Chapter 14

                Max and I haven’t been able to see each other as much as we use to lately. With him and Cassandra being together now, I didn’t exactly get to hang around them as much as I would. I tried it once, but I ended up being left out- the ultimate epitome of a third wheel. But, after Max found out about how I was humiliated at Katie’s party last weekend, he made sure that he found time in his busy schedule to comfort me. “Thanks for cancelling your plans with Cassandra tonight.” I gave Max a weak smile, as I carried over the box of fresh pizza that I just got delivered at the front door.

                Max kicked his feet up at my coffee table, sinking back lazily on my couch. “I would do anything to spend quality time with my best friend,” He joked, grabbing a cheesy slice of pizza out of the box, “especially if she has food for me.”

                Rolling my eyes, I punched him square in the shoulder gently, before taking the empty spot beside him. “Way to make me feel more loved than I already am.” I sarcastically said, referring to the night when everyone ganged up on me at Katie’s party.

                Max’s features soften, as he wrapped an arm around me. He pulled me closer to him, as I laid my head on his shoulder. “I didn’t mean it like that, Riley.” He whispered, muffling his words in my hair. “I wish I was there to beat the shit out of those immature low lives, who think it’s funny to gang up on one girl.”

                I shuddered, just remembering the feeling when I had my first cup of beer thrown at me. I bit my lower lip, before letting out a sigh. “I should’ve had it coming, though.” I muttered. “There was obviously a reason why Katie invited me to her stupid party, and it was to humiliate me.”

                Max kissed the top of my head, trying to soothe me. “Don’t worry too much about it. They’ll hardly remember it once they realize how big of a massive bitch Katie really is.”

                I laughed, before burying my face into Max’s shoulder. “I wish.”

                Max stayed quiet for a long moment, and for a second, I thought he had fallen asleep. But, I heard him let out a deep breath of air, before his hands moved over to my hair, and began brushing it with his fingers gently. “I never got to ask you, what’s going on between you and Everett now?” he asked. “I mean, he defended you from Katie yesterday, in front of everyone.”

                I let out a bitter laugh, before sighing. “I don’t even know, Max.” I paused. “I don’t even know what’s going on with us.”

                “Well, it’s never too late to get a boyfriend, you know.” Max teased, poking my cheek. “I mean, since I have Cassandra now, you might as well get Everett.”

                I sat up, slapping Max on the shoulder. “Max.” I snapped, as Max started to laugh. “Oh God, you’re such an idiot.”

*

                “Riley, are you busy tonight?” my mother came knocking on my bedroom door on the next Saturday afternoon.

                I stared up from the novel that I was reading, raising my eyebrows when I noticed that my mother was dressed up formally. My mother was never one to take too much time on her appearance, unlike Mrs. Rosenfeld, who used to spend endless hours getting ready for an event. My mother had her hair pinned up in the back and was wearing a classy black dress that looked brand new. I frowned, getting up from my bed, as I went over to take a closer look at my mother’s face.

                “Mom,” I started off, dabbing my finger onto her silky smooth lips, “are you wearing lipstick?”

                She swatted my hands away, as they fell limp by my sides. “I spent an hour trying to do my makeup, Riley, and you’re not going to mess it up right now.”

                I let out a chuckle, before staring back at my mother with amused eyes. “Mom, why are you so dressed up? As far as I know, your birthday passed three months ago.”

                My mother finally cracked a smile, before rolling her eyes. “I’m going out with Mr. Rosenfeld’s fiancé tonight.” She paused, before wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “This is where I need your help.”

               I stared back at my mother skeptically, before raising an eyebrow. I didn’t like where this conversation was heading. “What is it, mother?” I asked with a tight smile.

                “You see, Everett’s older cousins are staying over at the Rosenfeld’s for tonight. They have a child, and since nobody’s going to be home tonight, they kind of need a babysitter while they go out for the night.” My mother said, giving me a tight squeeze on the shoulder. “I told Mrs. Lopez that you would be willing to babysit for the night.”

                My eyes widened, as I immediately shook my head with dismay. I wasn’t going to spend my Saturday night babysitting some kid who I didn’t even know. I was supposed to have plans with Cassandra tonight to see that new horror movie that everyone was raving about. “No, no, no mom!” I cried. “Aren’t Maria and Everett going to be home? Can’t they do it?”

                “Maria left town yesterday to go visit her father near upstate for the entire weekend.” My mother began to cringe, as she tugged on her collar. “And I’ve watched Everett grow up, and I know that he isn’t the most patient person out there. I don’t think he has the amount of tolerance that you do when it comes to children.”

                I threw my head back in exasperation. “What will I gain out of this, mom?”

                My mother rolled her eyes, before tossing me a sweater from my dresser. “My love and respect.” She muttered sarcastically. “Now get dressed, we’re leaving in an hour.”

                I groaned, closing my eyes tightly. “Mom!” I whined, as she made her way out of my room, and down the hallway. “This isn’t fair!”

                “I love you!” my mother hollered back, before I heard her slamming her door shut.

                Not longer after my mother left my room, I quickly reached over my bed to grab my phone. I had to phone over Cassandra and tell her that I couldn’t go to the movies with her tonight. When I dialed her number, it only took a few rings before she picked up. “Riley, what’s going on?” she asked, as I heard the sound of something crashing in the background. “Max! I told you to stay out of my mother’s China cabinet!”

                I chuckled, as I heard Cassandra groaning over the phone. “Sorry, am I interrupting something?” I asked teasingly, and I could already picture the blush that was forming across Cassandra’s face.

                “Not at all.” Cassandra’s voice was high and pitchy, causing me to laugh. “What’s up?”

                I sighed, lying back on my bed, as I rubbed my eyes with my free hand. “I can’t go to the movies tonight, Cass.” I muttered. “My mother volunteered me for babysitting without telling me.”

                “Really?” Cassandra asked. “That sucks. Who do you have to babysit for?”

                I rolled over on my bed, so that my stomach was facing my duvet. “The Rosenfeld’s cousins. They have a child that they want to leave behind while they spend the night together.”

                “The Rosenfeld’s?” Cassandra’s voice was giggly over the other line. “Does that mean Everett is going to be there?”

                I narrowed my eyes, wishing that Cassandra could see me glaring at her right now. “As far as I know, yes.”

                “That’s great!” Cassandra beamed. “That means you can spend the entire night babysitting, but when the kid falls asleep, you can go spend your time snuggling and making out with Everett!”

                My eyes widened, as I buried my face into my pillows. “Cassandra!” I hissed. I was trying to sound angry, but I couldn’t help but feel the warmth that was spreading through my face. “You have no idea what you’re-“

                “Oops, I have to go!” Cassandra laughed. “I’ll call you later!”

                “But, Cass-“

                The other line went dead.

*

                “Riley, wipe that scowl off your face before I do.” My mother threatened, as she fixed up her hair in the car’s rearview mirror. “Don’t be so upset that you’re stuck babysitting tonight. It’s one Saturday night that you’re giving up, for God’s sake!”

                I sighed dramatically, before plastering a forced smile across my face. “You’re right, mom.” I grumbled under my breath. “I’m sorry.”

                My mother gave me an unimpressed stare, before letting out a deep breath of air. “Now come on, we’re already running a few minutes late.”

                I trudged up the Rosenfeld’s driveway unwillingly, as my mother pressed the doorbell with her index finger. Waiting for no more than a few seconds, the door swung open, revealing Mrs. Lopez, who was dressed up just as formally as my mother was. “Audra and Riley!” Mrs. Lopez smiled, showing off her pearly whites.

                “I’m sorry for being a little bit late.” My mother gave Mrs. Lopez a weak smile. “Riley here was a bit slow in getting ready.”

                My cheeks turned red, as I tucked a strand of my brown hair behind my right ear. “Sorry about that, Mrs. Lopez.”

                Mrs. Lopez laughed, as I heard a childish giggle from behind her. “Well, come in. Clarice and Damian are just about to leave for their dinner reservations. Riley will be taking care of their son tonight, am I correct?” I nodded, as Mrs. Lopez came over to give me a quick hug. “We all really appreciate it, darling.”

                I glanced over at my mother, before smiling back up at Mrs. Lopez. “It’s really not a big deal.”

                Mrs. Lopez chuckled, before she turned to my mother with a beam. “Audra, how did you raise your daughter to be so well behaved? Riley here should teach Maria a thing or two about respect.”

                “Oh, Linda, stop flattering us.” My mother laughed, placing a hand on Mrs. Lopez’s shoulder. “We should get going soon, as soon as Clarice and Damian finish up saying goodbye to their son.”

                Just after my mother said that, a petite blonde who had a little boy in her arms, came out from the living room with her husband, who was at least a foot taller than she was. She grinned when she saw me, as she handed over her baby boy over to her husband. “You must be Riley!” her voice was enthusiastic- happy, as if she had to go through a lot before she got to where she was today. “I’m Clarice, and this is my husband Damian.”

                I smiled back at her politely, noticing that Clarice couldn’t be much older than I was. I focused on her features carefully, noting to myself that she looked young enough to be in her last year of college. “Nice to meet you guys.”

                “You have no idea how thankful we all are that you’re looking after our baby Aiden tonight.” Clarice smiled, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

                “It’s alright.” I smiled, noticing that my mother couldn’t look any more proud by the corner. “I’m happy to do this.”

                Clarice let go of me, nudging her husband on the elbow. “Isn’t she the sweetest thing?” Clarice gushed, before handing me their baby boy, who was fast asleep. “All of Aiden’s toys are in a bag in the living room, and if he gets hungry, you can just make him some macaroni and cheese.”

                I nodded, taking their baby in my arms. I stared down at Aiden, noticing how innocent and peaceful he looked in his slumber. A faint smile appeared on my face, as I heard Damian chuckling from me above. “If you need anything, just ask Everett for our number.”

                “Everett’s going to be home all night?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

                “He told me he was supposed to go to a party tonight.” Damian frowned, before smirking. “But, I think he cancelled once he found out who was babysitting Aiden tonight.”

                My cheeks turned bright red, as I snuck a glance over at my mother, who was too busy engrossed in a conversation with Mrs. Lopez.

                “Oh, Damian, stop teasing the poor girl.” Clarice grinned. “Don’t you see how red she’s turning?”

                My eyes widened, before I cleared my throat, and regained my composure. Clarice shot me a wink, before she grabbed her coat and purse from the kitchen counter. “We should head out now.” She paused, before giving me one last look. “Thanks again, Riley.”

                Clarice and Damian left before my mother and Mrs. Lopez did, but they soon left, as well, after my mother gave me a peck on the cheek. “Don’t get into trouble!” my mother whispered, before heading out.

                I sighed once the entire house was empty, with the exception of Everett, who was probably locked up in his room upstairs. I stared down at Aiden, who looked as if he could be at least three years old. I gently set him down couch, laying his head right on top of a decorative pillow. I found a baby blue blanket in one of the bags of necessities that Clarice and Damian left behind for me and laid it on top of Aiden’s little body. Tucking him in, I turned the lights off so that they were dim enough to not bother him in his sleep.

                I looked over at the clock, noticing that it was a little bit past seven. I started to prepare Aiden’s macaroni and cheese dinner, so that when he woke up, he would have his dinner right away.

                I began rummaging through the kitchen cupboards, trying to look for the instant macaroni and cheese. I finally pulled it out of the top shelf on one of the higher cabinets. Right as I was pulling it down, I elbowed the handle of a pan that was sticking out from the bottom shelf, making it collapse on the floor with a bang.

                I flinched, squeezing my eyes shut, before opening them up to peer over at Aiden. I noticed that he stirred a little bit in his sleep, but luckily, he hadn’t woken up yet. I sighed with relief, as I bent over to pick up the pan that had fallen. Right as I picked it up, a voice suddenly startled me, once again.

                “What are you doing?” Everett asked, leaning against the refrigerator with his hair messy and his arms crossed. I stared at him with my jaw slightly dropped, noticing that he was wearing nothing but a pair of low slung sweatpants, and a ribbed tank top that showed off his lean, yet muscular arms and stomach. “Wait, let me rephrase that. What are you trying to do?”

                I snapped out of my thoughts, as my cheeks turned red from noticing how I just checked him out seconds ago. I cleared my throat, feeling myself turn hot and nervous. “I- uh, cooking.” I stuttered. “I’m trying to cook dinner for Aiden.”

                Everett raised an eyebrow at me, reminding me of how I majorly failed minutes ago by dropped a pan. “You do realize that you’re supposed to cook on the stove, not on the floor, right?”

                I stared at him blankly, trying to register the fact that Everett was actually teasing me. After a moment, I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Yes, obviously.” I muttered, trying to cover myself up. “I was just trying to, uh, test out the durability of the pans.”

                Everett stared at me for a long moment, but I caught the corners of his lips twitching upwards, just slightly. “Right.” He sarcastically muttered, coughing.

                I pursed my lips, before opening the box of macaroni and cheese to start preparing Aiden’s dinner. I heated the stove to boil the milk and butter, before stirring in the powdery cheese substance. I could feel Everett’s eyes burning on my back as he watched my every move. I bit my lips nervously, before turning around to face him. “Why couldn’t you babysit Aiden tonight?” I asked, leaning against the counter. “You’re going to be home for the rest of the night, right?”

                Everett snorted, before rolling his eyes. “I don’t have the patience for little kids.”

                I started at him momentarily, before nodding slowly. “I figured.”

                I suddenly heard a soft laugh escape Everett’s lips, making every movement of my body stop. “And what is that supposed to mean?” he asked, running a hand through his messy dark locks.

                “It means that you aren’t capable of taking the responsibility of taking care of a kid, so I had to come do your job.” I smiled deviously, as I began to push his buttons.

                Everett stared at me with surprise, before smirking. He began to bite on his lower lip, making my gaze shift towards his rosy red lips. “That’s vicious, Riley.” my name rolled off the tip of his tongue smoothly.

                “Well, I don’t necessarily like to strive to be a good girl.” I whispered, as I noticed how Everett was starting to come closer and closer towards me with each word that came out of my mouth.

                Finally, Everett’s hands were on each side of my hips, gripping me gently- but firmly. I caught his eyes shifting down towards my lips for just a split second, before they snapped back up at my eyes. His blue orbs enveloped my brown ones, as I held in my breath.

                Kiss me. My inner self begged.

                “That’s not the Riley I remember.” He whispered, his hot breath fanning my bare beck. “The Riley I remember cared about everything she did- even if she got an A minus on an essay. And it looks to me as if you’re still the same Riley that I-.”

                The pot on the stove suddenly shook, as bubbles began to fill the top. I noticed that Everett stared at it for a brief second, before licking his lips, and reaching over to turn off the fire.

                “Is my mac and cheese done?” a little voice suddenly came from the living room. I looked over, past Everett’s shoulder, noticing a little figure rubbing his eyes with the back of his hands.

                I immediately sprang away from Everett, as my cheeks turned bright red. I cleared my throat, smiling at Aiden, who seemed confused. “Yes, just wait a second.” I flashed the little boy a smile, before hastily turning back to the macaroni that was in the pot.

*

                “I’m exhausted.” Everett groaned, sinking back into the couch after he had to chase Aiden around the house and put him to bed. “How is it possible for a three year old to have so much energy?”

                I laughed, feeling pretty tired myself. Contrary to my belief, Everett did actually help me out tonight with taking care of Aiden. I expected him to leave right after he came downstairs, but he stayed with me for the entire night. “Is he asleep yet?” I asked, staring up at the clock that read a little over eleven