The Emptiness She Holds

i have baby sitters

Chapter 10: I Have Babysitters

I woke up with arms wrapped loosely around my torso. Immediately alarmed, I sprang up—but my eyes relaxed when they landed on Zander's sleeping form.
A small smile played on my lips as I carefully slipped out of his hold and headed to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

I pulled on black denim shorts and a red cropped tee with faded white numbers on the back. I grabbed my red Jordans and brushed my hair into low space buns.
Walking downstairs, I passed through the kitchen and spotted Elias and Anthony sitting at the table, doing paperwork together.

I ignored them and grabbed my motorcycle keys.
"Where are you going?" Elias asked coldly.
I kept walking toward the door, but he stepped in front of me.
"You better move before I give you another bruise on that egghead of yours." My eyes sliced into him, and he visibly flinched, his hand going instinctively to the bruise on his forehead from yesterday.
"Look, I don't want to deal with another teenager—especially a female one. Dad told me to look out for you, so just tell me where you're going, and we won't have such a problem," he said, giving me a stern look.

I sighed, bored.
"...I'm going to shop for school supplies and clothes," I said annoyed.

His eyes lit up.
"Ah, in that case, we're coming with you. We need to get stuff for Zander, Daniel, and Anthony too."

I rolled my eyes.
"Fine. I'll wait on the couch. You guys have an hour to get ready."
I started toward the living room, then paused. "Oh, Zander's in my room, by the way."
Elias raised an eyebrow but nodded and headed upstairs.

Soon, footsteps thundered down the stairs. I turned to watch all five brothers step into the living room, decked out in stylish outfits.

Elias wore a loose white V-neck shirt, dark green cargo pants, and white Air Forces.
Daniel had on a white tank top under a grey sweater, grey joggers, and matching Jordans.
Anthony sported black denim jeans and a red hoodie, with red Nike Air Forces.
Silas wore a white cardigan and ripped light brown jeans, topped with white Vans.
Zander rocked a brown turtleneck, black cargo pants, and brown-and-white Air Forces.

All the brothers looked nearly identical—except Zander's emerald green eyes, stark against their father's grayish-blue, and his sandy blonde hair, more platinum than the rest. I guessed that came from their mother.

We headed to the garage, where Elias picked out a black Subaru with eight seats so everyone could fit.
I slid into the left window seat as Daniel took the passenger side. Zander squeezed into the middle, while Silas and Anthony claimed the back.

Elias connected his phone to Bluetooth, and Blackbird by The Beatles filled the car.

We soon pulled up to the mall. I hopped out, Zander following. We got ahead of the others and entered through the spinning doors.

Inside, I noticed groups of teens laughing and hanging out. My heart ached a little—I missed those three years I'd spent locked up.

I shook the feeling away as Elias dragged us from one expensive store to another.

I got tired of being dragged around, so when we stopped at Gucci, I waited a moment before sneaking out. Two thousand dollars for a bandana or belt? Ridiculous.

I made it out and walked two shops down to H&M, grabbing hoodies, shorts, and two coats—winter was almost here.
I picked five tops in different colors and designs, then paid and saw the others leaving Gucci just as I finished.

I headed toward them.
"Where the hell did you go!?" Daniel asked, glaring.
I just pointed, already annoyed by the constant babysitting.

"Did you steal that?" Anthony scoffed, eyeing me like he expected it.