Babysitting Mr Powers' Daughter

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GRACE

I faced Bethany who stomped her foot on the ground because others in the room agreed with the voice that replied to me.

“Listen to me, Bethany. If Ruby tells me that you pushed her again, I will do the same to you and you will not like a bit of it.”

I don’t like that I am speaking to a child this way, but this Bethany girl was able to get on my nerves with her annoying attitude.

“Miss Sands! How dare you threaten my student?”

“Well, freaking tell your students to stop pushing people their size.”

I spat at the woman beside me, snatched the box in her hand, and walked back to Ruby.

But before I made it to Ruby, a force pressed against my back, and before I knew it, my forehead was kissing the tiled floor. My entire body felt intense pain for some seconds but I was able to get rid of the feeling after seconds.

While I swore at the person who pushed me within my soul, I managed to get up.

I maintained my grip on the nod and turned to see a huge smirk on both the teacher’s and Bethany’s lips.

I was more than ready to smash the box in my hand at any part of the woman’s body, but a small tug on my t-shirt stopped me.

One of the girls was standing beside me. She shook her head and I took that as my sign to step back. Another tug and she pointed behind me.

When I followed her finger, my eyes landed on Ruby who was now crying.

That made me rush to her. Without hesitation, I carried her over my shoulder and it was then I realised my forehead was bleeding.

Soon, the insolent teacher and the annoying brat became a memory to me. I rushed out of the class and reached for my phone to dial David’s number. Before we entered the academy’s building, we met him on his way to a nearby café.

Thankfully, he picked up without a fuss and he became our ride to the hospital.

********

“Bye, David. Thank you so much.”

“Bye, bye.” Ruby’s babyish voice followed my greeting.

“Bye, darling. Don’t stress your leg too much, okay?” She nodded as I carried her in my arms. David helped me with closing the door, and he said, “Grace, make sure you don’t do things to bother your injury.”

I smiled in appreciation and soon, Ruby and I were moving toward the rear end of the huge building.

It was already nighttime, so it was very likely her father was back.

While I hoped that he wouldn’t get too angry for not calling him about his daughter’s injury, I hastened my walk and Ruby wrapped her hands around my neck for proper support.

But in my defence, I don’t have Mr. Powers’s phone number. So he doesn’t have too many reasons to be angry at me. Besides, when he sees our bandaged injuries, I expect that he will be more considerate.

In no time, we were already on their floor.

Ruby helped to open the door and upon entering, we met her father seated very close to the door, his legs crossed, one of his feet flapping with impatience.

Since it was obvious who he was waiting for, I glanced at him and debated whether to go straight to the explanation or to put Ruby down so that she can rest. When I saw he wasn’t sparing me a look, I went for the second option.

I walked past him and laid Ruby down on one of the couches. After I had made sure she was comfortable, I braced myself to have a conversation with the impatient man. But he was already behind me and I almost bumped into his chest when I turned.

When it clicked in my head that he was too close, I took a few steps back until the distance between us was suitable.

His gaze remained on me. It was hard and impatient.

My hands clasped behind me and my fingers began to play with each other as I wondered where to start my explanation from.

And, as though he saw my struggle, his deep voice asked, “Do you care to explain yourself?”

His voice was less sexy. But that is not even the point right now.

First, I have to apologise for not letting him know about his daughter’s injury and then talk to him about his daughter’s needs.

I just pray this doesn’t blow up in my face.

“Uh... I am so sorry, sir. I should have called you when we got to the hospital...”

“Don’t make stories up, Miss Sands. I just want to know why you started that fire.”

Say what now?

The solemnity on my face changed to a dramatically confused one.

“F...Fire? What fire, sir? Your daughter was pushed...”

“The ballet school called,” he walked a bit closer, his eyes wearing more intent, “you were the one that started the fire that occurred there today.”

“Excuse me?”

“Are you seriously pretending at this point? You should be apologising right now.” He was frowning at this point. “Do you have any idea how your little stunt caused an imbalance in my schedule?”

“If anyone should be apologising, it should be that school.” I am not taking crap from any f*****g body, you are hot or not. “One, for overlooking Ruby’s injury when she needed treatment. And two, for lying against me. I am damn sure that if I started any fire, I would know.”

“So, you are calling the school a liar?” Mr. Powers shook his head, halted his approaching stride, and bit into his lower lip while he raked me with his angry eyes.

“Daddy, she is not lying,” Ruby butted in.

“Adults are speaking here, Ruby. Stay out of it.”

“Don’t speak to her that way.”

I rushed to Ruby who quickly clutched her ears and stared at her father in slight fear. Feeling a strain in my chest, I hugged the girl to my side and relaxed her with encouraging words.

“Who are you, her mother?” he asked, his tone more bitter than angry.

I hugged Ruby’s head to my chest.

“No. But at least I was there to take care of her when she got injured.” I watched him as he took off his suit jacket and yanked it onto the floor. As he tackled his tie, I continued, “Shouldn’t you be concerned about how she is doing? She was in pain today...”

“Leave.”

“What?” His interruption caused anger to stir within me.

“After tucking her in, leave.”

The man did not give me a chance to show him a glimpse of my fury. Within seconds, he was already on his way to his room.

“Daddy doesn’t like me.” Ruby’s sad words made me face her.

“Oh no, darling. Don’t say that. I think your Dad is not in a good mood. It’s not your fault”

If it’s anyone’s fault, the damn teacher is the culprit. Stupid b***h! I am sure she cooked up the lie against me.

I was about to get carried away with my emotions when I realised that time was running fast and I needed to be home as early as possible.

So, I decided to get Ruby off the couch so that she can quickly find rest in her bed.

“Miss Sands!”

But as I positioned myself to carry her, that roar from upstairs stopped me.