Chapter 9 Milly.

CHAPTER NINE

MILLY – POINT OF VIEW

“Who’s that!” Miles asks loudly, pointing at the car.

Mom and I share a look. She holds Emma firmly, and I hold Miles. I watch fear flicker over her eyes as if an evil she expects has finally happened.

The car’s door opens, and Kai steps out. 

Relief slams into me, but it’s short-lived when Rose steps out, too.

The sight of her knocks the air from my lungs. She looks beautiful and expensive. She’s wearing a white shirt and blue jeans, paired with heels. She’s not supposed to be here. She’s not made for this neighbourhood, and neither is her car.

“Hello, Millicient. LovelySundayy we’re having.” She smiles at me, and I recoil a little because I see her stupid son’s face in hers. She’s goodness, and he’s bullshit.

“Hi,” Mom steps forward, “I’m Georgia Stark, Millicent’s mother. This is Miles and Emma Stark, her siblings. Who are you?”

Kai takes the box from her smoothly.

“I’m Rose Sinclair,” Rose answers with a frown, unsure.

“Rose is the woman who interviewed me for a nanny position yesterday. The one I rejected because of … irreconcilable differences.” I say to Mom.

She’s confused because she’s just hearing about this for the first time.

“Irreconcilable difference being my son.” Rose smiles and turns to me, “I believe there’s a way we can reach a balance, Milly. Can you please invite me in, so we can talk?” She begs, reaching for my hands.

I don’t want her in our house, not because I’m ashamed of it, but because it’s not a mansion on a mountain or by the river. Then, I remember her stroke. She’s not supposed to be on her feet for long, so I nod.

“Please come in. You must forgive our shock. We’re returning from church and didn’t expect to meet anyone.” Mom explains, leading her to the door.

“Oh, I should apologise for turning up out of the blue.” Rose insists, and Mom waves her off, “Pish posh.”

I meet Kai’s eyes and glare at him. Why would he just show up randomly? He doesn’t have a way to reach me, though, seeing as I don’t have a phone, but still, he shouldn’t have pulled the rug from under my feet. The twins are silent but trembling with their questions.

“Welcome to our humble abode.” Mom smiles, opening the door.

I am glad I mowed the grass yesterday.

I wonder what Rose sees when she looks around. Here’s what I see: I see a secondhand couch with throw pillows and a crocheted throw blanket. I see a coffee table scratched from years of crayons and homework. A small TV that sometimes loses sound and a stack of books on one side, and a framed photo of my father in uniform, beside a family of us.

“Come on. Race you to the kitchen?” Kai grins at the twins.

Emma frowns at me, but play along. They walk away carrying the boxes.

“You have a beautiful home,” Rose whispers, looking around.

I look away bitterly. I don’t need her pity. Her kitchen is bigger than our entire house, I know, and I don’t care. This is a home Dad built and gave to us. One of his legacies. Our home.

“Will you like pastries and tea?” Mom asks her.

“Of course, thank you.” Rose nods, and my mom leaves.

“Why are you here, Rose? I am sorry for how I spoke yesterday, but it was long overdue. You shouldn’t have been there, though, so I am sorry for that.” I sit beside her, frowning, picking at the tip of my dress.

“I’m not here for an apology. I’m here to make a stronger offer. I want you to work with me.” She goes straight to the point, and I listen.

“I have three children. I need help. I do not trust any so-called professionals because there’s a perception around my family that I do not like. The last nanny the children had was vindictive and put pictures of my children online to make a quick buck, even though we paid her well. People are very entitled and greedy. They think you owe them more than what you pay them. I don’t want someone like that around my children again. It took a lot to get down my children’s pictures and the nonsense said about my family, my stroke, they accused my husband of domestic violence, and followed Romeo everywhere. It wasn’t an easy period.” She confesses, jaws clenched, cheeks flushed, still angry about it.

I am shocked and mortified, angry on her behalf. I have never understood the need to have children online. Social media and the internet are crazy places, and children are our responsibility to protect.

“I know you won’t endanger my children, because you have siblings, too. You have a big heart and a sense of responsibility. I wouldn’t be here if I did not need you. You’ll fit in with the staff and our family. The children might not warm up immediately, but they eventually will. You’re also profoundly intelligent, Milly. You remind me of a younger me, and I want to help you achieve your wide dreams. I am ready to increase it to six thousand a week.” She proposes, and I frown, about to refuse, but she continues speaking.

“You don’t have to worry about my son. He stays upstairs. The kids' bedrooms are downstairs. You don’t have to interact only when necessary, which is rare. Just ignore him as he has done you. Pretend he doesn’t exist. He’s not at home often, either way, and I’ll let him know that his friends from school, and his girlfriend are not allowed in our home for the foreseeable future, so you don’t have to worry, Milly, I’ll take care of you.” She assures me earnestly, smiling, eyes crinkling at the corners.

My tongue feels heavy, and my brain feels blank.

“Six thousand a month is too much. I’ll prefer to revert to our previous agreement of four thousand a month.” I speak, heart racing.

She nods, “Alright. Kai told me your phone is faulty, so I took the liberty of getting you a new one. He’ll help you set it up, so we can communicate properly.”

“T … thank you. I have to … to speak to my mom.” I stammer, ears ringing.

“You don’t have to speak to me, Milly.” Mom walks to us. She overheard everything. “The ball is in your court, my love.”

They both look at me, and I nod, because what is there to say but yes. “I’ll work for you, Mrs Sinclair.” 

“Call me Rose. We’re going to be best of friends.” She giggles and hugs me.

I am caught offguard, but I settle into her warmth.

“Why doesn’t Milly meet the triplets today so she can begin tomorrow?” Kai suggests walking into the room and stuffing his face full of pastries.

“Oh, that would be wonderful.” Mom agrees, and I nod slowly, everything happening too fast.