Kate opened up the gate and walked up the path to the front door of the large brick house. She rang the door bell and waited for Mr or Mrs Hale to open up the door. She was babysitting their only child Samuel, who was only 18 months old, whilst Mr and Mrs Hale were going out to one of Mrs Hales work parties. She had turned 18 a week ago and knew she had to start saving for the road trip she had planned in the summer.
It was the second time Kate had babysat for the couple, though last time only Mrs Hale had been at home. She got the impression that all was not well between the couple, but Sammy was a good kid and they paid well, so when they asked her a second time she jumped at the chance, especially since they were staying at a hotel so she was going to stay all night, which meant a bigger pay packet.
Mrs Hale opened the door whilst fixing an earring into her ear.
"Hi Kate, you okay? Thanks so much for sitting tonight. Sammy has been up all last night feeling sick, he is okay now, and is in bed already. He was so tired; I think he should sleep all the way through. Please come in" She ushered Kate into the large hallway and into the lounge, which was also large and beautifully decorated.
"What time should you be back tomorrow?" Kate asked as she laid her overnight bag on the couch.
"No later than 11am, I should think. I had better go and make sure Dan is ready, we are already late, make yourself at home; you know where everything is right?" Without waiting for a reply, she dashed off upstairs. Kate heard discordant tones from upstairs, and hoped that there wasn't going to be a full argument. She sat down on the couch and flipped on the TV.
Dan and Helen came down the stairs, Dan a handsome man in his late 30's stepped into the lounge.
"Hiya Kate, I'm Dan. I am sure Helen has already said, but make yourself at home, DVD's are in that cabinet there and there is plenty of food in the fridge. We'll see you tomorrow, and don't hesitate to phone if there is anything wrong okay?" he smiled, a friendly though slightly weary smile.
"Sure thing Mr Hale, have a good night" she waved them out the door and locked it behind them. She had the whole house to herself. She smiled.
After running upstairs and checking on Sammy, who was fast asleep she sat down in the lounge and started to flip through the channels to find something good. After settling on a Johnny Depp film she changed into her summer pyjamas of shorts and a crop top, and curled up on the couch.
Kate was awoken by the sound of keys in the door. Disorientated, she sat up, seeing that the film had finished on TV and was now playing something r-rated. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock, wondering when she had fallen asleep...before she could think, the lounge door opened and Mr Hale walked in.
He had taken off his tie and had rolled up his shirt sleeves. His eyes were dilated and Kate could smell the alcohol.
"Mr Hale, what are you doing home? Is something wrong?" She asked, still feeling half asleep and rather confused.
"I'm just great, fine, awesome. As is my wife, who is more interested in her boss than in her husband." He plonked himself down on the sofa next to Kate.
"Oh...is Mrs Hale coming home tonight as well?" she asked cautiously. Not sure if she should offer to go home or not.
