“And they live happily ever after with the seven dwarfs,” I shut the book and smiled at the little girl lying on her bed. Her chocolate-brown eyes shone, “I like that story.”
I just smiled. The sparkle which she had in her eyes a moment ago disappeared.
“What’s wrong, Anastasia?”
She was silent for a while, and looked up at me.
“Do you believe in happy endings?”
I wasn’t sure how to answer her question, so I mentally kicked myself when I told her I did. She gave me a small smile and pulled the covers up to her chin.
“Will you tuck me in?” she grinned up at me. I chuckled, “Of course I will, baby. I always do.” I got up, tucked her in and kissed her forehead. I sat by her side, as I watch her drift to sleep.
“Sweet dreams, honey,” I whispered to her and switched off the lights, walked towards the door and closed it behind me. I trudged down the stairs and looked at my wrist-watch.
They’ll be coming home any minute.
As if on cue, I heard giggles and keys jingling outside the front door. I opened it for them and watched them staggered in.
“Good evening, Mrs. Mason, Mr. Mason.” I greeted them politely, slightly bowing my head down. “Oh, hello you, is my baby asleep yet?” Mrs. Mason slurred her words, her disgusting breath hitting me right in the face. I tried to keep myself composed, “Yes, Anastasia is asleep. I should be going right now, Ma’am. It is rather late and I have school tomorrow.”
She waved me away, “Sure, sure. Here, kid, take your money.” She slapped two hundred dollar bills into my palm. I looked up at her, and even if she was drunk, she could see the question in my eyes.
“Oh, just an extra tip. I can’t be bothered to give you the proper fees.”
Yea, an extra hundred and forty-five dollars tip.
Her husband began kissing her neck and she giggled like a school girl. I took in a sharp breath and said to her, “I’ll come back on Saturday to baby-sit Anastasia again. You folks have a good night.”
Mr. Mason murmured into her ear, “Oh yes, we will.” I left without saying goodbye. I checked the time to see that it was almost 10 p.m. I started jogging home, zipping up my jacket. I reached my apartment soon enough and took a quick shower, then crashing onto my bed. I looked up at the ceiling and thought of what Anastasia said.
I frowned and rolled onto my side, switching off the lights.
There’s no such thing as happy endings.
There's something wrong with it mmm. Help?