Chapter 1
College comes with plenty of promises. You’ll hear the usual ones, like, “It’ll be the best time of your life!”—which, sure, sometimes it is. Then there’s the classic, “It’s way easier than high school!” which is just plain wrong. But the one warning that always rings true? “College will drain every last cent you have.”
Your own pockets were empty as proof. Switching majors halfway through hadn’t helped; it had meant extra years, extra tuition, and extra late nights just to make it work. With all the financial strain, your life at 24 now revolved around classes, a job you hated, a job you tolerated, and sleep when it fit in (which wasn’t often). Suffice it to say, that the 8 a.m. lecture you were currently sitting through wasn’t exactly receiving your full attention.
The dim lecture lights made it even more strenuous to keep your eyes open, and your professor’s monotone didn’t help. You enjoyed your degree, truly, but three hours of sleep made focusing a challenge. Last night’s shift at the bar had been especially rough; not only did three guys feel the need to test your tolerance for sleazy remarks, but thanks to your oh-so-considerate boss, you got off at 4 a.m. instead of 3. Real sweetheart, that one. Your attention was piqued when you finally heard the words "I'll see you all next week" leave your professor's mouth. Walking through the hallways and seeing people not look entirely drained at 10 am only reminded you of the fact that you needed to find a new job. You worked at a cafe on the mornings that you weren't at college, as well as the weekends, and this job you liked. You were appreciated and weren't hit on by 60-year-old men. What more could you ask for? But the bar job? Oh, you desperately wanted to be free from that.
As you sat down in your next class and tuned in to your lesson on Urban Planning and Design, your mind couldn't help but drift to your job situation. You had been meaning to search for a replacement job, but where in your life was there time for that? Your friend Kate had briefly mentioned a babysitting gig that she had been offered, but unlike you, she had finished her degree and didn't need to work day and night. Lucky bastard.
Babysitting had never even been something that you would have considered but after the horrific shifts you frequently endured at the bar, maybe looking after some 9 year olds wouldn't be too bad.
Once you left class, you pulled out your phone to text Kate, only to find that your best friend had beaten you to it.
Kate: Okay so i KNOW you weren't especially keen on the babysitting gig, but here's the number for the woman who offered it to me.
You smiled to yourself as you saved the contact she sent you, amazed at the girl's brilliant timing.
You: Kate Bishop you freak... i was just about to text you about this !!
Kate: HA i knew it... its such a good offer, steady hours and the money is crazy... like genuinely. oh and please quit your job at that hellhole or else I'll do it for you :)
So to recap, this job had steady hours, good money, and didn't involve insanely late nights where the smell of booze flooded your senses and hours of the same shitty music and creepy drunks. You were awake enough to know you'd be crazy not to take this offer.
You slipped your phone into the back pocket of your jeans, a surge of determination encompassing you as you walked out of the lecture hall. The idea of quitting had been brewing in the back of your mind for months, but Kate’s text, along with a glimmer of hope for a less draining job, had finally tipped you over the edge.
As you weaved through the crowded hallway, your thoughts drifted away from the new job itself and instead towards the freedom it might bring. You’d finally be able to sleep more than 4 hours, or study without feeling like your brain was fried, or even just… breathe.
Just as you reached the main doors, someone in front of you moved past a woman walking the other way, and in an instance, the pile of books and papers she was skillfully balancing fell to the floor, nestled amongst the feet of students and professors alike.
“Oh god, I’m so sorry!” she gasped, immediately kneeling to gather the fallen object. Without hesitation, you joined her, reaching for a few sheets that had fluttered in front of you.
“Here, let me help,” you said, flashing her a reassuring smile. “Some people are in such a rush that they forget that other people exist.”
She glanced up at you, offering a soft, grateful smile that caught you slightly off-guard. Her green eyes were striking, framed by soft waves of auburn hair that fell around her shoulders in a slightly haphazard but endearing way.
“Thank you, really,” she replied, her voice warm and genuine, with a slight, almost untraceable accent. “I should know better than to try carrying all of this at once.”
“It's truly not a problem. I’ve been here long enough to know the hazards of trying to perform a balancing act in the hallway,” you joked, gathering a few more scattered papers and noticing that more than a handful had titles in Cyrillic.
She gave a small, almost self-conscious laugh, nodding as she stacked a few books together. “I have yet to learn that lesson, apparently.”
As you handed over the last of her notes, she gave you a look of genuine appreciation, her gaze lingering on you for just a moment longer than expected. “Thank you, truly.”
“Anytime,” you said, dusting off your hands as you stood up. She rose too, still balancing the slightly precarious pile, but you couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly composed she seemed now that she’d regained control. There was something striking about her, a quiet kind of confidence that seemed more suited to an elegant old-world library than the chaotic hallways of campus.
With one last nod of thanks, she moved past you, gliding through the bustling hallway as if she hadn’t just been a part of the very chaos you’d both experienced. You watched her for a moment, curiosity piqued.
There was an ease about her that suggested she was no stranger to campus life, though she didn’t quite look like the professors you knew. She had a certain warmth and presence that seemed different, somehow—like she’d fit better in the pages of an old novel than in the cold halls of a university.
Even after that encounter, the prospect of a new job was still on your mind, so as you exited through the main doors, you decided to send a text to the contact Kate had shared. You introduced yourself and briefly touched on the fact that Kate referred you, before posing the question of if the job was still available. You didn't have much luck when it came to hearing back from jobs, and the rain dancing on your skin as you walked home only served as an emblem of your luck. Only a few minutes passed before you felt a vibration in your pocket, finding a message from the woman, Wanda Maximoff, when you unlocked your phone.
Wanda: Hi!! Thank you for reaching out, the position is still available and I'd love to discuss it with you. Are you available tomorrow? Or, on the off chance you don't have plans for tonight, I could see you today if that works?
The quick response was reassuring, and you almost wanted to laugh at how bizarrely good this offer seemed. Your shift at the bar tonight had been covered, thankfully, so your evening was actually completely free. Whilst you could have easily used tonight to study instead, you felt inclined to meet with this woman today, after all, you don't come by an opportunity like this every day. You quickly sent a text back, agreeing to meet her today, whenever she was free. Within minutes, she had confirmed your meeting and had established that you would come to her house when she came home from work at around 5.
Finally, it seemed as if things were going your way, and as you entered your and Kate's shared apartment a sense of excitement- and the foreign sensation of hope- encompassed you.
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5 pm rolled around faster than expected, anticipation practically oozing out of you. When you arrived at Wanda's sophisticated yet homely abode (after checking the address 50 times) you tried to ease the nerves that had snuck up on you. You knew this wasn't as serious as other interviews had been, but impressing a mother and convincing her to trust you with her kids? That's another challenge in itself. Wanda's house was... well, breathtaking. The Victorian home felt like something out of a novel. Ivy curled up the walls, the wide porch practically inviting her to stay awhile. You couldn’t help but feel…at home like you'd stepped into a place you'd always been searching for without even knowing. As you took in the well-maintained garden that had flowers blooming from every corner, you felt at ease and somewhat welcomed; the house's character had slightly soothed your nerves. As you rang the doorbell and feelings of excitement and anxiety surged, your mind was racing with questions about your potential employer. Would she be kind and soothing or a cold and strict mom? Was she the type to have a clear favourite or to love her twins equally? Whilst you were picturing what sort of person Wanda was, the door in front of you opened to a woman bearing a radiant smile, with auburn curls tied up loosely. It clicked immediately that this was the woman from the hallway earlier.
"Hi Ms Maximoff, I'm Y/N. It's a pleasure to meet you- well, officially at least," You introduced yourself, smiling back.
"Hello again, it's lovely to meet you too. Please, come in," She welcomes you, as you enter, taking your shoes off by the door.
The interior of her home was just as beautiful as the outside, with towering bookshelves adorning her burgundy walls, and where there weren't bookshelves, there were artworks, all matched perfectly with the character of the house. An inviting, overstuffed sofa, draped with a navy quilt, faced a low coffee table strewn with crayons, storybooks, and remnants of craft projects, evidence of her children's creative endeavours. In one corner stood an antique globe, its surface worn from years of study, while nearby, a large chalkboard covered in scribbled equations and colourful diagrams hinted at the academic mind at work. The room was bathed in warm light from a series of lamps, casting a gentle glow that made the space feel both vibrant and cozy as if it thrived on the laughter and energy of her family.
You could hear two voices coming from somewhere deeper in the house, talking about their fantasy world.
"Are the twins here?" You asked, curious as to whether you were meeting the boys today.
"They're just in their playroom, I thought I'd get to know you and then maybe you'd like to meet them," Wanda informs you as the two of you take a seat at her dining table.
Wanda turned to her, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, her smile warm, ‘I can’t tell you how much it means that you came on such short notice. It’s rare to find someone so willing to meet like this.’ Her voice was sincere, matching the gratitude in her eyes.
"Well, there's no time quite like the present and I figured you probably want to find someone as soon as possible to take care of your boys," You reply, accepting the glass of water that she casually places in front of you.
"It is really hard to take care of the boys and be a professor, so finding a babysitter has been my top priority recently. Surprisingly, babysitters are hard to come across, so I am extremely grateful that I could talk to you today," Wanda explains, as her fingers trace the rim of her glass, her gaze thoughtful, “So, what made you decide to take this babysitting job?”
The question caught you a little off guard. “Honestly? I was looking for a way out of my current job at a bar. It’s just... not the best environment. Especially for a 24-year-old girl,” You hesitated, considering how much to share. “And I’ve always enjoyed working with kids. I'm also the eldest of 5, and I always took care of my siblings and I don't know... I think I miss doing that.”
Wanda smiles, pleased with your answer, “Do you see your siblings often?”
"I moved out here for college so I only get to see them on holidays and special occasions unfortunately. It's just hard with my studies and my two jobs," You pause, taking a deep inhale, "That's not to say I don't prioritise family- I do, but I just wish that I could see them more."
Wanda nodded, understanding in her eyes. "I understand, that's how I feel about the boys. I wish I could be here with them all the time but I also need to provide for them, because otherwise, there's no point in me being home. But I'll be glad to know that they'll have someone who cares about them and looks after them when I'm unable to."
You shared a quiet smile, one that seemed to linger a bit longer than usual. There was something in her warmth, her gaze attentive and soft, that made you feel oddly comfortable.
Your conversation is interrupted by the noise of pattering feet, as one of Wanda's sons runs up and taps her on the shoulder. "Mom, come look at what me and Billy made!"
Wanda laughs gently at her son's enthusiasm, "Sweetheart, I cannot wait to see it, but can Mommy just finish up here?"
You smile at the boy who's now looking up at you curiously, "Hey, a little birdy told me that you and your brother are building something pretty amazing."
"We are!! Do you wanna come and help us!" He offers enthusiastically, as he waits for you to follow him.
You look at Wanda, who smiling softly at the interaction before she nods, and her son smiles and he grabs your hand to guide you.
As he leads you into his playroom- where his brother is surrounded by colourful building blocks, you are reminded of your childhood, which was filled with colourful LEGO structures, not unlike the ones in front of you.
"Look, Billy! I've got someone who can help us!" The boy holding your hand exclaims as Billy looks up at you with a grin.
"Can she help us add a secret escape route to our castle, Tommy?" He asks, gesturing to the building.
"Well of course I can!" You assure him as you dive into the colourful chaos with them. The three of you were busy building towers, bridges, and elaborate entrances, as the boys’ laughter filled the room and warmed your heart.
Wanda watched from the doorway, her expression softening as she watched you effortlessly connect with her children. She lets herself relax as she examines how the boys trust and adore you instantly.
Wanda leaves to check on the food she's preparing for dinner as the boys start to interrogate you.
"What's your favourite colour?"
"Do you like drawing?"
"Wanna meet our dog?"
"How do you know so much about buildings?"
You laugh at the boys' curiosity, seeing so much of your siblings mirrored in Wanda's boys. You answer all their questions whilst they listen, enraptured by all your answers.
You're in the middle of explaining what architecture is after having told them that that's what you're studying. You're trying to explain how it differs from being a builder when Wanda appears again, but doesn't interrupt yet- she's too fascinated by your eloquence and your ability to teach things to her sons.
After a minute or so, she knocks on the door gently, "Sorry to interrupt my little builders, but dinner's ready."
"No Mom, I think I'm an architect, not a builder. Tommy is the builder." Billy informs his mother, as she smiles in response.
"Ohh I see, I see," She entertains his notion whilst Billy smiles at you proudly, "Well builders and architects need dinner so come on."
The boys groaned theatrically (and in unison), but the promise of food still had them racing towards the kitchen, as you followed closely behind, your heart lighter than it had been in weeks.
Dinner turned was a lively affair, filled with stories about school and their achievements, the mischief the boys got into, and Wanda’s gentle teasing as she joined in the banter. You found yourself laughing along, feeling the warmth of their family dynamic envelop you. Wanda seemed to glow in her role as a mother, her affection for her sons evident in the way she encouraged them to share their thoughts and ambitions. Wanda and the boys had plenty of questions for you and all three of them listened closely as you regaled them with colourful stories. Instinctively, you cleared the table, while Wanda got dessert for the boys. Wanda had been examining your mannerisms throughout the night and she couldn't help but feel like this was the right person for her family.
As the boys left to play with their toys, and you washed the remained of the dishes, Wanda somehow had time to prepare tea for the two of you and beckoned you over to the table.
As the heat of the mug warmed your hands, you expressed your gratitude to Wanda, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity to connect with your boys. They're truly such great kids."
The woman seated next to you lights up when she hears this, "They seem to love you already. Usually, they don't warm up to people this fast."
"They're wonderful, and I'd love the chance to work with them... If that's something you would be interested in," You reply, no falsity detected in your statement.
"Well then it's sorted, you've got the job! How many nights do you want to start with?" She asks, sipping on her tea.
"Wednesday to Friday? Or Monday to Friday?" You offer, keen to please her.
She laughs softly at your offers, "I don't want you to be overworked, I know that college is a lot, even without two jobs. Let's start with Wednesday to Friday, and we can add more nights later on."
Your heart warms at her consideration, "That sounds perfect!"
She walks to the door, but not before you say a quick goodbye to the boys.
"Well, thank you Ms Maximoff, I'm really looking forward to working with you and the boys. Thank you so much for having me as well," You thank her as she stands by the door.
"Call me Wanda, Ms Maximoff makes me sound so old," She jokes, "Thank you for coming along when you did. I'll be in touch, have a good night!"
You gave her one last smile and walked out into the evening, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement.
As you drove home, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you’d just stepped into something new and unknown. Whatever this new chapter held, it felt like exactly what you’d been searching for, even if you hadn’t realized it until now.