As Long as Somebody Loves You

Chapter Eleven

Three days passed after the incident. I used a good selection of my personal stock of potions to heal the wounds I had acquired. For the following days, I didn't leave Woolworth Tower unless it was for food or if I felt like picking off a handful of children. I would have to lay low for a while since the police did indeed find the corpses of those muggers. It was all over the news, but as always, they wouldn't be able to find out who the true culprit was. Every witch in New York had to recognize it was I who, once again, made the headlines on television. To my surprise however, Demetri kept calling me on the phone every morning before he went to work. It was the typical human conversation, nothing too important. 

He would ask me how I was after the whole affair, and I would question him to see if he was alright. I doubted he would tell anyone about what happened. In fact, that was the first thing he told me that night. He believed I was a good person, that I only killed because I had to not because I wanted to. In his eyes, my image wasn't tainted just yet. He viewed me as his protector, his supernatural angel sent from devil knows where. It was for my sake that he wouldn't spill anything to the human world, and for that I was relieved. 

I was relieved that he was a compassionate imbecile with a big and stupid heart.

On the fourth day, I was lounging on my balcony devouring my breakfast that consisted of black coffee and a single maple scone that smelled delightful. As I chewed, warming myself up from the inside, I kept wondering about when I'd see Demetri again. I thought of going back to his office, or possibly revisiting his mother's tacky little diner. But in the end, I wouldn't admit to myself that I was nervous to go back to him even though I longed to. I was anxious to put him in harms way, but at the same time, I wanted to be there. Lucky for me, the ringing of the phone interrupted my thoughts. 

Ring ding! Ring ding! Ring ding! 

It was early, so as you could imagine, I was quite annoyed. Sighing, I turned my head, and with my powers I levitated the noisy box so that It was in my hands when I answered. "What do you want?" I answered a little too harshly. I kept trying to guess who it was. I knew for a fact it wasn't Demetri, for I could sense him if he was on the other line. To my distaste, a familiar female voice replied, "Hello! Is this Eva Ernst, by any chance?" I knew immediately who it was. "Yes it is." I stated, wondering how in the world she was able to get my number. "Thank heavens, I was worried that I was talking to a stranger! This is Susan Dahl, Demetri's mother, surely you remember me from the anniversary party?" I could hear the enthusiasm in her voice. "Of course, of course." I humored her, rolling my eyes whilst I looked at Liebchen and stuck a finger into my mouth as if mimicking a gag. "I'm so sorry to bother you this early in the morning, but Demetri spoke so highly of you and I couldn't find anyone else on such short notice. Would you be willing to do a small favor for me? It would only take a few hours."

That sparked my interest. "What kind of favor?" I asked, now curious. After all, I wasn't up to anything horrid at the moment. And without Demetri, I was left alone with my traumatic thoughts about what had happened a few nights before. Therefore, maybe a distraction would be nice. I decided to take a sip of coffee as I listened to her speak. 

"Well, Demetri is busy at the office and Flora and I need to run a few short errands this morning. We need to get ready for the banquet coming up, and we were wondering if you could watch baby Liam just for the morning." 

My eyes widened with disgust as I spat the coffee out of my mouth like a raging waterfall. The hot liquid spilled across my violet robe, burning me slightly. Coughing, I tried to collect myself by putting the phone back up to my face. 

"You want me to babysit?" I repeated, shivering where I sat. 

Sure, I was bored out of my mind, but watching after a child without disposing of it? That was everything against my moral principles, not to mention torturous to my being! "Just for the morning. I promise to repay you as well, we won't be gone for long. Would you be willing to help out?" She asked, desperation and hope clouding her words. A million thoughts rushed into my head. Another child gone would give me satisfaction, but would raise too much suspicion. Then again, I needed a distraction. The poopy scent of a child may be horrid, yet I wouldn't let it stop me. It took a few moments to decide, "Alright, I'll do it. What is your address?" What was I thinking?!