suitcases through the door as Marie picks up my duffle bag. It's 9:30, but I decided to come before my shift to bring my things in. I locked up the house when I left this morning, saying my final goodbyes to... well the house. It was a bit dramatic since I'm only living 15 minutes away and can go back at any point, but I felt like it was necessary.

"I'll bring your things to your room Miss Elena." Marie reaches for my suitcase but I shake my head.

"It's fine Marie, your shift is over. You go home." I say, and she smiles at me. "And please, stop calling me miss."

"I hope you settle in well M- Elena, the Ashfords are a lovely family." she touches my shoulder before stepping out the door behind me.

"I left your key in your room." she says before disappearing outside.

I turn to the stairs letting out a sigh. I can barely make it up this mountain of stairs on a normal day, let alone with two suitcases and a massive bag.

As I'm about to reach for one of my suitcases, a lightly freckled arm appears in my way.

"I got it." Parker says bluntly, picking up both of my suitcases and starting up the stairs, leaving me with my duffle bag.

I grab it, walking up the stairs behind him.

We reach the room next door to his and he places my bags on the floor in front.

"Uh, thanks." I press my lips together.

"Mom said I had to." he replies without turning around.

Jerk.

I make a face at his back as he disappears into his room. Picking up my bags, I push the door open, letting out a breath.

There's a bouquet of flowers neatly placed on my bed, with a note next to it. I pick it up, unfolding it and scanning my eyes over the pretty italics.

Hello Elena,

Welcome to the Ashford house! It's a pleasure to have you here. Anything you need, don't be shy to ask. I left you a few things in the first drawer that you may need.

Best,

Margot

I smile as I walk over. I place her note on the drawer, sliding open the first one. Inside is a grey fluffy towel, a pink toothbrush set on top. Next to it is one of those wash things in the shape of a flower. There is a grey robe, some matching slippers and an eye mask. This is so cute. For the next 15 minutes, I unpack my things into the drawers and the closet, and soon enough it's time for me to look after Jack.

It's kinda weird already being here as I knock on the door of the playroom.

"Come in." Jack's little voice calls from inside.

I push the door open and peek around.

"Hey Jack." I smile at him.

He looks up, a little grin appearing on his lips.

"Hi Elena."

I walk over, sitting amongst the legos he's been playing with.

"What are you doing little man?" I pick up the toy car he built.

"I was gonna make a village but I wanted to wait for you." he plays with his little fingers.

I grin at him.

"Are you saying you missed me Mr Jackson." I tease, and his cheeks turn pink.

"Nooo." he tries not to smile.

"You totally are!" I lean forward, tickling his neck.

He giggles hysterically as I tickle him, making me laugh myself.

Jackson and I play with his lego for about an hour before I take him downstairs to make lunch. I make sandwiches, with fruit, cookies and chips on the side. Man, I miss having lunches like this.

I sit opposite Jack as he eats his sandwich, swinging his legs contently.

"So, what do you wanna do today?" I lean my chin on my hand.

Jackson looks at his sandwich before taking another bite. "I don't know." he says through his mouthful.

"Drawing? Swimming? Lego?" I ask.

"Mmm." Jackson presses his lips together. Then he looks up.

"Could you read to me?"

I look back at him blankly.

"Read what?"

"One of your books." he shrugs his shoulders.

"My reading material would probably bore you." I laugh.

"I don't mind." he looks up at me.

I sigh.

"In all the world there is, no heart for me like yours." I begin, and Jackson puts down his crust. "In all the world there is, no love for you like mine."

"Do you know what that means?" I ask.

Jackson shakes his head.

I smile. "We should probably stick to your books."

"Maya Angelou."

I look up to see Parker, sitting on the barstool beside Jackson.

"You know poetry?" I frown.

"Why would an 8 year old understand a poem about love?" he picks up the other half of Jack's sandwich.

"I obviously didn't expect him to." I roll my eyes, jumping down from the barstool as Parker scoffs behind me.

Ugh, I'd expect him to have something better to do than ruin my bonding time with Jackson this week.

"Jack do you wanna watch Teen Titans?" I look back, walking towards the living area.

"Yeah!" he climbs down from his seat, his little feet padding against the floor as he follows me.

I hear another chair push against the floor and my heart jumps. Parker flops down on the couch, Jack between us.

"I used to read the Titans comic books when I was a kid." Parker nudges Jack, pinching his cheek.

I glance at him. His arm resting on the back of the sofa, his legs spread, his curls slightly damp and tousled.

His eyes flick up, meeting mine. I feel like every time he looks at me i'm under a spell. Something about his eyes are so tense yet captivating that I lose all sense of reality. I look down at his lips. They move, but I can't hear anything.

"Elena." Parker says as he slaps me over the back of the head.

My jaw drops as my hand moves to my head.

"Ouch?" I look at him again, all my senses knocked back into me. What the hell?

"Jackson asked what your favourite comic was." he huffs, turning back to the show.

My attention is finally brought to the little boy sat between us, looking up at me expectantly.

"Oh, sorry Jack." I press my lips together. "My favourite was probably Spiderman as a kid."

His eyes light up. "I really like Spiderman!"

"Parker used to dress up as Spiderman and zoom around the house with me on his back." he turns to his brother excitedly.

I look at Parker, pouting. That's adorable.

He rolls his eyes as he looks at his brother, and then at me , flipping me off behind Jackson's head. I flash him a sweet smile.

"Jack, you wanna come with me to James' place? We're gonna play Mortal Kombat." Parker ruffles his hair.

Jackson glances at me in concern. "Mommy doesn't like when I watch you guys play. It gives me nightmares." he lowers his voice a little.

"C'mon Jack you know it's just a game." Parker sighs.

"I see why I'm here now." I say under my breath.

I don't realise I've said it out loud until Parker looks up at me.

"What was that Kinsley?" he raises his eyebrows.

"MK is a good game but you can't go 30 seconds without seeing someone's head sliced open." I say in a 'duh' tone.

"So you're a video game expert now?" he nods slowly.

I roll my eyes. "Grow up."

"Me? Grow up?" he leans forward a little.

"Yes you." I hold eye contact.

"Uh, Parker?"

We both look down at Jackson, who is squished between us uncomfortably.

Parker huffs, running a hand through his hair.

"Yes Jack?"

"I want Elena to come with us."