My Nanny My Mate

4.

I picked up my ringing phone, cautious of another potential spam call. "Hello?" I answered, stirring my cereal absentmindedly.

"Good morning. Is this Sabrina Frank?" came the voice on the other end.

"Yes," I confirmed, interest piqued.

"My name is Janemena Grace. I'm calling from the Au Pair Agency."

The words hung in the air, and my eyes widened, my spoon slipping from my fingers and clattering into the milk. I'd been searching for a nanny position through the Au Pair Agency for months, but it seemed like all my efforts were in vain. Hope had nearly slipped away entirely.

But then Janemena's voice took on an upbeat tone. "We've found an assignment for you. It's a full-time, live-in position with a single Alpha father. Can you make a house call later today to meet the family and complete an interview?"

I stammered, trying to contain my excitement. "Y-Yes, I'd be more than happy to."

"Fantastic," Janemena responded. "You're expected at two o'clock today. I'll text you the address once we end the call."

"Thank you so much," I replied, gratitude and anticipation bubbling within me.

Janemena's voice conveyed a note of caution. "You're welcome, Sabrina. Just so you know, you won't be the only candidate vying for this position. I'd advise making a stellar first impression; working for this family is a rare opportunity, and the compensation is unmatched."

Her words left me with a sinking feeling, and I was about to inquire further about the family when Janemena abruptly ended the call, leaving me in silence.

Frowning at the unexpected conclusion, I set down my phone, observing the notification with the address details that appeared on my screen. What kind of family would offer such generous pay for a nanny?

A few hours later, I pulled up to the grand mansion, dressed in a brand-new ensemble. In the time between the call and my arrival, I'd taken out my seldom-used emergency credit card to purchase something to impress the family. It was a crisp button-down shirt, tailored pants, and a pair of polished loafers. As I approached the enormous house nestled in the mountains and saw the line of women waiting at the door, I was grateful for the new attire. I ensured the tags were discreetly hidden, just in case

didn't secure the job and needed to return the clothes.

Walking up the pathway to the front entrance, I joined the queue, resume in hand, my heart racing. It pounded even harder when I noticed that not only were women entering the mansion, but some were leaving with forlorn expressions. A particularly young and pretty girl, tears streaming down her cheeks, emerged with her crumpled resume clutched in her hands. Was the employer so dreadful that he reduced these women to tears during their interviews?

As the line gradually moved inside, my throat tightened. The interior of the house was breathtaking, adorned with dark Tudor-style wainscoting and creaking wooden floors. A grand double staircase graced the front foyer, with women ascending one side, exuding confidence, and descending the other, wearied after their interviews.

"Name?" a woman's voice inquired ahead of me. I looked up to see an older woman with gray hair pulled into a tight bun. She wore a dark blue dress with a buttoned-up high collar, a crisply ironed gray apron atop.

Her stern gaze made my nerves prickle, setting the tone for what awaited me.

"Sabrina Frank," I replied, my voice betraying a touch of nervousness. The woman consulted her clipboard, marking a tick next to my name.

"You're human?" she asked, a hint of disdain in her tone. I nodded, feeling a slight discomfort.

"Very well. Take a seat." I made my way to an area where other women were seated and settled into a plush armchair in a corner. I sat quietly, mentally preparing for the potential interview questions.

Suddenly, an older woman descended the stairs in distress. "She's a little monster!" she exclaimed, tears streaming down her weathered face. "In all my years of being a governess, I have never - and I mean never -- encountered such a cruel child."

A heavy silence hung in the room as the woman departed, followed by a few others who had evidently decided the situation wasn't worth pursuing. Despite the ominous warning, I, along with several remaining candidates, resolved to take the chance. I needed this job, and my experience at the orphanage assured me that I could connect with even challenging children.

I waited for hours, the sun sinking low and exhaustion creeping in. My night with Mr. Henry Luca had left me more fatigued than I cared to admit. Startled from a near-drowse, I straightened up as the stern woman from earlier called my name.

"Oh! I'm sorry," I stammered, hastily wiping a trace of drool from the corner of my mouth. "Is it my turn?" I looked around, realizing the waiting room was now empty.

"Go home," she stated firmly, gesturing towards the door.

"But I haven't had my interview," I protested, clutching my resume. "I'm sorry I dozed off, but it's been hours-."

"Cynthia doesn't wish to see any more candidates," she interjected. "Especially not young, pretty girls like yourself."

My heart sank, and I shook my head adamantly. "No," I implored. "Please let me see her. I promise you won't regret it if you just give me a chance."

The woman scrutinized me before sighing. "Fine," she relented, turning and leading the way up the stairs. We walked down a wide, ornate hallway, finally stopping before a door at the end.

She opened it and allowed me in without a word. A small voice behind a high-backed chair greeted me with a grumble.

As I stepped further into the room, the high-backed chair swiveled around to reveal a small figure with tousled dark hair and an expression that was equal parts defiant and curious.

"Well, who are you?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing at me.

"I'm Sabrina," I replied, crouching down to her level with a warm smile. "I'm here to meet you."

The girl scrutinized me for a moment before crossing her arms. "Are you going to be my new nanny?"

"I hope so," I said, trying to keep my tone light and reassuring. "I'd love to spend time with you and have some fun together."

She regarded me with a mixture of skepticism and interest. "Fun? What kind of fun?"

"Oh, all sorts of things," I enthused. "Drawing, reading, playing games... We can go on adventures right here in this house!"

She seemed to mull this over for a moment. "Adventures?"

"Yes! Imagine we're explorers, discovering hidden treasures and secret passageways," I suggested, hoping to spark her imagination.

She leaned in closer, her eyes brightening with curiosity. "Really?"

"Absolutely," I affirmed. "And I promise to be here for you, no matter what."

Just then, the stern woman who had escorted me into the room cleared her throat. "Cynthia, this is Sabrina, a potential candidate for the position."

The girl, presumably Cynthia, turned her attention to the woman. "You brought more people?"

"She's the last one, Cynthia," the woman replied, a touch of exasperation in her voice. "You need to make a decision soon."