Now, the day was here. Her bus boarded in the evening, and she her destination was clear: freedom. While she was on the bus, traveling to her destination, she opened her laptop. She booked her long-awaited flight to Paris. When she was finished booking her flight, she closed her computer back up. She rested her head against the window and stared out at the passing roads. She did her best to hold back the tears and the last year played over in her mind. She had been through so much. It started with the binding contract that she couldn't get herself out of. Then continued into long working hours that seemed endless, leaving her with no time for herself. She had to work for ungrateful and thankless host parents, as a slave to spoiled children who knew nothing about the value of money or time. She was supposed to be a member of the family, that was the agreement. But her host parents never saw it that way. She was never their equal, never a part of the family. When she tried to do anything for herself, they complained she was spoiled. She felt like was imprisoned for the entire year she lived in that house. Like a bird, trapped in a cage. It was just a nightmare. Her heart grew heavier as each day passed, until she felt like she could no longer go on.
But even through the hardships, Lisa never let her dream die. It was the only thing she had in life, a direction and a purpose. She came close a few times, feeling fed up and hopeless. But, she always believed she would be able to do what she wanted; Visit Paris. It was the big dream she had, sight-seeing and taking pictures of the Eiffel tower. Walking around the streets of Paris, going to different bakeries and trying different dishes.
Lisa felt herself smiling, despite the year that tried to destroy her. She rose above. She overcame. Now, she was heading to Lena. She was free. That freedom she had held close to her heart, the only reason she pushed through each day. Now, she finally had it in her grasp.
Lisa was happy when she finally arrived in the village where Lena was staying. Lena didn't know how lucky she was to have found such a great family. Her host family was so nice, they weren't even bothered by letting Lisa stay in their home. They were friendly, to Lena and even Lisa. They were also appreciative of everything Lena did for them. For Lena, it was more like a real family. They did treat her like an equal. Of course, she still had chores to do. She was an au pair and that was part of the agreement. They would leave Lena a list of everything that had to be done in a day. It was usually washing the floors, cleaning the carpets, and cooking for the children. Both of the host parents were busy, since they owned a restaurant together. They spent a good deal of time there, leaving Lena at home. While Lisa was staying with the family, she did the best she could to help out. She went to the restaurant with the parents and helped however she could, washing dishes mostly. This was her way of showing her gratitude for the family letting her stay there. The least she could do was help out. When she wasn't at the restaurant, she was the home with Lena, helping with the chores and the children. Lisa enjoyed the time she lived with this family. They were always happy to have the help. Unlike the families Lisa had stayed with, this family spent quality time together. They even cooked together each night. It was a nice change, from what Lisa had been used to.
The host family was very nice, even letting Lisa stay with them. They were friendly and appreciative.
She lived there with the family for two weeks, while Lena finished her au pair contract. After the two weeks were finished, Lisa and Lena got to take their dream trip.to Paris. Finally together and finally free.
Her friend, Lena, lived with an Italian family that always cooked big meals together. Her host family usually gave her a list of tasks that they had to do, but the mother being a housewife herself was a big help.
The host family was very nice, and Lisa was absolutely happy to be there. She was allowed to live with this family in a very beautiful city filled with many skyscrapers and would soon be able to travel.
The year was up.Finally, Lisa got to take her trip to Paris with Lena at her side.
Walking in the fields, Lisa went in the direction of the Eiffel Tower. It took her a long time to get there, but she peered through windows and took in the smells of the night along the way. The fragrance of nearby bakeries, the aroma of expensive perfumes.
There was another smell Lisa had long awaited.
A very special scent lingered in the air—the scent of freedom.
The tower was flirting with her, shining through with hundreds of lights and then hiding behind the facades.
Finally, Lisa had arrived. It was indescribable! She knew it was tall and monumental, but when she realized she could not capture it in its entirety with her camera, she was speechless. Taking pictures of the tower and the city from the observation deck is the duty of every tourist,she thought to herself.
As she looked over the observation deck, she took a deep breath. As the fresh air filled her lungs, the site before her brought a realization. She was truly free.
As Lisa stood at the top of the tower, she realized the importance of freedom. In that moment, Lisa felt free and strong.
Stronger than ever.
Just then, her cell rang...
"Great book that is full of emotion and struggle."
—Lupita
I loved the novel. It is very courageous. The readers who enjoyed "The Help" will probably enjoy "The Au Pair".
—G.M.
"This is a must read. Easy read. Very meaningful. Would recommend to anyone."
—Lenora Lea Crowe
A disjointed and unpredictable journey from captivity to freedom. Lisa, a young, poor and naive girl pursues her dream of traveling by becoming an au pair; but within the glamourous households of her host families, reality turns out to be far different than she ever expected.
- name was Lisa. Like many other young people of her age, she was full of energy, enthusiasm and illusions of youth. dearest wish was to travel around the world. How could a young graduate with no money or connections undertake such a journey?As a recent education graduate, Lisa decided to participate in a famous au pair exchange program and spent a year abroad as an equal member of her host family. Without any acquaintances and sufficient language knowledge, Lisa, a poor and naive girl, becomes dependent on her host family in a foreign country. Behind the curtain of the glamorous houseof her host families, the reality turns out to be different than she ever expected it would be.