The Nobody Chronicals

Chapter 6: James's Story

As much as people talk about James’ babysitting ability, he only really does it for the money. James’ real talent is writing. James wants to be the author of his own fictional series. He writes his own short stories is his friends basement. That’s where he stays, of course. James has to stay in Kyle’s basement because of his story. James’ mother was only 16 when she had him. Not ready for the responsibility of being a mother, she left him on the front porch of a home she knew would take good care of him. They found him, crying of hunger, on their front porch. He had a tag around his neck labeled “James”. They instantly took him in and became his legal foster parents. Of course, James never knew this until middle school. The family sat him down and told him to his face. James ran away that night, taking his mother’s abandonment personally. Kyle let him stay in his house for a time. Then when it was getting permanent, he video called his parents and they agreed that James could stay in their house. He stayed in the basement ever since. Although part of the agreement was that James could use whatever was in the house, he wanted to make his own money for his own needs. All he needed was a roof above his head. He was never home when Kyle was home. He either had a babysitting job or another kid of job. One day before school, he got an email. He had another opportunity for babysitting. He sighed and walked to his car. Once he reached school, everything was as normal and bland as normal. He finishes the day, wondering what type of kid he’s going to get stuck with. A girl with dark brown hair waited for him. She smiled slightly as he approached.

“Hi.” She finally said after James’ reached her.

“Hello.” He also said smiling. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yeah. My name’s Melody.”

“James”

“I heard you babysat.”

“Yes I do. Why?”

She hesitated “I have a brother I need you to babysit.” She took a breath. “My mom is away and I can’t take care of him with my job.” She looked away, obviously holding back information, but James didn’t question her.

“Sure. Can I meet him?”

“Of course! I’ll, um, send you my address.” Melody gave James her number and address and hurried back to her car. James thought she was a little nervous about this but shrugged it off. The car ride to her house was short. Her apartment being with in a mile. She was nowhere to be seen so he walked into the building and waited. She walked in, shaking, despite the warm weather of the afternoon. She unlocked the apartment and walked in. James could hear the pounding of small feet as a small child ran to Melody.

“Mama!” The toddler yelled, a giant smile spread on his face. She lifted him to her chest with and gave the child a motherly embrace.

“Hi Daniel. Hope I wasn’t gone too long.”

“Miss Susie went to the store after she took me home.”James was left in a silent shock as the two hugged. Daniel looked at James, puzzled. “Who is that?” James stared back as the girl turned.

“That’s your new babysitter, James.” James snapped back to reality and smiled back politely.

“Hi, Mister James!”
    “Alright baby,” Melody put Daniel down slowly. “Go play with your toys and I’ll make dinner, alright?” Daniel ran into another room and Melody turned to go into the kitchen. James reached for her hand. When he grabbed it, red halls of a mansion appeared, dripping with blood and smelling of death and decay. As fast as it appeared, it disappeared.

“I-I must be going crazy.” The girl said wide eyed.

“If you are, then so am I. What was that?”

Melody was breathless “I have no idea.” She paused. “I need to get to work.” She went straight to the kitchen. James followed her. He leaned on a countertop and looked at her.

“So Daniel’s your son?” A little poison escaped his mouth, thinking what kind of whore Melody is. She stopped and he instantly regretted everything.

“The summer between 8th grade and freshman year, I was kidnapped by seniors from a private school. They harassed me, tortured me, and sometimes teased me. I thought I was never going to be saved from that hell. They got bored of me so they threw me out on the street, cold and hungry. A cop found me and took to me straight to a hospital. They found out I was 3 months pregnant. After I had Daniel, my parents left me, agreeing to only to pay rent. That's why I need help here. It’s hard to go to school and have a job and do what I love while taking care of Daniel.” She looked at James with emotional eyes. “So, how much do you charge?” All James could think of was his mother and how she refused to take him. How his slut for a mom chose to take that chance without thinking of consequences. Melody didn’t.

“It wasn’t your fault.” He said, barely noticing Melody. “You know what, It’s on the house.” Melody turned and to look at him

“What?”

“I’ll do it for free. If I can help you out in any way, that’s how I’ll do it.”

“You don’t need to because of my sob story, James.”

“I’m not. I just know a story like yours. I want- no, I need to help you in anyway I can.” Melody’s eyes filled with tears.

“Thank you.” Melody’s voice cracked slightly as Daniel ran into the room.

“Mister James, do you wanna play with me?” Daniel hugged his plush Sonic close to his stomach.

“Sure, buddy.” James followed the playful Daniel into his blue bedroom covered in stickers and colorful posters.

“Can we play hide n’ seek? I count really good!” Daniel’s face filled with enthusiasm. “I count first! You hide, okay?” James laughed and nodded. Daniel covered his eyes and smiled playfully. “1, 4, 6,” James hid underneath the bed, where he thought would be the most obvious place. “3, 2, 5! Ready or not, here I come!” James saw Daniel’s little feet wander around the room. When he saw Melody’s feet arrive in the doorway, he poked his head out. Daniel turned away from from his closet and stared at James. He smiled and giggled. “Found you! Your turn!” Melody walked behind Daniel and grabbed him.

“Not so fast, mister! Dinner than bed. You have preschool in the morning.” James followed Melody out of the bedroom and to the already set table for three. Melody looked up at him. “Stay for dinner?”

James smiled, “Sure.” he sat down and started to talk to Melody while Daniel made a mess of his macaroni and cheese, which was soon replaced with a sandwich he couldn’t throw piece by piece. For the first time, James felt like he was a part of a family. He trusted Melody, he loved Daniel, and he felt included. James had never known what a true family felt like until now. Daniel soon fell asleep at the table, his little face had remains of his macaroni as well as his sandwich. Melody cleaned him off with care, changed him into pajamas, and tucked him in with motherly love. James almost envied that bond he never had with his mother. Soon they both stood at the entrance of Daniel’s room, watching his chest rise and fall.

“Thank you so much.” melody whispered to James.

“It’s my pleasure, Melody.” James whispered back.

“Can you start tomorrow?” Melody asked. James nodded. “Thank you.” He watched the little Daniel sleep for a little while not wanting to turn away.

“Goodnight Melody.” he said finally turning the other direction.

“Goodnight James.” James walked out of the apartment, closing the door with a soft thud. All he could think about was Daniel’s sleeping face and Melody’s loving eyes.