Next-door neighbour

"Hi." smiled the woman standing in front of her, "Lauren, right?"

Lauren just rolled her eyes. They'd been next-door neighbours for a year now and Mrs. Smith still wasn't sure of her name. "Yes, that's right." she nodded with as polite a smile she could muster. She looked over the older woman. Sharon -- because despite her, she was sure of her name -- was a single mom in her late thirties. Quiet enough as neighbours went, and that was all Lauren had ever been concerned about. But she looked anxious at the moment. "Is there some kind of problem?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm in a serious pickle at the moment." said Sharon, her hands trembling. "You see, the babysitter I am expecting called and told me she would inevitably be a few minutes late. I've waited and waited, but I can't stay and wait for her any longer. I got myself a flight to catch."

This was probably the most the two of them had ever talked since she moved in. Now Lauren remembered why. Not because of Sharon. She was a decent enough woman. But she had a bratty daughter whom she raised alone. Well, she wasn't any brattier than other kids, but Lauren never liked the little rascals. "Is there any way I can help?" asked Lauren, more out of courtesy than of any real intent.

"I'm so glad you asked." Sharon gave a sigh of relief. "Could you watch Patty until the babysitter arrives?"

"I... I don't know if..."

"Just for a few more minutes. Don't worry, she's an angel. I literally can't stay another minute if I intend to catch my flight." she insisted, pointing at her luggage by the door.

Lauren looked at herself clad in only a big fluffy towel, her hair still wet from her recent bath. "I - I got to get dressed and..."

"Don't worry about it. Please. I tried everyone else on this floor already." pleaded Sharon, her eyes welling up.

Oh, for the love of... thought Lauren. "Fine." she relented, grabbing her keyring and stepping out of her apartmant. My good heart is going to be my undoing one day, she remarked to herself smugly.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you! I owe you one." grabbed her hands Sharon excitedly. "I'll call the babysitter on my way to let her know a neighbour of mine is watching over Patty until she arrives." Mrs. Smith grabbed her bag and left for the elevator, thanking Lauren a few more times along the way.

"Whatever. I hope it really is just a few minutes." rolled her eyes Lauren.

She entered the Smith apartment and placed her keyring on the wall among the others. Now where is the brat? she looked around the place. She followed the sound of the TV to the living room.