Elisse Anne

"Here you go, Felicity! A song from Celine Dion. Happy listening!" I said cheerily and played her song.

It hasn't been that long since I recalled my— rather, someone else's— pickpocketing encounter on the road and I shook my head at the thought of it.

Tonight, there have been changes in our schedule. My segment was moved and extended from six to nine in the evening to five to ten in the evening. According to the management, it has garnered one of their highest ratings this year so far. To top it all, my salary will be increased starting on the fifteenth of next month.

"Hey! DJ Sean!" I heard DJ Everett knocked on the window of the DJ booth and mouthed my name.

I smiled and waved at her. It was the first time after two months that we have seen each other. She was on leave since she gave birth three months ago and is bound to return after five months, that's why, I was surprised to see her this early.

That's when I realized that she has brought along her older daughter who's around six to seven years old. My eyes widened and I let out a silent squeal when she entered the booth.

In her hand is her adorable toddler  named Emblem and she is just so cute!

"Do play your next song first before we chitchat here." She scolded and I followed her instructions rolling my eyes. She had her daughter sitting beside her as she watched me silently as I did my job.

"Will be having a quick five minute break and be back later with DJ Lowkey!" I said cheerily as I played the last leg of five songs.

Thankfully, I am at the end of my segment and DJ Lowkey is already here.

"What are you doing here at this hour?" I exclaimed as I went to her side. DJ Lowkey immediately took my place.

"Can't find someone else to babysit Em.. and you're the first person I thought of. I really need to do some errand for my sister and we cannot watch over Em." DJ Everett sighed. "I already brought her things.  Everything's in there. Can you please, please babysit her for five days?"

My jaw dropped with her words. I was torn between saying no and taking her daughter in.

"But, I have work and am living alone. I also have extended hours now. How can that be possible?" I asked her in utter disbelief.

DJ Everett shook her head and smiled. She even played with her daughter's hand when the little one kept looking around the booth. My heart softened at the adorable sight in front of me.

"I got that taken cared of. I talked to Miss Jade, she told me, someone's coming over to take your shift." She grinned mischievously.

"Are you kidding me? Hey! I need work! I need to live!" I protested both in astonishment and surprise.

"I know you are shocked how I was able to pull it off but I really need your help right now." She pleaded helplessly.

I sighed having no choice. She has always been there to me when I was starting and helped me big time. There's no harm babysitting, right?

We spent the next minutes at the diner as we had our late-night snacks with her baby along. It's a relief that I had previous experiences taking care and looking after my nieces for a couple of days back then.

DJ Everett had listed down her instructions and even told me that she'll pay me back to compensate the days she is away and will wire it to my account. I told her not to worry as she has a very beautiful, well- behaved and understanding toddler.

She accompanied me as we went to my apartment. Thankfully, I am an organized person and my unit is quite spacious where I can accommodate an additional guest.
I placed the bag on the couch and I noticed how she shed some tears as she whispered to her daughter.

"Hey. Must be hard to be separated from her, huh?" I tried to sound empathetic but it came out as a joke when she laughed.

"Yeah, yeah. First time that I will be away for a long time." She said which had my forehead creased, "I mean, five days are long for me." I nodded and sat across from her on my single-seater couch.

"Anyhow, you have my number, right? You can just call me if there is some problem with her, which I hope not." She smiled at me.

"Bye, Emmy." She said and Emblem threw her an angry look. She even stomped to the direction of my room.

"Oops. I guess, she isn't comfortable being away from you." I said sheepishly and she sighed.

"She'll get used to it. Anyway, thanks so much, Eli." DJ Everett turned to hug me before she was completely out of the door. "I'll see you soon. I really am sorry to bother you this late."

"Don't mention it." I smiled and patted her back. "I'll just go and talk to her. I'm sure she'll understand." With one last look at me, she left and I was alone with Emblem.

"Hello, Emmy." I said and our eyes met. She must have gotten her looks from her dad. She has the bluest eyes ever.

"Aunt Eli. Are you my mom?" She asked and I gaped at her.

"Wh-what?" I asked laughing as I approached her. "Do you want me to be yours?"

She bobbed her head and my heart suddenly went out to her. She really must miss her mom that much.

And then, she let out a yawn. I giggled, "let's sleep now?" She nodded and I tucked her in beside me. She has the spot beside the wall while I adjusted to the opposite end.

When she was fast asleep, I checked the fridge and found out that we have no stocks for the week. I also forgot to buy something edible for breakfast tomorrow!

I made a quick stop to the convenience store at the next block and thanked them after.

On my way out, I heard someone screamed. I shivered and shook my head.

It must be just my imagination playing tricks on me.

I jogged a bit. Until I was closer to the scene.

I gasped when I saw some lady being dragged away. Our eyes met and her mouth was tied.

"H--p!" She tried to shout and I tiptoed passed them even before her abductor even saw me.

"Shut the fuck up, woman!" A deep voice cussed at her and I closed my mouth to stay silent.

I was tempted to step down and help them but I got no weapon ready to defend us. Also, I remembered Emmy on my custody.

I cannot just do something risky. I tried to ignore what I saw and jogged quietly to my apartment.