Chapter 5 MY LITTLE FRIEND

Chapter 5

Isla POV

"Are you suggesting I'm suited for a babysitting position? I'm afraid that's not a viable option for me, Sophy. I have higher aspirations and won't settle for anything less. I declared, my voice rising with emphasis, my words tumbling out in a passionate surge."

"'I've tried my best, girlfriend,' Sophy said. I quickly applied to an NGO that specializes in job vacancies, and your name has been sent to the resident's mansion, so find a taxi and get yourself there.' She commanded her voice firm but encouraging.

I stood frozen, gazing out at the road with a mix of regret and anxiety. 'I just don't want to go back to being a full-time stripper,' I muttered, my face contorting in distaste at the painful memory."

As I stood there, frozen in uncertainty, Sophy's words echoed in my mind. She had always been my rock, my confidante, and my partner in crime. But now, she's trying to make me feel like I'm not serious about getting a job.

The news came devastatingly, and I was unapprehended that I would have to walk on the road like a semi-ghost; that's another thing I will keep in mind while walking mindlessly. The phone rang again, piercing through my thoughts. With a weak and emboldened heart, I slid my fingers into the purse, and without checking the caller, I picked up, waiting patiently for the person to speak up.

"Good day, ma'am," the woman said cheerfully. "Welcome to Nannies for Super Kids. I see your name was submitted this morning for a job opening." She giggled, a high-pitched sound reminiscent of a Barbie doll. "Sorry, I talk a lot," she said, her voice softening.

"I've noticed," I replied, my tone neutral and bordering on cold.

"I'm interested in the salary range for this position," I said, my voice laced with sarcasm and a hint of disdain. "I'm not looking to settle for anything less than what I'm worth."

"It's $300 a month," she said, her voice low and hesitant. "But there's a catch."

My eyes widened, anticipating the problem. "What is it?"

"You'll need to stay on-site...until the weekend," she whispered as if sharing a secret.

My voice rose in disbelief. "What? Stay until the weekend? Am I supposed to watch them sleep? What kind of nanny job is this?"

My mind raced, weighing the pros and cons. $300 was a significant amount, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. And then there was the fact that I couldn't resist the faster pay that stripping offered.

"I'll think about it," I said, trying to sound noncommittal.

"Okay, ma'am, I understand," she replied. "I'll wait to hear from you. But let me warn you: this opportunity won't be available for long. We need someone ASAP."

"I appreciate your honesty," I said, my tone firm. "But I'm not ready to accept the offer just yet. I need to consider my options."

"Very well," she said, her voice slightly disappointed. "I'll await your call. But do keep in mind that we're looking for someone who fits our specific needs. If you're not ready to commit, perhaps we'll need to look elsewhere."

With that, she ended the call, leaving me feeling both relieved and uncertain about what lay ahead.

As I walked away from the fuel station, the lucrative pay lingered in my mind, taunting me. But my thoughts were soon interrupted by a faint, sobbing sound coming from a nearby alley. I followed the sound and found a little preschooler, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Hey there, what's wrong?" I asked softly, kneeling down beside her. "Having a tough day at school?"

The little girl sniffled and looked up at me with tear-stained cheeks. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and gently guided her to a nearby bench, where we sat down together.

"It's okay, sweetie," I said, trying to comfort her. "Whatever it is, it'll be alright. You can tell me all about it."

"My daddy failed to pick me up today at school, and... and... I'm so tired of standing outside the school gate all alone," she stammered, her voice cracking as she burst into tears.

I pulled her into a warm hug, feeling her small body tremble with sobs. "Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. That must have been really scary and sad for you."

As she cried, I stroked her hair and held her close, trying to offer some comfort. "But you're safe now. I'm here with you, and I won't leave you alone, okay?"

Gradually, her sobs subsided, and she looked up at me with big, tear-filled eyes. "Really?" she whispered.

I smiled and nodded. "Really, what's your name, little princess?" I asked softly.

"My name is Ally," she replied softly, her eyes still watery from crying.

"Wow, nice name you've got there, Ally!" I said it with a warm smile. "So, Ally, would you mind if I got you something to eat? You must be starving after standing outside the school gate for so long."

She nodded eagerly, her eyes lighting up at the mention of food. I could tell she was really hungry. "What would you like, Ally? A sandwich, some fruit, or maybe some ice cream?"

Her face brightened even more at the options, and she smiled for the first time since we met. "Ice cream!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

I hastily rushed down to a nearby ice cream store, purchased two cones, and returned to Ally. "Here you go, kiddo! I got you vanilla and chocolate since I wasn't sure which one you'd like better."

Just as I handed her the ice cream, a black Toyota Innova Hycross pulled up beside us. "My daddy!" Ally exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.

My phone rang simultaneously, and I groaned as I saw Sophy's name on the screen. I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "Ally, I have to go now, sweetie. It was nice meeting you, and I'm glad I could help out a bit."

I gave her a quick hug and a smile before rushing off to meet Sophy.