Ive managed childrens parties at the restaurant, too. Im a very friendly person. I mean, I get along with others, and Im patient
Maureens lips tightened. What a pity your experience is not more recent. Also you dont have any formal certification in childcare. Most families require qualifications, or at the very least, more experience. It will be difficult to place you with so little.
Cassie stared at her despairingly. She had to do this, no matter what it took. The choice was clear. Get away or become trapped in a cycle of violence that she thought shed escaped forever by leaving home.
The bruises on her upper arm had taken a few days to bloom, darkly defined, so she could see each knuckle mark where hed hit her. Her boyfriend, Zane, whod promised on their second date that he loved her, and would protect her no matter what.
When the ugly marks had started to appear, shed remembered, with gooseflesh prickling her spine, that shed had almost identical bruises in the same place ten years ago. First it had been her arm. Then her neck, and finally her face. Also inflicted by a supposed protectorher father.
Hed started hitting her when she was twelve, after Jacqui, her older sister, had run away. Before that, Jacqui had borne the brunt of his anger. Her presence had protected Cassie from the worst.
The bruises from Zane were still there; it would take a while for them to fade. She was wearing long sleeves to hide them during the interview, and was overly warm in the stuffy office.
Is there anywhere else you could recommend? she asked Maureen. I know this is the best local agency, but would you be able to suggest an online site where I could possibly apply?
I cant recommend a website, Maureen said firmly. Too many candidates have had bad experiences. Some have ended up in a situation where their working hours werent adhered to, or they were expected to do menial cleaning jobs as well as mind the children. Thats unfair on everyone concerned. Ive also heard of au pairs being abused in other ways. So, no.
Pleaseis there anybody on your books who might consider me? Im a hard worker and willing to learn, I can easily fit in. Please give me a chance.
Maureen was silent for a moment, then tapped at her keyboard, frowning.
Your familyhow do they feel about you traveling for a year? Do you have a boyfriend, anyone youre leaving behind?
I broke up with my boyfriend recently. And Ive always been very independent, my family knows that.
Zane had cried and apologized after hed punched her arm, but she hadnt relented, thinking instead of her sisters warning, given long ago and proven true since then: No man ever hits a woman once.
Shed packed her bags and moved in with a friend. To avoid him, shed blocked his calls and changed the timing of her work shifts. She had hoped he would accept her decision and leave her alone, while knowing deep down that he would not. Breaking up should have been his idea, not hers. His ego would not allow for rejection.
Hed already been to the restaurant looking for her. The manager had told him she had taken two weeks leave and gone to Florida. That had bought her some time but she knew hed be counting the days. A week to go, and hed be hunting her again.
The US felt too small to escape him. She wanted an oceana big onebetween them. Because worst of all was the fear that she would weaken, forgive him, and allow him another chance.
Maureen finished checking the paperwork and went on to ask a few standard questions that Cassie found easier. Her hobbies, any chronic medications, dietary requirements or allergies.
I have no dietary requirements or allergies. And no health problems.
Cassie hoped her anxiety meds didnt count as chronic medication. It would be better not to mention them, she decided, as she was sure they would be a huge red flag.
Maureen scribbled a note on the file.
Then she asked, What would you do if the children in your care are naughty or disobedient? How would you handle it?
Cassie drew a deep breath.
Well, I dont think theres a one-size-fits-all answer. If a child is disobedient because shes running toward a dangerous road, it would require a different approach than if she doesnt want to eat her vegetables. In the first instance it would be safety first and getting the child out of harms way as quickly as possible. In the second I would reason and negotiatewhy dont you like them? Is it the look or the taste? Will you be willing to try a bite? After all, we all go through food phases and usually grow out of them.
Maureen seemed satisfied with that, but the next questions were more difficult.
What will you do if the children lie to you? For instance, if they tell you theyre allowed to do something that the parents have forbidden?
Id say that its not allowed, and tell them the reason why if I knew it. Id suggest we speak to the parents together and discuss the rule as a family, to help them understand why its important. Cassie felt as if she were walking a tightrope, hoping that her answers were acceptable.
How would you react, Cassie, if you witnessed a domestic fight? Living in a familys home, there will be times when people dont get along.
Cassie closed her eyes for a moment, pushing away the memories triggered by Maureens words. Screaming, smashing glass, the neighbors shouting angrily. A chair wedged under the rattling handle of her bedroom door, the only flimsy protection she could find.
But just as she was about to say shed lock herself and the kids in a secure room and call the police immediately, Cassie realized Maureen couldnt be referring to that kind of a fight. Why would she? She was obviously thinking of a spoken argument, a few words snapped in annoyance or shouted in anger; temporary friction rather than terminal destruction.
I would try to keep the children out of earshot, she said, choosing her words carefully. And I would respect the parents privacy and stay well away. After all, fights are part of life and an au pair has no right to take sides or become involved.
Now, finally, she earned a small smile.
A good answer, Maureen said. She checked her computer again and nodded, as if confirming a decision shed just made.
There is only one possibility here that I could offer you. A position with a French family, she said, and Cassies heart leaped, only to crash-land when Maureen added, Their last au pair left unexpectedly after a month, and theyve had difficulty finding a replacement.
Cassie bit her lip. Whether the au pair had resigned or been fired, she didnt knowbut she couldnt afford to have the same happen to her. With the agency fee and the airfare, shed be plowing all her savings into this venture. Whatever it took, she would have to make it work.
Maureen added, They are a wealthy family with a beautiful home. Not in town. Its a mansion in the countryside, on a large estate. Theres an orchard and a small vineyardnot commercialand also horses, although equestrian knowledge is not a job requirement. However, youll have the opportunity to learn to ride when youre there if you like.
Id love that, Cassie said. The appeal of the French countryside, and the promise of horses, made the risk seem more worthwhile. And a wealthy family surely meant better job security. Perhaps the last au pair hadnt been willing to try.
Maureen adjusted her glasses before jotting a note on Cassies form.
Now, I must emphasize that not all families are easy to work for. Some are very challenging and some are downright difficult. The success of the job will rest on your shoulders.