The Babysitter

21

𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘/𝗥𝗢𝗬𝗖𝗘

I woke up to the smell of coffee. Opening my eyes slowly, I walked to the kitchen, and the first person I saw was Royce. His face looked tired, yet somehow different, almost happy. He had shaved his beard, revealing a clean, handsome face with his black hair slicked back neatly. A small smile graced his lips, revealing a dimple. He looked truly stunning. Dressed in black sweatpants and a white T-shirt that hugged his muscular arms, he exuded charm with his broad shoulders and muscles. He was a Greek god.

"Morning." I usually don't like to talk in the morning. I'm not really a morning person. But when it comes to talking with Royce, I could talk with him all day, even in the morning.

He turns his face slightly, gives me a glance from head to toe, then nods and looks away. Clearly, he wasn't in a good mood. "Morning." At least he replied and didn't give me the silent treatment.

"Did you sleep well?" he asks, holding a cup of coffee.

"Mhm," I lied. I didn't sleep very well, but I didn't want him to think I was nagging.

That was what the girls in my school used to say about me, that I nagged too much. I used to care about what they said. I hated my school back then and hated everyone there. I didn't have friends, and the only girl I had was Marie. And now we're not even on good terms. I've been thinking about it all the time, about what she said. Maybe I shouldn't have said that to her. But that was for her safety. Maybe we both overreacted.

"Tate!?" A harsh voice woke me from my thoughts, bringing me back to reality. I should stop daydreaming all the time.

"I- um, sorry, what were you saying?" I look at him, and he is already looking at me, piercing into my eyes.

He takes a moment before he speaks, his voice authoritative, filled with masculine energy, and demanding. "We're going out tonight."

"May I ask where?" I open the fridge as I grab a bottle of juice. I was babysitting Angela today again, but she was still sleeping, so I thought I could drink some fresh orange juice.

"To one of my clubs. Be ready at nine." I only nod, not wanting to ask more questions or bother him. I drank my juice silently while he drank his coffee.

"Royce, may I ask where Valerie is?" My voice was low; I doubted he even heard me. But to my surprise, he did. I don't know how, but every time I speak in a low voice, he hears me while others don't. Does this man have superpowers or something?

"She went out to get some groceries," he replies. What was up with his mood? He looked a little mad and happy at the same time.

I should get up and check on Angela. She probably woke up. I turned my phone on and checked the time. It was already eleven. Shoot! She should be awake from ten. I didn't even notice the time. I didn't set an alarm. I should stop panicking like this. It's alright; her family is not here.

"Royce! Tate!" Both Royce and I turned our heads to the soft voice of the girl standing in front of the kitchen. Half asleep, curly hair ruffled, and in her pajamas.

She rushed and hugged her big brother. I couldn't help but smile at the gentle scene in front of me. It was maybe the second time I saw Royce gentle or soft with anyone. But when it comes to his sister, he's something else. A completely different person. And I loved this side of him. The soft, gentle side. The colorful side, rich with happiness, rainbows, and light.

"Hi, Tate," she stood in front of me. She looked so tiny and adorable. I took her in my arms and sat her on my lap.

"Hello, Angi. I'd let you sleep this time, but next time you can't." She giggles and hides her face with her tiny hands.