Everything looks the same. With its wooden paneled walls and deep burgundy carpet. Bookshelves rest against the outer walls filled with various books, all about business and what not. My fathers cherry wood desk lies right in the middle with papers scattering the work top.

I sit in one of the stiff uncomfortable seats as my father takes his place in front of me. The silence doesn't last long as it always does when my father and I are in question.

"I have talked to the Stryker's." My father says. Just that makes me freeze in place though I try my best to seem unaffected.

"And?" I question, acting oblivious. My father pauses as he assesses my face. Apparently Dad finds what he needs as he nods his head.

"The Stryker's, Damien in particular has brought to my attention that the wedding shouldn't go as planned."

I am going to murder Damien Stryker in cold blood! How dare he? Thinking a thousand bad thoughts at him, it takes my father calling me by middle name to bring back my attention.

"Vivian!" He calls. Snapping my head, I meet his gaze.

"Yes father?" I try to say in the most pleasant tone I can manage.

"They have decided to extend the engagement. My proposal was to get married as soon as possible but they would rather you too get engaged for as long as it takes so you both can get to know each other." I can immediately tell my father disapproves of this and would rather have his own way.

"So what exactly does that mean?" I ask so I can clarify everything. Damien didn't prattle on me like I expected him to do.

"This means that although you won't be getting married so soon, you too will be spending a substantial amount of time together."

Why does Damien want that?

Wouldn't I just get on his nerves?

I'd never expect him to agree to this nevertheless come up with all this himself.

"By substantial you mean?"

I know already what that actually entails and just the thought of it leaves me terrified.

"You will be moving in with Damien as soon as he is available to handle such matters. It may be today, it maybe in a matter of weeks. Just be prepared, I'd advice you to go and pack now."

My mouth falls open as I try to process all his words.

Moving?

I can't move from here, let alone into Damien's house Though I find myself nodding, and before I know it, I'm up in my room packing away all of my clothes, books, and with it all the memories I have.

As the sun slowly starts to fade, shining it's rays as they slowly start to fade behind clouds, I finally finish my packing. I can't believe I have this much stuff.

I try not to think of the imminent situation that awaits me. I mean it could be a good few days before he finally comes to whisk me away.
However from the little interaction I've had with him, I know that he isn't the sort of man to let things lie idle for long.

Before I know it, I'm existing out of my room and then out of the confines of my house altogether. Entering into the backyard, I let my legs lead me to the back of the shed and over to my swing.

Stepping on the overgrown flora, I relax as I take a seat. Just thinking of all the memories I have here makes me feel a plethora of emotions. But this is natural right? Everyone feels sentimental when they have to leave behind their homes.

It's a part of life and I need to grow the heck up.That still doesn't stop the memories from entering into my mind. Leaving me teary eyed and yet still smiling. I must look like an emotional wreck.

My most fond and cherished memories are of how my father and I used to come here every single day when I was a small toddler. When this place didn't seem so desolate and void of life. Whenever mum used to go off on one of her little tiffs, my father used to pick me up in his arms and run to here where we used to stay for hours on end.

It used to be our little bonding time.

I remember how Sarah would get incredibly angry but she was going through her 'hormonal teenager' phase and acted as if everything meant nothing to her. I swear, sometimes it's like she hasn't grown out of it. But I know that's just the sibling rivalry talking.

My sentimental attachment to this place isn't healthy I know but I can't seem to distance myself from this place.

But it's my own little sanctuary, everyone has one, I'm sure.

A small part of me knows it's like a plea for attention for my father to come out here.
I know I'm too old for him to push me on a swing and all that sort of stuff but I still want him to interact with me, to show a little fatherly love.

I'm pathetic.

Trapped in my own little haze of self belittlement, I barely notice the approaching footsteps.

"Serena?" A voice calls out.

My eyes immediately snap up to stormy blue ones. "Damien." I say, swallowing the lump in my throat that forms at the sight of him.

"We're leaving."

So I was right. He doesn't take anything lightly no matter what the situation.

"Why so soon?" I ask as I stand up. I don't look his way, I just stare longingly at my withered down swing with its coarse and rough ropes that is holding it to the tree.

"I need to settle other matters and I perceived you would want to get such things over and done with." He is sort of right about that.

I want all this moving stuff to be over and done with so that I can come up with some sort of plan. While another part of me wants to stay here for as long as I can.

Glancing at him, he looks no different then when I last saw him. Those same distant yet emotionless eyes glow at me and he still stands in that rigid poised way of his. And unsurprisingly he's clad in a perfectly fitted suit.

I gather he's just come from work.

"Come." He says as he leads us back to the house.

"How did you find me?" I try to make small talk. Damien just glimpses at me over his shoulder.

"I just did." Is all he says.

I sigh as we make our way into the house through the backdoor that enters into the kitchen. Damien barely talks, barely makes conversation. He's just a big silent brute. And I'm supposed to be living with him in just a matter of hours.

This is surely going to be interesting.

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AN: Well at least I hope it's going to be interesting. Who knows? I hope you all liked this chapter. Please do tell me all your views and what you think. I'm loving the feedback and all your comments. Please remember to:

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