Breaking Mr. Hart

Chapter 1: “Penelope Hart”

I heard the door banging but I couldn't move, I didn't know what to do. He was finished with her and he was coming for me, I didn't want him to get me, I shrunk further into the wardrobe, peeking from the gap.

Uncle Bradford was drunk again and this time it was worse than the last, “I am counting till three and if you don't open this door, I'm breaking it down,” he boomed and I whimpered, clutching my skirt tightly.

The door swung off the hinges and he laughed, “Now you have nowhere to hide. I'm not here to play games with you girl, come on out,” he said, looking around the room.

I knew I was getting him angrier by the moment but I didn't want to be beaten up like how he beat up his wife, “There you are,” he chuckled sinisterly, his beady eyes gleaming in the dim lights as he opened the doors of the wardrobe, “I told you I wasn't here to play games,” he said, anger written all over his face.

Grabbing me by my neck, he lifted me from my hiding space and as I opened my mouth to scream, a loud slap landed on my face, I screamed, choking from his hold on my neck, but the hits kept on coming, I tried to beg but I couldn't, I could feel my vision getting blurry, and the metallic taste of blood in my mouth. He threw me on the floor forcefully and unbuckled his belt. I tried to scurry away from him but he caught me by my hair and pulled me back. I let out a shrill scream as the belt came down on my skin-

I gasped as I awoke from yet another dream. The dreams were becoming more frequent by the day. I looked out the window and saw that it wasn't yet morning. I picked up my phone from the nightstand to confirm the time: 3:45. I groaned as I made my way out the door and to the bathroom. After I washed my face, I looked at myself in the mirror, and I noticed my red eyes. I was glad I didn't scream today, I thought, rolling my eyes and making my way back to my room.

I had an interview today for a new job. The family I had been working with for the past year moved to France and couldn't take Me with them. Luckily, Rose, the sweet soul she is, referred me to another family.

As I sat on my bed, I recalled how I secured the interview. If it wasn't for my best friend, Bryan, I wouldn't have had the balls to make the call.

"Hey, good lookin'," he said, leaning in for a quick hug. "What brings you here?"

"Just wanted to say hi and grab a bite to eat," I replied, smiling widely at him.

We chatted about our day as he took a seat across from me. Despite the hustle and bustle of the diner, it felt like we were in our own little world, catching up and enjoying each other's company.

"So," he started, taking another bite of my food. I swatted his hand away and he stuck his tongue out at me.

"Child," I said, rolling my eyes.

"So, have you called Penelope?" He asked. I cleared my throat, avoiding his eyes.

"Elly, what are you waiting for?" He asked.

"I don't know. I'm just not ready," I said, taking a sip of my milkshake.

"Or you're scared," he said, giving me a deadpan look.

"Scared of what? Don't be ridiculous," I said, laughing lightly.

"I know you, Elly. If you weren't, you would have called her already. You're afraid she won't give you the job, aren't you?" He asked and I scoffed.

"Then prove it," he said, leaning forward and crossing his arms.

"Prove what?" I asked.

"That you're not scared. Call her right now," he said.

"Well, my phone, it's almost dead," I said, hoping to get myself out of the situation. I looked up and saw his phone in front of my eyes. "Use mine," he said, nodding his head for me to take it.

"Thanks," I faked a smile and took the phone from his hands. I dialled the number on the paper. After three rings, the person picked up.

"Penelope Hart. How may I help you?" She said, her voice laced with authority.

"Hello?" She said impatiently. I must have zoned out. I cleared my throat. "Hello, I'm Eleanor Smith," I started.

"How may I help you?" She repeated.

"Well, Rose Hutchins asked me to call you. She said you needed a nanny?" I said, trying to sound as confident as I could when in reality, I felt so intimidated.

"You're the girl that helps with her children?" She asked.

"Yes, I am. I mean, I was because they are moving away, and that was too much information," I said, rambling, and Bryan opposite me facepalmed.

"Send me your address. Tomorrow, a driver will come to pick you up for the interview at noon. Is that okay with you?" She asked.

"Yes, it is. I am grateful for this opportunity, ma'am," I said, and she hung up.

"Well?" Bryan asked as I picked up my phone and texted my address to her.

"I secured an interview," I said, and he gasped. I raised a brow. "Why's that so shocking?"

"Because with the way you were talking nonstop, I wonder why," he said, and I rolled my eyes.

"She asked me to send her my address so a driver will pick me up for the interview. She sounds like she's even richer than the Hutchins," I said.

"The richer they are, the more you get paid, and the faster we can move out of Inwood," he said.

"Yes, thank you for using me for my money," I joked, laughing.

"I have to get back to work," he said, standing up. "See you at home."

When I got home that day, I immediately started researching common interview questions for nanny positions. I wanted to make sure I was well-prepared for whatever Penelope Hart could throw at me. I also took the time to review my resume and gather my thoughts on why I was the best candidate for the job. As I went through this process, I felt a surge of determination and confidence building within me. I was ready to prove to Penelope Hart that I was the perfect fit for the position.

I finally got up from my bed and flat ironed my only interview attire. It was all I had that could make a good first impression, a white button up shirt and a suit skirt. As I got ready, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement.

I went to the kitchen and saw my breakfast on the counter. Bryan had already left for work so I had breakfast and then showered, trying my best to look as sophisticated as possible.

As the clock struck noon, I anxiously awaited the arrival of the driver. When the car pulled up in front of the apartment, I took a deep breath and stepped outside, ready to face whatever lay ahead. The drive to her residence was filled with anticipation, and as we approached the grand estate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

As I stepped out of the car, I straightened my outfit and walked towards the entrance, ready to showcase my skills. I knocked on the door and a slightly older woman opened it.

“Welcome to Hart residence, dear,” she said, her Spanish accent lacing every word she uttered. As I entered the house, I was greeted by an air of elegance and sophistication. Despite my nerves, I reminded myself to stay composed and confident.

“Hi, I'm Eleanor Smith. I'm here for Mrs. Hart,” I said.

“I'm aware, dear. Miss Hart is expecting you in the library,” she said, smiling. “Please follow me.”

Miss? I thought to myself, was she divorced? The woman knocked on the door and she was answered by a curt, “come in.”

“Miss Hart, your visitor is here,” she said and then mouthed "good luck" to me before walking out of the library and shutting the door quietly behind her.

“Sit, Miss Smith,” she said, pointing to the chair across from her.

“Good afternoon, ma'am,” I said as I sat down.

“Let's get into it. I know you are qualified to be a nanny because Rose's children were always at the top of their game, and Rose herself had more time for herself when you started working for them. But I'm sure you’ve noticed that we have a different lifestyle from the Hutchins. Convince me that you can make it work.”

"Absolutely, Miss Hart," I began, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. "I understand that every family has its own unique dynamics and needs. While the Hutchins and the Harts may have different lifestyles, my adaptability and dedication remain constant. I have experience catering to various family structures and preferences, and I am confident in my ability to seamlessly integrate into your household."

She nodded thoughtfully, her expression giving away little of her thoughts. "I appreciate your perspective, Miss Smith. However, I must inform you that our expectations regarding discipline, education, and extracurricular activities are quite rigorous. Are you prepared to uphold and contribute to these standards?"

I met her gaze with unwavering determination. "Absolutely, Miss Hart. I have a deep respect for the importance of maintaining structure and academic excellence in a child's upbringing.”

“Will you be able to work as a live-in nanny?” she asked.

“Yes,” I answered and she nodded.

As the conversation progressed, I seized every opportunity to convey my genuine passion for childcare and my commitment to providing the best possible care for the Hart family and I made sure to address any concerns she raised with thoughtful responses.

After what felt like an eternity, her expression softened, and she offered a small smile. "Thank you for your time, Miss Smith. I must admit, I was hesitant about interviewing someone who wasn't from an agency. However, your confidence and experience have left a favourable impression on me. I will get back to you,”

Relief washed over me as I expressed my gratitude for the opportunity, and she smiled, going back to whatever it was she was busy with before the meeting started.

As I walked out of the grand residence, I couldn't help but feel a surge of optimism, I couldn't wait to tell Bryan everything that had happened.

The driver came back around to pick me up and we headed back to my apartment. I felt a sense of pride in how I had presented myself, and I hoped that I had left a lasting impression on Penelope. As the driver navigated back to my neighbourhood, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the future.

Arriving back home, I eagerly shared the details of the interview with Bryan, recounting the questions I had been asked and the rapport I had established with her. Bryan was super happy and proud of me.

In the days that followed, I continued to wait anxiously for a response. Each passing day felt like a million years, and I found myself constantly checking my phone for any updates. Despite the uncertainty, I held onto the hope that I would receive positive news.

Finally, one afternoon about two weeks later, as I was going about my daily routine, my phone rang. With bated breath, I answered the call, “Hello?”

"Am I speaking to Miss Smith?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

CHAPTER 2: “Striking Green Eyes”

As I carefully folded the last of my clothes and placed them into the cardboard box, Bryan playfully tugged at my ponytail once more. Startled, I turned to face him. He was sitting on the edge of my bed, his expression clouded with a pout.

"It's hard to believe you're really leaving," he murmured, his frown deepening.

"I know, but it's not like I planned to stay with you forever," I replied, tossing my hairbrush into the bag.

"It just feels so sudden," Bryan lamented, stomping his foot like a child. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"I promise I'll come back to visit, Bry," I assured him, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.

"And you'll call me whenever you need something, right?" he asked, seeking reassurance. I nodded in response.

"I'll call you every day. I can't have my bestie worrying about me," I vowed, and he nodded in agreement. "How about we spend the rest of the day together?" I suggested, and a wi