The Weight of Rain Read Online Free

done.
    “I can’t go tonight. I had to get more canvases for class. It’s Top Ramen for me until I get paid next week. Thanks for the invite, though.”
    Something flashes across Kenzie’s face, and her eyes narrow in question. “Do you like kids?”
    “I don’t know if I want my own, but other people’s I like.”
    My eyebrows draw down as her brown eyes grow wide and bright. “I have the perfect job for you!” she cries, jumping up from her bed.
    “I have a job.”
    “Yeah, but this one pays more.”
    “What is it?”
    “A nanny!”
    “I have no experience being a nanny.”
    “It doesn’t matter! You just need to make sure she doesn’t hurt herself. She’s totally easy. You’ll love it!”
    “I have a feeling there’s a lot more to it than making sure she doesn’t hurt herself.”
    Kenzie waves away my objection. “Trust me. I know what I’m talking about.” She grabs her phone and focuses on the screen for several seconds while I try to process if this is something I might be interested in. And why she’s had the sudden change of heart.
    “They’ll need you a few nights a week and some weekends. It will be super easy. It’s just one kid.”
    “So you know the family? Have you babysat her before?”
    “Yeah, a few times. Don’t worry, she’s chill.”
    Chill? Is there such a thing as a chill kid? “How old is she?”
    “Like ten.”
    “Where do they live?”
    “Not far. I’m sure you could walk it.”
    “I’m sure I could walk to Seattle if I had to—it doesn’t mean I’d want to.”
    Kenzie’s chin drops to her chest as she lowers her phone. “There’s probably a bus that goes close to their house. Don’t you still have your bus pass?”
    “Yes …”
    “Great. Problem solved.”
    “Kenzie, I never agreed to this. I want to meet them first. What if the kid doesn’t like me? What if I don’t get along with her parents? What if I can’t commit to how many hours they need me?”
    “The job pays twenty bucks an hour.” Her words match the bored expression on her face.
    “Twenty dollars? An hour? Who pays twenty dollars for a babysitter?”
    “I’m done playing twenty questions with you. Do you want the job or not?”
    “Don’t they want to meet me first?”
    “I know them. This is fine.”
    “How?”
    “Lauren—” Kenzie’s eyes narrow “—do you want the job or not?”
    “Yes. I mean I think I do, as long as everything works out.”
    “You’ll figure it out.”
    I mentally start tallying the things I need to ask as Kenzie reverts her attention back to her phone.
    “Perfect. You start tomorrow at three.”
    “I have class until three thirty.”
    “Every other day they won’t need you until four. I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You’re smart.” With that, she stands up and leaves.
    “Apparently not smart enough,” I mumble, collapsing on my bed and focusing on the plastic glow-in-the-dark stars that decorate my ceiling.
     

     
    T HE ADDRESS Kenzie texted to me is nearly two miles from the bus stop. I know I’m supposed to be heading south, but apart from that, I’m clueless. Portland is a big enough city that even though I’ve been around numerous parts, I’m still not intimately familiar with most of it, including this area that’s boasting large homes and wide sidewalks that have grass and trees painted along both sides as well as down the median.
    I grip my messenger bag and pull it higher on my shoulder as I try to figure out my directions app for walking.
    Thirty minutes later, annoyance and frustration are clawing at my nerves. It’s cold and damp out, the sky a misty gray, yet I’ve been picking up the pace in hope of not being late, and now sweat is making me feel sticky and making my bag and jeans rub uncomfortably. My hair is adding to my irritation, heavily weighted as it actively attempts to strangle me. I still have no idea where I am, but I’m positive I’ve passed this house already. It’s lime green, making it stand