Surviving the Dark

Chapter 11 - Zae (FlashBack)

I heard that in many expanses of nature, there are statues scattered about. In places in the major cities like a botanic garden, the statues are usually of historical figures related to the area. But in places like the preserve where there are not many significant historical events or figures to do with Quelia, the statues are random.

Working in the preserve, I've seen statues of the world's most influential historical figures, prominent sporting personalities, who are known for both the things they did within their sport and out of it for society. The kinds of statues I see the most though are of children's stories. Most would think of the Disney version when looking at the art, especially of the Peter Pan and Tinkerbell one. However, the plaques in front of them tell of the original tale.

I've seen most of the preserve now, and I feel like I've seen all the statues there is within the park.

I was wrong.

Right in front of me is a statue of Eros featuring his bow and arrows in his infamous flower crown. But that is not what I have seen that has me frozen in place.

Three or four cherubs were looking up at Eros, who was aiming his bow and arrow. The cherubs all look identical with their chubby cheeks and wide eyes. The only difference between Eros and the cherubs was Eros looked to be in his teens and not a baby.

Looking at the cherubs smiling faces, I couldn't help but smile too, thinking back to when I was in charge of looking after Zae and kept making him smile and giggle.

********~Flashback~********

Mum and dad had to deal with something; there were only going to be a few hours. So they left me with my siblings. I was in charge.

'How is a nine-year-old meant to take care of a six-year-old, four-year-old and a six-month-old?' I thought to myself when my parents told me I was to look after them.

I was turning ten next month, so I suppose they trusted me enough. Axel had his birthday a month ago, and he tries to act like a big boy, it doesn't work for long, but he looks adorable trying. Thea turned four last week and still hasn't let us forget it. For a small girl, she has a big personality.

"Thea give it here! You're not holding it right." Axel said, snatching Zae's bottle out of her hands.

Mum said Zae would be due for a bottle about an hour after they left, and if Axel or Thea wanted to give it to him they had to be supervised, and I had to put Zae in his bassinet.

At the rate, the other two were fighting Zae was starting to get cranky from not getting his bottle.

"OI! Give me the bottle, you two are fighting so much over who is feeding Zae right you forget to feed him."

Thea, who held the bottle again, passed it to me looking down at her feet. When I tried to give it to Zae, he pushed it away and started crying.

"Great, now he won't even take it," I said to no one in particular.

"What are we make him happy again?" Axel asked. I met his eyes, and I could see how sorry he was and was trying to fix it like a big boy would.

"Yeah! We could pull funny faces." Thea said rushing over to Zae's side. I eyed her suspiciously, never knowing what went on in that head of hers.

She thought for a moment then started to pull a face. Thea's idea of a funny face was sticking her tongue out, which for a four-year-old I guess was excellent.

Axel came over as Zae stopped crying, though he still looked upset.

"Let me try." Axel then pulled the face he does at dad when they are playing together. Tongue out, and eyes crossed.

I smiled at his effort and Thea burst out laughing, very impressed.

I hated to admit it, but I think the evil genius's were on to something. Zae had stopped crying, and a small smile was spreading across his little face.

"Isa you give it a shot." Axel exclaims, eyes shining.

Like Thea, I thought for a moment then started morphing my face into what I hoped looked like a funny face.

Sticking with the theme of having our tongues out, I cross my eyes, puffed my cheeks, pulled my ears out, with my tongues hanging out of my mouth.

With my eyes crossed I couldn't see much, but when I heard laughter, I let my eyes roll back to normal. The face I pulled had all three of them laughing and giggling. Zae's laughter being the loudest.

To make sure Zae was happy we kept taking turns pulling faces at him for the next thirty minutes.

Once I was sure Zae would take his bottle I sent the others to play in the lounge room.

I picked up Zae, holding his bottle in a way that he could drink it while in my arms. He kept reaching for it with his tiny hands, but not being able to hold it for himself. While he drank, I walked up and down the hallway softly moving him to sleep. When he was almost done, I could tell e was drifting to sleep. I took the bottle away and placed him in his cot. I looked at what was left in the bottle, and it was less than a quarter.

I went into the lounge room and told Thea and Axel they needed to be mindful of the noise with Zae asleep.

We didn't have much to do that didn't make too much noise, so we started playing a board game.

I couldn't help but think that mum and dad would be proud.

********~End Flashback~********

I came back to reality.

I had been spacing out an occasion with visions of my family. It was all of the happy memories of when I was with them before the attack. Though at night I was still having nightmares.

Looking down at the cherubs I smiled to myself. I had almost forgot about that day I looked after my siblings.

I missed them every day, but at least I still had my memories like these.

*************

Authors Note

I know it's short. I'm sorry, but there is only so much I can write about Isadora babysitting her siblings. 

I am also sorry that it has taken me so long to update, I've been getting a lot of shifts at work and not getting time to write. I am hoping to be able to give you at least one more chapter in the next few days so keep your eye on it!

I would love to know how you are all finding the story too. Don't be scared to give me negative feedback. All feedback is welcome, without it I won't be able to improve.

As always hope you are enjoying Surviving The Dark.

Cassandy