Just In Time h.s

Chapter 09

The distinctive sound of marimba echoed throughout the tiny studio apartment. I let out an exasperated groan. I ruffled my sheets to search for the obnoxious phone. I grabbed hold of the loud object and turned off the alarm only to be blinded by the sudden brightness penetrating my unaccustomed eyes. 6:15 am.

I stretched and let out a small sound. I swung my legs onto the cold wooden floor and made my way over to Darcy's crib. I leaned over her crib, scrunching my thick, curly, midnight black hair. I let out a yawn as I watched Darcy's stomach rising and falling with the occasional soft snore escaping her mouth.

I decided to skip the shower before work. I was still worried about leaving Darcy alone. I walked over to my closet, making sure Darcy was still in my sights, and I picked my outfit for work. It was nothing fancy just a black pencil skirt that hit above the knee, a sheer white long sleeve shirt, a golden statement necklace, and white high heels with a golden tip. I let my hair stay in it's natural curly state. I swiped some mascara onto my eyelashes and a bit of red lipstick.

"Mumma." I walked towards her crib and picked her up, rocking her back and forth. I walked towards the kitchen, noticing Darcy giggle slightly at the click of my heels against the wooden floor. I set her down in her carrier and warmed her bottle.

"Mumma's going to drop you off at Uncle Niko's today, okay?" Even though I was still wary about Niko and what happened last night, he was the only sitter I had. I fed Darcy her bottle and it was 7 am once I finished. I grabbed her baby bag, my purse, and my car keys. I checked over the broken window to make sure it was as securely locked as it could be. I placed several layers of duct tape, layers of curtains, and some boards on the outer layer. The window replacement guy wasn't able to come in until tomorrow.

I exited my apartment, locking the door. I walked down the hallway, holding Darcy in my hand and her baby bag and my purse in the other hand. I tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for the rusty elevator doors to open. Finally, they slid open slower then a snail and I stepped into the elevator. I watched the arrow tick painstakingly slow to every floor, watching the floors shift.

It was 7:15 am. I walked towards my broken down car, praying that the engine would start. I placed Darcy in her carseat, adjusting the mirror ever so slightly so I could catch a glimpse of her. I plugged my key into the car, starting the engine. The engine roared with life for only a short moment until it sputtered to a stop.

"Oh my gosh. Why? Why today?" I slammed my hands against the steering wheel. I picked up my phone, praying that he would answer.

"Niko! I'm so glad you answered."

"You woke me up. What's the problem?"

"I was wondering if you could pick me up and bring me to work? My car broke down."

I heard him let out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah. I'll be there in ten minutes." I could already picture him running his hands though his hair, leaning over to his newly wedded wife mumbling his frustration about having to pick me up.

"Lila?"

"Huh? Oh sorry, I was a bit dazed."

"It's fine. Do you need us to watch Darcy today too?"

"Yes please, if you could."

"Alright. I'm leaving my house now." I heard the clouded thud of his shoes against the beige carpet. The twice ding of the phone signaled the phone call ended. I sat in my car, leaning my head against the steering wheel. I felt my eyelids closing. I was interrupted by the loud honking of Niko's obnoxious car.

He stuck his head out the window. "HEY! WAKE UP!" He flashed me one of his smiles and I sent back a weak smile. I stepped out my car door, unbuckling Darcy from her carseat. I placed her inside her carrier and I grabbed her car seat and my purse.