David wandered around the kitchen while his mother browsed through the list of people, pretending to be a tyrannosaurus rex stomping through a jungle. She looked at the side notes for any information while scrolling through her contacts.

“Let’s see… Sheri? On vacation. Maybe Daryll…? Business Trip. Damon… ah shoot, he’s sick with the flu.” said Marian as she got more nervous. 

The tiger cub toddled back into the living room, grabbing a small picture book that had different types of dinosaurs depicted inside. He sat down on the wooden floor and opened it up, looking at all the colorful images inside. 

“Come on… there’s got to be one person who’s available…!” the mother quietly said herself as she frantically went through the list.

The mother reached the fifth name on the list, a white and black malamute woman named Jona. She was considered one of the nicest people in the neighborhood. A perfect match for babysitting her little boy.

“Finally… found a good choice.” said Marian as she went into the living room and looked at her son. The tiger club looked below her eyes and asked “Momma?”

“Hey sweetie, we're heading over to visit a neighbor. I found someone who would be a good babysitter for you!” said the mother. 

“Can I bring my book?” asked David.

“Yes sweetie, you can bring that book with you. Would you like to ride in your stroller?” Marian inquired.

“Ahuh!” said the tiger cub. 

The mother and her son got themselves prepped for heading outside, since it was a bit chilly today. It was currently thirty degrees, with a five mph wind. David was donned in a black winter jacket, while Marian had a salmon-pink one. Both of them wore brown winter boots. 

The tiger cub watched as her mother grabbed the stroller from the hallway closet, and unfolded it. Like most of his things, it was also themed to dinosaurs. 

“Yay! Dino Stroller!” exclaimed David as he was placed into the seat and strapped in by his mother. He held onto his book and resumed looking at the pictures. 

It was a short trip to Jona’s house, since it was only a few blocks down from their own home. The house itself was a white two-story bungalow with a roof that had black shingles. 

The mother approached the front door of the house, and rang the white marble doorbell located near the silver doorknob.

“I’m coming, just grabbing a cup of coffee!” shouted a female voice from behind the door. 

After waiting for three minutes, the front door was opened by a female malamute with long black wave hair. She was donned in a dark-gray sweater with dark-blue jeans, and black boots. 

“Hey Jona, good morning!” said Marian.

“Morning Marian, I see you brought your little boy.” said Jona. “Looking cute as ever!”

“Thank you, don’t mind him right now. He’s hyper-focused on his picture book.” said the mother. 

“Of course, he’s autistic like my son,” said the malamute. “So, what brings you to my lovely abode?” 

“I’m going to a company banquet tomorrow evening, and I need someone to babysit my son. It’s an adult-only event.” said Marian.

“Sorry to hear about that, unfortunately… I am going to a bachelorette party tomorrow and won’t be available.” said Jona.

Marian was a bit disappointed, but at least she’d be able to spend time with her little boy without worrying about him being alone with someone that wasn’t trusted. David put down his book and looked at Jona for a second before looking down at his feet.

“However… I know someone who’ll be up to the task!” the female wolamute said as she shouted towards the kitchen area of her home. “Hey Jacy, come over for a moment!” turning towards Marian shortly after. 
“Coming mom!” shouted a young kid. 

“Your son?” asked the female tiger. 

The mother watched as a ten-year old slightly chubby malamute with shaggy brown hair stepped outside and stood by his mother. He wore blue jeans and a black shirt with a white symbol on the front, along with black sneakers. He was a tan-colored wolf and malamute hybrid.

“That’s right, he may not seem like much, but he’ll do his best to complete the job!” said Jona. 

“Oh uh, hello Miss Lavinzo!” said Jacy in a shy tone. 

The boy was rather shy around adults, but didn’t mind being around younger children or those who were his age. David looked at the boy for a moment before looking at his shirt, he was rather curious about him.

“Jacy, this is my son David. He’s similar to you.” said Marian as she unlocked the stroller strap and watched as her little boy got up. The tiger cub toddled around him from every angle, looking him over. 

“Nice to meet you kiddo, I’m Jacy.” said wolamute boy. 

David stopped for a moment and looked below his eyes, confused about how to pronounce his name.

“Jay… cey?” asked the tiger cub.

“It’s just Jacy, kiddo.” said Jacy as he chuckled a bit. 

“Oh, okay… JC!” said David.

“Eh, close enough I guess,” said the boy. 

“Bellissimo!” exclaimed David in his Italian-accent.

Jona and her son were quite surprised to hear the boy speak in the Italian language, even for a moment. Marian giggled and said “Yeah, he knows a few phrases in Italian. He’s taken an interest in learning the language.” 
“That’s actually kind of cool.” said Jacy as he watched the little cub toddle back over to his mother.

“So… what do you think, Jacy? Will you take on the responsibility of taking care of my little boy?” Marian. 

“I’d love to, he seems like a nice kid.” said the wolamute boy.

“Yay!” exclaimed David as his striped tail moved around. 

“Wonderful, I’ll make sure to pay you, how much would you like?” asked the mother.

“Oh, you don’t need to pay me…” said Jacy as he patted David’s head. “Just buy me a Ham-Cheese Sub with Lettuce and Tomato, that’ll be fine enough.” 

The mother was quite surprised to hear that the kiddo didn’t want payment in the form of money, but only a sandwich. Which was actually a good thing, it lessened her worries on having to pay him.

“Alright then, that’ll work,” said Marian as she dusted off her jacket for a moment. “Come to our house at noon tomorrow. I’ll give you a little tour of the house. It’ll help you find your way around.” 

“Great, I’ll uh see you then, Miss Lavinzo!” said the wolamute boy as he went back inside his house with Jona. 

Marian placed her little boy back into the stroller, making sure to secure the straps into place before heading back home. The tiger cub went back to reading the picture book that he took with him. Looking forward to seeing Jacy the next day. 

The mother was pleased that she was able to get a babysitter to look after their son, which allowed her to go to the company banquet without any problems. She may have to look into increasing the list of trusted babysitters in the near future.

****

January 11th, 2012

Thursday

Noon

Marian was cleaning the kitchen floor while listening to some classic Italian music on the radio, since Jacy was coming over for a tour of the house. 

“Uh, greetings Miss Lavinzo. I’m here for the house tour.” said the wolamute boy.

“Welcome to our humble home, hope you enjoy the atmosphere,” said the female tiger.

Jacy looked around on the hallway walls, seeing two small Italian flags hanging on both sides. He then looked around in the kitchen, admiring how clean it was. What really got his attention was the Italian music on the radio. 

“Wow, this is quite the place! Do you all like Italian music?” Jacy asked. 

“Indeed so, kiddo. We all like listening to it often, and even my son dances to it.” Marian said. 

“Neato, I could bring my accordion and guitar when I come over this evening,” said the boy.

“That’d be a wonderful idea, my son gets excited upon hearing Italian Polka.” the mother said.

“So… where’s the living room?” the wolamute boy asked.

“This way dear.” said Marian as she led him to the living room.

David was sitting in a red toddler-sized chair, next to the white sofa. He was watching his favorite television show on the Italian Kids Cartoon channel and was quite focused on the current episode, which taught about the etiquette of handwashing while the main characters fight a giant germ-raptor. The toddler was in light-gray legging and a dark-red dinosaur shirt with white socks. 

The living room itself had a polished wood floor with cream-colored walls, a medium-sized bookshelf was on the left side near the t-rex themed carpet. Which contained many books. 

“Nice living room, and what is that on the television?” asked the boy.

“Oh, that’s just my son’s favorite television show called Dino Heroes. It’s educational since it teaches important lessons and also Italian phrases.” said Marian.

“Ah, I see. Sounds pretty neat, I’m a fan of dinosaurs.” said Jacy as he went to the living room, and stood next to David. 

The tiger cub would look at the wolamute boy for a moment before redirecting his eyes to his shirt, since he had trouble maintaining eye-contact. He was happy to see him.

“Hi Jay Cee!” shouted David. 

“Hey kiddo, I see you’re watching Dino Heroes. Which one is your favorite?” Jacy would ask. 

“The Blue One!” said the tiger cub as he pointed at the character with the matching blue armor. 

“That’s great, David. I’ll be seeing you later on, bud.” said the boy as he got off the couch and went back over to Marian. “So… what’s next on our tour?”

“Right this way, I’ll show you the rest of this floor and then bring you upstairs.” said Marian as she guided him around the house.

The mother made sure to show every room in the entire building, she also made sure to point out where to find diapers, medical supplies, changing mats, and even a fire extinguisher in case one is accidentally started. 

Once the tour was finished, Jacy headed back to his house until later on in the evening. Marian reminded him to be at their house at exactly five twenty-five, since she and her husband were heading out at five-thirty.

The young wolamute thought that David’s bedroom was the coolest room in the house since it was pretty much dinosaur themed all around. 

January 11th, 2012

Thursday

5:25 P.M. 

The young wolamute boy arrived at the house, right at the appointed time. He had a duffle bag that contained these items: a red-white accordion, black and white electric guitar, headphones, a portable speaker, and some self-care items. 

Jacy decided on getting some practice with accordion and guitar hours earlier, before he arrived at the house. He was about to knock on the door when the door had already been opened by Jerald and his wife Marian.

“Welcome Jerald, thank you for being on time,” said Jerald.

“You’ll find your ham-cheese sub on the counter, right next to some important notes,” said Marian.

“That’s uh great, thank you both! I’ll do my best to take care of your son.” said Jacy shyly as he looked towards the opened door. He’d step inside with his duffle bag, waving goodbye to the two who were heading off. 

The young wolamute boy closed the door behind him, and set his bag in the kitchen for the moment as he saw a four-inch ham and cheese sub, containing the toppings of lettuce and tomato. Next to it was a note written on some salmon-pink paper in black ink. He’d look it over before anything else, it said this:

Important Details

David’s dinner is in the fridge, look for a blue glass bowl and reheat it at six p.m. 
Don’t mind him wandering about, Davey tends to do that when he’s bored or playing by himself. But do keep an eye on him.

Make sure to give him a little extra time before changing his diaper, just in case he isn’t finished with his business.

Be gentle with him, especially if he makes a mistake, or breaks something by accident. He tends to respond better if we don’t yell at him, due to his sensitivity to extremely loud noises. 
“That’s good to know, I wonder where that kiddo is.” said Jacy as he took his duffle bag to the living room, noticing the little tiger cub reading from a book called ‘100 Italian Phrases and How To Say Them’. 

“Chekosa? Ch- Ch- Ch- Chee Kosa?” said David. 

The toddler was trying to say the word “Che Cosa” but was having a bit of trouble pronouncing it. Most things he could get, but he struggled with other things. Even counting numbers and speaking the alphabet has been an issue. 

“Heya kiddo, good evening.” said the wolamute boy. 

The little tiger’s ears perked upon hearing the voice of Jacy, he’d put the book down and toddled over to him. Looking at his shirt. 

“Jay Say!” said the cub. 

“It’s just Jacy, but it’s alright.” said Jacy as he unzipped his duffle bag and began taking out his instruments. David looked over at the accordion and focused on it, not saying much of a word. “Would you like me to play some Italian Polka?”

“Yay, Italian Polka!” said David. 

“Okay, Davey… get ready to dance. My skills with the accordion are pretty good!” said the wolamute boy as he positioned his fingers in the right place, and then began to play an energetic and jaunty tune. The little tiger cub started dancing with his little feet, moving his hips around quite a bit. 

Jacy chuckled a bit as he continued to play his accordion, watching as the little tiger cub danced and had a good time. He was a rather energetic little kiddo.

The little boy eventually got tired and ended up plopping down on the floor, a loud crinkle sound coming from his padded posterior that was hidden by his light-gray leggings. 

The wolamute boy smiled as he got out his electric guitar, saying to the tiger cub “Did you enjoy that?” David nodded as he sat there, he was rather content with himself at the moment. 

“Want to listen to my guitar?” Jacy asked.
“Gui- tar?” asked David.

“It’s a stringed instrument that has little strings that I can gently pluck to play music,” said the boy.

The little boy got a little closer, wanting to hear what it sounded like as his ears perked up due to his curiosity. 

“Do you like dinosaurs?” the tiger cub asked while looking at the wolamute’s shirt.

“Yeah, I do like dinosaurs. What’s your favorite kind?” asked Jacy as he tuned his guitar. 

“The big meat eaters!” replied David while giggling. 

“Very nice kiddo, now just sit back and relax… listen to the music.” said the wolamute boy as he began playing a slow and peaceful melody. It was a very popular song from a well-known band that he liked to listen to when he had nothing to do. The little tiger cub swayed back and forth while listening. 

Everything had gone smoothly so far, Jacy was actually liking how easy it was to babysit this young lad. 

While the cub listened to the song being played, he looked at the guitar and reached out in order to try and feel the surface of the instrument itself. The wolamute boy stopped and asked “Want to play for a bit?”

“Ahuh!” said David. 

“Okay then, come and sit on my lap,” said Jacy.

The wolamute boy watched as the tiger cub toddled over to him and sat in his lap, reaching around the instrument to get a grasp on it. David started plucking the strings at random, without really any consistency of rhythm since he didn’t have the basic understanding of playing a guitar. 

While this music was just a mish-mash of random notes, it did give Jacy an idea for a brand new song to play on his guitar. 

***

After twenty-five minutes later, the little tiger cub felt a gurgling in his stomach as his tail began to flag up. 

“Mushy time!” said David as he went over behind the living room couch, getting into a squatting position. It was clear what he was about to do.

“About to fill your diapers kiddo?” asked Jacy as he chuckled.

“Ahuh!” exclaimed the tiger cub as he quietly grunted to himself while filling the back of his diaper with a warm mess. The wolamute went over to him and gave him a back rub, figuring it’d help a bit.  “There you go, let it all out, no need to push so hard.”

The little guy’s diaper expanded outwards as he let out a sigh of relief while purring loudly, the wolamute boy giggled to himself and pinched his nose a bit since it was quite a strong stench. 

“Are you all done?” asked Jacy while giving the toddler a gentle pat on the back. “You really filled it up.”

“I think so…” said David as he then felt a warmth grow across the front of his padding, which made him purr louder, slightly spreading his legs apart. 

“You’ll need a diaper change before dinner.” said the wolamute boy as he picked up the toddler, who felt a bit heavy. “Let’s head to the bathroom kiddo. Goodness, you’re rather stinky!”

“Ahuh!” said the tiger cub as he laughed. 

The young man brought the toddler over to the bathroom, and placed him on the floor while he prepped everything. Jacy was surprised that the kid wasn’t crying from being in a dirty diaper.

He rolled out the changing mat and pulled out these three items: blue and white striped diaper, baby powder, and cleaning wipes. Jacy then laid the toddler flat on his back, carefully removing his light-gray leggings before getting to work.

“Okay… stay still kiddo.” said Jacy as he did his best to change the boy’s diaper, which took a bit of time since David was moving his legs around. It wouldn’t be long before the energetic little cub was in a brand new diaper, smelling like lilac-scented baby powder. 

“Gratzi!” exclaimed David.

“Oh? Does that mean thank you? Where did you learn that, little fella?” He asked him.

“From a book…” said the tiger cub as he stood up on his feet. 

“I’m sure your parents would be quite proud of you! Now… who’s ready for a delicious meal? Jacy asked him. 

“I am, Jacy!” exclaimed David.

“Okay then, let me just wash my hands and dispose of your messy diaper.” said the wolamute boy as he threw the used diaper into the trash, including the wipes he used for the entire process. Washing his hands right after.

Once it was finished, the two exited the bathroom and headed over to the kitchen to get dinner prepared. It was officially time for dinner, thought it was early to do so. Jacy looked at the clock and its hands showed that it was five forty-five. 

Jacy brought the tiger cub over to his high chair in the kitchen, and placed him into it by utilizing a stepping tool that allowed the babysitter to reach up to it. This high chair was red and blue, made out of plastic. 

Some Italian music was playing on the radio, which sounded like a slow jazz song with a piano instrumental piece with the gentle beat of a snare drum. A female voice spoke over the radio, announcing the name of the current song that was being played for this evening.

“Buonasera, this is Musica Classica Italiana, winding down the evening with some calming tunes from the beloved Roma Capitale. This is twenty-four point five, you’re listening to…. Le Calde Sabbie dell’amore.” said the speaker as the music continued to play. 

The wolamute boy opened the refrigerator and grabbed a blue glass bowl that smelled of salmon, shrimp, and tuna. It was already cooked ahead of time. He smiled as he closed the fridge with his other hand, and went over to the microwave. Jacy placed it inside, and began heating it up for twenty seconds after closing the door to it.  

David could smell the scent of seafood coming from it and got excited, since it was his favorite kind of food to eat. 
“Yay, seafood! Seafood!” exclaimed the little tiger cub. 

“Ahuh, your parents had it prepped for you ahead of time.”” said Jacy as he heard a few loud beeps emit from the microwave, which meant it was finished. He gently grabbed it and brought it over to the high chair tray, along with a baby-spoon to eat it with. 

The wolamute boy watched as the tiger cub dived into his food, using the spoon to scoop up the small cubed pieces of salmon, shrimp, and tuna. While David wasn’t holding it properly, Jacy didn’t mind this since the kid was happy. 

With the youngster now fed, this boy went and grabbed his four inch sub sandwich from the counter, bringing it over to the dining room table. He sat down and began enjoying every bite of it. 

David finished his meal quite quickly, and looked at the empty bowl before focusing on the four inch sub that his babysitter was enjoying, licking his lips. Jacy stopped and looked at the tiger cub for a moment, who was staring at his meal. 

“Did you finish your meal already?” asked the wolamute boy.

“Ahuh.” said the tiger cub.

“You want a few bites of my sandwich?” He inquired.

“Yes!” exclaimed David.

“Show me your teeth, little man.” said Jacy as he watched the young boy open up his mouth, showing him two little teeth. They were slightly pointy at the end, which made sense since he was a tiger. The babysitter giggled and said “Oh alright, just two little bites okay?” 

“Yaaay!” said the toddler as the sandwich was placed on the high chair tray. 

The little tiger picked up the sandwich, and took a few big bites out of it. Which surprised the wolamute since he didn’t think that this kid could even do that. He chuckled a bit as he took the sandwich back. 

“Satisfied?” asked the wolamute. 

“Ahuh… I want milk!” said David.
“What’s the magic word?” asked Jacy.

“Please?” asked the tiger cub.

“Very good!” said the babysitter encouragingly. 

The young man went over to the fridge and opened it up, checking for a baby bottle filled with milk. He’d find one with a note that read “Warm up in the microwave for twenty seconds.” 

“Sounds simple enough…” said the boy as he gently grabbed it from the fridge, making sure to close it afterwards. He’d take the rubber nipple off, and popped in the microwave for the amount of time described. 

Once it was done being heated up, Jacy took it out of the microwave and put the rubber nipple back on the top of the lid. He walked over to the little tiger cub and handed it to him. 

“Yummy!” said the tiger cub as he gently grabbed the bottle and started drinking it down while sitting in his high-chair. 

While this was happening, the male wolamute felt the back of his jeans bulk up while sitting at the dining room table. Followed by an audible crinkle sound. The little tiger cub stopped drinking his milk and covered his nose, wondering where the stench was coming from.

“Pardon me for a moment… I need to change something…” Jacy said in a shy tone as he slightly blushed. 

He went over to his duffle bag, and pulled out a few items: a plain-white diaper along with some baby-wipes. 

“Huh?” asked David as he watched him exit the kitchen. “What are you… doing?”

“You know how you need diapers? Well… I need to wear them too since I’m not good at holding it in. I need to go change myself…” said the wolamute boy. 

“Why so?” the tiger cub inquired in a polite tone.

“It was from a medical error in the past, I’ll just leave it at that,” said Jacy.
“Oh… okay,” said David.

“I’ll be back, okay? It won’t take too long, I promise!” said the babysitter as he rushed off to the bathroom to get himself cleaned up.

It’d take the young man ten minutes to get himself changed into a new diaper, making sure to throw his used one in the trash. Jacy was relieved that the tiger cub accepted the reason for why he had to wear diapers. 

After getting cleaned up, the young man returned to the kitchen and found that the little tiger cub had fallen asleep in his high-chair after finishing his warm milk. It looks like it was bedtime for the little man. 

“Asleep already? Don’t worry Davey, I’ll get you to bed.” said Jacy as he got up to the high-chair and grabbed the little tiger cub. Making sure to support his bottom as he carried him upstairs. David gently hugged his babysitter while being held. 

“Such a cute kiddo, wouldn’t mind babysitting him again…” the wolamute boy thought to himself as he arrived at the toddler’s bedroom, making his way towards the crib. He’d lay the tiger cub on his back, and then tucked him in.

Jacy patted him on the head, and quietly said “Sweet dreams, little guy.” as he exited the bedroom after turning on a night-light near the door. Making sure to also turn off the main light on the way out. 

He’d head downstairs and make his way to the living room, wanting to practice playing music on his guitar. He’d take his guitar out of the duffle bag, and his portable speaker. Along with his headphones. 

The wolamute got his headphones, and plugged them into the speaker after his guitar was plugged into it. He began to practice playing on his guitar, not really playing any particular song. 

****

One hour later…. 

Both Jerald and Marian walked through the front door, coming back from their wonderful time at the evening banquet. They walked into the living room and smiled at Jacy who was putting his guitar away. 

“We’re home, Jacy. Did our son behave well?” asked Jerald.

“He sure did, he’s currently asleep in his bedroom.” said the wolamute. 

“That’s good dearie, I’m relieved that everything went well. You’re a capable young man, no doubt about it. Thank you for watching our little boy.” said Marian. 

“You’re welcome, and also… he learned a new word while you guys were out. It was a phrase that went by the name, Gratzi. I’m not entirely sure what it means.” said Jacy.

“My goodness, that’s impressive! That is the Italian word for Thank You, it’s a very simple phrase. But I’m proud nonetheless.” said the father. 

“Ah, I see. Well… I’m going to head out now, it was a pleasure babysitting your son.” said the wolamute boy as he packed up his duffle bag and headed out. Returning to his house for the night. 

“Be safe, Jacy!” said the mother as she watched him exit the house. 

Both the husband and mother went upstairs to check-up on their son, who was sleeping peacefully without a care in the world. David was quite happy with the time he spent with his babysitter, perhaps this could be a potential friend in the future. 

“He’s so precious when he’s asleep,” said Marian quietly.

“I’m sure he’ll grow to be a wonderful man.” whispered Jerald. 

The parents headed out of the room, and retired to their bedroom for the night. They didn’t have to worry about doing anything since Jacy had been caring for their boy for the evening. 

THE END