I Among Dogs

Chapter 32: Another Babysitter Putdown

Man, even if I managed to get the upper-hand in the end, Kurou still did a heck of a number on me judging by some of the still lingering bruises I saw on myself as I was replacing the gauze I had with some clean bandages. On the plus side, they didn't sting as much as they did a few days ago, and Bluey and Bingo were a big help on applying them, though I think it was rather the chance of getting to play 'Doctor' that got them so excited.

As for Bandit and Chilli, well even if they understood why I had been so secretive, they still had a few firm words for me for essentially wandering off and potentially risking my own life. At the end of the lecture, they figured the best punishment was to ban me from going outside except for the back garden for two weeks, which seemed fair to me.

The second and last week of my "grounding" was drawing near as tonight, Bandit and Chilli were going to a party for adults.

Strange as it may seem, there was no mention of Bluey's nana, Rad or Frisky coming to babysit this time, and even if I asked, they never told me who it was, saying it was a surprise, but Bluey and Bingo did hint me on that it was someone I liked.

...Someone I liked?

One of my friends perhaps? Who knows.

Were any of them responsible enough to look after someone else's kids? Possibly.

As for Kurou, the last I've heard of him was that the police had decided to sentence him to a month of community service. Wonder what they've got him working at for said service.

"She's here!"

I suddenly heard Bingo exclaim with joy as I managed to pick up faint footsteps of her and likely Bluey running past the bathroom doorway.

So the babysitter was a girl, one that I liked...?

After making sure that my new gauze was on tight and well, I headed for the front door to see who the sitter would be tonight as Bandit and Chilli were already there.

"Kids, be good to your babysitter. And Nate, no wandering out and karate fighting." Bandit instructed us in a playfully firm tone which Chilli added with a playful stern look which was directed towards me.

"Bye!" The two young Heelers would say as their parents left the house and the babysitter in question would step in.

And immediately blink upon recognising me as I did as well, I knew that black fur with red highlights, pony tail and pair of glasses anywhere.

"H-Hi." Ayumi greeted me a little sheepishly with a faint blush.

"Nice to see you again, Ayumi." I gave a respectful nod to her in response before asking. "So you're looking after the kids tonight?"

Ayumi perked up a little and nodded.

"O-Oh yes, It's actually a part-time job I do from time to time! Grandpa said it'd help me be responsible with children when I have one of my own!"

The Spitz's blush immediately increased in colour upon realising what she had just said out loud, her eyes immediately avoiding mine. Bluey and Bingo meanwhile shared eager yet rather cheeky grins with each other.

"Just so you know, Bluey and Bingo can get a little hectic with their games." I quickly said to try and change the subject, earning a playfully annoyed "Hey!" from Bluey.

"Oh, don't worry, I've had experience with a few excitable kids." Ayumi reassured me before kneeling down to Bluey and Bingo. "Has Nathan here been good to you?" She asked them in a friendly tone.