Chapter 3 - little mute

Emily POV

The next day, I was already on my way to the mansion. I wasn't going to allow anyone or anything to stop me from getting this job. The drive seemed too long. All the way my mind was filled with nervousness and disapproving thoughts like; what if they didn't choose me, what if this job interview was like the others, what if, what if, what if… that was all that was in my head throughout.

“Ma’am” the driver called to notify me that we had already arrived. I sighed, shoving my phone into my pocket and headed for the club. I regained my composure, rang my hand through my hair before stepping out of the car.

Soon enough I was standing in front of a huge gate. My heart raced and my palm was all sweaty. In front of the gate was a monitor. I stood in front of it then rang it, before I knew it someone's voice was sounding at the other side.

“What’s your name?” the security man asked.

“Emily Carter,” I answered .

“Do you have an appointment?”

“Yes, I am here for the job of a nanny”

“Ok give me a minute”

“Ok” I exhaled loudly as I adjusted my bag on my shoulder standing awkwardly. The tension inside me hadn't subsided yet, it increased. Eventually, the gate creaked open electronically, the power of wealth.

I guess this was the signal that I could enter the premises. I looked both ways as if crossing the road before entering inside. The security guard guided me to the mansion and oh my days. I mean from the gate I had imagined the best of the inside but seeing it now was more breath taken than I imagined.

“Wait here, they'll be with you shortly” he instructed then left for his duty post.

Twelve minutes later I was met with a man in a black suit, the smile he wore on his face was as bright as the sunlight. If he was my employer, I would be grateful.

“Miss Carter, right?" He asked and I nodded. “Yes”

“I'm Ryan…You're here for the nanny's job?”

“Yes”

“Alright, this way” he indicated for me to follow him as he goes on. “There are a few things you need to note. I don't have much to say because I'm not the one to approve of you but…there are things you should be aware of. First, you'll be taking care of a seven years old boy. His name is Ethan and he is very picky around people he isn't familiar with but he'll come around soon enough. Secondly and lastly please be yourself and you'll stay here longer than planned.”

I noted every single word he said, nodding as a response without missing a word. Soon we reached a room on the second floor.

“Like I said he is picky but be yourself.” He said, before pushing the door open.

“Sure.”

“Can I …?” I gestured, asking for permission to go in. He nodded so I let myself in.

The little boy sat crossed legged on the carpet, action figures lined up neatly around him waiting for commands. His head was bent low and focused. His dark hair fell into his eye as he moved one of the toys.

For a moment, he didn't even notice me. I hesitated at the door, suddenly unsure how to bridge the gap between us. He looked so small, so lost in his own world that I didn't want to interrupt him.

Ok, Emily, you've got this. How hard can getting close to a small child be.

So instead of speaking right away I crouched down not too far from him, resting my bag on the floor. “Oh wow,” I whispered softly, just enough for him to hear me. “That's a pretty serious choice of avengers you've got there”

His little hands froze mid motion and his head slowly lifted. Aww those dark eyes are so cute I could stare at them all day. He looked at me cautiously from head to toe, with no expression on his face before going back to what he was doing.

Ok, rude.

In a way he reminded me of that rude stranger of last night. I looked up at Ryan for any ideas of any sort but he just gave me a thumbs up which made me roll my eyes, sighing.

Ok, this was going to be harder than I thought. I turned back to him, smiling gently as I moved a little closer.

“Do you have a leader already?” A bit of silence. Then, with the faintest flicker of movement, he picked up one figure, a super hero with a shield and set it aside. Of course, Captain America.

I widened my eyes in mock awe. “Ohh, you choose Captain America for the captain-smart choice” And for the first time, he looked up at me, his lips curved into a slight smile as he nodded.

Captain America thumbs up for you.

Finally, we're getting somewhere. Thank God I was interested in Marvel and DC when I was younger than Barbie dolls. If not, I'll never have gotten this far.

I glanced down at the action figures “Can I be wonder woman” I asked looking down at the action figures and the boy. He nodded, and my chest warmed. I moved closer the nervous knot I had carried earlier loosened just a little.

I picked up the wonder woman action figure carefully, as though it was made of glass. It wasn't as bad as it seemed after all.

“I'm Wonder Woman and now I'll unleash my lasso of truth…. I command you to tell me your name” I shoved it closer to his face, he gave out a short huff, almost like a laugh but didn't answer and just continued playing.

We were in the middle of a battle when the maid's voice cut in the room. “Sir, young master needs to take his vitamins” I gave the little boy a polite smile and began rising to my feet, brushing the invisible dust from my jeans.

“Well, I guess I should let you go…” Before I could turn, a small hand tugged lightly at the hem of my sleeve. I froze, glancing down. His dark eyes met mine steady, thoughtful and curious. My breath caught. It was as if his eyes were saying a lot more than I could ever imagine. I smiled softly, though my heart pinched a little.

“You should listen to your maid, okay? Captain America needs his strength too.”

 He didn't say anything and just carefully placed the wonder woman action figure in my hand.

“Oh,” I whispered, realizing. “You want me to keep her?”

He gave a small nod. A faint smile tugged at his lips, just for a second, and my chest warmed. He then turned and headed out with the maid.

I stared down at the wonder woman figure in my palm, warmth spreading in my chest like sunlight. For a boy who hardly spoke, this little gesture felt…. huge.

“He likes you,” Ryan's voice broke into my thoughts.

I looked up to find him smiling knowingly. “Really?” I asked, half in disbelief. Ryan nodded.

“That was more than I've ever seen him open up to anyone on their first meeting. You should be proud. At least now we know he wants you here. That's half the war won.”

Hearing those words made relief wash through me. “Thank God,” I whispered under my breath, my fingers tightening around the toy. “I just hope his father is as easy as Ethan.”

Ryan’s smile faltered slightly, something unreadable flashed across his face. From the look of things, I guess his father would be a handful. “Let's not keep him waiting.” he said “shall we?” I nodded following him down the hallway, my heart pounding loudly in my ear. Each step felt like a warning. I tried to calm my nerves down, telling myself over and over again that I could do this.

I did well with Ethan and Ryan saw it too so definitely his father would approve. I mean he can't be that bad, right?

Finally, we stopped in front of a tall mahogany door. Ryan knocked once then pushed it open giving me an encouraging smile. I drew a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and stepped inside only to immediately regret it.

Of all available employers, of all humans…it just had to be him