Babysitting wasn't my idea of fun, or a job for that matter, but it seemed like the easiest way to make a quick buck. While all my other friends were sweating it out in the sun or waiting tables, all I had to do was boss over two spoilt brats and I was making just enough to support myself. Independence is strangely binding that way.
I lucked out with the Hodges. Mr. Hodge was an easy going, attractive man in his mid 40s, and he was mostly traveling on work. This meant I had to stay over almost every other night, but since there was no Mrs. Hodge, I had a free reign. Compared to my tiny hostel room in the University, Hodge's guest room felt like a five-star suite. I'd almost moved in, and to keep the family happy, I'd whip up a quick breakfast before I'd leave for classes. That's the least I could do for a job which paid and came with free accommodation!
Which brings me to the brats. The younger ones, 10-year-old twins Genna and Jenny were quite a handful, but I'd made it very clear that I don't stand nonsense, so they'd do all they could to stay out of trouble. It was the elder Hodge I was worried about. The 20-year old Clyde. The problem was that he was handsome, and aware of it. His charms had made him quite popular amongst the women, and he thought he could get away with anything. It was another thing that he always did. His smile was to die for, and he spent all his time in the gym or in some sport or the other, so his body was like sculpted like a Greek God.
There I go gushing about him again.
This was strange. I'm used to people gushing over me. I'm an attractive 23 year old. Brunette, long wavy hair and an athletic body. Clyde hardly seemed to notice though.
His father was a strict disciplinarian, and he insisted his son set a good example for his sisters, so he'd asked me to ensure Clyde was 'in control'. It didn't help that Clyde had openly rebelled against me. "You're just two years older than me," he had once told me, pinning me down on the dining table, "so don't you go barking orders at me, hon." My heart was beating so fast I was scared he could hear me. Was it that obvious I had a crush on him? I had to take a long shower to cool myself down that night. His scent lingered on. Damn, he was hot.
Fast forward a few months later. The twins were on vacation with their Aunt. This meant I was back in my dingy hostel room and I didn't like it one bit. I missed the comfort of my four-poster bed at the Hodges. Maybe I could drop by unannounced and find out what Mr. Hodge and Clyde were upto, I thought. I was thinking of asking for a housekeeping job, seeing that I was their unofficial housekeeper anyways. Coincidentally, just then my phone beeped. It was a message from Mr. Hodge. Hi Anna. Clyde's turning 21 tonight. I'm having a small dinner party for close family friends. Pls do come.
That evening I stepped into a new dress I'd treated myself to and picked up a bottle of wine. As I rang the bell I wondered if I was too early. There were no cars in the driveway. Not even that of Mr. Hodge. Clyde opened the door. "Wow Anna, you look great!" he said, his eyes lingering on my bare shoulders a bit longer than usual. "Happy birthday Clyde!" I said as I entered. "Thank you," he replied as he led me to the hall. We were alone.
"Errr... where's Mr. Hodge? Where are your guests?" I asked, slightly confused if I'd had the date wrong. "Dad's in Japan, the girls are in Hawaii and we're here," replied Clyde, as he plopped into the sofa. "Want a drink?" he asked.
"That doesn't make sense." I replied. My heart was pounding and I had no clue why. Clyde poured me a soda. "Your dad texted me today about the party..." "That wasn't Dad. That was me," replied Clyde as he handed me the drink. "I wanted to invite you over, so I used Dad's phone. You know he leaves his personal number at home when traveling abroad," he said. Clyde came and sat next to me, while I tried to figure out what I should do next.
"You didn't have to lie," I chided him, trying to play authoritarian. It was lost on Clyde, who just looked into my eyes and smiled. He was too close for comfort. "Drink," he ordered and as though in a spell, I did. It was not just soda, but a heady mix of vodka and rum. "What is this!!!" I spat out the drink. "You've used all the alcohol in the house?!" "I'm trying to get you drunk, hon," Clyde replied. "It's obvious why," he said, before sliding his hands up my thighs.