Living the Future

Chapter 19 - Babysitting Part 1

“So there’s milk in the fridge, dinner in the oven, and Riley’s bed time is eight. You might need to lay him down a couple of times.” Aunt Madison said putting her coat on. I held Riley as uncle Dec cooed at him.

“Josh we really appreciate this. Also…” uncle Dec looked around and leaned in close. “Daisy has been sneaking out. Watch her for us?” Uncle Dec slapped my shoulder. “We’ll be home by midnight.” He said opening the door.

“Thank you again Josh!” Aunt Madison ran out and I held Riley’s arm.

“Bye mom!” I said making his arm wave and I laughed. I closed the door and walked back into the living room. I sat on the floor with Riley. Daisy was sitting on the couch.

“What do we watch?” She asked flipping through stuff.

“Something kid friendly probably.” I said and Daisy sighed.

“Fine, but as soon as he’s asleep we’re watching something else.” Daisy flipped it to cartoons.

“Hey, I’m supposed to be watching you too.” I looked back at Daisy and laughed.

“What?” She said.

“Your dad told me you’ve been sneaking out and to watch you too.” I said with a snicker. She pushed me with her foot.

“Wonder where I’ve been sneaking off to?” She said jokingly.

“What did your mom make for dinner?” I said looking back at her.

“A casserole or something.” She said looking bored. “I should go check on it.” She said going into the kitchen. I heard a knock on the door and Daisy go running. Riley started to play quietly and I sat on the couch. Daisy came in with Izzy in tow.

“It’s really true. You’re watching the baby.” Izzy said looking at me.

“It true, my secret it out. I’m good with kids.” I looked back at the tv.

“It’s the only time I’ve seen him be nice to anyone.” Daisy said.

“Josh used to be nice.” Izzy walked over and slumped onto the couch.

“I remember when we were kids he was nice. Always bringing me daisies.” Daisy sat next to me.

“I don’t remember that.” I said in reply to both of them.

“I don’t believe that Josh. My mom told me you had a lot of fake friends in Eclipse.” Izzy said.

“Josh is that true?” Daisy asked.

“Yes.” I said getting uncomfortable.

“Elaborate!” Daisy pushed me.

“I told you, they always wanted something. Like my brother, or to say they were friends with a prince, or all the girls that just tried to mate bond with some weird notion it would make them a princess.” I scoffed and started to get angry.

“I feel you Josh. Why I had to hide I was related to your family while I was in college. Once they found out I was a Greyback it was all bets off bro.” Izzy said putting her hands up.

“Yep.” I said smacking my lips.

“Is that why you keep pushing me away?” Daisy whispered and I didn’t say anything.

“Josh has just been scorned one too many times.” Izzy smacked Daisy’s arm.

“He doesn’t believe me when I say I want to be his friend.” Daisy said.

“Didn’t you hear what Lydia said? No one wants to be my friend because I treat everyone poorly and I’m a jerk.” I said.

“Gosh you’re really holding onto that Josh.” Daisy said.

“You know Lydia felt really bad she said that right?” Izzy tried to say.

“No she’s not, she says it all the time. Everyone does.” I sighed. “Can we just not talk about it anymore?” I asked. Getting down with Riley.

“So Andy and Lydia are feeling the mate bond.” Daisy said to Izzy.

“No kidding!? I owe you twenty bucks. I really thought it wouldn’t happen. Too obvious.” Izzy laughed.

“Surprised you and Henry haven’t found mates yet.” I said playing with Riley.

“Well that’s going to be difficult for me Josh. I like girls so.” Izzy shrugged.

“Don’t tell anyone Josh, no one knows but us.” Daisy quickly added.

“Uncle James and aunt Hermia don’t know?” I asked surprised.

“Nah, I plan to tell them before I leave for Eclipse. I plan to go with you when you leave.” Izzy said.

“Aunt Hermia is going to be crushed. She wanted you to stay.” I said.

“I’m losing both my besties in one day!” Daisy groaned.

“You hear that Josh, you’ve been upgraded to bestie.” Izzy laughed.

“I’ve only been home for like a week. How did that happen?” I said.

“We’ve been besties since we were kids!” Daisy said.

“You always say that, but I don’t remember it like that. You used to beat me up when we were kids.” I said.

“Remember that time you held him in the mud and then he turned it to dirt and you got so mad when he dried it up!?” Izzy said and she started laughing.

“I could still pin him. He doesn’t fight back.” Daisy said.

“Only because I let you win.” I said.

“Has she tried to pin you since you’ve been back?” Izzy asked.

“Yes.” I said and Izzy started laughing.

“He easily over powered me once, that’s how I know he lets me win. He doesn’t fight back.” Daisy said almost bummed out about it. Just then Riley came up and hugged me. “Awww I love you too buddy!” I said laughing.

“Jesus that’s adorable.” Izzy said.

“Yeah. They’re cute aren’t they?” Daisy said smiling at me.