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Chapter Twenty one.

Unbelievable.

Ana.

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Smiling broadly to myself, I rinse off my breakfast dishes at the kitchen sink. Caught up in the bright morning sunshine and wonderful view, I begin humming along to the song playing on the radio in the background. The mug I'm holding suddenly slips from my fingers, hitting the bottom of the sink with a dull thud as my hands freeze under the warm running water. My smile slips as my eyes widen and my heart rate picks up in excitement at the sight that appears before me.

The eight, luxuriously large homes that hug this arc of coast line, are all roughly fifty feet apart. I'm staying only two houses down from Christian's, and despite the landscaping and added foliage to all the rear of the properties here, my view of the back of his house is clear and unobstructed from this small window

I watch, transfixed as Christian steps out from the patio doors and walks across the deck that extends from the back of his house. Before he reaches the wooden steps that lead onto the sand, he takes hold of the wooden railing that edges off the decking and begins to stretch out his calf and thigh muscles by holding onto his ankle.

I involuntarily hum in appreciation at the sight of him, then feel a little guilty for ogling somebody elses boyfriend. In my defence, he is only wearing running shorts and a tight fitting T-shirt, and boy, he looks mighty fine dressed so casually. He's all taut, rippling chest muscles and powerful looking thighs. How on earth did I miss that body the last time I saw him running? Oh, that's right. I was on my ass, too caught up in the hatred in his eyes to notice his physique. My eyes, continue to rake over him blatantly while he limbers up. My mind wandering along with my gaze.

I really thought he looked good in a sharp, tailored suit, but it doesn't compare to how he looks now. I chuckle to myself at the thought of something Kate suggested last night. She told me to picture Christian naked, in an attempt to find him less intimidating. After this, seeing him, really seeing him for the first time, I don't think that would help me at all. In fact, it's probably one of the worst things I could do.

While continuing to watch him, closely, I subconsciously wonder why he's here. According to his strict routine and schedule, he shouldn't be here untill this evening. Why is he here early? What's changed? Is everything okay? Is Leila here too?

Frankly, I'm to giddy to care. At this moment, he looks happy, well rested and even from this distance, I can see that he has a bright smile on his face. He looks welcoming... and approachable.

Carpe Diem, Ana.

Ignoring the butterflies I can feel swarming deep in my belly and successfully, controlling my rising apprehension, I turn off the still flowing tap before flying into action. Eager to seize the moment, I overlook the fact that I'm still dressed in my sleep shorts and one of my dad's old and threadbare Army T-shirts, and head for the backdoor. Fuck it, he can take me as he finds me.

Stepping out onto the terrace, I see my things from yesterday still on the sun lounger I spent the afternoon on. Taking full advantage, I twist my hair up into a tight bun, pull on my large sun hat to hide my wild bed hair, then put on my shades to conceal my tired eyes. Forgoing shoes, I head straight for the beach. I know I must look a sight, but it's unavoidable. I didn't expect him to be here this early and considering I hardly slept at all last night, it's the best I can do at such short notice.

Knowing that Christian would soon be here, and only a hundred feet away from me, kept me restless. Last night, my sleep was constantly interrupted with dreams of him. I remember waking several times in the early hours, and I was left with the strong urge to trudge through the sand and scale up the side of his house.

I saw myself in a dream climbing through his widow, standing at the side of his bed, just watching him sleeping. I remember waking with a start because even for me, that would be a bit too much. I've stalked him enough as it is. So I did what I do best, and distracted myself in the moonlight with my guitar.

I step onto the warm sand and watch as Christian walks slowly onto the beach. He stops suddenly and turns back, a sad expression on his face. He takes a step forward and lowers himself as if to assist someone down the steps, but I can't see who because of the tall grass reeds that line the beach. Nobody else came out of the house with him, so what's he doing?

Before I have a chance to ponder to hard, he steps backwards and turns again to trudge the beach, but this time he's not alone.

"No...it can't be" I croak.

The tightening of my throat and chest, barely making it possible. I have no control of myself as my legs turn to jelly and give out from under me. My ass hits the soft sand as my eyes blur with heavy tears.

"Tess." I gasp. Taking her in from nose to tail.

I recognize her instantly, even though age has caught up with her and she looks a lot older now. As she tries to keep pace with Christian, I can tell by her gate that she's arthritic in her back legs and struggling to keep up. Even from this distance, I can see how her fur is patchy and missing on her rear end and tail. She's also a lot lighter in the face than I remember.

I can't believe that she survived. I never thought for a second that she had. Will, has never mentioned her in any of his reports and I wonder if he knew and kept it to himself so I could discover this by myself? What ever the reason, I'm overwhelmed with happiness right now at the sight of her. Aunt Meg, will be blown away when she hears that Tess is still alive. I can't believe that she's been safe, happy, and with Christian for all these years.

Lifting my shades and wiping the back of my hand across my eyes, my teary vision clears. Christian, keeps pace with Tess, until they reach a beautiful, wooden gazebo. I noticed that there are a few different structures dotted along the beach, obviously built by the residents for barbequing and large family gathering, but this one, is an ideal place for Tess to rest.

I watch Christian as he pets Tess on the head, before striding towards the water. Tess, settles herself down on the warm sand underneath the gazebo, her head resting on her paws. She watches Christian as he begins his run along the beach. He runs along the tide line, where the sand is firmer, and I'm captivated and amazed by the movement of his body and strong steady pace. It's clear he loves to run by the way his body is pounding the beach. Reluctantly, I drag my eyes away from him and back to Tess. She's watching him avidly, clearly despondent at not being able to follow him.

Picking myself up off the sand, I slowly head over to Tess. Sitting myself down a few feet away from her, I wait for her to pull her eyes away from Christian. She sniffs the air as she turns her head towards me, eyeing me curiously when she sees me.

"Hi Tess, remember me?" I whisper, offering her my hand.

Tess shifts, and stretches her body out untill her nose can reach me. She then surprises me by licking my palm and nuzzling in, obviously saying hello. As she begins to move, I shuffle closer to her meeting her half way. Once I'm beside her, I run my fingers through her coat. Petting her, where her fur is still lush and thick.

Happy, jubilant tears begin to flow unhindered down my cheeks, and I can't stifle my giggle at the unexpected feel of Tess's tongue, lapping at my cheek. My arms wrap around her head and I pull her closer to me, needing the comfort. I'm lost with Tess for a few minutes, just taking in her warmth, her smell and her compassion.

Sadly, the flames from the explosion have scorched her back and tail. He fur is a lot coarser there and absent in a few places on her rump and tail. I feel my tears build again as I think of what she must have gone through. She must have been so scared and in so much pain, just as Christian must also have been.

"I'm so glad Christian kept you with him and looked after you." I whisper into her fur as I hug her tighter.

A dark imposing shadow, suddenly looms over me and I know who it is without having to turn round. My arms, slide from around Tess's neck as I turn warily to face a sweaty, heavily panting, Christian. I look up expectantly, and almost wish I hadn't. He's his usual livid, angry self. He's not the same man who stepped onto the beach fifteen minutes ago. His entire posture has changed.

I gulp nervously, then feel the weight of Tess leaning against me as he glares down at us. Even she can feel his anger and knows we're in trouble. I peak up at him, unsure of what to say to him. I don't know if he's going to blow a gasket if I do, or give himself a heart attack with all his glaring. His face is almost purple. I hide a chuckle at the thought of a naked, purple Christian but he doesn't miss it.

He looks at me briefly with hard enraged eyes, then frowns deeply, no doubt pissed at only seeing his reflection in my large shades. I'm so thankfull for them and my hat right now. I attempt to smile at him when he glances my way again, but his gaze shifts swiftly to Tess. Should I introduce myself? Should I tell him who I am? Gut instinct, says no. Kate advised me to pick my moment. A moment, where he wouldn't explode. I don't think this is it.

"This, is private property," Christian snaps harshly. "Come, Tess" he commands firmly, leaving the shade of the gazebo. He's eager to flee as per, and despite the twinge of hurt I feel, it makes the decision for me to hold my tongue easier.

Tess, instantly obeys. Lifting herself from the sand and heading for Christian. I sigh, hurt and frustrated as I stare at the back of them both heading away. Tess, must hear me because she turns back to me. When she's close, I raise my hand to ruffle the fur on her head. I chuckle softly, as she leans in and nudges my shoulder for more when my fingers pause.

"She like you." Christian states. His voice, expressing his clear surprise. I never realised he'd turned back around and was watching.

"She's a lovely dog." I reply, petting Tess and running my hand along her back all the way to the end of her bare tail.

"She not usually so open to strangers." Christian mutters.

"I'm not a stranger, am I girl?" I whisper, hugging Tess close in goodbye.

"What did you say?" Christian asks, his eyes hardening and his face contorting.

"Nothing, she's a very friendly dog." I utter quickly.

"So it would seem." he mutters, before clicking his fingers to instruct Tess to follow. Which she does.

"Hello, my.." I begin, lifting my hand.

"Enjoy the sun, it's going to be a beautiful day." Christian say awkwardly at the same time as my attempt at an introduction.

He doesn't notice my offered hand as he turns and begins to head for home. His body language screams that he's keen to getaway, and I can hardly blame him. I must look like awful. I haven't brushed my hair, cleaned my teeth, or even took the time to dress properly. No wonder he can't get away from me quick enough.

"I hope you enjoyed your run?" I call after him, lamely attempting to prolong his fleeing.

"I did, now I'd better go and take a shower." he answers, not turning to face me or slowing his pace.

"Nice to have met you." I call after him.

"You too." he mumbles over his shoulder as his pace picks up.

"Bye, Tess." I breath, then chuckle to myself when I see her ear twitch.

I watch Christian as he strides onto his deck and scurries into his house. All the way home I could tell that he was still rigid, still angry. Why does he always respond so hostile when meeting me? Is it me in particular or does everyone he meets get the same response? I understand his pain and heartache. I can understand his way of dealing with it, but truthfully, looking past his initial smile, he looked so tired, so withdrawn. All this anger can't be good for him.

Despite our brief contact being over, I think as first contact goes, with words away, I think it went well. I took my first baby step. I kept my composure and looked him in the eye. Well, sort of. No matter how brief our encounter, no matter how quickly he scarped, he was at least civil to me this time. In a fashion. Maybe there's hope for him, for us, after all, but even if we can never be friends, it was really nice seeing Tess again.

I flop back onto the sand, feeling all giddy inside like a child. I flap my arms and legs about, chuckling, because I know I've made a sand angel. I want to squeal and shriek like a teenager. Who knew, when I woke this morning that I'd meet Christian before mid-day. I knew renting this beach house would be a good idea, but I didn't think it would pay off so soon. I never imagined that it would also bring me knowledge of Tess and her survival.

I pull myself up from the sand and with a final glance toward Christian's house, I sprint as fast as I can to mine, eager to get Aunt Meg on the phone.

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