Nanny
By Storylady35
Chapter 1Entrasea was a bustling metropolis now, though that was probably thanks to the 300 years of dreamers and thinkers, the best of the best, the most intelligent of the human species. Once a castle rested upon the crest of a hill, overlooking a vast sea, now replaced by sky-scrapers that touched the sky, blocks upon blocks of apartments and small, family run businesses. Entrasea was known for its architecture which was proudly displayed by the three public parks, the museum, several schools full of gifted individuals, high-tech factories that created little pollution, and hotels that full of pleased tourists and happy business men. Some might call Entrasea a utopia, though that might not be an entirely true.
Like any destination, it had its poor, its rich and those who sat in the middle. Towards the higher part of this middle class, was the Vanea family. The eldest was Sesshomaru Vanea who worked as one of the lead architects of a popular yet small hotel designing company called 'Hotel Sketch Designs'. He had been happily married to his wife, Shannon, for over four years and three years pervious, they had a son, Andrew. Together, they lived near the central part of the city in a large impressive apartment with a lush interior and its own small balcony garden.
Besides her occasional charity work, Shannon remained home, keeping the apartment tidy and looking after Andrew while Sesshomaru was at work. They would often go out as a family to local plays and shows, enjoying the culture of city and the range of dinners and balls to attend.
If asked they would consider themselves fortunate and happy in their lives, living not in luxury but stable and comfortable.
Andrew's fourth birthday had been quickly approaching, and birthday supplies were in order. Sesshomaru was busy with work, leaving it up to Shannon to grab the supplies. She was happy to do this though, never thinking of it as a chore. Her little boy was her world, so was the rest of his family as well. She had grabbed the candles, blue because at the time, that was Andrew's favourite colour, ordered the cake and the balloons, and paid for the supplies, a giddy smile on her face lovely face. She'd stepped out into the night air, shivering and pulling her jacket tight across her. She'd thrown the supplies in the back seat and got into the driver's seat, excited to get home and hear the happy chatter of Andrew fill her ear. However, fate would not let this be. The road was icy, leaving Shannon's car in a tangled, smoking mass with another car, and leaving the woman herself, brain-dead, sleeping in a hospital bed, never to hear her boy's voice again. And as she never heard her son's voice again, unbeknownst to her, her husband cried, mourning the fact he would never hold her tightly against him during cold, winter nights. So Sesshomaru was able to sit by her bedside, holding her hand as his wife left him forever.
The father took it remarkably hard, locking himself away from the world, moving his work from the office to his own private study, refusing to come out. If he needed anything, he had it delivered to him and never left his apartment.
Andrew also changed in the time after his mother's death. He was taken out of pre-school and stayed at home with his father.
For three months the Vanea were gone from the sights of everyone, even the closest friends were pushed away and told to leave them alone. Sesshomaru's boss became so concerned about his top designer that he deliberately held onto a vital piece of work so to force Sesshomaru to come into the office.
It was late in the day when Sesshomaru entered the office and looked down on his seated boss. "What is so important that you could not send it by post?"
His boss looked over at him. Sesshomaru Vanea was a very striking young man, late in his 20s by age with a prominent face, elegant and defined. Part of his impressive appearance was due to the fact he was one of only a handful who suffered from a rare genetic condition called Agtran syndrome which gave him a dark unearthly golden colouring to his eyes. In rarer cases, Agtran caused a silver tint to the hair.
Sesshomaru had this form of Agtran and hence, had a regal appearance that would often make people stop in the street. While most people with Agtran syndrome would dye their hair or wear contact lenses to hide their forms, Sesshomaru Vanea did not. He held himself proudly with what he was.
Normally his pride and unusual physical appearance was matched by the wardrobe he wore; pressed shirt, dry cleaned suit and polished shoes. But today, he looked a wreck. His shirt was crumpled, his suit had stains and his shoes looked as if they had waded through seven miles of mud, not to mention to bags under his eyes and the messy state of his long hair.
"Sesshomaru." His boss said after a while. "You look like shit."
"I could say the same to you." The young man said in return, hardly skipping a beat.
"It's been three months man. Shannon would kick your ass to the moon if she saw you like this." He leant forwards a little, trying to look kind and compassionate. "You need help."
"I am already seeing a councillor once a week. I'm dealing with this in my own way."
"And what about Andrew? I heard that he hasn't spoken since the service."
Irritation crossed over the golden eyes, annoyed that someone was clearly talking behind his back and that his boss had found out. "We're dealing with it." Sesshomaru informed his boss as he shifted uncomfortably where he remained standing.
The older man across from him didn't appear to believe him or he was unpleased by the answer. "Sesshomaru, will you at least take my advice and consider hiring some help?"
"What kind of 'help'?"
Rummaging in the draw of his desk, the manager searched for a few minutes before pulling out a small white business card and held it out to his underling who in turn took it and looked over the front. "EBC Nannies?"
"Entrasea's Best Caring Nannies." The other man informed as he looked at the card. "I hired one of their staff a few years ago while Tina and I were going through a rough patch. They are professional and very hard working. All of them have to go through an extensive training course before they even make contact with the customer." He paused, watching the neutral expression on the silver haired man. "Just… promise me you will at least look into it?"
Sesshomaru didn't appear impressed by the card but pocketed it anyway. "I'll have a look." He agreed. "Now, the papers?"
A little reluctant that their conversation closed so quickly, Sesshomaru's boss handed over the documentation and the pair parted. Afterwards, a dark blue Mercedes-Benzes saloon left the company car park, driving across town to a large, multi-storey apartment complex.
Papers under arm, Sesshomaru left his car and went through the decorated in a light, modern, fashion reception, checking his post box before riding the lift up to the fourth floor. Taking the third door on the floor, he unlocked the door and entered.
"I'm home." He said out of habit. For a moment, he paused, stuck halfway between the corridor and his home.
Three months ago he would have been greeted by the call of 'daddy' and a hug while his wife kissed his cheek and asked how his day had been.
Now only silence greeted him.
Realising nothing was going to happen, Sesshomaru closed the door and sighed, removing his jacket and dropping it with his papers and briefcase by a nearby bucket chair. Pouring himself a drink, he slowly walked through the large apartment to a door with brightly coloured wooden letters that read 'Andrew'.
Without even knocking, he entered the room and looked around. Sunlight was streaming in from a window across from the door while a simple, single bed made of wood stood to the right, a chest at its feet. There was a bookshelf on the other side, hidden from the sun's rays to protect the books and another wall covered with several shelves that held boxes full of toys. In the middle of the room, sat on the carpet with his back to the door, was a young boy with dark, sandy brown hair in a blue t-shirt and jeans, playing wearily with two plastic dinosaurs.
His father slowly walked across the room so he was before the boy, looking down on him.
"Andrew." He said softly.
The boy didn't even look up, he just continued making the T-Rex eat the stegosaurus.
For a moment the two just remained where they were, the only sounds being the ice in Sesshomaru's glass and the scraping of plastic on plastic. After half a minute, Sesshomaru turned and left the room, never speaking or making another sound.
As the door closed with a click, Andrew slowly lowered his toys and looked over at the door, his bright, gilded eyes, glowing in the sunlight.
Outside the room, the older man leant on the door and looked over at a small half table where an empty vase stood and a silver picture frame resided. The image was of the three of them, his wife standing out above all else, her long golden blonde hair framing her face and neck like a gem, her eyes bright blue and her body perfect in every aspect. Beside her, he stood, dressed for the family photo shoot with a smile on his own face while their son stood between them.
Thinking of those times, Sesshomaru pressed his hand deep into his pocket while taking a drink of scotch but then slowly pulled his hand out, holding the small white card he had tossed aside, not thinking much of at the time at the time.
"EBC Nannies?" He read again before checking the office opening hours and the current time. Slowly he looked over his apartment, listing in his mind what had changed and what he had time to do. The maid he hired only came in once a week and with a five year old, even a silent one, the mess was too much for one man to handle.
Still contemplating the option, he took another drink and headed for his office, closing the door behind him and turning on the light. It was dark windowless room with two enormous bookshelves, both filled to the brim with books, documents and small scale models. A small sofa sat on the other side of the room with a lamp looking over it while a blanket sat on the cushions.
Round the corner from the sofa was his main desk, tucked away in the darkest part of the room. On his right was a cork notice board filled with pieces of paper while on the left was a framed picture and matching certificate from when he won 'best young designer'. The desk was a large mess of papers, computer devices and pens, scribbled ideas and notes surrounding him in a form of organised chaos.
Sitting in his chair, Sesshomaru looked at the card again, thinking hard. Finally he picked up the phone and dialled the number.
"Good afternoon, EBC Nannies, Karla speaking, how can I help?"
Sesshomaru took a deep breath and another swig of his drink before putting it down. "Good afternoon." He said formally. "I am ringing to enquire about hiring a nanny for my five year old son."
"Of course sir. We have a range of staff available at the moment for employment." The receptionist said over the sound of fingers tapping away at computer keys. "May I ask how many hours you would be requiring the nanny for?"
"How many can she do?"
"We can offer anything from 7 hours a week to a near 24 hour service. I should add, that would be a 'live in' nanny and you would be expected to provide accommodation either near or in your home."
Thinking over his needs, Sesshomaru nodded to the empty room. "I would probably require the 24 hour service and, I have a spare bedroom."
"Of course sir, I'll add that to your requirements. Is there anything else I should be aware of?"
He leant forward and took another drink, steadying himself. "There is. I lost my wife three months ago and since then my son has refused to speak to anyone. I've taken him to specialists but there has been no sign of change or improvement. If, and I mean if, I decide to hire one of your staff, then they would have to be aware of his condition."
The line paused before a small sigh made it crackle. "That… does make things a little complicated sir. However, we do have one on our team who has past experience with children in difficult emotional states. She's very well trained and is willing to do 24 hour service however does request one day off every other week."
"That sounds reasonable. How much would it be?"
The keys at the other end worked furiously for a moment. "150 sir."
"A day?"
"A week sir."
"That's remarkably low for what you are offering. Are you certain it's by week?"
"We do deduct a large percentage for 'live in' service, to cover any expenses such as water, electricity and food."
Sesshomaru gave an understanding sound. "That would make sense. When can this woman start?"
"I can arrange a meeting with her for any time in the next week sir. If she meets your approval, we can enter into the interview and trial phase within a month."
"You mean it would be a month before she begins work?" Perhaps it would be better to find a different company. He couldn't wait a month for a simple nanny.
"I'm afraid so sir. There is a lot of paperwork involved and interviewing stages to go through to see if she is compatible to your needs."
Hoop jumping was not something Sesshomaru enjoyed. Holding the phone receiver tightly, he took a deep breath. "Look, whatever legal proceedings have to be observed, I can understand and accept. However, I am certain they can be conducted while she is in my employment. As for an interview stage, if she is the only member of your staff that meets my requirements then I have no need for an interview. Now, when can she start?"
Silence followed. "Umm…" the woman came back after a moment. "Sunday?"
A/N: So here it is, finally, the InuYasha Nanny Story! TBH, I'm thinking about putting this up for adoption so give me a PM if interested.
Don't forget to review!
