Chapter 2 - Alex's Announcment

"So, what am I supposed to do while I'm babysitting?" Alex asked her friend as they sat on her bed. She pulled out her messy ponytail and began to braid it.

"Well for starters, you need to keep them happy," Harper replied, smoothing out her dress.

"Sounds easy."

"You have to play with them, feed them, make sure they don't burn the house down, or get into anything they're not supposed to-"

"Sounds complicated..." Alex groaned.

"It's really not that hard," she reassured her, "but there are some rules."

Alex's brown eyes grew wide with interest. "Such as?"

"You can't ignore them-"

"Figured that."

"You can't go online or watch tv unless they are-"

Alex did a double take. "Say what?"

"You're gonna be the only adult there, so you're in charge. You have to act at least a little grown up."

"Dang, I thought babysitting was just sitting on the couch watching tv while a bunch of midgets ran around the house," Alex sighed, "This is way more work that I was expecting."

"But you're still getting paid."

"And that's why I'm still in." Alex smiled, then hopped off the bed. "C'mon! Let's go tell my parents and laugh at their shocked facial expressions!" She grabbed Harper's arm and pulled her down the metal staircase, where Justin was already talking.

"Listen up, people! I have an anouncement to make!" she declaired.

"Pardon me, Alex, but I was already telling Mom and Dad about something really important. So, If you'll just wait paitently, like a good sister, I can continue." Justin lectured. Alex folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot impaitently. Jerry let out a yawn from boredom, making Alex smirk.

"Anyhoo," he continued, "if you leave it in it's original packaging for years and years to sit on your shelf, It will one day be worth a millions of dollars. And-"

"I've got a babysitting job tomorrow night!" She interupted. Both parents gasped. Alex shot Justin a devilish grin.

"What? You? Babysitting?" Theresa exclaimed, sounding alarmed. She looked at her husband. The simoltaniously burst into laughter.

"That's Hilarious!" Jerry snickered, clutching his stomach, "Alex can barely make dinner for herself, let alone somebody's kids!"

"Yeah. Good one, Alex!" Theresa chuckled. She took a deep breath and turned serious. "Now, what's the real news?"

Alex stomped her foot in frustration. She darted her eyes. "It's true! That is my news! I really have a babysitting job tomorrow night!"

Jerry stopped laughing and looked at his daughter. "Are you serious, Alex?"

"Yes! That's what I've been trying to tell you!"

"Who's kids? Who is trusting you of all people to keep their kids safe?" Theresa demanded.

Alex smiled. "Well some little kid drew a picture for my art wall, so I let him help me tape it up. According to Harper, apperently I'm good with kids. Then his mom asked me if i babysat. I said yeah. She asked if I could babysit her 3, so I said yes." Alex turned to Justin and gave him a gloating smile.

"Wow, Alex. You were right. Your story was a whole lot more entertaining than mine was." He chuckled to himself. "I'm impressed. You found yourself a job, all by yourself!" She scowled and smacked him in the shoulder.

Hope you liked it(: