Chapter 5: Commencement
The remainder of Saturday evening Kate and I spent packing for our move. Kate decided that we should move right away after graduation, so the date has been pushed up to Tuesday. I know two days less, not sure what a difference it made. I'm certain it has something to do with being closer to Elliot since they've had to part way due to his projects back in Seattle. Running into to Christian at SIP was a surprise, I still haven't found out why he was there. I informed Christian that we would be moving Wednesday instead of Thursday and he insisted that I let him handle the move. I attempted to protest but of course I failed. He insinuated that I let his men move us and they would get the big stuff set all we had to do was unpack or clothing and kitchen items.
Finally, it's graduation day, I have this speech and all I have been thinking about is dinner with Christian Tuesday. I leave my hair flowing down my back. I opted to wear a pale blue and floral mid-thigh length fit and flare dress pairing it with a pair of high heel strappy sandals giving the illusion that I'm taller than I am. Putting my cap and gown on, Kate and I head out to the last day of the beginning of a new life.
On the drive, over we engage in small talk.
"Ana is your mom coming? "
No, you know she always comes up with an excuse on why she can't be a good mother, but it's her loss not mine.
Looking out the window not really caring about rather my mom comes or not, it's not like she's never put a man before her daughter. If and whenever I have a kid, I pray I'm nothing like that lady.
"At least Ray coming he wouldn't miss his Annie graduating college for the world" Kate say with a big smile attempting to lighten the mood.
"Yeah Ray is really all I've got, he's taught me most of what I know"
As were walking into the ceremony, we run into Ray.
" Annie, Annie" I recognize a voice and I turn around and see my dad. '
"Dad you made it", smiling I pull him into a firm hug.
"Annie, you know I couldn't miss my little girls' graduation." He says all excited while we continue or walk to our seat.
"Ray I saved you a seat by Kate parents, see you on the inside" as we walk briskly to our seat as the ceremony is about to start.
Several of our professor bid us fair well until it was my turn to get up and say my speech. As I approach the stage I notice Christian sitting on the stage and he smiles as he sees me. Suddenly I become nervous and shaky. Breathe Ana breathe you can do this, just act as if he isn't there. That should work; I'll just look straight ahead.
"I stand before you today as the class of 2015 Summa Cum Laude, I would like to say attending WSU has not only been a substantial experience, far from and easy one. But what I really want to say is dare to be different. From here on don't let the complexity of life hinder you. Life is not easy for anyone and we should continue to move forward through adversities. For knowledge is gift, and has been worth more than any honor that I have earned. Never regret what you did not try to do. Give it your all and dare to be all you can be."
Everyone applauds as I walk off the stage; I take a glimpse at Christian who approaches the podium to give his speech. I hear the girls in front me giggling.
" Wow he's hot," she says fanning herself with her hand.
Her friend responds, " Yes girl I wouldn't mind getting into his pants, plus he's super rich" she says rubbing her fingers together.
I lean in to interrupt their little fantasy of what "mines". I hate to burst their bubble, but I can't to hear them go on.
"I heard he's gay," I say and lean back in my seat leaving their mouth shaped in an "o". They began to call us to accept our degrees and it seems as if it's taking forever to get to me. I look up and notice Christian look agitated and board. Suddenly our eyes meet as they call my name; I approach the stage taking great caution in not falling. I walk over and accept my degree from Christian and he congratulates me and shakes my hand.
" Anastasia, congratulations, as he stares deep into my eyes, I see lust and want in his, still holding my hand as I try a walk always.
"Thank you, Mr. Grey, I say shyly looking down at our hand still interlocked. He releases me.
The ceremony ends with congratulations to the class of 2015 and a hat toss. All the graduates went to the hall to meet with their family. I meet with Ray.
"Congrats Annie, he says kissing me on my cheek, "I'm so proud of you little girl"
"Thanks dad but I'm far from a little girl anymore" Flashing my degree at Ray.
"Dear Annie, you know you will always be my little girl" Ray says s brushing my hair out of my face. I remove my cap and gown as Kate walks.
"Hey Ray" Kate says giving ray a quick side hug.
" Hey Kate darling" he says smiling.
" Dad where are you taking me?" I ask out of curiosity being that he never told me where we going to celebrate my success.
"Where ever you want my dear, I could use a drink, your graduation make a young man feel old" he laughs.
"We'll head over to the bar out the corner of my eye I notice Christian approaching me.
"Anastasia congrats again, nice to see you again" he says with the biggest smirk on his face.
"Great wasn't expecting to see you here" I reply biting my lip. I hear him gasp as I bat my eyes. I wonder did anyone see out encounter.
"Oh, Ray have you met Ana's boyfriend Christian Grey?" Kate says all giddy. I eye Kate with intensity. Why did she do that?
" Nice to meet you young man I'm Annie's dad Ray, that was some speech by the way" extending his hand to shake Christian
" Christian, will you be joining us for a drink to celebrate my graduation". I ask
" If you will have me, then yes Anastasia" he says rolling my name off his tongue.
There many things I'd join her in doing but first thing first.
We arrive at Aviary's, Rays and Christian orders a scotch and I have a glass of Sauvignon blanc. We toast to my success and I bid my goodbyes to Ray, he's driving back to Montesano. I promise him that I'll visit soon. Christian drives me back to my place which place that is all in boxes except the beds and sofa. Christian presents me with a bottle of Bollinger champagne and were drinking it out of tea cup.
"To the beginning of a new life" Christian says as we click our tea cups.
I hear the doorbell rings; Christian walks over and takes my hand leading me to the door. It's Taylor.
" Ana I have a graduation present for you" walking me outside where I see Taylor standing by a Red A7, he hands me the keys.
"What's this Christian, it's a car" I say in shock.
"Indeed, it's a car Ms. Steele and it's yours. Happy graduation" he murmurs pulling me into his arms, nuzzling his nose into my hair.
"But I have a car Christian" I say looking around in panic. "Where's my car"
" I had Taylor fetch a decent price for it. Ana, are you upset, that Beetle of yours was quick frankly a death trap and I couldn't worry myself about you driving it any longer, when I have the power to change that."
He bought me a car, and it's gorgeous and brand new if I'm not mistaken. I am in utter shock; on the other hand, Wanda wasn't going to make it much longer. He's staring at me, but at this point I don't think I can face him. Meanwhile my inner goddess has just sunk down in her chair with the smuggest grin.
"I ask you father, when we were having drink and he thought it was brilliant idea, please don't be mad at me" He say with concern while us his index finger and thumb to raise my chin to look at him.
"YOU ask Ray?" I yell looking up at him. I can't, I can't fuck believe this.
"Ana, it's a gift why can't you just be grateful"
"It's too much, thank you Christian, but we've only known each other for a good four days, how do you expect me to feel about this?"
" Come let go back inside".
He leads the way back into my apartment and walks over to the counter and pours us another teacup of champagne. Handing my cup, we both take a sip well he does I drink it in one gulp. Immediately he takes the cup from my hands, setting his down as well.
" Anastasia, I have something I want to ask you and tell you". He says with a not so sure look on his face.
"Ok" I say. At this point my subconscious has hidden behind the couch. What could he possibly have to tell me, is he gay? He grabs my hands to help me relax.
"Anastasia from the moment I met you at the bar you caught my eye, I haven't been able to get you off my mind all week. Your eyes are as if I'm staring into hope, paradise the feelings I have for you are endless. I never felt this way about any woman before. Anastasia, Ana I want you to be mine, no I'm not asking for you hand in marriage yet, but I will you be my girlfriend?"
Who knew after just a few days I would be head over heel for this girl. After multiple session with my psychiatrist Flynn, he encouraged me to move this forward. So here I am, please say yes Ana.
" Christian, I…I don…. Yes, I will be your girlfriend. I say biting my lip. His shoulder relaxes and he let out a breath of air, I didn't even know he was holding as he picks me up in the air.
" You're biting that again" His lips crush to my lips as my legs wrap around his waist. Licking my lips open his tongue invades my mouth. This has got to be better than the last time. I feel a sensation from deep within, something I haven't felt before as he gentle bites my lip as he pulls from the kiss.
"Christian"
sharmeshia/love-at-first/