"Thank you for giving me a lift," I smiled down at Zoey.

"You're welcome," She beamed. "Maybe you can treat me with another ice cream in return." Although I knew she was just teasing, I wouldn't mind treating her again as she's been such a kind friend to me.

"Of course, anything you want," I chuckled when she squealed. We then bid our goodbyes, with her driving off and me standing in front of a huge two storey house. It wasn't as big as a mansion, but it was definitely bigger than my parents' house. It was also gated and I could already somewhat see two cars inside.

Nervously, I rang the doorbell. Not even a few minutes after when the smaller gate opened, revealing a woman in a maids uniform. Well, they must be rich to have a maid then.

"Are you the babysitter?" The woman asked.

Nodding, I said my name. "Yes, Aiden Guevarra, Ma'am."

She smiled and gestured me inside the place where Sir Tristan is already waiting in the living room. And I was right, there are two cars, one black and one red. Both expensive and from well-known brands. And, there's even another space for one more car. Maybe they have three?

Must be nice.

When we reached the front door, I crouched down to remove my shoe laces.

"What are you doing?" I heard the maid asked. I looked up with a frown.

"Removing my shoes?" It was more of a question.

"You don't have to do that."

I pursed my lips. But why though? The floor would get dirty with my shoes.

"It's okay, I'll remove it." I said then explained why. She nodded in understanding, letting me do what I want.

Once we are inside, she led me to Sir Tristan. I instantly noticed a boy sitting next to him reading a book. The little guy looks to be around 9 or 10. Both of them looked up from what they were doing when the maid calls their attention.

"You must be Aiden Guevarra?" Sir Tristan stood up, reaching a hand for me to shake.

"Yes, Sir."

"No need for formalities, just Tristan is fine," He smiled, gesturing for me to sit down.

"Yes, Si–Tristan," I said shyly, not used to calling people a lot older than me without honorifics.

"Let's start with the interview then?" I nodded.

The interview only lasted for a couple of minutes as he just made sure I'm trustworthy and competent enough to babysit his son. After our conversation, he left for work, leaving me and his son alone in the living room.

Compared to adults or people around my age, I'm more comfortable talking to kids.

"I'm Aiden, you must be Aaron?" I started out.

"Yes," he didn't look up from his book.

"May I know how old you are?" I tried to keep the conversation going. He must be shy or just aloof.

"10," another short response.

"So, what are you reading?" I asked. His dark blue eyes looked up at me from his book.

"Anatomy," he simply answered. My eyes widened upon hearing his reply.

"That's very advance of you," I complimented. "I have a lot of anatomy books too, maybe we can read together some time."

This time, I got a different reaction. Confusion. "You don't think it's weird that I'm reading this book?"

"Of course not, you're allowed to read any books you like. Besides, Anatomy is great."

He smiled at this. "I know, that's why I'm studying it. Human anatomy fascinates me."

"It is rather fascinating," I agreed.

"I'll take up your offer of reading with me in the future."

I chuckled, nodding. "Of course, I'd love to have a study buddy."

"You seem like a pleasant person, Aiden. I'd like to be friends with you," he said, seemingly pleased upon hearing the word 'study'.

"Well, as your new friend, we can do something fun. What do you want to do? Aside from reading," I added the last part, having guessed he would say that.

He pouted a bit before taking a moment to think.

"I do like to play video games. Perhaps we can do that," he pointed at his playstation set on the TV.

Grinning, I stood up. "Of course, why don't you set it up and I can cook some food for you?"

"A grilled cheese sandwich would suffice."

I shook my head, amused with his choice of words. His parents are either strict or smart as well.

I wonder where his mom is. I do recall Sir Tristan saying that I'd meet the mother later on and I should introduce myself because his hiring of my service was impromptu and he didn't get a chance to tell her wife about it.

I hope she's as nice as Sir Tristan.

"Oh wow, this is fun," Aaron laughed, breathing heavily after the game.

"You like it?" I grinned, tossing the rattan ball on my hand.

"Surprisingly, yes," he nodded. "What is it called again?"

"Sepak takraw, but in my country, we also call it Sipa. If I remember correctly, it originated in Malaysia and we adapted it. It's one of my favorite games during my childhood."

"You know a lot of outdoor games. It's nice. I mostly just read books and do puzzle games. Sometimes I play video games, but that's it," Aaron looked sad while saying it. He seemed to not get enough attention from his parents from what he's been telling me and the way he's acting. Despite only a few hours of meeting him, I could already see it.

"I can teach you more if you want," I tried to cheer him up, succeeding when he smiled. "Besides, you're also learning about different cultures. Think of this as an entertainment mixed with education."

"I like you," he grinned. "Now, I want to try the Tumbang preso."

"Get ready to lose then," I teased, making him raised an eyebrow. Someone's competitive.

We played two more games before we got too tired and decided to rest. I fed Aaron an early dinner before he took his bath, saying he has to go to bed before 10 to get a good sleep. We still have 4 more hours before his bedtime, but he wanted to watch a film with me, so took an early dinner and bath to have more free time.

We were in the middle of watching the National Geographic when the front door opened, which shocked me as I was too engrossed in watching that I didn't hear a car arriving.

I immediately stood up along with Aaron whose eyes lit up. He ran towards the woman who just entered the house, hugging who I'm assuming is his mother.

My eyes widened when I saw the woman's familiar back.

"Professor?" I called. The woman turned upon hearing my voice.

"Aiden," her tone held surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm Aaron's new babysitter," I answered nervously. "Your husband, Sir Tristan, hired me yesterday to babysit. He also told me to tell you because it was an urgent hiring."

Professor Peterson frowned and muttered something under her breath. The look of disappointment was plastered on her face that it made me wonder what she said and thinking about.

"I could leave now if you want," I offered as she's already here. Besides, Sir Tristan already gave me my payment.

"Oh no, it's okay. You can stay," She said, noticing the ongoing film behind me. "I'm making dinner, feel free to join us."

"Only if I'm not intruding," Shyly, I touched the back of my neck.

"You're not," Professor reassured before turning her attention to Aaron, giving his son a kiss. "Did you enjoy your day, baby?"

"Yes, mom! Aiden played a lot of games with me," he then rambled on about all the traditional games I taught him and all the information I gave along with it. The smile on Professor Peterson's face became wide upon seeing the excitement Aaron has. "Can the two of us play next time, mom?"

"Of course, baby," They went to the kitchen while I hesitantly followed, not knowing what to do.

"Are you okay with seafood paella?" Professor turned to ask me, I nodded.

"Yes, Professor."

She smiled in amusement, "You can drop the professor now, Aiden."

"Okay, Mrs. Peterson," I said this time, earning a wider smile.

"Amayah," She said. "You can call me Amayah. We're outside the campus, it's okay to be a bit casual."

I nodded shyly, tapping my foot against the floor. I got her name.

Amayah.

Why does her name sound so beautiful too? I don't think there's anything wrong or unpleasant about her.

"Amayah," I muttered, nodding my head.

"You know Aiden, mom?" Aaron asked curiously. "We're friends."

"She's my student at school, darling," Professor Peterson started getting out the ingredients for the food. "I'm glad you have a friend."

After a few more minutes of Aaron talking to his mom, he pulled me back to the living room to continue watching the film. I couldn't help but get distracted and glance towards the kitchen where Professor Peterson is. Her back towards me as she cooks for dinner. Moving fast yet carefully around the room. She seems like a great cook with the confident way she moves around.

"My mom loves cooking," Aaron suddenly said, I looked down at him, blushing when I realized he caught me staring at his mom. "She makes really delicious food."

"I can't wait to eat then," was the only thing I could say.

Involuntarily, I glanced back again to the kitchen. Although this time, Professor Peterson is facing my way, making our eyes meet. She sent me another one of her dazzling smile as I again turned red every time it happens.

Looking away, I patted my chest. Feeling the loud and fast beating of my heart.

Weird.