Babysitting
"Qwil!" three year old Claire shouted as she ran at him, jumping into his arms. Quil held her close.
"Hey Claire-bear," he said, smiling softly. Claire kissed his cheek before he sat her down on the floor. She walked off around the corner.
Quil stood up straight and faced Sam and Emily. They were going out and Quil had offered to baby-sit. He wanted to spend a couple of hours with Claire.
"Our number's on the fridge," Emily repeated for what seemed like the thirtieth time. Quil nodded. "Go out Em, you need a break," he said smiling. Emily smiled softly. Sam took her hand and led her outside to his car.
Quil listened as the car drove off before he walked up the stairs and pushed Claire's door open.
Claire was sitting up under her bed covers waiting patiently. She grinned when she saw him.
"Qwil pwease wead me a stowry," she said, holding up a book. How could Quil say no to her? He sat down next to her and pulled her onto his lap as he sat in the middle of the bed. She smiled at him and curled up against his warm chest.
"Sure Claire-bear, anything for you," he promised as he began to read. Quil knew he would always keep his promise no matter what. Claire was his life and she would always be that, his Claire-bear.