Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Phone Call

 

Arriving home Lizzy gently shook me awake.

“Anna we’re home,” I blinked and looked blearily up at her, confused at how had I fallen asleep on her lap.  She just smiled at me.

 “Well I guess I make a good pillow,” she chuckled softly.  I sat up blinking as we pulled into the driveway.  I smiled sheepishly at Lizzie,

“Sorry about that.  You could have woken me.” 

“Are you kidding?  Alex has been in my head for hours and if you think I could move you without him having a hissy fit in my head, and then again when I got home, you’re out of your mind!” she teased.  “Besides, I really didn’t mind.  You looked very peaceful and you needed the sleep.” 

“Thanks.  Don’t let your big brother boss you around.  If I fall asleep on you, you’re allowed to ask me to move,” I smiled. 

We got out of the car and collected our things, hauling our wonderful treasures inside.  I was looking forward to seeing Alex, but the house was completely empty.

“Where is everyone?” I asked looking around the empty room.

“Stephan, Will and Max are following your father, and George and Alex are hunting.  They should all be home around one this afternoon,” Katie said reading the note on the counter.  I nodded. 

“I’m going to put my stuff away and take a nap.  I’m still a bit tired,” I said as I left the kitchen.

I walked into Alex’s room, smiling because it smelled just like him.  I hadn’t realized that I missed his smell so much.  I hung up my new dress in the closet and put away my new clothes and bathing suits, then I had a quick shower and laid down on the bed we shared and fell asleep comforted by his familiar sent.  I woke up around one thirty and Alex was sitting on the edge of the bed watching me.  I smiled sleepily at him.

“Hey, did you have a good hunting trip?” I asked. 

“Not really, I was too worried about you.  I had no idea you had witnessed your mother’s murder. We all watched the video when we got back.  We sent it to a few friends of ours in the FBI and CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service), and they said they would start a joint investigation,” he said.

“Thanks for telling me.”  

“So, what would you like to do today?” Alex asked changing the subject. 

“Could we just go for a walk?  I haven’t really seen the property and it would be nice to get outside.” I looked at him hopefully.  He looked at me sadly so I knew something wasn’t right.

“Alex, is anything going on that I need to know about?”  He looked back at me surprised, then sighed and said,

“Your father is back in town.  He believes that you’re here in Huntsville and he’s sending his men to watch each of the schools.  That means it’s going to be difficult to get you in and out of school undetected and if they start talking to the students it’s really going to get dicey.  We’re working on contingency plans.  Plus, I think we need to let the principal know that you’re in danger, that way the teachers will be aware and will watch out for any strange men or women on the property,” he said seriously.

“Okay, if you think that’s the safest thing to do, then do it.  I don’t want to be caught by surprise and having extra eyes and ears on our side would definitely help,” I said confidently. “I’ll call James and ask him to meet us at the principal’s office in the morning or do you think we should go to his house and speak to him away from the school?” 

“We could see if he is available to come here.  Call James and see if he’s free and I’ll get Max to call the principal at home,” said Alex.  I nodded and picked up the phone.

“Hi James, it’s Anna.  No, no, everything is fine.  We were wondering if you be able to come over for a bit because we need to talk to you and principal Stevens at the same time.  No, don’t worry, we’ll explain everything when you get here.  Okay, see you in twenty minutes.” I sighed as I hung up the phone and looked sadly at Alex as he walked back into the room.  This situation was getting more dangerous each day.  I had taken the opportunity to pull on my jeans and sweater while Alex was out of the room.  He strode over to me noticing the sadness in my eyes and I fit myself against his comforting solidness, snaking my arms around his waist and placed my head on his shoulder.  He wrapped his arms around me tightly as I breathed in his familiar sent sighing happily as he gently kissed my forehead.  I inhaled deeply enjoying our closeness and the profound sense of love, safety and comfort I felt with him.

“I missed your sent. I hadn’t realized that until I walked into your room this morning” I confessed.  

“I missed you too,” He smiled into my hair.  “I missed looking at you and watching you sleep.  You look so peaceful and serene, like an angel,” he said quietly.  I turned my head so I could look at his face.

“Thanks.  Do you always watch me sleep?” I asked curiously. 

“Not all the time.  I usually work on the computer while you’re sleeping so that I don’t disturb you because I only need to sleep about three hours a night.  Sometimes I sleep longer, but that’s usually after I’ve been up for a few days in a row.” he replied.

He kissed my forehead again before breaking our embrace to take my hand in his.  We headed down the hall holding hands.  It felt like heaven, just the feel of his warm hand on mine.  It was hard to believe that he was only half human.  I had never seen his other side and I was sure it would be ferocious. The door bell rang as we walked into the family room.   James and Mr. Stevens arrived shortly after two thirty in the afternoon and Max and George filled them in on my situation while I listened quietly.  After Mr. Stevens left, James watched the video for himself.  He asked me if he could have a copy so he could try to identify all the men involved.  He told me he was planning on using his connections in the military and government to find the scum that had performed such a heinous crime.  Of course I agreed.

Chapter 25

Chapter 25: The Beaches

 

The rest of the week passed relatively quickly, and the following week was much the same.  Every morning Alex ran me to school and every afternoon George picked us up.  Finally it was Friday and the day we were leaving for Toronto.  I could hardly wait to get going; I desperately needed some girl time.  There were some questions I wanted to ask Lizzy privately, and I really needed to have a heart to heart chat with her.  Even though we lived together we really didn’t have any private time together.

Katie showed up at school in a black Porch Cayenne SUV with deeply tinted windows.  Cassy, Lizzy and I jumped quickly into the vehicle so that we could get going.  Alex leaned into the window I was sitting beside. 

“Please be careful and have fun.  I’ll call you tonight,” he said as he leaned forward and kissed my forehead.

“Drive safely,” he said to Katie. 

“Don’t worry Alex she’ll be fine with us.  She’ll be back before you know it,” Katie said smiling kindly.

“Alex, don’t worry I’ll be fine.  Lizzy won’t let anything happen to me except for dressing me up in the most outrageous clothes she can find,” I said winking at him.  I knew he was worried about me but I also knew that he wouldn’t let my father or his men out of his sight.  If they did anything that would lead them even close to my location Alex would alert Lizzy and Katie.  I knew I was safe.  I touched his face gently with my hand. 

“I’ll be okay.  I’ll see you Sunday,” I whispered looking meaningfully into his eyes.  He smiled and nodded then stepped away from the car.   We drove slowly out of the school parking lot onto the main road and exited onto the highway a few minutes later, and we were officially on our way.  We arrived in Toronto about three hours later.  We stopped at a restaurant to grab some dinner, then we headed to Katie’s house in the Beaches.   Katie’s house was an old Victorian style home.  It was a modest sized with a wide wooden front porch and a completely remodelled interior.  To the right of the front door, where the front room and sitting room had once been, was a large open room that had been set up as a family room.  A matching set of furniture, which consisted of a tan coloured leather couch, luv seat, and two recliners, were placed strategically around an old fieldstone fire place.   Above the wooden mantel hung a large flat screen TV that should have looked out of place, but didn’t.  To the left was a large kitchen with a roomy, and modern food prep area, and an equally spacious eating area completed with beautiful oak table and chairs that had been obviously been hand crafted.  The décor was simple, yet tasteful.  In front of us was a beautiful wooden staircase that led to the upper level where our rooms were.  The main level also boasted a small powder room located down the narrow hallway behind the stairs.

Upstairs there were four moderately sized rooms.  The first room at the front of the house and about one third of the space.  This was Katie’s master suit which had a modest ensuite bathroom.  Beside her room was the main bathroom that had an old fashioned bath tub, the kind you see in movies with the clawed feet.  The next room was Cassy’s and on the opposite side of the hall was the room Lizzy and I would share.  As I walked into the room I noted the large window complete with a window seat and the beautiful antique walnut four poster bed with matching side tables.  The bedding was a pale silvery blue and there were lots of matching pillows artfully strewn across the duvet.  There was a small dresser to put my clothes in and a small closet in the far corner.  The room was painted white and the ceiling had intricate crown moulding.  The room was beautiful; something that you would expect to see in a magazine.

Saturday morning dawned warm and sunny.  I woke listening to the now unfamiliar sound of traffic and mused at how much had happened in such a short time.  The four of us got organized, had breakfast and headed out to shop.  Our first stop was a shop called Nina’s; it was very up town and the dresses were amazing.  Lizzy, Cassie and I all found our prom dresses there and Katie purchased a few beautiful evening gowns for future functions.

Our next stop was the Yorkdale Mall which had a variety of different shops.    We split up, Katie and Cassie went off together and Lizzy and I went searching for new bathing suits.  Lizzy bought three amazing suits and I even found exactly what I was looking for, with her help of course, I had been looking through the racks of bathing suits becoming more unsure of myself as I scrutinized each new suit.

“Lizzy what should I get? I want something Alex will like,” I asked pleadingly.  Lizzy laughed at me,

“But, he’s my brother!” she laughed, completely amused at my obvious distress. 

            “And you know him better than anyone.  He hasn’t even kissed me yet.  I could use all the help I can get.” I said pleadingly.  She smiled knowingly and nodded.

            “Wow, he really does like you.  So do you want to be a bit on the modest side or do you want to drive him and all the other guys’ crazy?” she asked with a wicked smile. 

            “Drive him crazy” I replied.  And so we went through everything in the store to find the best combination.  I left the store with two bikinis, a tankini, and a one piece suit.  I also got a couple swim suit wraps.

“Lizzy, is your brother always a gentleman?” I asked. 

“Yes, why?” she replied looking at me curiously.

“Well, we sleep in the same room and I know he won’t touch me without my consent, but I’m a bit confused to be honest.  Is not sleeping beside someone just as intimate as drinking their blood?” I searched her face with questioningly. 

“Well, yes, but he’s bending a bit.  He would rather be with you where he can watch over you.  With you staying with us he’s trying to be as honourable as possible but it’s hard for him.  He wants more, but he doesn’t think you’re ready and he won’t do more until he’s sure you’re ready, which includes kissing or sharing blood.  I know he’s being ridiculous but that’s him.  He’ll hold you while you sleep which is a big indulgence on his part, and I know he’s beating himself up for it.  But other than that, I think you’re going to have to make the first move,” Lizzy shrugged and smiled. 

“He loves you though, and I know you feel the same for him.  So don’t worry we’ll figure things out.”

I thought about what Lizzy had told me, but I still had questions.

“When did Will first bite you?” I asked quietly, not sure if I should be asking her that particular question. 

“Well, we didn’t start doing that until after we kissed.  It’s an amazing feeling.  We don’t do it very often, but when we do it’s like your whole world lights up and everything is beautiful. You can feel each other’s soul,” Lizzy replied almost dreamily.  Now I understand that to bite someone was a very intimate act; almost as intimate as sex, and very possibly more so, but at least I was able to understand Alex better now.  His sister was my also best friend and I knew she would never tell me something that was not true.

Lizzy and I continued shopping, walking around the mall, talking almost nonstop to each other and popping into stores that caught our interest.  We had a blast and at the arranged time we met Katie and Cassy by Bath and Body Works.  We had all been shopped out.  Exhausted and happy we went back to Katie’s place and ordered in food.   We showed each other our purchases and modelled some of the outfits too. I went upstairs to pack up all my new clothes, I packed my bags leaving out what I was going to wear home tomorrow on the dresser and Lizzy and I were both asleep almost as soon as our heads hit the pillow.  Of course my peaceful sleep was not to last as that night the dreams returned with a vengeance.

 

            I was standing in the clearing, the air cool on my face and the sun was just starting to rise turning the sky those soft early morning shades of purple and pink.  The birds were singing their greetings to the coming sun and the trees swayed gently in the breeze.  Suddenly, everything went silent.  The birds became still, the cool breeze faded away and I felt a growing sense of foreboding.  I looked slowly around the clearing spotting dark figures emerging one by one from the trees. 

            “So, I finally have you, my mysterious daughter.  You who were kept hidden from me,” a deep ominous sounding voice hissed. 

            “No longer will you be able to run from me.  You are mine and you will do as I say” the voice commanded.  I was paralyzed as he approached me, reaching me quickly.  His cold hand lifted my chin and all I saw were blood red eyes.

 

            I screamed jerking awake, hyperventilating and soaked in sweat.  I gasped for breath trying to calm as I realized where I was.  I wrapped my arms around my drawn in knees and began rocking back and forth trying to calm my breathing.

“Anna!! What’s wrong?” Lizzy asked as she burst through the door.  I was shaking so bad I couldn’t even speak.  I looked at her, the panic evident in my eyes as I struggled to compose myself.   Katie and Cassy were by Lizzy’s side in seconds. 

“What’s wrong with her?” Katie turned to Lizzy. 

“Nightmare,” I gasped. “So real.”

“Anna, was it the same dream as before, or is this one different?” Cassy asked.

“Different this time,” I gasped, finally catching my breath, although my thoughts were too disjointed to tell them everything. 

“Try to remember everything Anna, it is very important,” Lizzy looked at me worriedly as she sat down on the side of my bed.  She caught my fluttering hands in hers and held them, lending me her strength.  I relaxed and let the vision return, empowered by the strength and kindness from Lizzy, Cassy and Katie. 

“It was dawn, the sky was starting to change and it was glowing purple and pink.  It was cool, the birds stopped singing and the dark figures came out from the trees. One of them spoke to me, told me that I had to do what I was told and that I could not run from him anymore.  He touched me, it was so cold.  He claimed me and I was powerless to stop it,” I shook as I recalled my dream. 

“Who spoke to you?” Katie asked. 

“My father,” I whispered.  I grasped Lizzy’s hands tightly, fear evident in my eyes as I looked at her, Katie and Cassy. 

“I’m scared Lizzy, I’m really scared.  What if I really don’t have a choice?  What if I’m doomed to a life of servitude?  Forced to do things that I don’t want to do?” my voice quivered as I spoke. 

“We’ll think of something Anna,” Lizzy said reassuringly and put her arm around my shoulders.  I looked down at my hands tightly clasped in my lap and nodded as the tears finally spilled over. 

“Let’s pack up ladies, we should head home. I think Anna would feel more comfortable there,” Katie stated.  I looked at her with sad eyes.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause such trouble.” 

“Anna, you’re like a daughter to me and I do not want to see you so sad.  I want you to be safe and happy, and right now you need to be with Alex.  I can see how much the two of you depend on one another.  You’re like an extension of each another.  I haven’t seen a bond like what you two have since the twins were born.  Also, you need to remember that you’ve let down most of your protective barriers since you saved Alex and this may be why this dream was so overwhelming for you,” she said softly looking at me with her eyes full of ancient wisdom.  She sat on the edge of the bed and placed her hand on my knee and looked at me with the love a mother would show her daughter.  I remembered that look, and the tears started flowing faster.  I leaned into Katie wanting nothing more than to be comforted by my mother.  Katie wrapped her arms around me and held me until I was finished.  She ran her fingers through my hair which was also something my mother had done.  I felt like a little girl again, comforted and safe and sound.  I knew she would never let anything bad happen to me.

“Thank you Katie, I miss her so much,” I choked emotionally.  For the first time since my mother had died I let go of all my pent up emotions.  Everything I had been hiding behind that protective wall came spilling out. 

“Let it all out dear, you’re safe.  He won’t get you tonight or any night that we’re on watch,” she whispered lovingly and fiercely.  I nodded against her shoulder as the sobs kept coming. 

“If you want to talk about it, we’ll listen,” Katie said in a soothing voice while stroking my hair with her hand.  I pulled away and curled up on the bed, placing my head in Katie’s lap.  I took three deep slow breaths and grabbed a pillow to hold.  I had never told anyone this story before and it was hard for me.  The only thing I had ever said to James was that I had seen my mother’s death and I didn’t know what to do because of my father’s extensive connections.  I closed my eyes, strengthened by Katie’s nearness and loving touch.  I began slowly.

“My mom and I were living in New Mexico in a small town called Las Cruises.  The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm every day and I was in middle school. It was a Wednesday and I was on my way home for lunch because Mom and I usually had lunch together every Wednesday.  It was our tradition, and we always had the same thing. We would go to a little restaurant in Old Mesia and have pecan encrusted chicken salad with raspberry vinaigrette with strawberry shakes for dessert.  After lunch we would walk in the town square looking at silver jewellery and then she would take me back to school for fourth period,” I smiled softly at the memory.

“When I arrived at our apartment that particular Wednesday the door had been kicked in.  I took my cell phone out like my mother had instructed me to do if anything like this should happen and turned on the camera.  She told me to use the camera in video mode so that I could see around the corner and film as much as possible.  I was so scared, but followed her instructions, remembering all the warnings and information she had given me.  I used the phone and peeked around the corner.  I didn’t see anything at first, so I crept inside quietly staying close to the wall.  Then I heard hear her pleading with someone in the family room.  I moved the phone to the edge of the opening so I could see her.  She was on her knees, she had blood on her tear streaked face and her hair was all messed up.  I saw a tall man with dark hair, jade green eyes and darkly tanned skin standing in front of her.  Two other men were holding her so she couldn’t move.  The tall man in front of her had a gun pointed at her head.  He demanded to know where I was and she said she would never give me up.  She looked at him vehemently and stated that she would never let his family control her baby.  He was furious and hit the side of her face with the butt of his gun.  I heard a horrible crunching sound and noticed her jaw was now hanging at an awkward angle.  He yelled at her that he had a right to know his own daughter.  It was then I realized that the vicious man looming over my mother with the jade green eyes was my biological father.  My heart was beating so fast I could barely breath, My mom just shook her head defiantly and looked at him fiercely, I don’t know how she did it with her jaw like that, but she spoke low and evenly, ‘My daughter knows how to take care of herself.  She will survive if you kill me, make no mistake about that.  You’ll never find her. You will never be able to make your claim’ There was venom in her slurred voice as she glared defiantly up at him.  He looked like he was going to blow after that, he was so angry.  He shot her in the head, in his anger and then realized that he hadn’t gotten the information from her that he wanted.  He screamed in frustration, and kicked her inert body while his men cowered in fear.  I was able to see that the only clue he had was a current picture of me with brown hair and brown eyes.  I quietly crept back out of the apartment and hid were my mom had told me to.  She had back up plans for back up plans. You see, my mother was very thorough even though I didn’t fully understand why she was the way she was. 

That morning my mom had been acting weird.  She had gone to her room and grabbed the slouch pouch from her night stand and put it on me.  I didn’t want to go to school because she was scaring me.  She told me that if anything were to happen to her that I was to read the letter in the pouch and do what it said.  She told me where to hide and to stay there until it was safe and then get moving.  That afternoon I read the letter I found and I followed her instructions to another apartment on the other side of town.  I grabbed the bags that were waiting for me on the table and reread the first letter.  I followed all of her instructions knowing that my safety depended on it.  I ended up in New York staying with her friend Stacy whom she had known since they were kids.  My mom had told me about Stacy and how they had played together every summer in a small beach town in Canada called Sauble Beach.  But I knew my safety wouldn’t last.  My father found traces of me once again, and that’s when I saw Stacy being followed by a mysterious woman and I got into a fight in an alley with two of my father’s goons.  They managed to rough me up pretty good but I left that alley on my feet, while they were on the ground.  So, I did what I had to and erased my existence from Stacy’s life.  I did that to protect her, I don’t know if it worked but I hope it did.  My mom had left me another letter to read when I felt threatened again.  I followed her instructions to the letter, just like last time. And, well , you know the rest of the story,” I said sadly.  Lizzy and Cassy looked at me sadly as I slowly sat up.  I hugged the pillow tightly to my chest trying not to cry anymore.  I could feel that hot lump in my chest and throat which meant that the tears were there.  I sighed and closed my eyes.  Telling them everything had been mentally exhausting, but it also felt good to finally share with people who truly loved me. 

“Lizzy, can you hand me that bag?” I asked quietly. She nodded as she reached for it and handed it to me.  I opened a small side pocket and pulled out a cell phone which I immediately handed to Katie.  Her eyes widened as she realized what I was giving her.

“Will you get this to the right people for me?” I asked her sadly.  She nodded, anger and determination filling her beautiful eyes.

“He won’t get way with this,” she growled.  She sounded very scary at that moment; Katie didn’t sound human anymore, instead her voice sounded predatory.

“Ok ladies, we need to get on the road.  I have to discuss something with Max as soon as possible and I can’t do it over the phone,” Katie said, her voice normal once again.  She bounded to her feet in an instant. 

“I just have to get dressed and go to the washroom,” I told her.  She nodded and was immediately out the door of my room and heading downstairs.  Cassy hugged me tightly.

“I’m so sorry you had to witness your mother’s murder.  You are the strongest person I’ve ever met.  I want you to know that I think of you as a little sister, you’re family.  I know you’ve let your walls down and we will do everything in our power so that you don’t have to put them up again.  Believe me when I say that we will find a way to stop him,” Cassy said with such emotion I choked up and thought the tears would start again.

“Thank you Cassy.  I look at you as the sister I wish I could have had growing up,” I whispered to her smiling weakly. Lizzy enveloped me in a hug.

“Get dressed, I’ll stay with you,” she said with so much feeling I felt strangely compelled to do what I was told.  I nodded and quickly got dressed and went to the washroom to brush my hair and teeth.  My hair was a mess so I just pulled it up into a ponytail. 

Lizzy was at the top of the stairs with my bags in one hand and holding out her other hand to me. We exchanged a meaningful glance as I took her hand without a word and we descended the stairs.  Minutes later we were in the car and heading home.  The exhaustion of spilling my guts had finally caught up with me and I fell asleep to the hum of the road. 

Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Music





 

The next morning I was awake at five in the morning.  I had my shower first thing because I am so not a morning person and needed all the help I could get to wake up.  I could barely keep my eyes open as I stumbled into the bathroom and turned the water on.  After my shower I got dressed and got my things ready for school, then I wandered down the hall into the kitchen.  Alex smirked at me,

“So, can you talk yet, or are you still a zombie?” he teased.  Will burst into laughter as he whisked by me to get himself something to eat.

“Oh, we are going to have so much fun bugging her!  I love how she blushes, it’s hilarious!”  Will was practically dancing with joy at the prospect of tormenting me.

“Leave her alone Will, you don’t want her to get even with you later.  Besides I bet she’d win,” Lizzy stated in my defensive.  I smiled sleepily at her in appreciation.

“Yes, I can speak, and no I’m not a zombie.  I never said I was a morning person.  I would rather sleep until at least eight, but since that is not an option for the next month and a half you’ll just have to deal,” I said as I stuck my tongue out at Alex.  He laughed heartily, thoroughly amused as he walked towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist.  I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes sighing happily.  Being in his arms was all I wanted; it felt safe. Since my safety was still under debate, we had to get to the school when the doors unlocked. We would do this every morning until exams were over and we would stay at the school until it was locked or Alex, Will and Lizzy deemed it safe for us to leave. 

“So, what would you like for breakfast?” Alex asked.

“Something light.  I don’t do well with food this early in the morning,” I told him.

“We have cereal, fruit, toast,” he listed what he could think of off the top of his head.

“I’ll stick with fruit, I think,” I said knowing that fruit wouldn’t upset my stomach this early in the morning.  I hated feeling heavy and bloated, it made me feel like I couldn’t move right.

“We have strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, and bananas,” Alex offered.

“Strawberries and bananas please,” I smiled up at him.  He nodded and had my breakfast ready in seconds.  I sat at the table beside Lizzy.

“Are you going to eat?” I asked her.  She shook her head.                                                   

“No, I’ll eat at lunch and only a small amount. I don’t need to eat the same as you because I fed, or I should say drank, yesterday morning.” she replied smiling at me.

“That’s interesting.  So, you don’t have to eat as often.  I wonder, does regular food taste the same or different to you?” I wondered more to myself than any of them really.

“Most human food tastes rather bland to be honest.  We prefer to hunt,” Will explained.  I nodded eating slowly thinking about what Will told me.  Alex sat across from me watching me as I ate.  It was like he was memorizing every detail of my every movement and committing it to memory.  I put down my spoon and looked questioningly at him.

“Why do you do that?” I asked him. 

“Do what?” he looked at me perplexed. 

“Watch my every move as though it’s the last time you’ll ever see me?” I tilted my head to one side as I looked at him quizzically.

“Does it bother you that I enjoy watching your movements? I find a subtle elegance about the way you move,” he replied succinctly.

“No, it’s just that it makes me feel a bit self-conscious,” I said looking down at my bowl.  Lizzy giggled. 

“He’s been watching you for months you know.  Ever since that first day he saw you in the office registering for classes, or should I say when you rode up to the gas station on your motorcycle.  George and Stephan had told him that you were beautiful but he didn’t believe them until he actually saw you.” She laughed as she looked happily from her brother to me. 

“What do you mean by watching, exactly?” I demanded narrowing my eyes at Lizzy and Alex.  Alex gave Lizzy a pleading look.  She smirked, enjoying the idea of bugging her brother.

“He would watch you at school, of course, and at home.”  Lizzy revealed.  My eyes widened.

“At home?  What exactly did you see Alex?” I asked glaring up at him. 

“Nothing that I wasn’t supposed to see,” he said innocently.

“I’m not that kind of guy, Anna, and Lizzy knows it.  I would never leer at someone I cared for or anyone for that matter!  Plus, I would never do something without your permission.  Any man who would take the slightest gratification for himself without a woman’s permission is beyond vile.  I have very little respect for those teenage boys who will do and say anything to get a girl to sleep with them.  When a man really cares for a woman he will not touch her, not without permission.  No matter what he wants, or thinks he wants, he will always take the time to woo the object of his affection,” Alex stated haughtily.

“Alex, you’re such a romantic.  Men like you hardly exist now-a-days,” Lizzy complimented him with pure sisterly love in her voice. 

“I had no idea you felt that way,” I said in a whisper. 

“Anna, I care more for you than I have for anyone, except my sister of course.” Alex gazed at me with his beautiful eyes, trying to convey all his emotions in a single glance.  I smiled widely at him, finally understanding why he hadn’t kissed me yet.  He would hold my hand, hold me in his arms, kiss my forehead, check or neck, but he wanted my permission before he would indulge in the intimacy of kissing me on the lips.  I was both touched and awed by his sincerity and honor. 

“Are you guys almost ready for school?  All this mushy talk is giving me a headache!” Will complained.

“Yes, I just need to make a lunch for myself,” I said getting up from the table.  I took my dishes to the sink and quickly washed them.  I searched the fridge and speedily threw together a sandwich and tossed it into a paper bag.  With that done I went back to Alex’s room and hurriedly brushed my teeth and grabbed my school bag.  I met everyone by the front door a few minutes later. George and Stephan had already left to make sure we would be safe.  Just before we left the house Alex’s cell phone rang. 

“Is it clear?” he asked into the receiver.  I heard a muffled reply.

“Okay. We’ll be there in ten minutes,” he said.

“Ten minutes?  But it’s at least a fifteen to twenty minute drive from here to the school,” I said perplexed. 

“We’re not driving, we’re running.  Or rather, I’m running you’re going piggy back,” he said with a big grin.

“You’re joking,” I looked at him raising an eyebrow. “You can’t carry me and run. I’m not that light.”  

“Don’t be ridiculous, I’m a lot stronger than you” Alex retorted. 

“Okay,” I said shaking my head in disbelief.  There were still so many things I didn’t know or fully understand about Alex.  I hopped onto his back and he turned his head grinning and winked at me.

“Hold on tight Anna.”  With that he was off streaking through the trees.  It was exhilarating with the wind in our faces and the scenery flying by-almost like riding my bike.  When we finally stopped at the forest edge by the school I was breathless with excitement.

“That was amazing.” I said excitedly, grinning from ear to ear.  Alex let me slide down his back to my feet, then turned and wrapped his arms around me.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it because that’s what it will be like every morning,” he smiled down at me placing his forehead against mine. I sighed happily as Alex grinned back at me. 

“We better get inside so that George and Stephan can get home,” he said taking my hand as we quickly walked across the school yard and into the school.  The school was so quiet at this early hour.  We immediately headed upstairs to the music room which was a familiar and favourite place for both of us.  I walked slowly down the stairs towards the harp I so loved to play.   Seating myself, I placed my fingers lovingly on the strings and began to pluck out a few cords to warm up my fingers.  Alex sat at the keyboard and went up and down the scales too.  I spontaneously started a complex plucking of the strings and Alex followed on the keyboard never missing a note in perfect harmony until Mr. Chang entered the room.  He watched us with profound joy and amazement on his face until our musical interlude came to a close.

“Please don’t stop.  That was fantastic!  When did you two start playing like that together?  It sounds like you have worked together for years! You need to showcase this talent of yours,” he gushed excitedly.  Alex and I laughed. 

“Mr. Chang we’re just playing around.  However, we would like to come in early to play if that’s ok with you.  I really miss playing,” I asked beaming at him. 

“You two can come and play whenever you want.  I’ll let the principal know that you have my permission,” he said smiling at us both.

“Would you two be able to stay and show my grade nine class how you play together?” Mr. Chang queried.

“If our first period teacher doesn’t mind I wouldn’t mind,” said Alex and I nodded my agreement.

 

Alex and I played for Mr. Chang’s first class showing them how two very different instruments could create beautiful melodies together.  After we finished our mini concert the grade nine students seemed to be jazzed about playing music and were eager to showcase their own abilities.  Mr. Chang stopped their excited chatter,

 “Thanks Anna, Alex that was fantastic.” 

“No problem” Alex replied.  I met Alex at the door at the top of the room and we both smiled at the students as they applauded us.  Then I took Alex’s hand and we turned and walked into the hall as the bell rang.  As we walked out of the music room I studied Alex mulling over the questions in my head.

“What is it? I know you’re curious about something,” Alex smiled down at me.

“I was wondering if you were just following or were you really taping into my feelings?” I asked.  He looked thoughtfully into the distance thinking about how to best explain what had happened.

“I would have to say both.  Your emotions can be very overwhelming sometimes, especially when you are thinking about your mother, or me,” he said quietly.

“Do my emotions really bother you? I don’t want to hurt you or anything,” I said concerned.

“Anna, I like knowing how you feel.  It’s like a humming at the back of my mind and if I focus on it I know exactly what you’re feeling at that particular moment in time.  I can’t tell who you are thinking about or why you have the emotion unless I’m directly looking at you.  Your expressions tell me a lot, plus I can usually fill in the blanks.” He smiled gently

“I’m not used to having a connection with someone other than my sister so it just feels different.” Alex said trying to explain.  I nodded and looked at the floor contemplating what he had said.

“Anna, don’t worry.  It’s nice to know how you feel, that way I can help you.” he said softly.  I smiled back at him but I wasn’t sure he was telling me everything.

 

Christine came out of English and saw us walking toward her.  Her mouth dropped open in surprise.

“Hey Christine, how was English?” I asked smiling.

“The usual.  Where were you guys?” she demanded raining an eyebrow. 

“We were helping out with Mr. Chang’s grade nine class,” I replied happily.

“You’re so lucky,” she said.  I smiled.  Alex let go of my hand and went to talk to Will. 

“So, what’s up with you two?” Christine whispered eyeing Alex curiously. 

“What do you mean?” I asked innocently batting my eyelashes.  She rolled her eyes at me.            “Oh please. You have to dish! How long have you two been dating?” she gushed excitedly.

“About two or three days I guess,” I replied shrugging nonchalantly.  I was actually enjoying toying with her.  She was so curious I thought she would burst!

“No way!  How could you keep that a secret?” she exclaimed, whispering excitedly.  I smiled and looked at her innocently, 

“We’re taking things slow that’s all.  Don’t be mad Christine.” She shook her head in disbelief as she looked at Alex, then back at me.  I smiled, laughing to myself as I walked towards Will and Alex.

“I’ll see you later, Christine” I said looking over my shoulder as I waved.

 “Anna, wait a minute” she said.  I stopped and turned back to her expectantly.

“Do you know if Alex and his family are still having their annual pool party? I was just wondering which weekend it would be this year,” Christine asked.

“I have no idea, but I’ll ask and tell you in third period, okay,” I replied wondering what the deal was with this pool party.

“Okay, thanks,” she said smiling as we parted ways again.

At lunch I sat with Alex, Cassy, Will and Lizzy as usual.  I was half way through my lunch when I remembered to ask about the pool party.

“Christine asked about an annual pool party today. What was she talking about?” I asked the group.   

“Well, every June for the past few years we’ve held a big pool party.  To tell you the honest truth I hadn’t even thought about it.  I’m not really sure we should even have it this year,” said Lizzy. 

“What? No way! You guys are not breaking tradition because of me.  You should have the party.  Besides, I had no idea you even had a pool,” I said looking at them all rather confused.

“Well I guess we haven’t actually taken you on a tour of the grounds, have we?” Lizzy stated looking down at her hands and fidgeting a bit.  I laughed lighting the mood.

“Don’t worry about it.  We have plenty of time for a formal tour,” I said winking at Lizzy.

“So, do you think we could take a shopping trip?” I asked her. 

“What for?” she asked, confused. 

“Well, I didn’t actually know that you had a pool and if you’re going to have a party I’m obviously going to need the proper attire,” I said batting my eyelashes innocently at the group. Cassy burst out laughing at my expression.

“Oh, you’re good!  Alex will freak about a shopping trip though,” Cassy warned. 

“Well let’s ask Katie and maybe we could turn it into a girl’s weekend?” I suggested looking innocently at them with a huge smile on my face.

“She’s good,” Lizzy said smiling at Cassy.  Cassy looked thoughtful, then said, “I like it. I’ll give her a call and see what she says.” She rose gracefully from the table and headed out of the cafeteria.  Alex and Will had been listening to a CD and talking about the upcoming prom and we were too engrossed in our conversation to notice that they were listening to us now.

“So, what weekend is the party usually held on?” I asked Lizzy. 

“We normally throw the pool party on the weekend after finals.  It just seems to be the best time and it gives everyone something to look forward to,” Lizzy replied. 

“Well count me in!” I said excitedly “I’ll help you with whatever you need” 

“Hey, do you really think that’s a good idea,” Will asked frowning at both of us. 

“Will, we can’t change things right now.  If we do someone may notice and it will draw unwanted attention.  Besides, we can easily monitor anyone who is on the property,” Lizzy explained.  I nodded my agreement.

“She’s right you know.  We can’t not throw the party, besides everyone is already starting to talk about it,” Alex said.  We happily discussed the pool party for the rest of the lunch hour.

 

During third period I told Christine the pool party was happening and it would be the weekend after final exams. Invitations would go out next week.  After the final bell rang I met Alex and we went to the library to do our homework. Once that was completed we called George who came to pick us up and take us home.

 

Katie was waiting for us as we entered the house.  She smiled happily at me,  “Anna, I’ve made plans for us to go to the city next weekend.  We’ll be staying at my place in the Beaches.  We’ll leave as soon as you get off school on Friday and we’ll shop all day Saturday and come home on Sunday,” she said. 

“That sounds great,” I enthused happily, looking forward to the change of scenery. 

“What’s going on?” Alex asked, looking at us perplexed.  

“Shopping trip!” we said in unison and started to giggle.  Alex shook his head and rolled his eyes.

“How can you possibly be thinking about a shopping trip when your father is looking for you?” he asked looking at me worriedly. 

“I’m not worried,” I said smiling at him.  “You’ll be here keeping an eye on him and what he’s up to.”   He shook his head and rolled his eyes as he strode into the living room and flopped down on the couch across from Will who had an I told you so look on his face.  I didn’t care,  I was so excited I was almost giddy.