Little Angel

Chapter 4

Hey y'all! I'm backkkk and have another chapter for you guys! Sorry I haven't been updating, I've had a lot going on recently, and my first day of school is actually tomorrow so that's more things but I'm going to try to update monthly. If I miss an update I apologize but I will do my best to update whenever I can!

Lucas's POV

A week later, the house was bustling with the usual chaos that accompanied the first day back to school. Aiden, Xander, and Xavier were rushing around, gathering their books and supplies. The excitement and nervous energy were palpable, but amidst it all, little Ella clung to my leg, her eyes wide with anxiety. 

"Lucas, where's my blue notebook?" Aiden called from the kitchen. 

"In the drawer next to the fridge," I replied, my attention divided between helping my brothers and comforting Ella. She had been particularly clingy since Noah left on another business trip, and I knew finding a babysitter for her was going to be a challenge. 

"Lucas, I don't want to go to school," Xander whined, dragging his feet. 

"You'll be fine, buddy. Just think about all the friends you'll see," I encouraged, ruffling his hair. 

Once the boys were finally out the door, I turned my full attention to Ella. She looked up at me with those big, tear-filled eyes, and my heart ached. 

"Hey, sweetheart, it's going to be okay. We're going to find someone really nice to stay with you while I'm at work." 

But no matter who I tried, Ella threw a fit. Mrs. Johnson from next door, a sweet elderly lady who had raised three kids of her own, was met with screams and tears. A young college student named Megan, who had a background in childcare, fared no better. Each time, Ella's anxiety skyrocketed, and I had to send the potential babysitters away. 

"It's okay, Ella. I know new people can be scary," I whispered, holding her close as she sobbed into my shoulder. 

"But we need to find someone to stay with you while I'm at work. I promise I'll find someone you like." 

After exhausting all my options, I decided to try daycare. Just four hours a day, enough to cover my morning shift until Aiden got home from college. 

The first day was a disaster. Ella clung to me, her little hands gripping my shirt as if her life depended on it. When I finally managed to leave her with the daycare staff, her wails echoed down the hallway, piercing my heart. When I picked her up, her face was red and tear-streaked. 

"I don't like it there, Lucas. I want to stay with you," she cried, burying her face in my chest. 

"I know, baby girl. I know," I murmured, stroking her hair. "We'll figure something out, I promise." 

But as the days went by, it seemed like there was no way to find anyone to watch her. Each morning was a battle, and each evening ended with Ella in my arms, exhausted and miserable. I felt like I was failing her, and the weight of the responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders. 

One particularly rough morning, as I was about to give up hope, I received a call from an old friend, Sarah. We had gone to high school together and had recently reconnected through social media. She had heard about my situation and offered to help. 

"Lucas, I work from home now and have flexible hours. I'd be more than happy to watch Ella during the day," Sarah said, her voice warm and reassuring. 

"Are you sure? It's a lot to ask," I replied, feeling a glimmer of hope. 

"Absolutely. I adore kids, and I think Ella and I would get along great. Plus, it'll give me a break from my work," she chuckled.