Thank you all for your reviews. There were a few requests for Christian's point of view so I threw that in there for you all! I see some like Tyler's character! I do to. I wanted to give Ana someone to really talk to aside from Mia and Christian. I'm still deciding whether or not put Kate in the story. I already know what I'm going to do with Ana's mom! I can't wait for you all to see how the story unfolds. As for Ana's personality, her past was brutal and crazy, there's way more to it then what you all know. But I wanted Ana to still be gentle and only traumatized to a certain extent and also be able to stand up for herself in a way that someone like her would. It's tricky to write her character but I guess im doing okay, seeing how you guys like it.
Enjoy this next chapter!:)
"Ana! I'm so glad you came!" Tyler had a huge grin on his face once he opened the door. I heard Christian make a grunting noise of disapproval behind me. "Hey, Christian, Mia." He gestured for them to enter. Christian pushed past both me and Mia and entered the house. He turned down Mimi's offer to be his date and she was livid. She went on a rampage in the cafeteria and couldn't understand why he said no. I guess Christian was hoping that I would do the same to Tyler. But I didn't. I told Tyler I would be his little date, but only to get back at him. I did like Tyler, he sweet and made me feel good but he wasn't Christian. And good thing he didn't know I was only doing this for that reason; otherwise he wouldn't let me live it down.
I looked at Mia who had a huge grin on her face. She was definitely ready to party. She walked in the house, leaving me with Tyler, who couldn't be happier. I walked inside. His house was gorgeous, big and spacious. The living room was on the left and the kitchen on the right. In the back was two French doors leading to the pool. The furniture was all modern with all the latest updates and it was also filled with dancing bodies. Guys were in swim trunks while girls were in there bikinis. It was supposedly still summer, but it was getting colder each week. Fall would be here soon and I thought Tyler was absolutely insane to be throwing a pool party. And right now it's in the sixties, maybe in the fifties. I don't know, I'm not a weather man. He told me not worry and said he had one of those heating pools. I guess that was okay but still. He was crazy. I wore one of Mia's bikinis, it was a deep red and she said I could have it. I wore that with a pair of shorts and a black tank top. I was a little more than cold and cursed Mia for making wear something so revealing. Tyler put his arm around me like he always does and led me through the house and out the back doors. He was pretty good looking shirtless. His muscles were defined and I wanted to touch them. But the moment I laid eyes on a shirtless Christian, well, it almost put Tyler to shame. Christian was lean, broad shoulder, fare skin, and abs that I want to lick. They didn't look like fresh buttered rolls out of the oven, but they were there and equally as delicious. Yum. The pool was long ways and on the sides were about twenty lounge chairs each. There were a few tables with umbrellas and there were people in the far back that had a bonfire going. It was pretty cool. I saw Mimi there in her black bikini that left little to the imagination, not that mine was any better but I had on shorts and a tank top, which I didn't plan on taking off. Mimi was so mad that Christian turned her down and even more mad that I came with him, which wasn't the case, he was my ride. After what happened Thursday, she went out of her to be an even bigger bitch to me. Not only her but Elena was almost encouraging her. It was clear the coach didn't like me but I had no idea why. I've never said two words to her. She even tried to make me get on top of the pyramid. I wasn't having that, no way. I didn't want be a cheer leader anyway, let alone get on top of a bunch a girls who could drop me. Elena made it clear that I didn't have a choice, so I answered her by walking out. And today when eighth period came, oh god, I never should have gone. Elena made me run laps the whole period. Once Christian came for our usual practice session, I was so relieved and sweaty.
Mimi was clearly trying to show off for Adrian and Christian who were in the pool playing Chicken Fight with two girls on their shoulders. "You wanna go in the pool?" Tyler asked.
Instead of bringing my pen and pad, I just used my phone and typed out my words in my notes app. 'Not yet, let's sit and watch'. He looked a little disappointed but it quickly went away, replaced by his dazzling smile. He walked my over to lounge chairs that were unoccupied. I sat down and he took the seat next to me. 'I'm not a huge swimmer.' I showed him and he smiled. That wasn't necessarily true. I liked to swim, well I used to before um…well yeah. I used too, but now? I'm a little self-conscious about my body. The belt scars on my back were brutal and I didn't want anyone to see. I didn't want to have to answer questions I just wasn't ready for. My scars will never go away; they will always be a reminder as to what happened to me. I was over it. I think I forgave my dad and I am healing, but the memories will always be there, and not just that. I have physical evidence that will also remind me.
"It's okay. We can go in later." Tyler took hold of my hand…and didn't let go. Uhhh...I didn't know what to do. Should I keep it there? Should I let pull away? No. There was no reason to pull away. Tyler was sweet and I really was starting to like him. But…I liked Christian too. And yet, that probably won't work out anyways. I let him hold my hand. And if I was being honest with myself then I'll admit I kind of like it. He was warm.
Christians Point of View
Tyler was one of my really good friends. But right now, I wanted to strangle him with my bare hands. I have no right to though. I told Ana the way I felt, that I regret kissing her. But…It was a total lie. I don't regret it all. If anything I wish I could do it again. She seemed to be getting real cozy with Tyler and I could barely stand it. There was a reason I turned away Mimi. I was hoping Ana would do the same which isn't the case. I don't know what game she's trying to play at, but it's starting to piss me off. Was I jealous? Hell yeah. I knew I couldn't have her and yet, it made me want her even more. Elena was already giving me hell about her, threatening me to stay away from her or I'll regret it. She didn't like my reaction and her 'threats against me' days were over. I wasn't going to have it. Elena was hot, a great companion, and fucking amazing in bed, but she was replaceable. Ana on the other hand, well there is no body like her. She was innocent, a little naïve, but she has a dark past. I did too once, but hers is deep, way deeper than mine and it still haunts her. I know it does. I liked Ana, a lot. Everything about her. The fact that she can't speak makes all the more unique and special.
"Christian! Pay attention!" Bianca's voice rung through my ears and I turned away from Tyler and Ana's hand holding, just in time to dodge Adrian's attack. Ella was sitting on top of his shoulders which made it harder for him to get to me and easy for me to move away from him. I moved in the water, towards Adrian and Bianca leaned forward, grabbing Ella's arms and trying to knock her over. After a few attempts and me swallowing pool water, Ella finally fell over, causing Adrian to go under a long with her. "Yes! We won!" I ignored Bianca and lifter her legs, throwing her backs and into the water. I looked at Ana, who was looking at me. I held her gaze until she looked away and paid attention to Tyler. "Thanks for being so gentle Christian." Bianca said as she swam away to go talk to some other people.
"Oh, sorry." I said, not really listening.
"Dude, let's go get a drink." Adrian said.
"Okay cool." I looked back and saw Tyler alone. Ana wasn't there and I couldn't help but to scan the place for her. I promised to look after her, not that she needed a babysitter. I hurriedly followed behind Adrian as we got out of the pool and headed inside. There were so many people here; I had to push past through crowds at some point. I found Mia and grabbed her arm as she walked past. "Hey, where's Ana?"
"Um, she was over there." She pointed to the kitchen. "She was getting a drink."
"Okay." I pushed my way to the kitchen and looked around for Ana. She was in the corner filling up a blue plastic cup. I watched her cautiously, making sure everything was okay. I leaned my body against the nearest wall and watched her. Creepy, I know, but I just needed to make sure she was okay. And good thing too, because some guy went up to her and stated talking her. I recognized him to be Jason. He was the trouble make in school, always in detention and getting suspended. I didn't like him at all. He smiled and her, she smiled at him, he said a few words, she got out her phone to type, he said more words, she typed some more, he put his arm on her, I lifted myself from the wall and clenched my fists, she tried to politely move away from his embrace, he wouldn't let her, she backed away, he followed, I gritted me teeth and made my way over there, she smiled nicely and shook her head, I was getting closer, he leaned in and kissed her, and my fist made contact with his face.
Ana let out a squeal that so cute coming from her beautiful mouth. She got out of the way and stood at my side, gripping onto me. Jason got up from the floor and massaged out his jaw. "What the hell was that for?" He yelled. Great. The guy was drunk. I could practically smell the alcohol.
"For putting your hands and lips on her." I said through gritted teeth.
"She didn't seem to mind." His smile grew mischievous and I was ready to know him out. We got a few attentions from the people that were nearby and I didn't want to cause a scene. "Isn't that right Ana?"
I looked down at her and she was shaking her head no at me. I knew she would have minded and I didn't need her assurance to know. "Don't you ever lay a hand on her or you'll regret it." I turned away with Ana next to me and walked back outside. I looked at her. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah." She said. It was nice hearing her voice. It was nice, soft. I didn't hear it often except during our little practice sessions, but even then it wasn't a lot.
"Good."
"Thanks." She smiled a little.
"You're welcome." I replied, still looking at her. Those eyes were so blue, like the bluer parts of the ocean. They were bright and serene, I could get lost in them forever. She bit her lip and I felt my dick twitch. I reached up and pulled her lip from between her teeth before she could torture me. "Don't do that." She gave me an apologetic look. I wanted to bite that lip for her. I wanted to kiss her to feel those soft lips on mine again…No. I can't. I let go of her and said, "You should get back to Tyler." Her face showed me that she was surprised. She didn't object though, and walked away, giving me a scowl as she left.
Ana's Point of View
Christian could be so sweet and then he just switches his emotions like that! Ugh. It's so frustrating and confusing and I just want to slap him in the face. He wanted me to return to Tyler, well fine, I will. I stomped away from him and down to the pool, taking my seat beside Tyler.
"Hey, you took a while." He smiled.
'Yeah sorry.' I typed on my phone.
"It's okay." This time I grabbed a hold of his hand and leaned back. "You wanna go over to the fire and makes some s'mores?"
I tilted my head to the side. 'S'mores? What's that?'
His eyes widened. "You can't be serious? You don't know what s'mores are?"
I shook my head. He quickly got up and lifted me of the lounge chair, pulling me down the yard and to the open fire. "You have to have one." There were blankets spread out all around and there were bags of marshmallows everywhere. I also saw chocolate bars and graham cracker boxes. People were getting up to leave and after a few minutes it was just me and Tyler. I sat down on the blanket and made myself comfortable. The fire felt so good on my skin that I scooted up just a little. "Here." Tyler handed me a stick that had a marshmallow at the top. "Put it over the fire and let it roast." I did as he told me too and watched the fire circle around the marshmallow. I looked over at Tyler and saw him pulling out a graham cracker, breaking it in half and setting it down in front of him. Then he grabbed the chocolate, broke it and placed it on the cracker. "Um, Ana, your marshmallow is burning." I snapped my head back to the squishy white snack and saw it was indeed burning. I pulled it out of the fire and blew on it. When it went out I saw that it was burnt, like burnt as in it was black. "Now, you'll need and new one." I shook my head no. After being deprived of food for years, there was no way I was going to let this go to waste. It was still edible. I put in on top of the chocolate and Tyler placed the on half of the cracker on top of the burnt marshmallow. Once I felt it was secure, I pulled the stick out. "Are you really gonna eat a burnt marshmallow?"
"Yes."
His eyes went wide in shock. "Ana, you spoke." His smile was from ear to ear and it made me smile too.
'I'm trying.' I typed.
"I think it's great. You have a beautiful voice."
I smiled again at his compliment and bit into this so called s'more and oh my god it was so freaking delicious. I don't think I've ever tasted anything so good before! The heat of the squishy marshmallow made the chocolate soft and moist, combined with the crunchiness of the graham cracker made it perfect. I was definitely in heaven and all other thoughts disappeared from mind as I continued to consume this delectable treat. "Mmmm…"
"I'm guessing you like it?"
I nodded my head enthusiastically.
"I'm glad."
We had a few more s'mores after that and once we were full we lay out on the blanket and talked. I asked him about his family and what he likes to do for fun. He was so fun to be around and I found myself smiling at the things he said. He reminded me of a friend I used to have when I was in middle school. Tyler was a person who could make anyone laugh and really did care a lot about others. He was kind gentle and funny. Not to mention he was really good looking and new how to throw fantastic parties. I really enjoyed his company, he was an easy person to like, full of life and very charming.
The rest of the night consisted of people swimming, dancing, and do everything else that was imaginable. I grew thirsty plenty times but went against going to get something to drink. After what happened last time…yeah…I didn't want a repeat. I managed to keep an eye on Christian. He was doing his own thing, but occasionally he would look around, searching for me. Mimi still didn't get the picture and tried to throw herself at him. He would sometimes pay her some attention and have conversations, but once she started getting touchy he stopped. I felt a little bad for Mimi. She was trying so hard and getting nowhere. People started to leave around midnight and some actually stayed and crash. Turns out someone spiked some of the drinks with a lot of alcohol. Tyler was one of the victims and was passed out on the couch. Adrian was crashed out on the table and others were sleeping in the kitchen and out on the lounge chairs by the pool. Mia got a ride with a friend, who was a guy, and went somewhere. She begged me not to tell Christian and I tried everything to stop her, but Mia is stubborn and will do what she wants. So I had to lie. The few who weren't victims, such as me and Christian either left or stayed a little longer. Tyler's house was trashed and I felt horrible for him. He said his parents were coming home for another week, but I still felt bad about the place being so messy. I ended picking up a lot of the mess, with Christians help of course and threw away all the cups, along with plates and the food. It looked descent when we finished.
'You ready to go?' I showed Christian my typed message.
He looked back at the pool then to me. "Take a swim with me?" I was doing an amazing job at staying away from the pool and now all of that went down the drain. I wanted more than anything to go in the pool with him, but…my scars. I didn't want him to see my scars. I was terrified of his reaction, his rejection. The disgusted look on his face would haunt me forever. "Come on. We'll be quick." That smile. Ugh. How could I say no? I can't. I nodded at him and he took my hand, leading me outside to the pool. He took off his shirt and I had to make sure I wasn't drooling. He was a very fine looking male specimen. Very fine. I placed my phone on the table and took off my shorts, letting them pool at my feet. I stepped out and watched him walk into the water. I could see the steam coming from the sides of the pool. I went it with my shirt on. If I could prevent him from looking at my back then I would. Stepping into the pool, Christian gave me a look. "What about your shirt?" Damn. I shrugged my shoulders and went all the way in before he could tell me to take it off. I swam over to him and gave him a splash. He chuckled and splashed me back. "Did you enjoy the party?"
"Yeah." I swallowed. "It was…" I'm still working on the sentences. "Fun."
His smile warms my insides. "That's really great." I gave him another splash and swam away, making him chase me. "I'll get you back!" He chuckled and dived under water. I ran the best I could against the water and made it to the other side. Christian was a fast swimmer and caught up to me. I started to walk backwards when his hand came out and grabbed my ankle. I yelped and tried to kick out of his grasp. He came up for air and let out a laugh. His hands circled around me and began digging into my sides. I began to laugh as he tickled me. A real out loud laugh, making him stop. I continued to laugh but it died down due to the quietness. "I love your laugh." I couldn't help but to blush. I turned around to swim away, wanting him to chase me again, but he stopped me. "Ana, what happened to your back?" I whipped around looking at him with horror. I knew there was horror in my eyes and my hand immediately went to my back. How in the hell could he see? I felt that my shirt had maneuvered to the side showing one of the deeps welts. I shook my head and backed away from him. I no longer wanted to play and I didn't want to be here. "Ana, please…" He reached out for me but I kept backing away. He swam forward and I turned around to run. I had to leave. He couldn't see, no, no, no. I was half way to the stairs when he grabbed my arms and spun me around. "Ana, talk to me. What happened?" I didn't answer. "Tell me." I didn't answer. What was I supposed to say? Not that I could say a lot anyways but still. What did he want from me? "I'm not letting you go until you answer me."
"Fine." I said. I reached for the hem of my shirt and lifted it up and over my head.
"Now turn around."
I could feel my lips begin to tremble. He wasn't supposed to see me like this, not this way. I slowly turned around. He gathered all my thick hair in his hand and tossed it over my shoulder. The gasp that came out of his mouth didn't escape my attention. I shut my eyes tightly and waited for what was to come. There was a lot I expected. The negativity was crucial. My dad always told me I was ugly and that the scars made me worse, they defined my beauty and every night I went to bed thinking he was always right.
"Oh, Ana." He whispered. I let the tears fall down my cheeks; there was only so much emotion I could hold in. If Christian didn't want anything to do with me before, I could only imagine how he would feel about me now. I felt his fingers trace every scar but what he did next shocked me into oblivion. He kissed them, each end every one of them. "You're still beautiful." He whispered in between the last few kisses. He turned me around to face him and said, "That will never change." He brought the pad of his thumbs to my eyes and wiped away the tears that continued to fall. "You'll always be beautiful to me."
I think I'm falling for Christian and fast.
Please tell me what you all think! You know I love your reviews!:)
