First Day at Work
The paparazzi were still camping outside ESCALA but Christian's father has requested for police protection. Taylor drives us to work. First to SIP then to Grey House. I told Christian that I am starting work at SIP and he had a smug on his face. I still wonder if he knew that I got the job there before me telling him. On the way, we made two wrong turns on purpose and a longer route to loose one of the paparazzi… Taylor is good in that. After kissing goodbye, I walk into SIP straight to Elizabeth Morgan's office. My contract was there waiting for me. After going through the policies and signing the contract, Elizabeth pops the question that I was so afraid of.
'Are you steady with Mr Grey?'
'Umm… yes..'
'Why did you join us here? You could have all the money you want …'
'That is not the point Ms Morgan.' My voice came out harsher then I intend to.
'I have my own life and a career to build. It is not who your boyfriend or husband or fling is… it is who you are and what are your principles…'
Elizabeth nods while smiling. I think she still thinks that I am here for fun. I hate my first day already. She takes me to see Jack Hyde, the commissioning editor that I am reporting to and he too has a stupid smile plastered on his face.
'Welcome Ms Steele. Glad to have you with us even though it is not necessary for you to work looking at whom you are with.'
Fine… I have lost my cool.
'Mr Hyde… as I have told Ms Morgan, I am not living in Mr Grey's shadow. I am here to make my own name. But if you feel otherwise… I am more than happy to leave now. Thank you for the opportunity.' I grab my purse and get up angrily to leave the company. I don't give a damn to the stupid contract that I have just signed.
'Ms Steele… please stop. I didn't mean to offend you.'
I stop and turn around. It is not my fault if Elizabeth has used up my quota for being patient.
'And?'
'I am sorry if we have offended you. Glad that you have joined us and I hope you will be a great addition to our team.' Oh soooo constructed… I bet you say this to every new assistant that joins!
'Thanks.' I am still upset.. and hey.. I am Christian Grey's girlfriend… I can be upset! Hahahaha. Elizabeth showed me my desk and settled in. After the IT guy – Kevin Lent briefed me on the IT procedures and login details, emails and other stuff – including asking about Christian, Jack sits opposite me with a set of manuscript. He goes through what I should do and how I am supposed to edit. The way he was explaining, I almost screamed – I am not dumb!
Every time a staff passes by my desk, Christian is definitely is the topic and I am definitely getting bored of it. By end of the day, I am worn out.. We are in a relationship.. I can't take it. I must talk to Christian. When I walk to the reception at 5.30, a group of photographers… wait.. Paparazzi were waiting there. I quickly pulled out my phone and dialed Christian. I know he is aware of this situation.
'Anastasia… I am on my way.'
'Christian.. paparazzi are outside my office.'
'Back exit. I will call you when I am there.'
'Fine.' I turn to the receptionist – Claire and ask, 'Is there a back exit?'
'Yes… I can show you… are those people here to take your picture.' I can only nod and when I turn it is Jack and he looks furious.
'Ms Steele… may I know why there are photographers outside SIP?'
'I believe it is because of me.'
'Hmmmm this has to stop. We can't have paparazzi camping outside our organization.'
'I understand Mr Hyde.'
'I suggest that you solve this issue and return to work later.' Huh... That is a slap on the face. Elizabeth who just joined us continued, 'we have been bombarded with phone calls asking us to testify if you are Mr Grey's girlfriend and working here. We can't afford to go through these issues.'
'So you are saying that…. I should not return to work until I solve this issue?' I clarify.
'Yes… I will prepare a fresh contract and the one you signed today morning is considered null and void. This is the cheque for today's salary.' Elizabeth hands me a cheque.
'Thank you.' I crumple the cheque in irritation and walk towards the back of the building for the rear exit. Claire seem to understand the situation and kept quiet. Before I leave, she said, 'It was nice knowing you… just to warn you… if you were to return here… ummm please be careful with Jack Hyde.'
'Why?'
'Um… I can't say anything else.'
'I will keep that in mind.' As I open the door, Christian's SUV pulls over and I quickly hop in.
'What happen Ana? Why are you shaking?'
'They canceled my contract and ask me to return only after I sort out this paparazzi issue. Till then, I am jobless and they paid me this for today!' I throw the crumpled cheque to Christian.
'It is ok baby… we can find something else… don't worry.'
'But I think this is how things are going to be. I am never going to work without those…' Christian places his fingers on my lips and hushes me.
'Shhh… don't worry about this. Kate Middleton and Prince William had so much of coverage even before they announced their engagement… why not us?'
'Christian.. we not royals… we are normal people…'
'But Elite…'
'I hate it!' I just can't tolerate this.
'It is part of me… come on Anna… just let it be… it will die off… '
'Christian.. I have my bills to pay.. my student loan to pay… I can't ask my dad to pay.' I raise my concern and he starts laughing.
'Anastasia… I can do it for you.'
'But that is not the point! Why should you? I am not incapable of paying my own bills… I need a job!'
'Do you want to work at GEH?' Christian asks out of the blue.
'Huh… no way!'
'Hey… what is wrong with my company?'
'You… I don't want to work with you.' My mind is not thinking frantically what to do next? Should I just concentrate on my dress designing until all this settles down?
'Ana.. you hurt me.' Christian says holding his chest… faking a heart attack.
'It is ok.. I know how to unhurt you.' I smile at him and he returns it. Finally after the evening traffic, we reached ESCALA and again the camera flashes was flashing away but Christian assured me that they cant get any picture due to the heavy tint. I hope he is right. As we walk into the great room, Christian excused himself to his study…'something to attend to.'
What ever… I walk to the kitchen and Mrs Jones is cooking lasagna.
'Hi Ana'
'Hi…' I slump on the stool of the breakfast bar.
'Why are you so down? You are missing your mom?'
'No… I got kicked out of work because of the paparazzi.'
'Oh dear… don't worry. Mr Grey will work something out for you.'
'But that is not the point. I don't understand why everyone thinks that Christian will take care of everything and I can't? I am not crippled or incapable of …'
'Hi Mrs Jones..'
Gail smiles at me and greets Christian.
'Mmmm Lasagna…. Chicken? Ana doesn't take beef or pork'
'Yes chicken… and I am aware Ana doesn't take beef or pork. I won't cook it. You do take lamb right?'
'Yes… ' I am not bothered about food… I am worried of my future.
'Christian.. I need to go to Kate's apartment. I need to get my things from there … I need those if you going to keep me locked here.'
'Anastasia… I am not keeping you locked here… I am only protecting you.'
'I know… I have come up with designs for the boutique… I still have other things to keep me occupied…'
'Ana… I have set up your study room… it is com…'
'I need my portfolio.. I still have things there!' this is going no where… I m stressed and I need a break… from Christian… SIP and paparazzi. I storm to the master bedroom straight to the bath. I need cold shower to calm my raging blood and temper. I feel trapped… why do I have to end up like this. Standing under the cold shower did calm me down until I hear a soft knock.
'Anastasia..'
'Go away… I want to be alone!'
Quiet. Finally. After stepping out of the shower, I settled for my yoga pants and a t-shirt. Thank god Christian did not bother to disturb me. After meditating, I felt so much better. I walk to the great room and I can't find Christian. I walk to his study and I hear him shouting.
'I love Anastasia and I don't give a damn if it is in the papers! Eventually the world needs to know. Take care of it Ros!' he dumps the phone on the table and runs his hand through his hair.
'Christian?'
'Anastasia… baby…'
'I am sorry Christian.. I should not have shut you off.'
'No baby… I understand. You are not use to all this popularity…'
'No Christian… I am a popular dancer in India… I am used to people chasing me… and hopping that it won't happen here but … it is worst here… you are popular… and I am paying the price.'
'I am sorry baby…'
'It is ok… I just hope you unders…'
'Hush baby… come let's go get your stuff… I have arranged with Taylor and they have checked the apartment. It is clear.'
Took us one hour to get my laptop, clothes, portfolio and all those that I need and get back to ESCALA without being chased by dummyrazzi!
'Anastasia… are you tired to night?'
'Not soo…' is only needed for Christian to throw himself to me.
