The Fresh Start

** 2 - Taking the Leap **

"But, I really need this job!" I all but shouted to the secretary on the other side of the telephone line. She mumbled an apology and said something nice about hoping I would find a job soon and hung up.

It's been three months since my move, and my savings have run dry. If I don't find a job soon, I'll need to admit defeat and go back home. I sighed as I paged through the newspaper again. It felt like all the teaching jobs that I circled and crossed out as I called mocked me as I scanned past them.

AU PAIRS NEEDED

"I have avoided this section for long enough," I mumbled as I typed the first number I could find into my phone. I swallowed my pride and pressed the dial-button. 

"Springfield Au pair Agency, how can I assist you?" 

"Good afternoon. My name is Sabrina Kensington, and I would like to apply for one of your Au Pair positions," I managed to get out. Au Pairing always seemed to be more of a "glorified nanny" position, and I didn't go to university for four years to be a nanny. I wish I had other options, but here I am. After I gave them all my information I put my phone down.

I stared blankly at the newspaper, the circled job ads now mocking me. The phone rang, shrill in the silence.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Sabrina Kensington?" a cheerful voice asked.

"Yes."

"Hi Sabrina, this is Rachel from Springfield Au Pair Agency. We received your application and would like to proceed with an online video call interview. Are you available now?"

I straightened, surprised. "Yes, I'm available."

"Great. I'll send you a link. Please click on it, and we'll begin."

I grabbed my laptop and settled in. A few clicks later, Rachel's friendly face appeared on screen.

"Sabrina, I'll introduce you to Zoe, the mother. She's eager to meet you."

Zoe's frazzled face replaced Rachel's. Her blonde hair was tied in a messy bun, and dark circles underlined her eyes.

"Sabrina, hi," Zoe said, forcing a smile. She fidgeted with her coffee cup.

"Hi Zoe, nice to meet you," I replied.

Zoe took a deep breath, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I'm so glad we could do this today. I've been searching for an au pair for weeks."

"What's been the challenge?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Family dynamics," Zoe said with a chuckle. "My sister Kristen has been a lifesaver, helping with Donna, but she's moving to Australia tomorrow." Zoe's eyes misted.

"I can imagine how tough that must be," I sympathized.

Zoe nodded, collecting herself. "And, well, it's just been Donna and me for a while now." Her voice cracked.

I sensed a deeper pain and offered a gentle prompt. "It can't be easy, raising Donna on your own."

Zoe's gaze drifted, her eyes welling up. "The last two years... Well, it's been... an adjustment." She cleared her throat. 

"I'm so sorry, Zoe," I said, my voice soft.

Zoe composed herself, focusing on me. "Tell me, Sabrina, what makes you think you're suitable for this role?"

"I've completed my teaching degree and have experience working with children," I began. I continued telling her about my resume and beliefs. As I spoke, Zoe's posture relaxed, her expression transforming from frazzled to engaged.