-CHAPTER TWENTY SIX-


A LESSON WHILE DRIVING


Monday 30th November 2009, continued

ANASTASIA

NERVES WERE USUALLY EASY TO HIDE. There was no reason to make it a showcase for all to see. Sometimes the pity party was a challenge, and you push it to the side. Of course, this all changed when I met Christian. For some reason, nerves were constantly bundled with sexual desire.

Confined in such a small space doesn't help the immense swirling pheromones, hormones, and the hooded eyes. Of course I'm done for, and the struggle was useless. It was a weakness I didn't want, but I had.

The situation was real. My legs were crossed and clamped, my lip was stinging from biting too hard, all due to him behind the wheel of an exuberantly priced vehicle. Maybe I should rephrase, it was the combination of sex appeal and leather which was making me nervous.

Cars were suppose to be torn up, the odd dint and scratch or even sticky vinyl clinging to butt cheeks on a hot summer's day. I didn't own a car and Kate's didn't even come close to this beast I'm sitting in. Hers was second hand, in need of an oil change, but it does the job getting from A to B. Even though Kate was a bit of a bower bird collecting shiny new things, her car wasn't one of them. She didn't want something too flashy, just in case if something happened to it. Which meant a used Mercedes, only nine years old, was what we're working with. But this thing, it was truly a beast.

Christian pressed the ignition, and the body vibrated, it was subtle. With my senses on high alert these days, I could feel it, a constant hum. It purred, and honestly I didn't believe a car could purr.

"Can you hear that, Pixie?" his voice was deep, growling along with his beast.

"Yeah?" I hesitated, was this some kind of metaphor, or were we talking about the car.

"That hum, oh baby," he stroked the steering wheel, "I feel like a fool, because my brother does this." his mouth smirked, "Fuck, I love this car."

"Christian, I don't get it? I really… Don't get cars." puzzled to what was actually happening.

"WHAT?" he paused, catching his breath and quite possibly the drool dripping off his chin, "How can you not get cars?" he emphasized as we pulled out of the bus station and began our road trip back to Seattle.

I shrugged as I squeaked out a weak, "Yeah," and continued to rub my hands up and down my thighs, "What's the point, I don't have a license." if only my voice was strong to back my point.

His mouth dropped, shaking his head back and forth, quickly, he indicated to the right pulling over.

"What the hell? Christian we only just left, why are we stopping?"

"You don't have…" he rubbed his brow, "Sorry? I thought you—"

"Yeah, I don't have one. I never needed it."

"But how?" stunned, he turned to me, killing the engine, "Isn't it a rite of passage. It surely was when I was in high school."

"I didn't have the need, Christian. When I was fifteen, it was a difficult time," the lump clogged my throat, "I was busy," I looked out the window, "I didn't feel the necessity, other things were more of a priority."

"How did you get around?" he popped his fingers from one knee to the other indicating that life was just in two places, left and right.

"Feet, Christian." I said staring at my shoes, and yes those feet did many miles.

"You walked… but Montesano is really…"

"Really what, Christian?" my words hissed and I couldn't but help to continue my onslaught, "Backward country, isolated?"

"No, that isn't what I'm implying,"

"Well, what were you implying, because to me you're digging a fucking big hole." I crossed my arms.

"Your house is about three… maybe four miles from the main street and another mile to the high school."

"It's just what I did. José helped too. He had this beaten up red picku—"

"José?" he hooked his brow.

"Yes, José, my fr-iennnd! He drove me," I poked my finger on my left then jumped to the right knee, "to get around."

"Was he one of these boys you've kissed?"

"There was only one, really you could… count, damn it Christian, yes since you're making it such an issue."

"In his beaten up red pickup?"

"Do we really need this conversation?"

"Yes," he crossed his arms. "Yes, we do."

"It was over three years ago, but to be clear it was only him," I lied, I flinch at my memories quickly gaining my thoughts, I mumbled, "and it was terrible."

"Terrible huh, in the sense in general kissing or compared to me?"

I crinkled my brow and blurted, "He was horrendous. If you want a true comparison, he was a toad…"

"And what am I, the prince?" He placed a hand over his chest, staring waiting for my answer.

I nod, "Jesus Christian, do you feel better?"

"Of course." he smirked.

Once again the beast purred, and we were on the road again heading towards Seattle.

…..

WASHINGTON STATE WAS ALWAYS KNOWN for rain and the greenery. My eyes noticed the scenery out the window changed, meaning we were close to our destination. There were more buildings and less trees in-between.

"So, how exactly do you get around college?" Christian's voice broke my daze.

"Really, Christian? Friends, public transit, my feet… not everyone has the privilege to be given an expensive car when they reach their rite of passage."

"Enough." I scoffed at his stern comment.

"No, you can't talk to me like that. We're different, face it. Polar opposites. Maybe this," I waved in the space between us, "wasn't a good idea, possibly destined to fail, before we even start."

"That's it," he hit the wheel, "I think I need to rectify this situation. Ana, what if there's an emergency or you need to get somewhere and I'm not with you?"

"Heard of friends, or a cab?"

"But… down the track?" he stared at my stomach, and I instantly covered my hands over my non-existent bump.

"Can you just kill it with the driving thing? Stop pushing it. Stop pushing me."

Christian was stiff, breathing heavily through his nose. Squinting one eye, he looked back at me, onto the steering wheel, then the stick shift. The silence was welcomed, and I continued to look at our surroundings flying by.

"So I have a plan." Christian announced.

"Oh, please indulge me with this elaborate plan." I rolled my eyes.

"How about you help me drive?"

I was puzzled by his revelation. How was that even possible, and why?

"Now?" I laughed.

"Put your hand on it," he flicked his head, for a moment I thought he was referring to his crotch. These damn hormones if only I could control them, "My hand, on the stick." he wiggled it around.

"Oh," the heat crept over my face. I rested my hand over his large one.

Driving for a few miles, feeling him changed the stick position back and forth was rather soothing, even erotic. Thanks hormones.

He occasionally called out, 'second, up to third but don't rev too high. A quick fourth, back down to three, two. Accelerate.' The concept of different gears were hazy but I surprised myself by not pulling away. His grip was strong, and I could see the little smirk on his face. He felt and knew he won this battle.

Again, he repeated and ended with a simple, 'back to third, and cruise. See Pixie, it's easy.' And it was, since my hand was on his, he was still in full control.

Confused by our sudden change in direction, we turned down an unfamiliar road. Driving slow, along an unsealed path surrounded by large trees, the shadows creating a criss-cross pattern over the windshield. It was when we pulled into an open area like a field but leveled down, my chest began hammering. I wasn't sure of what to think. Instantly, he pulled the emergency brake and placed his beast into park.

"Your turn." he was silent, unlatching his seat belt, getting out the car. Quickly popping his head through the driver's door informing me, "Well, come on." His gaze dropped to my lips and I couldn't help but stare at his own.

My stomach dipped as my fingers clammed up in a ball at the prospect of driving. Does he really need to push this? I thought the gear thing would have been enough, but I guess he's male.

Clinging to my belt, and if I only knew how to lock my door, I wanted to stay seated right where my ass was situated. I was fine being the passenger seat driver.

"Ana," my door flung open.

'No No No,' I violently screamed to myself, only truly squeaking out loud.

"We're safe here, Ana. There's plenty of space," Christian waved his arms around, but the space was the least of my worries, "Come on, you don't even need to go higher than first."

"Higher than first?" I barely whispered, "Buttt, I don't think I can do it. It's stick, that's complicated." I mumbled while twisting my fingers in my lap.

"Complicated? Says the girl who has everything planned out for Medical school." I whacked his arm, with the little power I have.

"Ouch, there's no need to punch."

"Christian, you have stick, auto is easier."

"Really, and ramen noodles are easy, but a Korean banquet is better," he winked.

"But I like ramen noodles." I frowned.

Christian could only shake his head, I guess missing the whole point. I do not want to drive.

My eyes darted to the clock, "Can we stop the stuffing around, I can't be late. I need to be back, no later than three thirty, ok."

"It's not even eleven, that gives us plenty of time for you to drive. So, get your sexy ass into the driver's seat."

I sighed. What did I have left to do other than embarrass myself. I did have driving lessons with Daddy when I was sixteen, honestly, Christian doesn't need to know the full details. My mind was set then, below par and quite terrible, there would be no way I could have improved, only regress.

It was the touch of his finger over the shell of my ear, my Pixie points, "Fine," I expelled a heavy breath.

Fuming at myself on how quickly I caved, I could only blame my damn hormones. Walking around the hood, I quickly lumped myself into the driver's seat.

"Ok, let's take this slow," he slapped his thighs, smiling.

"Hmm this sounds oddly familiar." I tilted my head at him.

"Ana, concentrate, you will be driving a six figure vehicle. She's my first child so take care of her."

Instantly my hands flew up from the wheel. He wasn't serious, a car can't be worth that much.

"Nope," shaking my head, "I'm done."

"But you haven't even started." Christian pouted.

"I can't drive this. Why do you own a car which is worth more than… Really six figures!" I huffed.

"Bellevue, baby," he smirked, but it didn't ease my worry, just made it more complicated.

"Don't," I shouted, "You do yourself no favors, being a smug asshole. This is sick." I jumped out of the car, staring at the overpriced ridiculous thing.

This was absurd. How could two nineteen year olds have something so important between them but be on completely different levels. It was the pauper and the prince. Oh God!

"This isn't right. There is no way you will let me win or explain what is happening. I want to leave, Christian." I hugged myself, mentally going through what I did to discuss later today.

"Ana."

Shaking my head, I stood outside the passenger door.

"We need to leave. Now."

Christian didn't argue, until we were on the main road. He tried to hold my hand, calm me. But I didn't want to be calmed. Doesn't he realized that we are from different spectrums. I pulled my hand away, curling towards the window.

"Can you drop me off at your mom's? I need to get ready for my interview."

"Sure." he curtly replied.

It was obvious he wanted to ask what the interview was about, but he respected the silence I wanted.

…..

MY NECK WAS ACHING, stiff as a board. I must of had drifted off. My body remained still as the sound of a familiar voice hummed. Opening a single eye, I tried to sneak a look at Christian's face. He truly did have a wonderful voice, one of his many talents, but this was far from perfect. I know Beyoncé doesn't reside in my voice box, but he was rubbish. The challenge was remaining silent, holding in my laughter. His voice cracked at the high notes, and grumbled at the low, the timing and rhythm were completely off, but he didn't have care in the world. Pure happiness. It was soothing being surrounded by happiness, so I continued to listen with my eyes shut.

"I can see you smiling. You can't hide from me, Miss Steele." he winked.

Unfortunately, I didn't think to throw my facial expressions, that bastard knew.

"How?" I stretched, placing my feet on the dash, instantly pulling back because the six figures tumbled in my mind.

"The snoring stopped."

"All lies, Mr Grey." shaking my head, I don't snore.

"Whatever. I know the truth." he chuckled, with his eyes on the road.

"How much further?"

"Maybe another thirty, so probably about another fifty, Ana snores, so not long."

I huffed at the asshole.

I do not snore.

Grabbing my backpack, I rummaged through trying to find some important reading material. The letter was still sealed, 'When you have met your S.O.,' I held it to my nose. The fuzzy peach was still strong, I could smell her as if she were right beside me. Mom.

"I can buy a new backpack for you. I've noticed the few holes and loose threads, it's an easy replace."

"No," I yelled, gripping the bag. "See Christian, you can't buy everything, you can't replace everything. Money can not fix things."

"Whoa, Ana, ease up it's just a bag." shaking his head, obviously thinking I'm trying to argue with him.

"It's important."

It was protection, it was significant, it was from Mom. Something I can't part with.

I quickly crumbled the letter back into the bag, keeping a strong grip around the straps. Refusing to let go, I could never let go of Mom.

The closer we got to Seattle, the more my stomach churned. I tried my best to work the air conditioning, but I swear you needed an astrophysics degree to do it.

"There you go," he rubbed my leg as the air blew over my face, "Nice and cold. Feeling ok?" I shook my head no and continued to breathe the cool air through my mouth.

I just needed to sleep it off, I was feeling tired. I huddled into the corner refusing to let go of my bag.

Warm air blew over my neck as I tried to open my eyes, "Baby, we're home." His grip was strong as he held me, "Don't worry, rest, it will be fine."

And my eyes grew heavy and everything fell dark.


CHRISTIAN

"MOM, YOU'RE SURE THIS IS NORMAL?" my nail picked at the bedding, trying to calm my nerves.

"Sleeping?" she stifled a laugh into her hand, "Yes dear, it's quite normal, especially during early pregnancy. Let her rest." Mom stood in my doorway as I continued to stroke Ana's messy waves from her face.

"What about snoring?"

"Shut up, Christian," Ana mumbled into the pillow, "I do not snore." she said with a slight sniffle, rolling onto her stomach.

"Sorry baby,"my thumb rubbed her cheek, "I'll leave you to rest, so take it easy, and I'll be back soon." leaving a kiss on her crown.

"Thank-you." she curled into a ball, hugging the pillows.

Mom ushered me out, patting me on my back, smiling trying to ease my worry. She slowly closed the door carefully until the click was heard, and our breaths released.

As we made our way down the stairs, it was obvious I was already missing her and she was only a floor above. How was I going to accept the thing I don't want to have happen. Survival was ingrained in my soul, but it was going to be a challenge when she's going to be three thousand miles away from me.

…..

WATCHING YOUR BROTHER SHOVE his tongue down his girlfriend's throat was not the most refreshing image.

It was odd surveying the scene. He's snuggling a girl. I'm not implying he hasn't been with a woman, it was the monogamy part making it an oddity.

"Are you two seriously dry humping? Here's a small fact, I'm still in the room." I grumbled, falling back into the oversized armchair.

"No, we're making out," his confidence was making me want to hurl as Elliot flicked his blonde curls back and forth, continuing to suck her face, "and not wanting any interruptions." he chuckled into the mouth of his girlfriend.

"Well if that's the case, do it somewhere more private… here's a suggestion, like your bedroom."

"Oh, we have a perfectly fine space here." Elliot replied.

"Assholes," I mumbled to myself crossing my hands over my chest.

My only distraction was the fifty inch TV, unfortunately, the viewing wasn't much better. Keeping up with Kardashians, seriously?

"Elliot, cut him some slack, he's lonely." Kate lacked the whispering she was aiming for, and it came out in a hoarse groan, "Maybe keep your Mom company, you know since Ana isn't keeping her occupied." she hissed.

I didn't bother answering the blonde. How can Ell see anything in her, for one this attitude was pissing me off.

It was when Elliot ducked his head under her shirt, having a conversation with her now named left and right breast, Candi and Mandi. How do I know they were spelled with an I? They were discussing it in-between the pornographic groans.

Fuck this shit, I'm going to bed.

I stood up, not bothering to inform the two and made my way to the stairs.

"Bro, the show too graphic for ya?"

I didn't answer rather continuing towards my room on the second floor.

Opening the door, there was my girl. If only she would allow me to call her girlfriend. But she was mine. My eyes were locked onto her gorgeous body, even though curled up in an awkward position, there was clearly a space waiting for me.

It was hard to suppress the laugh brewing in my gut. Ana with her bangs glued to her face, the tiny snore thrumming in her nose. This was my girl, and nothing has prepared me for the rush of emotions she's causing me.

My shirt came off in a flash, and I dropped my jeans to the floor. Only in my boxers, I slid perfectly beside her. My fingers splayed across her chest, under her shirt, near the lace of her bra, and I held her tight, never wanting to let her go.

…..

SOMETHING SOFT WAS TUGGING my arm. Confused, still in a hazy fog of sleep, I tried to gain my whereabouts.

"C… C!"

The voice, was soft, sweet but a slight worry hooked in the back of this angel's voice. Was I dreaming? Was my white pixie dancing with me…

"CHRISTIAN!" a voice I clearly recognized, shouting in my face.

"I'm awake! What, what?" I jumped up, feeling my rock hard cock bouncing along with the ride.

Quickly rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I gained some kind of composure.

"It's 5!" Ana's tears fell, wetting her cheeks, "Oh my God, Christian I've missed my interview."

"Sorry? What?" I didn't understand, what exactly was going on?


A/N:

SONG INSPIRATION:

Found Love - WE THE LION

Thank you for reading the new reworked/beta-ed "Misplaced & Found." If you haven't already done so, please favourite, follow, and review. See you soon for chapter 27.

missmusicteach