Chapter 8

"Good morning Auntie " I said as I entered the kitchen. " Good morning sweetheart " she said then handed me a plate of eggs. I thanked then started eating. "Today you're going to babysit for Alexa?" Aunt Vivi asked. I nodded " at what time?" she asked. "' From 9 to 7 " I told her her . " Okay , make sure your phone is charged and that you have money on you. I'm gonna be late tonight since I have a huge project with a client from out of state , k? " Auntie told me. " Auntie , can I ask you a question? " I asked. "Shoot" she said. "Where is Alec's and Bella's dad?" I asked while looking at her.

Aunt Vivi suddenly got quiet , she looked at me then sighed " Their father is an alcoholic , he is abusive and he used to hit Alec. Alexa put up with i because she didn't want Alec to live without his dad. Then Bella was born it got better for a while but then he went back. He finally crossed the line when he was drunk and he was about to throw Bella when she was crying . Luckily Alec was there, he was so angry that he punched him and threw him out. When Alexa found out she was pissed and finally took action and filed a restraining ordered . Since then they haven't seen him and all this happened last year. " Aunt Vivi explained. I couldn't speak I was so shocked, 'I didn't know " I said. " It's okay you haven't been ere for long " Auntie said with a sad smile then left the kitchen to get ready for work. I sighed then looked at the time , it was 8:15. I quickly finished my breakfast then went upstairs to get ready.

After I showered I got dressed. I wore a hoodie with a pair of jeans. I checked my phone to make sure it's charged and my wallet to see if there is money. After I made sure that I had everything , I went downstairs . I saw my aunt " do you want a ride?" Aunt Vivi asked me. I shook my head , " No thank you , Alexa sent me the location.It isn't far. " I said . " How are you gonna come back ? I wont be able to pick you up" she asked concerned ." I'll figure something up, but you better go before you get late. " I said with a smile. She nodded and hugged me then left.

I put my shoes on then made my way to Alexa's house.

I finally reached the house. It is a nice house in a nice neighbourhood. I know how this sounds but I didn't think it would be nice given what my aunt told me . I walked to the front door and and rung the bell. I waited for a couple seconds then heard the door opening. Once it opened I saw Alec standing there in his workout clothes and his hair wet. " Good morning Claire. Come on in." Alec greeted me with a smile. " Good morning" I said with a smile as I entered the house.

"My mom already went out and I'm about to leave in a couple of minutes . Bella is in her nursery upstairs. Every thing you need is in there , mom breast pumped milk for her and she put it in the fridge in the kitchen. I would show you around but I don't have time, sorry. " he quickly said while putting his shoes on. I nodded " okay, and don't apologise I'm pretty sure I can find my way around the house." I said with a smile. Alec nodded then went into whatv looks like the living room . He got his bag and car keys the went to the door ." Well I'm gonna be here at 7 but mom has stuff to do after she finishes her shift . So see you the. " he said as he opened the door. Right before he closed the door he said " Also feel free to eat anything in the kitchen " . After he said that he closed the door and I heard it lock.

I went to the living room to put my stuff down. Once I put my stuff, I sighed , I have no idea where to go. This house is pretty big almost the same size as aunt Vivi's house and my old house the one I lived in. I glanced at the table and saw a paper with my name on it. I walked to the table and up the paper in confusion. I saw that it is a letter that read:

Dear Claire,

Thank you so much for babysitting Bella. I don't know what I would have done without you.

I'm pretty sure that Alec would forget to show you around this morning so I put instructions on the back of this paper on how to reach Bella's room. She is probably awake . I fed her today morning then put her to sleep but she should be awake.

Again thank you for babysitting and see you later.

(PS: Feel free to eat anything from the kitchen or you can order takeout. But please don't invite anyone over :) )

With love,

Alexa

I flipped the letter and saw that indeed she put instruction on the back of the paper. I put down the letter then followed the instruction Alexa put on the paper to Bella's room.

Once I reached the nursery's door I entered the room. I saw Bella giggling in her crib. I felt a smile creep on my face. I walked towards the crib and picked her up. She instantly clung to me and laughed. I held into her and took her downstairs, she suddenly became fussy. I checked her diaper but it was clean so I guessed that she was hungry. I went into the kitchen and warmed up some milk for her. After the milk got warm I gave it to Bella and she started drinking instantly.

I took her to the living and sat her on my lap as she drank her milk. Once she finished her milk I burped her . She started cuddling me so I cuddled her back and kissed her head. I sighed and thought to myself" This will be a long but happy day".