Chapter 10 Milly.
CHAPTER TEN
MILLY – POINT OF VIEW
“How about we agree to a one-month probationary period? One month to figure out if we’re truly the best match for each other?” I suggest calmly, even though I’m all over the place.
She smiles and nods. “I already know you’re the best fit for me, but if it makes you comfortable, then a one-month probationary period will be put in place. Let me know when you’re ready so we can go. You can bring your siblings.”
“Really?” I chuckle, “They can be a handful.”
“Then, they’ll fit right in.” She smiles and nudges my shoulder as if we are old friends.
“Alright, let me get them ready then.” I say, and she nods, “Take your time.”
I walk to the kitchen where they sit, curious, but diligent. Immediately they see me, they burst into a froth of questions.
“Who’s that woman, Milly?”
“She has a crazy car. Can we go in?”
“Kai said she’s a friend. Is she your friend?”
“Are you going away?”
“Enough questions for now, and listen to me.” I sigh, and they stop talking.
“She’s Rose Sinclair. You’ll call her Mrs Sinclair, and we are friends, in a way. I am going to work for her, be a nanny and take care of her children. Now, she wants us to meet her triplets because she believes you can be friends, best friends even. We are getting into her fancy car. Fancy, Miles, not crazy, and we’re going to her even fancier house. I want us to be on our best behaviour and have a good time.” I express myself gently.
Their eyes widen with each sentence, mouth falling open in disbelief and excitement.
“You’re going to be a nanny?” Miles remembers and frowns.
“Yes.” I nod.
“What does that mean? What will you do?” Emma asks, tilting her head.
“I’ll take care of her children, help them get ready for school, and make them happy whenever they’re sad,” I explain briefly and brace myself for the next couple of questions.
“Oh, you’re not going to take care of us again?” Emma whispers, shrinking.
“I’ll still take care of you. I’ll always take care of you. Mom will be with you mostly in the mornings, and I’ll show up at your school in the evenings. I won’t be around as often. I have to live in Mrs Sinclair's house from Monday to Friday.” I confess, my heart is breaking because I won’t be with my siblings as much as I want to.
“Oh,” Miles says, and his face falls.
“Why do you have to live with them? Why … why can’t she take care of them? Who will take care of us?” Emma rambles, holding my fingers.
“I have to tell you a secret now, and you mustn’t tell anyone. Pinky promise?” I murmur, bending down.
They nod, and we bring our heads together.
“Rose was sick last year, and she never fully recovered. She doesn't have as much strength as she used to, which is why she needs my help. I’ll help her take care of the triplets, and she’ll pay me for my services. I’ll buy you fancy dresses and the shoes you like with the money. Maybe we can even fix the house and get new beds. Anyway, it’s a job that pays so much. Mom won’t have to work again, and we can all be happy. I’ll see you every day, and kiss your heads always, I just have to work.” My voice cracks as I speak.
As much as I like this job and everything it comes with, it kills me that I have to give up my time with my siblings for money. In life, we have to make sacrifices, of course, but this kills me. At least, I don’t have to sell my father’s books.
The twins look at each other and nod.
“Okay,” Miles tells me and smiles.
“Can we go now?” Emma gets up and twirls her dress.
I nod, heart aching. I hope the triplets are nice to her and not spoiled children. I can’t handle my siblings' hearts being broken. It is important to have nice children, but something tells me they’ll be different from Romeo, nicer and more innocent, not tainted by the bullshit he is. I scrunch my nose in disgust. I do not like him at all.
Together, we walk to the living room.
Emma walks forward and smiles at Rose. “Hello, I’m Emma Stark. You’re Rose Sinclair.”
Rose nods, smiling, “Yes, I am. It’s nice to meet you, Ms Stark. Now, who’s this fellow?” She crunches down to look at Miles.
He frowns and rushes out, “I’m Miles Stark. I’m eight. Let’s go to your car so you can sit down.”
“Want to walk me to my car?” Rose offers, and he nods.
I watch the three of them walk out and exhale. I’m about to dive into uncharted water. I’m not too excited about it, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take. We must all take risks after all.
“I’ll be here when you return.” Mom assures me, and I nod.
Kai is still stuffing his mouth with food. I grab his hand and drag him away.
“I should punch you,” I say.
“You should hug me.” He grins, crumbs of pastries on his lips.
I scoff, “Don’t push it.”
Rose and the twins sit in the back, while I sit in the passenger's seat.
“Here you go,” Kai hands me the new phone, still in the carton. A very expensive phone. I wouldn’t have bought a phone this expensive even if I had the money. I hope the phone doesn’t affect the advance I am supposed to get, because if it does, I’ll sell it and get a smaller one, then use the money for something important.
“Thank you,” I tell Rose, and she waves me off, obviously entertained by the twins.
The drive to the mansion takes longer than expected. I am a bundle of nerves, tapping the window as I hope her children like me or all these would have been for nothing.
Miles and Emma cannot keep their cool when Kai drives into her home. I have been here once, but I am still amazed by the luxury.
“Come on,” Rose urges, and we all get out of the car.
My hands are trembling as we follow her around the mansion to the garden. I see the children, but they are not alone. Their foolish brother is with them.
He smirks as I walk closer as if he expects me to fail.
I never fail at anything.
