Life as We Know It

Phase II: Life's Intervention

I walked aimlessly the next few days, not really having a destination in mind.

I didn't know where I was!

Around noon time on the third day, I snagged a newspaper sitting beside an older woman on a bench. I'm not proud of stealing, but I had to do something to find a job! To get some money to get home!

And maybe, if God was kind, I could find one that provided lodging.

I poured over the job listings, sitting on a bench not far from the woman I had stolen it from. I had planned on giving it back once I was done. I searched almost frantically, my eyes roaming haphazardly over the listings, almost choking on a sob as nothing stood out. At least nothing I knew I was capable of doing. I turned the last page, frantically looking over the rest of the section, almost giving up hope when a listing practically shouted at me.

Babysitter Wanted!

Experience preferred, but not necessary.

Must be at least 18 years old, capable of handling a small child.

Must be willing to work long hours, overtime guaranteed.

Monday-Saturday

Room and Board offered

$18/hour plus any hazardous pay if needed

Willing to start immediately

*Will cover any hospitalization in relation to the position*

I stared at the listing, blinking, not believing my eyes. The last part gave me a moment of pause, before I shrugged. Hell! Who cared!

It was a sign from God!

I ripped the listing out, peaking over at where the older lady had been sitting. She was gone. I sighed, laying the rest of the newspaper down on the bench, before standing and glancing at the section in my hand. I looked at the address, making note of it as I started walking. I stopped several times, asking directions, getting lost a few times and having to double back before I finally stumbled onto the address listed on the paper. I stared bug eyed at the house, checking the address once more before looking up again, studying the enormous structure in front of me, my mouth gaping a little. It was enormous, the whole place easily taking up at least a full city block. I swallowed, tugging on the hem of the shirt the mysterious man had given me a few nights ago, walking hesitantly towards the front door. I paused on the step, staring at the doorbell for a moment before slowly pushing it.

I heard music go off somewhere inside, the sound of running feet and something crashing coming from behind the door moments later. A woman yelled something, before the front door was jerked open. She studied my widened eyes for a moment before crossing her arms.

"May I help you?"

I swallowed, softly clearing my throat as I blinked and looked away.

"I'm here for the ad you had in the paper," I stated softly, holding the piece of newspaper up for her to see. I watched her squint down at it, before studying me intently.

I felt my face flush as she took in my messy appearance, from my mushed hair to my dirty sneakers. What did she expect! Especially for someone sleeping in an alley! Of course, she didn't know this. I bit my lip, almost sighing in defeat and turning away when the woman stepped back, silently inviting me into her home. I swallowed, careful not to touch anything as I entered, keeping my hands to my sides as I shifted from foot to foot, feeling her gaze on me once more.

"What's your name hon?"

I glanced at the woman, meeting her eyes for a moment before looking away. I rubbed a hand on my arm as I answered, still expecting this position to be too good to be true.

"Athea," I murmured, keeping my gaze on the floor as I listened to the woman shift beside me. A moment later I jumped as she laied a hand on my shoulder, stepping away from her as she started forward. She waved for me to follow, not saying anything else.

Just then a little boy came running through, almost knocking me down as he practically flew passed, only pausing as the woman in front of me shrieked at him.

"Trunks! How many times have I told you to watch where you're going! Now apologize to the lady!"

I glanced from one to the other, noting the boy had a slight pout, his hands clasped behind him. He rubbed the toe of his shoe against the carpet, looking up at who I assumed was his mother with puppy-dog eyes. Oh Lord! If he looks at me like that, I'm in big trouble. The boy will have no problem getting over on me with that look! I bit my lip, not saying anything. I really needed this job.

"I'm sorry," the boy grumbled, shooting me a wide-eyed look before lowering his gaze again.

"It's...It's okay," I said softly, wrapping my hands in the hem of my shirt. It reminded me of that night, and I flinched involuntarily. The woman must have misinterpreted it, because she was bending slightly a moment later, looking at my face.

"Are you sure you're alright?" she asked softly, shooting her son a narrowed eyed look.

"Y..y..yes," I said softly, "He didn't do anything."

The woman looked relieved, her hands settling on her hips before she turned around, tapping a foot.

"Run along mister! And don't let me catch you knocking more people down!" She shouted the last part as the boy, Trunks, disappeared within seconds, his feet flying behind him.

I heard her sigh, before glancing over her shoulder. "That's my son, if you haven't already guessed." She started for a door, swinging it open and holding it for me to enter. "Come on. Let's get this interview under way so I can return to work," the woman stated in a no-nonsense tone, briskly striding to the table and sitting down. I took the seat opposite her, swallowing, hoping that my luck would hold out and I would have food and a bed by the end of the day. The woman sighed a little, clasping her hands in front of her as she met my eyes.

"So," she said softly, sending me a small smile. "My name's Bulma."

There is a God!

I got the job, trying to be as honest as I could while having no clue where I was or how I got here. I didn't tell the woman, Bulma, that. She would probably think I was nuts, then kick my ass out. I swallowed, staring at the darkened ceiling above me. I almost cried with relief when she told me I could start the next day, and I know she noticed. The woman's eyes had softened, studying me for a moment before stating that I could settle in my new room if I wanted before supper. I had gratefully accepted. Of course, I had nothing to unpack, so the process only took around five minutes, for me to look over my room and learn where everything was. There was a bathroom attached to the room.

My own bathroom!

I pinched myself yet again, letting out a small yelp at the pain. I rolled onto my side, curling my hand up under my chin, pulling the covers closer to me. I studied the stack of clothing in the chair by the closet, feeling a few tears leak out. They had been there when I came back to my room after dinner, along with a fully stocked bathroom and some movies laying beside the television. It was almost too much.

I squeezed my eyes closed, popping them open a moment later, expecting to see my familiar bedroom door, books stacked against the wall beside it, posters littering the walls.

But I didn't.

The large room the woman gave me met my eyes, and I watched the clouds move across the sky through the large window on the far wall. The shadows lengthened in the room, and I knew it was getting rather late. I closed my eyes, swallowing passed the lump in my throat. Bulma had said it was going to be a hectic day tomorrow, stating my first day I would be watching her son without her here. Oh crap!

Especially since she informed me, before bed, that I would be expected to be up and ready for the day by 8 am.

I swallowed again, curling on the bed as I thought of the passed few days, not having any more answers than when I woke up in the alley.

What the hell was going to happen next?

To say my first day was eventful would be putting it mildly.

I gasped for breath as I raced after the boy, my longer legs having no effect with me being able to keep up with the bundle of energy. My lungs burned with the need for oxygen, and I looked around, scowling. The boy seemed to have disappeared. I bit out a soft curse, putting my hands on my hips.

"Trunks!" I shouted to the seeming empty interior of the house. I listened to my voice echo before sighing and trudging up the stairs to check that part of the house. Maybe he went into that game room?

I scowled a few minutes later, deducing that the boy was NOT in that part of the house. I stared at the empty room for a moment before wearily making my way back to the lower floor, folding my arms.

"Trunks!" I yelled again, walking through the hall towards the front of the house, briefly glancing around the living room before pausing and listening.

Nothing.

"Dammit!" I whispered, before yelling the boys' name again.

"What the hell are you screeching about!?"

I whirled around, taking a step back at the sight of the man standing in the doorway leading to the kitchen, his eyes narrowed on me. I swallowed, nervously clenching my hands in my shirt.

"I..." I cleared my throat softly, letting my gaze slide away. "I was searching for Trunks. I'm supposed to be watching him, and he disappeared..."

I trailed off as the man scoffed, curling his lip slightly before shaking his head.

"The boys outside," he stated firmly, "With his elder." The man was silent for a moment, eying me through lowered brows.

"Of course," his voice was condescending as he spoke again. "You should know that, being his nanny and all." The man sneered, a sound of disgust coming out of him as he turned away.

My heart was pounding in my chest, a little fear sliding down my spine. Was he going to tell Bulma I lost track of her son!? Crap!

Silently praying the man kept silent, I made my way outside, my shoulders sagging as I rounded a corner, coming upon a garden.

Trunks was indeed with an old man, both of them kneeling in the dirt, the boy listening intently to what he had to say, his eyes wide. I studied the boys features, noting the rapt way he was watching the old man, the respect he seemed to show to him.

Must be his grandfather.

I slowly made my way over, trying to be silent as they conversed amongst each other. The boy looked behind him when I got within several feet of them, shooting me a beaming smile before turning back to the old man. My heart melted at the sight of that smile, feeling my own lips quirk. No, I couldn't stay mad at the boy.

I just couldn't do it.

Trunks stayed by the man's side for several more hours, thank God! I don't think my legs could take running after him anymore today. Or my lungs. I silently sighed with relief when dinner rolled around, knowing from a talk with Bulma about my duties, that dinner time was the end of my shift, and I could do whatever I wanted. Of course, I had no where to go and no one to see, so I went to my room, watching a movie for awhile before turning it off and snuggling under the soft comforter, wandering once again what life was going to send my way.

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