beautiful disaster // j.s

five- babysitter

I made myself pancakes and decided to stroll through the TV channel, I watch the news.

I heard loud talking from upstairs and I knew it was about yesterday night. I devoured my chocolate pancake, as I knew I would get in trouble.

Loud footsteps were heard as I enjoyed the little moments of silence and mentally prepared myself for the yelling I was about to get from god knows who.

"Aspen!" My father yelled.

No, not him. I was always so frightened when he yelled.

"Yes father." I put my plate down and turned the TV off. I straightened the clothes I had changed into, before I would get in trouble. My new clothes consisted of, loose grey sweats and a pastel pink long-sleeved shirt.

"Were you outside last night?" He rambled.

"Yes." I whispered, lowering my gaze.

"At 4?" He seemed angry, really angry.

"I'm so s-sorry." The tears just wouldn't stop. "Come here." He whispered.

He hugged me tightly. "Don't do that again." He repeated, stroking my hair. I took my plate and washed it after I finished eating, then I proceeded to my room.

I took out my undergarments, tights, black long skirt, purple loose shirt, and a cardigan. I raced to the shower and turned the water on, It turned warm quickly and I hopped in. I washed my body, along with my hair. I hurried and turned the water off. I put my undergarments on, without glancing at the mirror. I never looked in the mirror when I wasn't clothed, I was insecure for what I might see. I put the rest of my clothes on and grabbed my bag and shoes from my room and darted down the stairs, careful not to trip because of how long my skirt was and I was still not used to the house.

I proceeded to the car, I sat in the back after I kissed my mother and father good morning.

Zeke was in the driving seat and Lijah was in the passenger seat next to him.

I sat back, alone. I looked out the window when I realized the time had passed and it was time for me to walk to my class. A couple of girls walked along my brothers, giving me a dirty look. I placed my head down and fastened my pace to my first period.

I jammed my bag into my locker and walked past the girls chattering next to me.

I walked to my history and sat at my usual spot. In the end of the classroom in the back.

I sat down and waited as the teacher walked in, we reviewed the homework we had over the weekend. The class ended before we could finish fully grading.

I tucked my paper in my pastel blue folder and walked to my next class, math.

I entered into class when the I was suddenly needed in the office, along with Zeke and Lijah.

"Honey, your mother and father are here to see you." Principal Tanner said.

I nodded my head, glancing to the left seeing something I probably didn't want to. My father held my thin mother as she nearly fell. Her eyes were red and swollen. A tear slipped from her eyes as she glanced up seeing me.

My eyes began to water within the sight. My brothers were both standing behind my father facing the floor without an expression.

My father walked over to me as principal Tanner walked out, closing the door behind her.

"Oh honey." His voice faded. "It's your grandmother." "She.. She um- she's sick. She's very sick." He continued.

"Oh no." My voice was light.

"We must go visit her." He began again. "Your mother, Abraham, Ezekiel, Elijah, and I must go." He looked up, locking his eyes with mine.

"Oh. Uhm- okay." I was upset I couldn't go, but I realized this wasn't about me.

"You will stay home and I will have the neighbor check on you." He spoke.

I felt uneasy, I wanted dearly to just visit my grandmother, but I knew I couldn't.

"Laine will check on you and we will be back on Friday if not, we will call." He said once again.

"Okay." I said, with that I was dropped home.

I spotted a unfamiliar girl probably a few years older than me. I began to tense up when she glanced over at me and waved. I struggled to give her a smile back, instead I placed my head down and stayed still. I couldn't think of anything but my grandmother. I hardly knew the women but I felt so sad.

The voices got louder as the door was opened slowly by Laine. I looked up and saw her facing towards me, It was quiet and I thought my family left but I was wrong. My father came by me and my mother followed along. Both of them kissed my forehead and gave a light smile and walked out of the doors. Abe came next, hugging me tightly then he kissed my hand. Lijah and Zeke didn't bother.

I pressed my forehead to the glass window as I watched the car leave. Once it left, I walked into the kitchen and saw the girl waiting for me.

"I'm Laine, and according to your parents I am to babysit you till they return." She smiled.

I nodded, smiling back.

"So, do you want to watch TV?" "Like you can play outside or do anything- unless you have homework." She laughed.

I smiled lightly and placed my head down. I just wanted to be by my family and see my grandmother.

"Your so shy." She said and my cheeks started burning instantly. "How old are you?" She continued.

"I'm sixteen, we c-can sit in the living room if you want." I smiled and our conversation was moved to the living room.

"What's your name anyways?" She questioned.

"Aspen." I responded.

"I feel bad for you." She chuckled.

"Why is that?" I was confused.

"Your the youngest of three brothers." She felt bad?

"I don't mind it." I lied, I hate having no sisters. "W-what about you? Do you have brothers?" I asked.

"One, his name is John. He lives next door along with me." She laughed.

I bit my lip harder than I should've. The same John that pushed me against the wall? The same John that sat on my bed, the one that laughed at me outside?

"Do you know when my parents will be back?" I tried to change the subject.

"Um no, but they said you'll be sleeping at my house and you can't go to school. What'd you do kiddo?" She smiled widely.

"I- I didn't do anything." I claimed.

"Okay, we should be going to my house." She said looking at her million dollar watch.

Oh great, this will be awesome. I mentally sighed.