The Nanny // Faye Yoko AU

Chapter 22 Birthday

In the morning

Yoko sat on the edge of her bed, her phone gripped tightly in her hand. It's barely been a month. She thought, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her chest. Her eyes flicked between the glowing screen and the door. How can I face her if I quit now? Mrs. Brown's warm, encouraging face flashed in her mind, making her hesitate.

Her hand trembled as she pressed the call button, Mrs. Brown's number dialing. The phone rang only once before the familiar voice on the other end answered.

"Yoko?" The older woman's voice was soft, filled with a warmth that made Yoko's chest tighten even more.

"Ma'am, I..." Yoko's voice faltered, her face etched with sadness. She struggled to get the words out, feeling a lump forming in her throat.

"What is it? Are you in trouble?" Mrs. Brown's voice was now laced with concern. "Do I need to send someone?"

"No, I..." Yoko started again, feeling overwhelmed by the flood of emotions. How do I even explain this? she thought. She took a shaky breath and forced herself to continue. "If I break the contract early, what happens? Does ENA send a replacement?"

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and Yoko could almost picture Mrs. Brown, sitting at her desk, considering her response carefully. "We don't, do we?" Yoko pressed, needing to hear the truth.

"That depends," Mrs. Brown said, her voice steady. "If an agent finds cause to leave, the relationship is reevaluated. There's no guarantee a new agreement would be reached." She paused, her tone softening. "But I don't want you to worry about that. If you need to come home, that's all that matters."

The kindness in her voice nearly broke Yoko. She closed her eyes, tears brimming. "I thought I could keep it separate," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "The job and the... context." Her mind flashed back to Raquel, to the body, to the doctor's apron. "But I messed up."

"Did you compromise the safety of your charge?" Mrs. Brown asked, her voice sharp, professional.

"Not exactly," Yoko replied, her hand shaking as she rubbed her forehead.

"Then you've done nothing irredeemable," Mrs. Brown stated firmly.

Yoko's breath caught in her throat as she thought of Raquel again, the way they had taken her and left her. The image of Faye, strong but conflicted, haunted her. "It's not that simple," she said, her voice quivering. "I think... I'm contributing to an environment that makes my charge less safe."

There was silence on the other end for a moment. "Do I need to speak with your principal?" Mrs. Brown asked, her voice taking on a sterner edge.

"No! Please don't," Yoko quickly replied, her heart hammering in her chest. The last thing she needed was for anyone to dig deeper into her situation.

"Then I urge you to think it over carefully, Yoko," Mrs. Brown said, her tone softening again. "I'll respect whatever decision you make."

"I—I thank you, ma'am," Yoko whispered, tears now rolling down her cheeks.

"Let me know by tomorrow. And Yoko?" Mrs. Brown's voice became more gentle.

"Yes?"

"We miss you around here."

Yoko's breath hitched as the tears came faster, a deep sense of longing flooding her. "I miss you too," she said, her voice barely audible. The call ended, but Yoko remained still, staring at the phone, the weight of her decision looming over her like a dark cloud.