A/N:
ORIGINAL SUMMARY:
"Gambling is a sickness, a disease, an addiction, an insanity and is always a loser in the long run." Those were the words that stuck, like a stain to the cloth, in Aubrey's head from she was still a toddler until she become the goddess she is now. Stacie on the hand has been gambling all her life. For she knows in the end of the day she never loses. It's either I win or I learn. Beca has confined herself in tallest and thickest walls she has been putting up all her life. The never ending job up piling bricks never wanting to see on what is on the other side. But what if someone on the other side is slowly breaking down those walls whilst she was busy putting up for more. When two worlds collide will the red strings of fate keep the curiosity on them to check what awaits on the other side?
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE READING THE FANFIC:
1. Good day, I would like to welcome you to my first ever fanfic in my entire existence. I would like to take this opportunity to thank ProfSuzbear, author of Perfect, for welcoming me wholeheartedly to this aca-awesome fandom. BECHLOE AND STAUBREY is LIFE. ProfSuzbear, if you're reading this I am actually the Guest new to the fandom who commented on Chapter 10 of your fanfic. Thank you and to the other aca-awesome authors who inspired me to write this fanfic.
2. As you all know, I am new to this fanfic. Glad I joined you. I would like to tell you that critiques and comments are well appreciated. English is never my mother language and I would love to know your feelings about the story. JUST PLEASE SAY THEM IN A MORE POLITE OR RESPECTFUL MANNER. I am always willing to improve for the benefits of the readers.
3. DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything here except for the plot and mistakes. I do not also own Ariana Grande's beautiful song.
So without further undo..
CHAPTER 1: MIDNIGHT BLUE
These friend keep talkin' way too much
Say I Should give you up
Can't hear them, no, 'cause I…
I've been there all night
I've been there all day
And boy, got me walkin' side to side
I've been there all night
I've been there all day
And boy, got me walkin' side to side (side to side)
She hums as she mimics the sounds coming from the radio and slowly opens her eyes to see the stop lights countdown nearing to zero. Shifts the gear lever to drive and releases the breaks.
Three..Two..One.. GREEN-
Hammers down the gas pedal and accelerates the car from a stop to its top speed. Inevitably aware she's pulling some Niko Bellic shit in this ghostly highway and surely expects Robocop's motorcycle to follow her any minute. But who cares? Fuck it. She sighs. It's either this or witness her best friend go ape shit again. She continues to gain speed and not minding to lift her right foot from the gas pedal. Few minutes later she pulls over into a shady street.
Looks like they are already pretty festive
She says on her mind while checking on the establishment across the street. Checks on the rearview mirror to see if she is actually ready for what comes next. Whatever, Fuck it! It's not like I want to impress someone. I'm here for a celebration for fucks sake.
Beca waltz her way through the fancy club she was checking moments ago with nothing but white shirt under black formal coat which was three fourths folded matched by black skinny tight jeans and black army boots. As she was nearing the said establishment she was taken a back by the numerous party goers waiting in the line to get their chance. She walks through the security just like a ghost because sure hell she knows the security know how would she react if they try to stop her. The party did start already judging from the noise echoing through the dance floor. The couples making sensual dance to each other just like "dingoes in the heat" as her friend bigger than the world would quote. Unfortunately, one of the said dingo was actually a busty-leggy brunette with only a black backless dress that stops its length a few inches above her knee, to keep all her goodies intact. She shakes her head making signs of disappointment that this busty lady whose body is now literally sandwiched by two muscular men is actually no other than her life time bestfriend and sister. Bestfriend for life to at a point that if she wished to live in another life that she still would want this girl to be part of her. That this girl dancing with the music's beat is one of the people that she can't live without. A creep of small grin makes way to her mouth seeing her best friend is enjoying the party as if it is her last. And as her bestfriend she always supports her for almost anything she do, even if it's a sexual innuendo. Through thick and thin. As the saying goes, we can't choose the families we come from but we can create "families of choice".
She strides to bar wanting to order herself some liquid to quench her thirst. She sits in the high stool chair. The bartender then takes her order.
"What drink fancies us tonight, Miss B?", a man with chestnut hair and amber eyes stood in front of her with that cheesy smile of familiarity.
"Just Cognac, nothing too strong I've got duties to fill in tomorrow", she smiles back to the kid who rushes to shelf to get her drink.
Jake. The kid who tried to snatch her purse a year ago, who somehow ended up working in this bar. She continues to smile even though just a while ago she had short circuited her brain of thinking that how not to be late. But fuck it she's already late and now she wants to drink some liquor to help her get through from the ape shit she's about to face.
A cool wind then brushes her nape and for a person with strong issues of personal space, Beca jerks up from the where she sits losing her balance falling to cold tile beneath her. Fortunately, it wasn't a hard fall, small pain then registers her mind coming from her left forearm which she used to support her body. She then shoots a glare to the culprit who happens to be looking down at her with a full-grown smirk in her mouth.
"The fuck Stace? Are you -"
"Get your shit together Becs! You only got here and you're already totaled?" the leggy brunette continues to smirk while offering a hand to her friend who is now literally looking life a human mop in the floor.
"Y—"
"Save it Becs." Stacie cuts her off again. "You'll need every once of your badass grumpy little ass to counter his ape shit burst. He's been looking for you dude.. And tell me why are late again?''
"Work" That is the only word that got out of Beca's mouth as her tall drink of a water bestfriend grabs her by her wrist and started marching towards the third floor. The third floor of the fancy club is much tranquil compared to the ones in the ground floor and second floor.
To Beca's surprise the third floor was too crowded. Meaning the by too crowded in the opposite way. Knowing Luke Alfred Thatcher is always a man with good dealings with people same as Stacie who is now strutting her way to shelf grabbing some glasses and a bottle of good old wine.
"Oy! Becky your late again." The blonde man shouting at Beca who is now frozen in her tracks.
Beca inhales the smell of the old oak wood covering the floor and the ceiling. Travels her dark blue eyes to the fancy leather covered chairs surrounding the coffee table which was placed across the bar filled with different types of liquor. This place really speaks for its owner. From the traditional wall clock to Vasily Kandinsky's paintings hanging the wall contrasting the bricks beneath it. Picture windows in her right allowing her to see the adjacent buildings across the establishment. The pendant lights and wall sconces that illuminates the room leans to the traditional and little bit of the modern taste of the owner. Another room to her north separated by thick transparent glass which she then assumes to be his office because of the one of its wall hangs a portrait of the blonde boy made by nails and thread. Not to mention the table and rotating chair that sits at the center of the isolated room that shouts a CEO vibe to anyone who sees it. Wooden shelves full of books which is almost all about managerial skills and leadership stuffs. Trophies and plaques that shows how the world owes a big time to this man. She and Stacie too, owes a big time from this man. This blonde man with grass-colored eyes in his formal all black tux is the one and only man who pulled her and her bestfriend out of the hell-hole she called LIFE.
Before Beca could continue driving the train of thoughts, she was then pulled out by it when she felt a strong firm arm holds her shoulder.
"Seen a ghost Becs?" Luke furrowed his brows and he examines Beca whose mind was now out of the room thinking about the past.
"Nah. Grumpy workaholic bear actually peed in her pants. She's totally afraid of you going ape shit again" Stacie chuckles earning a death glare from Beca.
"Dude. I am soo sorry that I am late. W-work and all. Please don't go Godzilla- and throw ape shit'' Beca pleads, earning a boisterous laughter from both of her bestfriends.
"As much as I want to go ape shit for being late and all. But Becky, I can't just throw all of today's mood to the trash bin. So far the day has been too magnificent." She and Luke made their way to Stacie who is now sitting in the couch. Luke sitting beside Stacie while Beca settles to the opposite couch. She grabs the glass filled with wine and slurps the liquid.
"Besides Stacie already gave me the best gift." Beca watches Luke winks at her. Her eyes then travel to his hand which rests at Stacie's knee, then to Stacie's face who shouts a "just got laid" expression.
Beca chokes from the wine and coughs to recover. "Ew- Incest dude—Incest. Not to judge just because I'm I bi myself. But Stacie is there no other person for you to do your thing?" Another boisterous laughter envelops the room.
Beca now furrows her brows in confusion of what was exactly funny. Looking at Luke, then Stacie, then back the blonde man. The two clearly didn't care and continued laughing to their hearts content leaving a more confused Beca.
'' Who knows that Beca a.k.a the Grumpy Little Badass is actually sexually awkward. For the record babe, I don't do sexual innuendoes with Luke. Ew—that's totally incest. And my gift is too far from what your sexually awkward mind is thinking. I only gave him tickets to Dubai so that he can enjoy skydiving.''
"Stacie's right dude. We're family and sexual innuendoes is a big NO. You guys are my sisters and I'm not into incest. We were just pulling pranks on you."
"Is it me or is your birthday, Beca Prank Day too" She scoffs and shot a glare to her best buds. "By the way where are your guests? Not that I want them to be here"
"Nah. They're downstairs enjoying the music and free booze. And they're not allowed here. Families are the only ones allowed in the room, Becky." Luke gives a reassuring smile because he knows Beca doesn't want to be with so much people. The girl values personal space that she thinks her life line totally depends on it.
Beca, Luke and Stacie continued the evening chatting up about the newest details of their lives, each of their company's progress, failed projects, persons they tried to hook up with, clients they hated whose main agenda where only making them as a stepping stone. Just like the old times. Beca said to herself. She can't help wonder that just several years ago, she was down those muddy streets and back alleys begging for money or food just to fill her stomach and live another day. Yes, those days when the only thing she prays every day is to survive for one more day. Those dreadful days when she and Stacie would share a leftover sandwich and argue on who will have the last bite. Sure, life has ever been hard on them. As they find shelter on overpass and find warm and comfort on worn out rags and blankets they have gathered from dumps. Life was never fair. But things are different now. It has always been different. But what remains is this family and for that she always hopes that this will never change.
"By the way Becky, where's Emily?'', Luke asked while reaching the phone in the coffee table that chimed off a few seconds ago.
"Ems, is in Switzerland. Tending off our bank accounts", smile creep to Beca's lips remembering the girl Luke adopted few years ago has grown much into a beautiful independent woman.
"Can't still believe she chose to become an accountant, cause I taught she'll pursue her dreams as a singer'', Luke still amazed of her little sister.
''Well she's smart as Math as I am as to Science'', the leggy brunette smirks. ''Not to mention Ems is now much taller than little grumpy over there" she continues while eyeing on Beca's lack on vertical department.
Beca rolls her eyes for the infinite time earning a chuckle from Stacie. "As much as I want to stay here guys but we should be heading somewhere now'' Luke suggests. He then grabs his phone and car keys and head towards the door.
"Where are we going Brit?''
"My friend texted me about a big event. I don't exactly know all the details but he says it's an auction. And he would be honored to have us attend his quarterly event. I know both of you wants to go clubbing and hitch someone but as the birthday boy, would you say please say yes to my selfish request?''
The three descended the establishment, two headed to the back parking lot while one to the shady street across the club.
"I parked my car at front, meet you both at the Jackson Street. By the way Brit, here's my gift" Beca tossed a black box to blonde boy. ''Not much but hope you like it''
The blonde boy then enters his metallic red Pagani Huayra and settles inside strapping himself with the safety belt. He opens Beca's box and saw a gold locket which is decorated with a vintage windup bird at the front with a small black diamond stone the center. He takes it out from the box and pressed the lock release in the side. The locket slowly opens and stares on the contents of the locket. Glassy green eyes locked on the picture of 4 people he clearly recognizes. It was a picture of him, Stacie, Beca and Emily several years ago. Back when they were still all empty handed. Minus all the fancy cars, those luxurious penthouse and home, lavish parties. When they were still rags and not rich. He brushes his fingers to the engraved letters in the left side of the locket which he then reads. Always. His sentimental moment was then cut off by the hearing the honking of the Stacie's pearlescent white Porsche 918 Spyder. Signaling him that he should get off from the train of thoughts and get back to reality.
They meet with Beca's matte black Koenigsegg Agera RS moments later and agreed to race down to said place. They got off their respective cars to see the other fancy cars lined up adjacent to them and waltz their way to the building only to be put halt by security with high powered guns.
"Luke Thatcher" giving the security a confused look as to why the security was not informed for his arrival.
"I got this" a man wearing a suit and tie taps the security's shoulder. "Mr. Thatcher, pleasure to meet you sir and to you Miss Mitchell and Miss Conrad. I am Mr. Salvatore's personal assistant and he ordered me to escort you to the event. Mr. Salvatore will be ecstatic and pleased that you came. Please follow me.''
"Congratulations to us"
"To the annual sisterhood bonding party"
"Cheers to us"
Cold.
It was silent.
No.
Faint sobs.
Where? I do not know.
May be coming from my far left.
No party music? Odd.
She stirs herself from her previous state. She's nauseous, something in her stomach she can't explain. She feels light headed too. Maybe the alcohol. WAIT!Party?! No music. Silent. Its too odd to add up. She debates in her mind. Cold. She feels cold beneath her. Chloe slowly opens her eyes and examines her surroundings. It was a dark room with only wall lights of small wattage to keep the room lit. Oddly she isn't familiar to the room. Last time she remembers she was with Aubrey at a club. AUBREY? Where's Aubrey? She forcibly opens her eyes and deliberately scans the room for her bestfriend. She lifts her aching body from where she was lying down for God who knows how long. Her hand feels the cold tile beneath her. Explains the cold.
"Aubrey" she calls for her bestfriend.
No answer.
"Aubrey if you think is a funny prank to pull up on me. Well, it isn't. Cause hell—"
Faint sobs.
She turns her head trying to find the source. It was coming from behind her and so she slowly stands up. She felt dizzy. Blame it to alcohol. But she couldn't recall herself in indulging to heavy alcohols. Sure, she had cocktails but they weren't strong enough to wind her up. Make her tipsy, maybe.But sure hell, what she is experiencing at the moment is far beyond drunk. The feeling is more of like—
Under the influence of DRUGS.
Oh no. No. No. No. I don't do drugs. Yes, I had one-time experience with space cakes back in pre-med when one of my classmates dared me to take one. But drugs and more than that. NO.In the back of her mind she panicked. She didn't take drugs as far as her brain could remember. Few moments later she calmed herself down and collected her scattered thoughts. She needs to find Aubrey. Needs to find answers on how she ended up in this mess. But Aubrey is top priority. She walked slowly but surely. Trying not stumble down for she knows she walks like a drunken man at the moment or maybe worse. She finds supports on the walls of the room. Taking pauses when she needs to collect herself for she knows her mind is not completely on focus on her surroundings. Thank the drug that kicked in her systems causing her to impair her judgements. The room was not quite big it was covered with maroon colored wallpaper. Lights were dimly lit that she can't entirely see on what is on the other end. She continues to pace and follows the source of faint sobs. As she continues the sobs amplifies. She continues her track and gains a little speed. She is now dead curious of the source. And she did find the source only to freeze in her current position to see young lady sitting while hugging her fragile knees crying.
"Are you okay?" she lowers her self to check the young lady.
No response.
She shakes the girls shoulder.
"Hey!" she said in the raised tone. "I was asking if you're okay"
The girl then lifts her head only for Chloe to be met with amber eyes staring blankly against her icy ones. Chloe noticed tear tracks from the girl's pale cheeks and jumped into a conclusion that this girl must have been crying for longer periods of time.
"I am sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I was only trying to check on you. Do you know where we are at the moment?"
"I don't know. All I know is that escape and help are not coming for us."
After from what she heard from the young lady, it dawned to her senses that indeed she is in a very bad situation. She's drugged and now she is kidnapped by who knows who. She needs to find Aubrey. Right now! She scans the room for her blonde friend and come to realize that she and the young lady were not the only ones with held by the square box. There were others, girls, but she focused her mind back to finding the blonde. Few minutes have come by she found her blonde bestfriend sitting and laying her head against the wall. She was unconscious. She knows Aubrey might be drugged too.
"Aubrey! Bree, you need to wake up" Chloe said in a firm tone while shaking her shoulders.
She hears a hum from her friend. She then sees garnet orbs staring at her aquamarine ones.
"Where are we, Chlo?" Aubrey asks as she examined her surroundings.
"I don't know Bree. All I know is the odds are against our tides and if we don't find a way to get out we things will get rougher from here. I know it's a little bit confusing. I am confused too, bewildered at the moment but we need to focus on the main goal. We need to get out of here! Bree are you with me?"
But before Aubrey could comprehend and give her answer they noticed loud footsteps. Chloe assumed they were from the outside. Minutes later, the footsteps faded and was replaced by a sound of metal coming in contact with another metal. She sits still beside a half-conscious Aubrey waiting for another sound but the next sound is one she did not quite anticipate. A door few meters from her swung open and the last thing see saw were silhouettes entering the room. She doesn't know if she is hallucinating at the moment or not. By now she is completely sure whatever drug her systems took in are kicking in and has full control her senses not to mention her judgements too.
The elevator ride took a few minutes and stopped at floor 47. She continued tailing Stacie and Luke as she continues to observe. Fancy event it is, judging from the amount of butlers and bodyguards standing in respective posts. The place was like a theater minus the lined chairs which were replaced with private tables to house the guests. The host and bidder's voices echo the gigantic room. As to what they are bidding, Beca can't quite determine it yet. She continues to tail them until they reach a secluded office located at the upper floors of the so called theater. The office is not too fancy and leans to a minimalistic approach. Just a plain table with a matching rotating chair at the center, shelf with lesser books, coffee table and couches.
A man in his late 40's is standing in front of what she assumed was a two-way glass giving the man the view to the event. The man has visible amount of gray hair contrasting his black ones. Few wrinkles are now visible resting around his forehead. Hair is cut at a medium length and waxed based in its unnatural shine. His beard in lesser amounts styled in circular form just covering ample amounts under his nose and mouth.
"Signore" the personal assistant greeted him in his most well-mannered tone.
"Ah! Lucas, you came. For a second I thought you will not be able to make it" the middle age man shifts his attention to 4 people standing the room and offered a hand to Luke.
"It has always been an honor to be invited by you, Mr. Salvatore" Luke gladly accepts the man's hand.
"Lucas, please skip the formalities, like I've once told you Rodrigo or Rod will do. By the way, who are these belle fanciulle?"
"That would be Stacie Conrad, sir" Stacie gives her hand and for Mr. Salvatore to place a quick kiss as a form of formal greeting.
"Forgive my rudeness but is shaking hands okay?" Beca interrupts.
Rodrigo chuckled while extending a hand to Beca. "You must be Rebecca? I've heard quite a lot about you young ladies."
"I hope those ones were good" Stacie added.
"Do not fret, all are good" Rod assures the young ladies. "And I believe I still have to meet another brunette?''
"Emily. She's in Geneva for business reasons" Lucas implied.
"Lucas, you must be a lucky young man. You have 3 beautiful sisters. Must be a wonderful family to have?"
"I am just lucky to have them, Rod"
"Now to the real business, I have called you here to not only say happy birthday, cause clearly we both know I can do it through phone. I would like you to have this" he offered an off-white folder which Luke gladly accepts. "Open it, boy" he ordered. Luke read its contents and astonishment is clearly written on his face.
"P-private plane?" Luke asked still not removing his grassy orbs from the folder.
"Please accept it kid. I know your love for commercial flights and I truly appreciate your humility despite of your current status but you need to accustomed that you and your family are not the same few years back.''
"I know sir and I appreciate but—"
"No buts, Lucas" Rod cuts him off before he could argue. "And that's not the only thing, my contacts in Florence informed me that all is set for next big thing. By next big thing, all is set for your satellite branch of Thatcher Enterprises. Is it the best gift yet?" the older man sheepishly asks. He then picks up a glass of champagne and offered it to the younger.
"Best day ever, Rod" Luke raises his glass to cheer upon the news and the small gathering of close friends and family.
The small gathering is blissful. Rodrigo is not what Beca expected. She always thought that the Italian airline owner was a stiff man whose actions are limited to black and whites. But the wall of stereotypes was shattered when actually Rodrigo was a goofball all along. He cracked jokes here and there. He even pities himself of not settling down but always makes fun out of it. Beca then lifts here self from the comfortable couch she is currently sitting and absently strides her way to the two-way glass. There is exactly something about the event that keeps the curiosity on uncontrollable levels. The event was now even livelier compared to its state when they arrived. But she can't still quite determine on what are they actually bidding. Blame her not so perfect vision for pumping up her curiosity in greater ranges.
"Intrigued by the event, young miss?''
"W-what? Huh?" Beca's soul jump from her body for a second when she noticed Rod's personal assistant/ butler now standing at her side looking at her intently. For a minute Beca thinks that the personal assistant is somehow related to a friend of hers back in the days who can bypass even a maximum-security prison. Because Beca's very keen in protecting her personal space and put walls as thick as a fiber glass keeping people out of her thoughts and feelings.
"Why don't you escort our guest to the event, Stanley" Rod ordered his personal assistant.
"Oh! Can I come too" Stacie attentively asked as she too is a little bit curious of the said event.
"Luke?" Beca asked.
"I'm good Becky. Why don't you and Stacie head down stairs and enjoy the event. Besides, things will only get boring from here for you and Stacie. Me and Rod will discuss things about the sat branch to flourish in the heart of Florence."
The two brunettes nodded in agreement and left the two men by themselves and followed Stanley to the event. As they approach the private tables Beca can't help to feel that the curiosity a while ago is replaced by tremendous amounts of excitement. Her excitements are at the brim and ready to spill its contents any minute. She can't help but notice that the event was majorly attended by men and she's not quite sure it she and Stacie were the only women around. They settle themselves at a private table located in the far-left courtesy to the fact that the event have started hours ago and they may still be lucky enough to participate the bidding for a few minutes before it ends. Once settled Stanley ordered round of drinks and food the keep them entertained. The two brunettes now have a better view of what was the event exactly. Typical auction but with a twist since they aren't bidding on historical elements but of people.
"Bachelorette Auction?" Stacie asks for confirmation.
"As of what I have understand, Miss Stacie, yes I think it is bachelorette auction. Forgive my lack of knowledge on the event. We actually arrived here a few minutes earlier than you and was also invited by a friend to be here. Which also turns out you are also invited by Mr. Salvatore here to kill two birds at one stone. I hope you can consider my explanation"
"No need to be so formal, Stan. I guess it is a bachelorette auction then. Not to mention I like the idea of meeting people. Who knows I might just hook up on someone new" Stacie reassures the butler that indeed there is no need to worry and no further explanations is required.
Beca chuckled at Stacie's idea. "Do I need to remind you that you always hook with someone NEW"
Stacie lightly laughs on Beca's recent comment. "Can't blame him" Stacie points a finger down to region between her thighs. "He's a Hunter"
The two brunettes enjoy few booze and food that were recently delivered by the waiter. Stacie on the other hand constantly forces Stanley to take a sip of the few drinks they have on the table.
"Leave him be, Legs, his on duty and besides if he gets drunk he might get fired" Beca warns Stacie to quit the act.
"Urgh. You both are party poopers." Stacie shrugs and continues to whine.
"Ladies and gents this will be last chance of bagging yourself a bachelorette. I tremendously suggest to prepare your best arsenal yet. Few moments from now I will be presenting the last batch of bachelorette available for bidding. Hoping those pockets of yours are still deep enough to afford them though. Without further undo, may the best bidder to the bagging" the event's host words earned roaring cheers from the guests including the two extremely curious brunettes.
"Aubrey" she whispers.
She feels light headed and can't even focus.
Darkness.
Underlit hallway.
Slow and steady pace.
Hand on her back that somehow supports her.
She must've have been walking.
Bright light from a steady source.
Am I going to heaven?
Inch by inch the light becomes evident.
"Aubrey, are we safe?"
Chloe continues to pace herself, she focused all her remaining sanity to walking to a light so bright. The light somehow soothes her anxiety. But maybe all of this can't be true, maybe all are just in her mind. Imagination, hallucination or whatever this is called. Maybe this is just a way of tricking her mind, she may just be thinking of best case scenario to calm herself. I honestly don't know. She walks on to the blinding light raising her hand a few inches above her head to cover some rays. I can't see anything. Except for this blinding light. She sighed. Chloe closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She tried to calm herself down and tried to remember all her yoga lessons of true focus. She needs to focus even though it is truly evident that the chemicals in her systems are giving her a tough fight. She needs to just for one last time. She tilts her head to the right and collects every once of sanity left. She forcibly opens her eyes and tried to disregard the blinding rays. She concentrates. On those dark corners looking for a safe haven among this crumbling reality. And she did. She did find an oasis amongst those midnight blue eyes. And now, she surrenders from the everything rational. Surrenders herself on those midnight blues.
A/N: Shall I continue? If yes, then please leave some reviews and I would appreciate any suggestion of how would you like the story to unfold cause truthfully saying I still facing a vague plot here. If No, then I guess I should continue playing The Rise of Tomb Raider.
Thank you for reading. =)