If there is one thing that is interfering my social life, it is the fact that I have a kid here who I have to look after every now and then.

Don't get me wrong.

Emmy is an angel. She is adorable and well-behaved. She also have a thinking of an adult, at times.

But, let get's real. I cannot wake up anytime I wanted to. I cannot just eat anything unhealthy as the kid may imitate me and Everett will get angry at me.

I sighed and as I read the book of Danielle Steel, I was also darting glances at Emmy. She was busy solving the puzzle her mom brought for her.

Today is the third day that Everett is away and she still hasn't called to check on her daughter yet.

Suddenly, my stomach growled. I looked up at the clock and realized it was almost twelve in the afternoon.

Lunch time.

I stood up and opened my fridge to see what I can cook for the two of us until someone knocked on my door.
I noticed Emmy turned to look at the door too.

"Auntie, someone's at the door. Should I open it for you?" She asked from her chair.

"No, darling. I'll do it. Thank you!" I said and went to see who it was.

"Elliee! We miss you!" It was Duncan and Ylona. Both have something on their hands. "We brought some good booze and —"

"Sshh! I have a kid here!" I cut Duncan off whose eyes widened.

"You have a child? Were you pregnant?" He asked one after the other while Ylona chuckled.

"What I mean is, I am babysitting my officemate's child." I said and instructed him, "go and hide that one in the fridge."

Duncan nodded and Ylona helped me unload the goodies they bought. There were fishcakes, ramen, some chips, a steak, chicken, pasta and hotdogs, and even had some takeours from our fave restaurant. Luckily, she also brought food for Emmy.

"Who are they, auntie?" Emmy finally asked when Ylona sat comfortably on the couch.

I didn't even notice that she's now behind me.

"They are my friends, Emmy." I smiled and introduced them to her when Duncan finished placing the steak and chicken inside the freezer.
"These are Auntie Ylona and Uncle Duncan. They are my friends since college."

"Hello, baby girl." Ylona grinned at her and handed her a couple of fries. She also gave her a chocolate bar.

"Wow! Thanks for these, Auntie Ylona!" Emmy's smile widened and she turned to look at me. "May I eat these, Auntie Ellie?"

"Only after you had your lunch." I said and she nodded.

"I will just put this inside the fridge." She said and hopped from the couch and went towards the refrigerator.

"Are you really taking care of her?" Duncan said and leaned his back against the couch. He raised his right leg and cross it over the other.

"Isn't obvious?" I asked rolling my eyes. Both my friends chuckled.

"Hey, Emmy. How is auntie taking care of you?" Duncan asked her when she sat beside me.

"Aunt Ellie is the best! She lets me do what I want to and she always look after me!" Emmy said proudly, hugging me as she speak.

"Aww. Thank you, baby Emmy!" I cooed and kissed the top of her head. I turned to face Duncan and Ylona and stuck out my tongue which earned laughter from them.

"That's sweet." Ylona commented and suddenly, she remembered the foods they bought. "Oh, it's lunch time! I'll just go and prepare the fish cake. It will only take a couple of minutes." She said and stood up.

"Can I help you, Auntie Ylona?" Emmy asked and Ylona nodded. The little girl grinned and held my friend's hand as they went to the kitchen.

"Hey. Have you heard? There were another murder that occurred in the area?" He whispered and I frowned.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my mind travelled back to the time when I saw a woman being dragged by somebody at one of the allies beside the convenience store where I bought something for Everett and Emmy on their first night here.

"From what I knew, it was a teen or a little older, I think? Her body was found dumped inside a garbage can and were reported only just recently." He said in a low voice.
"Keep an eye on Emmy. You guys are alone here. You don't even have a male tenant on your floor."

My brows furrowed at his words. "How do you know that all of us here are female?" I asked him in surprise.

"Uh, I happen to had a chitchat with some of them a few weeks ago when we hang out here." He explained and I paused for a while to stare at him.

Something is definitely up with him. He isn't this concerned about me before.

"Thanks for the concern. I'll take note of that." I said and was about to muster another word when both Emmy and Ylona came back to our spot. Both have the foods in their hands.

I immediately helped Emmy and she sat beside me.

"Let's say a prayer first!" Emmy said and we all smiled at her enthusiasm. She led the prayer and we all dug in, the talk me and Duncan had, slowly being stored away from my mind.