Chapter 9

The summer was coming to an end and everyone would be in college in two weeks. Christian was the only one fighting it. He tried talking to his grandparents about skipping college and getting his trust. When that didn't work he tried to push his parents. "Dad, the plan is legitimate. I've been doing my own business and helping El get his business off the ground." His dad just said, "College will make you better son."

Everyone at the table gave their opinion. Family dinner got quiet after that. Ana put her hand on Christian's knee. "I think they're right Christian, college will only enhance everything great about your abilities." Christian pushed her hand away, slammed his fork down, and left the table. Ana looked at Elliot and Kate first, then down at her plate. "I'll go talk to him."

Ana saw Christian sitting by the pool, "Can I sit with you?" Christian didn't say anything, but Ana sat anyway. "What did I say to upset you?" Christian stayed silent, "You know our vacation to Bainbridge Island isn't going to be fun if you're not talking to me." Christian refused to look at her, "I'm not going, especially since you don't believe in me." With that Christian stood up and marched in the house leaving a trail of wet footprints from the pool water.

Ana was sad and for the first time in years she felt something unfamiliar dripping down her face. She wiped the tears as Grace came and sat beside her, "Ana, are you ok?" She took a deep breath, "He thinks I don't believe in him. Grace, that's not what I said. I totally believe in him." Grace rubbed her back, "We all do sweetheart. That behavior is the main reason his grandparents and us aren't giving in. He needs to mature." Grace tilted her chin, "Are you ok? I haven't seen you cry in all the months we've known each other."

Ana wiped her face, "He's not coming with us tomorrow. I guess I'll stay home too. I don't feel like being the third wheel." She hugged Grace, "Night." Ana and Kate left to head home, with Kate badgering Ana about coming on vacation. Grace went to Christian's room, "Mom! Have you heard of knocking?" Grace gave him a look, "I don't have to knock on any door in my own house. You were rude to Ana."

Christian rolled his eyes and Grace scoffed, "For your information, Ana probably believes in you the most. And your behavior at dinner is the reason we would never give you the money right now." Grace turned to leave and saw Christian thinking, "Ana hasn't had an easy life. What if your behavior pushes her away and she doesn't want you anymore? Are you ok with losing her? Grow up son!" Grace slammed his door and left Christian thinking.

Kate had her bag, "Elliot's here!" Kate wore her down and she decided to go without Christian. "Ok, let me grab my stuff." Ana turned to pick up her bags, "How about I help you?" Ana heard his voice, but didn't turn around. "It's ok, I've got it." Christian grabbed the bag and her hand, "I'm sorry. I guess my maturity needs to catch up with my plans. I know you believe in me." Ana felt the tears coming, "I'm mad at you Christian. I'm sorry, doesn' fix it right now." Christian smiled, "I deserve that. We've got about two hours for you to be mad, but then only fun."

Ana smiled, because she couldn't help it. They headed to the island. Christian talked a mile a minute the whole way. They took selfies on the ferry and Christian immediately posted on Facebook. Ana smiled, "You know when you're a billionaire with your own company, they're going to be like who's that girl on his Facebook." Ana laughed, but he didn't, "No they won't, because you will be wife." He walked away leaving Ana stunned with her jaw dropped.

They pulled up to the house and it was gorgeous. Ana smiled, "It's beautiful!" They were staying at their grandparents' vacation home. Kate ran through the house looking at everything, "Y'all have a boat?" Elliot smiled, "I thought you would like that. We can go out tomorrow." They went to town and enjoyed dinner at Hitchcock Restaurant. Kate and Ana split a double Smashburger and a salad. The boys both ate a triple Smashburger and fries. "I'm so full, but it was delicious." Elliot laughed, "Y'all had to split the burger. Lightweights!"

In the car they talked about taking a swim in the indoor pool and jacuzzi. Christian and Ana were sitting in the jacuzzi watching Kate and Elliot. Christian finally had enough, "Guys, don't make a baby in there." They decided to take their making out upstairs, "Night you two." Ana rolled her eyes, "I'm going to take a shower." Christian jumped in the pool, "Ok, are you ok?" Christian noticed Ana's hesitation, "Yeah, I'm good." Christian wasn't sure, "Ok, I'm going to swim some laps and then come upstairs."

Ana smiled and walked away. When she walked by Kate and Elliot's door she heard them being their usual horny selves. Ana wanted what Elliot and Kate had. She loved Christian and Christian loved her, but she wasn't sure about the sex part. They had tried different things since the first time, explored each other's bodies, and each time was better.

She took her shower, climbed into bed, and did what calmed her the most, she read. She smiled at Christian when he came in from the pool. He kissed her, "Are you ok?" Ana shook her head and scrunched her nose. "I am and you smell like the pool." He winked and took his shower. He bounced on the bed all fresh and clean, "Is that better." Ana kissed him, "Yeah, you smell good!" Christian curled up by her side, still thinking something was off.