The alarm clock started going off bright and early at eight in the morning. Cassidy held back a groan and quietly slapped off the annoying machine. She looked over to the other bed to still see her two younger brothers sleeping away in bed and her sister curled up behind her. She stood slowly not wanting to wake them. Today was to be the today to change her life. Even though it was a Sunday, she still had a very important job interview to head to. She quickly changed into a pair of comfortable jeans, a nice black shirt and ruby red flats before throwing her hair up.
“Colin, Colin,” she spoke quietly, shaking her brother awake. The teenager’s eyes flew open, staring her down.

“Don’t get up, just wanted to let you know I am leaving. Mum isn’t home so make sure they get breakfast. I’ll be home later.” Colin shook his head at her before rolling over and shutting his eyes again.

“Love you,” she whispered.

“You too,” his voice trailed off as he fell back asleep. Cassidy quickly kissed Maggie’s and Ben’s cheeks before unlocking the door and walking out into the hallway. The sight in the kitchen and living room made her want to vomit. Her mother had another one of her nasty all night ragers with random people. The table was covering with old beer bottles and half smoked cigarettes while the living room had spots on the floor and dirt covering everything else. She should be used to it by now; this had been going on for over a year. Her mom would put on a great show by going to work each day, but as soon as six o’clock hit, she became the careless drunk woman who could care less about her children. Every night Cassidy rushed home, quickly got everyone food and locked them all in her bedroom. For all hours of the night she could hear her mom and her friends, but it didn’t matter. Her mom didn’t care about them, and Cassidy would never let her get close to those kids when she had been drinking.

Cassidy headed out to the underground station and wrapped her coat around her tighter. For April the weather hadn’t changed much, it still felt like January to her. She cursed herself for not wearing warm shoes. It didn’t matter though, she had to look good for this. Laura Bingham was a woman she used to informally babysit for a couple of months ago had called heron Monday. She mentioned Cassidy’s name to a friend who was in desperate search for a full time nanny for her daughter. Cassidy immediately said yes, but now she was nervous. Laura left out the one major detail, the child’s parents were Liam and Gray, a couple everyone knew. Even for Cassidy who didn’t own a Smartphone or even real internet service. She had to land this job; she was close to saving up enough money for her own flat where they could all live without their terror of their mom. Sitting for a famous couple wasn’t the fearful part, it was her mom finding out. If that happened all hell would break lose, and more than likely cost her the job. Her mom always liked the high life, wishing she was famous and never had to lift a finger. Cassidy shook off the thoughts and the underground train stopped at the exit she needed. Her eyes lit up as she walked up to ground level. This was the fancy side of London. Large flats with small gated yards. The outside of each building was colored in light, happy tones unlike her complex which was dark brown and needing a good clean.

She headed down the road looking for number 758, the house belonging to her future home.

“Jesus Cass, breathe girl you got this. Smile, don’t speak unless needed, you can do this,” she repeated to herself. It was always good to have a mantra. She was close now. Cassidy quick took another deep breath and plastered the fake yet cheery smile on her face. It was time to win them over.

“Hey! You are Cassidy, right?” The girl answered the door with an American accent. It must be Gray, the mom. She had one big, baggy sweats and her hair flipped up into some messy bun. It made Cassidy smile, someone else who liked sweats much more then formal clothes.

“That’s me,” she answered back quietly.

“Well get in here, its freaking cold out. I’m Gray by the way.” She held the door open wider, letting Cassidy squeeze on by. Even the foyer was amazing. It was white and bright and most of all clean. Cassidy felt a tug in her heart just thinking about her siblings back at home. She tried to push the feeling away and focus in the moment. She would be back with them soon and hoped she beat her mom to it.

“I should have let you come later in the day. Liam yelled at me for scheduling you to come at9:30. Apparently that’s early,” Gray laughed.

“Oh it’s quite fine, I was up already,” Cassidy to her. It was a lie, but who cared. Gray motioned her to follow her down the hall and to the right, which led to a small living room.

“Take a seat, do you want something hot to drink? I have hot chocolate and coffee,” she asked. Cassidy sat down on the chair and fidgeted with her fingers.

“Coffee would be nice.”

“Oh thank God. If you would of said tea it would be all over,” Gray said dramatically. Cassidy giggled at her.

“Never much of a tea drinker,” she told her.

“Well Cassidy, I like you already. Be right back.” She left the room giving Cassidy time to check out the area. A huge picture of Gray, a baby and who she assumed to be Liam hung right above the fireplace. They were all looking away from the camera and laughing at something, even the little child. It was beyond adorable. She assumed they never used this room as everything seemed so pristine and new. It felt awkward to even sit on the chair. Cassidy scooted closer to the edge, not waiting her body to leave a dent.

“Alright, should be nice and hot for you,” Gray announced as she walked back into the room with two mugs of the steaming brown liquid.

“Thank you,” Cassidy told her as she accepted the cup. Gray put hers down on the coffee table before plopping down on the couch across from her. It took Cassidy by surprise seeing her so relaxed. It wasn’t the typical English way to act when you first met someone new. Although Gray wasn’t British, the American in her stood out like a sore thumb.

“So Cass, tell me about yourself? Can I call you Cass,” Gray asked.

“Of course,” she smiled,” I’m twenty one and live with my family.” Short and sweet answers, Cassidy knew this. It was easier then answering questions about her family.

“Cool, where do you live,” Gray asked.

“Hackney.” Cassidy tried not to grimace. It was one of the worst sides of London. Hopefully it wouldn’t hinder anything. Gray sat up and looked her in the eyes.

“To be honest Cass, I have no clue where that is,” Gray told her with a wink. Cassidy immediately smiled. Gosh she liked her.

“Well it’s east of here, around forty five minutes if you drive. There really isn’t much to look at,” Cassidy responded.

“Gotcha. Do you have a car? Liam wants me to learn the town more but he can kiss it,” Gray laughed.

“No car but I am very good at the underground stations, I could do it with my eyes closed.” Cassidy sat back in her car more, feeling very relaxed. There was something calming about Gray, she didn’t expect you to put on a show and just went with how she felt. It felt like they already knew each other through the short sentences they spoke.

“You are doing better than me. I’ve been here for a couple months now and know nothing. Anyway, let’s go over the schedule I have here.” Gray grabbed a folder from the table and started going through it.

“I’m usually done by six at the latest, but me or Liam will be home by five each day, especially since you take the subway. I don’t expect you to be a clean monster; any messes you make if you could just clean them up would be great. Same with cooking, only do it if you feel like it. You are more than welcomed to raid out fridge, there is enough for the whole city in there. Spencer is probably the easiest baby ever. As long as you give her attention she’s happy. I have her schedule all written out. I’ll give you a copy and there is another one on the fridge just in case. Same with all of our telephone numbers. Me, Liam’s, the guys and my boss, just in case. They may be a couple of times that we will need you later, but I’ll tell you for sure. Any questions?” Cassidy’s brain felt like it was spinning out of control. How did she go from a job interview to completely getting it?

“I’m-I’m sorry but are you offering me the job,” she asked, barely able to get the words out. Excitement and more nervousness ran through her.

“That I am. I am hoping you will accept it because you are the only one I am asking,” Gray joked.

“I would love to, but just seems quite fast,” she questioned, her cheeks flushing.

“You know start to see, I’m a pretty no nonsense kind of girl. I know what I want when I see it. Liam says that’s why I’m so good at my job. When my office closed their daycare I knew I needed a nanny and not another center. Thankfully Laura knew how to hook me up with you. Want to know why I’m picking you?” Cassidy shook her head yes.

“One, you don’t have a Smartphone,” she motioned to the flip phone hanging out of her purse,” so I know you don’t just plan to take pictures of my family and sell them. Two, Laura demanded I keep you; she seems to think you are heaven on Earth, and three, I have those shoes and love them so I know you have good taste.” Cassidy looked down at the ballet flats and smiled. They really were comfortable. She smiled back at Gray.

“Well, I would love the opportunity,” she told her. Gray clapped her hands and stood up.

“Good, but really you didn’t have another choice.” She grabbed Cassidy’s hands and pulled her up for a quick hug. It threw Cassidy for a loop but she quickly recovered and gave her a slight hug back. It felt weird, Cassidy had never been the hugging type with grownups. She did it with Ben and Maggie often, but even know with Colin being older it just didn’t feel right. Hugs never came to her from other people.

“Well let me give you a tour of the house. Liam and Spence are here. We have a bunch of boys over for soccer,” she rolled her eyes as she stepped away.

“I take it you don’t like football,” Cassidy laughed. Gray led the way through the formal living room to the kitchen that was down the short hall.

“Hate it. Apparently I picked the wrong boy, “she said. Cassidy walked into the large kitchen behind her and looked around. The entire room was bigger than her bedroom. My god they were living in luxury.

“As I said, feel free to eat whatever you want, honestly. We keep it completely full for all the guys,” Gray explained.

“Guys?” Cassidy walked around the breakfast bar letting her fingers trail along the granite countertop.

“Dudes from the band, you do know what Liam does, right?” Gray looked at her wide eyes. She had to know who they guys were.

“I know somewhat about them of course, not that dense,” she nervously laughed,” just didn’t realize you all hung out so much.” She wanted to kick herself in the head. Hopefully that didn’t sound as bad as she thought.

“I like to think it’s because they find me so amazing but sadly I think it’s due to my daughter and always having food. Come on, we can head upstairs and see them.” Cassidy’s hands got clammy. Guys were always a foreign territory to her. She never fully grew up with a good male role model and the boys as school only fit the bill for a while. Sooner or later everyone moves on. Especially once her mom went more downhill. They walked up the long staircase that had multiple landings before going to the top. Everything Cassidy looked at was white and clean. She wondered how they got it to stay so perfect without finger prints and dust to collect.

“We call this the party floor, it’s usually where everyone hangs out. Like everything else, you can hang out in here as much as you want. It’s a great room for a nap,” Gray spoke to her before turning around and opening the door. Cassidy peeked her head inside. It was one huge room, pretty much the size of their entire apartment. One side had a pool table and old stand up video games and the other was filled with at least three couches. The wall looked like a TV with the game being projected on it and every couch had a head sticking up from it.

“That’s a lot of dudes,” Cassidy whispered not wanting to disturb them.

“Nah, this is all friends and what not. We pretty much take anyone in. Liam is over there,” Gray explained, pointing to his head on the far couch on the left.

“Not the whole band is here anyway. Louis and Zayn had plans but you can meet them later.”

“Oh, sounds good.” Cassidy didn’t know what else to say. Everything here was just beyond beautiful.

“Hey, Boys! Where is my daughter,” Gray yelled to the group. A strong pair of hands lifted the child into the air from the couch in the front. The baby cooed and smiled while spit hung out of her mouth. It made Cassidy giggle from the door way. Spencer had on a little pink football jersey and seemed to be the happiest baby in the world.

“Thanks boys, continue on,” Gray shouted back. She turned her attention back to Cassidy and started to leave.

“I cannot stand soccer but at least she looks cute in the jersey,” Gray mumbled.

“It’s football Gray, NOT SOCCER!” The voice came from the room and Gray perked up. What that an Irish accent? Gray walked away laughing and lead Cassidy back down stairs.

“He pretends to hate me but I know the truth,” she laughed.

“Which one was that,” Cassidy asked. She wanted to get these names imbedded in her brain.

“Oh that’s Niall. All you need to know about him is his love of food and football, if you remember that you will be best friends,” Gray told her. Food, football, should be easy enough to remember.

“We can check out the rest later. You want to stick around for a while? I told the idiots I’d make lunch.” Cassidy thought about it for a moment. She knew her mum would be back around four, but she had time. Besides, there was something calm and comfortable about being here. It had her happy inside that she could just breathe and not worry about something happening to her.

“Sure,” she smiled back. It definitely was the place to be for her right now.

----

“What time is it,” Gray asked. They made small talk while cooking up lasagnas and homemade bread sticks. Cassidy was surprised on how good of a cook Gray was. She put her to shame.

“Just a bit before four.” Gray sighed and took the lasagna out.

“Five minutes to go, and there goes our quiet.” Cassidy finished tossing the salad and set it on the counter. The rumbling from above let her know they were coming. She quietly back up into the patio door hoping to secretly stay hidden for a while. The group of men burst into the kitchen talking a mile a minute and more of less fooling around with each other. She stayed in her corner watching it all. The one she assumed to be Liam from the pictures on the way walked over Gray, sweeping her body up in his arms. Gray laughed at him while playfully swatting him before Liam kissed her. It made Cassidy blush she such an open display of affection. The rest of the guys circled around the breakfast bar filling their plates with food. She tried to keep her ear open to find the Irish one but all the noise made it hard to do.

“Cass don’t be shy, feel free to jump in.” Gray’s voice made everyone stop in their tracks and stare at her. Cassidy felt the blood rush to her cheeks, it was a bit embarrassing.

“Boys, Cassidy. Our new nanny, Cass, these are the boys, you don’t need to know their names, they aren’t important.” The one with the shaggy hair whipped a breadstick at Gray. Luckily she caught it before it fell to the completely clean floor. Cassidy bit her lip trying not to laugh. The man in front of her seemed to be struggling to hold Spencer and fill his plate at the same time.

“I can take her,” Cassidy politely told him and she stepped closer.

“Thanks love,” he smiled down at her. Cassidy quickly picked the child from his arm made sure not to make eye contact with him. She quickly walked over to the table on the other side of the room and sat down with the darling baby.

“Well hello sweet Spencer, I’m Cass,” she whispered as the baby stared into her face. Spencer gave out a small yawn before showing Cassidy a toothless smile. She really was an adorable little girl. Spencer yawned in her arms again before leaning her small head on Cassidy's chest. She moved back in the chair while Spencer slowly fell asleep in her arms.

"My god she is a natural!" Gray shouted after spotting the events across the kitchen. Everyone in the room turned to stare at her and Spencer.

"Kids like me," she shrugged. It was true, there always was a part of children that seemed to love her. It felt nice for Cassidy, almost like a security blanket to the real world. With kids you could be yourself without having to worry about what people thought or the repercussions.

"Would you like me to lay her down," she asked Gray.

"Sure, just take the steps up, her door is marked," Gray smiled back. Cassidy quickly readjusted the child before standing up. She could feel the eyes on her, making her feel even more nervous. If she fell right now it would be the moment of death for her. Cassidy slid her flats off her feet, leaving them in the kitchen before heading upstairs.

"Oh Christ, not another one who takes off her shoes!" She heard the person laugh, more than likely Liam while she walked up the stairs.

----

After an hour from coming back she finally felt relaxed, and got everyone name's down. Harry was a fun cheeky boy that make Cassidy laugh. Niall on the other hand, he made her feel extremely nervous. There was something about him, a twinkle or sorts that make her stomach feel weak and her head dizzy. She knew those feelings and had them before. It's something she stayed away from. Her life didn't involve guys. Ever. She had one focus and that was siblings. These people didn't know the pain she had gone through after all this time, and they would never know. That part of her life was private, extremely private. Every part of sadness covered her life and the less they knew the better.

"So Cassidy, tell us your life," Harry questioned her. He looked deeply into her face with his fingers linked under his chin. She wanted to laugh as the cuteness of him.

"I work, I stay with my family. That's about it," she told him. Man these people really like to grill her.

"Sounds like a very boring life," he laughed back. Cassidy giggled and took a quick peek at the clock. It was already two. She would have to let now and rush home before her mum. Cassidy prayed she would be in a somewhat decent mood tonight. The kids had schooltomorrowand needed to get sleep.

"Um, Gray? I have to get going. When would you like me here next," she quietly asked. Gray sat down her food and jumped off Liam’s lap.

“Wednesdaywork. Here are our schedules for next week. I’m really happy you are with us,” Gray smiled at her as she handed over the schedule. Cassidy gave her a small smile back.

“Me too, see youWednesday.”

“Boys say goodbye to Cass,” Gray shouted. Everyone waved and hollered back. Cassidy waved and caught the eye contact with Niall. Her stomach rolled again just looking at him. She barely knew this boy, but there was something about him that made her want to draw him in. Cassidy knew that feeling, and it was a dangerous one. She quickly gave them all a small wave and ran out of there. Cassidy had to keep her eyes on what matters, and not what sounded like fun.

----

Cassidy felt her stomach drop walking up the stairs of her building. She could hear the same lousy music her mom always played. How stupid was she spending time at their house when she needed to be at home? It was time to let those dreams of a normal life die. Cassidy unlocked the front door and walked in. Her mom was spread eagle all over the couch with a bottle of vodka laying next to her. Thank god she was at least asleep. Cassidy didn’t want to deal with her mom’s rude and emotionless antics tonight. She quickly tip toed past the couch and headed to her room.

“Cassidy,” Maggie whispered with a smile on her face as she walked in.

“Hey guys, did you eat,” she asked locking the door. Ben and Colin were sitting in front of the small TV watching cartoons while Maggie was in their bed coloring.

“Colin made pancakes, they were yummy,” Maggie told her. Cassidy felt the breath she was holding release. At least they ate, that was all that matters.

“Good to hear, did you all finish your homework?” The groans around the room let her know the truth.

“TV off. Come on, you have school in the morning, finish up please.” The smaller siblings took their place in the room working on their folders for school. Even with their situation Cassidy always made sure they completed their schoolwork and looked presentable each day. She didn’t need them drawing extra attention to themselves or getting picked on for their home life. Cassidy sat on the bed next to Maggie and picked up her worn copy of Twilight. It was completely boring, but after finding it at the library sale it was something to read. She could barely get through the first couple of paragraphs when her mind wandered back to Niall in the kitchen. She didn’t even speak one word to him yet his face was so vivid in her mind. It was a mix between his ridiculous laugh, that blond hair and his blue eyes. She felt him sneak glances at her across the table but who knows. For all it could be was her mind playing tricks on her once again. She wanted to be around him though, just to check him out. For all Cassidy knew, he could be a great friend.

“Cassidy you open this door now you bitch!” The cold sharp words from her mother snapped her out of the Niall thoughts. All three of her siblings stared at her with wide eyes pleading for her to help them.

“Stay quiet, I’ll be back,” she whispered to them. Small little Maggie ran over to join her brothers on their bed. Cassidy tried to give them a reassuring smile before walking out and into the hallway. Her mom was no longer there but Cassidy knew she wouldn’t be fair. Their mom only bugged them when she wanted two things. Money or food.

“Mom, I’m out here,” Cassidy spoke. She learned over these last few months to now show fear. Her mom was like a bear, you show fear and they attack. If you remained strong, sooner or later she would give sick of you and move on. Cassidy had to be strong. The words of her mother couldn’t pierce her skin at all, it would just fuel the fire.

“God damn you took forever. Make me something to eat, got a fucking headache,” she barked from the couch.

“That’s what happens when you drink vodka,” Cassidy muttered under her breath as she made her way into their small kitchen.

“What was that? Are you fucking talking back right now?” Her mom jumped up from the couch and charged at her. For a semi drunk semi hung-over frail woman, she could move. Cassidy could smelt he foul scent of liquor on her mom’s breath as they stared each other down.

“I asked if you wanted some pancakes,” Cassidy said back to her, not letting her voice drop in fear. She had to stay strong. Her mom was smaller than her, but that didn’t fool anyone. She could hit you like a boxer and beat you down easily. Cassidy had suffered many nights at the end of her fist, and that was even before her mom went through her breakdown.

“Fine, get cooking.” She walked back leaving Cassidy alone in the kitchen, letting her work. She quickly poured the batter Colin left into the pan and let it sizzle. It felt weird having her back to her mom right now. The last time that happened she got hit in the head with a lamp that left her with a scar under her head. She shivered now just thinking about it. It was the same story, Cassidy cooking for Linda. She was in the process of making eggs and bacon when the frying pan fell off the burner and into the small kitchen. Linda exploded not even giving Cassidy a chance. She woke up with Ben crying next to her holding a towel to her bleeding head. Linda left for two days without coming back. It took Cassidy forever to get the small children to bed without getting scared. Now though, things like that there were just a normal occurrence.

“Here you go mother,” she announced, sitting the plate of hot pancakes in front. Linda remained motionless and stared at the infomercial playing on the screen. For only being forty two, she looked horrible. Her hair was stringy and gray, her small eyes sunk into her skull and her arms were covered in random scars. Cassidy always vowed to herself to never be like her. To never be a waste of space in the world with no emotions towards her family. It would never happen.

“I’m going to be gone for a week, you are stuck with the brats,” Linda spitted at her. She stayed glued to the TV while shoving bits and pieces of the pancakes into her mouth.

“Oh, where will you be,” Cassidy asked. She wished she could just closed her mouth and walked again.

“You don’t need to worry about it, OK? It’s not your fucking problem and you don’t need to now. Don’t get this house dirty and get a job, ok?” It took all her might to not roll her eyes. She wished she could yell back ‘OK’ right into her mom’s face, but that would be rude. And, get her again with more scars on her body. It was just better to walk away.

“Yes mother,” she coldly said. As soon as Cassidy was out of her mom’s vision she ran back into their room and locked the door.

“You are back,” Maggie smiled and ran into Cassidy’s arms.

“Of course I am back silly. Where else would I go?” She carried her over to the boys’ bed and sat down.

“Mum just told me she will be gone for a week. I think we need a sibling party.” The three of them cheered but Cassidy quietly shushed them.

“Not too loud now, we don’t need her freaking out. But I’m thinking movies and junk food this weekend. Sound good,” Cassidy asked the three. They all shook their heads like crazy with smiles on their faces.

“Good, now finish your homework.” It was the little things that made Cassidy continue on like this. Part of her wanted to run far away and never look back. That meant leaving them though, and that wasn’t a possibility. Colin was already sixteen; soon he would be able to move on without them but Ben and Maggie where just too small at six and eight. They needed someone to protect them, care for them and love them since Linda didn’t seem to have those capabilities. Soon, soon she would have enough money to move out and hire a lawyer for custody. That’s what she had to focus on, was ending this nightmare they had to keep enduring.

Cassidy crawled back over to her bed and on her side while they worked quietly. His face flashed back in her brain. The blood rushed to her cheeks even. Part of her knew she should be thinking about Niall, but part of her enjoyed it. He could be her release. The fantasies around him could work on staying calm and collected. She wondered if he would be at Gray and Liam’s home againon Wednesday, her first day of real work. Maybe she could whip up some muffins then. Gray said those guys loved food and muffins were her number one specialty. Blueberry or banana nut though?

“Oh forget this,” she yelled, shaking her head. That sounded ridiculous. Who cooks muffins for a rich man while she lived in a small room with three other people? Things like that don’t happen. Well, usually.

“Are you talking to yourself,” Colin smirked from across the room. Cassidy laughed back at him.

“I am. Now ignore me and get your History assignment done. I’m proof reading it,” she commented back. Cassidy grabbed the tattered book and started to read. No more thoughts about the blonde boy. None at all.

Notes

Here's starts the spinoff story. Let me know what you think. This one is SO much easier to write then Side by Side. Number two will be up tomorrow. WWF is so much different then how I typically write so bear with me. My knowledge on the UK is minimal so if anything is wrong, I apologize!