14. Babysitting

Babysitting

Pets. Animals. The pets are considered family. They bring happiness, joy and can even relieve stress. While on the other hand, most consider animals to be food source. Chickens, cows, pigs, and even goats fall under that category. I'm just thankful that Ollie does not that fall under the latter.

I loved Ollie to bits, and I'm sure he did love me the same. Though, Enzo would argue and say Ollie loved him more. However, there was something I've noticed with Ollie. Lately, he hadn't been acting like his normal self. He's been like that ever since I came home from the park with Dylan and Lillian. I wasn't sure if a bug bit him, or if he was sick, but he just wasn't himself anymore.

I was really glad I booked an appointment with the vet, which was later today. The sad part was that Ollie despised the doctor's. And by that, I meant that I have to keep him in a cage, or he would start acting up. That's the only thing I dreaded when we payed a visit to the vets.

"Hai mangiato?" I turned around to find mama scooping up pasta into her bowl.

"No, I didn't eat yet. I'm still full from breakfast," I admitted. "I'll probably grab something after the vets," I shrugged.

She shook her head, disapproving. "And what about the food I made?" I playfully groaned.

"You know Shane will eat all of it," I snickered.

"Excuse me? Was I the one who devoured the entire lasagna tray?"

I turned to the person who entered the kitchen. "You of all people should know that I would eat two horses and not give a single fu- damn." I corrected when mama gave the look.

Yeah, the look she gives when it means either shut up, or I'm going to throw the nearest object at your head.

Shane scoffed, knowing I was right.

"Don't forget you have your final dress fitting next week." This time I groaned. "And did you figure out what your doing for the bachelorette party?" I groaned again, throwing my head back, causing Shane to snicker. "Mariana will be upset if you don't have anything planned," she warned.

"I know," I sighed, sitting down, stealing a green bell pepper from the pasta. "I have a few things planned, besides I still have a couple more weeks." I pointed out. Even if I had months to plan everything, I would still leave it until last minute. Shane snorted, as if reading my thoughts.

"Where's Ollie?" Shane asked, snickering. He liked to opt out of the appointments, leaving me to go alone with the devil.

"That is a great question," I turn around looking around for him.

"He's probably hiding," he laughed, picking at the garlic bread in mama's plate. She slapped his hand away.

I sighed and started to look for the little puppy. Finally, I found him in the twins' room, snuggled under the blankets as if it would have been hard for me to find him. I set a treat on the palm of my hand, and in less than two seconds, Ollie had jumped out, devouring it.

"Come on, let's go on a walk," I offered, ruffling his fur.

I laughed as Ollie ran out, and I jogged behind him, his leash not allowing to get him far.

We turned the corner, and it was not a coincidence as we were headed onto Dylan's street. What surprised me as I approached his house was finding Lillian, protesting against her brother who was pulling her into the car.

Ollie began to jerk against the leash, desperate to get out, barking, which gained the attention of the two. While Dylan looked over, Lillian escaped from his hold, running over. I let go of Ollie, setting him free, allowing the two rejoice.

"What did I just walk into?" I asked, chuckling as Ollie tackled the little girl onto the ground, smothering her in kisses.

Dylan looked stressed. "I was called into work, and since Tristan and my mom are also at work, my aunt offered to watch over Lillian, but she doesn't want to go," he sighed, running a hand through his luscious hair.

"She makes really bad food and forces me to eat it!"

"Her food isn't that bad." Lillian crossed her arms across her chest, raising an eyebrow, challenging him. "Yeah, okay, you're right," Dylan confessed.

"Told you!" I laughed at their exchange.

I took note of Ollie's behavior which went from zero to a hundred, real quick. Huh.

"I don't want to go, why can't I come to work with you?" Lillian whined, tears brimming her gorgeous chocolate eyes.

Her brother closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose, opening his mouth to explain something probably for the tenth time. "You know where I work right?" Lillian nodded enthusiastically.

"You fix cars and make them work!" She explained using her hands.

"That's right. There are also a lot of machines and tools that are dangerous for a six year old." He explained softly. "This is the last time I'm going to explain this." His tone was firm. "Come on, I'm getting late."

Lillian looked defeated, hanging her head down. She gently put down Ollie on the ground who followed her as she made her way to the car. Suddenly, an idea sprang to mind.

"Why don't I watch her?" A smile formed my face, liking the idea. "I'm taking Ollie to the vet's, and I'm sure he could use her company," I offered, trying to convince Dylan. Lillian gasped, hopping out of the car.

"Please."

"You don't have to do that," Dylan replied softly. "I know what it's like to be dragged in by her," he said, pointing at his sister.

"I know. But I want to, besides, it'll be fun," I grinned. "We could grab lunch and then go to the park?" I offered to Lillian, who at this point was jumping on her feet. "And I'm not doing this for you," I pointed out. Okay, maybe I was, but only a small part of me was. "I always wanted a younger sister," I pointed out truthfully. I was starting to like this idea more and more.

Ollie barked, running around Lillian, causing her to giggle. "Please Dill Pickle!"

"Are you sure? She can be a handful," he warned.

"Hey!"

"Yes Dylan, I'm sure," I grinned, looking into his eyes, biting my lip. Fuck, they were gorgeous.

"Okay," he nodded.

A squeal emitted from the little girl's mouth as she wrapped her arms against her brother's leg. "Thank you! Thank you!" I was taken aback when she attacked my legs afterwards. "Thank you, Melia!" I laughed, ruffling her hair.

"Thanks, Lia," Dylan said once Lillian stepped back. "You really didn't have to do this." He scratched the back of his neck. My eyes followed the action, landing on his biceps which flexed as he did so. I snapped my eyes back to his, fighting off the blush from forming.

"It's not a problem really. Besides, she'll be doing me a favour," I admitted. Dylan arched his eyebrow. "Ollie seems to be happy whenever Lillian's around. She'll probably be able to k-keep him under wraps at the office, better than I can." I watched as the little girl and puppy sat on the grass playing together.

Dylan's phone rang, causing him to frown. "I have to get going," he sighed, dismissing the call.

"It's okay, I'll keep you updated via text." I inwardly cringed. Via? Really? At least he laughed.

He said his goodbyes to Lillian, then turned back to me. "Thank you. I owe you," he promised before hopping into his car. Lillian and I both waved as the car reversed out of the driveway.

"Let's get going, yeah?" I asked as I bent down to Lillian's level. She nodded but paused.

"Is it okay if I hold Ollie's leash?" She asked in a quiet voice, looking down at her shoes.

"Of course you can!" She beamed, her eyes meeting mine. "As long as you hold my hand as well," I bargained. She nodded, eyes lighting up when I hooked up the leash to Ollie and handed it to her.

--

"Are you sure there is nothing wrong with him?" I asked for the umpteenth time to the doctor.

"Yes Amelia. He isn't sick, there are no fleas, no broken limbs, nothing," she assured, giving Ollie a treat.

"Okay, thank you." I smiled, grabbing Ollie, and placed him on the ground. For the first time for a doctor's visit, I didn't bring his cage. Once he was settled in Lillian's arms, he didn't budge or act out, even when we entered the office. That was a first, and I was genuinely surprised.

"Come on Lillian." I turned to her who was patiently sitting on the chair, looking around the room in amazement.

"Okay! Bye doctor! Thank you for making Ollie feel better!" She beamed at the doctor.

"It was my pleasure." The doctor handed Lillian a lollipop, her grin widening even more, if that was even possible.

Lillian made an effort to thank everyone she saw on the way out for helping Ollie. She even thanked another dog owner who looked at her in confusion, but she shrugged it off and thanked the receptionist.

"Are you hungry?" I asked as I strapped her in the car, plopping Ollie beside her. She nodded.

"Very."

"Where do you want to go?" I put the car in reverse, pulling out of the parking spot. The car was fixed yesterday, and according to his co-worker, Dylan got it fixed sooner than it should have and I was thankful for that. "What about burger and fries?" I asked, looking in the mirror. She nodded.

McDonald's was out of the window since I wanted a vegetarian meal, so I pulled up to a diner instead. I knew they served the best vegan burgers, and I'm sure Lillian would love their milkshakes. Another bonus was the fact that the diner was dog friendly.

"Um Melia?" Lillian said once the food had arrived and we had settled in the outdoor seating area.

"Yeah?" I swallowed my fry, waiting for her reply, looking across to where she sat, Ollie right beside her (of course). She played with her hands.

"I just remembered, I don't have money." I gasped.

"No sweetie, I didn't expect you to," a frown portrayed on my face. "What gave you the idea?"

She shrugged. "I watched a TV show, and they all brought money for the food. I thought--"

"No, of course not. You're just a child," I smiled softly. "Come on, the food's getting cold." She was just too cute.

"Okay!" The conversation completely forgotten. That was one of the perks of being a child. You only live in the moment; the past was erased. I wish I could do the same. "You know my mom own's a restaurant?"

"Mhm. I heard," I said in a tone that urged her to go on.

"It has very good food. It's really good." She said as she dug into the hamburger.

"I bet." I chuckled as her face was covered in sauce. I reached for a tissue and cleaned her mouth. "What's you favourite thing to eat from there?" I asked to keep the conversation flowing. Suddenly my phone buzzed, causing me to put the burger down.

"Is that my brother?" I nodded.

She's not causing any trouble, is she?

"Let's take a picture for him, yeah? To show him how much fun we're having?" She cheered, all for it.

I turned slightly, facing my back towards Lillian so I could position the phone as if we were taking a selfie. I captured it couldn't help but laughing as Ollie posed as well, his tongue hanging out.

"Can I see?" I showed the picture.

"We look pretty. Really pretty."

"We do, don't we?" I sent the picture to Dylan.

Nope. We're all good here.

"No wonder Dylan always call you pretty." I did a double take, looking at the girl with a cheeky smile.

"What did you just say?"

"Nothing," she squeaked.

"Lillian," I warned. She shook her head, stuffing her face with fries to avoid talking. I sighed, giving up on pushing her.

"Are you done?" I asked her as she sat back, her plate completely empty and the milkshake glass drained. "Still hungry?"

"I'm full. Thank you, Melia!"

"No problem, kiddo. Come on, let's get out of here and go to the park. What do you say?"

"Yes please."

--

"I'm tired." Lillian complained as we walked on the trail from the park to the car.

"I know you are sweetie." I said as I buckled her up. "Let's see if your brother is back from work yeah?" She nodded.

Lillian, Ollie and I had a blast today. After the diner, we headed to the park where Ollie chased Lillian, played on the swing sets, and then played tag on the playground. I could understand why she was tired, believe me, so was I.

Hey Lia, I'm back from work.

Where are you? I can join you?

That is, if you want.

I smiled. He clearly wasn't afraid to double, or more like triple text.

Lillian is tired, and wanted to head back home... are you home?

I was about to close my phone, but I saw the three dots indicating he was typing.

Yep, just pulled up.

"Are we going home now?"

"Yes Lillian, we are."

Since the park was only two minutes from our houses, it didn't take long to pull up to Dylan's driveway.

"Melia?" I hummed, waiting for her to continue as I helped her out of the car, Ollie following in suit and scurrying behind Lillian, giving me no chance to catch the little rascal. She didn't talk until we had climbed up the steps that lead to the front door. "Can we do this again? I had fun. A lot of fun. My sister is coming over soon, we can all hang out together!"

I bent down to her level, giving her a gigantic hug. I heard the front door open, but Lillian still didn't let go. "I had fun too," I admitted, pushing a curly strand of hair out of her face. "Of course, we're definitely going to do this again!"

I stood back up, my breath hitched as I found Dylan standing in front of me. I tend to do that a lot whenever this man is near me.

"Hey."

"Hi," I breathed.

"Hello!"

"Come in." I hesitated. "Ollie can come in too," he chuckled. "At least let me grab you a drink or something," he offered again, sensing my hesitation. I agreed.

"Only for a drink." He nodded, holding the door wider, allowing Lillian, Ollie and I to pass through. "Um, can I just use your bathroom really quick?" He directed me to the powder room. Once inside, I took a deep breath. I quickly fixed my baby hairs and rinsed my face with cold water. I also made sure to text mama. She probably expected me to be home an hour or two ago.

I walked into the living room which had the kitchen adjoined in an open concept space, similar to my house. I found Dylan in the kitchen, but I didn't find the other two rascals anywhere.

"She went to go get her swimsuit. She wanted to go for a swim and took Ollie with her."

"Those two really get along, don't they?" I chuckled, taking the glass of the drink Dylan passed to me. The cold glass felt nice against my hot, clammy hands. I took a sip. "Coconut water? I love coconut water," I gushed, taking another sip.

"I know, you mentioned it." I almost choked on the water, but I kept my cool. How did he remember that? I remember mentioning that to him during school, which was years ago.

"Can we go into the water?" Thankfully Lillian's interruption had captured Dylan's attention, turning away from me. I let out a few coughs, the coconut water clearly going down the wrong pipe.

"Are you okay?" Dylan's concern was focused on me as I tried to stop coughing but couldn't stop. I waved him off, giving him a finger, motioning him to wait. However, Lillian wasn't patient and dragged Dylan out to the backyard, leaving me to my coughing fit.

After I had calmed down, I joined them in the backyard. "You good?" He smirked, after helping Lillian into her pool floats.

I laughed. "Yes, yes I am." I sat on the edge of the pool, my feet dangling into the water. I pulled up my pants, making sure they didn't get wet. Dylan made his way to sit beside me, but was called by his sister, making him stop in his tracks. His facial expression which sat between irritation and blissfulness.

"My floatie came off, could you please fix it?"

"Yes pollito." I watched as he hauled his sister out of the pool, not even paying attention to the water which now drenched his shirt. His furrowed his thick eyebrows and pursed his lips in concentration. Finally, he managed to fix the problem with the floatie, putting it back on Lillian and helped her back in the pool.

He grimaced, his face showing how uncomfortable he was as the shirt clung to him, clearly showing off the outline of his defined muscles that hid underneath. Did someone turn up the heat? He pulled it away from him but shuddered as the shirt bounced back. In the end, he slipped out of his shirt, tossing it onto a chair behind him.

Oh my God.

Leave the heat. There definitely was a fucking fire at this point.

The droplets of water slowly traveled down his tanned chest, making their way to his abs. Watching him shirtless from my window clearly did no justice to the real thing up close.

Finally, he made his way beside me, sitting down. "Want to go for a swim? I could teach you?" He sounded excited.

I shook my head. "I don't have my clothes." I hoped he would get the hint.

"You house is right there, we could get it." He clearly didn't get the hint. "Or one of my shirts?"

"How about another time?" Would boys ever get the hint?

"Are you sure? Today is such a nice day out." He asked clueless, splashing Lillian and Ollie with water. "The water is warm too," he said, trying to convince me. No, I don't think they ever will.

"Dylan, I-I can't..." Do I need to spell it out for him?

"What do you—oh. Oh." I shut my eyes, refusing to look at him now. Yeah, Aunt Flo was still visiting, and I didn't like to wear tampons. "Sorry," he squeaked out.

"It's okay," I replied, slightly laughing it off. "You can swim if you want," I offered, looking at Ollie and Lillian have the time of their lives.

"I'm good here," he said politely. I could feel his gaze on me, so I refused to look at him, instead keeping my focus on the two in the pool. "What did you two end up doing today?"

I couldn't help but laugh looking at the two little ones, covering my mouth with my hand. He played an amused expression, a grin slowly making a way onto his face as well.

"Don't hide your laugh, or your smile, I think it's beautiful." His hand slowly made its way up, gently removing my hand from concealing my mouth.

Cue my heart stop beating and bring out the defibrillator.

I tried to brush off the compliment, trying my best to make sure a blush didn't creep onto my face. "I-I like your eyes. Like, really like them." I confessed without thinking. Fuck. Immediately, I slapped a hand over my mouth.

He chuckled, reaching up to my mouth once again, slowly removing it with his hand. This time, he didn't pull back. Instead, he dragged my hand off, laid it on the concrete ledge, then proceeded to put his hand over mine.

My eyes were trained on our hands, and I couldn't tear my eyes away, however I did when he talked. "Thank you, Lia." He smiled, his fucking blue eyes trained on me.

My heart rate started to pick up, my breathing becoming faster and shallower, my head beginning to fog up. Screw the defibrillator. At this point, that shit would not work on me; call the time of death.

It was at this moment that Lillian decided to splash us with water. It was a good move too, it helped me cool my flaming cheeks and bring me out of my thoughts. Though I couldn't vouch for Dylan. He surprised both of us by leaping into the pool and splashing Lillian. The two both laughed, having a splash battle, while Ollie paddled his way towards me.

"Get him Lillian!" I cheered, laughing. In a matter of minutes, their little battle ended, and both of them turned towards me. I knew what was coming for me, and I quickly leaped up running away as they exited the pool. I saw Dylan grab the water guns that was on his side of the pool. He tossed one to Lillian and they both slowly walked over, guns both in position, ready to fire any second.

He walked up with a devilish smile, no surprise when Lillian portrayed the same. His grey sweats were now drenched in water, and his hair matted to his forehead as they closed in on me.

"No! Please!" I shrieked, slowly walking backwards.

Dylan turned to his sister. "You think we should give her a chance to run?" Lillian shook her head.

I gasped. "You traitor!" I was hit with the first stream of water. Thankfully it was one of the guns on the smaller scale, so I didn't get too wet. Lillian attacked too, targeting my legs. I jumped, yelping at the cold intrusion.

"Now what do we have here?" I heard a woman chuckled. I turned my head to the direction of where the voice came from, my eyes practically popping out of their sockets. It didn't take a genius to figure out it was Dylan's mother.

Turning my head was my first mistake as Dylan had the opportunity to attack once again, only this time, he sprayed at my face. My second was dismissing the fact that his mother was right beside me and chased Dylan. Now that clearly didn't leave a good first impression, but at this point, I didn't care.

"You're a dead man walking, Sage."

"I'd like to see you try to attack me from that side of the pool," he taunted with a smirk as I rounded the pool, him on the opposite side.

What surprised me was the laughter emitting from his mom's mouth. "Show him who's boss!" She chuckled.

I spotted a large water gun on my left, and so did Dylan. We both raced towards the gun, but I managed to get their faster.

"Ha!" I yelled as I drenched him in ice cold water.

"Go Melia!" I heard the little one cheer. I narrowed my eyes at her, slowly advancing towards her. She shrieked, hiding behind her mother.

"Don't think I'm letting you off," I warned getting closer. She ran in the opposite direction I was coming from. I caught up to her, sprinkling her in the water, going much easier on the child than I did on her brother.

"Well played, Lia," Dylan complimented as he dried his hair off with a towel. I smirked.

"Thanks Dill Pickle," I smirked. He groaned upon hearing my words.

My attention was brought back to the women who was drying off Lillian. She wrapped her daughter in the towel, then standing up.

"Hi, I'm Amelia. Amelia Trevino." I introduced, a little embarrassed that she saw me like that, nonetheless, I held my hand out.

"Yara Abbasi," she smiled, shaking my hand. "I'd give you a hug, but you're soaking wet," she chuckled. I cringed. I probably looked like shit. "Though I'm sure my son will provide you with a towel and a set of clothes, right?" She glared at Dylan. She shook her head. "Men, they will never the effort it takes to pick out the correct outfit, style the hair, as well as the put on the makeup to go along with it."

I laughed, "you got that right." I thanked Dylan as he handed me a towel.

"I'll let you get cleaned up," she smiled, making her way in the house. "You're staying for dinner, right?"

--

UH STAYING FOR DINNER?!?

Also, I will be starting school in one day :( , so that does mean the updates will be slower, but I will do my absolute best to update quick!!

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