I am truly sorry for not updating any of my stories for awhile, school got in the way and then my muse deicided to go poof, but now its back and i shall be updating my stories shortly. I do hope you like this chapter.

We are all slaves. Whether it be to fear, love, lust, greed or any number of other things in this world, we are all slaves to something. The fear of being hurt again has kept me locked away from the world, hiding behind school and art, and working in all of my free time with the horses. And when I didn't have school anymore I threw myself into work. The fear drove me onward, to keep moving, but it also kept me hidden, and truth be told I didn't' have any friends except George. And I was lucky enough to have him as a friend as it was. That all changed for me one night when I decided to go out for a drink at a local pub.

I walked into the pub and the peanut shells crunched under my feet as I walked toward the bar and the smell of cigarette smoke lingered in the air. I took a seat at the bar next to a burly man with a buzzed head. I got the bartenders attention and order jack on the rocks. The drink was set before me and I downed it quickly, the burn of the alcohol awakening my senses but at the same time relieving some of my tension. I feel eyes on me and notice the man next to me is eying me, so I eye him right back, and order another drink. I down that one as quickly as the first and when the next one comes the man stops me from drinking it.

"Alcohol aint the way to solve a problem girlie, it's only a temporary fix. The pain will come back with a roaring vengeance. So if you want an ear to turn to I will listen."

I looked at him and something in his eyes made me relent and I told him my story, from beginning to end and it was not without tears, but by the end I felt better than I had felt in a long time. I realized I had been there a few hours so I pushed the untouched drink away from me and paid off my tab. The stool I was on scrapped the floor as I stood up and turned to leave but I was stopped by a hand on my shoulder.

"Wait Quinn."

That name sent shivers down my spine; I hadn't been called Quinn in almost four years, since I had changed my name to Charlie Anders. I turned around to find the burly man who I now know as, Daniel O'Reilly.

"Yes? And please call me Charlie."

He holds out a card to me, "I figured we could be friends and I could teach ya if ya like. Not too many people hang around someone like me so it would be nice ta have the company."

I scanned the card, it was simple and listed his name and contact info but what threw me was his job title, he was a fighting and stunt coordinator. I looked from him to the card and back again.

"Well to be honest Daniel, I don't have many friends either, so I would be glad of another one." I quickly jot down my number on a piece of paper proffered by him and leave the pub feeling better than I had in ages.

After that fateful evening Daniel and I became closer, and as our friendship grew we each opened up more and more about our pasts. Soon we were more like brother and sister and we would even fight like them too although at first Daniel would always win because he was a professional fighter. But that all changed when he started training me. He put me through hell, in what he likes to call Gladiator camp. Four grueling hours of training every morning that consisted of gymnastics, sword fighting, weights, and cardio, which is fine but I couldn't have food. Instead Daniel gave me shakes, to help with my energy and carb intake. After a month of this I could hold my own against him, and then he decided to tell me why he did all that. He wanted me to work with him in the industry, the movie industry.

I immediately back pedaled and went back to staying away from everyone and only working with the horses. But Daniel wouldn't have it; he wanted an explanation as to why.

So one evening after a grueling sword match between the two of us that left me with a nice cut to my forehead, I decided to tell him. With blood slowly dripping down my face I told him of the love I harbored for a girl who I had known since high school. The beautiful girl with the soulful eyes that spoke depths, a voice that spilled emotion and a beauty that turned heads. I sighed and wiped the blood away with a swipe of my hand.

"Daniel, the girl I'm in love with is Rachel Berry so you see I have to stay away."

Without waiting for an answer I turned, dropping my wooden practice sword and headed back to my home, knowing I would have to drag my weary body out of bed to feed the horses in the morning.

Now fast forward a year and Daniel has never broached the subject again. He knows I am trying which is why we still train and such. Although now I have taken up wielding a sword on horseback, and I am lucky Guinness the bay Thoroughbred gelding I ride lets me do so.

The rumbling of his hooves on the ground thrills me and my mind wanders and soon I find myself pondering the fact that it has been five long years since I dropped off the map and left my old life behind. And at that thought a cord of discontent echoed through my body and mind. I pulled up Guinness at the top of the hill that overlooked Meadow Brook Farm. And as I watched the sun sink into the distance and tinged the clouds with color I promised myself that that would change.

Which is why two months later I am on my way to an art opening in LA where I have several of my pieces of work on display, some are from when I was in high school and others are more recent but they all reflect a piece of me. And from what I have heard the show I am involved in has generated quite a buzz. I had half a mind not to come, but Daniel dragged me out of the house and was currently driving me to the opening. I didn't feel like I was ready and was second guessing my clothing choices, which consisted of a fitted grey shirt, black vest and tight black jeans finished off with black combat boots. I ran a hand through my hair shakily and listened to the music playing on the radio while listlessly staring out the window. Hearing the music made my fingers itch to play something and I'm glad Daniel thought to bring my guitar as it will help soothe my nerves. I look over at Daniel and study his features. He has a strong jaw and a slightly pronounced nose that has been broken a few times but his eyes are kind and reassuring to me. He must feel my eyes on him and turns to glance my way.

"What girlie? Your staring is making me nervous."

"Oh nothing, just grateful I have you and for the things you have taught me, like the fighting and how to play guitar."

"Lass, that's nothing, it's what anyone would do."

"No that's not true."

I can hear him grind his jaw and I regret my words.

"It is lass now drop it."

I do, knowing that he doesn't particularly care when I bring up things like that or try to thank him.

Once again my mind drifts as the scenery whizzes by me. Soon enough the car comes to a stop and the two of us get out of the vehicle. I grab my guitar case and run a hand distractedly through my hair before heading into the gallery behind Daniel.

There aren't many people here yet as the show doesn't open till seven and it's only six. I immediately notice a band setting up on the little stage In the front of the gallery. I smile and hitch my guitar case before walking over to them. The young men setting up look at me a little apprehensively but they stop their set up to talk to me. The bravest of the four, a man with brown shaggy hair and eyes that seem to see through me speaks.

"So you play?"

"Yup." My answer is short and clipped.

"What can I do ya for?"

I smile a crooked little smile, "Well assuming you are playing the gallery opening, and you will be taking a break, I was wondering if you would let me play a few songs. I'd rather play music than deal with people."

A loud laugh breaks from the man's mouth and I look at him curiously.

"Is there something funny with what I said?"

"No it's just my boys and I were just talking about what we were going to do during our three ten minute breaks and then you ask to play, it's as if it was meant to be."

"So I can play?"

"Of course you can."

"But you haven't even heard me play."

The quiet guy standing by the drums, with short blond hair and eyes blue like ice looks me over.

"You wouldn't have such a beat up case if you couldn't play and the calluses on your fingers tell the same story."

I nod in understanding.

"You got me there, but you haven't heard me sing."

The blonde shrugs, "Don't need to, you'll be fine."

I don't' understand how he can be so sure but I don't argue.

I set my guitar case down next to there's and peruse the gallery, looking at the different art displayed until I find mine. Looking over each piece brings memories, some good and bad but I know in my heart I am proud of myself.

I turn away from my pieces and make my way to the bar for a drink, noticing Daniel is already there, having no idea what the night ahead will hold for me.

Next chapter should be exciting but no hints. Just review and tell me what you think. Reviews make my day and make me want to write more. :D Hope you all liked it!