All Chapters of Babysitting The Jerks: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The morning sun streamed through the window as Polaris sat at the kitchen table, nervously tapping her fingers against the surface. The chatter of the boys filled the house, but the warmth of their previous night felt like a distant memory. Today marked her first day back at school, and the thought of facing her classmates—especially William—set her nerves on edge.Polaris had always admired William’s easygoing nature and infectious laughter. Yet, there was something about his friendliness that made her uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the way he seemed to breeze through life, unburdened by the weight that had settled on her shoulders since the family tragedy. Or maybe it was the way his playful teasing often felt like a jarring reminder of her own struggles.As she finished her breakfast, Daryl strolled into the kitchen, yawning and rubbing his eyes. “Ready for your big day?” he asked, leaning against the counter.“Yeah, I guess,” she replied, trying to sound upbeat despite her apprehen

The next day at school, Polaris felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as she walked through the crowded hallways. The memory of her conversation with William lingered, a small spark of hope igniting within her. Yet, as she rounded a corner, that hope flickered when she noticed a group of boys leaning against the lockers, their laughter carrying a menacing undertone.“Look who it is, the art nerd,” one of them sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. Polaris recognized them as some of the delinquents in school, notorious for their rough behavior and disdain for anyone they deemed different.“Why don’t you paint us a picture, Jo?” another taunted, using a name that felt foreign to her.“Yeah, how about one of your pathetic little dreams?” a third chimed in, his smirk widening as he stepped closer.Polaris felt her heart race, panic bubbling in her chest. She wanted to turn and run, to escape the hostile environment closing in around her. Just as she thought they might close in on her, a

Polaris parked herself at her usual table in the library, surrounded by stacks of textbooks and scattered notes. The air was thick with the smell of old pages and a touch of anxiety that clung to her like a second skin. She tried to dive into her study materials, but Sebastian’s face kept flashing in her mind, that smug smile making her stomach twist.“Ugh, why do I let him bother me so much?” she whispered to herself, tapping her pencil against the table. It was supposed to be a quiet place to focus, yet every time she turned a page, all she could think about was his mocking tone.After a frustrating half hour, she slammed her textbook shut. It wasn’t working. The stress of the day hung over her, heavy and suffocating. She took a few deep breaths, trying to clear her head. The plan to report Sebastian to Mr. Kyoto had formed in her mind during lunch. It wasn’t just about getting back at him; it was about standing up for herself and making sure he knew that his actions had consequence

After the art exhibit, Polaris felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. She had proven to herself that she could stand up for what mattered to her and face her insecurities head-on. But as the excitement of the event faded, a new set of challenges lay ahead.The next morning, Polaris sat in her room, staring at her planner. The deadlines for her schoolwork loomed over her, and although she had made progress in one area of her life, she still had so much to do. Her art had become a way to escape, but now, it was time to refocus on the academic side.She picked up her phone and checked her messages. There was one from Mr. Kyoto:“Polaris, congratulations again on last night! Just wanted to remind you that the final project for class is coming up. You’ve done amazing work so far, but don’t let the deadlines sneak up on you. Let me know if you need any help or advice!”Polaris smiled. Mr. Kyoto had always been supportive, pushing her when she needed it but never in an overbearing way. His

The following week unfolded in a blur of activity for William and Polaris. As the days passed, excitement buzzed in the air, punctuated by the anticipation of new opportunities and challenges. The art scene was alive with energy, and William felt a renewed sense of purpose guiding him through his work.On a rainy Thursday evening, William stood in front of his easel, the canvas before him bare and waiting. He had spent the day conceptualizing a piece for an upcoming local exhibit, his mind racing with ideas. Yet, despite the creative fervor, he felt an itch of uncertainty creeping in again. He put his brush down and took a step back, sighing as he raked a hand through his hair.“Need a break?” Polaris’s voice broke through his thoughts, her presence a comforting balm in the quiet of his studio.“Maybe,” William replied, glancing at her. She had just finished a successful day at her internship, and the glow of accomplishment radiated from her. “I just can’t seem to find my footing toni