#lesley her big chance

[pynkhues]

Hi Sophie! How are you?

I wanted to ask who were your picks for Gabrielle, Marius, Akasha, Magnus, the marquis, Lestat’s brothers and, idk, other characters I might be missing. Thanks if you’ll answer!

Hey! I'm good, anon, how are you? And ah! I feel like my picks are a bit same-ish at the moment, because they haven't really changed in a while, which is kind of hilarious given I doubt any of them will actually be cast / think that a lot of them are probably too big for the show (although all of them have done TV recently). I've tried to keep it to my top two picks, then listed some maybes below, but! I'd love to hear other people's choices / fan casting too, especially for roles I haven't really thought that much about (i.e. Lestat's brothers, haha).

Gabrielle

Lesley Manville

Janet McTeer

Other maybes: Isabelle Adjani, Judy Davis, Patricia Clarkson, and maybe Miranda Otto (she's probably a little too young)?

Marius

Lee Pace

Andre Holland

Other maybes: Morgan Spector, David Dastmalchian, Tobias Menzies, Orlando Jones

Akasha

I'm really stumped for Akasha, actually! I'm really hoping they go with an Arabic or North African actress given Akasha's supposed to be from Uruk (now Warka, in Iraq). I think it could be good too of separating the show's version from the (iconic!) Aaliyah version in Queen of the Damned. The ony actress I can really think could do her justice in that sense is Sofia Boutella? But I feel there's a good chance they'll go for an unknown in this particular role.

Magnus

Mark Strong

Gabriel Byrne

Other maybes: Christopher Eccleston, Michael Shannon

The Marquis de Lioncourt

Jason Isaacs

Charles Dance

Other maybes: Rufus Sewell (he's probably a little too young too? Someone suggested him to me a while ago for Marius too, and I like him there too)

Lestat's brothers

I haven't actually really thought too much about them! You could probably do something fun and cast Sam's actual brother, haha, but he's a lot older so I don't know if that would quite work (I also don't think he's as strong an actor). I'm also mmm, curious as to how old they'll be in the show? Lestat's the youngest, of course, but I imagine we'll be seeing them across a few different ages given TVL goes a lot more into Lestat's childhood than IWTV goes into Louis'.

I don't know though! What do you think?

[kittyphoenix12-xx]

Billy's Birthday Bonanza 2023

Day 1: i am not a monument to what i used to be

Molly Ringwald's Wish: Mom Returns Lesley Gore Passing The Crown: Unrequited Love

Day 2: he rides, he sees, he knows

Flavour Combos: Apocalypse & One Night Stand That's Not Frosting: Hidden Bites

Day 3: little bit better than i used to be

Molly Ringwald’s Wish: Second Chances/to Rewind Time Gift Wrapped: A Real Big Knife (implied) How Many Candles on the Birthday Cake: 18 years old Cake Slice: Microwave Dinner

Day 4: hide her away from the rest o' the world

Lesley Gore Passing the Crown: Monster Boy(s) Song Requests on the FM: Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper

Day 5: show me i had something some people call a soul

Gift Wrapped: A Mix Tape (kinda) Fluff -> Angst: Stargazing (flip-it-reverse-it)

Day 6/7: you're so steady (you're so pretty)

Molly Ringwald’s Wish: To Be Paired with Steve for Class Gift Wrapped: Tony Bennett Vinyl How Many Candles on the Birthday Cake: 12 years old Cake Slice: Confetti Cake That’s Not Frosting: For the Very First Time (nothing sexual tho) NSFW -> SFW: Stripping (flip-it-reverse-it)

[dollycas]

The Sunday Salon is a Facebook group that has become an informal week-in-review gathering place for bloggers. It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature. You can also link up weekly on Readerbuzz. The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! I have to start this post by going back to last Saturday. Our day started by traveling to watch Remi play in his first basketball tournament of the season. The boys have improved so much. They lost their first game by just one basket. While they also lost the next two games, we saw so much promise. As 6th graders, they are learning more every day but need to recondition their bodies to playing 3 games a day and to take a beat before they shoot. Saturday evening we attended Charlotte's first dance recital. After a little confusion about where to enter the event, we were delighted by the wonderful Christmas program. Charlie performed with her class and then later in the program she and her daddy were part of the daddy-daughter dance. She was absolutely beaming on stage with her daddy. Monday was a horrific day. About an hour away from us there was a school shooting. 1 teacher and 1 freshman student were killed and several others injured, two still in critical condition at the last report. The shooter, a 15-year-old girl took her own life right before the police arrived. This was at a Pre-K-12 school. A school that was in our conference for sports and other academic events. We have been to that school several times while our children were in school. We know people whose children and grandchildren go there. It is heartwrenching whenever these shootings occur but this one hit me hard. Friday, other high schools in the area walked out of classes and marched to the state Capitol building in response to Monday’s shooting chanting “no more silence, end gun violence” and “books, not bullets” during their nearly three-mile route. This has to stop. Mental illness is always cited and that may have been the issue that started this, but this 15-year-old had a gun that she shouldn't have had. Both need to be addressed and this country needs to decide what is more important, their children or their guns. Friday also marked Remington's 12th birthday. We had a big snowfall Thursday night that brought back memories of the blizzard that happened the night he was born. Daughter #1 calls him her blizzard baby. The trip to the hospital was a real event following a police car and a snowplow. It's a night we will never forget. Kaden was snowed in with his other grandparents for several days. Hard to believe it was twelve years ago. He is growing up to be a wonderful young man, we are so proud of him. How was your week? Weekly Rewind - My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #51 – 2024 Monday - My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #51 – 2024 Plus - Crafty Cat (Crazy Cat Lady Mystery) by Mollie Hunt #Spotlight / #Giveaway – Great Escapes Book Tour @molliehuntcatwriter Tuesday - A Basket Case (Maddie Sparks Mystery Series) by Lesley A Diehl #Review / #Giveaway – Great Escapes Book Tour – @lesley.diehl.1 @CamelPressBooks Wednesday - Cozy Wednesday featuring A Slay Ride Together With You (Year-Round Christmas Mystery) by Vicki Delany #Review / #Giveaway @vickidelany @crookedlanebks Thursday - A Coastal Corpse and Washed Up With the Tide (Seffi Wardwell Mysteries) by Rebecca M. Douglass #Spotlight / #Giveaway @GreatEscapesBookTours @RebeccaDouglassNinjaLibrarian Plus - The Proof Is in the Poison (A Southern Homebrew Mystery) by Diane Kelly #Review @DianeKellyBooks @BerkleyMystery Friday - BOOK BLAST – The Case of the Reptile Rescuing Receptionist (Buttercup Bend Mysteries) by Debbie De Louise #Giveaway Plus - A Christmas Arrangement / Blood Under The Mistletoe: A Short Romance Novel (The Flower Shop Mystery Series) by Annie Adams #Review / #Giveaway @AnnieAdamsAuthr Saturday - 2025 Challenges – I Will Be Participating In Have a Merry Week! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Read the full article

[miscellaneous--bones]

ways that sebastion and saoirse could have kids and the hypopups that would come from each different method.

UNDER THE CUT: genetic overview of the parents, what I think their reproductive genitals/methods would be, and then the actual coopulation methods & outcomes.

CW: SEX, the culmination of various google searches, uhhhh idk how tf else to tag this? im morbidly curious, marine animals are fucked up, sebastian fucks??

GENETIC OVERVIEW, AND ASSOCIATED CHILD REARING METHODS

SEBASTIAN: Blue Whale> similar to human, spem+egg=baby, live birth, normie shit. take care of their babies for 6 to 9 months. ███████> ????? sea snake> ovoviviparity, snakes have the hemipenis which is the fandom norm. sperm, baby in egg in womb, egg hatch in womb then live birth. babies are on their own. great white shark> ovoviviparity win number TWO! otherwise live birth. babies r on their own. mutated anglerfish> sexual paratisism freak shit. females lay eggs in goop like frogs. eggs r on their own from the start lots die lol rip silver spinyfin> regular eggs. babies like plankton? mantis shrimp> internal fertilization, regular eggs. eggs are cared for until they hatch.

SAOIRSE: Grey? Seal> goes into estrus in spring and fall, mammal birth blah blah blah, babies stay with mom for about 3 weeks and then weaned. milk is like 60% fat Human> menstrual cycle

HOW IT ALL FITS TOGETHER:

Sebastian

Goes through a rut more or less yearly, after which he lays (unfertilized) eggs from an oviduct through a cloaca. also has testes that connect to at least one penis, which can produce (often inviolable) sperm. PAST: has never had viable offspring, by himself or with a partner. could theoretically fertilize his own egg and create a genetic clone of himself.

Saoirse

menstrual cycle (periods/ovulation/etc) ovaries, womb, vagina, the lot of it. already overly fertile, then goes through a more or less yearly estrus which bumps it up to an 11. PAST: has had 2 children, 1 a selkie who passed because of her inability to take it to the ocean leading to illness, the other a human that would've lived a long life if not for sepsis.

1) fuck nasty

Saoirse going into estrus, which would have to line up with a week shes otherwise ovulating, AND sebaston would have to be in rut. otherwise a LOT of sex to insure that an egg made it into the womb & is successfully fertilized. even then the egg needs to develop enough to not be pushed out by a shedding urturine lining. from there the egg will develop and hatch within the womb and have saoirse would have a live birth.

kid would look near identical to sebastion, basically being a genetic clone.

2) Get lucky

holy shit viable sperm!!!! otherwise very human pregnancy and birth. this has such a low chance of happening that at LEAST lesley would constantly call the kid "Lucky" regardless of their real name.

kid would be a total wild card.

the safest would be a mix of most of Seb's human attributes and all of saoirse's selkie stuff, making a selkie baby. kid would have to be in the ocean with sebastion for the first 3 weeks before being able to healthily be raised on land in "human" form. could also be more like sebastion, though that could lead to various health issues (mostly physical deformeties. again, if they're LUCKY, they'll have 2-4 arms, a tail, esca, and extra fuzz. if they for some reason tried to have legs AND a tail that'd probably end up with muscular/skeletal issues) also probably intersex. now take into account that Saoirse is a twin btw^

3) Test Tube Time

Lesley would take reproductive/genetic shit from the two and grow them a baby. this would be safest for the kid in the long run and probably the most stressful for the parents (sebastion mostly) might take a few tries to get a dice roll that produces something that can effectivly move and eat and stuff.

big seal serpent monster. maybe it'd have a more or less Human form bc of the selkie genes?

[usagirotten]

Furiosa Fights the World in the Latest Trailer

The Mad Max universe is about to explode back onto the big screen with “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” The latest trailer has fans buzzing with excitement as it promises an adrenaline-fueled ride through the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

The Origins of Furiosa

In this highly anticipated prequel, we delve into the backstory of one of the franchise’s most iconic characters: Furiosa. Played by the talented Anya Taylor-Joy, Furiosa is a fierce warrior with a mysterious past. As the world crumbles around her, she fights not only for survival but also for her place in a chaotic and brutal landscape.

The World Falls, Furiosa Rises

The film opens with a gripping scene: the fall of civilization. Young Furiosa is torn from the sanctuary of the Green Place of Many Mothers and thrust into the clutches of the Warlord Dementus and his Biker Horde. Together, they sweep through the Wasteland, encountering the Citadel presided over by the tyrant known as The Immortan Joe.

A Quest for Home

As the two tyrants clash for dominance, Furiosa embarks on a perilous journey. Her goal? To find her way back home. Along the way, she faces trials, battles, and heart-wrenching choices. The stakes are high, and the world is unforgiving. But Furiosa fights with unwavering determination.

Stellar Cast and Creative Team

Joining Anya Taylor-Joy in this epic adventure is Chris Hemsworth, who portrays the enigmatic Warlord Dementus. The film also features Alyla Browne and Tom Burke in pivotal roles. Behind the scenes, visionary director George Miller returns to the helm. Miller, known for his masterful work on the original “Mad Max” films, weaves a new tale of survival, betrayal, and redemption. The script, co-written with Nico Lathouris, promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions and jaw-dropping action.

A Legacy Reimagined

“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is more than just a prequel; it’s a chance to revisit the dystopian world that captivated audiences over three decades ago. With breathtaking visuals, heart-pounding sequences, and a haunting score by composer Tom Holkenborg, this film promises to be a worthy addition to the Mad Max legacy.   Furiosa is co-written by Miller and Nico Lathouris (who co-wrote Fury Road). A whole posse of Fury RoadOscar winners also worked behind the scenes: production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt.

Read the full article

[thewhumpingbunny]

Lucia was more than a little confused at the proposition. "What do you mean by 'sex therapist'?" The handsome professor smiled, staring directly into her big brown eyes behind that pair of thick glasses. Her complete lack of assertiveness was dwarfed by the confidence exuded in that one moment. How his spirit flickered at the chance to explain exactly what that meant!

"Have I... piqued your interest? Remember when I told you that I have two ways of employment, Miss Lesley? When I am not teaching the eager minds of today about our most beautiful skies, I am assisting the broken with my own psychologically beneficial techniques. Physically and mentally." Mateus reached his hand across the table, with his palm open as if to welcome her hand into his grasp. "I know this may sound presumptuous, but I have a feeling I could work wonders for you." She wasn't exactly sure why at that very moment, but for some reason, Lucia wanted to believe him. It could have been a number of things, or all of them together. She'd done plenty types of therapy in the past that provided her little to nothing.

[wellitsnotorigami]

Jodie + that little shimmy she does.

[saphiiiic]

God is a woman and her name is Jodie Marie Comer.

[animalwhispererr]

“Whenever I get to the last paragraph and she just says: ‘Acting is giving.’ I always want to cry. That final paragraph is so emotional for me.” - Jodie Comer

[dailycomer]

Jodie Comer Has Been Cast As An Accidental Porn Star In A Hilarious BBC Drama Remake

For obvious reasons, making any sort of television programme right now is proving difficult – but not, as the BBC has shown, impossible. Today, the service begins filming a remake of Alan Bennett’s BAFTA-winning Talking Heads monologues, which first aired on the channel in 1988 and 1998. Each episode features just one person in the role of a quirky (and often deeply troubled) character – which, in practical terms, means the BBC will be able to follow distancing guidelines while shooting with relative ease.

While the original cast included the likes of Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, and Patricia Routledge alongside Bennett himself, the reboot features equally stellar talent – starting with British Vogue’s April 2020 cover star Jodie Comer appearing in Her Big Chance. Originally starring Walters, the episode follows wannabe actress Lesley as she gets what she believes is her dream role in an artsy West German film – without realising that it is, in fact, a porno. Comer shared the news of her casting via Instagram Stories on 28 April, with the caption, “What an honour.” (Read More)

[psychocly]

Behind the scene of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads -

“Her Big Chance” by (my favorite) Jodie Comer

That page was full of lines lmao...

God, Jodie is incredible✨

[nolimitsjustepiphaniess]

I never have written my own posts really but I have to comment on Jodie's performance in Talking Heads. I first of all cannot understand how Lesley is Jodie and how Villanelle is Jodie and I know that's something we have, as a fandom, spoken about. How she is able to change all of her mannerisms that she becomes completely unrecognisable from character to character and to her actual self. I was mesmerized totally for those ~42 mins. I couldn't take my eyes off of Jodie. The way she delivered the monologue painted such a vivid and emotional picture that in some instances I forgot I wasn't actually watching those scenes themselves. I was just watching her. She is beyond talented, it's difficult to articulate it, but I'm glad we can all see it and experience it.

We are blessed to be her audience.

[miscellaneous--bones]

theres three of them! oh, and that other one too.

the worm has a name! Fidget :)

shes very observant and has better memory than the trio, being able to hole a consistent timeline of events- an episodes list if you will- in their head. she calls back to previous episodes and webisodes quite a bit, not that the others always remember.

if the others pass the self awareness around like a blunt, shes the weed dealer. or at least supplies papers

if she doesnt have the bigger form triggered in some way post canon she'll usually go and end up in a cacoon which will grow into the bigger thing

its usually triggered when one of the trio- especially yellow- are in like. fatal trouble?

she favors red, because hes big and cuddly and tends to have the most drive

she is very protective of yellow when she has the chance? during canon she can't do much, with lesley and all, but even then she tries to look out for the kid.

her n duck get along well enough. Red's yarn gets in the way and he doesn't much like her wound on his arm, so she usually rides in yellow's pocket. if she isn't, she's on duck's shoulder. she stays out of his way so he doesn't mind, at least.

[partlysmith]

unstructured DHMIS rambling

Spoilers

My own takeaway from the show is that it uses the format of an educational show as an allegory for the control of information. The characters’ ignorance and curiosity is exploited by outside influences presenting them with an intentionally skewed take on the subject they’re trying to learn, doing considerably more harm than good in the process. This is nothing new though, going as far back as the original YouTube short.

What’s interesting about the show, however, is that now we see moments of rebellion from the characters and attempts to escape the confines of their world. But every time they get closer to the “truth,” they are punished for it and brought back to their world, brought back to the status quo.

When Yellow’s batteries are changed, he sees the “Big Boys” and “Bigger Boys” rooms, potentially representing demographics of different age groups. As they get older, they learn more subjects. After that, they’re taking the flawed information they’ve learned and applying it in misguided, harmful directions.

I think Lesley is meant to be the creator of their show in-universe. She’s the one orchestrating the events as they unfold. She clearly loves her creations, but she also keeps them on a short leash; keeping them in the dark, reeling them in when they stray too far from her path.

When Yellow receives the book that should explain everything, he is apprehensive. He has the chance to learn the truth, but fears the impact it may have on his life and his relationship with his friends. But his batteries are changed back before he has a chance to act on this information, and he gleefully shreds the book with his friends cheering him on. Everything goes back to normal, and the show ends with the characters exactly where they started.

When given the chance to experience true knowledge, they are made to live in blissful ignorance. As long as someone else controls the narrative, they will live in a constant, stagnant loop. They will suffer, but ultimately won’t care, so long as everything goes back to normal. Even though normal is the source of their suffering.

It’s also interesting that there was yet another staircase in Lesley’s room. I can’t help but feel that it may have lead to “our” world as the viewing audience beyond the fourth wall. It is an educational show, after all.

[atlafan]

Part One - “Call me Jane.”

a/n: here’s part one of nanny!H, I’m very excited about this series. I’m not sure how many parts it’s going to be, so please don’t ask lmao. Once I know how many parts it’ll be, I’ll make a master post for it. I’m just too excited not at least share the first part because Harry is just too cute in this! Feedback and reblogs are super helpful, and keep me motivated, especially when it comes to writing series. (not proofread) You can support me here if you’re able!

Warnings: none...for now

Words: 4.1K

Pairing: Harry x OC (Jane Watson)

Master Post

Harry found himself in a real bind. He was twenty-six years old, had an early childhood education degree, and the daycare he worked at was going under. He had just been promoted a month prior too, how could things go wrong so quickly? Times like this he really hated that he stayed in the states. Childcare services weren’t nearly as fucked up back home. His dream was to save up enough money to open up his own pre-school at some point, but it was really tough.

There was this weird stigma that if adult men wanted to work with babies and toddlers then that made them a pedophile or something of the sort. That wasn’t the case with Harry. His minor in school was psychology because cognitive development intrigued him. He also loved babies and little ones. He loved watching them learn and discover.

Only now, he was without a job in an already struggling field. He and the other employees weren’t exactly given a big notice before they were told the business was going under. Harry mostly felt bad for the parents of the kids that had to find new child care centers. He knew he’d have to compete with his co-workers for any available jobs, and he knew they were bound to find places before him because they were women. It was their fault, and he knew it. He was experiencing a prejudice that they must face all the time.

He looked into Care.com, but none of the jobs on there seemed like long-term gigs, and he didn’t want to just be a glorified baby sitter. He figured if he could find a well paying nannying job, he could do that for a bit until finding a job at a new facility, or even set up his dream pre-school. During his search on Indeed, he saw a position for a live-in nanny – jackpot! Live-in meant long-term, and long-term meant lots of money. It also meant he could get rid of his apartment and not have to pay rent for a while. He clicked on the ad that was posted only a couple of weeks ago.

Live-in Nanny Needed for Help with Eight-Month-Old

Minimum requirements:

·        Bachelor’s in either early childhood education or elementary education

·        At least two years’ experience working babies/children

Three professional references required

Applicant is subject to thorough background check for the safety of the child and mother.

Other tasks as needed include:

·        Cooking

·        Light cleaning

·        Grocery shopping/running other errands

If applicant is selected, they will be paid a flat rate of $1600 bi-weekly, will live in “in-law” section of the house, and a car will be provided for them. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references may be sent directly to jpwatson@gmail.com

After reading everything over, this seemed like Harry’s best bet. Some of it seemed a little too good to be true, but this was a risk he needed to take right now. He just hoped the position hadn’t already been filled. That night he spent some time updating his LinkedIn, making sure all of his privacy settings were up to date on all of his social media, and then wrote out a resume and cover letter. The last part was his least favorite because he knew a proper resume and cover letter had to be curated to the specific job, and it made things all the more tedious. By the time he was done, it was late. He didn’t want to seem unprofessional, so he waited to send the email until the next morning.

Subject: Nannying Advert on Indeed

To: jpwatson@gmail.com

From: hes2194@gmail.com

Good morning,

My name is Harry and I’m interested in the nannying advert you’ve posted on Indeed. For the last four years I’ve been working at P.B. & J.’s Child Care Center, and was recently promoted to team lead. Unfortunately, the business itself couldn’t remain afloat, and I was laid off.

Attached are my resume and cover letter. I’d be happy to provide the three references if I end up being considered for the position.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Harry

Treat People With Kindness

He closes his laptop with a satisfied sigh after proofreading his email ten different times before he hit send. He takes a sip from his coffee, and sits back on his sofa. Now all he had to do was wait.

//

There was radio silence for two days. Harry was starting to think he would need to keep job hunting. He had bills to pay, and the last thing he wanted to do was ask his parents for help. They already looked down on his profession as it was. If he had his own car he’d become an uber driver or something, but he didn’t so he couldn’t. Then, by some stroke of luck, at 4:55PM on a Thursday, he gets an email from the address he had been hoping to see pop up.

Subject: Re: Nannying Advert on Indeed

To: hes2194@gmail.com

From: jpwatson@gmail.com

Good evening Harry,

My name is Jane Watson, thank you so much for your application. My apologies it has taken me a couple of days to get back to you. I am usually more responsive, but things have been a little crazy at work as of late. Upon further review of your resume and over letter, I would like to offer you an interview this Saturday at noon, if you are available. I can be flexible if that day and time do not work for you.

If you are able to come, and are still interested in the position, I ask that you please bring your references with you. I will want to call them right away. I am sure you can understand me wanting to thoroughly look into you before letting you into my daughter’s life.

I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

All my best,

Jane

Harry responded to her right away, he didn’t care how eager he seemed. He told her Saturday at noon worked great, and that he would definitely have his references, and anything else he needed to provide. She emailed him back an hour or so later with her cell phone number and address. For the first time in a while, Harry felt like he could breathe again. He knew it wasn’t a done deal that he’d be getting the job, but he was being given a chance, and for that he was thankful.

//

He wanted to make a good first impression on Saturday, so he made sure to wash his hair in the shower, and use his good mousse so his hair would look more orderly. He shaved to give himself that clean and sleek look, this was not a day to appear scruffy. He knew he didn’t need to be overly dressed up, but he also knew that you’re supposed to dress for the job you want and not the job you have. He irons a pair of tan slacks and pairs it with a blue button up. Not to brag, but his bum looked great in these slacks, and it was giving him all the confidence in the world. He puts on a floral tie, just to show a bit of his personality, makes sure his nail polish isn’t chipped, and makes sure all of his rings are looking shiny. He takes an uber out to Jane’s house. It was in a gated community, which he was expecting since he looked up the house beforehand. He wondered what she or her husband did for work to live in a place like this. Or perhaps she inherited the home? Either way, he was excited.

He thanks the driver, and knocks on the door as he was instructed to do. A woman with silver hair that was up in a nice bun opens the door.

“Hello, you must be Mr. Styles.” She smiles.

“Yes, hello.” He smiles back.

“I’m MaryAnne, please come in.” She steps aside to let Harry in.

“Thank you.”

“Miss Watson is just pumping, but you can wait for her here in her office.” She leads Harry down a corridor where he meets a grand double door. MaryAnne opens them and shows him inside. “Make yourself comfortable, dear. Can I get you anything? Coffee, water, tea?”

“I’m all set, but thank you very much.”

The woman nods and leaves him in the room alone. He stays standing as he didn’t want to assume where he should be sitting. There was a gorgeous desk with two chairs on the other side, but there was also a small round table with four chairs around it in the corner. She clearly held a lot of meetings here, or so it would seem. To pass the time he looks over her bookshelves, scanning over what she might be into. She seemed to be into fiction, but he had never heard of any of the books on some of the shelves, or the author. She had several by the same person. Before he could look further, he heard the clacking of heels on the hardwood floors approaching him.

Everything stopped when she walked in. Jane had her hair up in a flowing ponytail, a white blouse covered her top half, he notices that the first few buttons were left undone, probably to help with her pumping, and she had a black pencil skirt on that just came to her knees. She was short, and a little voluptuous, not that Harry was checking her out.  

“Hello, Mr. Styles, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” He goes to stick his hand out for her to shake, but she walks around him and sits down at her desk. “Please, have a seat.”

He swallows and sits down.

“Y-you can just call me Harry if you like, Mrs. Watson.”

“I’m a Miss not a missus.” She says as she takes out a folder with a few sheets in it and a pen. “It says here you graduated Summa Cum Laude from Lesley University. That’s an incredible place to get a degree in education.”

“Thank you, I got a pretty decent scholarship, it was my reach school. I minored in psychology as well. I did my practicum hours at a daycare center that specialized in caring for children with disabilities. So, I’ve worked with all sorts of children. I prefer working with infants and toddlers, though.”

“And why is that?” She looks at him, clicking her pen, ready to take notes.

“Well, I just have more fun with them, to be honest. I like watching them discover new things. My favorite thing to do while working in the baby room at my last job was working with the babies on their tummy times. It was always rewarding to watch them get stronger. I feel like I just bond with them better.”

“I need to ask you some personal questions since this is a live-in position.”

“Of course.” Harry nods.

“Are you in any sort of relationship with anyone?”

“No, I’m single.”

“Have you ever been arrested, or do you have any sort of criminal history?”

“No.”

“I’m not one to judge, I think everyone deserves a second chance, I just have to ask these sort of things.” She says.

“I don’t have a criminal record, Miss Watson.”

“History of drug use?”

“I smoked a bit of weed when I was younger, but I don’t anymore. An edible once in a while, maybe, but never when I’m on the clock.”

“Just marijuana?”

“I’ve done shrooms a few times, but nothing other than that. Stupid kid stuff.”

“Again, not judging. I’d prefer you don’t have any drugs in the house, unless they’re for medical use. I know edibles can be prescribed by doctors for anxiety and whatnot.” Harry nods at that. “What about alcohol? You’re twenty-six, you must enjoy a drink after a long day.”

“A glass of red once in a while, sure.” He nods. “But I’m not really a heavy drinker, I never have been. I’d say if anything I’m a social drinker, but you watch me carefully at a party you’ll notice that I nurse the same drink.” He smirks.

“I’m the same way. A little bit of a buzz is fun, but anything more can be a bit scary. I actually cannot remember the last time I had a real drink.” She looks off in thought.

“Well, can’t you drink now that the baby’s here?”

“And have to succumb to a pump and dump?” She scoffs. “No way, that would be a total waste. It’s torture enough to sit there while a machine sucks the milk out of my-“ She stops herself. “Sorry.” She shakes her head. “Anyways, your resume was impressive, and you were quite articulate in your cover letter. You’re the only candidate I’ve invited for an interview.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” She nods. “I really wanted someone with experience, not someone fresh out of college looking for a place to live. You’d really be okay with living here?”

“Honestly, you’d be doing me a favor. My long-term goal is to either have a daycare or pre-school of my own someday. Not having to pay rent for a while would really help me save up for that.”

“That’s an incredible goal to have, Harry.” She smiles, impressed by his ambition. “What questions do you have for me?”

“I just want to clarify, your daughter is eight months?” Jane nods. “And what’s her name?”

“Lilly.” Jane smiles.

“That’s a beautiful name.” Harry smiles. “Why exactly do you need a live-in nanny?”

“I work a lot.” She sighs. “And I’m a single mom. I want her to always have someone here that she can depend on and feel comfortable with. Sometimes my work drags me out in the middle of the night, or I have to take a phone call at an odd hour. I just want someone else here in case I can’t be if something comes up.”

“So, her father’s not in the picture?”

“No.” Her features sour a bit. “He doesn’t even know she exists to be perfectly honest with you. I found out I was pregnant after we broke up, and I decided not to tell him about her. He was a deadbeat moocher, he would have been useless.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but thank you for telling me. May I ask, how old are you?”

“Twenty-nine, does that matter?”

“No! No, I was just more so curious. You seem pretty successful to be in a home like this. In the advert, you stated I’d be given a car as well, that’s not exactly cheap.”

“You’ll be given access to one of my cars.” She says. “I’m not giving you a car, make no mistake about that.” She smirks. “I’m an author, a successful one.” Harry tries to think if he’s ever heard of a Jane Watson before, but he’s coming up blank. “You’ve never heard of me because I have a pen name. If it’s all the same, I don’t really want to share it with you. Not yet, anyways.”

“Sure…wait…are you offering me the job?”

“Not quite. I’d like you to meet my daughter. I want to see how she interacts with you.”

“I’d love to meet Lilly.” He smiles.

“Great, before we do that, do you have more questions?”

“Yes, who’s MaryAnne? Is she, like, a maid or housekeeper?”

“No.” Jane laughs. “She’s my personal assistant. I usually answer the door myself, but pumping took a bit longer than usual.”

“When did you publish your first work?”

“When I was twenty.” She smiles. “I was still in school, and I decided just to self-publish. It took off, and a few companies reached out to me. I eventually got an agent, and the rest was history. I’m a fast writer, I’m able to churn out more projects than most people, and for whatever reason they keep becoming hits. One of the reasons I travel a lot is that a couple of my works are being turned into television shows, and working out those contracts is a lot. I want to be a part of the process to make sure the stories are told correctly.”

“That’s incredible!”

“it is.” She nods. “I never thought I’d be a television producer, but here I am. I don’t really want Lilly around all that, so there’s another reason for having a live-in nanny.”

“This may seem like a silly question, but will I have time off?”

“Oh my goodness, of course! The salary is negotiable as well. You’ll have weekends off, as well as all bank and national holidays. You’ll also earn vacation time and sick leave like at any other job. You’ll be given a benefits package as well, if you need health insurance.”

“You…you provide stuff like that?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?”

“I’ve just never heard of a nannying job quite like this before.” He blinks. “It feels too good to be true.”

“I’m just a firm believer in compensating someone properly. I believe in investing in the people you have.”

“Right.” He swallows. He almost starting to feel like he was going to be her sugar baby or something, but he obviously knew that wasn’t the case. “You asked me about my dating life, what about yours?”

“I’m also single. Lilly is my top priority, and then comes my work. I’m completely fulfilled as is.” She stands from her desk. “Come, I’ll give you a tour of the house, and of the in-law space, and then you can meet Lilly.”

“Okay.” He stands up and follows her out of the office.

She shows him the living room, which felt more like a study. There was an entertainment room with a huge flat screen, deluxe loungers, a pool table, and bar. She shows him to the kitchen which was equally as extravagant. She brings him upstairs to show him all of the bedrooms.

“This is Lilly’s room.” Jane says proudly.

“it’s beautiful, I love the light purple.”

“So do I.” She says. “My room is down the hall, don’t think you need a tour of that.” She laughs and they head back downstairs. “Here’s the inside entrance to the in-law, but there’s also an exterior entrance you can use…or if you have guests over.” Harry’s in awe of the space. It was larger than his apartment. “It’s a one bedroom flat essentially. There’s a full bath en suite, and there’s a half bath over there. Open concept kitchen and living area. It’s fully furnished as well. Feel free to decorate it however you like. I just ask that this space stays yours. There’s really no reason for you to bring Lilly in here, you know?”

“Sure, yeah. This is amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it. Let’s just hope Lilly like you.” Jane smirks, and they head back to the main part of the house, and into Lilly’s playroom. She was sitting with MaryAnne in a large rocking chair. “M, you can feel free to go back to your office if you like. Harry’s going to get acquainted with Lilly.”

“Of course.” MaryAnne stands up with the baby, and hands her over to Jane.

“She has an office here too?” Harry asks.

“Of course she does, and one of the guest rooms upstairs is hers to use when she needs it.” She kisses the top of her daughter’s head. “Lilly,” she coos, “I have someone I’d like you to meet.” She gestures for Harry to take her, and he happily does so.

“Hey, baby girl.” Harry coos. Bright hazel eyes look up at him in wonder. He lets her latch onto his index finger. “It’s so nice to meet you.” He looks at Jane. “She’s precious, Miss Watson.”

“Isn’t she?” Jane beams. “She’s really been enjoying her bouncy, and messing around with her blocks. I have some CD’s I like having her listen to as well. Oh! We did a paint with pudding night as a sensory play thing, it was a hoot.” She chuckles.

“Those are great, aren’t they? Very stimulating, and it teaches the child that sometimes messes are okay.” He looks down at Lilly and smiles. “May I sit with her in the rocking chair?”

“Please!” She gestures to it, and she sits down on the loveseat in the room. Harry sits down with Lilly, cradling her carefully. He adjusts her so she’s able to stand on his lap. She bounces herself and giggles. “Look at that!” Jane exclaims. “I love it when she does that.”

“She’s awfully sweet.” Harry smiles, and then he looks at Jane. “How much do you feed her?”

“I give her roughly twenty-four to thirty-two ounces a day. You’ll know how hungry she is or isn’t in the moment. I’ve started giving her pureed butternut squash, mashed bananas and strawberries, she’s got that puffed baby cereal as well. I’ve also started giving her ground chicken in really small doses just to get her some protein, but right now I’ve mostly been sticking to fruits and veggies. You must know a lot about what foods to give a baby?”

“I do.” He nods. “You’re still producing that much milk to give her daily?”

“I’ve almost been wishing I’d dry up. I get so sore somedays.” Jane sighs. “But I figure it’s good for her to have it while I can still make it. I’m not opposed to formular or anything…but I like bonding with her in that way. I got rid of her baby acne by rubbing my nipple on her skin, it was like magic.”

“It’s certainly a trick of the trade.” He smirks at her. “I remember learning that in one of my courses, and I was amazed. You all are super humans.”

Jane watches Harry play on the ground with Lilly for a bit. Harry was already so wonderful with her. Harry starts to smell something, and so does Jane.

“Think it’s time for a diaper change.” He chuckles and picks her up. “Would you like me to change her?”

“Yeah, I’d like to see you do it.”

He brings Lilly over to the changing table, and lays her down.

“I know you’re all warm and cozy, but I need to disrupt that for a moment.” He says to the baby girl who was babbling and blowing little spit bubbles, totally unbothered. Harry unsnaps her onesie, and lifts her legs to detach the diaper. His eyes widen at the type of diaper that’s on her. “You cloth diaper?” He looks at Jane.

“It’s better for the environment.” She shrugs. “There’s a trashcan for the…um, poop, and there’s another can for the diapers. I give her a regular diaper for bedtime just because it’s easier to change her in the middle of the night and in the morning, but daytime I use the cloth diapers.”

“Makes sense to me.” Harry disposes of everything, and grabs a few wipes to clean Lilly up. She took a powerful stinky.

“I blame it on the pureed peas.” Jane laughs.

“It doesn’t even phase me anymore, honestly.” Harry says as he gets a little baby powder on her. He grabs a spare cloth diaper, and gets it on her. He snaps her onesie back together and lifts her up. “There we go, good as new, darling girl.” Lilly blows some bubbles at Harry, and blows some back, making her giggle. Jane beams at the two of them.

“It’s about time for her afternoon nap. Would you like to put her down?”

“I’d love to.”

Harry carries Lilly upstairs with Jane. She flips on Lilly’s white noise machine, and makes sure her favorite blankies are in the crib. Harry sits down in the large chair in the corner of the room and starts to rock her gently, giving her soothing rubs. Jane watches as Lilly’s eyelids start to droop. She fights it at first, but Harry continues to soothe her until she’s out like a light. He carefully stands up and sets her down into her crib. The two back out of the room quietly, and make their way down the stairs.

“Let’s go back to my office.” Jane says, and Harry follows her there. Once they’re both seated, she starts speaking again. “Well, the job is yours if you want it.”

“Really?” Harry felt every worry from his life leave his body.

“Yes.” She chuckles. “You’ve really impressed me, and I think Lilly’s quite taken with you already. I’d love to have you as her nanny.” She takes out a few forms. “May I have your references? The background check will take about a week. How soon could you start after that?”

“Right away, honestly.” He hands her a sheet with his references.

“Here are the tax forms you’ll need to fill out, a form for direct deposit, and some information on your benefits. You can get everything back to me by the end of next week.”

“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to get started, Miss Watson.” He stands to shake her hand, and she stands as she takes it.

“Please, you can call me Jane.”

[yennciri]

Jodie Comer as Lesley in Alan Bennett’s monologue “Her Big Chance”