Sweet little imperfections

|| C H A P T E R 10 ||

The following week Grace ignored me. I don't know why. I walked through the halls with my head hung not having anyone to talk to. I had attempted to talk to her Monday, but to no avail.

She brushed me off in front of her friends, so I didn't bother trying anymore. Now it's Wednesday and I sat on the couch waiting on my mom to get ready to go to church. I sighed scrolling through my phone.

The doorbell rang, with my mom still upstairs I got to get the door.

"Hello, Brooke," I smiled at the woman standing before me.

"Hello," She wore scrubs and a tired face. Below her stood Cali. I waved to her.

"Do you by any chance know where my daughter is? She isn't picking up her phone and I picked up a shift at the hospital and need her to watch Cali."

I shook my head, "I'm sorry I don't. She hasn't been talking to me," I gave her a long face, "I could watch Cali for you though. I don't mind."

She looked at me for a bit, "I don't want to be a bother."

I shook my head, "Mrs. Everheart I don't mind. Really I love children,"

She looks down at Cali who was beaming up at me, "What about your parents?" I shrug.

"They won't mind," maybe they won't make me go to church I hate teaching the classes.

"Okay," she hesitates then fishes her keys out of her bag, "here's the house key," she pulls a key off her key ring, "Cali knows the drill. Bedtime is at nine, no sugar after seven, and no drinks after eight," I nod my head she gave me a huge hug before bending down to hug Cali, "be good." She stood back up, "Grace should be back by ten if she's not I'm sorry."

I waved her off, "It'll be fine," I looked at Cali who had a huge smile on her face.

"Thank you again!" She ran across the street and got in her car driving away.

I ushered Cali inside, "Honey are you ready to go?" Momma asked me.

"I know I'm still grounded, but I promised our neighbors I'd babysit," I ushered to Cali who stood in front of me.

"Brooke you didn't speak of this to me or your father," I frown, "we'll discuss this later. I'm going to church," she left without another word and I sighed.

"Your mommy's not every nice," Cali spoke. I shrugged.

"She's nice sometimes. Have you had dinner yet?" She shook her head no, "how do you feel about pancakes? I know the best diner in town," she smiled and nodded her head vigorously, "ok let's go!"
I grabbed my keys and we hopped in my car, "do you need a booster seat or something?"

"Yes, we have an extra inside the house."

I nod my head, "Let's go grab it," we got out the car and walked across the street. I opened the door with the key that now resides on my key chain.

Cali ran inside and came back to the door holding a pink booster. I nodded my head and took the seat from her. We then made our way back across the street. I strapped her in and we were off.

Let it go blasted through my speakers per Cali's request, when we parked. I got her out the car and we walked inside the diner she held on to my hand as we found a booth to sit in.

"Your way nicer than my sister."

I shake my head, "I'm sure that's not true,"

She nods her head, "She doesn't take me anywhere like you do."

I laugh under my breathe.

The waitress came by and took our orders. We both ordered strawberry milkshakes.