Chapter 3:
Like Flowers
I let out a long held in breath, Finally, it's done... I leaned against the kitchen's island and dropped my head. I finally finished the stew and I was beyond relieved.
It was hot in the kitchen, much hotter than the other rooms and I was sure Jake had something to do with it. I'd heard him leave the lounge a few times and each time he did I busied myself with something else so he wouldn't bother me.
It's not like I had issues with him, I just wasn't sure how to go about anything. He didn't seem very friendly or talkative. At one point he did peek around the corner at me. I bit my lip and pretended to be looking through a cook book. I saw him raise a brow and he mumbled something, and then walked away.
When he returned he had a sweater on. Shortly after that, he left out again and came back with just a white t-shirt. And shortly after that - I was sweaty and overheated.
He probably mumbled about it being cold - duh Sherry... I sighed to myself. I'll pay more attention next time, instead of being so awkward.
Turning the stove fire down to a very, very low temperature, I stopped stirring the stew and placed the lid on the pot. It was finished but I wanted to keep it warm until serving time. I glanced at the clock nearby, 16:56 [4:56pm]. I'm really early with dinner. I fanned myself and sighed. I should really go freshen up before Marlowe wakes up. Maybe after I'm cleaned up and get Marlowe, I could start making him those cookies.
I smiled and checked the stove fire once more. I removed my hair net and apron and then walked towards my room, just down the hall. On the way there, I noticed Jake was missing from the lounge, odd - I could've sworn he went in there. I shrugged it off and continued on my way.
After freshening up, I returned to the kitchen once again for another check. All was well, and the clock now read 17:31 [5:31pm]. I did spend quite some time in the bathroom. I couldn't help it. It was amazing.
It was a big room with ceramic tiled floors of light brown - square in pattern. The walls were mostly of brick, except for one area that was drywall and reminded me of desert sand. There was a small box shaped fireplace in this part of the wall - unlit at the time. The whole room had an earthly feel to it, relaxing too.
The sink was the first thing to be seen when one entered, a marble counter, large round mirror with three lights along the top to provide lighting in that section. In the center of the room was a sauna chair with soft cushioning, it was directly across from the fireplace - but not too close for safety reasons I'd imagine. A large marble bathtub was against the far wall in there, kitty-cornered. There was also a set of glass doors with shower heads were on the inside [the shower for sure] with embroidered shower curtains for privacy [the shower was before the tub, however it was against the wall opposite to the sink].
Directly opposite to the tub was the small sauna room made entirely of wood. If one wanted to jump to and fro from the bath to the sauna it would be very simple. As for the toilet, it had its own separate area with a sliding door for entry and exit - this was located through a little passageway between the tub and shower but before the toilet, there were hooks along the walls in the passage that held thin robes for the sauna room.
I was ready to pamper myself in there but I remember Mr. Wesker's demands and chose to put it off for another time.
I made my way up the spiral stairs and traveled quietly down the hallway. I peeked into Marlowe's room and noticed he was still hard asleep. Sighing, I turned to leave only to hear him groan. I opened the door all the way when he sat up and yawned. After stretching his little arms and little, he blinked at me through the dark and his eyes widened.
"Ghost!"
"...What?" before he could start screaming, I ran over and put my hand over his mouth, 'shh'ing him and trying to calm him. "Mar, it's me! Sherry! Your Nanny Bear!"
It took him a minute. I waited patiently and let out a sigh of relief when he hugged me.
"I thought I was dreaming..."
"Hm?" I asked, sitting on the bed beside him, ruffling his hair. "About ghosts?" I giggled a little.
"No..." his face was unreadable, I was amazed a child could look like that. "I thought I dreamed you were my nanny..." I smiled sweetly and then I reached for him and pulled him against me. "I thought I was gonna wake up and you were gone."
"I'm right here, Mar. Don't worry alright?" I gave him a squeeze and he responded to me with a smile. I released him and stood up going for the light switch. "One moment, let me turn some lights on up here - it's way too dark."
The light in his room flickered on and we both flinched adjusting our eyes to it. I stood there and waited for him to climb out of bed. He walked up to me and looked me over, very strangely.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"You're not wearing your footies but I have to?" he stomped his foot. "That's not fair!" he put much emphasis in his statement.
I giggled at him and leaned down to his level. "You really want me to, or would you rather I feed you first - and then go put on my pajamas?"
"If I gotta look like a bear, so do you." he was firm with his words - reminded me of Mr. Wesker there. A cute, chubby looking Mr. Wesker.
In cute fuzzy footie pajamas.
"So, I have to change first?"
"Yep."
I sighed. "Alright, come on," I took his tiny hand in my own and we exited the room, turning the light off as we did. "I'll go get changed and then we'll both settle down for dinner. Sound okay with you?"
We started down the stairs and I had to carry him down them. He whispered into my ear about how he wanted peanut butter cookies still. I laughed and promised him that I'd make them while he ate so he could watch. He was overjoyed as I let him down once we reached my bedroom.
"Huh, I just noticed something." I spoke aloud to him as he peeked out one of my windows. "My room is directly beneath yours." he wasn't listening, he was too busy dancing around in the reflection, which made me laugh. "So I can hear you moving around upstairs I guess."
"You promised you'd put on your footies-"
"I can't change with you in here." I teased. "I'm a girl and you're a boy, remember?"
He turned around and his face turned red as a tomato. I couldn't help but burst into a fit of laughter. I surely didn't expect him to come hit me on my thighs though.
"Don't laugh at me!" he hit me again.
I recognized 'problem behavior' [as Claire had told me] instantly. "No Mar, hitting isn't nice." I told him and placed my hands on my hips to show my seriousness. "Hitting hurts people, you understand? Your daddy or big brother never told you it isn't nice to hit girls?"
"Jake did," he answered. He looked up at me with his big blue eyes shining. "He says girls are like flowers so they need water and sunlight ... and something..." he hugged my legs tightly together and I almost fell had I not gripped the door beside me, it started to swing from my weight.
Jake... says things that sweet? Awww, that's adorable! I had quite a hard time imagining Jake saying something bordering so closely on romantic. It just seemed so... unlikely.
"Hugs are like sunlight," Marlowe started to sing cutely. "... and nice things are like water for girls." he backed away and blushed looking to his feet. "You're really pretty Nanny Bear."
Sunlight is warm and embracing, like a warm hug and what girl doesn't love to be showered with compliments? Just like flowers love being watered and rained on - it makes us happy and feel good. I blushed a bit. Jake really put thought into that.
I looked down at Marlowe's cheery face. How nice of him to share something so sweet with Mar like that.
Marlowe made a face at me, waiting for my response, which made me grin and giggle again, I crouched down to look him in the face. "Thank you for the compliment - I guess that's your way of apologizing too?"
He nodded and started to fiddle with the zipper to his footies. "This... tickles." I helped him loosen it and he relaxed. "I won't hit you no more Nanny Bear, I promise."
I smiled warmly to him and kissed his forehead, a thought came to my mind. "Can you remember what your brother says is the other thing girls need?"
He pouted and folded his arms across his chest. "No..." he whined and I felt bad. He seemed to get frustrated very easily.
"It's okay, I forget things too. Like I forgot to get into my footies - but your memory is very good because you reminded me of that."
He grinned. "I did, didn't I?!" we laughed for a moment, then he scrunched up his face. "It started with a 'F'..."
I blinked, thinking... It's not flowers, fun maybe - no it's gotta be related to flowers...
"It sounded like 'fart'." He laughed and poked my nose.
I scrunched up my face. Fart? Wow, I forgot how silly kids were. Argh, so, let's see flowers need sunlight, water and ... fertilizer? "Is it fertilizer?"
He beamed. "That's the one!"
"Yay! We figured it out!"
"Yep!" he raised his chin proudly.
"So, wanna tell me what the fertilizer for girls is?"
In an instant, he got close to my face and I was stunned for a moment when he kissed my cheek. I blushed and he grinned again, running to the other side of my room - to the other window. "Um... thanks sweetheart but... why?"
"Cuz kisses are like fartilizer!" he snorted and started dancing again.
Fertilizer gives flowers the nutrients to grow - it's a little extra bit to make us gush. People lay fertilizer down for flowers, just like kisses are laid upon one's cheek... a symbol of love and adoration - so in other words... I smiled. "Kisses give girls the love we need to grow."
"Yep."
"I guess a combination of all three is what makes us blossom, right?"
"I guess..." he shrugged.
I was never kissed by my parents, nor did I get hugs from them - compliments were out of the question. I grew into a flower because of the hugs, kisses and praise I received from Claire and Leon. Before they were around, I was not a seed - no I had raised myself up from the root somehow. But as time went on, I'd became a wilting flower bud stuck in a shady plain, slowly wasting away and I felt worthless.
Jake was right, I was like a flower: I needed water, sunlight and fertilizer to grow. I smiled, feeling unstoppable suddenly. I wanted to thank Jake - but that would seem weird, so I would keep it to myself for the time being. One day I would tell him my gratitude, but I would do it when I was ready and the time was right.
In the meantime, I have a little bugger to get after...
Marlowe had begun to run around my room dancing and doing all kinds of stunts. I grabbed him into my arms and picked him up.
"Okay, I'm gonna change into my bear suit too, meanwhile, do you think you could sit patiently outside the door? I mean, no wondering off okay?"
He nodded with his eyes firmly on me. "I promise." I sat him down and he went into the hall outside. He stood against the wall with his chin held high.
I closed the door just enough so there was a small crack for me to listen out for him. I started to undress, Jake's words to Marlowe were still in my head. As I slipped on my pair of footie pajamas, I smiled to myself. I actually felt like I could maybe talk to Jake. Just maybe.
Right when I finished, Marlowe peeked inside. "You look like a bear too!" he cheered. I laughed, I was sure I did. My footies were light blue with pink hearts everywhere on it - even the zipper was pink and the hook was a heart.
"Come on Mar, let's go eat." I glanced at my bedroom clock, 18:00 [6:00pm] exactly. He nodded and we both headed to the kitchen.
I was relieved that Marlowe enjoyed the stew. He fussed a bit because of the veggies but I promised him if he ate it I would give him an extra cookie before bedtime. He took taste of the stew and couldn't get enough, he even asked if he could have some of mine. He wiggled around in his specially made high chair and ate very well - veggies and all.
I finished before he did and while he ate, I had succeeded in making his cookies from scratch in nearly no time - thanks to the lovely cook books provided by Mr. Wesker. I'd just finished putting the peanut butter cookies into the oven when I heard the lounge door open and in popped Jake. He had a towel around his neck as sweat made his white t-shirt cling to his toned and muscular chest.
I blushed, speechless.
He gave me a quick look over and I suddenly felt self-conscious. I was wearing footie pajamas - and he's seen me. Now I knew how Marlowe felt exactly.
I looked him over too, but only briefly because he raised a brow to me and I nearly fainted. Wow he looks... really good. I blushed and ran to the sink, ripping off the hairnet and apron, from my hair and body. Keep calm Sherry... Keep calm.
"Hi Jake," after a few moments, I finally turned around greeted him with a smile. "I wanted to tell you about dinner but I couldn't find you - are you hungry?" I was doing really well keeping myself under control.
"I was in the basement." he said with a shrug, he breezed past me to the pot of stew and I smelled his spicy cologne.
I'm gonna melt. Pull it together girl - calm the freak down!
"Hi Jake!" Marlowe called from his high chair in the dining area.
"Hey little guy, you alright?"
Marlowe nodded aggressively - looking adorable as ever. "Yep, waiting on my cookies!"
"Is that right?"
"Yep!"
Jake laughed a bit and I liked the sound of it. "This smells good - what is it?" He asked me, his voice was quieter as he spoke to me.
I turned back to the sink and began to run cold water, pretending to be washing my hands. Anything to cool down - but he's so - "It's a stew." I answered. "I made it from beef, some carrots, and other veggies." I sighed relieved I was calming finally.
"Heh, hand me a bowl, would ya?" he gestured to me, he back was to me as he removed the lid off the top. "I'm starving and this smells damn good."
I opened the cabinet above my head and reached for a bowl. I saw a large one right in front and pulled it out, rinsed it under the sink water and gave it to him.
"There's a spoon right next to the fridge that you could use to fill your bowl." I said meekly, still hovering by the sink.
"I see it," he sat the bowl down and I looked at him - he was looking at me! With his brow raised... "Your hands are gonna be numb if you keep running them under that cold water like that ya know."
I turned the faucet off quickly. "O-Oh I know I just - I forgot - I kind of burned my hand when I..." I took a deep breath. "Touched i-inside of the oven - when I was putting the cookies in." Phew, nice cover Sherry Birkin!
He still stared at me. "Really? Let me see your hand."
Oh God Jake, back off would you?!
"It's fine, really! It's not badly burned or anything but I flinched - that's for sure." I sent him a fake smile. He held out his hand and I shook my head to decline him more forcefully than I wanted. "Please, don't worry about me - you go on and eat." I couldn't help my blush - at least he cared.
He shrugged. "Fine," I watched him through the corner of my eye as he filled his bowl and turned to leave for the lounge.
"Wait!" I called and he stopped to look at me over his shoulder. Wasn't he going to eat at the table? "Where are you going? The table's over there." I pointed to where Marlowe sat, looking just as confused as I was.
"I don't sit at the table, Nanny Lady." he said. "Way too busy to be sitting down right now."
"Busy with what?" I pushed.
"Stuff." he said simply and turned around to go for the doors.
"Jake, wait." I breathed, looking back at Marlowe. He looked... sad. "That's way too hot for you to carry around, please - just sit with your brother and eat..."
He frowned at me then but when I stiffened he sighed and shook his head at me. "I'm... busy, okay? I'll sit with him another day...jeez." with that, he left.
I walked over to Marlowe with a sigh. He looked completely broken. I sat down beside him on one of the table chairs. I smiled at him and all he did was fiddle with his spoon and empty bowl.
"Mar..." I said softly. "Are you alright Mar?" he shook his head. "I'm sorry sweetie, I guess you were really looking forward to your brother's company huh?"
He nodded. "Yeah..."
"Aww, well, there's always next time, right?"
"...Do they hate me...?"
My stomach twisted into a knot. "What? Who?"
"My daddy, Jake... everyone...?"
"No, that's not true." I said stiffly. He was always so cheerful - seeing him like this hurt - bad. "They don't hate you - it's just... it's not easy being an adult, Mar." I rubbed his sticky hands [from the stew] in my own. "We get a lot of extra things on our plate and sometimes we put our priorities in the wrong area."
"I don't think they love me." I felt speechless... "My real mommy loved me-"
Real... mommy?
"- but she gave me to daddy."
"Wait, Mar, what do you mean - your real mommy? Mrs. Wesker isn't your mother?"
He shook his head. "I tried to call her mommy, but Jake told me not to. He said I couldn't to talk to her because she's too sick." He pouted, "- and then he said that my dad was a jerk..." a tear ran down his cheek and I wiped it away with my thumb. "But - I liked her. She was nice. But my mommy was nice too... but I can't see my mommy and I can't see her either..."
I felt overcome with emotions, everything was flowing together - anger, misery, confusion - I had so many questions now. With Mar's words I was almost sure that he had to have been adopted.
If he's adopted - could that be why they won't get too close to him? I've heard of families where the adopted child is neglected - but he doesn't really seem neglected, just lonely.
But why would he be lonely? It seems like Jake spends time with him - especially with how fondly he speaks of the guy. But then again, Mr. Wesker did mention Jake's private life wasn't appropriate or something. Maybe that's why Mr. Wesker hired me...
But what's going on with Jake? He goes from fussing at his father for not praising Marlowe but then turns around and he doesn't want to sit with the kid, but he also talks to him, apparently enough to make Mar very, very fond of him. Maybe he really is just too busy at the moment - which is where I come in I suppose, to give Mar company when Jake is unable.
But, why be cruel enough to tell an adopted child not to call their adoptive mother, "Mommy"? And why can't he see her?
Perhaps Jake is trying to spare Mar the pain of loving her in the event that she passes away? That's understandable but just how sick is Mrs. Wesker? Wait a moment, Jake said Mr. Wesker doesn't visit her often - hmm, maybe it does have to do with her being ill - but Jake sees her so... what's going on?
More importantly, why would Mr. Wesker adopt a child when his wife is ill anyway? Unless she wasn't sick when Marlowe first arrived...
I sighed and gave Marlowe's hand a squeeze. "I'm sure your mommy loves you very much. She may come back pretty soon to see you. She's probably just trying to make some changes so that she can see you again." I imagined her being a single mother struggling to get by or something - since he didn't mention his real father. "As for Mrs. Wesker, I'm sure she misses you too, but you have you understand, when people get sick, you can get sick too. Maybe that's why you can't see her..."
"But Jake does!" he fussed. "Why can't I?"
"Jake's a big boy. He's just trying to look out for his mother - and for you." he looked at me then. "Do you think he wants you and Mrs. Wesker sick at the same time? That would probably make him very sad..."
"Why can't I call her mommy?"
I sighed again and squeezed his hand once more. "Maybe because Jake's just jealous that he has to share his mommy now and knows you're so cute you'll steal her from him."
He laughed then and I felt much better. "You think that's why?"
"Could be," I kissed his cheek. "So, I think the cookies are done." I heard the oven beep, confirming it. "Why don't we eat our cookies and then we'll go upstairs and play for a while before bedtime? What do you say?"
"Yay!" he cheered, wiggling around in that high chair again.
I grinned at him. "Okay, let me get the cookies and some milk and we'll be fine!"
I stood up from the chair and walked to the kitchen. Grabbing some mitts, I removed the cookies from the oven and glanced around the area. It was in need of tidying up - that was for sure. I needed to make sure I cleaned it before Mr. Wesker arrived for his dinner [if he even showed up - it was 19:14 (7:14pm) at the time]. I didn't want to see him angry.
While I got some more bowls and grabbed a couple plastic cups to fill with milk, I kept running questions through my head. Like Jake and Wesker commenting on what the other should do more often, my whole being hired into the home, and many more. Mrs. Wesker was top on my mind.
I still hadn't gotten to meet her. After I'd finished eating and before starting the cookies, I was going to take a bowl of the stew up to her but Mrs. Chambers met me at the steps and insisted that she bring the bowl to her. I allowed her to because she was her caretaker.
But now things were really starting to bother me. Was it possible that not just Marlowe was being kept away from Mrs. Wesker? Maybe I was being kept away too - I mean, Mr. Wesker didn't take me to meet her but he did introduce me to Mrs. Chambers and Jake. Maybe it did have to do with her illness.
Or... maybe I should wait and see. If kept my cool and just did my job around here then maybe the answers would come to me. I would be patient and await my chance, even if what I learn may not be pleasant.
No matter what happened, I swore to myself I would protect Marlowe. I would give my all for the child. Even if it meant digging deeper into the lives of everyone in the Wesker House to protect him - I would do it.
My first day and I'm suddenly a detective... Wow.
My first week on the job went by pretty well. My second week, the fatigue was definitely starting to set in. This job was a hell of a lot harder than I imagined.
I cleaned, cooked - every day. I spent most of my time looking after Marlowe, teaching him French [as per Mr. Wesker's request], taking and picking him up from school, chasing down Jake because Mr. Wesker demanded he rake the leaves out of the front yard or do something else that wasn't in my domain, and then I would collapse the few minutes that would have to myself - onto my bed for a catnap.
Some habits never die hard.
Jake wasn't around much, like Mr. Wesker said he wouldn't be. Marlowe was becoming an even happier bunny, which was pleasing but stressful. Mr. Wesker was also barely home and I still had yet to meet Mrs. Wesker but I would, because I told myself that the next free moment that I had - when Mrs. Chambers wasn't at the manor, I would go to see Mrs. Wesker.
I was going to finally meet Stephanie Muller-Wesker.
The second week, on Thursday, after the circus event that is called getting Marlowe ready for Head Start was over, I made my way back to the house. I was exhausted. Marlowe had been excited all about Halloween coming up in the coming weeks and was ecstatic about going costume shopping.
I was responsible for this – I mentioned Treat or Treating and he'd been geeked since. What's more - he wanted me to dress up too. I told him I would help him out before Halloween, I promised. I was starting to regret it though - I needed a break. Badly...
Oh well, can't be helped. Besides, I'm sure it will please him greatly.
I walked into the house and shut the door behind me, locking it with the keys Mr. Wesker had given me the day after my first day. I called out that I was home and got no response. I was expecting to hear something from Mrs. Chambers but the house was silent.
Mr. Wesker worked at unexpected times, Jake had been in and out of the house but last time he was home was yesterday afternoon. He hadn't come back since and I wasn't really worried because he did leave a note for Marlowe that he would be home by around 15:00 [3:00pm] today so I assumed he was out taking care of something.
Now, the oddest thing about this was Mrs. Chamber's absence. She was usually here from dawn to sunset so for her to be missing was odd.
I walked to the kitchen and found the emergency numbers. Picking up the house phone, I dialed her number and waited patiently for her to answer.
"Hello?"
"Mrs. Chambers? It's the nanny, Sherry." I started, leaning against the kitchen sink.
"Oh, Miss Sherry - I am so sorry, I've... got a flat tire," she sighed. "Make that three flats..."
"Three flats?!" I asked incredulously. "How'd that happen?"
She groaned. "My husband and I went out for dinner last night and we ran over a pile of glass somehow - I tell you it's atrocious going out after 22:00 [10:00pm] any evening, the drunks start partying." she laughed. "I already told Albert but I'm sorry I forgot to give you a call."
"That's okay," I said. "I wasn't aware you had my number."
"Albert gave it to me, you know how organized he can be."
I laughed. "Yes, definitely. It's alright, I probably wouldn't have gotten your call anyway. I was so busy helping Mar last night and this morning that I never got to charge my cell and I wasn't here to answer the house phone."
"That will happen sometimes." she giggled. "You'll be okay there right? Stephanie's already aware I won't be coming until later and she's most likely going to sleep most of the day, or watch television - either way I wouldn't worry for her too much or bug her, she's probably not up for company today..."
"She doesn't need any medicine or anything?"
"All she may need is some lunch but she should be fine until Jake's home. Albert informed me that Jake has already taken her some food earlier today."
...Huh? "He did? When exactly?"
"Not sure but Albert says he did so if you didn't see him it must've been while you were out."
But...Jake's been gone since yesterday. He hasn't come home... unless he did while I was taking Mar to school. But that's weird, why write a note that you'll be gone overnight until the afternoon of today if you were going to come home and leave again?
Then again - this is Jake. He is in and out of the house all the time - and besides, the note was for Mar, not me.
"Okay Miss Sherry, I've got to go now - my tow truck is here. Yes, the flats are that bad." she giggled again.
"Well, alright." I said slowly, thinking a bit too much. "I'll give you a call if anything happens."
"Great, see you later!"
"Bye..."
As soon as I got off the phone with Mrs. Chambers, I stood there in the kitchen, conflicted.
Here it is Sherry, your big moment. This is your chance to go talk Mrs. Wesker. Maybe you can get some answers to your many questions.
I took a deep breath and exited the kitchen, came down the hallway and slowly climbed the spiral stairs. I could feel my heart thumping violently in my chest, I was excited but nervous. What if she really is too sick for company? If she was then why didn't Mrs. Chambers tell me that? Why did Jake tell Marlowe to steer clear of her?
It's time to get answers.
I raised my hand and knocked quietly on Mrs. Wesker's bedroom door.
I heard nothing for a moment so I knocked again, this time a bit louder but not too much.
Still quiet. I assumed she must have really been asleep and I turned to walk away.
"Come in..." a quiet but melodic voice stopped me dead in my tracks.
I peeked into the room slowly and was first met with the light from the window behind the bed right in front of me. I entered slowly, squinting my eyes from the morning sun rays and stepped into the room.
There was a silhouette sitting up on the bed, their back was against the headboard and a pillow. This person seemed to be shadowed by the suns beams. I could make out long auburn hair but besides that I could only see the sheets around their body and a matching dress.
I blinked my eyes and rubbed them a bit. Then the same voice from earlier sang to me. "May I help you?"
I looked up once more, my vision clearer now and saw the most angelic woman I've ever laid my eyes on. Her skin was pale, her narrowed eyes were the richest shade of hazel and she had long lashes, full lips, a well sculpted nose and her cheeks were high and pretty. She looked like a heavenly being.
I felt like a lowly peasant in the presence of a goddess. "U-Um, hi..." I cleared my throat. "I'm Sherry Birkin... the nanny."
She stared but said nothing, I continued with a shy smile. "I apologize, I've never been given a chance to introduce myself to you - but I've always wanted to. I've been working here for two week now and I cook and clean and - " I gasped. "N-Not like it's a problem! I-I love it here - I just - "
"Jake's told me about you, Miss Birkin." I paused and blushed. "So has Rebecca."
"Oh... um..."
"No need to be nervous." she said softly. "I'm happy to know that little Marlowe has a caretaker."
I blinked. "I work for all of you, ma'am." she cocked her head to the side at me, I assume out of curiosity. "Yes, I am Mar's nanny but I'm also the housekeeper. I cook, clean and try to assist wherever I can - because I was hired to do that... and I don't mind."
She smiled at me, looking even more ethereal. She... doesn't look sick at all... "Well, thank you - for the introduction and for helping my family. I apologize that I am unable to assist you as I am ill - but it seems you're doing fine."
I smiled gleefully. "Thank you, that means a lot." I stepped closer. "But, I'd like to get to know the head lady of the manor - Mrs. Wesker!" I was being awkward but I felt good because she smiled at me again, and even giggled a bit.
"You're quite charming, Miss Birkin."
I tied my hands behind my back and blushed once more. "Thanks, I'm really trying to do my best."
"From what I hear, you're doing fine." she said.
"Who says, ma'am?"
"Jake does," I blushed even redder. "He tells me about how well you treat Marlowe and how he likes your cooking. I have to say, I enjoy your food as well, Miss. You're a fine housekeeper."
"Wow," I was a bit breathless. "Thanks! That means a lot to me!"
"You're doing so fine that everyone's pleased with you. I also assume that's why my husband hasn't come to see me..."
My heart stopped. What did she say? "W-What?"
She looked away and began to fiddle with the sheets. "Then again, you're also quite pretty - I guess you're just his type, right?" she whispered sadly.
"Wait-" Is she accusing me of being Mr. Wesker's mistress?! I think I'm going to be sick... Images of my old nanny being fired by my mom flooded my mind.
"And you show yourself to me... trying to sweet maybe? You don't have to be..."
"Mrs. Wesker - "
"He probably didn't want me to know about you. It's just like when he brought Marlowe here... He didn't even ask me if I wanted another child. I try my hardest for this family and the only one who repays me is my son."
"Please... - "
"Look at me, wasting away in this room!" she spoke more hysterically now and I was worried that with whatever illness she had, maybe she would have some sort of problem. "While you frolic around my house - It's like I'm dying or dead already... I feel..."
Worthless... I stared at her, my mouth open wide. Déjà vu...
"Mrs. Wesker - "
"Get out."
"Wait - "
"Get out!"
I felt my heart sink into my stomach. She was assuming I was Mr. Wesker's fling on the side for some reason. That was so wrong. It was beyond wrong! Our relationship was purely professional. I took care of the house and Marlowe. Mr. Wesker always came home but never greeted me, just retired to his room and the only time I did hear from him was when he came for dinner - but even then, he took his food and left for his study.
My relationship was no different than his relationship with anyone else's in the manor - so why did she think this way? Because I'm the newbie I guess…
"I asked you to leave." she said firmly. "Now, go."
Jake says girls are like flowers... I suddenly heard Marlowe's words in my head. I looked around her room and noticed vases of wilting flowers in them, I was certain they were brought to her Jake. To show her some appreciation and love.
...they need water, sunlight...
Water... She needs water. I took a deep breath. "There's no way... that I could possibly replace an angelic lady like you, Mrs. Wesker..."
"...What?"
"I wish I were as lovely as you are." It's true, I do. I wish I had a glow like yours.
She was quiet, just staring at me, mouth slightly agape. I smiled. "Your glow is so bright that you've left an everlasting print on the men in this house - an imprint I can see even though I only communicate with just one - and he's barely a man - more like a teddy bear."
"What are you talking about?"
"Mrs. Wesker," I stepped closer and sat at the foot of her bed. "Please don't push me away. I'm not here to be your competition - I swear that to you, ma'am."
She listened to me, quietly with her lovely face full of emotion. "I took this job because a little boy latched onto me on a plane as I headed here for a new life and new opportunities. Through him - I found them. I found this job and your family, and I'm happy to even have this opportunity."
"You're lying to cover yourself." she spat.
"I assure you, I'm much too grateful for this job to even have the idea of something so immoral. I could never be with a married man – heck, I have terrible luck with men period." I giggled a little and watched her observe me.
"Why should I believe you?"
I remained calm. "When I was growing up, I had a nanny too. She was a lot older than me - heck even my parents. But my mother had her fired because she suspected her of trying to have an affair with my father."
"Was she?"
"No, but because she was fired - I lived my entire childhood lonely. I didn't have my parents attention, they barely spoke to me. They never praised me - just left me sheltered and alone - surrounded by darkness. Because of a false accusation, my nanny lost her job and I lost my only friend."
She blinked at me. "I'm... sorry to hear that," she frowned a bit. "But should you lose your job, Marlowe still has Jake - you know that right? He doesn't need you."
Actually, he does. "Of course," I nodded. " - but right now I was talking to you - about you and me."
"What?"
"I came here for opportunities - to get away from the darkness my parents kept me in. So, believe me when I say I ... know what it's like to feel like you're wasting away. I've felt that pain and the anguish that comes with it."
"What are you trying to say, Sherry Birkin?"
"You're not worthless."
She froze. "W-What?" You're not worthless because you mean a hell of a lot of worth to Jake. I glanced at all the flowers in the room. Jake was doing his best to care for her.
I thought of Marlowe. "You're irreplaceable, Mrs. Wesker. During the time that you took care of Marlowe, he's told me how nice you were."
I saw tears in her eyes. "Marlowe... talks about me?"
I nodded. "He's always wanted to call you mommy - he's also told me how badly he wants to see you. He really misses you."
"I'm not his mother if I can't care for him and ... I don't want him to see me like this. It would hurt him – I'm sure it would." So that's why Jake won't let Mar see her. She's asked him not to. She's also told him not to call her mother.
I smiled. "I understand – and if it helps - I think you look beautiful. Like a goddess."
She looked pleased as she looked at me. "Thanks... I don't get compliments often."
When Jake told Mar that Mr. Wesker was a jerk, he meant because he doesn't provide the affection needed for Mrs. Wesker. Judging from everything so far - I'll assume he's been treating her strangely ever since she's gotten ill.
Maybe he's the one who can't handle the idea of her passing away. Maybe he blames himself for adopting Mar – I mean, she got sick right afterwards so he might blame himself.
But she doesn't look sick.
"I don't get compliments often either." I admitted. "I've only recently been getting them from Marlowe - but that's because he's learned to be a gentleman – from Jake."
She laughed a little. "Shocking isn't it? My tough boy has a soft heart – but you didn't hear it from me, okay?"
"I hear you loud and clear!" we laughed together.
"...Thank you, Miss Sherry." she said, taking my hands in hers. They were soft and warm and I appreciated that she called me by my name. "I suppose... I'm not completely worthless."
"You're not worthless at all." I stated. "It's takes an amazing woman to do what you have. To have a son with morals, to adopt a little boy into your life and love him enough that he feels it and returns the feelings... You're fantastic and I'm honored to be in your presence."
She let a tear fall from her eye. "Thank you... how did Albert manage to find a little star like you? He's not the friendliest man."
"Try not friendly at all - considering Mar's how I got here. I guess he bugged him enough that he just gave in to get some peace!" we laughed again.
"So, Albert's not attracted to you?" she asked me suddenly and my stomach twisted.
"Gosh, no! It's almost like I'm not here when it comes to him!" I giggled. "Mar's the one attracted to me - he's just having trouble understanding I'm way too old for him."
She chuckled. "What about Jake? From the way he speaks of you I would've thought you were friends or something?"
"He talks about me that much?"
She smiled almost teasingly. "A little secret between you and me, he wishes you would talk to him more often." I blushed. "He says it's because you're close to his age - but I just know he thinks your cute - because you are."
"He... did call me a babe, but I thought he was teasing me." I whispered.
"He probably was considering he's prone to that. He likes to frustrate people." she sighed. "His issues with his father are what concern me most."
"What's going on with them?"
"Long story." she answered, then yawned softly. "I'm exhausted... but I haven't eaten today." my stomach twisted again. "Did you forget me, Sherry dear?"
"I-I, no Mrs. Wesker - "
"Stephanie's fine dear."
"Mrs. Stephanie," I said, insisting on being formal with her. "I..." I stopped.
So Mr. Wesker lied... she's hungry and he lied to Mrs. Chambers... Why?
"I could go make you something - it is closing in on lunch time." I glanced at my watch which read it was close to noon.
"That would be great. A turkey sandwich would really make me happy." she smiled.
I jumped up and gave her a bow. "As you command, ma'am!" she laughed at me as I jogged out of the room. "I'll be back in ten minutes - I promise!"
"Thank you, sweetheart!"
I was overjoyed. I finally met her and while things started off rough, they ended on a great note. I still had questions and concerns but they could wait.
Everything would come to me soon enough but for now I had to rejoice. I'd cheered her up and learned that Jake wanted to be friends. Funny, he could've told me - I probably would have fainted but he could have told me.
Mr. Wesker lied about Jake bringing Mrs. Stephanie food... why? I couldn't help but wonder just what was going on with him.
Maybe he just didn't want to trouble Mrs. Chambers…
Or maybe… he didn't care?
The next day rolled around and I was bushed. Marlowe had made a mess of the house with his toys and I had to clean up.
There were board games in the closet where my cleaning supplies were. So, while I was getting ready to run the floor vacuum, he yanked out the game MONOPOLY and accidently spilled all the game pieces everywhere. The kid then took all the money and raced through the house with it, dropping the paper everywhere as he pranced.
"Mar, get back here!" I cried as I chased him into the kitchen. "And stop running in here, it's not safe for you to!"
Just as I turned the corner, I came face to face with Mr. Wesker, holding a hilariously shocked Marlowe in his arms. How he caught him is beyond me – but I was grateful.
"Oh, thank you, Mr. Wesker," I breathed. "I'm sorry, sir. I was trying to vacuum but he started playing with these money papers and I had to chase him –"
"It's fine, Miss Birkin." he started. "I was just coming to get him."
My eyes widened. "What? How come, sir?"
"Marlowe," he sat the child down slowly and stared him in the face. "I need you to go upstairs. I will be up there shortly."
"Why?" Marlowe asked cutely, he looked at me and I knew he wanted me to come with him. "Is Nanny Bear coming too?"
Coming where?
"I'm afraid not, Marlowe." Mr. Wesker answered, standing up and shooing the child gently. "Go on now, I'll be up a moment."
"Okay…" Marlowe said and I stood silently as Mr. Wesker watched him around the corner, turning to me once he made it upstairs I assume.
"Miss Birkin,"
"Yes, sir?"
"I will be taking Marlowe with me over the weekend, business related and… to have some father and son time." I blinked. He wants to spend time with Mar?
"So, since Mrs. Chambers will be here to look after Stephanie and Jake will most likely disappear again, you are relieved of your duties for the weekend."
My jaw dropped. "Pardon?"
"You have two days off." my heart sang with joy. "Since you live here, I expect the house to still be cleaned of course – but you're free to do as you please for two days."
I almost squealed but kept my composure. I was grinning like a kid high off sugar though. "Oh – thanks so much! But, what about Marlowe? Is he going to be okay? I'm going to miss him…" He's taking my little boy. Aw, I'm going to miss him so much…
I pouted a bit and then smiled to him, trying to get a reaction other than robotic out of him. "Please be good to him – I know you will but he's going to be so excited to spend time with you again."
"Of course, he is a child after all." a simple, deadpanned answer.
What was I expecting? A joyful and hearty laugh?
"We will be leaving in an hour," I glanced at the kitchen clock. It was 20:53 [8:53pm]. "I've already packed his things – while you were helping him to bathe in the upstairs bathroom." he answered as if he could read my mind.
He was upstairs earlier? Now that I think about it, while I gave Mar his bath, I can remember hearing footsteps next door.
The upstairs bathroom was right next to Mar's room. It was smaller than the one next to my room but it had almost the same setup – the only difference was the lack of earth tones [it was black, green and white themed – gorgeous choice I must say] and there also was no sauna room or extra passage.
He turned to leave and then stopped. "Your check is on the counter, there." he gestured to the island counter and I nodded to him. "Feel free to go enjoy yourself – after you clean up the mess out here."
I smiled. "Yes sir – and thank you again." I blinked. "Um, what about if Jake comes home, I'm back on duty again, right?"
"Of course, whatever he says for you to do, you are to do." he breezed away, leaving me to stand there in the kitchen alone.
I've got 2 days off… I grabbed my check off the counter and gasped at the amount written. I must be dreaming – I must be dreaming! But I wasn't.
I had two days off!
And I just got paid – almost quadruple my pay when I was at the coffee shop!
But I would be alone here, in the house. There was so much I could do! I could try the sauna! I could abuse the lounge and watch my favorite movie – The Fast and the Furious! Finally, I had time to myself!
But I was going to miss my little Mar-Mar – even if I did need the break.
"I'd better go give my little angel a goodbye. Two days is a while to be away from a caretaker." I said to myself as I followed Mr. Wesker's trail.
It was a quarter to zero hour as I lay in my bed. I was watching SpongeBob SquarePants on the 26 inch TV screen that sat on a stand between my windows. I'd closed the curtains earlier so my room was nice and dark.
It was quiet. No one was home except Mrs. Stephanie and me. Jake had left earlier and I didn't know if he would be home or not. Instead of waiting up for him, I decided to say goodnight to Mrs. Stephanie and then drag myself to bed.
I missed Mar already. Watching SpongeBob made me think of his blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He was upset that couldn't come along but I told him I would be right here when he returned – and I would, because he was really making a special place in my heart and I would never leave him.
I turned over and reached for the remote on my nightstand. I was just about to turn the television off when my cell started to vibrate. I looked at the caller ID and wasn't surprised to see Claire's name. We talked every night to make sure one another were alright.
"Hey, Claire!" I greeted her, snuggling up in my covers.
"Sher! Hey girl!" she squealed and I laughed at her. "So… I got your text – you're sure you're off tomorrow?"
"Yep, I'm sure." I said.
"Great! Okay, can you come over tomorrow? I've got some exciting news!"
I sat up a bit. "What is it?"
"It's a surprise!" I laughed a bit. "But I will say that it involves a heck of a lot of fun."
"What type of fun?"
"Oh shoot, I'm terrible with this time of thing." she whined, most likely about to spoil the surprise. "Okay, okay, just go to sleep and I'll call you first thing in the morning – got it?"
Guess I was wrong about spoilers. "Got it."
She hung up after that and I lay in bed, a big grin on my face. I felt like I was on top of the world and was excited about this surprise she had for me.
I drifted off to sleep shortly after turning off the TV. My dreams were of Jake, bringing me flowers.
A/N: Okay, now things are REALLY about to get good folks. I'm talking drama, laughs and JakexSherry coming up fast (But not too fast because I don't want anything rushed between them). But next chapter is my favorite – well one of them.
So, how was the chapter? Long enough – too long? I hope it was good. I try to get a main point across with every chapter I make so that it makes sense and if I were to cut it off I'm afraid I will lose my train of thought. LOL
Well, please R&R. I like feedback and constructive criticism. It makes it easier to see where I mess up at, etc.
See ya in a bit. Next chapter will introduce a TON of more people and lots of excitement. Bye!
-Vio