The Babysitter

Mental Promises

MaryGrace wakes up and nearly as a heart attack when she doesn't feel Hazel sleeping next to her.

When she sits up, she remembers that Hazel is settled in one of the eight extra rooms in the house.

As her heart returns to its usual resting rate, MaryGrace lays back down, running her fingers through the bedding and admiring the dream she was currently living in.

Rather than sleeping on $10 cotton sheets from target, she's sleeping on crisp ironed sheets from PotteryBarn.

Rather than having mold on her ceiling she stares at the crystal chandelier hanging. Not a speck of dust or spider web in sight.

Before she can fall back asleep she jumps at the ring from the intercom system and then Justin's voice echo in the room, "Good morning MaryGrace, Hazel and Nico. If you would find yourselves downstairs in approximately 3 minutes, I have breakfast prepared."

MaryGrace grins as she gets up from under the covers and splashed some water on her face. She hears Hazels voice downstairs. So she slowly makes her way down.

"Morning" Justin says, helping Hazel flip a pancake.

"Mommy! mommy! Justin's teaching me how to make pancakes!" Hazel exclaims as she shows off the spatula in her hand.

"Is he?" MaryGrace asks. Lifting her off of the step stool she was on. And hugging her close to her body.

Sitting at the table already was Nico the blue dog. To humor Hazel Justin made a place setting for Nico, and even placed his dogs dog bowl on the place mat as if that were Nico's breakfast.

"Did you sleep well?" Justin asks, handing MaryGrace a cup of peppermint tea. Knowing she hates the taste of coffee.

"Yeah, I was sleeping in nirvana." MaryGrace Explains as they all take their seats at the very large 20 seat dining table.

"Helloooo hellooo hellooo hello." Hazel sings under her breath.

Justin laughs, "squirt are you singing nirvana?"

She nods proudly as her mother smiles at her, "daddy always listened to him in the car." She says before shoveling another bite of pancake into her mouth.

Justin is stunned at the mention of her father. It's the first she's ever brought him up.

"Okay well I have to get ready for class" MaryGrace says, standing up from the table picking up her finished plate and placing it in the sink.

Justin waits for her to go upstairs and shut her bedroom door before speaking, "so Hazel, what else do you remember from your dad?" He asks.

Hazel shrugs, primarily focusing on her food, "not much. He wasn't very nice to mommy." She admits.

"What do you mean?" Justin asks

"He would yell at her and say bad words. And hit her." Hazel says. Before Justin could ask her anymore questions MaryGrace came trotting downstairs.

"Okay I have class till 3" she says, strapping on her backpack and hugging Hazel from behind, "And I don't have to work tonight." She says and kisses her daughters cheek.

Hazels eyes widen in excitement. "Can we go to the park? Please please pretty please?" Hazel begs, putting her hands together.

"Yes, I will take you to the park." MaryGrace promises.

Justin sits there, unable to talk. He's in deep thought about what kind of person would intentionally hurt MaryGrace.

He feels bad for being glad about him leaving. Even though he put them through hell the past six months. He feels content that she's safe now. And mentally promises to never hurt her or her daughter.

Hope you're doing well
Drink some water
Don't forget to take your meds (if needed)

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Love you,
Mandy