The Babysitter ✯ Kellic

Chapter Five

"You know, this is one of your days away from me and Copeland, why are you still hanging out here?" I ask Vic as he lounges out on my couch. I fake a gasp and widen my eyes as he stares at me. "Is it that you're actually homeless and just wanted somewhere to stay?" Actually, if that was the case, I probably would let him stay with me. He smiles and shakes his head.

"Actually, I don't hang out with you that much, only your daughter. But you seem like a pretty cool dude," he replies, shrugging. A smirk forms on my lips. "And I never got around to asking, how was your week of being a high school senior?" I stare at him awkwardly and he laughs. "Come on, I'm just trying to make small talk."

"Well, uh, my friend made a joke about how he thought I would have dropped out already because of Copeland," I begin. Vic makes a confused face and I wave my hand to dismiss the subject. "One of my teachers was pretty cool, but I think he had anger issues."

"What was his name?" Vic asks curiously. He takes a sip of the ice water I got him just minutes ago. I sit and think for a second, not being able to recall his name. I know it was something different - like Vic's last name: Fuentes. I just don't remember what exactly it was...

"Precado or something," I reply. Vic starts coughing, choking on his water. "Oh my god, Vic! Are you okay?!" I practically yell. For a second I forgot that Copeland was taking a nap in the other room. He nods, still coughing, but not as violently. "Are you going to puke?"

"N-no," he replies through the coughing. After a few seconds he stops and takes another sip of water. "I'm fine." I feel my heartbeat hammering in my chest. I never spent a lot of time around people, so I don't know basic human functions sometimes. That's why I didn't know what to do here. It's also why I don't believe I'm the most fit person to raise a child.

"What was that even about?" I ask. Vic shakes his head and I swear I see worry in his eyes. "Seriously, what the hell? That doesn't just happen. Was it something I said?" He nervously looks around before sighing.

"Look, I, uh..." he trails off. "Was your teacher's last name Preciado, or was it something else?" he asks. Preciado, that's what it was.

"Yeah, that's what it was. Why?" I ask nervously. Vic sighs before replying.

"Look, I, uh, I know that guy. He isn't good news. And, yes, he has some major anger issues and hasn't ever worked to fix them." He's starting to sound really angry. "But really? We break up and he becomes a fucking high school teacher? He couldn't keep his hands off - I mean-" Vic stops once he realizes that I'm gaping at him.

"You're gay?" I question nervously. Vic stares down at his legs and nods slowly. "I never would have guessed..." I add quietly. He looks up at me, almost with shame in his eyes.

"If you want to, like, not let me watch Copeland anymore, I totally understand. It wouldn't be the first time..."

"What? That's ridiculous, of course you can still watch Copeland! I mean, I'm not entirely straight," I reply. Vic turns to me with a confused expression and I shrug. "I like people based on personality. Good looks and gender are just benefits." Vic nods slowly.

"Yeah, I just don't really like girls... Of course, I would still want kids, right? That's my luck," he says, chuckling almost sarcastically. I can't help but sympathize with him.

"You could always adopt. How old are you, actually? I never asked," I say curiously. I scoot myself farther down into the couch, still far enough away from him so that we aren't touching. I would consider us friends, but we've only known each other for a little under a week, so we aren't close enough to be touching like that. What am I even saying?

"Twenty-one," he replies. I nod and smile. My age assumption was close enough to his actual age. I would have felt bad if I was too far off. "I'm so good at taking care of children because my parents worked so much and they were never there. And since they were never home, I had to take care of my younger brother," he says after we sat in silence for a few seconds.

That statement jogs something in my memory. "Oh! I think I actually saw your younger brother at school," I reply, smiling. Vic chuckles and nods. "He was in a bunch of my classes, but I'll admit: I was a little too nervous to talk to him. Plus, to be honest, he kind of scared me."

Vic really laughs this time. "You should talk to him on Monday, he's actually really cool. Older than you though, since he failed eighth grade years ago," he informs me. "I mean, if you get along with me, you shouldn't have any problem with Mike."
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sorry this chapter was boring. I was just trying to add in a little background info that might have some significance later Idk.
thanks for bearing with this story (((: