More Beautiful For Having Been Broken

If Only We Knew

Cara POV

"Okay, so money for a pizza is on the table, and a list of emergency contacts is on the refrigerator. We will only be gone for 3 hours, so don't hesitate to call, okay," Vanessa said.

I looked at Vanessa like she was crazy. "Nessa, I got this; it's not like I haven't babysat the kids over a hundred times."

Vanessa rolled her eyes. "That's true, Cara, but you have never babysat all three because one is usually at their friend's house," Vanessa said.

I rolled my eyes. "That's true, but I got this, guys; tonight is going to be fun for just me and the kiddos," I said with a smile.

Gabriella, Vanessa's wife, laughed, and I looked at her confused. Vanessa gave her wife a stern look that said shut it.

Vanessa looked at me with a nervous smile. "Yeah, about that—" Vanessa was cut off by the doorbell; I wonder who that is.

Gabriella got up and walked out of the living room towards the door. "So, as I was trying to say, we love you, Cara, and trust you; we really do, but we—okay, I thought that you might need an extra hand," Vanessa said.

Oh no, it better not be who I think it is. Before I could speak, I was interrupted by the worst person in the world, my absolute enemy, since I met her. "Party's here," she yelled. I could hear little feet running into the living room; it was my best friend's youngest kids.

"Aunt Dani, you're here," Mateo said. Dani held her arms out for Mateo to hug her. "Hola, pequeño, I missed you," Dani said."

I looked at Vanessa and Gabi. "Really Dani, of all people, you choose her? I'm sure a dog would be a better helper," I said as I looked at their dog Nacho.

He was trying to catch his tail. On second thought, they both have the same brain capacity.

"Hey, are you comparing me to a dog? I'll have you know I only got pulled over twice today. Could a dog do that?" Dani asked.

I just looked at her like the idiot she is. "I stand corrected," I said and walked out of the living room.

Vanessa walked after me. "Come on, Cara, please just play nice. She's Gabi's cousin," Vanessa said.

I rolled my eyes. "I know she's Gabi's annoying cousin, but she's not mine, so why do I have to deal with her?" I asked.

"Well, because it would make me and Gabi feel more comfortable if there were two babysitters here, okay? I signed as she continued. "Come on, Cara, you're the responsible one, so you know the house won't get burned down. And Dani is the fun one who will keep the kids entertained so they won't fight. It's a win-win," Vanessa said.

Yeah, for who? I thought as I rolled my eyes.

"Fine, Vanessa, only because you're my best friend and I love you," I said.

Vanessa smiled and gave me a hug. "Thank you, Cara. I love you as well. Okay, well, we have to go. Please try not to kill her," Vanessa whispered. I laughed. "Yeah, no promises."

"Ok, let's get going, kids. Please be good for your Aunt Dani and Cara, okay?" Gabi said.

"I will be good, Mom, I promise," said Mateo. "I know you will, baby,' said Gabi. "Oh, also, Valentina is in her room. She said she wasn't feeling well," said Gabi.

"Oh, I hope she's okay. I'll check on her in a little bit," I said.

Vanessa and Gabi started to walk out the door, giving one last kiss to Mateo and Arabella. They both told the kids they love them, and for some reason, this time feels different. It's like they really didn't want to leave, like they knew they had to stay. Ten minutes after they left, I decided to go check on Valentina.