Arabella
The light on the gas gauge comes on, and a frustrated growl comes from my throat. Looking at the GPS, there are still 14 miles between me and what would hopefully be the solution to all of my problems. My fathers' cynical words echo in the back of my head, and I cringe away from them. "You'll never make it on your own, you naive little girl." Most women my age were married off already, many of the women around here were married by 25, and at 26, it was an oddity to be without a husband. I had always imagined the typical fairytale love for myself, but that bubble shattered when I hit 18, the day my father introduced the first of many possible suitors to me.
The men father had matched me with weren't necessarily bad, many of them having a decent amount of wealth, but they were all much older than I was, and more importantly, they all bored me. Many of these men hung onto outdated sexist ideas, like arranging weddings and the consensus was that women were better pretty than smart, which made me a hard sell. I was hardly the obedient docile mouse that these men liked, though I had the beauty part down, at least in my own opinion. At 5' 5" I was relatively short, with a little extra weight that gave my hips and bust a beautiful hourglass shape, my only flaw being the extra weight I tried to starve off of my thighs and stomach with little success. I twirl a strand of my brown curls through my fingers, a sigh leaving my lips.
Beauty was all they wanted from me, that and children, the thought brings vomit to my mouth, the idea of sleeping with any of those men making me ill. By the 7th suitor, fathers patience had run out, and he informed me the next was to be my husband, regardless of how I felt. My father had all but sold me, and he expected me to be thankful for it. On one hand, he was right too, as escaping this house had been my primary objective since I hit 16, my father becoming unbearable once my mother left the year prior. I wince at the thought of her, betrayal burning hot against the back of my throat. She had married a monster, created me, and then left me with him, no trace of her to be found. Now I found myself doing the same, and some of my hatred melts away.
I pull off the next exit and pull into a gas station, sliding my truck up to a gas pump and popping the center console, my meager savings sitting in a pile inside. Grabbing the last 20 out of the stack, anxiety creeps in as I look over the rest of the money. I'd managed to save around 5 thousand dollars before I left, but 4 had gone into my truck and got it back running, and over the last week living in a motel, I had quickly eaten through the remainder, leaving me with 28 dollars, soon to be 8. With a sigh I hop out, my dress billowing in the midsummer breeze. Walking into the gas station, an old man behind the counter offers me a toothy smile. "Well, ain't you a pretty one. You must be new to town, I'd recognize you if you were from round here." I smile at the man and approach the counter, and hand him the 20. "Just passing through. Though it is gorgeous here. I'll have to come back." It's a lie but the man's smile grows as he slips the money into the register. "Be sure that you do. Safe travels." I head out of the store, my steps a little bit lighter as I head back to the pump, get my gas, and get back in.
Heading down the road my thoughts trail to my game plan, running over all the details one more time as I approach a large manor at the end of the road. All I needed to do was ace this interview, and then I'd be able to get my freedom. This job offered boarding, which would save her a ton in housing, and the pay was astronomical. It was almost too good to be true, and Father's pessimistic words try to claw their way back into my mind but I push them away, my truck slowing to a stop in front of a large metal gate. Leaning out of the window, I press the blinking red button on the intercom, and after a moment I'm greeted with a prim voice. "Please state your name." Caught off guard I stumble through my sentence. "Ah, I'm Arabella, Arabella Santiago I'm here for the" My sentence is cut off by a buzz and the gates in front of me slowly swing open. "Or not." I try to hide my irritation and head up the driveway.
After what feels like an eternity of riding up the winding driveway, huge trees towering overhead on either side, I finally pull up in front of the house, and immediately I know the word house doesn't do it justice. Truly the place is like a mansion, and I look down at my outfit self-consciously. I had only grabbed a single suitcase when I'd left home, father not permitting me to take anything more, and looking around the luxurious property I felt out of place. I'd grown up pretty well off, but not quite like this. Noticing a man at the front door, I take a few deep breaths and hop out of my truck, planting a big smile onto my face hoping I looked more confident than I felt. "This way Miss. Santiago" That's the only warning I get before he's off down the hall, and I scramble to follow him.
The farther we head into the behemoth of a home, the more and more I feel out of place. It's very clear the people who live here, her hopeful new employers, had a lot of money. I'd known they had money from the file at the agency, the compensation package they were offering was well above average for a nanny, and I'd had been surprised they'd offered it to me, seeing as I had no experience, but the woman who'd assigned the family to me assured me it was an easy contract, and I had believed her. Reaching the end of the hall the man spun back to me and then opened the door to our right, leading into a spacious den, the back wall lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a set of double doors. In the center of the room Sat two opulent couches, and in the center Sat an older woman, appraising me.
Walking into the room, I approach the woman with my smile back in place and extend a hand out to her. Taking it she gives it a firm shake before smiling. "Greetings. You must be Arabella. I'm Sofiya Vernecci, but please call me Sofiya." My shoulders relax a bit as I sit on the opposite couch, she picks up a file off the table and reclaims her spot across from me. "Well, I see you don't have any experience nannying." My hands begin to sweat, and I fight the urge to pick at my nails, a nervous habit I picked up years ago. "No, but I do have experience with children as well as in education." I smile with more confidence than I feel, knowing that my experience was a stretch at best, but Sofiya smiles in return. Before she can respond though, the outdoor door swings open, and in rushes a little boy, panicked.
"Goodness Hunter, watch where you're going. And what is all over you??" Sofiya admonishes the young boy, but big tears begin to pour down his chubby cheeks, his explanation lost in his blubbering. Sofiya looks over his head at me, confusion and stress clear on her face, so I clear my throat, before crouching down in front of the frightened boy. "Well hello there." He looks at me wide-eyed, and I keep my voice soft. "My name is Arabella, but you can call me Bell. Why don't you take a couple of big deep breaths, so that you can tell us what's wrong." The little boy sniffles, but nods, before taking a few deep breaths. Once he's calmed, he opens his wide green eyes and looks up at me, panic in his expression. "Alice is in the stables, and she's stuck." Looking at Sofiya, her face is pale.
Rushing out the double doors, a frantic Sofiya at my side and a sobbing Hunter in my arms, we run towards a stable at the back of the property. Once we get inside Sofiya and I freeze, a cry of terror coming from one of the stalls. "H-help me!" The shrill cry is full of anguish and I hand Hunter to Sofiya, before heading into the stables. Passing 4 other stalls a few of the horses poke their heads out, interested in the spectacle unfurling in their home. As I approach the last stall I finally find her, a small girl curled up in a ball of hay, her blue eyes wide in fear, hay sticking out of her curly black locks. A large black horse is panicking in the stall, Alice's cries causing it to spook. "Alice, sweetheart it's okay." She continues to scream, unable to hear me. So with a gulp, I slip into the stall, ready for the worst.
Upon seeing me inside the stall, the large black mare begins backing up toward where Alice is hiding, kicking and shifting its back legs Nervously. "Shhhhh easy girl" I reach a cautious hand toward her, and she whinnies, raising onto her back legs, her brown eyes wide with fear. "easy girl. Easy." I coo at the mare, looking into her eyes, trying to portray that I meant her no harm. Slowly the horse calms, righting herself back on all four legs. Cautiously I reach my hand back out, shocked as the horse calms, allowing me close, and rub between her eyes, grabbing the halter once she's finally calm. Pulling her off to the other side of the stall, I tie her halter to the bars between the stalls and pat her side affectionately. "What a good girl." I coo at her, and she shakes her long ebony mane, as I finally turn to where Alice is still balled up, her little body shaking as she looks at me. "You can come out now Alice, it's safe I promise." Before the words are fully out of my mouth the little girl comes running full steam, throwing her little arms around my neck, sobs ripping through her petite frame.
Picking the girl up, her grip on my neck tightens, and I coo softly at her until her shoulders relax, her hold no longer a death grip. "My name is Arabella but my friends call me Bell. Are you okay Alice? Did you get hurt at all?" She shakes her head, her eyes shine with unshed tears. Gently swaying my steps with her, I approach the mare to untie her, and Alice, noticing us approaching the horse, begins to panic in my arms. Stopping I look down at the little girl, and I explain to her how her behavior scares the horses, making them kick. Her screams die down, and she looks from me to the mare, before finally reaching a shaking hand out, her bottom lip wobbling. Her expression morphs to one of cautious happiness as she strokes the mare's mane, and after untying the sweet girl, I head out of the stall, to find a smiling Sofiya, a still sniffling Hunter in her arms, both visibly relaxing once we exit the stall.
I blush and go to hand Alice to Sofiya, feeling as though I may have overstepped my bounds considering we hadn't even started my Interview, but her arms tightened around me, refusing to go to her. Sofiya looks surprised for a moment before she smiles once more and we head back into the house. "So when can you start?" I try to hide my shock as we head into the den, both Alice and Hunter begging for a snack. "I can start whenever you need me to." Her smile grows, casting a loving look at the two children. "Then starting today, miss. Arabella is going to be your new nanny." She says to the two children, Hunter hugging onto my legs, Alice now cheering in my ear. "Why don't you two go see Jacky and get a snack while Miss. Arabella and I do some paperwork. "
Hunter bounds off down the hallway, and after some coaxing Alice reluctantly follows, the promise of cookies enough to motivate her to finally release me. Regaining our seats, she pulls out the employment contract and I read it over, once again surprised and grateful for the compensation. I would take care of the children Monday through Friday while their father and Sofiya were busy, and on the weekends as well as holidays I'd have to myself, not that I'd be able to go home, but in return be paid 120k for the year, as well as get to stay in the house free of charge. It was perfect, a true miracle, and with my signature at the bottom of the page, my job working for the Vernecci family began today, and so did my freedom.
"That was impressive" Sofiya admits quietly from across the table, and I look at her, resting the pen next to the freshly signed contract. "It wasn't a big deal honestly." I fidget slightly, self-consciousness making my skin itch, and she lets out a dismissive laugh. "That mare hates everyone except for my son. Nobody can get near her." Her tone is reverent, and I smile anxiously at her. "Not to mention Alice is.... shy. She tends to get herself in trouble. So for her to like you as well is nothing short of a miracle. I try my best to look after them. To love them, but I didn't have much involvement with my sons so.. " Her voice trails off and There's something off about her tone that I can't place, but any questions I have been put on hold.
Finally having finished the paperwork, Sofiya gives me a quick tour of the manor, my head swimming at the number of places and space within the home. "And to conclude the tour this is your room." She smiles as we come to a stop outside of one of the final rooms on the second floor. "Thank you very much for the opportunity. And for the tour of your home. It's beautiful, and so are your children. It's a privilege to be trusted with them." A musical laugh comes from her, and she shakes her head. "While this home and those children are indeed beautiful they don't belong to me, they belong to my son." I can't help the surprise that flits across my face, and she explains. "Giovanni is away On business, but he'll be back at the end of the month"
I raise my eyebrows at her, the question of where their mother is on the tip of my tongue, and she lets out a small sigh. "I can tell you have questions, but I'm afraid it isn't my story to share, though I can tell you this. Their mother is not in the picture and hasn't been since Hunter was 3, she left right after Alice was born, That was 3 years ago, and nobody's seen her since. Alice doesn't remember her, Hunter does but doesn't speak of her. Nobody does." I can hear the warning in her tone and make a mental note not to bring up their mother, before turning towards my room. "Take the rest of the night to yourself, I return home next week, but I'll be here in the meantime to help you and the kids settle in with one another. Dinners at six." And with a friendly smile, she was gone.
I walk into my new room with my jaw hanging, the room bigger than my living room at my father's house. In the center of the room are a large poster bed, long lavender curtains hanging from the posts, the bed made in shades of purple and green, and a large assortment of pillows in front of the ornate headboard. Off to one side is a dressing table, and on either side of it is a door. Opening the one on the left first, I find a closet and place my luggage inside on the floor making a mental note to put it away later, before heading to the door on the right. Through this door is a massive ensuite bathroom, a large whirlpool tub rests in front of a massive window, and immediately I know I'll be taking a long bath tonight. I head back into the room with a sigh, I grab my car keys.
Heading down the hallway, I come down the stairs to find Sofiya and the kids snuggled up on the sofa, a Disney movie playing on a huge TV screen. "I'm gonna pop into town and get a few things." Sofiya smiles up at me before beckoning to the man who had greeted me, who I learned was Renaldo, the family butler. "Please grab miss. Belle her new card as well as her House key out of the study." With a polite nod, he was gone, returning a few minutes later, both items in hand. "The keys are color coordinated, black is the front door, gold is the back, and the two red keys work for the side doors. Your first month's salary is already on the card, and there should be the information to sign onto the app as well as the wifi password on the paper." With a smile and a goodbye, I head to my truck.
Climbing into my driver's seat it takes two tries to get the truck to turn over, and while it warms up I load up the banking app on my phone, my heart nearly stopping in my chest when the display reads back with several extra zeros more than I was meant to have. Leaving my truck idling in the drive, I run back into the house and almost collide with Sofiya. "Hey, I think there was a mistake there was more-" She cuts me off raising a hand, a soft smile on her face. "Consider it a sign-on bonus and a thank you for not only saving my granddaughter but also my son's favorite horse." Shock still coursing through me, I head back out with another goodbye, and as I approach my truck, I notice my back door is open, and beneath the hum of the old truck, I hear hushed arguing.
Rounding the bed of my truck, both Alice and Hunter freeze, both attempting to climb into the backseat, the lift kit on my truck making the task impossible for their little legs. "Well hello there little ones." There's a chuckle to my voice, and Alice snaps out of it first, rushing up to me, a big dimpled smile on her face, and I scoop her up, burying my nose in her soft black curls. "What were you two up to out here?" Hunter looks at the ground, his face guilty, and Alice buries her face deeper into my shoulder. "We wanted to come with you to the store..." Her voice is muffled by my dress and I can't help the bemused sigh that escapes my lips. Just as I'm about to scold them, the front doors bang open, and Sofiya comes running out followed by multiple frazzled staff. Hunter moves to hide behind my leg.
Seeing Alice in my arms Sofiya relaxes, and the staff heads back inside to their jobs, the children safe. "Children! What in God's name are you doing out here??" She has a hand to her chest, and I turn to Hunter, popping an eyebrow. Looking up at his grandma, Hunter's lower lip wobbles, his big emerald eyes shining with unshed tears. "We just wanted to help Miss. Belle" From my shoulder Alice nods, small sniffles shake her delicate form. Sofiya shoots me an apologetic smile, grabbing hunters hand before coming to take Alice, but she tightens her hold on me. "Alice honey, I'm sure to miss. Belle would like a little while by herself." Looking up at me with sad blue eyes, he little lip wobbling, she shatters my heart. "You don't want us to hang out with you?"
Sofiya and I sit in stunned silence for a moment, before I finally let out a small sigh, running a comforting hand through her hair. "Of course, I want to hang out with you guys. But you cannot just sneak into my truck, there are no child seats and it would have been very dangerous." She and her brother both look away from us, and the sniffles start from them. "Not to mention you would have worried your grandma and everyone else very much because nobody knew where you went." Alice is in full tears now, snot mixing with the tears streaming down her face, and at my feet, a sobbing Hunter hugs my legs, both mumbling apologies between sobs. Looking up at Sofiya, she looks stressed and at a loss, and I come up with a quick plan, and placing Alice next to her brother, I crouch in front of them.
"As much as I would love you guys to come with me, next time we need to ask permission, and make sure we have the right seats in the car, so you guys can be safe." Both children nod at me, their lesson learned, and I smile up at Sofiya. Just as I think that everything's settled, Hunter looks up at me with hope-filled eyes. "We have safety seats in grammas car." At his words, Alice looks up at me with renewed hope, and I relented with a sigh. "As long as it's okay with Grandma, I don't see why you couldn't Tag along." Before Sofiya can answer another car pulls up the driveway, coming to a stop next to my truck. "Uncle Mateo!" Hunter rushes from me to the car, but Alice remains at my side, clutching my hand. The door of the sleek sedan opens and out steps the equivalent of a God. He's easily 6 foot 5, long black hair swept into a messy bun at the back of his head, his eyes a warm brown, showing perfect white teeth as he smiles at Hunter.
Hunter latches on to the tall man's leg, and he bends to pick him up with a chuckle. "Hey there superstar." He comes walking over with a giggling hunter, as the passenger door opens, a thin woman stepping out, both kids steering clear of her. Taking a moment to look at her reflection in the car window, she carefully adjusts her short blonde hair, moving her inspection to her fragile face, before straightening up, tugging at the hem of her tight black dress. As the man carries Hunter past her, she smiles at him, her botoxed lips barely moving. "Hello, hunter." She bends as much as her skirt will allow and holds her arms out for a minute but stands dismissively when he refuses. Looking past me she hugs Sofiya and they greet one another, and I can't help but notice Alice holding tighter to my legs. Bending, I pick the little girl up, and she immediately hugs onto the shoulder farthest from the woman. Finally noticing me, or more the child in my arm, the woman spins our way, holding out her long fake nails to Alice, the fake smile plastered across her botoxed face. "There's my favorite niece. Come to Auntie."
Alice's grip becomes strangling, her whole body shaking, and without thinking I turn my body, shifting the terrified girl away from the woman. This seems to get her attention and she looks down her nose at me, assessing. "And who exactly are you?" There's malice underlying the words but I plaster a smile on my face and hold out the hand that isn't holding Alice. "My name is Arabella, the children's new nanny." With a sniff she quite literally turns up her nose, turning away from my ignored hand, and I bite back the bitchy response in my throat. "My name is Mateo and this is my fiance Rosellia. It's a pleasure to meet you." I almost jump as his deep voice rumbles across the drive at me, and I smile at him in return. "It's nice to meet you both as well."
Bending, Mateo picks up Hunter, his squeals returning. "We're here to pick the munchkins up for our dinner date. We try and take the kids out once a week since my brother's been away, gives mom a break from the kids and vice versa." I nod at his explanation and attempt to put Alice down, who holds fast to my neck. "I'll make sure to keep that in mind. Come, Alice, it looks like you're going to go out and have fun." The little girl shakes her head furiously, her little blue eyes staring up at me. "Can I just come with you instead? Pretty please Belle?" Across the driveway Rosellia snorts, and ignoring her I look to Mateo, deciding him to be the more pleasant of the two to interact with. He gives me a nod, so with a smile and a goodbye to Hunter, Alice and I grab her car seat and strap it into the back.
Heading down the road, Alice is silently fidgeting in the backseat, anxiety rolling off of her in waves. "Hey, sweet girl." She looks up at my reflection in the rearview and smiles at me, and I smile back. "How about we go do some clothes shopping and get a special little treat? We can have a girl's day." Her eyes round in excitement, and her little legs kick in the air behind my seat. "Can I get something with lots of sugar?" Her voice is lowered as though her grandma was hiding behind the seats, ready to catch us. With a giggle, I nod to her, "Oh yes, we can do that." I tell her conspiracy. Her answering giggle has a huge grin on my face, and it only grows when I hear one of my favorite songs come on the radio, and from the backseat, a slightly off-key voice screams the lyrics.
We start our girl's day with a trip to a Cafe, getting both of our lattes, though hers is decaf and much smaller than mine, she has the most heartbreaking smile on her face, excitedly chattering about the things she wanted to do today. Grabbing my latte, I take her hand in mine and lead her out into the strip mall, walking past a few stores before heading into one of my favorites. As soon as we walk in a friendly woman with long blonde hair spots us, and offers Alice a poofy chair to enjoy her coffee while I shop. Thanking the woman I smile at Alice, happily sipping her kiddie latte and looking around the store with wide-eyed excitement. "Make sure you throw away your cup before you get up to look around." Turning to me, she nods her little head, sticking her chubby little hand up in a thumbs up.
About ten minutes later she's finished her drink, and she comes running full speed at me, a frazzled but smiling employee following behind her, several dresses in her arms. "I found so many pretty dresses! Can I try them on? Pretty please?" Looking down into those dazzling blue eyes I can't help but smile. "Of course sweet girl. Do you need help?" She smiles up at me, wrapping her arms around my legs with a squeal before the employee behind her spoke up. "I don't mind helping her while you finish shopping ma'am." Looking down at Alice, she nods at me, and with a cheerful goodbye, they head to the dressing room, a trail of giggles echoing behind them. Shaking my head with a smile I grab a few more items, and now satisfied I had a decent wardrobe, I head to the counter.
The original woman who'd greeted us waits at the register, a smile on her face. "Did you find everything okay ma'am?" Smiling back at her I agree that I had as I lay all the purchases on the counter, a giggling Alice can be heard making her way through the racks to where I stood at the counter. "Your daughter is very cute and so well-behaved." My smile falters, and I look at a woman in shock for a moment before correcting her. "Thank you, but she's not my daughter." I feel a small tug and turn to find a slightly subdued Alice, the employee behind her carrying a few items. "Did you find anything you like, sweet girl?" She nods quietly, twisting her little foot, and I smile motioning for the employee to add the stack, and after paying we head to a few more stores.
A few hours later and with a full bed of my truck, Alice and I manage to complete all my errands and stopped to get both her and her brother something from a local sweet shop. Alice is very quiet in the backseat on the ride home, and I catch her gaze in the mirror. "Everything okay sweet girl?" I keep my tone soft, trying to coax the answers from her. "I don't like Uncle Mateos wife..." Her voice is soft, her eyes slipping to the window. "Why not baby?" She's silent for a few moments but I wait patiently, not wanting to pressure her. "She's mean to me and Hunter.. she doesn't like us." Her lip wobbles and my brow creases. "I'm sorry you feel that way, baby. Have you told your uncle or maybe grandma?" My answer comes in the form of silence.
Just as we're about to pull past the gates at the house, her small voice comes from the backseat. "Nobody cares. They all talk about how momma left... they never say it to me but..." she looks out the window, and I'm heartbroken and in awe at this poor little girl's words. No 3-year-old child should feel like her family doesn't love her, and I fight the tears threatening to fall, making a mental note to bring it up with Sofiya and possibly their father when he returns. I'm pulled from my thoughts just as we come to a stop in front of the garage. "Do you hate us too miss belle?" Hopping out of the truck, I whip open her door, no longer stopping the tears as they slip down my cheeks. Wrapping my arms around her, I kiss her head. "Of course not, sweet girl"
Renaldo appears as I unbundled Alice, shooing me from the truck and reassuring me he and the staff would bring my purchases inside to my room. Blushing I thank him, indicating which bags needed to go to Alice's room, before heading inside with a now smiling Alice, sweets bag in hand. As soon as we're through the front doors Hunter crashes into my legs, and I stumble slightly with an oof, clutching tightly to Alice so I don't drop her. She wiggles in my grasp and I set her down, and she immediately starts to tell him about our shopping trip, handing him the sweets she'd purchased for him, and Sofiya gives a wry smile from the hall archway. Heading upstairs, I find all my new items in my room and set out unpacking, eager to settle into my new role in my new life.
An hour later I stand in the walk-in closet, all my purchases put away, and grab a pair of my new yoga pants and a tank top to throw on, my dress drenched in sweat. After dressing and pulling my long mess of curls into a knot on my head, I make my way to the dining room. Both kids' heads whip up as I enter, Alice running to me to grab my hand, dragging me to the spot next to hers. Soifya looks at the little girl for a moment but says nothing, and the chef, Jacky brings our plates out. Dinner passes uneventfully and before I know it, I'm leading the kids upstairs, getting them in pj's, before sitting with Hunter and reading him his story. Once he's tucked in I head across the hall to Alice's room and do hers, and she looks up at me through sleepy eyes as I go to leave.
"I like you, Miss Belle." She says, my name slightly distorted by a yawn, and I smile making my way back over to her bedside, running a hand through her hair. "Well, I like you too sweet girl." She let out another big yawn, her long lashes fluttering as she struggled to stay awake. "Promise?" Swallowing the lump in my throat, I press a kiss to the top of her head, before stroking her hair once more. "I promise." She smiles up at me dreamily before finally succumbing to sleep, and I tip-toe from her room, finding Sofiya in the hall. With a smile, we say our goodnights and I head to my room at the end of the hall, the fatigue from today finally sinking into my bones. Once I reach my room I ignore my buzzing phone, flopping down on the mattress, and almost immediately slip into sleep.
I'm not sure how long I'm asleep, but I awaken in darkness, and almost scream when I feel someone grab my shoulder, the sound dying in my throat when I see Alice standing next to my bed, her other little hand rubbing her eye. "Alice, sweet girl, you're meant to be in bed." I flick on the bedside lamp, its gentle glow illuminating the bedside clock. '2:45 am' I sigh and look at the little girl, and she gives me a sad smile. "I'm sorry I woke you, Miss Belle. I had a really bad dream... I can't asleep." Her little lip wobbles as she looks up at me with sad eyes, and my heart melts a small bit. Scootching over on the mattress, she climbs into the spot I made, grabbing my stuffed rabbit off my pillow, and curling into my chest with it. I hum and run my hands up and down her back, and slowly sleep reclaims us both.
I'm awoken to soft giggles, as Alice plays quietly in my bed with Hunter, my childhood rabbit still clutched in her arms. "Good morning, little ones." Both turn to me, jumping up onto my bed, Alice immediately snuggling into my chest while her big brother sat off to the side, his cheeks red. "Morning miss belle" She lets out a musical giggle as I tickle her sides, before shooing both children out of my bed. "Why don't the both of you go to your rooms and pick out your clothes, I'll get dressed and then come help you both and we'll head down to eat breakfast?" Alice squeals and takes off down the hall, my rabbit in tow, followed by an embarrassed hunter mumbling how he's a big boy who can dress. Heading into my closet I've got the biggest grin. Today will be a good day.
Five minutes later I'm dressed in a new set of leggings and a T-shirt, and stand inside Alice's very pink closet, lacing the back of her dress for her. Tying her gorgeous black curls into two pigtails, I can't help but notice she's attempting to hide my rabbit in the skirt of her dress, and a smile spreads across my cheeks. "Did Bonbon help you sleep last night?" Her eyes widen at my question, before cautiously nodding, slowly slipping said rabbit to her chest. "Tell you what. Why don't you keep an eye on Bonbon for me for a little while." Her eyes grow even wider before she shyly nods, hugging me tight. Smiling I grab her free hand, and together the 3 of us go next door to the hunter's room, and the 4 of us head down to the dining room, each child holding one of my hands.
Upon entering the dining room, I spot Sofiya at the table, an ae scowl on her face as she types away On she quickly disappearsarsg when Alice and Hunter greet her with hugs. "Good morning children." She smiles at them before turning to me, her smile strained. "Good morning Arabella." As we settle in to eat our breakfast Sofiya notices the worn brown rabbit in Alice's arms. "Where did you find that, Alice?" The little girl beams up at her grandma before launching into the story about sleeping with me last night and me offering her the stuffed rabbit. Alice returns to eating her meal and Sofiya has that same strange smile on her face. "I have to head back home tomorrow. I know it's a little bit early but you all will be fine." And I smile, knowing she's right.
The rest of breakfast is uneventful and Sofiya fills me in on the rest of the game plan. Starting tomorrow I was on my own with the children, except the other staff. Their father was due to return home for the first time in a month in about two weeks, that was plenty of time to get bonded and settled into a routine with the kids, and determination sets in my brow. I can do this. The rest of the morning is spent painting with the kids, and by the end of lunch the art room is messy, the kids are exhausted, and new paintings litter the walls. Laying both kids down for a nap on the couch, I sneak away silently to my room, my phone buzzing as I enter, and my heart rate picks up when I see the name on my screen, with a sigh I answer the phone, heading out on my balcony.
He answers on the last ring, and his voice is a careful charade of calm. "Look who finally answered. I guess you're not dead after all, I was so worried." The sarcasm drips from his tone like poison, and I fight to keep my composure. "I've been busy father." My tone is even, and the sneer I get in return makes my blood boil. "You need to stop this silly game and come home. By now you must realize you cannot do this." The cockiness in his tone makes my stomach flip, anger sizzling through me. "Dad I'm doing just fine. I've got a job, and a place, and I-" A harsh barking laugh cuts my sentences short and I grit my teeth, annoyed by the disrespect. Before I have to answer I spot Alice in my doorway and send a silent prayer of thanks to the universe.
"I'm very busy. I have to go." Without another word, I hang up and turn off my phone, and after taking a few calming breaths I turn to Alice, and walk over to her, and she stretches up onto her tippy toes, doing grabby hands for me to pick her up. With a smile I do, and we head out to the living room we're hunter is now sitting groggy on the couch, the poor boy was not a morning person, and I shared the sentiment. Sitting on the sofa Alice snuggles into my chest, and a sleepy hunter comes to snuggle into my side, and I flick on another movie, this one about a poor maid being found by a prince, him saving her and living happily ever after. Before the movie is halfway over, both kids are passed out as I watch the movie, enraptured in the old fairy tale.
I'm pulled from my thoughts by a flash, and look up to find a mortified Sofiya, an apologetic smile on her face. "Sorry, It was too cute not to." I return the smile and ask her to send it to me, and she agrees with a nod, before letting me know dinner was ready. Waking both children I send them to clean up before dinner, before the group of us head into the dining room. Hunter chats excitedly with Sofiya about starting schooling in a few weeks, and I can't help the smile that takes over my face as I watch them. Before long dinner is over, while the kids head up to get ready for bed, Sofiya pulls me into the kitchen, a look of nervousness on her face. "I leave first thing tomorrow. I have all of their schedule in here." She slides the schedule book across the counter and I accept it with a smile.
The night goes by without a hitch until I'm once again awoken by Alice, this time she doesn't try to shake me awake, her little body struggling to worm her way under my blankets stealthily so I don't wake up. Pretending to still be asleep, I roll over, making a nice big spot in bed for her, and the mattress dips slightly from her weight as she snuggles into my side. "Goodnight miss belle" Her voice is quiet and I lean down to kiss the top of her head. "Goodnight sweet girl." She snuggles closer into my chest, and with a sweet little sigh, she falls asleep. A few minutes of rubbing her back has my lids heavy, slowly sleep reclaims me, and I fall back asleep, Alice snuggled into my chest.
I woke the next morning at 9 to find both kids in my bed once again. We run through the same routine as the night before, and Sofiya walks into the dining room, purse on her arm as I settle the kids in for breakfast. "My car is here." The kids each get up to hug their grandmother and say their goodbyes, and when my turn comes, I don't hesitate to return her embrace. "You've got this. The kids love you." She pulls back with a smile and then leaves out the front door. Watching her car leave down the drive, her words echo through my head, the realization that I'm on my settling into my bones. The kids were officially in my care, and I had exactly a week to show my worth to my actual employer, and for some odd reason, I get the feeling he won't be very impressed.
The next few days fly by, and with each passing day, both kids have become attached to my hip, trying to find time to pee quickly became borderline impossible. I set the kids in bed, sneak away to my room, and draw a bath, pulling the bag from the beauty store out of the closet, I choose a black bath bomb and a vanilla-scented oil, and once the water fills, I settle into the tub, and moan as the jets kick on, all the stress of the last few days melting from my bones. Tomorrow is the last day before my new employer returns home, and I find myself nervous. Pulling my phone off the ledge of the tub, I google his name, and nearly drop my phone into the water as I read the first few results. Clicking one of the articles, my breath catches in my throat as I'm met with a set of dark blue eyes.
A shiver racks down my spine despite the heat of the water, and I take a calming breath before opening my eyes to study the man on the screen, his piercing blue eyes staring through me. Immediately I can see both kids within his features; Alice in his eyes, sharing the same dark black curls as both kids and all 3 had similar noses. The only real difference was Alice must have her mother's lips and Hunter with her eyes. If id thought Mateo and Renaldo were gods, this man was the devil. Everything about him screamed danger, down to the set of his brows. Draining the tub, I slip into the little shorts and tank top I had picked for the night, not even slightly surprised to find Alice in my bed, bonbon between her arms. Sighing I slip in next to her, and she immediately finds her spot on my chest.
I awake with a start, a loud crash from the kitchen pulling me from my sleep. Looking down, Alice is still fast asleep, blissfully unaware anything is amiss. Slipping silently out from underneath her, I tense as she stirs, before settling into the pillow. Another crash comes from downstairs, and I slip from the room, pressing a kiss to her head before I leave. Slipping on my robe, I poke a head into the hunter's room, the small boy fast asleep with a book clutched in his hands. Smiling I pull the book carefully from his grasp, place it on the bookcase, and tuck his arms back in. An inaudible curse sounds from somewhere in the house reminding me of my task. Slipping from his room, I head down the stairs, picking up a broom from the corner of the hall, nearly screaming when I spot a man in the hall.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" The man freezes at the sound of my voice, and my breath nearly leaves me completely when I see his face. Standing before me is the man from the article, and my whole body heats as he rakes over me with a heated gaze, the broken vase in front of him seemingly forgotten. Letting out a relieved sigh, I run a shaky hand through my hair, leaning the broom against the wall. "Jesus. It's just you." He cocks an eyebrow, an amused look on his face as my look of relief morphs into horror. "Oh my god, I'm so sorryMrr. vernecci! Im-" he raises a hand, ending my whisper-shouted apology. "It's nice to meet you as well miss. Santiago. goodnight." My face heats and I rush back to my room, my heart settling as Alice snuggles into me.