The Babysitter

Mother Knows Best

Chapter 18: (Xavier's POV)- Mother Knows Best

I like her. 

There, I said it. 

I like Aubrey Carthy. 

After those highly flirtatious moments, we retreated to my room in somewhat awkward but mostly comfortable silence. 

She cleared her throat, "Um- is the guest room free by any chance?" she asked while tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear before cracking her knuckles. Her nervous habits. 

I shook my head before replying, "Sorry. It's locked and I don't know where my mom keeps the keys." Lie. I knew exactly where they were but why would I tell her that? 

"Oh, okay then, nevermind," she mumbled before I opened the door for her, waiting as she entered before following behind her. We stood awkwardly there. She pulled the sleeves of my shirt down, having them run past her hands, making me realize how huge the shirt was on her and how adorable she looked. 

She cleared her throat but my eyes still roamed her body. "Can you please not check me out?" she spoke awkwardly while placing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. 

"S-sorry," I stuttered while scratching the back of my neck before plugging my phone off charge and plugging hers on for her since it was about to die. I turned around to see her sitting on the edge of my bed, with a book in her hand. 

Death On The Nile. 

Another murder mystery book I had, which was amazing. I remember we got to watch the movie in sixth grade, that was fun too. 

She sat in bed, against the headboard, pulling the blanket in her lap. 

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding before grabbing The Murder On Orient Express from the bedside table on her side and taking it over to mine, where I sat beside her reading. We were reading in silence when my phone rang. 

I answered it and heard my mom's voice. "Hey honey, is everything okay?" she asked casually while I heard shuffling in the back. 

"Yeah, mom everything's okay," I replied shortly as I heard what sounded like a pan falling onto the floor. 

"Is she okay? You two having fun?" she asked after shushing someone. 

"Yes, mom," I answered while my brain thought of whose house she was at since I didn't want to admit who I thought it was. 

She gasped, "You like her don't you?" 

I stiffened. "How did you know?" I mumbled, suppressing a groan and leaning my head against the headboard. 

"Mother knows best, sweetie. Mother knows best." I could picture the smug smile on her face. 

"Alright mother," I laughed. "I'll you call tomorrow morning okay?" I informed her. 

"Okay honey, goodnight, love you, and get to bed!" she demanded over the phone.

"Yes, mom. Goodnight, love you," I replied before hanging up. I knew exactly whose house she was at and I was not admitting it. Not tonight.

I got back to reading before I felt Aubrey lie down, still reading. I stayed still in my position until she turned on her side, still reading. Around twenty minutes later, she wasn't shifting at all and her breathing sounded steady. 

So I dared to look at her and found her fast asleep with the book falling onto the bed beside her head.

I slightly smiled to myself before slowly and quietly getting up and grabbing the book placing it on the desk with mine. I got back into bed as slow as possible, careful not to wake it, not before turning the lights off of course.