My neighbors promised me a dream trip in exchange for watching their kids, but their behavior quickly turned into a nightmare. And when they tried to ruin my reputation, I decided to fight back.

I’m Anya, 17. Like most teenagers, I’ve dreamt of traveling to tropical places many times, so when my neighbors, the Millers, offered to take me along to the Caribbean as their nanny, I was ecstatic.

The Millers weren’t exactly family friends; they were neighbors we waved to in passing. Yet, they knew I was a regular babysitter for other people around our area and offered me the position.

I just had to convince my parents. Initially, they were skeptical, and honestly, I couldn’t blame them.

But then, Mr. Miller showed up with a detailed contract that spelled out very fair terms: I’d work seven full days and nights watching the kids, and in return, I’d get $500 plus three days off during the ten-day trip. Of course, food, plane tickets, and all accommodations would be paid for by them.

The offer was more than generous, and my parents were impressed by his structure and professionalism.

“I’ll make sure to call every day,” I promised my mom. She reluctantly agreed though she wasn’t thrilled about the idea of me being in another country without them.

Unfortunately, I would soon realize that I should’ve stayed home.

***

When we arrived at the resort, it felt like I’d walked into a movie. The air was warm and salty, and the resort itself was more than luxurious with polished marble floors, lush greenery, and several bright blue pools that seemed to spill into the ocean.

The kids, six-year-old Ella and eight-year-old Max, were bouncing with excitement, and even I couldn’t help but smile.

Our room was modest compared to the Millers’ suite, but it had two comfy beds, plenty of space for the kids’ things, and a little balcony where I could see the ocean.

My babysitting duties began immediately. I kept Ella and Max entertained with beach games and made sure they didn’t drown in the pool. I also managed their snack cravings and did my best to tire them out, so they would go to bed without issues.

It was such hard work that time flew by in a blur, and my first day off arrived. I woke up early, excited to go snorkeling, an activity I’d reserved in advance.

I left a note on the dresser for the Millers, reminding them that I wouldn’t be available, just in case. It was an incredible day, where I got to explore coral reefs and swim with tropical fish.

But things turned sour when I got back.

The second I opened the door to the room I shared with the children, I was met with angry faces. Mr. Miller was pacing, his cheeks beet red, while Mrs. Miller sat stiffly on the bed with pursed lips and crossed arms. The kids were nowhere to be seen.

“Anya, where were you?” Mr. Miller demanded sharply.

I blinked and frowned. “I—on my day off. I went snorkeling and then enjoyed the resort.”

“Well, you should’ve been back here earlier! We were counting on you. We couldn’t go to the show we wanted to see because you weren’t here to watch the kids!” he snapped.

I stared at him, one eyebrow raised in confusion. “We agreed that I’d have today off. I even left a note reminding you.”

Mrs. Miller sighed dramatically. “We didn’t think you’d be gone all day. We needed you.”

This wasn’t right, and I felt it in my stomach, but I forced myself to stay professional and collected. “I’m sorry you couldn’t go to the show, but this is exactly what you agreed on with my parents.”

Mr. Miller’s face turned even more crimson. “Well, you should be more grateful that we brought you on this trip!” he spat and grabbed his wife’s arm.

Mrs. Miller walked with him to the door but turned to look at me one last time. “The kids fell asleep in our room. So, we can’t even enjoy the rest of the night, either. I hope you’re happy,” she huffed.

When they finally shut the door behind them, I flopped down on the bed and sighed. I wanted to leave immediately. But it’s not like my parents could afford to send me a plane ticket. I was stuck.

***

Everything changed after that confrontation. Obviously, the kids were still sweet, but the Millers were cold towards me.

They also began to make comments under their breath whenever I was near about “how lucky I was to get a free trip.”

Despite this, I stayed calm. I made sure the kids were entertained and happy, with tons of fantastic activities. Sadly, when my second day off rolled around, the problems surfaced again.

Early morning, Mrs. Miller cornered me on my way to the pool. “Anya, could you please watch the kids this evening? We’ve been invited to dinner by a couple we met here, and it would really mean a lot to us.”

I shook my head politely. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Miller, but today is my day off. I’ve already made plans.”

Her expression hardened, though her tone stayed sugary sweet. “It’s just dinner, Anya. Surely you can adjust your plans. We’ve been so stressed, and this is our chance to relax. It’s our vacation, too.”

Despite the obvious guilt trip, I held my ground. “I understand, but we agreed on this schedule. It’s better to follow the contract.”

With that, I turned.

But that evening, when I returned from having dinner at the buffet, Mr. Miller was waiting for me by the door.

“You’re being a terrible babysitter,” he said bluntly. “We brought you here to help us, and you’re making it impossible for us to enjoy ourselves.”

I folded my arms. “I’ve done everything we agreed on. I’ve worked hard every day except for my days off, which was part of the deal. I don’t think that’s selfish.”

He glared at me, muttering something about how they’d find a “better nanny” next time. I didn’t say anything, but his words stung.

Luckily, they didn’t bother me on my third day off, and sooner than I expected, the trip was over. Despite these issues, I had a great time exploring on my own, and during my time with the kids.

The Millers were sourpusses the entire flight back, but I was too tired to care. It was over, and I would probably never babysit for them again.

But I was expecting my roster of babysitting gigs to pick in full back home. Yet, no one called. I spent a month without work, and I couldn’t figure out why. Children loved me, and I knew many parents in the neighborhood had busy schedules and needed me desperately.

It wasn’t until I ran into Mrs. Johnson at the grocery store that I discovered the truth. She was one of the friendliest moms around and a big client for me. But, she looked a little hesitant when she saw me, and I knew something was up.

“Hi, Mrs. Johnson! I just wanted to ask. Has something happened? I noticed you haven’t called about babysitting lately.”

She shifted uncomfortably. “Oh, hey, Anya,” she answered, but her smile was brittle and she didn’t say more.

“Ma’am, is there something wrong? You can tell me,” I insisted gently.

At last, she fessed up. “I’m sorry. But I heard some things. The Millers have been gossiping, saying you were unreliable during the trip, that you left them stranded with the kids, and caused all kinds of problems. They warned people not to hire you.”

My jaw dropped.

“Mrs. Johnson, you must know that’s not true. You know me, and I hate to speak badly about adults, but I had a contract with the Millers, and I followed it to a T,” I explained as calmly as I could, even though I wanted to cry.

Mrs. Johnson listened as I continued describing my side, and when I finished, she touched her chest in relief. “I knew there might be more to the story. You’ve always so been responsible. I’m sorry, Anya. I shouldn’t have listened to them so easily.”

I thanked her for believing me, but the damage was done. I couldn’t exactly go around, knocking on doors, and telling everyone the truth.

But I also couldn’t let this go. So, I turned to the neighborhood Facebook group and wrote a post detailing the trip, attaching a copy of the contract, and explaining how I had honored every part of the agreement.

Part of it read: “I worked seven full days and nights, caring for the kids while the Millers enjoyed their vacation. I had three days off that we agreed on from the beginning, but they weren’t happy when I actually took them. I’ve always taken babysitting seriously, and I just want to clear up any misunderstandings.”

I hoped people would believe me, but I couldn’t have expected the response. It was overwhelming.

One mom commented, “Thank you for sharing this, Anya. I’ve had encounters with the Millers, and they’re the worst neighbors!”

Another person added, “They sound entitled. You’re better off not working for them again.”

By the end of the day, other babysitters had chimed in with horror stories about the Millers’ unreasonable demands. One babysitter even wrote that she was still waiting to be paid for a job she did months ago.

The post reached Mrs. Miller, and she wrote a long paragraph, making herself look like the victim. But no one bought it. Afterward, Mr. Miller came to our house demanding I retract my words online, but my father threatened to call the cops.

Their reputation was destroyed, and soon, every babysitter in town knew not to work with them. I felt bad for their kids, who were incredible despite their parents. But I had to stand my ground.

The post must have reached everyone even if they didn’t comment because my regular clients called soon after and offered me work again.

Everything returned to normal in my life, except I promised myself never to take extended babysitting gigs. The money isn’t worth it.