"I don't know," I admit. "Maybe it's time for a change. I've been putting off my original plan for eight years now."
Derryn's brow ridges lift. "Original plan?"
"Teaching." The word feels strange in my mouth, like something I'd forgotten I was allowed to want. "I have a master's in English Literature. I always meant to teach, but life just happened differently."
Sharnia's eyes light up, her scales brightening with sudden interest. "Noah, why didn't you ever mention this?"
I shrug. "It never came up. And honestly, I love being a nanny. I wasn't sure I wanted to give it up."
"But now?" she presses.
"Now, maybe it’s time." I turn my glass in my hands, watching the amber liquid catch the light. "I can take the time off to look for a teaching position. I have my grandfather's house in my hometown where I can go back to. I've kept it exactly as he left it. I guess I couldn't bring myself to change anything after he passed. I have someone to check on it every week, but it's been sitting empty for four years now. Maybe it's time someone actually lived there again."
Sharnia and Derryn exchange one of their silent looks. Then Sharnia leans forward, her purple scales catching the kitchen light.
"Noah, do you remember me mentioning my college roommate? Aurelia Varrin?"
I frown, trying to place the name. "The one who sends you those fancy Christmas cards with the wax seals?"
Sharnia laughs. "That's her. She's the headmistress of Drakesmere Academy now."
My heart stutters. Drakesmere Academy. Even I've heard of it. It’s one of the most prestigious private schools in New York City. The kind of place that educates the children of diplomats, celebrities, and old-money families. The kind of place that has a waiting list longer than most novels.
"I could reach out to her," Sharnia continues. "Put in a good word. With your qualifications and experience, you'd be a strong candidate."
I stare at her, momentarily speechless. "Sharnia, that's incredibly generous, but Drakesmere? That's way out of my league."
"Nonsense." She waves a clawed hand dismissively. "You have a master's degree, eight years of experience working with children, and the best reference letter I've ever written. Which you'll have by the end of the week. Aurelia would be lucky to have you."
"She's right," Derryn adds. "You're selling yourself short, Noah."
I want to believe them. God, I want to believe them. But Drakesmere Academy? The tuition alone is more than most people's annual salary. The idea of me teaching there feels like a fantasy, like imagining myself winning the lottery.
Still, I'm not stupid enough to turn down an opportunity like this, no matter how unlikely.
"If you're willing to reach out, I'd be incredibly grateful," I say carefully. "But please don't be offended if nothing comes of it. Places like Drakesmere probably have a hundred applicants for every position."
Sharnia's smile turns sly. "You'd be surprised what a personal recommendation can do. I'll email Aurelia tonight."
"Thank you. Really." I mean it with every fiber of my being. "Even if it's a long shot, I appreciate you thinking of me."
"It's the least I can do," Sharnia says softly. "After everything you've done for our family."
The conversation shifts after that, moving to logistics and timelines and all the practical details of their move. But a small spark of hope has lodged itself in my chest, warm and fragile.
Drakesmere Academy. It's a fantasy. A pipe dream.
But stranger things have happened.
At least I have somewhere to go while I figure things out. Going back home after a long detour, so to speak. The irony isn't lost on me.
And I realize, with a sinking feeling, that I've been so invested in other people's families that I never took the time to build my own.
Chapter 3
Rika
Sixmonthslater
