-CHAPTER ONE-
BOY MEETS GIRL
Saturday September 26th 2009
ANASTASIA
WHAT WAS I THINKING? Anastasia Steele you never answer to one of Kate's 'brilliant ideas.' She's a good friend, a best-friend but really! Why did my cerebral cortex lapse its prime purpose, for that split second. Of course I was caught off guard. One could say, 'I was studying, in deep thought,' or possibly 'in the zone thoroughly cleaning the scum from the bathroom tiles' or a likelihood for most 'my head was lost in a historical romance.'
Well, that wasn't me.
What actually happen, is rather disappointing on my part. I thought multi-tasking was finally a skill I'd grasped. Let's face the truth. I wasn't listening to her absurd invitation in the first place. Like every other night of the week, month, and most semesters I didn't want to leave the comfort of my bedroom, or distance from my precious novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles. I wanted me time. In hindsight I know what I should have said but it doesn't help the useless situation I've put myself in.
Stupidly my mouth blurted, "Yeah sure Kate, whatever."
First regret.
My barricaded silence didn't stop Kate shouting across the apartment for the third time, "Get ready woman!" No visuals were needed, because her flapping arms were causing a steady draft under my door. This level of excitement was much higher than most evenings for her standards, which somewhat concerned me.
"NOW!" Her squealy voice finally reached my ears maximum volume. This blonde frenzy was going to be a nightmare and we haven't even left the apartment.
When it came to me actually leaving the apartment, it involved adventures mostly to the library, lecture halls, and grocery shopping. It's obvious, time has gotten away from me since I've made any contact in a party atmosphere, but the semester has been a challenge with the two extra classes placed in my schedule. My education, the pinnacle of my goal since 9th grade has been high on my agenda. It's not my fault or even my problem if Kate prefers to take the easy pace, the most common path to graduation. I want to finish early. Move onto greater things like more study, possibly pre-law, maybe medicine or a PhD in Literature. Of all nights, it's my time to relax, especially after my heavy week of study. Goals include consuming cheesy pizza and hours of my head in a book. According to Kate the eccentric pocket-rocket means living it up at any club within a 15 mile radius.
It was by chance we met. Being polar opposites it shocked me that we didn't bounce apart and leave in opposite directions. Rather it's been a constantly battle of swinging back and forth within our varying personalities. I think that's how we work, if you could call it working.
A balance of Yin and Yang or possibly calm and chaos.
Kate has never shied away from her gorgeous exterior. It's her number one asset and she knows it. Where me on the other hand, I'm far from confident. I highly doubt, I'll ever be.
I remember freshman year sprinting in the bathroom at the main hall of Harvard. I was in a new state, 17, alone and internally shitting my pants.
"You are a smart young woman. You can successfully do this. You can do this? Really can I do this? Oh God what the fuck am I doing!" My mind was play tricks confusing myself, my confidence that I was finally having.
Being young, just shy of 18, back home most saw me as naive too young to remotely do this successfully. I was lucky, most people don't have the support of a parent, but I had Ray, my step-father. And crazily some how he agreed for me to leave little Montesano on the other side of the country to the big city for college. Maybe everyone was right as all the insults and years of torment flood back. Those stupid thoughts making my internal organs swell back and forth. Unfortunately my stomach always gets the brunt of the swirling mess as a metallic bitter tang pooled in my mouth. I'm stupid, why! Constantly rubbing my clammy hands down my shirt made no difference as the beads of sweat continued, taking much needed breaths my chest was heavy and the weight of my future crushed down on it. It was all piling up and was going to make an entrance of a life time if I didn't find a bathroom soon.
I wanted to hurl. Running around campus, my body ached as my backpack slapping my spine with every rushed step on the pavement wasn't helping, hoping a bathroom would pop up quickly. It all eased as I saw the words FEMALE RESTROOM. Not caring exactly where I was on campus and hoping my cloudy eyesight did read the sign correctly.
I needed to calm down.
Splashing cool water over my face was a much needed relief. I was shocked to see the reflection in front of me. She wasn't a woman, I falsely made myself believe. She was only a girl with washed out blue eyes and a messy mane. A girl who was so lenient with her preparations for college.
Ray helped all he could, but he had no idea how college worked. He was a high school drop out at sixteen. Filling out forms were not his forte and still aren't to this day. I was basically his assistant from fourteen, helping complete his taxes or anything really, from bank mortgages to cable tv renewals.
It's questionable, why someone would sabotage their own education like this. Maybe it was the overall excitement of moving out, going somewhere new, or finally reaching Harvard. But how could I miss something so large. It was all my fault with no one else to blame, but myself. With nothing else to do but panic seemed the best option. You know, accommodation isn't that important, right?
Idiot, Ana!
It may seem, I don't cope well with copious amounts of stress, but really everything is just peachy. I just don't want to disappoint Ray.
Time was ticking. It had been already two weeks and my option was running out soon. Emergency accommodation was great while it lasted, but not so good on my bank balance. I had some money saved, but far from enough to get my own apartment. This girl in mirror was telling it all. Run, you lost little girl because you're fucking screwed.
I was brought out of a downward spiral as a gorgeous blonde bounced into the bathroom. She looked in the very same mirror I had. Instead she had confidence and no care in the world. Her beauty was mesmerizing as her hazel eyes with flecks of emerald sparkled, waves of blonde locks flowed down her back. She popped her lips while applying lip gloss, pinched her cheeks and her two hands pushed up her already perky breasts. Surprising, she turned saying, "well honey, as they say, if you got it flaunt it."
There I was staring at my reflection again, this time happy, with a real smile on my face.
"Kate," she held out a hand, shaking it in return.
"Ana," I replied confidently.
We got talking and found out she was needing a roommate. Her parents had organized an apartment but it was too large for one person, and interestingly, Kate mentioned more than twice that she was a horrible cook and toast was difficult. She understood my situation and we formed an arrangement. If I cooked most meals, cleaned my things and pitched in with a little rent every month it would be fine.
The rest was history.
"Annna!" My name drawled through the hallway as the music vibrated the contents of glass on my side table.
Kate was in full preparation, her night had begun. Of course no polka-dot pyjamas or feather down blankets were going to hinder her evenings goal. There was literally nothing that could block this event, even though I prayed it may delay the process.
Kicking my feet, sighing at what was about to happen.
Clothing, fashion, the look.
My bottom lip had significant indents after being gnawed by my top teeth, ultimately it's going to remain for days. It was ridiculous how I was panicking. There was no need. It just a simple night out with Kate. That's it.
"Annnnna!"
I took a much needed breath after hearing my name for the hundredth time tonight. "Oh my God Kate" I shouted to the ceiling.
Fashion was Kate's oyster. It was when I realized, what am I going to wear? The dull throb hit me directly in-between my eyes. Peeling open my closet, I was overwhelmed with the denim, plaid, black and all very comfortable attire. Not really appropriate for Kate's clubbing standards.
'Maybe I could skip tonight,' The thought crept in.
Yeah of course Kate's going to agree with that statement. Well I do have a paper which needs finishing, it's not an excuse, it's a necessity to receive a grade to eventually graduate. Staring at the corner of my room, the little study was quiet. It was immaculate nothing out of place: folders lined precisely, study notes in separate piles and several completed papers centered on the desk awaiting a professors grade.
Get a fucking reality check Ana!
Why was I even considering it. Oh God, it was the excuses. I was ahead, a true perfection to all my professors as they were in awe with my organization and academic skills. If only my social life was even remotely at the same standard, but Kate knew with what I was up to. There is no backing out.
My bedroom door swung open, "Ana, I know what you're thinking and I can hear that big brain of yours. It's way too loud and almost overpowering my music."
"Arggh," I sighed as she knows me too well and that's the depressing part. My hands scrubbed my face, crawling down my skin.
"Honey, stop rubbing that face. I don't want you stretching that beautiful skin of yours, hey it might fall off." She stood, shaking the two garments in either hand.
As I studied the two items, if you could call them dresses, they seemed a little short. At that point my confidence dropped even further, if that was humanly possible.
"Come on," She wiggled the dresses, "which one, it's not difficult. The Grey or the Plum?" Kate eye balled me waiting for my imminent answer.
"Kate, I can't. Where's the heck is the bottom half?" I pointed in fear.
"What are you talking about Ana?" She seemed puzzled to why I would asked this stupid question.
"Where's the rest?" Placing a hand on my hip, "It's too short!" Raising my voice, shaking my head hoping she would get the point.
She stood in silence.
Reiterating myself, "NO fucking way!"
"Whoa easy there tiger. You're short, there's no need to worry. Your modesty will be covered," Kate smirked.
"Modesty! Are you serious, it will be lucky to cover my arm pits!"
"Woman, just live a little. You'll be fine. You're 19, not 69 because—" She quickly pulled her cell out from in-between her breast. She giggled to herself as her manicured nails clicked away as she seemed to type a mini thesis.
"What are you doing? You can't start an argument and expect, to take you seriously if you stop mid sentence!"
"Oh sweet Ana, you'll learn." Her nails continued to click, "Just making notes," she blushed while reading over her notes, "Honestly I can't even remember the last time we went out, it's been soooo long! You didn't even celebrate your birthday."
When Kate refers to celebrating, it's not cake, rather getting smashed.
"We need to have fun! We're college chicks and college chicks dig fun!" she said pushing my shoulder.
My instant reaction was eye rolling and one day I swear I'm going to strain something in my eye sockets.
She needs to understand I have fun. But what's one night, hey it might be a quick one, possibly inished before eleven.
You can do this!
"Ok, the grey." I answered grumbling. Honestly unimpressed with either option.
"Excellent choice. You're boobs are going to look HOT."
As I suspected the dress fitted like a glove. Leaving less to the imagination, hugging my body in places I usually reserved for lots of fabric. For once Kate was right, it did make my boobs look nice. But it gave me a niggling feeling that I shouldn't leave the apartment as there was too much for everyone too see.
Making my way to the kitchen with my arms nestled around my chest, Kate was 'preparing' herself. It consisted mostly of alcohol, sometimes juice, or pop would make the odd appearance. Apparently tonight wasn't one of them. On the counter top were lined ten shots, grouped in fives. She was a girl from money, but she was the biggest tight ass in history. Oddly when it came to her night adventures, she expected others to pay, especially men. Something she would rather keep hidden from her parents.
Staring at the shots, I knew what was coming, "No way. Not a chance!" I stated.
I pulled down my dress, but in the mean time my boobs were trying to escape. It was a catch-22. The cycled repeated, pull up, pull down as I watched Kate down shot after shot.
"What Ana?" She lifted her head. I guess shocked at what I was doing to her dress. "OMG gurl," She purred, staring at me.
Were my lady bits hanging out for all to see? It's too damn small, I can't wear this!
"Stop looking at me like that. This dress is making me nervous enough."
"Don't worry, I think you're going to be set tonight and there will be no need to pay a cent for your drinks. Damn!" Fast enough she downed the remaining five shots, in five swift moves.
…..
THE CLOSER IT GOT TO MIDNIGHT, Kate progressively got more intoxicated. I still have no idea how she managed to get the fake IDs but we've never had a problem, and I don't ever want a problem. Could you imagine that on my record. Oh God, it always stresses me out, making that decision to 'have fun' in Kate's words. Her plan is always simple, let your hair down and party. Of course Kate never follows through, she's always drunk, hooks up with some loser and I become the awkward third wheel, trying to keep my modesty covered.
Tonight like most nights we were walking. Well, I was walking and Kate was more stumbling in her heels to our third club. It was mind-boggling how beautiful she was even when completely intoxicated. Men dripped off her and she was constantly happy with that scenario. On the other hand, I'm not so keen. No one interests me. Kate's determined I must be gay, but she's got it all wrong.
I'm a traditionalist, keeping my virtue for 'the one.' Kate doesn't understand, she's desensitized by the opposite sex. I've never had a boyfriend, of course I've made out with guys in high school. Since college, I've set my goals. Complete my degree, fingers crossed early and then on to more study. Why not, I'm only 19 and I have my whole life ahead of me.
"Arrrrna!" Kate slurred. "Arrrna, look isn't he's tute cute!" She slurred again.
Kate had her hands all over him, rubbing the poor guys golden locks and occasionally pinching his cheeks. But like most men in her presence he was far from concerned, as his mouth nibbled her neck.
"Arrrrna! Baaaarrrna! Ell and me," She stopped for a second with her finger resting on her chin, "Oh hang on you're, Ell right?"
I just stood there in shock, momentarily pull down and pull up this little grey dress.
"Yes ma'am, I'm Elliot. Or Ell, or call me what ever babe," He clearly groaned over the thumping music, "I'm all yours".
Oh gross now he's sucking her ear… nope, I retract that, her neck. What? Where's his hand going now, nope, nope… Oh God. I just want to go home. Security of four walls, a comfy bed and my book.
"Arrrna we're heading outside for… some air." Kate giggled staring at the curly blond hook up. "Air," she repeated, shaking her head.
It's obvious what 'air' meant, she was going to have a joint with Ell and probably spend the rest of the night getting to know him. Of course not just finding out his shoe size, oh much more, which I'm sure will continue back at our apartment through the paper thin walls.
"Ahhhh!" Screaming out loud.
What am I going to do? I look like a loner standing at the bar, or should l place myself in the corner hiding away playing snake on my cell. Wow, what endless options I have, with my 'night of fun.'
"Come on babe. Banana, laters," He curled his words ending with a wink.
I hate this, why was I stupid enough to leave the apartment. Maybe I should just go home. Grab a cab and try and get some sleep since I know it's going to be cut so short with this Ell guy.
Choosing to hide in the corner, time grew to a crawl…
12:03...
12:08...
12:16...
12:24...
Oh for fuck sakes! How much longer does it take to have some air? I had drunk close to three glasses of water, since there was no way I was drinking alcohol. Someone needs to be responsible.
Glaring at my cell, it was almost flat. "Fucking great! Why does my battery have to be soooo shit!" I yelled, shaking my head.
"Maybe because you have a shit phone," the words caused a chill down my spine as they were whispered in my ear.
"What?" I couldn't believe it. Someone heard, please ground swallow me now!
"I'm C, and you are…" I just stood there in shock. "Um, hello," He waved his hand across my face. "Miss, are you ok?" I was hoping if I remain still, he might think I'm a mannequin and walk away. "Did you take something?" His brows frowned. "I know you can talk, you just yelled out before. I'll say it again. Hi I'm C, and you are…"
Yep I got nothing. Some how my mouth couldn't function as my heart was pounding like a jackhammer, as possibly my chest was going to explode. I'm freaking out. Of course that didn't stop him, he just simply continued talking.
"OK. I'll call you Grey since your dress is that nice shade… grey," He laughed as his head shook back and forth.
Again, my mouth refused to work.
"I'm sure I'll have a better name for you soon." He smiled. "Do you want a drink? I've noticed only water has been on your menu." He whisper again in my ear.
He's been watching me?
He continued, "I'll get you something else, no need for water here. Bourbon, Rum, Vodka, Tequila?"
Still my mouth refused, just occasion popping open for air. All I could do was nod my head up and down like toddler, the extent of my communication was deplorable. Surprisingly a smile crept over my face. I felt awkward and out of my comfort zone. I couldn't believe what I was doing. I couldn't believe what he was doing! A guy was buying me a drink, an attractive guy, well I think he was. Of course Kate wasn't around to evaluate or to note, 'I'm not gay!'
"You still haven't told me what do you want to drink?" He titled his head and his copper curls fell over his left eye.
"Vodka!" I blurted out, hoping I don't regret my decision. Here's hoping it's not too bad, I've never had Vodka in my life. It's clear so it can't be too bad, right?
"Ahh, nice. That's what I'm drinking, so with coke, juice, ice?"
"Doesn't matter."
C walked back with my drink in hand and we began talking. Well, it was more him talking, I was tentatively listening. Every so often he would slip a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and his gentle touch sent shivers through me. Our only similarity was we were sophomores at Harvard. He explain he was studying business but didn't enjoy college, rather wanting to start his own company.
I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night
The music blurted, thumping through the large speakers, "C, sorry I can't hear what you're saying?" I shouted, covering my aching ears.
"Hey I love this song! What did you say?" He yelled.
It was at that moment, I felt alive. Is this what Kate felt or rather was it the single alcoholic beverage buzzing through my system. Instantly I got up and moved to the music.
I gotta feeling, woohoo, that tonight's going to be a good night
That tonight's going to be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night
"It's ok." I shouted making my voice hoarse.
C smiled and I smiled back. Moving towards me, he placed out a hand, gesturing for me to take hold. His face glowed as small dimples formed in his cheeks. All I knew was he made me melt, my hand slipped into his and we left.
"Shit!" My hand hitting my forehead, "What about Kate?"
"Who?"
Rolling my eyes, what do I say, my asshat best-friend, slash roommate who is awesome but a pain all in one.
"My friend, we came out together."
"It's fine, just text her."
Really, text her? I guess he's never met Kate, of course he's never met Kate. Oh God, she's going to freak. I'm 19, fake ID, nervous but overstimulated by hormones and one vodka, and leaving with a guy I just met.
Ahhh! Anastasia Rose Steele, what the hell is wrong with you!
Throwing away of thoughts of Kate, as we stepped out of the club, I could finally study how gorgeous C really was. His hair untamed, a broad face, much taller than me, slight build but definitely a looker. Of all things it was his eyes that grabbed me - stormy gray. My only reaction, teeth to lip.
He gaped as his two soft hands cupped around my face, a single finger stroking my ears causing a slight tickling sensation. He made me feel safe and protected just by this small gesture.
"Don't bite that lip," He groaned and my body felt loose wanting to melt in his hands.
Unfortunately the comfort was short lived as they went back to his sides.
"What's your name. You never revealed it?"
You have set standards, remember stan-dards!
"Ana" I exclaimed, possibly squeaking in the process.
FLASH!
White dots flickered in my line of sight, squinting as I tried to regain my eyesight C smiled. What? He took a photo of me?
"Well come on, Pixie. You're coming back to my place."
"Pixie?" I was confused, I'm pretty sure I said my name correctly and it wasn't Pixie. Am I drunk and incapable to speak?
"Your ears," He moved my hair and began to stroked the tips of them, "They have a little point at the top."
My face heated and my top teeth assaulted my lip, the bite was soothing to ease this strange ache.
"I told you. Don't bite that lip." He brushed his thumb over my mouth, causing my bottom lip to escape the hold, "You have no idea what it does to me."
For once I felt bold, "Show me."
I had no time to think as his lips were on mine. It was warm, damp and made my pulse throb in places I never knew capable. Again as quickly as it happened it all over. Disappointed, it made me believe I'd done something wrong. Was it the dress, or possibly my lacking of conversation earlier?
"I swear I have never done this before. So umm, pizza, umm… I have vodka? If you want we can talk... at my place. Did I say I have pizza?" Gone was the strong confident man and in its place was a bubbling nervous boy.
C clenched his curls, tugging hard. I was amazed since he was so audacious to kiss me, but now shy? Maybe a little nibble on my lip could change things.
"Pixie", his stern voice echoed the street and his hand grabbed mine.
Quickly I text Kate, informing her my interactions with my new 'friend' and I was making my own way home. Her reply was gibberish.
KATE: Omng B sfae. Uze condum. Luv Use. x
A/N:
SONG MENTIONED:
1. I've Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
KATE'S POSSIBLE PARTY PREP '09 PLAYLIST:
1. Party In The USA - Miley Cyrus
2. For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert
3. What Goes Around - Justin Timberlake
4. Circus - Britney Spears
5. Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas
6. Bulletproof - La Roux
7. Day 'n Nite (Crookers Remix) - Kid Cudi
8. Decode - Paramore
9. Evacuate the dance floor - Cascada
10. Fuck You - Lily Allen
11. Paparazzi - Lady Gaga
12. Poker Face - Lady Gaga
13. Right Round - Flow Ride ft Kesha
14. Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon
15. When Love Takes Over - David Guetta ft Kelly Rowland
Thank you for reading the new reworked/beta-ed "Misplaced & Found." If you haven't already done so, please favorite, follow, review and PM me regarding any M&F questions or concerns. Pinterest will be live next week. See you soon for chapter 02 'Fingers'.
missmusicteach
