“Sammy, you’re so lucky!”
Samantha paused with her fork full of leftover spaghetti from dinner yesterday was mere inches from her mouth as she strangely eyed her friend, who seemed to just stopped munching away at her food.
“I don’t understand?” Samantha replied as she resumed eating.
“Come on don’t deny it! You’re babysitting for the hottest neighbor, scratch that, the hottest guy in like the whole city!” Her friend replied as she threw her hands up in exasperation.
Another friend stopped eating too, “Nikki’s got a point though, how’d you end up babysitting for a quite attractive man?”
“Not you too, Lexi!” Samantha shouted in protest.
The dark skinned girl shrugged, “Can’t help but agree to the animosity of it!” She pointed out as the redheaded friend nodded enthusiastically.
“See! See! Even Lexi, thinks too!” Nikki said.
Samantha shook her head in defeat, “Come on guys, I just happen to be next door neighbors with Davis when he moved in. He just happened to be in a tough spot the first time he needed me to babysit her!” She whined.
Nikki pouted, “Yeah, but he could’ve totally just asked anyone else after that! You’re lucky that he continued to ask you to babysit his daughter!”
Samantha furrowed her eyebrows, Is he really that big of a deal? He’s not bad to look at of course but he’s eleven years older than them! She just happened to be there at the time they moved in and offered to help as that’s what neighbors do. He was doing all the moving alone and she couldn’t just stand there and watch.
“Honestly, why do you guys think I’m lucky? He’s like eleven years older than us,” Samantha replied hesitantly.
Nikki tsked, “Girl, age is just a number, as the saying goes. Many people marry with that age gap!” She pointed out.
Samantha held her arms up in defense, “I know, I know! I just thought that, you know, you guys would stick with people our age,” She muttered.
Lexi frowned, “Hey, now, we do like people our age. It’s just that Davis, is quite attractive and you happen to have more interaction than like ninety-nine percent of the females around here,” She stated with exaggeration.
Samantha widened her eyes, “Don’t say that! He’s probably gone to many dates with people around here! That’s probably half the reasons I have to babysit Jessica,” she replied, clearly annoyed.
Alexis giggled, “Okay, we will stop. You probably don’t want Eric to hear our conversation,” she responded as she winked at Nikki.
Samantha felt her face getting hot, “N-no! That’s not it!”
“You called my name?” A deep voice asked as Samantha felt a hand drape over her shoulder.
Samantha’s eyes grew as she tried to remain calm as she mouthed, It’s him isn’t it? to Alexis who was across from her. Alexis nodded as she covered her mouth to hold in her laugh. Nikki grinned, “Nope, just you hearing wrong,” She responded as the browned haired male sat down.
“How’s my Sam doing?” Eric teasingly asked as Samantha thankfully regained her composure, or at least most of it.
“Do-doing fine, you scared me a little,” Samantha replied as she grimaced internally when she felt herself stutter.
Eric grinned, “That’s good! Hey since it’s Friday, want to go to a frat party with me? I promise to not go crazy, we haven’t necessarily partied in a long time together.” He offered.
Samantha bit her lip as she thought to herself but then frowned, “Can’t, I have to babysit.”
Nikki and Alexis made both made an animated sad frown as Eric held his hand to his chest mocking that he was hurt.
“You, my bestfriend, have to go babysit? Isn’t that for like high schoolers?” Eric jokingly replied, earning a light punch from the “high schooler”.
“You know I can’t say no to taking care of Jessica. She’s the sweetest and plus I get paid. Nothing wrong with that. Besides, I honestly don’t want to always party all the time. It’s shitty beer and champagne.”
Eric frowned, “Okay, I guess I will just let Nik and Lexi tag along with me if you don’t mind,” He replied as he grinned at the two girls.
“Fine by me,” Lexi replied.
“Yup, I studied my ass off for my European history exam so I definitely need to treat myself,” Nikki stated.
Samantha laughed, “Have fun, and Eric don’t be bummed. We always have The Walking Dead marathon tomorrow night as always,” She pointed out.
Eric held out his pinky as if he was a six year old in a twenty year old’s body, “Promise?”
“Promise,” Samantha laughed as they crossed pinky’s.
Eric smiled as he got up and waved at the three girls, “Gotta go, have to go buy some booze for the party. I lost a bet and have to pay for one of my frat friends,” He explained as he ran off.
Samantha sighed as she slightly laughed. She looked up to see Nikki and Alexis smirking.
“W-What is it?” She asked to the two.
“When did you start having Saturday night dates with him?” Nikki asked as Alexis nodded.
Samantha scoffed as she rolled her eyes, “We have always been having them. We both have just been busy lately with exams and assignments, but since it’s spring break next week, we decided to catch up on Walking Dead tomorrow.”
“Mhmm, sure,” Alexis replied as she laughed.
“I’m serious! Besides he’s come over plenty of times to watch movies and TV series. It’s just you guys are either at your own boyfriend’s house or gone out to party!” Samantha replied.
Alexis and Nikki look at each other, “Oh, yeah…” They both replied.
They all laughed when Nikki looped her arm to Samantha’s, “Speaking of boyfriends. While we both already have one. Isn’t it time for you to make a move on him?” She spoke lowly, incase Eric was near.
Samantha’s face grew red, “C-come on, we are close friends for years. It’s not like he views me like that!” She exclaimed.
“But, he basically invites you to all the parties and always is the one watching out for you when some jerk tried to insist that you get a room with them or drink for them,” Alexis pointed out.
“That’s because he promised my dad that he would watch over me. They practically are like family ever since my dad coached him and helped him with music and singing,” Samantha sighed in frustration. “I’m probably like a sister to him anyways.”
“How’s that going anyways? Has he gotten famous yet?” Alexis asked.
Samantha nodded, “Yeah, he’s gotten lots of fans because of YouTube. Some of his songs ended being top fifty on iTunes.”
“Woah, good for him. Be careful, a fan might snatch him away,” Nikki teased.
“Stop it! He doesn’t like me that way anyways. I just know it.”
Alexis cleared her throat, “Anyways, aside from him, you get to see the hottie again,” She grinned.
Samantha groaned, “We all live in the same house! You get to see him everytime he drives off or gets the mail or something! I’m not that special just because I take care of his daughter.”
Samantha had a point. Nikki and Alexis lived with Samantha in her parent’s rented house just recently while her parents were back at the rural side enjoying their life of solitude and big land, while Samantha stayed at suburban house which was closer to college. Her parents suggested she have some friends room with her, which is how Nikki and Alexis came to living in her house. Honestly it could’ve been any of the girls to babysit for Davis but Samantha happened to be the only one there for summer break as Nikki and Alexis went back to their home state.
Samantha looked at her phone, they all finish classes at one and eat at the food court as one of three usually have to buy food anyways. It was now two, maybe it was time to go back home.
“Should we head back? Or do you guys want to do anything?” Samantha asked as she clearly saw the two were done with their food.
“I’m planning on going to the grocery store and get some snacks. My snack pile is getting low,” Nikki responded.
“You want us to come?” Samantha offered as Nikki shook her head.
“Don’t you have babysitting at like three? You should get home to drop your stuff and relax. We all had tough exams,” Nikki replied as she stood up.
Alexis stood up right after, “I can go with you Nikki. I got no plan anyways,” She replied as she turned to Samantha, “Nikki’s idea is good. You have to babysit soon so it’s best to head home now.”
Samantha nodded in defeat, “Okay…”
“See you later!” The two departing female said as they grabbed their trash and head toward the bus.
Samantha followed a few minutes after she cleaned up and looked her phone. Might as well just head home. Davis probably would want her to get there early anyways, talk about what’s in the fridge or what television programs that Jessica wanted to watch. Who knew a three year old would actually be picky on what to watch?
Pulling up to her driveway, she caught sight of blonde hair. Samantha got out of her car only to be tackled by a little child.
“Jessica! You scared me!” Samantha joked as her motherly voice emerged.
“Sammy! I mished you!” The toddler replied, still lisping as she was still new at talking.
Samantha smiled as she lifted up the little girl and began bouncing her on her hip. The toddler began playing with her dark hair.
“Jessica! Don’t always run when you see Sam!” A deep voice lightly scolded.
Samantha looked up to see the familiar dark brown haired neighbor. Davis walked over as he smiled sheepishly.
“Hey,” he said casually.
“Hiya! It’s totally fine that she came over. She’s such a sweetheart,” Samantha greeted.
How’d you get to babysit for the hottie?
Her friends’ voices filled her mind as she shook those thoughts away. They are just neighbors, maybe friends if he wanted to view it like that, at least that’s what she thought they were. When she came back to her thoughts, her eyes met hazel ones.
“You needed something?” Samantha asked casually as she could tell Davis had the thinking face.
Davis blinked as he quickly averted his eyes and coughed, “Um, it’s nothing. Anyways, since you’re home, you’re welcome to come over. Jessica seems to already want to spend time with you,” He pointed out as Jessica was waving Samantha’s hair in front of her own face and Samantha’s.
Samantha jokingly spit away her hair as she grinned, “Yeah sure, let me put away my bag. Jessica want to come to my house? I have to put away my bag,” she asked Jessica slowly as Jessica nodded.
“Sammy’s houwse!”
Samantha smiled as Davis nodded in approval as she took her bag out of the car and went inside. Jessica enjoyed being in her house as it was rare because Nikki or Alexis was always home. She enjoyed the crystal chandelier when they walk in the house.
“Sparkle!” She cheered as she made a grabbing motion above.
Samantha set her bag on the dinner table as she readjusted her hold on Jessica, “Carrots?” She asked as Jessica nodded.
Samantha made her way to her massive fridge and grabbed a bag of baby carrots and handed it to the hungry girl. She proceeded to leave the house and went over to Davis. He seemed to be busy with groceries. She went over and grabbed a bag from his trunk, he came back with a surprised look.
“Oh no, you don’t need to do that!” He said as Samantha shook her head.
“It’s okay, I have a free hand any
ways. The more hands, the faster the job is done,” She insisted as she went toward the house.
Jessica was still eating carrots as Samantha set down the groceries in the kitchen. She turned to look through the window and saw Davis closing the trunk as it looked like all the groceries are all out of the car. He came in and smiled.
“Thanks,” he said gently as Samantha nodded as she began putting away the groceries in the fridge.
“That’s what friends are for!” Samantha said as she suddenly realized what she said. Oh shit.
Davis widened his eyes as his ears became red. Wait what?! He quickly looked away.
“Yeah, friends,” he replied quietly as he faced her and smiled.
Samantha grinned, Thank god he seemed to view it the same as her. Jessica looked at her dad confused.
“She’s not like Mommy?” Jessica randomly asked as Samantha felt herself heat up.
She looked to Davis who too was red faced too, “Kind of like Mommy. She loves you that’s for sure,” He replied as he wasn’t fully lying. Samantha did love Jessica to bits.
Samantha looked to Davis as she felt a little bad. He barely talked about his wife. All that he mentioned was she left him for someone else and just left Davis all alone to take care of Jessica when she was just a infant. It was heartless, why even have the responsibility if she was just going to leave? But then she looked at Jessica. His wife probably felt guilty and just waited till she was born instead of throwing away life. Samantha shuddered at the thought. She pushed those thoughts as she gave Jessica a big raspberry kiss on her cheek, earning a cute pure giggle from the little one.
“That’s right, I love you to bits!” She stated as she gave another kiss earning a tight hug from Jessica.
“I love you!” She grinned
Samantha grinned back, “Love you too.”
Davis looked at the two, if one were to just walk by the two, they would probably assume it was a mother and child. Davis feeling embarrassed, cleared his throat as he looked at his phone. Shit he’s got to get ready for his date. He lifted his head up to see Samantha seemed to set down Jessica, probably tired, as Jessica seemed to now have clung onto one of her legs. He thought it was a good time to go get changed so he left the room
Samantha noticed him leaving, probably getting ready for a date or business dinner. Initially he would alway say his reason for Samantha needing to babysit but it’s been long enough that they both just got into the routine that there was no need for explanations. It was always one of the two no matter what.
“Sammy, food for dinner?” Jessica asked curiously.
That’s right, she usually she would end up cooking for Jessica and herself. Before Nikki and Alexis and even when they started living together, she would always test different recipes and ended up being the chef of the house, soon her talent was discovered by Davis when he forgot to leave some pre made food for Jessica and Samantha ended cooking for and even left some over for any lazy days for the two. He seemed to like it that he offered to pay extra if she didn’t mind cooking too. Samantha refused the extra pay but agreed to the cooking as it was fun and as Nikki like to put it “preparation for being a kick ass wife and mom”.
Samantha studied the fridge, there was some marinated chicken that she left from Wednesday babysitting and from today groceries, there was rice, eggs, and some vegetables.
“Want some fried rice?” Samantha asked, her specialty was Asian food and Italian food. Perks of having parents of Italian and Asian background.
Jessica’s eyes immediately lit up as she began excitedly shaking Samantha’s leg.
“Yes, please!” She cheered, clearly this was one of her favorites.
Samantha grinned as she patted Jessica’s head, “Okay! We will have that for dinner!”
“Yay!”
“Having what for dinner?” A voice asked.
Samantha turned to see Davis in a nice dark red dress shirt and black dress pants that were pretty well fitted. Damn. He seemed to be fiddling with his purple tie.
“O-oh, we’re having fried rice!” Samantha answered as she cursed herself for being a stutterer.
Davis’s eyes lit up in joy but then he frowned, “Aw, I wish I could stay but…”
Samantha grinned, “It’s okay! I can cook more so you can have some tomorrow or something.”
Davis grinned, “Sweet! Thanks. I hope it’s not too much of a hassle for you.”
Samantha shook her head, “No, I love cooking. Now go and enjoy yourself, it’s already four!”
Davis widened his eyes, “Oh, sh-snap, thanks. See around ten or so!” He cursed as he grabbed his coat and left.
Samantha smiled, he always makes her come an hour before he leaves so he can get ready by himself. Suddenly she felt a tug on her sleeve. She looked down see Jessica sad. Samantha frowned as she kneeled in front of Jessica as she brushed the toddler’s hair.
“What’s wrong?”
“Why can’t you be our mommy?”
Samantha frowned, oh snap, this was a sensitive territory. It was obvious that Jessica had grown really fond of Samantha and by really, it meant that she used to cry whenever Samantha would leave, especially when she started coming often around the end of the summer. When Samantha promised she would always come back, Jessica stopped crying. It was probably the reason that Davis kept her as a babysitter.
“I’m so sorry. With you being a college student you end up having to be a babysitter. I can just find a high schooler to do this, they have much more free time than you, that’s for sure,” He apologized that night.
Samantha remembered telling him it was okay and if it helped Jessica, that’s all that mattered.
She remembered the last thing he said, “I have never seen her like a babysitter for this long and that much.”
Samantha bit her lip as she recalled that memory. She gave Jessica a hug and proceeded to pick her up.
“I can’t be your mommy but I can definitely love you like one!”
Jessica looked up at Samantha, “Really?”
Samantha nodded, “Mhmm. Do you want to watch television or color while I cook?”
“Color!”
Bethaelia's Brain 