I should have known. The moment Shelly stepped on my pad that I will be dealing with a handful.

She's like a kid who just got released from the scrutinizing eyes of her terror parents. She was equally as enthusiastic as Emmy is.

"Shells, could you please pick up the laundry at the laundromat across the block?" I asked as I was arranging the books on my shelf.

Emmy was engrossed on the Spongebob episode she was on and Shells has been sitting beside her. Both had been exhausted from their peek-a-boo a while ago.

"Eh?" She asked when she turned around with a blank look on her face. I heaved a sigh and shook my head dismissively.

I finished cooking our dinner at around six in the evening and am about to rest when I realized I still have errands to do.

So much for having a family along and having some help around.

Just then, I felt my phone vibrating and notified I got a call from the Queen of Laundromat herself, Nida Santiago.

"Hey, Elle. Am about to head out earlier tonight. Won't you be picking up your stuff?", she asked.

"Oh. Actually, I'm about to go there but was stuck with some guests here. Can I pick them up—", my voice trailed off when I opened my wardrobe and found out that I don't have anything to wear. "— on second thought, can you wait up for me? About fifteen minutes? I'm on my way."

"Alrighty. Just push the door, I'm closing the store now." Nida instructed and I tapped Shells' shoulder mumbling I am heading out.

I grabbed my foldable umbrella as ot was drizzling earlier and I couldn't afford to get sick with a child in my area. I jogged to where my business is at and it took me only ten minute tops before I get to it.

"Hey, Nids." I began as I went to the open counter where our stuff was stored after some thorough washing and folding. I looked around but couldn't found her small shop. Shrugging, I searched for her notepad and left a note for her.

Nids,

Got my stuff. Thank you! See you again soon! You, tc, N!

Xoxo Elle. :)

Having the impulse to check first my things before leaving, I untied the strap of the sando bag and looked if the clothes were right and yes, they are. I made sure to wire the money to her account and had it screenshot before I left the shop.

On my way back the pad, I passed by a couple fighting in an alley. Having recent experiences of witnessing such unexpected inexplicable crimes, I decided to ignore them for my own sake. Else, my conscience couldn't take it any longer.

"What the hell, Armando!" The woman yelled and I ran passed them and went inside my apartment building.

I didn't know what's happening but when I came inside my pad, I saw Duncan laughing along with Shells at my dining table. He was assisting Emmy to sit on the table while Shells prepared the dishes.

"Hey, Ellie!" Duncan smiled as soon as he saw me. He frowned when I came closer and dropped the clothes pile on the neat floor of the living area. "What the hell? You didn't use the umbrella? You're soaking!"

"Funny, you recognized that. You look like a happy family in here." I scoffed and sat tirelessly on the sofa cushions.

"Ellie!" He wide-eyed stared at me both in disappointment and worry. "I was about to say something but forget it. I guess, it wouldn't count if I tell you I know where Em's mom is."

"Wait! What?" I exclaimed but he was already out the door leaving me shocked and stunned to speak.

"Relax, Ellie. We're just friends. He was nice enough to keep us comfortable while you were out." Shells explained and handed me a towel. "I'll unload this one and you eat with Emmy. And, oh. He left something for you. I placed it on your bedside table." She said and grabbed the clothes pile on the floor. "Oof! These are indeed heavy." She grunted and struggled to carry them to my wardrobe.

I blinked and it took me quite some time to process everything at that moment.

"I'm starving, Auntie Ellie." I heard Emmy complained and I stood up abruptly to walk to where she is.

"Let's eat, baby." I managed a smile and sat beside her, "Eat with us, Shells. Let's fix them later."

"Go ahead! Will be there in a jiffy!" She answered from the bedroom.

Indeed, I should have known when to say no. I am not good in handling baggages like these now.

After we ate, I showered and let Shells tuck Emmy to bed. I was drying my hair when my eyes rested on the note on my bedside table.

I gasped when I read it,

You got yourself another company. So, if you care about them, better zip it.

How the hell did they know!

Am I really being watched?