Chapter 3: Chapter 1
"That's everything?" Seb says, his light brown eyes staring into me.
I nod, "My mum is coming tomorrow morning so just for tonight, can you take care of him Seb?"
"Why?"
"What?" I ask in confusion.
"Why should I look after him? Isn't it better to hand him to the police? I can take him tomorrow if you want."
"How can you be so cruel? If he is given to the police, they'll send him off to an orphanage. He is still only a few months old, don't you pity him?" I stare at Seb with my best pleading look, "Please look after him for me? Look how adorable he is. Don't you feel sorry for him? I promise I will take him back home once my mum leaves."
He sighs, "Fine. Only for tonight. What do I need to do?"
I grin, "I knew you would do this for me! You're the bestest!"
I show him how to make the milk and change the nappy. I have to repeat it a few times until Seb finally understands properly.
"Your mum will probably nag you to get married again right?" Seb says as he sits down. I gently tuck a sleeping Miracle into Seb's comfy bed. I've decided on a name for him so I don't have to keep calling him baby.
I groan quietly, "What's new? She's going to complain about how I'll be too old to have children soon. Does she not know there are ways to freeze egg cells nowadays?" I turn to Seb with raised eyebrows and a smirk, "So who was that Carol earlier?"
"She's one of the new police officers. She's pretty hot and is interested in me." He says proudly before glaring at me. "You ruined my plans."
I laugh and punch his arm, "When will you stop being a player?" I grin as I remember what she said, "It won't be long I guess, since she is going to expose you for having a wife and child."
He groans loudly and I quickly place my finger on my lips to hush him so he doesn't wake the baby. "You should have told me you were coming. I wouldn't have brought her home."
I wriggle my eyebrows, "You would have taken her somewhere else anyway right?"
Seb flicks my forehead and I glare at him, "You know more than you should little girl."
"I'm not little anymore." I say and stand up, "Are you sure you know what to do? You'll be okay right?"
He nods, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. You should worry about yourself. What are you going to tell your mum about your non-existent love life?"
I shrug, "I'm too tired. Let me head home and rest before she comes. Give me a call if you need anything."
"Bye."
I wave and leave. My heart is a little heavy as I worry about Miracle.
***
I only get a few hours of sleep before I hear the loud knocking and doorbell ringing. Yawning, I straighten my pyjama top before opening the door.
"You're still sleeping at this hour Eva? I thought you would be up for work." Mum exclaims as she steps inside and glances around.
My mother is a real stickler for traditional upbringing and really went out of her way to raise me into a polite and sensible woman who has pride in herself. This is the reason I have to hide Miracle away at Seb's.
"Mum, it's only six 'o' clock." I say, glancing at the clock. "I usually wake up at seven for work anyway."
She tuts and walks over to the kitchen. It's a mess since I have been working overtime until yesterday and haven't had the time to clean.
"What is this? It looks like you haven't washed the dishes for a few days Eva. What have you been up to? A proper lady would wash up as soon as she steps away from the table. How long have I spent teaching you to act like a valuable woman?"
Annoyed, I cross my arms and watch as she frowns after lifting up a few other plates and bowls from the sink. "This is the 21st century Mum and I'm not a proper lady, so what? Does it matter anymore? I'm living my life comfortably and sensibly."
Her brown eyes, the same as mine turn to me and she stares at me. What is she going to nag about now? "Really? Is that why Sebastian told me you quit your job?"
What a traitorous friend! When did he get the time to tell her? Wait, is this revenge for destroying his plans with that Carol last night? I clench my fist. Just you wait Seb!
"Mum, I haven't quit. I'm just taking a break. I think Seb misunderstood." I lie, sweating as I cross my fingers behind my back. If she finds out I am lying, she'll definitely give me the old punishment with the cane.
"Oh? Was that it? Why did Sebastian say it as if you weren't going to return to work?" She wonders, scrutinising me.
"He probably misunderstood?" I say, scratching my head. How long is my mother planning to stay? I only told Seb that I will leave Miracle with him for today. "When will you return home?" I ask quickly.
She stares at me in shock, "I just got here now, and you're already asking me to leave?! When did I have such a daughter?"
I roll my eyes and groan. "No, I didn't mean that Mum. I'm just wondering since it won't be safe if you leave late. You know how many crimes are happening here nowadays."
"I know but I plan to stay over."
My eyes widen and my palms turn clammy. "You're... staying over?"
"Yes, why? Is there a reason I can't?" Her eyes hover over me, "What are you hiding? Don't tell me that you're hiding a man here?"
I quickly wave my hands, "No, no. Of course not. I just thought you would be lonely since I have to go back to work tomorrow and I won't be able to see you off." My lies are improving.
"Is that so? Then, I'll return this evening. I can't inconvenience you if you're going to work." She says.
I sigh in relief and turn around to hide my grin. Yes!
"But, don't forget to wash these dishes and clean up before you return to work." She says.
I nod, "Yes Mum."
"What's this?" Mum suddenly holds up a packet of the powdered milk. My face loses feeling as I rack my brain. How should I explain?
"Uh, that is..." My eyes light up, "That's the neighbours'. They asked me to babysit their newborn so I must have forgotten to give that one back to them." Good one Eva!
My mother looks like she doesn't believe me. "When did you get the time to babysit? You said you don't even have time to do the dishes."
"Uh... It was just for a few minutes." I lie hurriedly. My mother should seriously become a private investigator.
"I'll let it go this time but I hope you're not keeping anything from me Eva."
I purse my lips, "Of course not."
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