Ava's POV:
How do you explain to a child that his mother had an affair with your future ex-husband's father?
And somehow, by a stroke of devil's luck, his babysitter traveled back in time and changed his father's way of thinking, which is the reason why his parents are divorced.
I exhaled light and played with his hair, "Miles. Sometimes people do things. Unpleasant things. And for some unknown reason, they didn't think of those around them. And how they hurt them."
He rests his chin at my armpit, "Did mom hurt dad?"
I smile softly, "I can't tell you about your dad's feelings. You have to ask him that."
"Dad doesn't like it when we talk about mom." He pouts, "He gets sad. Then, at night, he cries. I don't like it when he cries."
My heart tightens at the thought of Mr.Nocella sitting inside his studies and crying at night. I've caught it before. When his wife was away, I would intrude on their lovely home. After our night together, Mr.Nocella would sneak into his studies and cry.
Temporary relief.
That's what I've become.
"Give him some time," I say. "One day, things will get better." I don't know if I'm saying that to him or myself. It could be both.
Miles snuggles further into me, "I'm glad you're here. You make things better."
"Miles. Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Why do you and Zach like me so much?" I've always thought it was odd. How the boys like me despite the fact how we only met once. Physical attraction plays a large factor. I know that much. It's unfortunate, but physical looks do determine your role in society. Maybe, that's why it hurt when my psychiatrist brought up that factor.
How I'm forced to face the reality that I am a pretty face to a lot of people.
Miles smiles, "Because you're nice. You don't-" his sight moves away, "You don't talk bad things."
I exhale, "Oh, Miles." I held him closer to me. It must not be easy to hear the town talk about your parents. How your mother is a whore and how unfortunate your father has become.
"Those ladies aren't nice," he said. "They keep coming over, and dad doesn't like it." I'm assuming he is referring to women who want to become the next Mrs.Nocella.
After my hours were nearly over, I tucked the boys into bed. Miles grabbed my sleeve, "Next weekend?"
I smile and pull the covers over him, "Next weekend."
He yawns, "Yay." His eyes close, and soon, soft breathing made its appearance.
Gently, I closed the door and made my way downstairs. Mr.Nocella was standing by the counter with a white envelope, "The boys are asleep," I said.
He smiles, "Thank you so much for staying late."
"No problem."
Mr.Nocella hands me the envelope, "Here you go."
I tried my best not to squeal over my first paycheck. I opened the envelope to see a check inside, and with my thumb, I slid it open. My eyes widen, "This is more than what we agreed on."
"Well, you stay late today."
"This is still more then what we agreed on." I'm sure no other employees complained about their paycheck. But I couldn't do it. I couldn't take the extra payment.
"Miss Makee. Look around you."
I look around.
"It's been quite a while since I saw the kitchen sink," he said. "And I appreciate you for doing that. The extra payment comes from the cleaners who were supposed to come here."
I slide the check down, "Then, I'll take it."
He smiles, a sweet, genuine smile, "Good." Mr.Nocella walked me towards the front door. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
I almost forgot that he's my teacher. Sometimes, I forget that I'm a teenager, not a woman. "I'll see you tomorrow." I made my way out the door. With a slight head turn, I saw Mr.Nocella standing by the doorway. He waved toward me, and I returned it.
Once I got in my car and turned on my engine, Mr.Nocella closed the door. He's making sure I made it to my car safely. Nothing more. Nothing less.
I exhale softly before pulling out the envelope. Then, it arrives, the squeal. "My first paycheck! My first paycheck!" I screamed inside the car before slamming my fists against the wheel. My shoes stomp harshly. I couldn't suppress it - the excitement.
Then, to my horror, a knocking sound appeared.
I stop dancing.
Steadily, my fists lower, and I straighten my back. I look to my right to see Mr.Nocella. He smiles and lifts a sweater in the air. With a single press, I lowered the window.
"You forgot your sweater."
I grabbed the sweater, "Thank you." I was too ashamed to look at him. I can't believe he saw that.
Mr.Nocella licked his lips and cleared his throat, "Be careful on your way home Miss Makee."
I nod once, before making my escape.
Embarrassment is an understatement.
One week passed after another, and soon, I got used to watching Miles and Zach. The awkwardness between Mr.Nocella and me declined with each interaction.
Inside the kitchen of my house, dad adjusted his glasses, "Are you sure you want to put this much into stocks? You don't want to use some of it for...you know...stuff?"
I shook my head, "I'm good." My eyes follow the screen on the laptop, "I want that one...that one...and that one."
"Are you sure?" Why does he question every single thing I do? Is it that unusual? "This company doesn't look good. I heard the reputation isn't ideal."
But, the prices will rise within half a year because of their new CEO. The man is known to make up good stories, and people love a good story. "It's okay. The prices are low." In fact, it's at its lowest point. "Plus, I'm purchasing it short term."
Dad took off his glasses, "Ava. You worked hard for your money, so I don't want you to throw it away. How will you profit from a company on the verge of bankruptcy?"
I frown, "Earlier, you said I could pick my own stocks. How this is my decision. How even if I picked a bad stock, it's okay because I'll learn from it." I can't tell him that I know the future. He'll increase my time with the psychiatrist.
His lips pressed into a line, "I did say that, didn't I?"
I nod, "You did."
"Alright. How much will you buy?"
I pondered on the question. I can't purchase too much, but I don't want to profit too little either. "Twenty."
Dad shook his head, "Alright." He clicks on the scene to purchase the shares. "What else?"
"Let's look at cryptocurrencies."
"What?"
"You know, digital assets." I'm not surprised that dad doesn't know about cryptocurrencies. It's not that popular at the moment. Technological development and outrage towards the government pushed the people towards cryptocurrencies where no one governed the assets.
Or so they say.
A few years into the future, people realized that cryptocurrencies are a great way for people to conduct international transactions online without the hassle of having to deal with interference from financial institutions and governments.
It became trendy a few decades later, so having some now is good in the long run.
There has been news revolving around it, where people predicted that it might fall to the point of being worthless one day.
But, for now, it's worth it to have some.
I explained to dad about cryptocurrencies. It wasn't a surprise to see the giant question mark on his face.
"So, you're buying something that doesn't exist?" Dad asks.
"Well, yeah. It doesn't exist in the material world, but it does exist as a binary code on computer ledgers somewhere."
He scratches his head, "I must be getting old."
"Think it this way, dad. Yes, in a sense, it's worthless, particularly if technology fails. But, at the moment, it's not. Technology is advancing at a rapid speed, and with that development, people become more aware. And because of that awareness, people's desire for independence increases. Cryptocurrency is a method for independence from the government." I studied for weeks only to understand cryptocurrencies to that level. I'm not surprised dad doesn't understand it, because I still don't.
He nods slowly, "So, you think this crypto thing will take off?"
I nod, "Maybe."
"Well, if my baby girl believes in it, I will too. I'll match you. Whatever you put in, I'll also put in the same amount for you."
"Dad! You shouldn't do that."
He smiles, "Think of it as an investment." He lifted his chest, "I'm an investor, investing in my little girl intelligence."
"What are you all talking about?" Mom enters the living room.
"Cryptocurrencies," dad replied proudly.
Mom sat on the couch, "What's that?"
There's a smug smile on dad's face. I ran my tongue across my cheek, knowing what would happen next. Dad will arrogantly explain to mom what cryptocurrencies are about to show that he's keeping up with the youngsters. Mom will roll her eyes each time dad raves about how he's always in the loop. I will sit there and silently listen to dad while correcting him once in a while.
"Sounds exciting," mom said. "Get me some of that invisible money too." Mom pushed dad to the side to purchase some shares.
I exhale lightly, mumbling: "Invisible money."
"What are we all doing here?" Trevon walked in with wet hair. He ran his towel across his head.
"Buying invisible money," dad replied.
I threw my hands on top of my face and groaned.
Trevon walk in closer, "What? Why would you do that?"
"Because it's the newest thing, honey," mom said arrogantly. Those two are made for each other.
Trevon sat down beside them, "Newest thing? What newest thing?"
"Crypto-" mom looks at dad.
"Cryptocurrencies," dad filled her in.
Mom snaps her fingers, "Yes, that."
"Weird. I've never heard of it." His head tilted at the screen, "What can you do with it?"
Mom laughs, "I don't know, but it makes me all giddy to own some."
Trevon nods, "Get me some of that invisible money. I'll give Mina some too."
"What are you all doing?" I asked the trio on the ground. I can't stand it anymore.
"Buying invisible money," they all replied.
I groaned and rolled my face towards the cushion.
"Buy that one, mom. That has a nice name," Trevon said.
"And that one too darling. That one only cost six cents," dad said.
"Let's get this one too," mom replies.
"Are you nuts, mom? That's three dollars!" Trevon said.
"Yeah," dad said. "Isn't that a bit too risky?"
"If I'm afraid of risks, I wouldn't have married you."