The Bully and the Babysitter

3

Makayla

Josh is standing there. Immediately I turn away from him. I'm frozen and can't speak.

"Why didn't you get in the car?" He asks in a low voice.

"We were right in front of my house."

"Still it could've kept you from getting more soaked."

"I had clothes to change into," I say gesturing to my outfit.

"Well it looks good."

"Thanks. Paisley why don't you go pick a movie for us to watch."

"Look Makayla, I'm sorry."

"You're not. Keep the apology. Do you want to watch a movie with us?"

"Sure I'll make the popcorn and grab blankets."

Paisley comes in, Moana in her hands. I smile and set the movie up and press play. Josh comes in with a small bowl and a large bowl. He hands the small one to Paisley. Then sets the big one between us.
He grabs two blankets from the closet beside the couch. Again he tosses one to Paisley. He grabs the bowl and puts the blanket over us.
The bowl rests between us.

I look over halfway through the movie to see Paisley dead asleep. I laugh and pick her up. Josh watches as I carry her from the chair to her bed. I tuck her in just as her parents pull into the driveway.

Josh

I watch as the two girls stare intently at the movie. Paisley starts to fall asleep. And for a minute I think Makayla is going to as well. Her head jerks up and I see she's just deep in though.

Soon after Paisley is for sure asleep and tucked into bed my parents arrive. I frown seeing Makayla pack her things up.

"Need a ride home?"

"Please?"

I nod and grab my keys.

"I'm driving Makayla home. Paisley is asleep."

My mom smiles and hands Makayla two hundred dollar bills.

"This is a few weeks in advance," she says, "we're gonna have you babysit her from now on."

I smirk.

"Thank you so much."

She tucks the money into her phone case.

"Let's go."

I start getting inpatient, becoming myself again. I'm crushing on this girl and I'm damn sure not gonna let it show. She nods and waits for me to go. I guide her to my car and drive her home. She remains silent the whole ride. Not an awkward silence though, but a comfortable one.

"This is my house," she chirps as we pull up in front of a two story house.

"Thanks for the ride. See you at school Monday."

"Yep. Whatever. Bye."

I watch as she exits the car and walks up to the house. She waves and opens the door. I pull out of her driveway and head to Dairy Queen before going home.