The Misadventures of Little Miss Jessica

I was one of those kids who always did what their parents asked of them because I never wanted to let my parents down. So I'd always look both ways before crossing the street and I'd always babysit my sister when asked. In doing so, my young childhood life was a very successful one.

One of the main things I remember my Mother saying over and over again growing up is, "don't talk to strangers because stranger danger is real." As a kid, my initial reaction was, "yea, yea uh huh" always brushing it off because I never thought anything bad would ever happen to me. I must say, my naive teenage self was extremely lucky when faced with a situation I will describe below.

It was my first month in our new house. My family lived just around the corner on both sides. One Aunt lived behind me, the other lived down the road, and my Uncle lived 2 houses away across the street. All in all, I felt pretty safe and snug in my new environment.

The sun was blazing, the pool was like bath water, and my sister was relaxing on the lawn chairs while I ran inside to answer the phone.

"Hi, this is Ashley, your neighbor across the street." said the other voice on the phone.
"Hi Ashley, how can I help you?"
"Well, my oven is busted and I was wondering if I could use your oven to make banana bread."

...I paused for a moment. What an odd request of someone.

"Umm, well my Mom isn't home and I'm not sure she'd want any company here while she's out." 

(This was mistake number one, you never want to tell or even slightly allude to anyone that you're home alone) 

"Don't worry, I know your parents and I won't be long, I'll drop off the bread, let it bake, then come back later." - said the voice in a calm manner. 

My young 13 year old mind was at peace with how youthful the voice sounded and didn't feel an initial threat.

"Ok, that's fine, I'll be waiting."

"Ok, see you soon."

Mistake number 2 was that I never asked any more questions about this person. I felt the act was harmless since the voice sounded safe. So, I told my sister and we waited by the window for "Ashley" to come. 

From my window I had a clear view of my Uncle's house (that's how close we lived to each other) and as I glanced out the window I saw a young woman walk up their steps with a big pan in hand. I thought to myself, was this Ashley? She's at the wrong house if it is and she'll probably be embarrassed.  I saw my cousin, who is a year older than me, answer the door. The conversation exchange was obvious, my cousin had pointed Ashley in the direction of my house. 

As she was walking over, she looked small, maybe about 5 foot 2 in height with messy blond hair falling out of a bun on the side of her head. She wore sweats and seemed unkempt at first glance but as she got closer her make up said otherwise. I didn't feel scared, I didn't feel nervous, and I didn't feel worried. I felt sorry for her. She seemed like a lost soul just looking to cook a banana bread, probably for a boy that she so desperately wanted to be her boyfriend.

"Hello, Ashley"
"Hiiii!" she said elongating her hello with an undertone of embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, I thought you were in the other house up the road."

...I paused and slight red flag rose. She didn't know who's house she was going to?

"That's ok, come on in. I have the oven set for you."

"Perfect! Thank you so much again."

She moseyed her way in as I directed her to the kitchen were I had everything all ready to go. I wanted her in and out with no room for too much small talk. I couldn't bear to lose any more time in the sun. She put her small beat up banana bread pan in the oven then stood proudly and smiled. 

"It should be done in about 20 minutes. If you don't mind, I need to leave and go get ready. I will set a timer on my phone and return shortly. Thank you again!"

The next thing I knew she was out the door. I didn't think anything of it and wandered around until I heard the timer go off. Sure enough, no more than 5 minutes later, Ashley was on her way back down the road towards my house. 

As I was walking towards the door, she already beat me there and walked right in.

"Uhh, hello again." I said as nonchalantly as possible in an attempt to hide my dislike of her abrupt entrance. 

"Hello! I brought an extra plate to share the banana bread with you." as she pulled the bread out of the oven she quickly sliced a piece and left it on the plate near the sink. "Thank you so much again! I have to run, please tell your Mother I said hello!"

I remember thinking after the entire event happened, how strange this woman was. What really hit home for me was when I told my Mother about it. She nearly flipped inside out when I told her I hosted a stranger in our house. My Mother called Ashley to find out more details and it turns out she actually knew my Aunt and Uncle that lived up the road. Remember the house she stopped at when my cousin answered the door? She was actually half right. She just had the number wrong.

Let's just say, I made out very lucky with this encounter and my Mother (and Father) let me know this many times. I never did such a thing again.