Jasmine

I punched the dismiss button on my phone and stretched lazily. I did not know what this day would bring from Gracie, but I was up for the challenge. So last night, I set up an alarm to wake up an hour earlier than her.

After taking a quick shower and doing my hair and makeup, I threw on a light green dress and headed downstairs. The fridge was stocked with a lot of food. I mean a lot. But I had seen what Gracie ate throughout the day, and I wanted to add a little change. Instead of the regular Lucky Charms on her schedule, I decided to make something different. After grabbing the pancake mix, I headed for the pots and pans.

''Geez, where do they keep those things?''

''What are you doing?''

''Woah!" I shrieked, frightened by Cole's mysterious entrance. I accidentally dropped the pan that I had managed to find before he scared the crap out of me.

I exhale out loud as he walks over to me, concern coloring his features. ''Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you.''

Don't look him in the eye. Don't look into those beautiful gray eyes.

All night. All freaking night. All I could think about were those gray eyes. They weren't really all the way gray. Kind of light, a mix of light blue and gray. But I needed to get a grip, and fast. This is a job. Nothing more.

Even as I told myself no, I couldn't resist staring as I answered, ''No, you're good. I just wanted to try something different and a little healthier. They're gluten free, of course, but I get it if you don't-''

''Jasmine, that's fine. I like that you're trying something new. I can't guarantee it will prevent Gracie from throwing things at you, but I have to go. Please, feel free to call if something happens or you need anything. I hope today's a better day. My number is on the dining room table and thank you again.'' He said, grabbing his gym bag and running out the front door.

''Okay, bye!'' I chirped as he walked out.

Not long after Cole left, the queen herself came wobbling down the stairs. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she sat down at the table and put her head down. Smiling at how adorable she was, I turned back to the pancakes.

''What's for breakfast?'' asked Gracie.

''I'm glad you asked. I'm making blueberry pancakes,'' I replied proudly. I looked over my shoulder, keeping most of my attention on the pancakes, but still wanting to catch Gracie's reaction. The child simply rolled her eyes.

This is the most adult-like child I have ever seen.

''I don't want to eat that. Daddy always gives me lucky charms. I want lucky charms.''

''Well, your daddy said it was okay if I made pancakes for you, so, no.''

''Huh?''

''No. You've never heard that before, have you?''

She didn't answer and instead walked out of the kitchen. When I didn't hear any noise for more than five minutes, I decided to check around. Almost identical to yesterday, I felt a sharp pain hit the back of my skull.

''Oww!" I shouted, feeling dizzy. Gracie appeared in front of me with blocks all around the floor and one in her hand. Not today. I refuse to be bullied by a five-year-old again.

''No! Not again, Gracie. We are not doing this again. Just because you don't get your way does not mean we have to fight. ''

''I want Lucky Charms!''

Not wanting to have a melding headache like yesterday, I put my hands up and slowly walked toward her. If I made her mad, she was not afraid to strike again. One thing I can say about her, she sure is strong.

''Look. I know we don't know each other too well, and I just got here, but I think we can help each other.''

Please let this work.I could tell that got her attention because her little brows rose, and she looked at me suspiciously.

''What do you mean?''

''Think about it, you like to dance and I'm a dance instructor. I can help you and you can stop torturing me.''

''You are?'' she asked, shocked, and I could see the smile forming on her face.

''Yep.''

''How did you know I liked dancing? Did daddy tell you?''

''It's a secret,'' I whispered. I had just seen ballet shoes hidden in my closet, so it wasn't hard to figure out. Cole had emailed me about it as well. But I needed that leverage. And technically, I am not a dance instructor. Unless you count playing Just Dance with my brothers when I used to babysit them. But I needed to do anything to prevent this war between us from going on any longer.

When she continued to stare at me, half smiling, I decided to walk a little closer, cautiously taking the block away.

''What do you say, Gracie? Partners?''

''Okay,'' she began, smiling widely, ''partners!" I shook hands with her, and she surprisingly led me back into the kitchen. ''Can we try those pancake thingies? They look good,'' she commented, sitting back down at the table. I was surprised at how her mood changed so quickly.

''Can you say please?''

''Why?''

Even if I have to break my back to do it, I will teach this girl some manners. For some reason, I feel as though it is my duty. I can see that she is hurt and has a lot of pent-up anger inside. And I was going to get it out of her. One way or another.

''Because that is the nice thing to do. It is polite. Every time you ask for something, you should say please.''

''Oh. Can I get some pancakes... please?''

''Yes! I hope you like them." I said, pleased with how well she was listening to me. Putting a pancake on a plate and passing her the syrup, I waited to see her reaction. I was proud of how they looked. I had never made pancakes in my life and was just reading from the box. At the first bite, her smile faded, and she immediately got up from the table and ran upstairs.

''Gracie! Are you okay?'' I asked, and ran after her.

When I found her, she was in her bathroom hovering over the toilet. I kneeled beside her and rubbed her back. ''What happened, sweetheart?'' I asked, worried.

''Blu... berry''

''Huh?''

''Daddy said I'm allergic to blueberries.''

''He did? I'm so sorry! Oh my god, I didn't know you were allergic.''

Really Jazz? How did you not know? You were doing so well. I ran back downstairs to let Cole know what happened. Automatically seeing the number on the table.

I'm about to lose my job on the second day.

He answered on the third ring, ''Uh, hey Jasmine, how's everything going?''

''Before I tell you this, just know everything is alright. She is totally fine.''

I should have just let her have the Lucky Charms.

''What do you mean? What happened?''

''Just a minor problem. Nothing big,'' I said shakily.

''Ms. Grayson, what the hell happened to my daughter?''

''We made blueberry pancakes, but then we had a slight problem, but I fixed it and tried to give her some breakfast, but she ran upstairs and puked. Now she's still puking, and she said she's allergic to blueberries, and I called you because I have no idea what to do. I also am about to get fired, aren't I?'' I rambled, talking fast like I usually did when I thought I was in trouble. According to my parents, I've been doing that for a while.

I heard him sigh over the line before replying, '' It's fine.''

''Huh? You're not mad?''

''No. I understand it was an accident. Plus, I've fed her blueberry by accident too, can't really punish you for it. she will be fine. She'll probably be a little sick for a while, but in a few hours, she'll be bright and hyper. It's only mild allergic reactions from blueberry. ''

''Oh, thank God. I thought she was going to die or something. I am so sorry for disturbing you at practice. I know you have to get your practice in before the big game.'' I said, sighing with relief.

''Yeah. I have to go, but thanks for letting me know. Just let her rest for a bit and give her a few stomach rubs. Bye now.''

''Bye.'' I replied, hanging up.

I quickly ran back upstairs to see how Gracie was doing and saw she was now lying on the bathroom floor, sleeping.

Aww, if it wasn't for the pounding pain in my temple, I would consider this adorable.

Lifting her off the ground and carefully placing her on her bed, I wrapped the surrounding blanket, making sure it wasn't too tight, and rubbed her stomach. After a few minutes, I got up and cleaned the mess she made in the bathroom and laid out an outfit to change into after she woke up.

After making sure she was alright, I shut the light and headed downstairs. Flopping on the couch, I flipped the television on to my favorite show, Vampire Diaries.

Pulling out my phone, I saw it was only twelve-fourteen. I had managed to make pancakes, persuade a five-year-old into not throwing blocks at me, fixed an allergic reaction, and cleaned the house, all in less than five hours. That was a win in my book. Even though it was only my second day here, I kind of liked my new schedule.

I could get used to this.