Yes, he likes you" Evan said standing in the doorway.