The Mischievous children

Ashley shrieked as a plastic bird flew towards her; she stepped away just in time to avoid getting hit by it.

Her heart raced as she steadied her ragged breathing, while the siblings laughed.

Their laughter grew louder as they watched Ashley, still recovering from their prank.

She straightened her composure and moved closer to the kids, who stared at her. “Hey kiddos, my name is Ashley, I am your new nanny.”

They sighed and walked out on her, spilling the items in their backpacks on the floor as they went upstairs to their room.

Ashley's mouth hung open. She didn't know what made them behave the way they did. She felt shocked, but she knew work had started.

Kneeling to pick up the belongings, Ashley trailed the children to their room.

She punched in the password and finally entered their rooms. Ava and Aiden lay on their beds.

“Ava,” Ashley called as she sat on the bed with her. Ava's body stiffened before she faced Ashley with a deep frown.

“What do you want?” She asked, clearly irritated.

Taking a deep breath, Ashley beamed. "I only wished to say hi and be friends."

“We don't wish to know you,” Aiden uttered from his bunk.

The hostility in their voices shocked her . Yet, she smiled; she would still receive her pay.

“Well, I'm here to help you and be friends with you. I heard you both like chocolate-covered potato chips.” she chuckled. “I can make some for you, I also have an uncommon food combo.”

She was expecting them to laugh or smile at what she said, but they looked at her without interest.

“Alright, I will be downstairs if you change your mind or need anything,” Ashley said as she stood up.

She left their room and closed the door. She frowned. Didn't Owen call them seven-year-olds? She thought.

They acted just as cold as their father. She shook her head and headed back to the ground floor. As she sat down on the couch where the kids had played a prank on her, Maria walked by and smiled.

“Having a hard time?” she asked.

Ashley nodded. “I guess. Is it because it's their first time seeing me?” she wondered aloud.

Maria sat across from her. “Not really. They are a handful, even though it's not their fault.”

Maria had been working in Dalton's mansion for over five years since the kids were two years old. She had witnessed their distant behaviors toward their previous nannies.

“What do you mean?” Ashley raised a brow. The mansion held many secrets.

“Nothing, really. Just take it as a test, you seem calm and patient; they are nice kids if they warm up to you.” Maria stood up.

“Any tips on how to handle them?” Ashley asked. She needed to impress Owen and show she could do the job.

Maria smiled. “Patience. And do things that truly interest them. They are good kids, just…a bit troubled.”

Ashley nodded as she absorbed Maria’s advice. She felt determined to make them warm up to her.

Ashley spent the day dealing with the twins’ mischief. When they came to her room with puppy eyes, she thought she had made some progress.

She left to take her bath, and when she got back, they had left, but her belongings, which she had neatly arranged, were strewn on the bed.

She sighed. Well, she had to impress her crush and also secure her salary. She dressed up and put them to bed despite their indifferent faces as she told them a bedtime story.

She told them goodnight before going back to her room to clean the mess they had made. She collapsed on the bed.

She hadn't had the chance to call Jessica and ask her about her interview, so she decided to do it before she fell asleep.

Jessica picked on the first ring. “What's up, Jess? How did your interview go?” Ashley asked.

“It was great. They seemed satisfied with my performance. But fingers crossed; I might get some good news,” Jessica replied.

“I'm happy for you, Jess,” Ashley said, smiling. “You won't believe how much of a handful these kids are.”

“What happened?” Jessica asked.

“On our first meeting, they scared me with a toy bird, then faked puppy eyes just to get into my room and mess up my things,” Ashley explained.

Jessica laughed, “I could never cope with such behavior. You’re the most suitable for it. I'm sorry they stressed you, but I know you're amazing at taking care of kids. You will make it work.”

“Thank you, Jess! I will keep reminding myself of that,” Ashley said with a sigh.

“And what about your crush? Did you see his wife? Is she nice?” Jessica asked.

Ashley sat up. “No, I haven't. The mansion is full of secrets. A staff member told me earlier not to make the mistake of going to the third floor. I guess that's where Owen’s apartment is.”

Ashley continued, “There is no mention of the twins’ mother or any picture. If she were available, I would have heard it from the staff.”

Jessica cooed. “Aww, Ash! You have a greater chance with your crush if there is no wife in his house.”

Ashley smiled, “I have to get closer to the kids first. Moreover, I'm not even certain if he is unmarried. I'm sure he'll have a girlfriend even if he doesn't have a wife.”

Jessica laughed, and Ashley yawned. “Okay, okay, I will let you get some rest. Talk to you tomorrow.”

After switching off the bedside lamp, Ashley lay back on the bed and gazed up at the ceiling in relaxation. The day was tiring and stressful.

No wonder they gave her a book with all the kids’ preferences. She would surely make it a point to get them to open up to her and become friends.

Her mind lingered on the mystery of the twins’ mother. Where was she? Why hadn't she seen her yet?