The Nerd and the Jock (1st bk of Nerd Series)

Chapter 8- Bailey

I sighed and sat down in the library. My head was hurting from the lack of sleep, but I knew that I couldn't skip any more classes. I had no idea how much work I would have to do and hoped that the teachers would pardon me for some of it.

"You're here," a shocked voice said. "Did something happen to the kids?" Worry filled the person's voice, and I couldn't help but wonder as to who was curious about them.

I looked up to see Blake staring at me and blinked. It took me a minute to process his question before I shook my head. "No," I said, rubbing my face. I really shouldn't have gone to school today, but I knew that I had to. "The kids are fine. They are in school today."

Blake frowned and sat down. Concern filled his eyes, and I couldn't help but be surprised that he was concerned about me. Anyone else, I wouldn't be too surprised because Blake was a good guy, even though I would never admit it. "You look like shit."

I gave him a deadpanned look as I took off my glasses and rubbed my eyes. "I wonder why," I replied sarcastically. "I have been staying up late to try and figure out how to get my friend's kids, even though I am not a "family member.""

"How is it going?" he asked, and he shrugged. "That bad?"

"Sorta," I replied, putting the glasses back on. "It didn't look good that I kept them out of school for a couple of days and didn't go to school myself."

"But, they know you," Blake said. "The kids..."

I shrugged my shoulder. "It doesn't matter. I think I will still be able to get them under my care. I think that they are worried about me not having that much money to be able to take care of their future."

"Weren't your parents rich?" Blake asked, and I nodded. "What about college? I thought you said you wanted to go to Juilliard."

I sighed and shrugged. My heart was set on Juilliard because I really did want to have a chance at dancing. I knew how to dance, and one of my jobs was at the dance studio that I had been going to since I was three years old. Unfortunately, I did stop dancing competitively because of the murders and threats to my life. "If I have to give that up, then I will be fine," I replied, partially telling him the truth. "I don't mind going to a community college here and just going to school when the kids are in school."

"Why Juilliard?" Blake asked.

I shrugged my shoulder. "Let's get to work," I said, not wanting to go into detail as to why I had my heart set on that school. "We still need to work on the project. I did do some at home."

Blake frowned but didn't question it. "I did some too," he said, and I raised an eyebrow. He shrugged and looked away. "I... was feeling guilty and knew that you wanted to get a good grade," he added. "I didn't want you to feel... stressed out."

I offered him a small smile. "Stress is a constant state for me," I replied. "But... thank you. I really do appreciate it."

Blake offered me a small smile. "It's no problem," he said. He pulled out his notes, and I was surprised at how organized he was. "So, I was thinking..."

***

"Do I have to go with you to the studio?" Ryan asked, watching as I packed some ballet flats into my bag. He scowled when I nodded my head. "It's not like I am going to dance."

"Well, I don't have a babysitter to watch over you four, so yes, you are coming with me," I replied. "Besides, don't you want to see Mimi dance?"

"No," he replied. "I don't want to see anyone dance." He groaned and laid down on the bed. "Can I stay here by myself? I won't do anything stupid."

"No," I scowled, narrowing my eyes at him. I finished packing my bag and looked at him. "I will not let you stay here by yourself with an idiot still on the loose. I don't give a fuck if you know how to use a gun or not."

Ryan sat up and stared at me. He knew that there was another reason why I wasn't letting him stay in the house alone, and I was glad that he wasn't going to talk about it. "Ok, then how about a deal?"

I raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "Are you sure that you want to make a deal with me?" I asked, pulling the duffel onto my back. "Because I will make you work out."

Ryan scowled because he knew that he was treading on dangerous waters. "Yes," he said, and I raised the eyebrow higher. "I will do the stuff with you if you take me to the football game tomorrow. Trevor said it would be a good one."

I hesitated to say yes. I knew that I would be asked many questions as to why I was there since I had never been to a football game this year. However, I knew that I would be able to get a couple of the guys to help me watch the children and make sure they were safe. "Ok," I said, nodding my head. "But you will not complain about whatever I have you do. Do you understand?"

"I mean it is a- wait, did you say yes?" Ryan asked, shocked.

I shook my head and rolled my eyes at him. "Yes, I had said yes," I replied. "But, you, also, can not complain about whatever I have you do. Now, do you understand?"

Ryan nodded his head. "Yes," he said, biting back some of his excitement. He hopped up onto his feet. "I will get dressed. Don't leave me."

I rolled my eyes and smiled tiredly.

Oh, the children were going to be the death of me, but I didn't care. I just wanted them happy.