Sunkissed Serendipity

Chapter 23

Isla

The next few days are chill, with nothing for me to do other than entertain myself. I didn't have any other babysitting gigs from Lorraine, so I had been staying in and watching my shows. I had picked up a book the other day and had gotten the chance to finish it all within a day. So it's safe to say that without having anything else to do, I'm bored.

Once I wake up on Monday morning, I check my phone to find that there was a message on my phone.

Good morning, honey. I'm going into work later than usual and realized that, again, I don't have a sitter. I was wondering if you are free from 11 to 5 again today.

After the second day, I babysat Jack, and after all the fun I had at the beach with Julian and his friends, I got home to messages on my phone. They were all from their mother, Lorraine.

Hey honey. I'm so sorry for what went down with my husband. I know that Julian went after you, and Jack tells me he talked to you. I'm not sure if he shared everything with you, but whatever he did, I just hope that you aren't feeling scared anymore. I'm so sorry for the hurt, and I hope that you are feeling better.


After the message, she had paid me for my hours. I had read over her texts a few times before deciding to respond.

Your son did come and talk to me. I was shocked above all and a bit scared, but he calmed me down. He did tell me about your husband and how—well, you know what happened. I wanted to personally say that I'm sorry for all that's happened with your family, and I hope you guys get the justice you deserve. And I'm feeling better. Julian invited me along with his plans, so don't worry about me.


After my text, Lorraine and I texted back and forth a little bit more before she ended the conversation by saying she would let me know when she needed me again.

So when she texts me again this morning, I'm not shocked as I respond back with a little "I'm in" and get ready for my day. I decide on a white top that falls right above the waistband of the green shorts. I hope that the skin between my shirt and shorts isn't too much and that I can throw my hair into a high ponytail. Once I'm done, I head downstairs and eat breakfast.

Then I packed snacks, even though Julian had told me that I could eat in his house, but it was kind of awkward. I couldn't just help myself to food, so I still took my own. It takes me only ten minutes to have everything packed (a swimsuit as well) and myself ready to get out of the house.

I place my bag in the basket and start to pedal to my destination. The path to getting to the other side of town has become more familiar now, with me being able to look around at the surroundings and not watch my phone like a hawk. It's nice that I am able to enjoy the scenery instead of focusing on how I have to bike for twenty minutes.

Once I make it to the driveway, I drop my bike onto the pavement. Taking my bag out of the basket, I place it over my shoulder and pick my sunglasses off my eyes and into my hair. I head to the front door to find it swung open by someone I wasn't expecting. I move my eyes up to find Julian pulling the door and looking down at me. He gives me a raise of his eyebrow, silently asking me what I'm doing here.

I feel embarrassment all over my face at this moment, and I trip over my words, stuttering, "I came for Jack! Your mom asked for me to babysit him, and I said yes, of course. I— "

"Isla," Julian says, and I finally take a close look at his face to find him holding back a laugh by biting his lips. When I realize that he is joking with me, I step forward and instantly slap a hand over his arm. He laughs at me, his eyes holding a bright grin as he says, "I'm playing, Isla. Why would you think I wouldn't want to see you here?"

I step back, standing straight up, as I avert my gaze to the ground and hardly find any words to explain myself. Instead, Julian pulls the door fully open and stands to the side as he gestures for me to get in. "You're weird," he says in a playful manner as the both of us walk toward the living room. He glances back at me and says, "Jack is just getting ready for the day in his room, and I'm about to head off for work. My mom is already at work and asked for me to see you get here before I leave."