Thank you all. You're wonderful! To answer any questions, Christian does have the same background, except I'm making him more used to having people touch him based on his loving family. He can give hugs and be hugged, but having hands directly on his chest will be the problem.
I want this story to be mostly about Ana's recovery with Christians help instead of the other way around. Of course they will both help each other but Ana will need it more.
Enjoy this next chapter!
"We'll show you the rest of the house after you've seen your room!" Mia exclaimed, dragging me by the arm down a long hallway.
"Mia, honey, take it easy on her." Grace said gently.
"Yeah, you'll break her arm." Elliot chuckled. I flinched at the words 'break her arm'. I've already had it broken before and that definitely wasn't fun.
"Here we are!" Mia reached for the nob and turned it, letting the door open as she gave it a push.
If I could scream I would. It was absolutely beautiful. The walls were a deep red, like granite, and all the furniture was black. The bed was on the right side of the room a long with a door. The bed was low on the floor and rested against the wall. The headboard wasn't a head board but one of those black cushion things that was latched onto the wall. The comforter was black but had cursive writing and pictures of the best places like New York, Paris, and London. There were matching pillows and a black fleece thrown at the end of the bed. On the walls were canvases of New York City, the Eifel Tower, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The room all tied in together and it was perfect. In the middle were two huge extravagant windows with seats attached, deep red and black cushions covered them. On the left side of the room was a black dresser and another door.
Mia ran in the middle of the room and put her hands out. "So what do you think?" Her smile reached from ear to ear.
I wrote down 'I absolutely love it. You should be and interior designer'. I showed it to her and her face lit up even more.
"I'm so glad! This is your bathroom..." She opened the door that was on the right. I'm guessing the other side is a closet. "Christian! I told you to clean up before she got here. What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Mia. Language."
"I'm sorry daddy." She smiled sweetly then scowled at Christian.
"I forgot." He simply shrugged his shoulders.
"Well hop to it." She said placing a hand on her hip.
I heard Christian suck his teeth at her, but he complied and went to clean the bathroom.
"Sorry Ana. Your room and his room are connected together so you'll be sharing." Mia gave me an apologetic smile as she strode over to stand next to her family.
'It's okay. I'm used to living in a filthy environment' I wrote down and showed it to them. I meant it to be a joke, but knowing how my face looks, they don't seem to get it. They looked at me sadly; even Elliot and I could already tell he was the joking kind. I didn't want to be the one who caused them to look like that and I really did mean it as a joke, even though it was the truth. I brought the pen back to the pad and wrote 'Hahahahahahahahaha!' hoping it would lighten their moods. Fortunately for me it did and I got a few laughs out of each of them.
They showed me the rest of the house and every bit that was shown was just as good as the last. My interest and excitement really peaked when they mentioned a library. I loved to read. It was one of the things that kept me sane and semi content when I live with my dad. Everything thing seemed so easy once I let my mind slip into a book, taking on the characters. I would escape so far into the book I would become the characters, letting myself get lost in an adventure taking on pirates on an island or using my powers to defeat a demon and save an innocent. I could be a cop chasing the bad guy or hopelessly falling in love with a guy who I shouldn't be with. But my favorites are the books that were written in the time period of the eighteen hundreds. I think my favorite author would have to be Jane Austen. The romance she puts into her books feels so real to me. Her descriptions of the way her characters feel make me feel the same way. When she writes about sadness, I feel it. When she writes about anger, I experience it. And when she writes about love, I want nothing more than to live it. The mind of Jane Austen is remarkable. It's so easy to get lost in her books or any other book for that matter. I let my imagination take me on a ride and forget about the rest of the world, forget about all the pain and the sadness I couldn't seem to get away from. If it wasn't for reading I don't know where I would be right now.
"This is the library." Mr. Grey opened the double doors and pushed them open. I dropped my pen and paper and walked towards the book shelves. There seems to be an endless amount of books. To the right was a wall which was not a wall but a ginormous window. The rest of the walls were covered with books. There was even a set of stairs to get to a second floor of books. I had my mouth opened as I involuntarily walked to the books. I felt as if my legs had a mind of their own. I walked between two white love seats and a glass coffee table that were in the middle of the room. When I reached the books I slowly strode among the wall, bringing a hand up to feel the binds as I went by. Some were old some were new and I couldn't wait to bury my face in them. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, smelling the amazing scent of paper and leather. How could someone own so many books?
I turned to look at Mr. Grey, Grace, Mia, Elliot, and Christian. They all had expressions of interest combined with amusement.
"That's the first smile I've seen yet." Graces words shocked me and I quickly brought my hand to my mouth. I felt my face with my fingers, noticing how the corners of my mouth were turned open. I ran my fingers over my lips and felt that they were parted, showing a hint of my white teeth. I was actually smiling.
I turned back to the books and searched for Jane Austen. I saw that they were in alphabetical order by last name and quickly found the A section. I rand my hands over them and found what I was looking for. I pulled out Sense and Sensibility only because I've read Pride and Prejudice and Emma so many times. I grasped the book in my hand, opened to the first page and saw a note written on it. This must have been a book that was given to another as a gift but was then tossed out. It says: To my doting daughter, may you find all the love and happiness in the world. For I have yet to teach you the wonders of love and judgment, may Jane be of some assistants since I can't be there to do it. With all the love I can give, your mama. I traced the words on the yellow pages and felt the tenderness.
I looked back to Grace.
"You may take it. This library is yours too."
"At least someone will finally use it." Elliot smirked.
I laughed mentally. He's really funny. I walked back to them with my book in hand. "So you like to read?" Mr. Grey placed a hand on my shoulder. I nodded yes and let him guide me down the hall and the stairs. "I like it too." We entered the kitchen and I saw a lady who was cooking.
"Linda." Grace said softly. She stopped what she was doing and looked at Grace. "This is Ana, our new daughter."
New daughter. Hmm. I liked that.
"Oh hello dear. I'm Linda. It's wonderful to meet you." I looked around and then down at my hands. I left my note pad and pen. I turned to go get it and saw Christian smiling at me. I felt butterflies in my stomach. He was holding the items I desperately needed in his hands.
"Looking for this?" I nodded as his smile grew. "Here you go." He set them gently in my hands, brushing his fingers against mine. I closed my eyes, feeling that static. Turning quickly I wrote down 'It's great to meet you too.' I showed her and she looked confused.
"Why is she writing her answers down?" She looked at Grace. I swiftly wrote 'I cannot speak, I am sorry.' Grace didn't answer her as she saw me writing. I showed Linda my thoughts. "Oh, I see." I could tell she wanted to ask more questions but being polite, she didn't push and I was grateful. "Well it's lovely to meet you. Dinner should be ready in about thirty minutes."
"Great." Grace said. "Christian, why don't you walk Ana to her room so she can put her book away. Come back down and the two of you was up for dinner."
"Sure." He said. I turned to follow him up the stairs. It was quiet and I felt a little awkward. I wanted to start a conversation but I didn't know how. It's been a long time since I've been around boys and I'm not sure how this is supposed to work. Luckily for me, he broke the tension and spoke. "So, Ana. What's your full name?"
Well that wasn't a question I was expecting. I wrote down my answer and showed him.
"Anastasia Rose Steele." He sighed. "That's pretty."
'Thanks.' I wrote down, before showing him I added 'You seem really quiet'.
He tilted his head to read. "Yeah. I'm the quiet one out of the three of us, but now I think you beat me." We entered my room and I set the book on the bed as I wrote at the same time.
'Elliot's the funny one, Mia's the bubbly one, and you're the quiet one. Hahaha.' I showed him and he chuckled. It was a lovely sound, like rich thick creamy dark chocolate. "Yes, I guess you could say that."
I followed him back out of the room. "Can you not talk at all?" He turned and looked into my eyes questionably, searching for something. the look on his face told me he wasn't sure how I would react to the question.
I opened my mouth slowly. I wanted to be able to speak something about him made me want to. At first I just mouthed the word, but that wasn't enough, I wanted more. He stopped walking and just stared at me. "Sss…sss.." Come on dammit. "Sss…" I just needed to say one simple word. "Sssoo…" Try again. I took a deep breath. "Sssoom…" When you wanted something so bad and it just wasn't happening you get mad. I was starting to get frustrated, really frustrated and found tears beginning to leak from my eyes. The one thing I could do was speak really well, voice my opinions, and share my thoughts. But my dad took that away and I was left with nothing but a screaming conscience.
"Shhhh…" Christian cooed as he wiped the tears away with the pad of his thumb. "Don't." He smiled. "It's okay. Just write it down. No need to push yourself." He placed an arm around my shoulder. "Come on."
As we walked I wrote down 'Sometimes. Small words.'
He gave me a nod and a reassuring smile.
I sat at the table next to Christian and across from Mia. Elliot was across Christian and Mr. Grey and Grace sat at opposite ends. The meal was delicious, but I couldn't eat it all. Half of my chicken was still on my plate along with half of my vegetables. I just wasn't that hungry. I sat and watched as everyone else finished their meal.
"Ana dear, you'll be starting school on Monday. On the dining table there is a packet from the school filled with questions you need to answer. It consists of reading, writing skills, math and basic science. That needs to be complete by Monday before you get to school. I already have you enrolled and you'll need to head to the office first thing to give them that packet. Mia or Christian will take you there. Once they look over it they'll place you in whatever level they see fit for you and make you a class schedule. Okay?"
I nodded quickly. I grabbed my pen and paper. 'I really get to go to school?' I drew a big happy face next to it.
"Of course." Grace smiled, pleased with my excitement.
"First books and now school." Elliot threw his head back. "Ana I think you need to hang out with me from now on."
'Oh you like to read too!? And you like school!' I showed him what I wrote and he laughed. I mean really laughed. So did everyone else. 'What's so funny?' I wrote, showing them.
"Elliot doesn't read and he definitely doesn't like school." Christian laughed as he pushed his empty plate away from him.
"Yea, he has the IQ of a 50!" Mia scoffed.
'Oh Elliot, I'm so sorry. Do you not study?' I showed Elliot.
And again everyone laughed. Am I that funny?
"Wow, Ana. Your great and I really mean that." Christians face was red from not getting enough oxygen.
"You're my new best friend Ana." Mia was holding her stomach, shedding a few tears from laughing way too hard.
Grace and Mr. Grey were trying their best to hold in their laughter, but it wasn't entirely working. Even Elliot was chuckling. Not as loud but still. I guess I am pretty funny. Or I just don't know what's going on.
"Alright, alright it wasn't that funny." Elliot said, trying to shush everyone.
"Please Elliot that was hysterical. Even mom and dad are laughing." Mia practically yelled.
"Onto a different topic." Elliot said. "So Christian, how's debate going?"
I looked at Christian and watched him speak. "It's going pretty good. Mrs. Murry is hoping to go to nationals this year."
"Well with you on the team, I'm sure you'll make it there." Grace smiled at her son.
"Thanks mom."
"And Mia, how's cheerleading?" Grace asked.
"It really sucks. Those girls are so stuck up and they're complete bitches."
"Mia!" Grace yelled. I jumped in my chair not expecting the reaction. Christian placed his hand on mine and gave it a squeeze. I instantly relaxed and smiled at him. He removed his hand and smiled back. "What's with the language?"
"I'm sorry mom, but it's true. Can I please quit?"
"Absolutely not. You're the team captain."
"They could just get a new one." She rested her chin in her hands. "Really mom, they're so mean to people and they think they know everything."
"Um, Mia. You think you know everything."
"Oh, shut up, Elliot."
"Hey, Ana!" She raised her head and smiled big. "You should try out for the team!"
I hurriedly shook my head no. 'Absolutely not' I wrote on my note pad.
"Oh, come on. It will be so much fun."
'Maybe for you. I'd break every bone in my body if I tried doing something like that.'
"Is there anything you would like to try?" Mr. Grey looked at me questionably.
I thought about it. I couldn't think of anything, but if I were to do something it would need to be something safe, like maybe the Book Club. Yeah it sounds lame but it is definitely safe. My mind could possibly get corrupted but hey it's better than doing back flips and possibly breaking my neck.
I shook my head no.
"What about debate with Christian?" Grace asked nicely.
I lifted my head and tapped four of my fingers against my throat.
"You don't need your voice in order to be heard." Christian said softly.
'Maybe not, but it would be extremely difficult.' I wrote, smiling at him.
"Maybe, but usually the ones who can't be heard have the most powerful thoughts to share."
Christian was very insightful. I actually gave it some thought. Maybe I could be heard, he seemed to thinks so. To me it looked like he was battling some demons of his own.
"Wow, Christian. You should be a poet or something." Elliot said.
"Better than having an IQ of 50." Christian retorted.
"I do not have an IQ of 50. If I did I wouldn't even be in college, so shut up."
"Ana I apologize that you have to be subjected to these two idiots." Mia reached over and patted my hand, giving a sympathetic smile.
I wrote down my thoughts. 'It's okay. I think they're fun. Very amusing.'
She smiled along with Grace who stood up and started to collect everyone's plates, tossing them in the sink. Mr. Grey got up and stood behind her, kissing her neck and making her giggle like a teen.
"Get a room." Elliot said.
"Oh leave them alone." Mia smiled. "It's sweet."
"Goodnight you four. We will see you in the morning. Tomorrow we're taking Ana out shopping to get some new clothes and anything else she needs."
"Oh yay!" Mia clapped her hands together.
Shopping? I thought to myself. I guess they saw the poor condition of my clothing. They walked to their room which was down a small hall on the right side of the kitchen.
I yawned.
"Are you tired?" Christian asked.
I nodded. It had been a really long three days. It's hard to think that not even a week ago I was locked in a dark safe; my dad was alive and still kicking, literally. Not even two days ago I discovered my dad was dead; I was rescued from my confinement, and I was already with a loving family who has already accepted me. I don't think I could be any happier.
The four of us walked upstairs one by one entering our rooms. First it was Elliot, then Mia, then Christian and then me. "Goodnight, Ana." Christian said before walking into his room. I pointed to him and then raised two fingers, hoping he understands that I'm saying 'You too'. I think he got it, because he smiled and went inside. I did the same and looked around my room one more time before I put on one of my over sized t shirts and I made myself comfortable in the sheets.
I reached over once I was settled and grabbed the book I took from the library. My imagination took me away as I became Marianne Dashwood.
I was so swept away by the romance I didn't even remember when I fell asleep.
Please review! I love you guys. Thanks for all your support