You did it!

Caroline loved her job as a nanny – but was this going a bit too far?

Caroline, 26, Yeppoon, Qld*

Iloved my job as a nanny working for a wealthy couple who lived near a popular beach resort.

One time, my employers, Marc and Marie, were headed interstate for two weeks, leaving me in sole charge of their gorgeous baby, six-month-old Lucy.

Lucy was a cheerful bub and I knew she’d be her usual happy self when her parents were away. I’d looked after her ever since she was a newborn and she’d come to know me very well.

The only thing that I didn’t relish about the job was the low rate of pay I received. Even though Marc and Marie were rather well off, they were not very generous.

I was desperate to fly to Brisbane to see Mum for her upcoming 50th birthday – but I couldn’t afford it.

‘I’d really love you to be here, Caroline,’ Mum said to me over the phone. ‘We’re having a big party and it won’t be the same without you.’

‘I’ll see what I can do,’ I told her, knowing it wasn’t possible. Marc and Marie had been away for a week when I decided to take Lucy out for a walk down to the beach for some fresh air.

A crowd had gathered and, as I drew closer, I could see that a huge stage and banners had been erected. A sign read Bonny baby competition – first prize $500!

Five hundred dollars would be more than enough to cover my airfare to go and see Mum for her birthday.

Without a second thought, I filled in the entry form and promptly presented young Lucy as my contestant. There was nothing on the form stipulating that the baby had to be your own child! Nevertheless, I glanced around the crowd, hoping no-one who knew me was there.

I knew that Marc and Marie, who could be a bit snobby, might be horrified at having their little girl paraded around in a public baby competition!

I also knew I shouldn’t be doing it – but the lure of the money was too great. And considering my low wages, I did feel my actions were somewhat justified.

Twelve beautiful babies were judged by a panel and, about 20 minutes later, I almost keeled over when the winner was announced. It was Lucy!

‘You did it, you won!’ I cried, giving her a big hug.

It was true that Lucy had given her most delightful smiles and she was awfully cute, but I was still totally stunned when the judges gave me the cheque for $500!

A week later, Marc and Marie returned from their break, excited to see their girl.

‘How has she been?’ asked Marie as she swept Lucy up into a tight hug and showered her with kisses.

‘She’s been her usual happy, smiling self,’ I replied.

‘Yes, she has got a winning smile,’ Marc agreed.

If only you knew just how

winning, I thought, feeling ashamed at what I’d done.

But soon after, thanks to the prize money, I was able to fly to Brisbane just in time for my mum’s birthday party.

‘I’m so glad you made it,’ Mum cried, happily flinging her arms around me.

‘I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,’ I said, smiling.

On Lucy’s first birthday a few months later, I presented her with a beautiful silver bracelet with her name engraved on the inside of it.

Because it was adjustable, it could be worn right through her childhood.

It had cost me $100 – the prize money left over after paying for my plane ticket and Mum’s birthday gift.

‘That is so beautiful and so generous of you,’ Marie cried.

‘She’s worth it,’ I said with a grin. ‘After all, she really is the bonniest baby around.’

But I didn’t tell them how I knew that for a fact!

Considering my low wages, my actions felt justified