The Housekeeper

2

Chapter two

Bella's P. O. V

"Hey! Where's your mind at?" Precious questions as she pinches my thigh.

"Ouch! That hurt!" I wince. It really did hurt. Imagine being pinched by someone who got long nails!

"Focus!" she takes a glance at me before looking forward again.

Sigh. I knew that I wouldn't concentrate in class. I should have just stayed at home.

.

"What's wrong with you?" Precious questions.

"What's wrong with me? What could be wrong with me?" I turn to look at her. What is she talking about?

"You barely pair attention in any class we attended today," she rolls her eyes.

"Oh, that." I whisper.

"Oh, that." she mimics me. "Start spilling the beans. Oh my word, are you dating!?" she squeals making me roll my eyes. So much drama.

"I was thinking about Mom. I get worried when I leave her alone at home." I state.

"You should relax. Nothing will happen to Ma. She is a strong woman." she squeezes my shoulder, as if trying to tell me that I must be strong.

Why does life have to be so hard and complicated?

"I will try, thank you. You should go back, I'm near now," I say before looking back at where we walked from.

"I want to go meet Ma. Dad will fetch me after work," I nod before telling her to walk a little faster.

"Whose car is that, friend?" I shrug as I inspect an expensive looking car that's in my yard. 

"OMG! It's the lates-" 

"Shh!" I shush her. 

She keeps quiet, but that doesn't stop her from jumping all over.

"You," I whisper when my eyes land on him. "What are you doing here?" I question. 

"This is my home too," he rolls his eyes. 

"Hey, Brandon." Precious greets him. 

Precious and her silly crush! 

"Funny how you remembered that you have a home after all these years." I say. "Ma, you good?" I kiss her forehead after placing my bag down. 

"I'm good, my child." Ma says with a smile, planing her hand on my cheek. 

"Ma!" Precious says loudly before engulfing her in a hug. 

"I don't like the fact that you left Ma alone. Can't you see that she is sick?" 

The nerve! 

"Can't you see that I come from school? Where were you all these years? Huh? Where were you!?" I exclaim. 

I'm shaking and I can't seem to control myself today. He has gone too far. 

"You even lack respect! I'm here to take Ma. Since you can't look after her, I will be doing the honors." words carelessly leave his mouth. 

"Ma?" I question, as my heart beat increases. 

"Yes, my child. You can't keep on skipping school for me. You have a bright future, I want you to focus on that." my heart breaks as soon as I realize that my so called 'brother' still has a big part of Ma's heart. After all these years... He is still her favorite. 

"Can you please pack her clothes," Brandon says. 

"You leaving today?" I question. 

"Yes," I nod.

"You can pack since she's now your responsibility." I say while faking a smile. 

Brandon opens his mouth to speak but Precious beats him to it. 

"I will pack," Precious states. 

"Thank you," Brandon nods with a smile. 

I change my clothes before deciding to cook only to find food cooked. Seems like there's nothing I can do. I decide to go help Precious with the packing. After all Ma is... was my responsibility. 

"Are you okay?" she questions. She is concerned. I nod before packing all that I believe Ma will need.