This is the twelfth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, and Part XI before continuing.
After Michael had bored the cop with details about the human body, he finally went on his way after shooting me another warning look. I made myself nod and smile at him, trying to look as unthreatening as possible.
I breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he was out of sight, although he did circle back a few times, slowing down as he drove past us. I made sure to smile and wave at him each time, but he didn’t look convinced.
I tried not to let it bother me, but that was easier said than done.
Michael didn’t seem to notice my tension. He kept chattering away like nothing was wrong, which was technically true. I just knew I couldn’t count on it to stay that way.
When Michael’s dad got home, Michael was still talking my ear off, and sure enough, he came straight to my spot under the bridge to collect his son.
Michael got up and ran to him as soon as he saw him. His dad gave him a hug, then turned to me. I was just going to nod and smile at him as he turned back for home, but he came up to me, hand extended. “Mr. Turner I presume?”
“Just Charles is fine.”
“Kevin West. Has Michael been here since school got out?”
I held out my hands helplessly. “He beat me here. And, yes, he’s been here with me the whole time.”
“Well, I’m sorry if he’s put you through any trouble.”
“No trouble. I’ve been learning all about the human digestion system.”
Michael turned to his father and repeated his fact about how long it takes food to go from mouth to anus. His father looked duly impressed, then turned back to me. “Speaking of food, why don’t you have dinner with us?”
“Yes!” Michael said, literally hopping with excitement.
“Oh, I couldn’t.”
“You can. I insist. We would normally feed a babysitter in addition to their fee. It’s the least we could do in exchange for taking such good care of our son.”
I hesitated, about to refuse again, but Michael said, “Pleeeeeease?” He clasped his hands in front of his face and everything. How could I say no to that?
“All right.”
“Yes!” Michael jumped up and pumped a fist in the air.
“Just dinner.”
He responded by grabbing my hand and dragging me homeward.
To be continued…