Chapter 3

Sage

Mom made breakfast and I was enjoying it, so was Emily, she always enjoyed Mom's food. I can't believe I'm going to be a babysitter, I liked those kids, they made me forget about the hurt.

I was sipping my orange juice when Reggie walked in, "there's a sweet limo parked outside"he says to me, "so?" I ask, Emily nudged me, "it's Adrian"she says and I got up immediately, my first day, I totally forgot it was my first day. I grabbed my bottle of juice and the plate I was eating off of then Dad put my bag on my shoulder, "have fun"he says, "even if it's with that devil spawn"Emily says and Mom hit her, "ow" "bye guys".

Walking outside, I saw the black limo, a man stood outside wearing a suit and an earpiece, he opened the door and I got in, "good morning Miss Sage"a voice says and I look at the man sitting next to me, "oh, it's only you"I say ignoring him, I don't like him, I don't care if he's my boss. "Don't call me Miss, I'm only nineteen, just Sage"I tell him then I bite my sandwich, "you haven't had breakfast?" Adrian asks, "that's what I'm doing"I say in a duh tone, the car took a turn and I spilled juice on his suit, "I'm so sorry"I say immediately, I took out my hanky and wiped his suit, he grabbed my wrist, "that's two suits you've ruined"Adrian grits, "I said I was sorry and don't you have dry cleaning?" "yeah, that's coming out of your paycheck" "that's so unfair" "life's unfair", he's so mean.

My phone vibrates and I look at it then roll my eyes, "boyfriend?" Adrian asks cheekily, "that's none of your business"I say to him, "you're going to be taking care of my kids Sage, therefore, you are my business"he says but I don't give him a second glance, I lock my phone and put it in my bag, Malcolm has been calling and texting but I don't pick up, I can't face him right now, I don't think I can ever face him. We drive up to a house and my lips part, whoa, I thought the building was alot.

"Firstly, Aria is only six but she thinks she's older than that, don't allow her to eat too much sweets, she likes to color and paint, don't let her paint on the walls, she has a room for that. Aiden is a little different, he's thirteen,he spends most of his time in his books and other times on video games, he's good at soccer. Adi is quite special, she's fourteen, she barely eats and she listens to music all day and she likes to dance, she's got classes every Wednesdays and Thursdays, the three have been through alot and all I want is for them not to drift into their own world, I hired you because I thought you could handle it"Adrian says as we walk further into the house, "I guess"I shrugged, "you guess?" "yeah, it's my first time babysitting, so" "I assumed, just don't screw up" "fine Mr Bossy", he rolled his eyes at me, "kids?".

I hear feet prodding the floor and then three kids stood there looking at me, they instantly smile, "Happy!" Aria cheers running to me, I kneel down and hug her, "hi Ari"I say happily, "hey Happy"Adi waved, "hey, hi Aiden" "hi", "okay, I've got to get to work, I'll see you guys later okay"Adrian says, the kids nod, "how long will Happy stay here?" Adi asks, "she gets here at eight and leaves at four, why?" "nothing, just asking" "okay, I'll see you guys later, Aria, don't try to outsmart anyone today please" "okay Uncle Adrian, have fun being mean", oh my, I like her.

"So, what time should you guys get to school?" I ask them, "Uncle Adrian didn't tell you?" Adi asks, "tell me what?" I ask confused, "we have tutors, we don't go to school, Aria has Art now, I have Math and Aiden has English"she says, oh, "don't worry, I'll get you a schedule"Aiden smiles, "thanks"I say, they split up and I follow Aria to her Art room, it was huge and there were many empty canvases over the room, some had paint on them, "you must be the babysitter"a lady says, "yes"I say and she nods, "alright".

It was time for lunch and I guess I had to prepare something for them, "what would you guys like to eat?" I ask the trio as they sat at the island, "Mac N' Cheese"Aiden suggests, "yeah, we haven't had that in a while"Aria says, "Mac N' Cheese it is"I agreed then I turn to the stove, "can I have sweets after?" Aria asks, "no" "please", "how about this, if you empty your plate, I let you have one" I tell her, she thought about it, "two" "a taste" "okay one", I smile, "good, the older ones can have a cookie" "nice".

After I made them lunch, they ate and I guess it was time for their naps, I look at them asleep on the couches, Aria was actually asleep on me, she looked so adorable, I snapped a picture quickly and then I place her next to her brother, she cuddled up to him and he hugged her, aww, I snapped another picture, they're so cute. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I took it out, an unknown number displayed across the screen, for a second I didn't want to answer it, it might be Malcolm but then again maybe not.

I answer but I don't say anything, "wise choice, how are my kids?" that dark voice, "I ate them"I replied, he was silent for a while then he sighed, "I'm quite sure that's impossible, give them my love" "sounds like you're going off to war" "this is going to be a very bumpy ride" "then buckle up Mr Prince", he hung up and I blew a heavy breath I didn't know I was holding in. "You okay?" Adi asks making me jump, I didn't hear her walk in, "yeah, I'm okay, are you?" I ask her, "better than I've been in a while"she says then took a seat at the table, in a while?.

"Do you need anything?" I ask sitting at the table, "can I ask you something?" Adi asks softly, "sure" "why did you accept the job?" "well, I went through something and you guys sorta made me forget it, if you understand", she smiles, "I do, if I had a bad dream and needed someone to talk to, can I call you?" Adi asks, "of course"I replied nodding, "can I ask you something?" I ask her, "yeah" "where's your Mommy?" "she died four months ago, we've been with Uncle Adrian since" "oh, I'm sorry to hear" "it's not your fault, I'm actually glad I got to admit she's gone", that's sad, her eyes watered, "hey, it's okay"I assured her, she got up and hugged me, "thanks for making us happy again", I wanted to cry now, "that's my name isn't it?" I ask earning a laugh, these kids really are special.