The Help

1.

The bar was packed. Bella had to push through a crowd on her way back to their booth, struggling with two drinks and overflowing bowl of peanuts. In an effort to keep the drinks steady (vital that not a single drop was spilled) she trod on more feet than she did floor, and as a result had a few dirty looks thrown her way.

"Making friends, I see," Emmett said dryly, as she finally reached the booth and slid first the precious drinks onto the table and then herself into the seat.

"Why does this always happen whenever we find a new bar?" Was Bella's reply. "We get to enjoy the cheap drinks and free peanuts and cute bar staff for, like, two weeks and then - like clockwork - everyone else discovers it and it becomes all overrun and… and…" Bella wrinkled her nose, glancing at the throng of girls in front of her, clamouring for Riley the bartender's attention, "and popular," she finished.

"It's our curse," Emmett said, nodding sagely.

"We have a curse?"

"No - not you. Me. We, the McCarty's. We're inherently unlucky. It's an old Irish curse."

"Um, I thought the Irish were meant to be lucky. Hence that saying - you know, the luck of the Irish."

Emmett shook his head sadly. He, like Bella, was watching the girls at the bar, but for a completely different reason. "Not those of us that are cursed," he said. "In our case it's the bad luck of the Irish." One of the girls had turned around and was now scanning the room. Her eyes landed on Emmett for one moment. He grinned and winked at her, and she turned away haughtily, looking exasperated. Emmett turned his attention back to Bella with barely a hint of disappointment on his face. "See," he said. "Cursed, to be unlucky all of our days. Especially with women. Bars, too, and the occasional shoe store, but mostly it's women."

Bella smirked at him. "Emmett, you're not cursed. You're just hideously ugly."

"Part of the curse."

Bella turned her eyes away from the bar and the offending group of girls that had tainted it. "If anyone's cursed, it's me," she said, taking a small sip of her beer and grimacing at the taste.

"I take it that means the chat with your Dad didn't go so well?"

"Chats with my Dad never go well. This one just happened to go a lot less well than usual."

Emmett raised an enquiring eyebrow, so Bella sighed and continued. "Basically he said he's not going to help. Well, technically his words were that I wouldn't see a damned red penny until I got my shit together."

"So he wants you to go back to college?"

"No," Bella said sourly, "he wants me to move back home and marry my ex. Then I'll finally doing something he considers useful with my life, and then he'll help me out financially."

"And seeing as you're not going to be doing any of that any time soon?" Emmett prompted.

Bella sighed. "Seeing as I won't be doing any of that ever, I am now officially completely broke. No scholarship money, no job -"

"Hang on," Emmett interrupted, "what happened to the job?"

"It was at a student-run campus book store. They didn't take kindly to hearing I wasn't a student anymore."

"Shit."

"Yep."

"So? What do you do now?"

"Haven't a clue," Bella said, taking a sip of her beer, and following it up with a handful of peanuts. "My scholarship money is frozen until I go back, my job already given to some dewy-eyed freshman. My Dad won't even loan me ten bucks for gas. I have less than thirty five dollars in my checking account, and if I'm lucky I may have about ten bucks in coins in my top drawer. Oh, and there's that twenty you owe me from dinner last Saturday, don't think I'm going to forget about that." She nodded at his scowl. "Yes, I'm calling in all debts, big and small, times are tough and a girl's gotta eat." She took another small sip of her beer. "And drink," she added, as an after thought.

"I take it that's why you're hoeing into the free peanuts and drinking that watered down piss, then?" Emmett asked her, nodding at her beer. "Cheapest drink in the house?"

"Uh-huh. And because Thursday night is two-for one night and I ordered it with yours, technically I got it for free."

"No, technically I paid for half of it, so half of it is mine. But," Emmett said, "I feel so sorry for you and your crippling financial situation that I will allow you to have it all. Also, I don't drink beer."

Bella shook her head mockingly. "Seriously, Emmett sometimes I look at you and wonder."

Emmett adopted a wounded expression. "Wonder what?"

"You're six foot three and built like a brick shithouse. You're like this stereotypical manly man, with your sports and your cars and your obsession with girly bits and inability to pass gas discreetly - and then we go out to a bar and you order cider. Cider." She shook her head. "And not even dry cider. But sweet, girly, flavoured ciders from Sweden."

Emmett cradled his drink defensively. "There's nothing wrong with cider," he said. "And can I help it if my taste buds prefer sweet over bitter? It's not like I chose them to be that way. All my family's are the same, it's our -"

"Curse. Yes, I know." Bella reached for another handful of peanuts, realised the bowl was empty and then gestured in vain to get Riley's attention. A group of rather lost looking businessmen had just entered and after staring around in confusion their gazes had found the girls by the bar, to which they'd made a beeline. Bella couldn't even see Riley over all of their head's. "I suppose we should be happy for the guys that this place has become the latest bar of the moment," she observed, resuming their original conversation. "Even if the new clientele leave a lot to be desired."

"I'm sure that doesn't bother them in the slightest," Emmett said. "Money's money, after all."

"I expect they weren't making too much before," Bella mused.

"Especially not from you, you who nurses one drink all night and eats them out of free peanuts. Also- and I'm not judging you - but last week when it was your turn to get the toilet paper, did you steal it from here?"

"Yes, and I'm not ashamed of it," Bella said, sitting up straighter. "And I'm also not ashamed of the two pint glasses that I snuck home in my handbag last night, and the ashtray I took last Saturday."

"We don't even smoke, Bella."

"I thought it would make a nice bowl for dips. Besides, I'm thinking about taking up smoking."

"You're drinking cheap beer, have eaten ramen noodles for the last two nights, and last week you stole toilet paper instead of buying it. How the hell do you think you're going to afford cigarettes?"

"I'll steal them," Bella said. "I do that now. Steal things. Or I could just bum them, one at a time. People are always asking me if I have a cigarette for them, I can do the same. Besides, I've heard it suppresses your appetite. Which is going to help now that I can't afford to eat."

"Yeah, because you'll be thinking this was a really good idea in ten years when you're dying of lung cancer."

"By then the scientists may have found a cure."

"For cancer or for idiocy?"

Bella frowned into her beer. "Stop it, Em," she complained. "You're ruining all my grand plans."

"Just think," Emmett told her. "If you hadn't dropped out of college you could be well on your way to being one of those scientists who find a cure for cancer."

"Marine biology, Emmett, not human biology. Jeez, how many times do I have to explain the difference? It's not rocket science," she added with a giggle.

Emmett groaned.

Bella sniffed. "I think I'm funny."

"Yeah, I know. You always laugh at your own jokes. But you're the only one who does. So whatever it is you decide to do now you're a college drop out, don't become a stand up comedian."

"Okay, firstly - screw you. I can be hilarious. What about that time I made you laugh so hard you pissed yourself? And secondly - I'm not a college drop out. I'm taking a year off to decide whether I actually want to be a marine biologist or not. I have all intentions of returning to college in twelve months - after I've figured out what I want to do. Which is totally normal," she said defensively. "You know, wanting to make the right decision about what you're going to spend the rest of your entire life doing. Not everyone knew from the moment they were twelve exactly what they wanted to be. Although how you could ever have a passion for accounting I'll never know."

Emmett ignored her jibe. "Hey, I'm not the one saying the whole take a year off thing is a bad idea. I'm not your Dad, remember?"

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm just still a little fired up. Christ, he was such an asshole about it. It's not like I was asking for him to support me for a year while I run around and party. I told him I'm looking for a job. I just thought he'd be able to help out until then. I even told him I'd pay him back."

Emmett hesitated for a moment. "Look," he said, "I don't want to pressure you or anything. And you know I support you in this decision. But seriously, what are you going to do? Because rent is due at the end of the month, and I'm not really in a position to cover your share, which trust me I would if I could."

Bella dropped her head onto the table. "I don't know what I'm going to do," she said, her voice muffled. "And I would never expect you to cover my rent, Em. I'll just have to take the first shitty job I find." She glanced up and towards the bar, where she finally spotted Riley. He was pouring a jug of beer and looking overwhelmed. "Maybe I can get a job here?"

"Don't be offended, but seriously Bells. Customer service is not your forte."

"It's true," Bella said with a sigh, glancing at the group of girls who were still lounging at the bar, blocking access for other customers who were all clamouring for Riley's attention. "I really hate most people. It's why I was going to be such a good scientist, in my lab all day with nothing but beakers and pipetting and micro-organisms. Do you want to know the best thing about micro-organisms, Em? They don't talk back."

"You can be incredibly unsociable," Emmett nodded. "Maybe you can get a job filing somewhere? Or stacking shelves at a supermarket? Or maybe at a library, you'd love that. Peace and quiet, free wireless. The Dewey decimal system. I know how much you love that system."

"I do, I really do. Good old Dewey. Maybe I should have been studying to be a librarian. And I have to say the whole free wi-fi thing would save us a fortune."

"Bella, we don't pay for our wi-fi anyway. We steal it from the guy downstairs, you know the one who comes up with all the stupid names for his connection?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot," Bella said, then snorted derisively. "Honestly, if you're going to name your connection 'pretty fly for a wi-fi' then you deserve to be hacked."

"Sometimes I wonder if we're getting too old for this," Emmett pondered. "We're twenty-two now, Bella. We should be well on the way to becoming responsible adults. Not stealing toilet paper and wi-fi."

"I had enough of being a responsible adult when I was younger, thank you very much," Bella told him shortly. "Now is the only opportunity I'll have to re-claim my lost youth, cos I sure can't do it when I'm thirty. And besides, you practically are a responsible adult, you with your corporate job and your weekend retreats and your own parking spot in the underground garage." Bella pouted at him. "Em, you're growing up without me."

"Okay, it's a junior accounting position, Bella, it's not like I'm CEO. And it's one weekend retreat, and it's mandatory. Everyone in the company is going, even the receptionist. Besides, it's an all expenses paid trip, I wasn't exactly going to turn that down. And I don't have my own parking spot because I don't have my own car. I catch the bus."

"Not for much longer. You'll be buying some flash car and moving into some fancy apartment and leaving me - oh God, Emmett, please don't move out. Not just because there's no way I could afford the rent on my own, and not just because I think the process of interviewing potential flatmates is horrendous and I hate the idea of living with a stranger - but because I love living with you, Emmett. Even if you do have a serious gas problem. Also, have I told you recently that when you stomp around in the morning while you're getting ready for work that you sound like a dinosaur? Seriously - soft feet in the mornings, Emmett, soft feet."

"You're neurotic," Emmett told her. "Have I told you that lately? Anyway, I'm not going anywhere. But I may know of a job opportunity for you."

"You do? Oh my God, Emmett, why didn't you tell me before?"

"Because I only just thought of it."

"Clearly the cider is killing off your brain cells. Okay, what's the job? I'll do anything. Do I get my own parking space?"

"It's not in my office, Bells."

"Then where? The suspense is killing me."

Emmett sighed. "Okay. One of my bosses - well, technically he's one of the three founding directors of the firm, so he's like the big boss guy - he and his wife need a nanny."

Bella sat back in her seat and glared at him. "A baby sitter. You're suggesting I get a job as a baby sitter. Oh my God, Emmett, I'm not twelve. I can't live on five dollars and hour, seven dollars fifty if it's after nine o'clock!"

"It's a nanny job, not baby sitting. I heard him talking about in the elevator the other day. His wife wants to go back to work full time. So it would be like a full time job." He frowned. "I knew you wouldn't be overjoyed, but I didn't think you'd be so negative. You've been a nanny before, what's the difference between now and then?"

"Emmett, I was an Au Pair, it was completely different. It was in England. I only did it so I could travel around Europe. And it was barely even a job, two of the kids were at boarding school during the week and the other one was some kind of savant who spent eight hours a day at the piano. I spent most of the time sitting in their conservatory playing Words With Friends, and sneaking out in the evening to the local pub."

"Look, it's not ideal. But it's a paying job. And you did say a moment ago you would do anything."

"I did," Bella said with resigned sigh. "I am desperate. And I can't live on peanuts and ramen noodles. And I really, really don't want to take up smoking, I like my teeth and fingers not having nicotine stains on them. Okay, I'll do it. I'll take the job."

Emmett rolled his eyes. "Uh, call me crazy, but considering the nature of the job I'm gonna assume they'll probably want to interview you first."

"Formality," Bella said, waving her hand. "Kids love me, hence their parents love me."

"It's not just that. I expect they'd be worried about confidentiality. The wife - she's Tanya Denali. You know, of the Denali Media Corporation."

"Never heard of them," Bella said.

"For a smart girl, you're incredibly stupid sometimes. Denali Media Corp. They only own half the media in the North West. Newspapers, tv channels, magazines, you name it, they probably own it. And he's fairly well known, too. The self-made millionaire, he and his buddies started the firm from scratch, made their first million in less than a year. Won all these awards for his environmentally friendly design concepts. He's a pretty big name in the architecture world."

"Well, I'm a little behind on current events in the architecture world," Bella said dryly. "So enlighten me, who is this potential Time Magazine Man of the Year?"

"Great guy," Emmett said. "You'll really like him. His name's Edward Cullen."

Bella glanced up from the bowl of peanuts. "You know what," she said, "I think his name rings a bell."

"Uh, yeah, probably because I talk about him all the time. He's one of the founding partners of my firm, remember? Paying for this upcoming retreat? I ran into him once in the lunch room and he said I should join him for golf one weekend? Seriously, great guy."

"Sounds like you have a big ol' man crush on him. Anyways, as thrilling as I find your talk about your job, and you know I listen to every one of your water cooler stories with baited breath, but that's not where I've heard his name before. I think I read about him in The Weekender a few weeks back. They did a profile on him. It was pretty impressive."

"They would have," Emmett said. "The Weekender is one of the Denali Corp newspapers."

Bella wrinkled her nose. "Oh. Well I did think the whole piece was a little too glowing. That explains it. It's not what you know, but who you know."

You're too young and pretty to be so cynical and bitter, Bells."

"Yeah, and you're to old to still sleep with a night light. So bite me."

"Why do I put up with you again?"

Bella smirked at him. "Because I'm the only female friend you have who you haven't slept with. You're just hanging around in the hopes that one day I'll succumb to your charms. Which is going to be never, because, and I may not have told you this in the last hour, but I would rather eat live goldfish than kiss you."

"No offence, Bella, but you lack two things I require in a woman. The first is the desire to cook me breakfast in bed and rub my feet while I eat it. And the second is breasts."

"Excuse me!" Bella said indignantly. "I have breasts! What the hell do you think these are?" She demanded, grabbing her chest. One of the businessmen by the bar, clearly having caught the tail end of the conversation, turned to watch with avid interest in his eyes. Bella ignored him.

"I don't know what they are, but they're less than a handful so as far as I'm concerned, they're not tits." Emmett nodded his head towards a girl who was passing their table with a tray of drinks and a low cut top. "Now those," Emmett said, not bothering to disguise his leer, "are tits."

"Oh my god I hate you."

"You love me. Now you sit here and guard the table while I go up and buy two more of their cheapest drinks before happy hour ends. It's the least we can do after eating them out of peanuts."

"If you go by the bathrooms, pick up some more toilet paper," Bella called to his retreating back.

.

.

.

Bella had some difficulty finding the place. She hadn't been to Mercer Island before, although she'd heard enough about it. That it was one of Seattle's wealthiest suburbs was evident from the moment Bella turned off the Interstate 90 Express and by the time she found the street she was looking for - right on the Lake Washington waterfront - she was starting to feel a little awed.

Most of the houses were set back from the street, hidden from pedestrian view by high fences and hedges. In between, Bella caught glimpses of Lake Washington, a glittering grey, and the Seattle skyline beyond. Most of the properties on the water side of the street were older, more established, however there were some scattered newer builds on the other side of the street.

The Cullens' house, upon first glance as Bella pulled her car up in front of the property, appeared to be the latter. It was stone and weatherboard, with a sweeping driveway that wound past a pillared entryway and ended with a three car garage. However as Bella walked up the driveway, past the manicured front lawn, she began to suspect the it was newer than the style led it to believe.

There was a sleek, cherry red Audi convertible parked in front of the garage, and Bella glanced at it enviously before congratulating herself on deciding to park her car on the street, hidden from view by a thick line of trees. While the house seemed almost demure in comparison to its neighbours, only two storeys and seeming without any sort of fussiness or displays of unnecessary architectural fancy, there was no doubting that its owners had money. And plenty of it.

The entryway was paved with flagstones, the front door simple and white, with a crescent moon window above it and two mirrored glass windows flanking it. There was no knocker, so Bella rapped on it with her fist, only afterwards spying the old fashioned door bell on the stonework beside the door. It was a quaint sort of touch on the otherwise relatively featureless front façade, and the novelty of it made Bella's fingers itch to ring it.

She was denied this pleasure by the sound of footsteps from within, the sharp telltale click of heels upon wood, and then the door was opened by a tall, very thin, very well made up woman that Bella knew straight away was Tanya Denali. Her first impression was that she was very attractive, with creamy, unblemished skin, pale blue eyes, and strawberry blonde hair that was tucked into a perfect chignon. Her outfit, a seemingly casual jeans and sweater, was on closer inspection very obviously designer, and likely cost more than Bella's college tuition. Bella immediately wished she'd paid more attention when dressing that morning, and was suddenly ashamed of her ponytail and two-swipes-of-mascara which was the grand total of her beauty regime.

When Tanya spoke her voice was slightly high pitched, the tone quite formal. "You must be Isabella," she said. "Please come in." She stepped back, and Bella could see past her, into a large entrance hall with wood floors so darkly stained they looked almost black. A double staircase curved to a second floor mezzanine level. The walls were painted a soft grey with white waist high wainscoting, the many prints adorning them framed in black or white. It was all very tasteful, but at the same time almost sterile. The only furniture in the foyer area was an occasional table, which held an odd arrangement of branches and greens that was almost as high as Bella was tall.

"It's nice to meet you," Bella said politely, stepping inside and offering her hand. "And you can call me Bella."

Tanya touched her hand only briefly, it was about as cool as her voice. "I'm Tanya Denali," she said. "Thank you for coming."

"Oh, it's my pleasure," Bella said, with a warm smile, which was not returned.

"Can I offer you a refreshment?" Tanya asked. "A drink, perhaps a coffee?"

"Oh, no thanks. I'm great, thanks."

"Well then," Tanya, her voice somewhat clipped. "Follow me. We'll talk in the living room."

Past the curved staircase the foyer opened up to a wide, airy hallway. The dark floor and grey walls flowed through the house; they passed a number of well presented rooms that Bella got only a glimpse into, before reaching the room that opened up at the end of the hall. Clearly it was a living room that didn't have that much living done in it - everything was immaculate. This was not the sort of room that you sprawled on the couch with your feet up, eating a pint of ice cream. Built in bookshelves lined the far wall, surrounding a gas fireplace set in polished concrete, and were filled with object d'art and what looked like professionally taken family photographs. French doors opened onto a patio, overlooking lush green lawns rolling down to the river. Bella could see a private dock with a decent sized boat moored off it. A little closer to the house was a gazebo surrounded by weeping willow trees, and off to the side one of those pools that had been designed to look like it was a natural part of the landscape. From here it was evident that the house and gardens were far grander than she'd originally thought. Not ostentatious, but undoubtedly more impressive.

Somewhat overwhelmed, Bella focussed on the shelves, noticing the photographs. They were mainly of an incredibly handsome couple - Bella recognised Tanya and guessed the dark haired man with her was Edward Cullen - and a young child at various ages. In a few of the photos they were also accompanied by a very pretty but unsmiling dark haired girl, probably about twelve or thirteen. In an elaborate frame in the centre of the shelves was a large portrait of Tanya in a long white dress, holding a girl of about three, who had red lips, green eyes, and strawberry blonde curls.

"This must be your daughter," Bella said. "She's adorable. You know I used to have hair that same colour when I was her age. It started turning dark when I was about four. You'd never guess to look at me now."

Tanya smiled coolly. "Yes," she said. "That's our daughter, Elizabeth." she hesitated, then said, "And we have another daughter. Mary-Alice. My husband's from a previous marriage. However she is, at fourteen, fairly self-sufficient. So, if you were to be successful for this position, your primary concern would be Elizabeth."

"Oh, okay. I guess I understand," Bella said with a smile, reading behind Tanya's words. "At fourteen I would have been pretty indignant about needing a nanny, too."

"Yes, well. If you would like to take a seat, I'm sure you can also understand that I have a number of questions for the applicants."

Feeling as though she'd been chastised, Bella sat promptly on the sofa that Tanya had indicated to, while Tanya herself lowered herself into a wingback chair opposite her. It was grey and white striped silk, and matched the color of the walls in a way Bella would have marvelled at if she wasn't suddenly feeling so intimidated.

"I normally hire through an agency," Tanya said, smoothing the creases in her jeans as she crossed one thin leg over the other. "As there is a certain amount of screening that an agency will do to narrow down unsuitable applicants. However, my husband claims you came highly recommended." She smiled very tightly then, as though she did not trust her husband's judgement. Bella shifted a little uncomfortably, Tanya was doing nothing at all to make her feel at ease.

"Well," she said, "I hope you'll find me suitable. I'm very interested in the position."

Another tight smile, then Tanya said, "and why is that?"

"Sorry?"

"Why are you interested in the position?"

"Oh! Um, well - it seems to me like a very exciting opportunity, and -"

"Have you been employed as a nanny previously?"

Bella was a little put off by Tanya's formality, by her cool voice and the slightly detached expression on her face. She got the impression that Tanya did not care for her; and was suddenly nervous. "Uh, well I worked overseas as a nanny. As an Au Pair for a family in Surrey, in the United Kingdom -"

"And who were the family?"

"Uh, I provided a reference letter and contact details for them in my resume - Caroline and Mark Bowen. They had two school aged daughters, and one son who was five. Alistair. I mainly cared for him. He was very musically gifted, and it was a really interesting experience working with such an exceedingly talented child -"

"You were a live in nanny?" Tanya interrupted her again. She raised one thin eyebrow. "From what I hear, Au Pairs in England are often just glorified maids."

Bella stiffened a little. "The Bowens had other hired help," she said. "I was there purely to care for the children."

"We have a cleaner here," Tanya said. "She comes four times a week. We've had problems in the past with nannies who have believed the other help were here to help them. This is certainly not the case, and I expect the person I employ to understand this."

Bella wasn't sure how to take this. She felt like she was being accused of something, but wasn't sure what. "I understand," was all she said, with a slightly forced smile.

"I require everyone I employ to have First Aid qualifications."

"Oh, I do a CPR renewal and first aid refresher course annually," Bella assured her. "My father is a police officer back in Forks, my hometown. He made me start doing the courses when I was thirteen, he was adamant that it is every citizen's responsibility to know how to perform first aid. I also had to get an official certification before I became an Au Pair. Oh, and I noticed you have a pool - I worked as a life saver at the pool back home from when I was fifteen to when I was eighteen, so you wouldn't need to worry about Elizabeth around water if I was here."

"Being that it is the middle of winter, I should hope my daughter would not be in the pool in the first place."

"Yes, well, that too," Bella mumbled, feeling more and more incompetent as the interview went on.

"Do you know any other languages, Isabella?" Tanya asked.

"I know a little French, and some Italian," Bella said, trying not to sound thrown by the unexpected question. "I travelled with the Bowens to both France and Italy whilst I was employed with them, and learnt some then."

"But you are not fluent? You have not studied any other language?"

"A little Spanish in high school," Bella said. "But apart from that, no, not really."

"And you've left college before completing your degree?"

"No," Bella said quickly, "I'm just taking some time away. I'm studying Marine Biology, but I want some time to decide whether science is the field I really want to pursue a career in -"

"You don't wish to pursue a career in child care?"

"No," Bella replied, then immediately regretted her honesty. "Um," she fumbled, "I mean, I love kids. I enjoy working with them, and I recognise the importance of the role, particularly when it comes to early learning and development. But, um, it's not my ideal career."

"So tell me then, why are you applying for this position?"

"Because I'm looking for work," she said bluntly, realising there was no point in inventing fancy excuses now. "And this was suggested. Because I enjoy working with children, and I'm good at it, and think it would be a more productive year away from studying working as a nanny than stacking shelves at a grocery store."

Tanya was silent for a moment, and Bella wished she could take it all back.

"I don't wish for my daughter's care to be so disruptive," Tanya said, after a pause. "We've already had three other nannies come and go. Thankfully my daughter is very adaptable. However I do wish to see the situation become more settled. Something long term. I believe it is what is best for my daughter."

"I understand," Bella said, a little stiffly. She wasn't so much disappointed as embarrassed. She'd been so sure she would be a shoo-in for the position, but here it was, not only clear that she wasn't suitable, but just as clear that Tanya did not like her at all. She couldn't help being a little offended, after all what had she done wrong, apart from not being a fit professionally? Besides, she'd gotten the impression that Tanya had pre-judged her, before she'd even met her, and how fair was that? She'd never actually given her an opportunity to prove herself.

Tanya uncrossed her legs, and Bella prepared to stand, expecting to be shown out. But at that moment there were the sound of footsteps from the hallway, and a moment later an attractive older woman stepped into the room with a little girl on her hip, who with her strawberry curls and green eyes could only be Elizabeth.

"Oh, I'm sorry dear," the older woman addressed Tanya, "I hope I'm not interrupting, I didn't know you had guests. I'm just dropping the little one off, I've got to head off to my book club. But we've had a lovely day, haven't we my sweet?"

"Saw the ducks, Mama," the little girl crowed, "and had sammiches!"

The older woman turned her attention towards Bella. "Hello," she said. "I'm Esme Cullen. I don't believe we've met?"

"Oh, no, we haven't," Bella said quickly, getting to her feet. "I'm Bella."

"Isabella was here to see me about the nanny position," Tanya said, also getting to her feet. "I didn't realise how time had gotten away from me. Thank you very much for bringing her back, Esme." Tanya reached for her daughter, who Esme passed over with a kiss to the top of her head. "Oh, aren't you just filthy," Tanya said, tugging at her daughter's dress, which - as far as Bella could see - was pristine. "Right, we'll have to get you straight into a bath, you know your Daddy likes to see you all clean and pretty when he comes home."

Elizabeth had spied Bella, and was staring at her with round eyes over her mother's shoulder. Bella smiled widely at her, and gave her a small wave.

"Hello," Elizabeth said, very clearly. "What's your name?"

"Hi, I'm Bella," Bella replied. "And I already know who you are, you're Elizabeth, aren't you?"

"Yes," the little girl replied, with a slight lisp. "I'm three and a half." She held up three fingers carefully. "That's this many. How many are you?"

"I'm twenty-two," Bella replied. "That's more fingers than I have. But if you put all of my fingers together with all of your fingers, and then two of your toes - that's how many I am."

"Wow," Elizabeth said, her eyes growing rounder. "You're nearly as many as my Mommy!"

Bella glanced at Tanya quickly, estimating the other woman to be no more than twenty six or twenty seven. She was smiling tightly at her daughter's words, with no real hint of amusement on her face.

Esme's smile was more genuine. "Well," she said, "If we're revealing our ages then I believe that's my cue to leave. I've been telling the ladies in my bridge club that I'm still fifty for nearly ten years now, I can't have the truth getting out."

"Yes, well I'll need to get Elizabeth upstairs and into a bath." Tanya turned to Bella, her expression still tight and cool. "Thank you for coming today, Isabella. I will be in contact once I have spoken with my husband. If you'd like to follow me, I will show you out."

"Oh, there's no need for that," Esme said. "I'm heading out that way, Bella you can follow me."

"Thank you, Esme," Tanya said, and without another glance at Bella she headed into the hallway.

"Bye, Bella!" Elizabeth called from over her mother's shoulder.

"See you, Elizabeth. It was nice to meet you."

Bella quickly gathered her handbag, which she'd settled down at her feet, and when she looked up again Tanya and Elizabeth were gone and Esme was watching her. "She's a sweet girl," the other woman said, and for a moment Bella wasn't sure whether she meant her daughter in law or her granddaughter. "And I wish I could see more of her. We have her Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the moment. And her other grandparents have her on Wednesdays. She doesn't seem to mind being shuffled about, though. She's such a friendly little soul. But it would be nice to see some consistency."

She headed out into the hallway, and Bella followed. She noticed the artwork on the walls this time, and even recognised a few pieces from the Art History course she'd taken as a freshman. It would have been pretty amazing to work in a place like this, she thought, not without a hint of regret. The Bowen's had been wealthy, too - Caroline's father was a Lord - but their home had felt much more lived in. Nothing like this. From what Bella had seen, this place was more like a show piece than a house.

"Now, Alice, however," Esme said, as they reached the double front doors, "she doesn't care much for upheaval at all. She likes her routines, that one, I guess they make her feel safe and secure, and with everything she's gone through that is to be expected. I don't suppose you met Alice today?"

"Uh, no," Bella said, not entirely sure how to tell this woman that her appearance had aborted what had been a fairly disastrous interview, as far as interviews went.

"Well, I expect you'll meet her soon enough," Esme continued, stepping back so Bella could pass through the doorway first. "It's a difficult age she's at. And she's always was such an independent young thing. She has a real sense of individualism, that girl. I don't know where she gets it from. Maybe from her poor mother, bless her. She, too was so very strong willed. Yes, indeed she was. Anyway, it was lovely meeting you and I'm sure we'll run into each other again very soon. You have a lovely day, Bella."

"You too, Mrs Cullen."

Bella headed down the path towards the gates as the older woman slid into the driver's seat of a sleek black Mercedes, thinking that it was highly doubtful she would see any of these people again.