Chapter 7 BE MY DAUGHTER'S BABYSITTER

I stuttered and took a step back, feeling overwhelmed.

"Nora?" Mrs. Carter called, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Mrs... Mrs. Carter, I..." I fumbled, shaking my head and struggling to find the words. This whole situation was too surprising. Working in the Phoenix Mansion?

"I... I don't know. I can't," I said, dazed and still in disbelief.

"I heard they don't hire female workers in the Phoenix Mansion," I added.

"Oh, don't worry about that. As long as Madison likes you, everything will be fine. You're not a worker; you're family. Think of yourself as Maddy's older sister," she said, her eyes beaming at me.

"But... I... I heard--"

"Please, don't turn me down. Madison has always hated the babysitters I've hired for her, and it's a miracle she likes you. Please just help me out. I'm willing to pay anything." She pleaded.

I inhaled deeply and searched for Madison. She was smiling. Oh my God! Is this really happening? Am I actually going to work at her mansion?

How did this even come about?

Honestly, I was scared out of my mind. But when I looked at Mrs. Carter, I could see her desperation for a babysitter. And taking care of someone like Madison could be fun. Still, the anxiety gnawed at me. How could I do this?

"Nora," Mrs. Carter called, taking a step closer. "Please, dear, what do you think? Will you help me out? Just tell me what you want, and I promise I'll grant it."

Wait, did she just say she was willing to do anything I asked? What if...

"Ma'am," I said, trying to hold her gaze. "You said you'd do anything."

Mrs. Carter was the CEO of Phoenix Holdings, and Phoenix Records was one of her many domains. That connection could be my chance to get closer to what I really wanted.

I had seen it on the news recently; Phoenix Records was auditioning new trainees. It was every aspiring artist's dream to be part of their roster, and, from what I knew, nearly impossible for anyone without the right connections. Most of the spots had already been claimed, bought by influential families with the right money and influence. People like them, people like Dad, Mr. Harrison could do this for me, but he'd just spent a ton of money on my admission into Starlake High. I couldn't ask him for another favor. I just couldn't.

But Mrs. Carter-she wasn't like my father. If she wanted, she could make this happen for me too. It was too good to pass up.

My heart raced. Could this be the opportunity I'd been waiting for?

"Anything you want, Nora," she said.

"What is it?" She asked again, and I gulped nervously.

"Actually," I started, biting my lip, "I saw on the media recently that Phoenix Records is holding auditions for new trainees, and... I want to be part of it. I want to audition."

"You... you want to be part of the Phoenix Girls?" she asked, and I nodded, feeling bashful. A smile stretched across her face.

"Consider it done. You can start training as soon as possible," she replied, leaving me wide-eyed in disbelief.

Oh my God! Did she just agree to it?

This is really my chance to join the Phoenix Girls!

I clasped my mouth in shock, breathless.

"Please, Nora; I'm ready to do more if you agree to help me out," she said, reaching into her bag.

"Here's my card. I'll be waiting for your call," she told me, handing over her business card.

"I hope you think about it, Nora. Bye," she added, turning to leave.

"Bye, Nora," Madison waved as she followed Mrs. Carter out, accompanied by the two guards.

I sank to the floor, staring at the card, my mind racing. Everything had happened so quickly. I couldn't believe I had a chance to work in the Phoenix Mansion and possibly get signed with Phoenix Records if I passed the training.

Isn't this incredible?

I sat in silence for a while, processing it all. A part of me was terrified, but another part buzzed with excitement.

If this works out, it'll be such an honor to be close to the musicians. I'll see them every day and maybe even touch them! Oh my God! I'll get to be close to Zane! What?!

Nora, get your shit together! I think I'm ready. I want to work there. I want to go to the Phoenix Mansion.

But... oh my!

Dad must've already left for his business trip.

He would've been the only one to easily consent to this, and I'd want to talk to him in person about it. I can't imagine what his wife would say; she'd never want something this good for me.

Oh God! What should I do?

When I got home, a wave of despondency hit me. The thought of having to plead with "Mom" to let me start working at the Phoenix Mansion and train at Phoenix Records kept nagging at me. I was sure she'd never agree to it. She had always been hard on me, and now that Dad was out of the country, I felt completely lost.

This could be a chance to escape the torment of my dad's wife and kids and have a better life.

I stepped out of the car and walked toward the entrance of the house, feeling bitter.

My life was about to spiral into a living hell now that Dad was gone. His wife and kids would likely turn me into their personal servant again.

Oh God! What if I just ran away?

As I reached the door, I hesitated. I started imagining all the demands that awaited me.

"Nora, fix my nails...

Make me some tea...

I don't like this bagel...

Are you dumb? Wash them again...

Clean my room once more..."

I sighed, touching my forehead, feeling heat rise.

I placed my hand on the doorknob, about to turn it when I suddenly heard a masculine voice from inside.

Huh? Isn't that Dad's voice?

I quickly opened the door and rushed in, my eyes locking onto Dad's.

What? He's still here?

"Oh my God!"

"Nora, you're back!" he exclaimed as he rounded up his call. His wife and kids were also there.

"Dad, I... I thought you were leaving?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, dear. I still am. My flight just got delayed. But I'm about to leave now," he replied, and I gasped.

This is unbelievable!

I ran to him and hugged him immediately, overwhelmed by his presence.

He looked surprised but hugged me back.

"I had no idea we were shooting a movie," I heard Susan mutter, but I avoided looking at her.

"Is everything okay?" Dad asked when we broke the hug, and I smiled and nodded.

"I just... I have something important to tell you, Dad," I said, excitement bubbling inside.

MINUTES LATER

"What? That's nonsense. I don't like the idea. How do you expect her to work in the Phoenix Mansion?" Mom, Mrs. Harrison, said angrily as I rolled my luggage into the living room.

"I've told you, honey; she'll be fine. Mrs. Carter has promised to sign her with Phoenix Records, and that's a dream come true for Nora," Dad replied, smiling at me.

"But Dad..." Ivy chimed in. "How can we be sure she won't go out there and embarrass us?"

"Yeah. The Phoenix Boys are the richest celebrities in America. Why would she work at their house?" Susan added.

"By the way, Harrison, who's going to help with the household chores? You know she's been a big help around here," his wife added.

"I brought Nora here as my daughter, not a maid. We already have a maid in the house, and that should be enough for you," Dad replied before turning to me.

"Let's go," he said, and I nodded happily, ignoring the bitter looks from his wife and daughters.

Well, like I always said, with Dad by my side, I have nothing to fear.

When I told him about the offer, Dad was hesitant at first. I could see the surprise in his eyes. He knew I didn't lack money, so he was confused as to why I'd suddenly want to take on a babysitting job offer from Mrs. Carter.

But then I mentioned the most important part, the opportunity to be signed in as a trainee under Phoenix Records. "Mrs. Carter promised me, Dad," I said, trying to sound confident. "She said she'd sign me as a trainee, and this could be my big break."

His expression changed immediately. I could see the excitement in his eyes, and I knew he understood exactly what it meant to me. He had always known how much my passion for singing meant to me. It was everything. He nodded, his tone shifting. "If this is what you really want, then we'll make it happen."

Dad quickly picked up the phone and called Mrs. Carter. I couldn't hear much of their conversation, but I could tell from the way Dad's voice softened that Mrs. Carter was doing her best to convince him. A few moments later, he hung up and looked at me.

He gave me a reassuring smile. "If the job ever becomes too stressful, I want you to let me know immediately, alright? I'll step in and make sure you don't have to deal with anything that's too much for you."

Just as I was about to respond, Dad's phone rang again. It was Mrs. Carter.

".....Mr. Harrison. I wanted to update you. I have a business trip this evening. I'd be away for a month and I think it would be best if Nora moved in with us right away. It'll be easier for her to attend school without the stress of commuting."

Dad's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You want her to move in permanently? I thought the plan was just for her to come by occasionally to babysit your daughter?"

"That was the initial plan, yes," she chuckled lightly. "But with my schedule, I think it's the right move. Plus, I promise to take good care of her. She won't lack anything."

She continued, "I know how to make sure she feels at home. Think of it as an investment in her future, and a favor to Madison too."

Dad listened carefully, nodding as he processed everything. "Alright then," he said, looking at me with a smile.

They continued their conversation, light and friendly, talking about business. I could tell from the tone of Dad's voice that he was finally convinced. Mrs. Carter was someone he could trust. He knew I was in safe hands.

Dad and I stepped outside, noticing the car Mrs. Carter had sent to pick me up was already there.

"Be very careful, okay? Don't do anything to upset the people there. And avoid getting into trouble. Understand?" Dad instructed, standing beside my ride.

I smiled and embraced him.

"Thank you, Dad. I owe you so much," I said, and he kissed the top of my head.

"I gotta leave now. I'm already running late for my flight. I'll see you when I get back," he said, and we waved at each other as he headed to his car.

I stood watching as he got in and drove away.

"I love you, Dad. I wish you were really my dad," I whispered to myself.

I exhaled and climbed into my own car, the driver taking off immediately.

Woohoo! I can't believe I'm actually going to the Phoenix Mansion. This whole thing is overwhelming, but seriously, I'm actually going to be the only female there.

What will the Phoenix 4 think of me? Especially Zane. How will he react when he finds out a girl will be living close to him?

I heard he's always had reservations about having females around, a fact I'm still trying to understand. But how will he handle having me nearby?