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.

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

was happening, Xavier's hand grabbed mine, pulling me into the living room

plopping down on the couch beside him. "Spongebob! Let's watch Spongebob! Please?" I pleaded at seeing it on TV. I

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

and playing Spongebob anyway. I haven't seen SpongeBob in so long and watching it was truly making me feel like

the only word to describe it. At least in my mental vocabulary. After a few episodes and some small talk between Xavier and me, his mom called us

I really cannot begin to tell you how glad I am that you took the job. You're a

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

I should have seen this coming. I can't make

this myself. Please? I want to help without making you pay me for this. It's not like I do anything here. We just hang out like friends." I

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

plans which were now booked with babysitting Xavier, Catherine's work, Xavier's friends and interests some more, and then soon enough, we were all finished with our dinner.

and rubbing the palms of my hands against my thighs.

she suggested while looking at the clock. It was ten-thirty at night, we hadn't realized how quickly time

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 if that's good

There's no room for me to sleep in

course. He can crash on the couch

can hear you!" Xavier spoke, acting

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

goodnight." I began walking towards the stairs before realizing something, going right back, "Um- could I get an extra toothbrush please?" I smiled

before getting up from the couch and walking over to me. "Follow me." He

of course, your majesty," I scoffed while being left with no choice but to follow him