PRETTY CARETAKER?

PROLOGUE

"So Miss. Lily, why do you want this job?"

"I am going to be honest, Ms. Stevenson, they are paying a fairly good amount of money. And with my degrees, it's unlikely for me to get another job. I love children and after taking care of my siblings since I was just nine, I know how to raise children."

I smile at the lady, in front of me. She is a short, middle-aged, pretty lady, with her red hair up in a bun. She is dressed in a shirt and a loose knee-length skirt. Her face is kind and the way she acts is so fragile, yet imposing that I realize that she is also a governess.

"As you can see, miss. Lily, there are better qualified people for the job present here. What makes you special? Why should I give you the job?"

Her question takes me, by surprise. But I simply smile at her. And say," Maybe because, I am not after Mr. Manhattan , and just want nothing to do with him. And yes, because I am very good at observing people. Like the way you are smiling tells me, that you like me."

She burst out laughing, and I smile.

"You are the best candidate. All of those girls think that Mr. Manhattan would fall head over heels for them. They don't know how to look after children. But are you sure, you can look after these children? James and Rosaline are very naughty."

"Well, I would say the same about my brother, Sam and sister, Crystal. After managing the house for about eight years, I believe I can."

"What about your mother? Why do you look after your siblings from such a young age? What about your future studies?"

"Ms, at the age of nine, my mother died. I was the oldest in my siblings. My father was in shock, so he emerged himself in work. My brother was just seven and Crystal was a two year old, toddler. So, I gave up all my time taking care of them and studying. But a few months ago, in an unfortunate accident, my father lost his job. And after a few days, he died in an accident. There wasn't enough money for us, so their responsibilities lie on me. I need a job, after all, I want to provide them with everything they desire. And, about my studies, I will take online courses, if it isn't against my employer."

I gave her a tight smile.

"Ms. Lily, I must say that you have had a tough life. As I said, you are the best candidate here. You get the job, but, we have some conditions. You have to be her before seven and stay here till eleven. It's you, who would attend the meetings related to these children. You would have to be like their guardian. Yes, you can take online courses. Mr. Manhattan is barely home before ten. Would you accept the job?"

"Sure, ma'am. I do have a question. Am I allowed to bring my siblings over?"

"If, James and Rosaline, have no problem, sure. But if, Mr. Manhattan say that he have some problems then if it would not be very good for you."

I nod and say a thank you.

"Come from tomorrow. You can go home now."

I stand and after wishing her a good night, I make my way towards my home. Our apartment is not that far from here, just ten to fifteen minutes, on foot.

After reaching home, I make my way in to the kitchen and pour myself a glass of water. Looking at the clock, I notice that it's almost time for Sam and Crystal to come home. I start making dinner for us.

Singing to myself, I wait for them to come.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I am waiting for the day to end. I want to meet the infamous, James and Rosaline.