The Babysitters

Chapter 5

Again, unfortunately, my moment couldn't last. As soon as we stopped the car, Chester thanked me and handed me my wad of cash. Again I asked the world why: why did I have to meet this man? Why couldn't I have met a normal boy? Why did Chester have to be married? Why is it always me? I tried to keep my mask of indifference strong, but I'm pretty sure some of it crept through as I saw his face fall too.

"Is that okay?" He asked. "Is it enough?"

I just nodded and quickly escaped the car to avoid crying. I turned to face him one more time as he waved before entering the house again, a stray tear rolling down my face. I made my way up to my room, numb. I didn't say anything, or think anything at all. I just collapsed into bed and fell asleep.

****

The next morning, I had forgotten all about the sadness of the night before in favour of the pleasure beforehand. After all, you do only lose your virginity once. I was reminded of the tender way he kissed and treasured me all the way through the day, often catching me unawares and causing some quite embarrassing moments. However, none of this was actually picked up by anyone until my biology class. The teacher had been droning on about something or other to do with our dissecting of pig's eyes and once again, I had my head up in the clouds.

"Tabi...Tabi...Tabi!" My best friend (and work partner), Emma, called angrily.

"Sorry, what?" I snapped out of my daze.

"I've already asked you, can you please pass me the scalpel? God, what is going on in that head of yours?"

"Nothing, just a late night, that's all." I played it off.

"Those Rose brats keep you up late? How much did you get?" I paused. "Well?"

"200 quid." I replied quietly.

"200? 200? What did you do?! Suck Mr Rose's dick?" She laughed but stopped when I didn't.

"Wait, you mean you actually...?" She asked cautiously.

"No, nothing happened."

"Come on, Tab, you can tell me." She pried.

"I told you, nothing happened."

"Come on, I told you as soon as I lost my virginity!"

"Yes, and I'd rather you didn't, thank you. That was way too much detail!"

"Well, I'm not going to give up until you do." She said, and that was the end of that.

Or so I thought.

*****

Tuesday night and I was at the Rose's again. This time Chester and I took a blanket out to a field instead, but he still made me feel just as good. Again, he kissed and teased and blessed me all the way down to my toes and again, we had such a passionate night that I thought I might combust on the spot. He lay down beside me, panting, and pulled me into his warm arms, kissing my head gently. We watched the stars and I wish I could've enjoyed it more, but I knew that he was holding something he wanted to say, trying to phrase it right, and that scared me. He remained silent a while longer and then the moment arrived.

"Hey, Tab?" He whispered.

"Hmm." I hummed.

"Uh...I don't know how to say this, but, my friend asked...Well he asked if he could get a sitter. Is-is there anyone you could maybe...set him up with?" Oh, was that all? No "I'm leaving you", no "I can't do this anymore"? I could handle this. I mean, I wasn't going to do it myself, no, I'm comfortable with Chester - I'm not going to go and give it up now.

"Sure, I'll try." I whispered back. He kissed my head once more and held me closer. I could almost hear his heartbeat.

And I was almost sure it was in sync with mine.

*****

"You want me to join what?" Emma asked loudly.

"Ssshhhhhh! Don't let anyone hear you!" I shushed desperately. "Yes, I would like you to join my agency of secret babysitters. Yes, we fuck the guys. Yes, it's pretty awkward at first, but you get used to it, and the cash is good. I mean, you're even worse off for college funds than I am, wouldn't you like the money?"

There was a long pause.

"Fine." Emma sighed. "Fine, I'll do it - on one condition."

"What is it?" I groaned. She paused again and I growled at her to hurry up.

"Tell me what happened with your Mr Handsome." She smirked.

And I died of dread.