Blocked

Twelve

     When I woke up, it was well into the morning. I didn't want to get out of bed. My mind raced with good and bad thoughts, but all unwanted. I just wanted to sleep forever, and not deal with my problems.

     "Hailey!" I guess I had no choice but to deal with them. I sat up in bed, not wanting to respond to my dad's voice.

     "Hailey," he repeated, this time standing in my doorway.

     "What?" I asked coldly, staring at him. He let out a huff of air and crossed his arms.

     "I need you to do me a big, big favor. I need you to watch the kids for a week." I just stared at him.

     "Excuse me?" I finally muttered, rubbing my eyes in an attempt to better alert myself.

     "The children. Your siblings. You think you can manage while I'm gone?" he asked again, and I could tell he was in a rush. He was already dressed in a dress shirt, slacks and shiny shoes. I could tell he had already made up his mind to go before even asking me.

     "I always do, don't I?" I answered, holding back the reply I would've much rather gave.

     "That's what I like to hear. I'm gonna' leave you one of my credit cards, but do not use it unless you need to, am I clear?" he asked, walking over to me and holding out a shiny blue card. I reached up for it, but he pulled it back out of reach, still waiting for my answer.

     "Yes, dad. Crystal," I said. He slid the card on my nightstand and walked out, with a final goodbye. "I'll be calling to check in. No funny business, Hailey Mae." 

     And with that, he was gone. I sat up in bed and looked at the clock. 11:14. I had almost slept until noon, which was rare for me. This whole stalking thing is really knocking me out of place.

     I stood up and stretched, relieving my sore muscles. Hopefully my dad had already given the kids breakfast, or I was going to be pissed.

     Walking down into the living room, I spotted Izzy in her hich chair, which was positioned facing the television. Wonderful, I thought. He let the TV do the parenting for him. At least he was thoughtful enough to put a pile of dry cereal on the tray.

     "Good morning, beautiful," I sang, smiling as she turned and smiled back at me. Along with the sound of the singing sponge on the TV, I could also hear Ben's TV from down the hall, so I knew he was at least occupied for now.

     "Daddy's gonna' be gone for the next week. What fun," I mumbled, plopping down on the sofa and joining Izzy in her cartoons. She eventually started babbling at the TV, and I slowly began to zone out.

     My phone suddenly started buzzing, pulling me out of my daze.

     "Hello?" I answered, holding the phone to my ear.

     "Hi Hailey, it's Mrs. Grinwool. Just calling to let you know the reports are due tomorrow afternoon." The sound of my teacher's voice surprised me; I was expecting my dad or a friend.

     "Oh, crap. I completely forgot. I already have it done, I'll fax it over as soon as I can. Thanks," I rushed, rubbing my forehead. 

     "No problem. You have a nice day."

     "Thanks, you too," I said, and hung up. It's a good thing she called me, or else I would've completely failed the assignment.

     I lifted myself off the couch and made my way up to my bedroom. If my memory was correct, the report was still in my bag.

     It didn't take me long to locate the papers. I clutched them to my chest, then began skimming through them to make sure everything was in its place.