Dean
2 months later
Putting away the last plate in the cupboard, I walked back over to the kitchen counter and put the tea towel on the drying rack before grabbing the cloth and antibacterial spray and ensured the dining table was clean from germs. I couldn't afford for my sister to get sick, not with her ballet lessons coming up.
It had been 2 whole months since we had moved into our new home with Maria. And truth to be told, it was starting to feel like home. James and Isabella were living nearby, but they came over every single day until a couple of weeks ago
They wanted us to be as comfortable with Maria as we could and honestly living with her was better than I could have imagined. She helped with Lucy and her little demands. She reassured me that she'd never try and replace our mum, but that she'd be a mother figure to us to help guide us. And it was what I needed. James was constantly on my back about living a normal childhood and not taking onboard adult responsibilities to take care of Lucy.
But she'd always be my sweet little responsibility.
To my excitement, I was enrolled into a local school and had been there for 3 weeks. It felt good to have a little bit of me time, but it was hard leaving Lucy. Sometimes I wanted to sneak her into my bag and take her with me. I got some teasing being the new kid at school, but if I had Lucy with me, she'd bonk them on the nose and scare them off with a loud roar.
It did suck though knowing I couldn't make any money to provide for Lucy. James said they'd give us money, but it wasn't the same as earning my own. I always used to spend my pocket money on Lucy. Whatever she wanted, I got for her, even if it cost me my entire pocket money.
But Maria, the amazing woman she was said she was happy to pay me to do jobs around the house.
I would willingly do it for free. This was home and even though Maria was a housekeeper, I still wanted to help out.
It wasn't much, but if I saved, I could treat Maria and Lucy out for dinner.
"I thought most kids your age love sleeping in on a Saturday?".
Jumping round in fright, Maria gave me a small smile as she walked over to the washing machine with a basket full of dirty clothes.
"Let me" I offered as I held my hands out to the basket.
"Such a gentleman, thank you".
Feeling happy at the idea of being a gentleman, I took the basket from her and started to load it into the washing machine.
"And not really. Mum always said never to waste the day. Besides, Lucy always wakes me up. She's a little monster who survives on little sleep".
As if she heard her name and me adorably insulting her, the little madam stomped into the kitchen with wild hair, a pink fluffy dressing gown around her little body and her hands on her hips.
"Good morning sleeping beauty" I teased as I pushed the basket to one side before walking over to the table.
I quickly grabbed a pink cup and filled it with milk for the grumpy princess.
And like a starving beast, she jumped up on the chair and guzzled it down before looking up at me with a milk moustache.
"Food?" she asked with such innocence.
"Lucy, you just ate breakfast. No more".
I couldn't help but notice Maria smile at the little madam who huffed and crossed her arms.
"Food" Lucy repeated as if I was deaf, but I shook my head again.
As much as I wanted to spoil her, I was going to ensure she had a balanced diet.
YOU ARE READING
Pinky Promise
Action"You are all she has left. Never let her go. Always protect her through the dark. Promise me that you'll always keep your baby sister safe". "I promise mama". And just like that, she was gone. I stared down at my baby sister sobbing into my chest...
