“I don’t want to ruin your acting practice,” Tina assured her stepdaughter, making Leah’s heart sink as any hope of putting this day behind her faded away. “But,” The woman added. “My daycare is a little advanced for you since you’ve been breaking character.”
“I guess,” Leah smiled slightly as a small wave of relief washed over her. “I’m not very good at acting.”
“Now,” Tina added in a shocked tone. “That’s no way to talk; you’re certainly committed. I didn’t think any actor would pretend to have an accident.”
“Yeah,” The tiny teen blushed from her car seat.
“You just need more practice,” The woman encouraged with a smile.
“Maybe,” Leah chimed. “I should try a different role.”
“No, no,” Tina shook her head. “You have to stick to it; besides, you’ve got the perfect body type for a toddler.”
“Thanks,” Leah responded, turning red.
“Anyway,” Tina went on, “I think you’re having problems because I’m around, and you’re always trying to show your father and I what a big girl you are.” The petite teen resisted the urge to argue with her stepmother as Leah had been a “big girl” since third grade. “So,” Tina continued while the teen bit her lip. “I was thinking I should leave you somewhere so you can get into your role in peace.”
“Like,” Leah hopefully suggested, “Home?”
“No, no,” Tina repeated. “Rehearsing in front of a mirror at home isn’t help. Besides, you need an audience who can see your performance from a neutral perspective.”
“Where are we going?” Leah nervously inquired.
“You’re going to spend the rest of the day with family,” Tina explained. “My cousin Julie and her daughter Abby.”
“Why?” Leah demanded.
“You’ve never met Julie or Abby,” Tina clarified. “It’ll be easy for you to get into your Hailey character around them, and besides, Abby will love having a playmate.”
“Playmate?” The teenager repeated. “How old is Abby?”
“Eight,” Tina replied. “She’ll love having Hailey around, considering…”
“Considering,” Leah repeated, “What?”
“Never mind,” Tina responded as she pulled into a driveway. “Just focus on your acting and be good for Auntie Julie.” Before Leah could protest, she was led by the arm to the front door of a house.
A slightly plump woman with brunette hair answered the door when Tina rang the bell. “Hi, Tina,” The woman greeted before her eyes fell on Leah. “Is this Hailey?”
“Yes,” Tina clarified. “Thank you so much for watching her today; you’re a lifesaver.”
“No problem.” Julie took Leah’s hand, and the woman led the miniature teenager inside. “See you later.”
“Right,” Tina smiled before kneeling to Leah’s level. “Be a good girl, Hailey.” The woman added a wink before heading off.
“Right this way, Hailey,” Julie led the girl. “Abby!” The woman called. “Tina just dropped off Hailey!”