I'd been with mother four years now. She lives the life of luxury, with expensive tastes and lavish parties. She has no regrets in life. None. Except from one: me.
Today was just like any other, I was in the drawing room cleaning for mother whilst her guests arrive. Candelabras decorate the mahogany table, behind that the walls are embellished with golden swirls, replicating those you see in castles. Tasteless art rests on the walls, depicting a sense of uselessness, which is reflected upon my mother herself.Seattle was renowned for its extravagant parties and mother always aims to please. The Grey's are amongst the extensive guest list tonight, mother's most closest friends. Never has she managed to be acquainted with them in her house, it's an exciting time for her, a more dreadful time for me.
From being young I knew Elena was reluctant to having a child. I was passed from maids to nannies, until she could not stand the sight of me no longer. At age four I was taken into the foster system, where I was dragged up by nearly every family in Portland. It wasn't until I reached adulthood, when Elana wanted me back. I had no other choice. I was a girl pushed out of the system, no place to go, but only into the arms of her "loving" mother.
"Anastasia… Anna honey, the rest guests will be here soon. Make sure everything is immaculate." The sweetness drips like venom from her shrewd tongue. It's poison that will bite me later after everyone has left.
I continue cleaning and handing ridiculously small canapes to portentous men and women. I just long to be upstairs reading Hardy or Austen, rather than being mother's waiting maid. Sometimes these events finish early, so I seek in a chapter or two before a beating, but tonight is already dragging. Of course it's going to last longer, she's testing you. The more you slip up, the harder she's going to come down on you! I frown, Darcy would never let Elizabeth be treated like this. But then again I am not Elizabeth nor do I have a Darcy.
The party gets into full swing, but the Grey's haven't even arrived yet. This only aggravated the beast that roams the drawing room, examining every movement I make. My fingers tremble under the tray of glasses that I'm holding. She wants you to fail Anna. Silently,i hope for no harm tonight, but that's a dream not worth wishing for. I steady my trembling fingers under the silver tray and focus on my walking. I weave between beautifully dressed people, offering my service at any convenient time. This is my life. A life of faking smiles, behaving in a particular manner and trying to avoid being scolded at all costs. My hopes for the future seem to flit away into the distance. With each wrong move I make, the harder I think it is to escape the claps of my darling mother.
" Anastasia, the Grey's are here. Come along,go greet them"
"Yes, mother" I sigh.
" My name is Elena, Anastasia. You know that by now, or do I need to scold that into you?" She hisses into my ear.
I follow in pursuit to the hallway. Mr and Mrs Grey stand there beaming. They are dressed in coordinating outfits. Mr Grey, a cream cashmere jumpers with black dress pants and Mrs Grey with a matching cream dress with black heels . Their appearance is pristine, doll like even. I suppose they could come out of a novel by the Brontë sisters. I chuckle to myself at that part. Mrs Grey hugs my mother, whilst her husband kisses her cheek, as she welcomes them into the hub of the party. They both say a hearty hello towards me, but Elena soon pushes them towards the drawing-room. Quickly, I go to shit the door, to keep the draft out, however I'm stopped by a handsome young man running in. He pushes past me, murmuring a sorry, and glides into the conjoined room.
Once I'm back into the party, I am hounded by people for more drinks, as if they are savages. As I move hastily towards the kitchen, I spot my mother and a figure arguing quietly near the pantry.
" What are you doing here Christian?" She whispers aggressively. So his name's Christian. He's gorgeous.
"Elena, am I not allowed to spend the night with my parents?" He mocks. I stifle a little giggle.
"Why now Christian, I haven't heard from you in years. You disappeared on me remember."
" Yes we'll I've had some exploring to do haven't i."
"You know I never wanted to take it that far."
"Shut up Elena. We both know you did. You're a sadistic whore." I gasp at his filthy words.
"We both know that I brought out the best in you Christian." I stare at them complete bewildered. My heart races as I hear him speak. The way his mouth curves around each syllable and how his tongue flicks every now and then. I am simply mesmerised.
"Words got around that you have a new play thing now" he probes. Her face curves in discomfort.
"I have nothing of the sort. I offered you what I wanted you never took it."
"What about that girl?" His eyes flit my way.
"That girl is no concern of yours"
"She's very beautiful Elena."
"Shut up, you fool." He laughs and walks away. I see pain in his eyes. The same pain I try to hide daily. My heart begins to face again. He noticed me. Someone actually noticed me. He clearly got to her, digging at some nerves buried deep down. Deep,deep down.
My wrist is grabbed from behind, sharp nails dig into it which limits my movement. I hiss at the pain. Mothers face jolts forward towards mine, as she pulls me to one side.
Her long nails press further into my skin, cutting me slightly. I grit my teeth.
"You stupid bitch, don't speak to him. I mean it Anastasia, you will be punished" I shake, trying to free myself from her iron clasp.i just simply nod, complying with her request. It's simple enough. I just need to avoid him at all costs to save my own backside. She eventually let's go, glaring at me as she goes back to her needy guests. Such an attentive host she is.
From across the busy room, Christian behind to stare at me. His grey orbes digging feel, trying to assess me in every possible way. It reminded me much of mother. Her eyes were always on me, so I know I can only steal this glance for a couple of seconds longer. His chocolate brown hair compliments hid grey eyes, the sharp richness just pulls me in. His jaw is sharp and is decorated with stubble that I just want to brush against my skin. I love the way he is dressed. A smile black suit that hugs him in the right places. One look and I just yearn for him. For Christian. If my mother could see me now, god forbid, I would be upstairs waiting for a punishment. My trance is quickly broken by the sound of crashing silverware. I am hunched forward, falling into the table of expensive everything. My feet just seem to have no fundamental control. I just simply fall.
I come crashing down I to the table with a huge THUD! Candles fly everywhere and flames seem to ignite the satins and silks that adorn the table. Reds and oranges file my vision. The fire is contained and small, but still no one seems to help. They just gawk. I'm so ashamed and embarrassed, tears trickle down my face. Crying,I sit there with small pockets of flames around me. The table is broken in half , food and silverware cost the floor. I can just see my mother's face. Stages of shock, horror and anger, move quickly across her face. Anger inevitably sticks and I know I'm in for a good hiding. Her friends seem to vacate, signifying the end of this dreadful night. However a few familiar faces remain; the Grey's and Christian.
The Grey's go to my mother consoling her, ignoring the fact that I can barely move. But Christian makes his way towards me. I hold up my hand In Front of my torso, signifying for him to stop. It would only make matters worse. If I wasn't so fixated on his beautiful features, then I'd never be in this situation.Of course he ignores my hand gestures, moving even closer towards me. In a swift movement, he scoops me up into his arms like a baby.I try to fight back. My hand fly everywhere, my feet spiral in all different directions trying to free myself from his grasp. His grip tightens, as I begin to raise my voice, drawing indefinite attention towards us. The greys gawk at us, probably ashamed and embarrassed by actions.
From this angle Christian Grey looks even more gorgeous. I love his hair, his lovely eyes and his lips. Ohh boy his lips. I am brought to reality. I kick and I scream. My mother's eyes burn into the back of my head, scolding me. I quiver. Christian's hands brush the small of my back, it spasms against his touch.
"Don't touch me." I scream. Tears fall. His hands touch that spot yet again.
"I said don't fucking touch me." I sob.
"Anastasia go with Christian, please." I see my mother bite her tongue.
My body slumps against his. His fingers never touch my back again, as I'm carried up stairs. Never have I felt this ashamed. I slightly pray, lord please take me now. I close my eyes, as blackness waves over me.