The Bad Boy's Babysitter

• Chapter 10

Chapter 10 //  Iniquitous Intentions

It was a fine Monday in Victoria Peak. The two day long storm had washed every sidewalk and gutter clean and a tincture of freshness still lingered in the air despite the traffic fumes. It was as if a sign of a good week was coming up. Looking back at the previous one, I figured I deserved better days. Or at least days that didn't involve any drama – preferably with Carson Ford.

Unfortunately, the universe decided that my fate with the bad boy was inevitable.

It all started when a familiar black car appeared right outside my driveway at seven in the morning. It was a sleek BMW which I recognized all too well as Carson's mode of transportation. And when I had a closer look, there he was, sitting at the driver's seat comfortably, too engrossed in his phone to notice that I'd left my house.

Frowning at the surprise visit, I stood grounded for a minute or two, wondering what the hell he was doing here.

I was certainly sure he didn't owe me anymore rides to school because I already had my bike with me. And I figured we weren't on talking terms because of whatever happened last week. So what was he doing, showing up unannounced on my street?

I started to make my way towards his vehicle.

As if sensing my approach, Carson's head snapped in my direction even before I could tap on the window pane. He gave me a hard look which I chose to ignore – or perhaps I've just gotten used to it. No longer than a second later, he rolled down the windows on the passenger's side.

The first thing that I could ask was, "What's wrong?" No one pays me a visit at seven in the morning unless it was an emergency, or unless they planned to meet up with me before school. And even if they did, it probably would've been Luke or Michaela. The last person I expected to see out on my street was Carson.

He, who still had that cold look on his face, was staring back at me as if I was the biggest idiot in the world. Perhaps at the point of time, I was. But that's only because I didn't get his memo.

"Nothing's wrong, Greyson." He said, though he sounded far from it. "Can't I just give you a ride to school?"

I raised an eyebrow and rested my elbows on the window frame, leaning down to meet his heavy gaze. "Who are you and what have you done to Carson Ford?" I asked.

He scoffed, giving me a sardonic expression. "I got your message from Mark. And I figured we should talk before things go downhill again during Biology."

I felt the colour drain from my face. I shifted my attention away from him, fumbling with my fingers nervously. Did he have to be so blatant about it? I rubbed the back of my neck uneasily, shooting him an embarrassed look. "Yeah, well, I'm glad you got the message." I said. It was all I could think of.

Carson smirked, and I caught the smug smile and arrogance return to his face. "Just get in." He said, reaching over to unlock the door for me. I contemplated for a minute or two, deciding if this was a good idea.

I've had several experiences of being in an enclosed area with Carson. And if I had to use one word to describe them, it would have to be awkward. Really awkward. So I wasn't sure why I opened the door and slid into the passenger's seat anyway.

Perhaps I felt bad for everything that's happened between us. For hitting him with the frying pan, and for snapping at him even after a sincere apology. After all, we'd do anything to make things right again. Even if the person didn't really matter to you that much. And for someone who constantly feels the need to please others, Carson had found the perfect target to pick on.