Chapter 2

On the designated day, Isabel goes to the address given by the agent, a true mansion in a more secluded neighborhood in Rome, where apparently only millionaires lived. The position was for a nanny with extensive knowledge of History, something truly uncommon… a fact for which the pay was above average.

The boy they were looking for a nanny for was named Andrea; his last name had not been revealed to the candidates beforehand. Andrea was 9 years old, a very observant boy who watched everyone closely, silently seated in an armchair in the corner of a large room. Isabel, being a diligent student, demonstrated her deep knowledge of History, which caught the hiring agent's attention compared to the others. After the questions, all the candidates went home, including Isabel. A few days passed, and just as Isabel was looking for new job openings, her phone pinged with a notification.

It was a formal email informing her that she had been hired to be Andrea's nanny. Below in the email were some instructions regarding attire and working hours. The following week, Isabel was to go to the mansion at the agreed time, when the housekeeper would brief her about Andrea. Isabel was thrilled; after all, she knew the pay was above average. She gathered her documents, placed them in her backpack, and rode her Vespa to the mansion. Upon arrival, she was greeted by the housekeeper, a polite lady with dyed red hair. The lady showed Isabel around the house, and then Andrea arrived home from school. Isabel’s role would be to assist Andrea with his homework and manage his activities, such as fencing and piano. Andrea was a very intelligent boy who enjoyed reading and watching movies. Caring for such an interesting child wouldn’t be difficult. The housekeeper provided Isabel with the schedules, his diet, and a list of books that Andrea wanted her to find in used bookstores. The only rule of the house was that Isabel should be discreet and never disturb Andrea’s father when he was home.

“ Here, this is the money for the books Andrea wants.” the lady said, handing her an envelope filled with euros. Isabel took the envelope in silence, merely nodding in agreement.

The housekeeper advised Isabel to wear clothes that covered her neck, as Mr. Lorenzo worked in his office and should not be disturbed. Matilde, the housekeeper, took Isabel’s documents and brought them to the office.

“I’ll take care of everything with the agent regarding your contract. Officially, your work begins tomorrow at the specified time.” After the instructions, Isabel took her Vespa and returned home, as Matilde had confirmed that her job would indeed start the next day. Armed with her list, Isabel took the opportunity to search for the books for Andrea in the city’s old bookstores.

“ What a peculiar taste for a boy…” she said to herself. After visiting three used bookstores, she found all the books on the list. Isabel then went to Pizzeria D'Angelis to see her parents and share the news.

Her parents were excited; they had received a restaurant critic the previous week, who had rated them very well. The family enjoyed a lovely pizza as soon as Pietro arrived home from work, and they all chatted about the week’s happenings.

( Isabel's parents)

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