VERY IMPORTANT AUTHORS NOTE BELOW! PLEASE READ IT! THANK YOU :D
Thank you to everyone who has favorited, followed and reviewed my story! You guys are awesome! Keep it coming; it keeps me going.
Special thank you to my amazing bestie OhCathy for the overwhelming support and love you've shown me! I honestly couldn't have done this without you, you are amazing! Never forget it!
I know the first chapter was somewhat challenging to read, trust me, it was hard to write! But the worst is over... for now! Hehe.
The main question I've received is: Will Christian Grey be saving them? You'll soon find out!
Enjoy, loves.
Chapter 2 - Being Saved and First Meetings
"You're always one decision away from a totally different life."
APOV
A couple of weeks later, after the last brutal encounter with papa, things have gone back to how they were. Mama and papa being gone for hours on end, and us just staying home alone with no food or water.
Having no food or water in the house day in and day out, my last resort was to always look in trash cans. But, I couldn't ever get that far. But I have to I think to myself. I quickly put some clothes on and try going through our neighbors' garbage, in hopes of finding anything to feed my sisters and I. They both have been grumpy since we woke up and there was nothing to eat.
So am I sisters, so am I.
Little did I know, with that act, I'd be saving our lives.
Later in the afternoon, we hear many voices outside the front door. Who's here? Suddenly, footsteps are barging into our dirty home. We instantly bolt into the bedroom, because we heard them coming in. I, immediately, stand directly behind it with my back to it. I quietly tell my sisters to hide in the closet, until the coast is clear.
A soft knock at the door startles all three of us, mainly me. But, the woman's kind voice fills the small room.
"Hello, sweetheart? Come on out; you don't have to hide. No one here is out to hurt you." Who is that?
That voice definitely doesn't sound like mamas. I hesitate. What if this is all a lie? What if this is a joke to lure us out of this room? What if he just wants to beat me again? I turned around slowly and asked through the closed door. "W-Who are you?"
"Sweetheart, it's Adela Trevelyan, and I am your neighbor. You don't remember me?" She asks, kindly.
I'm not used to people being so kind to me, or even hearing a kind voice in my presence. But, I don't remember her, well, not really. I rarely go outside, and when I do, it's when no one else is out.
"Honey, we saw you go through our garbage earlier this morning through our cameras. We noticed the condition you are in. Come out sweetheart; we aren't out to hurt you. We just want to help you." She says in a calm tone.
I don't answer for a few moments.
"O-okay," I answer shakily, but I agree.
Kate and Elizabeth are peeking their heads out of the closet, and I usher for them to come out and stay in the corner.
Once I open the door, Adela puts her hands over her mouth, and a few tears fall from her eyes.
Why is she crying?
"Oh honey, are you okay? Are these your siblings? Are you hurt?" She asks with tears rolling down her face.
"Yes." is all I say. I don't know who this elderly woman is so; I won't divulge them with any more information.
"Theo, dear, take a look at the darling girls!" She calls a man, and he comes over.
I quickly run towards my siblings and hug them tight. Theo? That's a man's name, and I'm terribly fearful of being around men. Especially, men that I don't know.
I see the man standing there at the door with Adela.
"Is it okay if we come into the room?" She asks, softly.
I shake my head no. So, they stay at the door. I don't know these people, and I don't want to put my sisters in any unnecessary danger. I wouldn't be able to protect them.
"Sweethearts, I'm Theodore, but everyone calls me Theo. This is my wife, Adelina, but everyone calls her Adela. Can you tell me what your names are?" The man asks, curiously.
I stand up and step forward right in front of my sisters, essentially guarding them. I don't know these people. But for some reason, I feel one thing I haven't felt in a long time, safe. Is it weird to feel this way with two strangers you just met? The sincerity and slight pleading they are showing in their eyes and how they didn't approach after I said no... make me feel like maybe they're safe to talk to.
"I..I'm Anastasia, but you can call me Ana. This is my twin sister Elizabeth, who likes to be called Ellie. This is our sister Katherine, who likes to be called Kate." I point to each of them, introducing ourselves.
"Hello, Ana, Elizabeth, and Kate." Theo waves with a smile on his face.
"If you young ladies are up for it, we've brought you some food and water, that is... if you guys are hungry? Why don't we go outside to the living room? How does that sound? Just don't mind the police roaming around, they aren't here to hurt you." Theo offers.
Police? Why are the police here?
I don't know what awaits us in the living room, but by Theo's demeanor, I have a feeling that he would not put us in harm's way. I look at my sisters and get all the confirmation I need. I know they're starving. It's been a couple of hours since our last meal and having some food in their system wouldn't hurt. Right? I look back at Theo and Adela, and I nod. We follow them out into the living room and sit down across from them, while there are police walking around our house. What are they doing here?
After a small conversation, Adela offered us some warm clothes to dress up in. I have no doubts that through the dirty, messed up clothes we are all wearing; she can see all of my scars. I'm glad they chose not to ask how I got them, but I see them looking at my wrists from time to time. Living next door was a significant advantage for them and... us. They didn't have to go far to provide us with the things they wanted to. They also offered for us to have dinner with them, and we all agreed with small smiles on our faces. We don't fully trust them yet, but they haven't really given us any reason not to. They lead us out into our driveway, where a white SUV is out front. We all enter the vehicle and drive away from our home.
You can say that after that dinner with Theo and Adela Trevelyan, we felt one thing we never thought we would, hope.
They took us out to dinner, and we ate like we've been starving for weeks. Which is true. Mama and Papa never fed us full meals. They always went out to eat and left us with scraps from their leftovers, that I had to share with my sisters. We talked, but nothing too much about our parents or what went on in our house. They mostly asked us about our interests and ourselves. Although we did not have much human contact with others, we still had interests. It was the first time we enjoyed dinner... in years. Theo explained to us about the situation back at our house and how it's not safe to go back. We all agreed. They've invited us to stay at their vacation home, which was about two hours away.
Arriving at their vacation home, we felt one thing that we haven't felt in a long time…
Safe.
Finally.
Meanwhile, back at home
Awaiting them at home, the police could not believe that those children, actually survived under these living conditions. They want to make sure that their parents receive the maximum jail time for severe neglect, blatant abuse, malnourishment, and deplorable living situations. That wasn't all. They also found an ample amount of drugs hidden in the master bedroom, and for them to have them in the presence of children, that will add up to their time in jail.
As mama and papa pull up in the driveway, they get the shock of their lives.
At the Trevelyan's vacation home
Theo and Adela's daughter, Doctor Grace Trevelyan-Grey, was there waiting for us. Theo and Adela mentioned that she wanted us to be examined to make sure medically, we were okay. She looked like an angel with blonde hair and white lab coat.
I was the first to be examined, and all was going well until she began looking over my scars. That was the first time I ever reacted badly to someone touching my scars, mainly because I'm the one who usually touches them or my sisters. I know she was only trying to make sure they weren't infected, but I lashed out so bad. I think I may have given her a black eye. I felt so badly for what I had done. I was so sure that she would tell Theo and Adela and send us away. But, Dr. Grace Grey came back a few moments later, and while I tried to apologize, she was not having any of it.
"No need to worry darling, I know what you've experienced first hand. I understand." She told me. Really? She understands? How?
She gave me some ointment for my wounds, took my hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze for reassurance. I nodded and walked out of the bedroom with guilt heavy in my heart for what I had done. But, I was relieved because she didn't push further, and didn't ask how or when I got all these scars.
6 months later
While spending our time with the Trevelyans, who took us in, since we had nowhere to go. We were shown more love, care, and compassion than we ever had in our lives. They decided to sell the house that they lived in, right next door to ours, and continue to live in the vacation home so that we could feel safe.
I have never been more grateful for being alive and well until they took us in. Living through the hell we did wasn't ideal, but I'm starting to believe that now it was all worth it. Theo and Adela offered us to stay with them, as long as we needed.
During the six months of living with them, we slightly became a little bit more social. Especially, Kate and Ellie, but we still had a fear of strangers. I wasn't at all surprised that Kate and Ellie were able to adjust fairly quickly. I was always timid. But, I became a bit more withdrawn and wasn't nearly as outgoing, like them. While they were able to make friends with the neighbors, I wasn't. I would always have my face hidden behind a book and read outside in the garden.
That is until I saw the most beautiful boy who would come once a week to work on the Trevelyan's garden. Every time I would be outside reading, I would see him mowing the lawn, tending to Adela's roses, or watering the other plants. I'd become so shy and would run into the house, even though I did not want to. Why would I react this way? I'm afraid of the opposite sex, particularly strangers.
That didn't stop me from seeing him every week working in the garden. I became entranced by his beautiful eyes and face. Never had I ever been attracted to the opposite sex before. Never have I spoken to one either, besides Grandpa Theo, Eamon and Ethan Kavanagh, and Carrick Grey on rare occasions when they'd visit.
So I'd watch him, without saying anything more than "hi."
xxx xxx
One Friday afternoon, I was reading a book from Adela's library and sitting on the bench in the garden. It was a beautiful day out, and he was now trimming the roses. I would usually pretend to focus on the page I was on, but really I would occasionally peek up and take a look at him tending to the red roses.
As I continued to "read," he came up to me and handed me the most beautiful red rose.
"A red rose for a beautiful girl, Rose." He said while bowing.
I blushed profusely and only nodded, he called me Rose. I was completely speechless. No words could describe how he made me feel at this moment.
Beautiful.
I knew that Grandpa Theo and Grandma Adela told the staff our names, but I had no idea she told them our full names. There he was with his voice sounding like pure honey, calling me Rose. I'm usually vigilant about my surroundings, but I didn't feel fear as he was approaching me. Strange.
A few weeks have passed, and every Friday he would hand me a red rose.
I would purposely read outside in the garden, even if the weather wasn't the best so that we could have that small bit of interaction. He made me feel... special. Who knew, you could feel this way by someone just handing you something, as simple as a red rose.
I have spoken to Kate and Ellie about it many times, and they tell me to go for it. But, I always refused because with all my fucked up issues, who would really want a girl like me?
xxx xxx
Today, it's different. I'm sitting on the bench in the garden, and I haven't seen him all morning long.
Where could he be? I think to myself.
I began to wonder if he no longer thought I was beautiful, or he didn't want to see me.
I've been in the garden all morning feeling anxious and mostly embarrassed. Inevitably, someone that handsome wouldn't go for someone like me? Maybe this was a big charade.
Inwardly, I'm panicking and thinking so negatively. Outwardly, I'm trying to remain as cool as a cucumber, like it doesn't affect me at all. I'm just a girl in the garden reading a book. I remind myself. But, as I'm walking away from the bench, in tears, I hear his voice call out for me. He runs up to me and stops me from going any further.
"I'm sorry that I'm late! I decided to stop by the market before I came here and brought you these." He takes his hands from behind his back and presents me with a beautiful bouquet of purple roses.
"You are as beautiful as any color, size, or shape of any form of roses, my Rose." Swoon.
I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. Oh did he have a way with words. Taking the bouquet from him, our fingers just barely touch each other, and I feel a jolt of electricity humming through my whole arm.
"Thank you," I whisper and then sit down on the bench just adoring the purple roses.
For months, this has been going on. He'd give me a rose. We'd have conversations while he was working. Sometimes, I'd read to him right here in the garden, which he enjoyed immensely. He made me feel somewhat normal. Is this what normalcy felt like? I never indulged in sharing too much of my past, even though he's given me a little bit of his. He never pushed me to talk to him. He never tried to touch me inappropriately, and I never felt fear being around him. His small gestures meant so much to me. I wonder if he feels the same way that I feel when he's around. Alive. Normal. Wanted. I love how he makes me feel. I...
I love him.
Love? Is that what I'm feeling? Love? I quickly dismiss those thoughts.
Another six months later
Eamon and Claire Kavanagh were close friends of Grace and Carrick Grey, and possibly one of the nicest people we've ever met. They would visit us with their son Ethan when Grace and Carrick came.
Upon getting to know Eamon and Claire more, we learned some heartbreaking news. Claire was in a horrible car accident years ago. When she woke up a couple of weeks later (which was a miracle), Eamon and Claire got the bad news. Due to her severe injuries, she would never be able to bare another child again. They were so happy they had Ethan, but they always wanted more. To me, they seemed like good, honest people. I do not doubt their ability to nurture and care for a child.
I know they were aware of the little situation we were in, but they never looked at us with pity in their eyes, but with understanding.
So, surprisingly, after these past six months of getting to know them; Eamon and Claire are choosing to adopt us... all three of us! Together! I am so happy with the decision, because we adore Eamon and Claire, as they do us. At first, I was very reluctant about Ethan. Because, he was a couple of years older than us, and he was a boy. But, when they'd visit he never gave me a creepy feeling and certainly never crossed my boundaries. So, I grew comfortable being around him.
Having to leave Tennessee to Seattle is proving to be difficult. Because, leaving the presence of Theo and Adela is possibly the most challenging thing, ever. They are the kindest hearted people we've ever met. They saved us. My sisters and I will forever be grateful for what they've done for us.
Sadly, I would also be leaving the man I'd probably only ever love or be close to.
xxx xxx
It's the morning of our departure, and we are meeting one last time in the Trevelyan's garden to say our goodbyes. He decides that we should take a quick adventure, and have one last read. I agree, and we go through the Trevelyan's garden.
The area he chose is lovely. It's a field with tons of grass, trees, and roses surrounding us. We're laying on the grass, without a care in the world, and I'm reading him one of the classics.
I decide that it's time to tell him that I'll be leaving. "Trevor, I've got something to tell you," I say nervously, putting my book down.
"What is it, Rose?" He asks with curious eyes.
I bite my bottom lip because I feel so nervous... how will he take this? "Please don't bite your lip, Rose. Tell me, what is it?" He takes his thumb and brushes it lightly over my bottom lip, prying it away from my teeth.
"We're moving," I blurt out, and he doesn't say anything for a few moments.
"When are you leaving?" He asks with his voice sounding so sad.
"Today," I tell him, and a tear slips from my eye. "The Kavanagh's are adopting us. Can you believe this Trevor? They're adopting all three of us!" I say happily, but I don't know why I feel anything but.
"I'm happy for you and your sisters, Rose." He tells me, and I can hear the sadness in his voice, "wherever you go, always remember that I'm always with you, Rose." He hands me one last red rose; it's beautiful, I think. He grabs my hand and plants a lingering kiss on it. "Promise me," He whispers, and I nod as my answer. I am shocked, to say the least.
The small gesture alone makes my heart skip a beat.
"I know that you haven't lived the best life and just know, this is a new opportunity for you. Live your life and don't let the fear of your past hold you back. Also, think of me often, Rose. Whenever I see any type of rose, I'll always think of you. You have made my days easier, and I hope I've done the same for you. Maybe one day, we'll meet again." One day, I hold onto hope.
As his eyes gaze upon mine, he is looking back at me with a hint of amusement, as if he knows exactly what he's doing to me.
But, that wasn't all that was in his eyes. I saw something else that was there. But, it was gone before I could try and read into it.
Our faces are so close to each other, and with one closer movement, his lips are on mine. I feel a sudden burst of mix feelings coursing through my body, dizzy, I definitely feel dizzy. This kiss is slow and sweet like I've always imagined it to be. He tastes just like how he sounded, like pure honey. He left his hands sitting on my waist, a safe spot. I feel my heart hammering out of my chest, and a tingling feeling deep down somewhere in the lower region of my body. It is truly like an out of body experience, one I have never felt before. He quickly pulls away, and I instantly miss his lips upon mine. As we are now saying our final goodbye, I'm crying silently, uncontrollably.
"Please, don't move," I whisper. I stand so close to him; I can hear him breathing, this is the closest I've ever been. I stand on my tippy toes and leave a lingering kiss on his cheek. "I love you."
I walk away as quick as I can without giving him any time to answer me because I don't know if he feels the same way that I do. Because I want to save myself the humiliation if he does not.
I take one quick look back, he looks dazed and unmoved, but there was something else written on his face… it was love.
They've been saved, thank Goodness!
Let me clarify their ages so we couldn't get that out of the way... In the prologue, Ana and Ellie are 13 and Kate is 12.
Any guesses on who this mystery boy is?
Don't forget to leave a review and share your thoughts with me! x
xxx xxx
IMPORTANT AUTHORS NOTE!
I'd like to give a big thank you to those who are reading, have followed, favorited, and review my story Then, There was You. You've given me the chance to share this story with you all, and I've enjoyed writing it!
With that being said, I'd like to announce that I am pulling the LAST three chapters of this story. The reason being is that I lost my muse back in December 2017. Admittedly, it affected my writing, greatly. I have 20+ pre-written chapters, but for some reason, it doesn't sit right with me to publish those chapters.
As of early January 2018, my muse came back! To my surprise, my inspiration changed along with it. The new found inspiration led me to re-work/rewrite the direction of my story. I genuinely think it'll work out better this way! I hope you all understand! I have full intentions of getting this story done! Plus, I've got quite a few plot bunnies under my sleeve that are waiting to be shared! ;D
So please, follow or favorite me as a writer, if you haven't already. The chapters will be uploaded relatively soon because I've been writing tirelessly to get this done. Also, if you follow some of the FSoG facebook groups, you'll find 'chapter updates' there as well!
xxx xxx
I'll see you all in the chapter three update! We'll be seeing a NEW POV come to light, eek! Also, I'd like to advise that you all read the chapters that I'll be reposting; I've made some changes. Although the details may be small/large or seemingly unimportant, it'll be meaningful in regards to the chapter in the future.
I'm hoping to begin on regularly updating because I'm so excited for you all to see how the story will unfold!
Lastly, to the ladies who had picked me up when I was down, never gave up on me, and made my bad days turn into good days... THANK YOU! The amount of love and support you've given me means more than I could EVER express! (Tons of heart emojis here) I'm so thankful to have gotten to know quite a few talented and amazing ladies here, and I'm forever grateful for them!
I also apologize if you get some sort of email telling you I've updated! (I don't know if I had any control in that.)
-Foreverdreamingx