Contents
Chapter Twenty-Two
Overview
Naomi moves into Allen and Annie’s home as an au pair and immediately senses an exploitative setup. Jessamine warns Naomi about her strict mother, a sacked predecessor, and lack of freedom. Allen sets onerous housework expectations, signaling control and boundary crossing that define Naomi’s role and the household’s dynamics.
Summary
Naomi is given a small attic room in Allen and Annie’s house, grateful to escape her previous lodging despite sensing the household’s tensions. She decorates with her few belongings and quickly reads the power dynamics, believing she is there to service Allen, tidy the house, and feed the children.
Jessamine, about twelve or thirteen, visits Naomi, confessing that the last au pair, Sandra, was sacked for being “too fun” after a prank about ear piercing angered Annie. Jessamine advises Naomi to avoid being fun, to ignore her odd clown-obsessed brother, and to follow Annie’s rules while keeping out of Annie’s way.
When Naomi asks about using the family computer for study, Jessamine says their parents forbid it and warns that the workload will leave no time for studying. Jessamine admits she is not supposed to talk to Naomi, underscoring the household’s strict controls.
Allen arrives and, with a small smile, outlines Naomi’s duties: laundry first, then floors, contradicting the “light housework” Naomi expected of an au pair. His crisp directives confirm the imbalance of power and the household’s exploitative expectations for Naomi’s role.
Who Appears
- NaomiNew au pair; recognizes exploitative dynamics; seeks stability and options; assigned heavy housework by Allen.
- JessamineDaughter; warns Naomi about strict rules, sacked au pair Sandra, and lack of freedom or study time.
- AllenFather; subtly controlling; sets onerous chores and redefines au pair role beyond light housework.
- AnnieMother; strict, disapproves of ‘fun’; previously sacked Sandra; exerting control via house rules.