Chapter 1
Awaiting Seattle
Phoebe smiled at the audience as applause erupted throughout the auditorium. Her mother, Anastasia Gray, Smiled lovingly and swiped a tear from her eye while her father, Christian Gray, gazed at her with pride. Theodore on the other hand was no were to be seen. Taking her bow, she accepted her high school diploma and watched as the other students received theirs. Grinning at her parents, she couldn't wait to start her life, finally being able to set out on her own and make her own living. Come August she'll be starting at Seattle University and living in her fathers old penthouse Escala. She would finally be free of her fathers controlling behavior and starting her own story. One she was determined to make worthwhile. Sure the idea of being on her own worried her, but at the same time she felt ready to take the world by storm.
A thunderous applause brought her back to the auditorium, the ceremony had ended. Phoebe looked up and saw her parents making there way toward her. Smiling widely she ran to her father, arms open and welcoming. Pulling her into a hug, Christian swept the girl off her feet and spun her around, causing her to giggle in protest.
"My little girl needs to stop growing up." Her father said, eyes full of love and pride. Phoebe smiled and rolled her eyes, Knowing how her father can act. Christian glared at her mother who only shook her head smiling and hugged her daughter.
"Awe sweetie were so proud of you!" Her mother gushed and had to wipe the tears from her eyes again. She looks over her mothers shoulder and sees her brother heading towards them in a hurry, straightening his tie.
"Hey kiddo, congrats!" He exclaims, and ruffles her hair, causing her to pout, and try to shove him back but his built structure kept him in place. Which means he's been working out with their dad again. Teddy only laughed and stepped back, pretending to be morality wounded. Thankfully her father stepped in and offered Teddy a hard, unfriendly slap on the back.
"Theodore Gray! where were you. You missed your sisters lovely speech." Her farther barked, his gray eyes narrowed in disapproval. Teddy grinned at there parents and said,
"Someone had to watch your company." Teddy mumbled. Her brother has been interning with her father for the past year. He must have gotten stuck in some meeting.
"I thought I told Sara not to schedule any meetings for today" her father snapped.
"Don't blame her Roach insisted on it" Teddy retorted.
"Bastard" her father grumbled, breaking the tension and causing both Phoebe and her mother to chuckle.
That night at her graduation party Phoebe is greeted by family and friends congratulating her. Her grandpa Ray, Grandma Grace. Aunt Kate, and everyone else sat down to dinner. This party had been a great way for Phoebe to clear her thoughts before she had to start packing tomorrow.
"I'd like to propose a toast" her father stands up, holding out his glass. "To my beautiful daughter Phoebe, congratulations, and may your time in Escala be filled with wonderful memories, as was mine" he glances for a moment at her mother.
" To Phoebe" the others repeat and everyone clinks glasses, as the party continues into the night.