My body was sore and tired from all the extra shifts I picked up this week just to be granted a day off. See my manager is a prick who takes advantage of people's weaknesses for his benefit.
I woke up from my small bed stretching off the soreness. I had lived in this tiny apartment since I could remember. It was a bit cramped with all the boxes but to me, it was home.
It held all of my aunt's keepsakes and memories that I couldn't pack away. I was three months late in rent but the landlord was kind enough to give me this month to raise all the money that's why I desperately needed this job.
June informed me about a job listing looking for a nanny. June and I hit it off when I first met her at the cafe. She was a blonde with a fiery personality and honestly, I don't think I would have survived that job if it wasn't for her. Our friendship only grew from there.
The only uncertainty I had was the fact that I never worked with kids but how hard could it be? I thought to myself.
Taking a shower I dressed in the most decent clothes I could find, A simple maxi skirt and a flowery black top with some white sneakers. I took a cab and went straight to the address that was sent. After enduring a thirty-minute ride I was at the location.
The size of the house surprised me, to say the least. June did not mention that the family was this wealthy. I was suddenly self-conscious about what I was putting on. Maybe they wouldn't find me prim and proper.
Walking over to the gate I pressed an intercom and a deep voice was heard.
" Who is this?"
"Isabella Grey, I am here for the interview," I said softly
The gates automatically opened to my surprise as I was not used to such luxuries. I walked in timidly taking in the sight before me. The house must have at least a hundred rooms.
I knocked on the dark mahogany door and I was greeted by a woman dressed in uniform. She seemed to be in her sixties and with a warm inviting smile she ushered me in.
"Welcome to the Sanders home. My name is Maria." She said gesturing me to follow behind her. I could tell by her uniform that she was the housekeeper.
The house was neatly kept so were the portraits on the wall. The monochrome walls were a refreshing contrast to the colorful decor. How could one person own such a house?
Following closely behind her I tried not to gape at the halls and rooms we passed through. Finally, we got to a room that looked like a study and got in.
"Mr. Sanders will be with you shortly," Maria said with a sweet smile.
"Thank you," I answered.
"What can I help you with? Water, tea, or coffee" Maria asked
"A cold glass of water would be fine thank you," I replied as I took a seat at one of the old-fashioned chairs in the room.
I marveled at the bookshelf placed beside the large set of windows. There had to be at least a thousand books lined up to perfection. My curiosity took the best of me and I found myself perusing through the collection.
It towered my small frame as I stood before it. I could be locked up in this room and I wouldn't mind as the world went by. My aunt read to me every night since I was young and that's when my passion for books grew.
"Here is your water miss?" Maria spoke up.
"Thank you once more," I said rushing my words out.
"Do not be nervous, all will be well." She walked up to me as she handed me the cold glass of water.
She reminded me of my aunt and how calm she was about everything, on the other hand was a panicking mess.
As she exited the room, I went back to skimming through some of the books. After what seemed like a while I was startled by a small figure at the corner of my eye.
Redirecting my attention, I turned only to marvel at the little girl before me. She was the prettiest child I had ever seen. She silently stood at the door frame with her stuffed toy in hand.
She looked at me with so much innocence and curiosity. Placing the book on the desk I slowly walked over to her and crouched.
"Hey pretty lady what's your name?" I said softly.
She stared at me for a bit holding her hands nervously unsure whether to engage with me or not.
"My name...is Mia." She finally gave in and answered.
I cooed at her cuteness, she was so lovely. I pulled out a sweet I picked up yesterday on my way from work and handed it to her.
She looked at me reluctantly as if trying to ascertain if she could trust me. Remembering that I didn't even introduce myself made me smile at her intelligence.
"My name is Isabella but you could call me Bella." She looked up at me and smiled.
"You are such a clever girl," I added while touching her gorgeous black hair.
She slowly stretched her hand to take the sweet from my held-out hand. Opening it up slowly she thanked me with a small hug. Curious as to why she was wandering alone I decided to ask her a few questions just to make her comfortable.
Standing up I took her small hand into mine walked her over and sat her down on one of the chairs.
"So tell me what's the pretty doll's name?" I asked her.
"I love playing with Nina and I carry her everywhere I go. She loves adventures." She perked up while holding her adorable stuffed toy to me.
"That's nice, May I join you on one of your adventures?" I asked smilingly waving at Nina.
"Yes you may but Nina doesn't talk around new people. She is shy." She answered with a cuteness in her voice while cradling Nina.
"So does Nina have a house?" I asked trying to engage her. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she spoke.
"Yes she does, It's a big house with many rooms. Daddy got it for me for my birthday. Wanna see it?" She placed her hand in mine gesturing me to follow her. As we stood up I took a quick gulp of the remaining glass of water.
"Mia, What did I tell you about going to Daddy's study?" A deep loud voice startled me and I ended up choking on the water.