Chapter Text
“What do you mean you're moving?” Castiel whispered angrily into the phone, watching his daughter out of the corner of his eye play with her toy cars on the floor.
“Exactly what I just said, Clarence.” Meg's annoyance could be heard through the phone like she thought she had the right to be exasperated with him.
“You have a daughter and you're moving to the other side of the country? How could you do that to her? Aren't you going to miss her?”
Meg was silent and huffed frustrated. “Well, of course I am, but this is a great opportunity for me. I have to go. It's not like I'm not dropping out of her life. Don't be so dramatic.”
“Meg, I can't take care of her all by myself! I have a job, too, you know.”
“Oh, you'll figure it out. You have her most of the time now, anyway. It won't be that hard. Just hire a nanny or something.”
“A nanny? What – Meg, what about Claire? How do you think she'll feel when her mother moves across the country and only sees her what? Every few months?”
“A nanny will help you out a lot and Claire... well, it's not like I was much of a mother, anyway. She hardly sees me as it is. She won't miss me much.” Castiel bit the inside of his cheek. He hated when Meg used apathy as mask.
“Meg, don't be like that -”
“No, I wasn't cut out for it. It's why we didn't work out. A white picket fence is just not for me, Clarence. But, like I said, I'm not dropping out of her life. I'll keep in touch.”
“Meg -”
“I wasn't calling for your opinion. I just thought I'd let you know. I'm leaving in a week and I have to get things ready, so, I have to go. You should really think about the nanny thing.”
“Yeah, okay,” Castiel said resigned, knowing there was no changing her mind. Meg was stubborn and he'd never been able to talk her out of anything.
“I'll spend the day with Claire Saturday, so can you look for a nanny. Does that sound work for you?”
“Yes. Goodbye, Meg.”
He hung up the phone and dragged his hand down his face. How could she do that? Just be so inconsiderate and leave like? The sad part was he wasn't surprised. Meg had always looked out for herself and what could make her happy. He hadn't been able to, so it's not a surprise she'd go look for it somewhere else. He still felt like he had whiplash from the phone call. A nanny? He had to hire a nanny now? He didn't even know how to go about hiring one. Call an agency or put an add in the paper?
Castiel looked over at his nine year old giggling to herself. He supposed he was going to have to be the one to tell her. He thought now might be the best time. She would have time to process it and be able to enjoy her last day with her mother. If she could get used to the idea, maybe it wouldn't hit her so hard.
“Claire.” Castiel scooped her up into his arms and she hugged him around his neck. “I have something important to tell you.”
Castiel sat down on the couch with her in his lap. “What's wrong, Daddy?”
“Well, you know how you spend some days with Mama and some days with me?”
She nodded, paying close attention as her eyes stayed locked on her father's.
“Well, Mama, has to go away, so you won't get to see her as much anymore.”
Claire's face fell and she pouted. “Why? Where's she going?”
“She's going to California for her work. It's far away so she can't spend as much time with you anymore.”
Claire looked down and played with her fingers in he lap. She spoke softly, “So, I won't get to see Mama again?”
Castiel felt his heart breaking. “No, you will. It just won't be as much. Maybe every few months she'll come to visit and she'll call you a lot. Don't worry, honey.” Castiel assured her, hoping it wasn't an empty promise.
Claire was quiet for a moment taking it all in, and then she smiled. “Okay. But what about when you go to work? Who will pick me up from school?”
Castiel liked to believe she took it so well because she was mature for her age instead of it showing how less involved Meg had gotten over the years. “I'm going to hire someone, a nanny. They're like a babysitter and they'll take care of you when I'm not home.”
Claire's eyes went wide. “A stranger?”
Castiel was uncomfortable at the thought, too, but it was his only option. He smiled, not letting his worries show. “Remember all friends start out as strangers. They won't always be a stranger.”
Claire shrugged. “O-kay. Can I go play now?”
Castiel chuckled. “Yes, go ahead, honey.” She pecked his cheek and jumped off his lap, running back to her toys.
***
“Ms. Rosen,” - Castiel looked at the wide grin on the blonde's face uncomfortably - “I'm sorry, but I think I'm looking for someone else.”
She pulled her eyebrows together. “But, Mr. Novak, why?”
Castiel tried to think of a reason beyond the fact that she scared the crap out of him. “I just think that I want someone more experienced – older.”
Ms. Rosen sighed and stood up. “If that's your final decision...”
“Yes, it is. I'm sorry, Ms. Rosen.” Castiel shook her hand and watched her leave.
He groaned, falling to the couch. He'd already met with seven other nannies today and he hadn't liked any of them. Some of them were under certified, scary, and some were even rude. He just couldn't catch a break. He had decided to put an add in the newspaper and was starting to regret not just going to an agency. He had been at this all day since Meg picked Claire up that morning for their Mommy and Me day. Castiel was about to give up, when the doorbell rang.
He dragged his feet down the hall, hoping this wasn't another disturbing teenager. He opened the door to striking green eyes and a bright face. The man was around his age and probably the most beautiful person Castiel had ever seen. He had short dirty blond hair and freckles scattered his face. Castiel felt taken aback by the charming grin that met him.
Before Castiel could snap out of it, the man held out his hand. “Dean Winchester, here for the nanny position. You must be Mr. Novak. It's nice to meet you.”
Castiel shook it, still dazed. "Likewise. Please, come in.” Castiel stepped aside and let the man into his home. He led him to the living room where he had been conducting all his interviews. He gestured for the couch and sat in the arm chair across from him.
Castiel grabbed the clipboard he had been using, fully attached with questions he borrowed from the internet. Dean made himself comfortable and leaned forward on his knees, patiently waiting for Castiel to start the interview.
Castiel glanced at him nervously, hoping he wasn't a complete lunatic. It was getting late and Dean had to be the last one. He was his only chance, if not he'd have to call an agency tomorrow and go through this all over again.
“Okay, let's begin. Mr. Winchester, how long have you been caring for children and what ages have you worked with?”
“Around seven to eight years. I practically raised my little brother, growing up. I've worked with a lot of different ages; babies, toddlers, seven year olds, ten year olds. I think I've worked with pretty much any age.”
“What age do you feel most comfortable with and why?”
“I like the older kids more, like eight or nine. I guess because they're still at that age where they're just kids, but they're also more mature and calmer than the younger ones.”
“Are you trained in CPR or have taken any other classes that can help you with your job?”
“Yes.” Dean handed over a purple folder he was in his hand to Castiel. “All of my certifications and qualifications are in there.”
Castiel took it surprised and looked through it impressed. No one else had thought to bring one. There was a lot in there, too. CPR, First Aid, Infant Care, Water Safety, Kid's Nutrition and Fitness, Early Childhood Education, Positive Discipline, along with all his nanny certifications. Castiel hadn't seen a more qualified person all day. But before he could jump the gun, he needed to ask more questions, Castiel reminded himself. He placed the folder behind his clipboard, hanging onto it in case he needed to refer back to it.
“What is your education level?” Castiel continued.
“Community college, just the courses that are in there.”
“What was your last family like and why are you no longer with them?”
Dean's smile faded a little. “I worked for the Braedens last, for two years up until two months ago. It was just Ms. Braeden and her eight year old son. She's moving with her new husband to New York, so I got let go.”
“What is your favorite part of your job?”
“The kids. The whole reason why I chose this career is because I love kids. They've always been my favorite part of the job.” Dean's smiled sincerely and Castiel knew he was being honest.
Castiel asked his follow up question. “What's the worst?”
“In all honesty?” Dean paused. “It's getting attached. Some families I'm only with for a few months and work part time, but others I'm with for years full time. It's hard for the family to not grow on you.”
“So, are you looking for long term or ...?”
“I work for however long you need me to. I only work for one family at a time, though, so I prefer to work full time. Otherwise, I pick up a second job. So, as long as you need me, I'm here,” Dean repeated with a small smile.
“What would be the second job you'd take?” Castiel asked more curious than anything.
“I would pick up hours at my uncle's auto shop. I'm also a mechanic.”
Castiel thought that that trait could come in handy - not that he hoped it would. He had never been good with cars and the last time his car broke down, he'd been fooled into overpaying by his mechanic. Not that he expected Dean to become his personal mechanic along with being his nanny, but it was nice to have that backup.
“Could you cook meals and drive my daughter to school and other activities?”
“Yes.” Dean nodded.
“Can you do long hours and come in early or late?”
“Yes.”
“Um,” - Castiel searched for another question - “have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
“No.”
“Drug or alcohol abuse?”
When Dean didn't respond right away, Castiel looked up fearing his perfect nanny was about to have a major flaw. Castiel was tolerant of a lot of things, but he couldn't have a drug addict or drunk around Claire.
Dean finally spoke after apparently deciding something, “Well, I'm not going to lie. I had an alcohol problem a few years ago, but I'm three years sober and I've never drank on the job. I haven't touched the stuff since and I've never done any drugs.”
Castiel sighed relieved. “Well, if that's all, I don't have a problem.”
Dean let out a short breath and Castiel guessed not a lot people had been as accepting as he had been. He imagined it must have cost Dean a job a few times. But Castiel respected his honesty about it. He didn't have to admit he had a problem in the past, but he had and Castiel appreciated it.
Dean waited for Castiel to ask another question and when he didn't, he gestured to the clip board. “Is there anything else you'd like to ask?”
Castiel looked down at the clip board and folder in his hand. He shook his head and stood up, handing back Dean his folder. “No, I'm satisfied. Mr. Winchester, I think you'll be perfect for our family and would love to have you work for us.”
Dean faltered, taking his folder. “Um, just like that? You don't have to consult your wife or anything?”
“Oh, no, Mr. Winchester. I forgot to include it in the add, but I'm a single father.”
“Oh.” Dean scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, before grinning. “Well, thank you, Mr. Novak. I'll be glad to work for your family.” He pulled out his wallet and handed Castiel a card. “There is my contact information. Call me whenever you're ready for me to start.”