My biggest fan

Chapter six - Grounded babysitter

Jayden's POV:

I had to take Ally to the stupid concert. Mom made me do it. She said she would take my phone, laptop, and money for a month if I didn't do it. I couldn't risk it. I don't need my phone and laptop. I need money daily. I have to eat lunch. In the end, the concert wasn't terrible. I can't believe so many people were there. I had no idea she was that popular. Ally was crazy when she met Kali. I don't understand this. She is an ordinary person. I don't see anything special about her. That was before I met her again. There is one diner that I like to go to often. The owner knows me and my favorite drink. If I want double, it means I was in trouble. Kali was there. I have no idea how she found the place. Somehow, she convinced me to go out with her. The good news is that no one saw us. I don't want to hear new rumors. I'm glad to be no one. Also, she has a boyfriend. I don't want anyone to think she cheated on him. I made her the favor to check the comments on her social media. She is not people's favorite. I will say that some people were a bit cruel. She is only twenty. That is too much hate for her. I don't know how she is so positive. Now, I'm happy not to be under the spotlight. I hope that I won't see myself on social media.

Ally and I haven't talked to each other since the concert. I quickly left her at home and walked out. Mom wasn't happy, but I didn't care. On the way home, she didn't stop talking and showed me the picture she had taken with Kali. I can tell her I got one, too, but I didn't. It's not on my phone, anyway. She wanted it. Hopefully, her boyfriend won't find out. I don't want to be chased by him. It's not like he knows who I am. That way is better. I don't want to see her again.

It's the weekend. I can rest for some time. My parents will go out. I have no idea what Ally will do, but I don't care. She is old enough to go out alone. That was until I had my breakfast. I'm grounded to take care of her. Since that was the case, I called my best friends. Bailey and Ally understand each other well. The boys and I can do something. Tom wanted to know what happened at the concert so he could make fun of me. I didn't tell him much. He asked about the concert, not after it. I prefer to keep this for myself.

- I wonder what Bailey is doing with Ally. - Tom said

- I don't care. It's not my business.

- Why are you in a bad mood?

- Do you care?

- Yes, I do. You are my friend. Lately, you are weird.

- How?

- Whenever we mention Ally, you get mad.

- It's enough that I'm stuck with her.

- Did something happen at that concert? Maybe the singer said something. - Andrew said

- I didn't even talk with her. She is no one.

- I want to believe you, but I can't.

- Then ask her. It's not like she will answer you.

- Maybe she will.

- Hey, guys. Do you want us to go out? - Bailey asked

- Will she come with us? - I asked, looking at my sister

- We can't leave her at home.

- Then you can go. Please, don't count me in.

- Come on. Will you stay inside all day?

- If it means I will be away from her, yes.

- This is getting out of hand. She didn't do anything to you. Ally was with me.

- Take her. I won't complain.

- Ally, go and get ready.

- Will you come?

- Yes. Give me five minutes.

- Ok. - she said and left

- Why are you looking at me like that?

- I know you don't hate her. Why are you acting this way? She is your sister.

- It's not like I wanted her.

- The fault that my mom got pregnant again is not mine. - Ally said and walked out

- Ally! I'll deal with you later. - Bailey said and left

- Really? You had to say it. - Andrew said

- I don't remember asking for your opinion.

- She is only a kid. - Tom said

- Who has a mother? I'm not her babysitter. Why is everyone on her side?

- Because, as an older brother, you should understand.

- Understand what?

- How can you make her talk with you? It's not mission impossible.

Nothing else was said. I prefer not to talk about it. Bailey texted me that she would spend the day with Ally. The boys and I played some video games. My parents should come home soon. At least this distracted me from my sister. I don't mind her, but I don't see us getting along soon. The good news is that Bailey can fix this. It's not like this is her problem. My parents came home and made me help them with the groceries. I did everything without talking.

- Thank you for the help. Where is Ally? - my mom asked

- I don't know.

- How don't you know? Isn't she at home?

- No. She went out.

- Alone?

- No, Bailey is with her.

- Do you know why I'm asking?

- I don't care.

- Because I saw the girls together. Ally told me what you said.

- So?

- So! You can't talk to her like that. She is your sister.

- I didn't want to have one. It's your fault.

- Kid, be careful with the words. - my dad said

- You would've stopped if your first kid had been a girl.

- That is not true. I always wanted two kids, no matter the gender. It has nothing to do with the fact that she is a girl. - my mom said

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am.

- Then why are you always on her side? Whenever we argue, I am the one who has to apologize. She doesn't do anything.

- What?

- Don't you see it? She has privileges. Just because I'm older that doesn't mean I have to do everything she doesn't.

- You are not doing it.

- I don't think so. When was the last time she got grounded for something?

- I.

- Exactly. You never do it. I'm the only one who has to pay for her mistakes.

- Jayden, where does all that come from? - my dad asked

- I don't know. Ask my mom. - I said, and she left

- This is not the end. - he said and walked after her

My friends and I played games for a while. Later, we walked out. They left me alone for lunch. I went to a diner. The owner knows what I want. He gave me the drink, and I sat down. I met Kali after the concert. She was nicer than I expected. Maybe she's not terrible, but it doesn't mean I will be at another concert. For now, I was the only customer. Mostly, people take drinks for home. I might be the only one who drinks them here.

- Jayden, are you ok? Do you need another drink?

- It's better if I don't drink that much.

- Boy, you are drinking smoothies, not alcohol.

- It's the same.

- What is going on? Is everything ok?

- Not really?

- That girl seemed nice.

- Who? Kali?

- I don't know her name.

- It has nothing to do with her. For your information, she is taken.

- I see.

- Ally is the problem.

- Your sister? What did she do this time?

- I can't stand her. She is so annoying. On top of that, I get grounded for everything she does.

- It sounds like a cliche, but you are the older brother. Your parents will always expect more from you.

- So what? She doesn't do anything. This girl always gets away. Mom will never let me do it.

- Be patient. Have you ever thought about talking with her?

- Not really. She won't listen to me.

- Why are you so sure? This is why she is your parent. If something is bothering you, tell her.

- Ally is her favorite.

- Is this what all this is about?

- No, of course not. I'm annoyed that she expects me to do everything.

- Because she trusts you more than your sister.

- She is twelve. I don't need to walk after her all the time.

- No one said that you have to do it.

- But I do. I barely go out without her. Some things are not for her.

- This is what you think. I still believe you should talk with her.

- Maybe.

The rest of the afternoon, I was outside. Bailey called me, but I didn't pick up. I only sent a message. I went to a few places. Let's say that I didn't want to go home yet. Well, I did it for dinner. I didn't want to spend more money. When I walked home, I saw my dad in the kitchen. I'm sure he has been waiting for me. I went to pick up my laptop and walked downstairs. I already know what will happen. I gave it to him and my phone. I was about to leave, but he stopped me.

- Where are you going?

- In my room. I know I'm grounded.

- I didn't say it.

- There is no need to. I can see it in your eyes.

- Your mom is waiting for you.

- Where?

- In our room. Please, go.

- Fine. - I said and did it

- You are home.

- Yes. What do you want from me? I'm not in the mood to talk to you.

- I know, but I have to tell you some things.

- Like what?

- I'm sorry for the way you understood everything.

- So it's my fault again?

- No, no, no. It has nothing to do with you.

- Then?

- I haven't told you this, but I almost lost your sister when she was born. She didn't want to come out. She almost suffocated.

- So? She is fine now. There is nothing wrong with her.

- It's not only about that.

- You keep giving her privileges. It's not fair. I don't want to be stuck with her.

- Jayden.

- You never asked me if I wanted a sibling.

- This is not your choice. I wanted another kid.

- But I didn't. I was fine being alone. You had forgotten about me since she was born.

- Honey, that is not true.

- Are you sure? Then why do I have to do everything? Nothing will happen to her.

- It's not like that. I trust you more than her.

- But this doesn't mean she is not capable of anything.

- I didn't say the opposite.

- This is what it looks like to me.

- I'm sorry. I will try to leave her alone more often without you babysitting her.

- We'll see. I'll believe it when I see it. You can't change my mind.

- I know.

Mom and I talked for a while. I know she feels guilty, but I can't do anything about that. It's her fault I feel this way. Maybe I should blame Ally. I never knew what happened during her pregnancy. I wasn't there. They left me at my grandparents' back then. It's not like I could've done something. I appreciate what she said, but it won't change anything. This won't make Ally and I understand each other better. We still have our differences. The good news is that Bailey can deal with her. She can do it better than me. This is why we are friends. I hope that one day, my war with Ally will be over.