The Babysitter

Chapter 10: (Aubrey's POV)- Eighth Grade

After he gave me that answer, things got awkward, really awkward. So as expected, we disbanded the game.

"Kids, I'm home!" Catherine's voice brought us out of our miserable silence.

I looked up at Xavier in confusion only to see the same expression gracing his face. We got off the bed and went downstairs, him following me closely. "Mom, you're home early," Xavier stated in confusion.

"My shift happened to end early today, Natalie's is delayed," she informed me. Natalie being my mother. So this meant I'd be home alone, again.

"Oh," I spoke dumbfounded.

"I told her I'd take care of you, hence, you'll be having dinner with us and if necessary, you can stay the night. My words, not hers. Do not attack your mother." She gave me a pointed look.

I looked down, slightly embarrassed but not so much since every teenager does that.

"Where were you two? You guys weren't down here when I came in," she glanced at Xavier before getting back and swiftly making dinner.

"We were up in my room. We cleaned my desk," Xaver informed his mom.

"Finally! I've been trying to get him to clean that for ages." She let out an exasperated sigh.

I bit back a laugh and shifted my gaze to him while raising my eyebrows in amusement. He rolled his eyes at me, smiling right after.

"So, what do we get for dinner?" he asked his mom as he sat down on the barstool, and patted the one beside his, gesturing for me to take a seat beside him.

a cheesy smile. "You two can go and watch something on TV if you'd like," she suggested.

I knew what was happening, Xavier's hand grabbed mine, pulling

Spongebob! Please?" I pleaded at seeing it on TV. I heard Catherine laughing from the kitchen. "Are you judging me, Mrs. Parker?"

replying, "It's Catherine to you, young lady. And no, absolutely not." She

shrugging and playing Spongebob anyway. I haven't seen SpongeBob in so

describe it. At least in my mental vocabulary. After a few episodes and some small talk between Xavier and me, his mom

eating in a comfortable silence until Catherine broke it. "Aubrey," she began, catching my attention. "Thank you for doing this. I really cannot begin to tell you how glad I am that you took the job. You're a good influence on him. Teach him something. Something other than getting in trouble." she gave him

night but couldn't. "Mrs. P- Catherine," I started, correcting myself. "I would like to do this job for free," I confessed. Hanging out with Xavier is fun, a lot more than I expected, I was dreading this but he's a nice guy and I want to be able to help Catherine without charging her money for it.

this coming. I can't make you do that," she tried to explain to me.

It's not like I do anything here. We just hang out

let me know whenever you need anything. So I could return the favor." She gave me a stern look to which I agreed.

talk about school, my summer plans which were now booked with babysitting Xavier, Catherine's work, Xavier's friends and

things and rubbing the palms of

while looking at the clock. It was ten-thirty at night, we hadn't realized how quickly time had gone by and how

Catherine. I shouldn't," I tried explaining

home. You'll be here often. Every day now anyway. Please, I insist." She is one persistent woman. I don't know

no room for me

on the couch for tonight." She waved

right here you know! I can hear you!" Xavier spoke, acting offended.

to run away, she was out of the room, into her own, dialing my mother's number. I bet she's gonna

room now. Goodbye and goodnight." I began walking towards the stairs before realizing something, going right back, "Um- could I get

"Follow me." He grabbed my hand, having me follow him to and

with no choice but to