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PROLOGUE _______
Noelle
"Elle, come on." Ana begged, walking side by side in front of the sofa. "Just do me this one favor. Just one. I promise I won't bother you again!"
Dramatic as she was, Ana kneeled by my sight; hands in prayer position hoping to get a positive response from me after the begging.
I scoffed at the embarrassing actions and paused the Netflix series, bringing the blankets off me and standing up.
"You're being ridiculous. Get up."
Ana sighed at my order and finally came back to her senses, standing up and rolling her eyes while she wiped her knees.
"You know, I shouldn't be doing this corny shit. I'm your aunt. Do I even need to ask you?"
I rolled my eyes at the realization, "Yeah, five years older is such a difference. Sooo demanding."
Despite being only five years above me, I never truly saw Ana as just my aunt or 'mom's cool sister'. It always felt like she was my older sister that I never had. Except, we were completely apart most of our lives, living opposite sides of the world.
Yeah, opposite sides. It wasn't long until my parents signed off the divorce papers years back. It's not like I had to leave 20 years of my life in America and completely start over in Ireland...yeah, nothing huge you know...nothing huge.
"I cannot call off today. They already know I'm on leave for vacation. This can affect my record. I need this job!" Ana informed.
Sometimes, I wished I knew what she meant, but my life really fell apart after my parents split. I truly fell down educational-wise before graduation, and I was up to no good after moving and getting a job. I hated employment in America, imagine here.
"And you think that, I, a no experienced 20 year old, can magically show up to your job with nobody questioning my actions?" I laughed in sarcasm. "Please! I can barely take care of myself."
Sighing, Ana hesitated at my truth before plopping herself onto the sofa next to me.
"Well, you see, this job is different. Let's say your resume and connection with me really impressed them."
I almost choked in my own saliva at her wordings. "Come again? You did what? Since when do I have a resume, let alone, since when do I have experience?"
"Oh, come on. Your mom said it will be a good-"
"You went to my mom-"
"Hm, well, let's see. You are 20 and unemployed, as you stated." Ana pointed. "I don't see college around for you anytime soon...you NEED this opportunity, Elle! I'm trying to help you."
I was lost for words.
"And since I'm going on vacation with Brandon, and today was up to no good, it was a great fill-in for me. You can show them what you got. Your momma said you were a big fan of baby dolls back in the days." Ana encouraged.
"This is real children we are speaking of." I corrected.
"Yes, exactly. Your mom also told me you did community service in your second year of high school. Caring for kids of all ages at the WIC programs and getting rewarded for being the best caretaker. By the way, that was a good call in your resume. It was highlighted." She winked.
"Yeah, years ago! I was 16 and mind you, the stress they gave along with finals...it was tough." I scoffed. "A job and kids in one sentence sounds really pressuring, you know."
Ana closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around me for comfort.
"Come on, Elle. You will do amazing. I know it!" She soothed my head, almost suffocating me. "I know you have the patience and if it doesn't work out, I'll take the fault."
"Damn right, you will."
I tried not to hesitate at the offer, but I knew that if I didn't accept it, my whole life in Longford will lead to boredom and loneliness, getting myself into a more complicated job. I needed to start making friends-even if they were going to be twice younger than me.
"Would I get paid or am I just filling you in?" I breathed.
"All checks are yours, babe."
I gulped and sighed, finally giving in, "Fine. Guess there isn't really much of a choice here. I'll do it-"
Before even finishing the acceptance, Ana squealed and clapped her hands. "Yay! Thank you so much. You start tomorrow at 9am!"
I almost felt my heart fall into my stomach at the unexpected rush. It wasn't a problem that I started tomorrow, but I wasn't a morning person. Ever. Waking up in the AM hours was haunting for me.
"Fuck off. You could've at least chosen a night shift family for me." I frowned.
"It was the best I can do. Both parents work and are in desperate of someone with a caring heart and patience. Life is about risk." Ana motivated.
Life was full of risk at this point.
"Right..." I gulped. "Is that all? I'm not getting enough information here. What family? Where is the workplace? I need details before you leave to your fourth honeymoon trip, you know."
"Relax, child. Bianca will give you a call early morning to set you up. I do know it's two kids."
I ran my hands through my hair, my head throbbing already at everything that just came at me.
"Anyways, I'll let you handle that. If you have any questions, Bianca could take care of you, trust me. I have to leave, I need to finish packing."
Ana stood up from the sofa and placed a kiss on my forehead. "You're the best niece I have."
I rolled my eyes as she began exiting, "Have fun on your Hawaii trip. Please, never come back." I waved.
"I won't. You'll take over my job. Thanks!" She blew a fake kiss before letting out one last wave and closing the door shut.
I crossed my arms when I heard the apartment door shut close and let out a breath of relief before letting my body flop onto the sofa again.
