Thank you all for your reviews! Don't worry I won't be moving too fast with their relationship, it was just a moment of weakness on Christians part. Elena and Grace are not friends in this story and her relationship with Christian isn't all that submissive. They're just a teacher and a student having a relationship together. Of course that will soon change, once Elena notices Christians new attitude and how he is so protective of Ana.

Enjoy this next chapter.

There was a strong chill that woke me up. I lazily opened my eyes and took in my surroundings. The sky. And not just any sky but a dark sky. Quickly sitting up, I realized I was still at the school. I reached behind me for my bag and dug through it until I found my phone. I can't believe I was asleep for that long, well I can't believe I fell asleep period. I don't even remember when it happened. Pulling out my phone, I looked at the time. Nine. It was almost nine o'clock. Five hours. I was asleep for five hours. Not only did I notice the time but I noticed I have over twenty missed calls and sixteen text messages. Crap. I scrolled through the messages…

Mia: Hey where are you?

Mia: Hello!

Mia: Okay, I'm going crazy!

Mia: Anastasia!

Mia: Mom is going to kill me if she thinks I lost you!

Mia: Please Answer Me!

Mia: ANASTASIA ROSE STEELE! You are in so much trouble when I see you!

Elliot: Ana, Mia is going insane trying to reach you. You're lucky mom's at work or you'd be in some serious trouble. Hahaha!

Elliot: Okay Ana, where are you? Really?

Christian: Ana, why aren't you home yet?

Christian: If this is about what happened earlier. Im sorry.

Christian: Ana where are you? You're starting to make us all worry. Dad will be home soon.

Christian: What is going on? Why aren't you answering?

Mia: Ana are you okay? Has something happened to you?

Elliot: Anastasia! This isn't funny anymore.

Christian: Ana, please! Where are you?

Wow, they must really be worried. I texted 'I'm fine' and sent it to all three of them. I stretched out my body and let out a yawn. After a five hour nap, I still feel a little sleepy. I got off the ground and grabbed my bag, swinging it over my shoulder. It was quiet. Really quiet and dark. There were weird noises and the wind made the trees rustle. Okay, so this wasn't as nice as it was during the day. The vibration of my phone scared the heck out of me and I accidently dropped it, letting out a small yelp.

I hurriedly picked it up and left the confined area. Looking at the message, my heart fluttered. It was Christian : Jesus Ana, where the hell are you?

I typed back telling him I accidently fell asleep where he left me. He told me that that Mia and Elliot were worried sick and felt relieved when he told them I was fine. I ran up the hill, feeling a little winded afterwards. I crossed the fields and made my way around to the front of the school. It was a little freaky here at night. With no one around, I only pictured scary things happening. Christian said he was on his way to come pick me up. There was no way I was walking anywhere around her at this time of night. I didn't know what would happen, so being smart I stayed put. With every minute that ticked by I felt like it had been hours. When Christian finally showed up in his black Audi, I was internally grateful. I thought I would go insane if I was left out here for a while longer.

"Ana, how in the hell did you fall asleep?" Christian scolded me once I got into the car.

Pulling out the pen and pad from my bag I wrote 'After you left I didn't want to go back to that god awful cheerleading class. I hate Mimi and I dislike that instructor. So I stayed. I ended up falling asleep. Sorry'

I let him read it and let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry I left you there." He pulled away from the curb and began to drive.

'What happened?' I wrote. He took a quick glance and the returned to the rode ahead. I could tell he wanted to tell me but he didn't know what to say. Maybe he just wasn't ready, but I wanted an answer. 'Did I do something wrong?' I tapped his shoulder so he could read my next question.

"No, Ana. You didn't do anything wrong. It was me."

I furrowed my brows together in thought. 'You don't like being touched on your chest. Not directly'

He nodded after scanning the paper.

'I won't ask why as it's none of my business. I would like to know, but on your time and your terms. If you tell me your story, I'll tell you mine.' All he knows is that I was abused. But there is more to it than that, way more, stuff that the police doesn't know. Not even Grace. The only other living soul who knows abandoned me years ago.

He smiled. "Okay."

'I shouldn't have asked you to kiss me again.' I wrote, because maybe then he wouldn't have had to pick me up late at night, because I wouldn't have fallen asleep, because things would have ended differently.

"I shouldn't have the first time."

Ouch. That hurt a bit. I decided to end that conversation right then and there. I didn't think I was up for any other sort of negative response. The rest of the ride home was filled with silence. And not comfortable silence, more like awkward. I chewed on the insides of my cheeks and my lips just to keep myself distracted. I would give anything to know what was going on in Christian's mind. Sneaking a quick glance at him, he looked as if he was lost in thought. His brows scrunched together and his eyes were narrowed staring vacuously at the road. He must be thinking about something very important to have a look like that on his face. After staring intensely, I turned to look out the window.

Once we were finally home, I rapidly got out of the car. I've never been so happy to feel fresh air. The silence I endured with Christian made the air feel hot and stuffy, almost like I couldn't breathe. Surprisingly the door was unlocked and I ran through it like something was chasing me.

"Ana!" Mia and Elliot exclaimed in unison. I gave them a tight smile and dashed up the stair and to my room. Closing the door behind me, I locked it. I then went to the bathroom door and locked it as well, just in case someone decided to enter through Christian's room. I lied down on my bed and stared up at the ceiling. Today was a crazy day. Very much crazy indeed. But the one thing that's haunting my mind…

I can't believe I kissed Christian. Well he kissed me but still, I kissed back, and I didn't hesitate to do it either. That was bad judgment on my part. I shouldn't have let it escalate, but I couldn't help it. I like him. A lot. He makes me feel things I never even knew I could feel. Not only did he make me feel good, he made feel sad. I mean how does someone get rejected after the act has already been committed, twice. Oh wait I know, by saying it never should have happened in the first place. I didn't want admit how much that hurt but really what was I expecting? Christian is very attractive. I mean very, it should be illegal. He's popular and has a good group of friends who help him with his status in school. What is a girl like me, who came from the wrong side of the tracks and who can't even speak, going to do for him? I don't how his life started out but from what I can tell it was years and years ago. He was saved and it's only been a week since I have been saved too. I still have some baggage and I'm sure he does too, but there's a difference. He was rescued years before me. He's lived here with the Greys for over a decade and has a place for himself. He comes from money, I don't. Well not a lot anyways. Christian grew up being able to build up a status at school, to be popular. Not me. I'm new and have to face people who can't even begin to understand what I'm going through. I was kept away from the outside world; I wasn't able to form friendships like him. Sure I have made a few, but even then I already have a bully who won't get off my back.

Yeah. Christian wouldn't want someone like me tarnishing his reputation or whatever he wants to call it. If that was the reason he said what he said then so be it. I won't let it get me down and I could act like it didn't happen.

Grace was spending the entire night at the hospital, while Carrick came home a little later in the day. He had Linda make dinner and I carelessly sat at the table, not speaking to anyone. I wasn't in the best mood and the fact that I couldn't speak my mind just made me feel worse. I ate my dinner, nodded at their question that were directed at me, and observed their conversations with as much enthusiasm as I could give. No one mentioned my strange mysterious missing moment which was a good thing. Christian sat next to me as usual and was also quiet. He talked and laughed at time but when he wasn't the one being spoken to, he was silent. Mia was always the center of attention and tonight wasn't any different. She told everyone about how her day went and how much she loved having me in two of her classes. She talked about Cheerleading and how her coach was giving her a few new pointers. She told us how she learned how to do some type of back flip and I praised her for how much guts she had to do something that could end in you possibly breaking your neck. Elliot talked about how he took some girl out during the day, saying he was madly in love. It was cute and I couldn't help but feel a little jealous. I would give anything for Christian to take me out. I only wished that this was a silly crush but I knew that wasn't the case. I really liked him, which is making this whole not speaking thing a lot worse.

When dinner ended I started to head to my room but thought of something better. Instead of going straight, I took a left and went down a small hall that had double glass doors at the end. I entered the library and felt myself smile. A real smile. I was in awe at this sacred place, well sacred to me anyways. There were so many books I didn't know what I wanted to read. Making my way to the books, I stared at the binds, scanning the title, hoping something would spark my interest. What was I in the mood for? Adventure? Mystery? Maybe suspense? Romance? I was feeling the romance thing, seeing how I'm sort of stuck in my own. But a romance with a happy ending, hopefully no rejections. Let's see…What's a good happy romance with a happy ending? I scanned my eyes over every book…Only two romance novels seemed to get my attention. A Kingdom of Dream and The Flame and the Flower. I couldn't decide which one so I did the whole bubble gum bubble gum in a dish thing. I ended up reading The Flame and the Flower. I grabbed the book from the shelf and went to sit near the window. I took a blanket from the love seat on my way and placed it on the ground, making a comfortable seating area. Once I was relaxed and well situated, I opened the book and started read. It was definitely an interesting read, and very detailed I might add. It took me some time to get into but once the story unfolded I couldn't put it down. I could get lost in the romance between Brandon and Heather. It was sweet and I don't know why but I kind of liked the way he acted towards her. It was sometime harsh but that was just his character.

I didn't realize how long I was reading until I heard the door open. Elliot popped his head in, searching the room. Once he found me, he walked over. "So you're reading?" He had a smile on his face, a smile that said I was completely crazy. I ignored it and nodded at his question. "Are you alright?" He took a seat in front of me and crossed his legs.

Tilting my head, I gave him a questioning look.

"I don't know, you just seemed off during dinner. Usually you have your pad out ready to write and tonight you didn't. I just wanted to check on you." It was really sweet that he was checking on me, I felt cared for which is really something. "Oh, here, I brought this." He took out a mini note pad and a pen from his pocket. I felt my face form into another smile. I took it from him and began to write.

'Your sweet, but im ok.'

"Are you sure? Anyone bothering you at school?"

'There is one girl but Mia and Christian handled her.'

He smiled. "Well that's good." He yawned. "Well I'm going to bed." Before he stood, he kissed the top of my head. "Don't stay up to late."

'Thanks mom.' I showed him and he let out a deep chuckle.

"Whatever." He walked out of the library and I continued my ready for another hour.

When I finished, I folded the top corner of the page to hold my spot in place. I set it back on the chair and put the blanket back on the couch. Making my way to my room, I decided that I needed a nice hot shower. I felt tense for some reason and hot water would do me some good. Today has been one of the longest days of my life and I felt like I was going to pass out. I entered my room and then went straight for the bathroom. Opening the door, I caught a glimpse of Christian in his room. He was shirtless and his pajama bottoms hung low. His back muscles were muscular and I could see them working as he moved around his room. I couldn't help but to stair, he looked good. Before he could catch me drooling, I went over and closed his door. I pressed my back against it and let out a deep breath. Why in the hell am I sharing a bathroom with a guy who looks like that? This must be some kind of test from God, to see if I could control myself. Well, as long as Christian is walking around like that and looking the way he does, I am definitely going to be tempted. A fully dressed Christian is already hard enough not to gawk at. Gaining some composure I started the shower and began to strip. I looked at the anxiety medication on my side of the counter and grabbed it. I took one and swallowed it down with tap water from the sink. I stared at myself in the mirror. My pale skin seemed very pale today, my blue eyes held some sort of emotion I could place and my hair was getting longer it seemed. I was going to need a trim soon or else I'll be tripping over it. I examined my body and saw the scars on my back from when my dad whipped me with the belt. There were eight that were noticeable and more that weren't. Every time I looked at them I would sometimes have those torturous flash backs, taking me to events that left the physical imprints.

I wouldn't this time. I won't let him control me anymore. Taking one last glance at the thick marks that covered the upper part of my back, I opened the shower door and stepped in. The feeling of the hot water was blissful. It felt so good and I let the hot water run over me for a few long minutes. My head tilted so I could let the water cover every inch. For some reason my mind traveled back to Christian, not to when he kissing me, but before that when he was helping me speak. I kept my head tilted upward and put my fingers on my throat, beginning to hum. I remembered everything that he taught me and began doing it on my own. I said Up and then I said Upper. My thoughts focused on the word Upper Lip, seeing as we never got to it. At first it was fairly difficult, but it didn't stop me from trying. I kept going and going until I eventually said the word. I squealed due to the excitement of saying two words back to back. But I didn't stop there; I continued to repeat the words over and over until I was comfortable with saying a different word. I found that if I keep speaking, it's easier to say other words as well, to speak freely with anything stopping me. But if I stop talking for a while then it's like I forget how to speak and have to start the whole process all over again and that's a little frustrating.

I wanted to try another thing, another word that wasn't a word, but held emotion for me. It took me a few moments to get it out there but the sound of it on my lips was amazing.

"Chrsitian."

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