(Ana's POV)
September 20, 2015
The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege. - Charles Kuralt
(Time Skip to Saturday)
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I stared at the ceiling, wide awake. It was Saturday. That was supposed to be good, right? Sure. But I have to tell everyone that Josh knows. Speaking of Josh. I haven't seen him since the photo shoot. I went to school like normal but he wasn't there. I frowned, deep in thought. It was all my fault, wasn't it?
Sometimes I am just really stupid. I sighed and pulled myself out of bed. I couldn't sleep in. I drew a bath and sank into the warmth. It felt good. I hadn't had a bath in a long time. The last time was when I was at Em- no stop it. No more crying.
I blinked and stayed there for a while longer before doing my hair and shaving. I wrapped myself in a big fluffy towel and pulled my hair into one of those special hair towels. My face looked tired, but that didn't surprise me. Last night was full of nightmares....
I was in school. I could hear crying and I walked towards it. I found myself in the library. Emma, Gigi, Louis, And Jazzy were there. They looked up and kept repeating the same thing.
"You are a liar."
"You are a liar."
"You are a liar."
"You are a liar."
I couldn't take it so I ran from the room, away from my friends. Away from reality. I ran straight into the parking lot where my family was. I kept yelling at them to help me.
"HELP ME." I screamed, falling to the ground.
They just looked at me and looked at me. A person with no face brought chains and gasoline. Next thing I new, I was chained to a tree in the middle of nowhere, drenched in gasoline with everyone looking at me. A man lit a flame and walked towards me while everyone else began chanting.
"You are a liar."
"You are a liar."
"You are a liar."
"You are a liar."
I screamed and screamed as the man got closer. The match was dropped and I was on fire. As I screamed out I got a good look at the man's face. It was Josh.
I blinked for a second, hating the nightmare that still got to me in the morning. I headed into my wardrobe and grabbed some ripped jeans, a loose black crop top, a fashionable scarf and some sneakers. As I walked into my bathroom, I couldn't help but notice something on my neck.
What was that? It looked like..... A big bruise. I moved the scarf and gasped. My neck..... It looked like I had been choked! I fell backward, grasping at the door. It looked fresh, but not very bad. It would go away soon.
But that wasn't what was bothering me. No, what was bothering me was the fact that someone had somehow gotten into my room and started choking me. I grabbed my phone and texted dad.
Dad! I need Marcus here NOW. It's an emergency. Someone got past the security! S-someone tried to choke me!
Barely two minutes passed before the door flew open, making me scream. It was only Marcus. I put my head between my knees and breathed deeply. I felt a hesitant hand on my back and it rubbed my back as I began breathing normally. I looked up at him and he had a clear view of my neck. He stared at my neck with something that looked like pity and sadness. I ignored it and sat up, stumbling slightly.
"M-Marcus. S-someone got into my room and... Ch-choked me. H-How did they g-get in?" I asked, tears coming out now.
"I'm not sure. I'll be staying with you all the time now." Marcus said with a strict tone.
I just nodded and fell back onto the bed. Then I jumped up. I need to do something, anything to take my mind off of this event. With a quick decision, I changed into my workout clothes and yelled at Marcus, explaining I was going for a jog.
"I'll follow you with the car." He said and I nodded while heading out the door. I began jogging.
Two hours passed and I was still jogging around. I had gone about 9 miles. Pretty good, but not my best. Feeling tired, I turned around and began running back home. I took a few shortcuts and made it in an hour. I got into the shower for the second time and lathered my body with soap. Once I was dressed in my proper clothes again, I headed into the kitchen and grabbed a salad. My phone vibrated and I checked it. FIFTEEN MISSED MESSAGES! Oops! I clicked on it and saw dad had texted me..... And Jazzy? I haven't talked to her in a while. I read dad's first.
Marcus is coming. Stay with him at all costs. The police are working double time and you'll have more bodyguards on Monday, all of the best are out of the country at the moment.
Do you understand me? Ana Grace Lars!
You are not too old for a grounding young lady!
Text me when you're back from your jog.
I read the texts and quickly replied. I understand dad. I'm scared.
Dad replied immediately. I know sweetheart, hang on. Your mother will be home soon. It's Mummy-Daughter Day. I love you, sweetheart. X
Love you too dad. I replied and checked Jazzy's messages.
Hey Ana, I hear you and Gigi and Emma are in a fight. I'm really sorry. If there is anything I can do to help, I'm free all day. -Jazzy
I read it with a smile before texting mum. Hey mum, when will you be home?
Mum replied lighting fast. Two more hours sweetheart and I'm all yours.
I quickly texted Jazzy. Jazz, are you free now?
Checking the time, I noticed it to be 12:45. I glanced back down at my phone as it vibrated. She said yes and we decided to meet at Starbucks. I changed into my nerd disguise but changed it a little bit because of the weather. I could wear shorter sleeves and a fashionable pair of sweats and a cute neck scarf..... Right? I grabbed my phone and made my way downstairs to Marcus.
"Hey Marcus, I'm meeting with Jazzy, you coming?" I asked and walked towards my car.
"Jazzy?" He repeated.
"Yeah, Jazzlyn, Gigi's girlfriend." I said and got into my car, ignoring the look on his face at the word girlfriend.
I pulled out of the driveway and drove towards Starbucks with Marcus close behind. I walked in and saw Jazzy by the sofas. I ran to her and we hugged. She pulled back and laughed giddily before turning somber.
"How is Gigi?" I asked sadly.
"Confused. What happened? I don't even know what the fight was about." She asked with concern.
"I told her and Emma something that I had been keeping from them." I said with a wince.
She frowned and hugged me again. "Caramel Frap?" She asked, already walking to the counter.
"Please." I said and sat on the couch. Minutes later I had a caramel frappuccino in my hands and Jazzy had tea. I looked at her and smiled.
"Thanks for coming Jazzy, I really needed to see someone." I whispered. She smiled back at me and we continued to talk away. An hour passed and I decided to go home so that I could spend time with mum.
"Bye Jazzy, you really are a good friend." I said and kissed her cheek as I left.
Jazzy waved at me as I headed for the door. I got into my car and looked around. Where was Marcus? Jazzy was gone by now, and I spotted Marcus's car next to another white one. A girl with black hair was arguing with him about something. I dismissed their actions and watched as Marcus got into his car. After signaling to him that I was leaving, I drove home and parked in the garage. Not fifteen minutes later, the garage door opened and closed and mum appeared in front of me.
"Mummy!" I said happily, we didn't get to do this very often.
"Ana! Are you ok?" Mum said with a panicked and concerned look.
"Huh?" I asked, confused.
"Your father just called me and said that you told him that someone had attempted to choke you!" She cried.
Oh. That. "I'm fine mum, it doesn't hurt anymore, and now Marcus will be with me at ALL times." I said reassuringly, biting back my own worry.
"Let me see it." Mum said and pulled my scarf down.
A gasp escaped her lips as she saw the bruise and making me wince. It was awful... wasn't it. "Oh honey, I don't think you will be able to shoot tomorrow!" Mum said, and my eyes widened.
"But I have to! Is there some cream that will make it go down?" I said.
"Yes...... Alright. Let's hide this away for now and focus something else. So, what are we doing first?" Mum asked with a fake smile.
"Mum, I can't focus on something else if you don't give me a real smile! Oh! I did head that Suicide Squad is finally out in theaters!" I said with a genuine smile. That lit mum up.
"YES! Okay, lets gooooo!" Mum yelled and pulled me out the door.
I laughed and got into the car with her. I still have my nerd disguise on because nobody knows who Savanna's parents are, and seeing me with mum would raise questions.... it sucks sometimes. The drive to the theater was.....interesting. Mum turned on Closer and proceeded to sing along to it.
I didn't even know that she knew the Chainsmokers or Halsey. When I walked into the theater with mum, I scanned the room to see who was there. Nobody I knew. Good. Mum paid the tickets and we walked to the concessions stand. The girl at the booth smiled at us and asked us what we wanted.
"Can we have a large popcorn with two large cokes, boneless chicken wings, a mini pizza, and airheads xtreme?" I asked.
The girl's mouth fell open and mum stifled a giggle. Minutes passed and soon I found myself at the top of the movie theater room 2 with mum. I hear this is a pretty good movie. Mum could not sit still through the previews. She actually squealed when the lights dimmed, and that made me laugh, and get yelled at by some other idiots. The movie started and I dug my hand into the popcorn tub. This is going to be good.
********
A loooooong time later, mum and I found ourselves watching Harley Quinn safely on the ground while the joker and his chopper full of weirdos blew up into a building. I swear, a single tear fell down my face. Poor Harley.
Oh well, there is still Deadshot! I found myself glaring at the enchantress at the end. She is really a witch. No pun intended. About fifteen or twenty minutes later, I sat glaring at the screen. The bad guys weren't really the bad guys! UGH! So confusing! It was good though. Mum was smiling like a lunatic and I couldn't help but catch on. Mum is crazy like that.
We began walking out of the theater when mum declared she had to pee. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. Sweeping my eyes over the parking lot, a startled gasp left my lips when I saw Josh, sitting on the hood of his car. Mum was still inside, so I walked over to him.
"Josh?" I asked, with a wince.
"Go away." He grunted and turned around.
"Look, Josh, I'm really sorry, I acted-"
"Like a spoiled brat." Josh finished as he turned to face me.
"Yes- please forgive me. You were just trying to help me, and I ignored it." I admitted.
Josh looked at me for a minute before nodding slightly. I sighed and heard my name being called.
"Well, bye Josh!" I said as I ran to my mum who was now in her car.
"Who was that, hon?" Mum asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Just a friend." I said.
"Mmhmmm." Mum said as she started the car.
Fifteen minutes passed before we finally arrived home. I turned into the living room and stopped. My whole family, plus Julie was standing there. And Marcus...... What is going on?
"When were you going to tell us that Josh knew?" Julie said, getting straight to the point.
My mouth fell open. And I scanned their faces. My gaze fell on Marcus. He was the only one who knew. I looked at them guiltily and winced under their gaze.
******
"Today?" I stated, sounding more like a question.
"Really. And when were you going to fit that in mussy?" Dad said and I stepped back guiltily.
Mum now stood beside dad, so I was all alone to defend my actions.
"Look, I'm sorry, but I have it handled. I didn't want you to wor-" I started.
"YOU HAVE IT HANDLED? We are probably going to have to move! I can't believe you would act so selfishly! This effects all of us!" Ethan yelled, making everyone turn towards him.
"I-I" I started, not knowing what to say.
"Exactly." Ethan snarled as he stormed out the front door. I felt everyone's disappointed and judgmental stares glaring holes in me, so I ran to my room and locked the door. It was my fault okay! I'm sorry! Tears streamed down my face and I hiccuped. It's not fair though. I was just trying to be responsible.
I climbed onto the bed and hugged my giant stuffed animal.
"I'm sorry." I whispered to myself as my eyes dropped and I fell asleep. I'm sorry.
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(Josh's POV)
A grunt escaped my lips as I continued to lift the weights. I was getting weaker. Down. Up. Down. Up. It became a rhythm. Finally, I decided that WA enough and I put the weights back into the holding space. My biceps burned, not too badly, but enough. I grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off of my brow.
Grabbing my water, I greedily drank from it like a man who stumbled upon water in the middle of a desert. My body was coated in perspiration, I need a shower. Walking upstairs, I waltzed into my bathroom and turned on the shower. I put some shampoo on my hand and rubbed it through my hair.
After rinsing, I stepped out into the cool air and wrapped a towel sprung my torso. Walking into my room, I opened the closet and began surfing through the clothes for something presentable. I had a family dinner tonight. For now, I'd see what Travis and Aaron were up to. I had just found a shirt when a flash of light caught my eye. Was someone taking photos of me? I walked to the window and saw the end of a camera lens poking out of a bush.
The person seemed to see me, because they pulled the camera back and hightailed it out of my driveway. They were wearing all black, and I couldn't tell whether or not it was a girl or guy. Hmmmmm. I shut the blinds and pulled the towel off. I grabbed some red boxers and pulled on some jeans. Adding a white shirt, I checked my phone. No texts. That was odd.
What's up man? Up to hang? - J
I texted Travis and repeated my message to Aaron. I waited for a bit, but got no reply from either. Dude, that's just weird. I frowned and pulled on some shoes. Grabbing my phone and my keys, I got into my car and drove down to Travis's house. The lights were off, and that's even weirder. Walking around back, I raised my head to look at his balcony. Jumping, I grabbed onto the base and managed to pull myself up.
Nobody was in the room. I peered in and noticed his phone was on his table. What the hell is going on? This doesn't sound like Travis. I frowned again and jumped down. Unlocking my car, I decided to heck out Aaron's house too. I drove over and parked in the driveway. The lights were on. I walked up to the front door and was about to ring the doorbell when voices got louder.
Someone was coming to the front door. I hid around the corner and heard the door open. Footsteps echoed across the floor and reached my ears. High heels. He had a girl over? Cool. Who is it? Peeking around the corner, my eyes widened at the sight before me.
Aaron was making out with none other than my ex girlfriend, Melinda. And she wanted me back. I rolled my eyes and tuned my head so I wouldn't have to see that. They went on for what felt like hours, before she finally left. I sighed in relief and stepped into Aaron's line of sight. He visibly paled and started stuttering.
"J-Josh, she came onto me, man I-" he began.
"Dude stop. I don't care. I dumped her. Congrats. Just wait until she get really clingy." I said as I walked past him into his house. He followed soon after.
"You are cool with this?" He asked.
"I honestly couldn't care less!" I said truthfully as I plopped onto the couch.
"Hey, have you seen or heard from Travis?" Aaron asked me.
"No. I thought you would have." I said, confused.
"No....."
"He probably got laid last night." I said. It sounds like something Travis would do.
Aaron nodded and handed me a controller. Time to play COD.
***********
Two hours and thirty minutes later, I stood up in victory, for the fifth time.
"I'm the master dude! You can't beat me!" I laughed, smirking at his scowl.
"Whatever." Aaron said.
I just laughed and headed into the kitchen. It was 2:30 now.
"Hey Aaron, let's check the theater down the road for Travis. He likes to hang out their sometimes." I said as I grabbed my phone and keys.
"Cool, I'll drive my own car."
**************
Zip. Nada. There was no sight of Travis anywhere near here. Aaron had to leave so now I found myself sitting on the hood of my car. Where was he? I was so caught up in my thoughts, I almost didn't notice Ana calling my name.
Code word, ALMOST. "Go away." I grunted as I turned around.
"Look, Josh, I'm really sorry, I acted-" Ana began
"Like a spoiled brat." I finished as I turned to face her.
"Yes- please forgive me. You were just trying to help me, and I ignored it." She admitted.
I looked at Ana for a minute, she was just too cute. I thought about it for some more before nodding slightly. Ana sighed in relief and I heard her name being called.
"Well, bye Josh!" Ana said as she ran to a car holding an older lady. As they drove by, I sat back into my car and began driving to God knows where. The dinner was at 6:45 and it was only 5:00. I had about an hour and forty five minutes to kill. I soon found myself driving to the hospital. Sandra, the receptionist let me in and I walked to mum's room. She was sitting on her bed and reading. Knocking, I walked in and up to her.
"Josh!" Mum exclaimed as she threw her hands around my neck.
"Hey mum. Just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing." I admitted.
"I'm doing fine baby.... Now! Tell me what you have been up to." Mum said with a cheery smile.
"I had a photo shoot a few days ago with Savanna and a family dinner tonight with s movie shoot tomorrow!" I declared, all in one breath.
Mum's face formed into an even bigger smile, if that was even possible.
"Oh my baby boy is growing up! Now remember to be respectful, and please, give your father a chance. He loves you, you know that, right?" Mum said, a frown now gracing her face.
"Yes mum, I know that. How are you?" I asked, desperate to get the topic off of me.
"Good! I have been feeling much better lately! I want to see Andrew though. Could you bring him over tomorrow?" Mum said hopefully.
"Can I bring him around 12:00?" I asked, mentally checking my schedule.
"That would be perfect!" Mum said. We talked and talked until my phone beeped, alerting me that it was time to go.
"Bye mum, I'll see you tomorrow with Andrew!" I said as I kissed her cheek.
"Bye Josh. You know I love you, right?" Mum said, a desperate look covering her face.
"Yes mum, I love you too." I said as I left the room and headed down the hallway.
I turned my visitors pass in and walked past the security guard to my car. I pulled my seat belt on and started driving home. When I got there, dad's car was parked in his spot and he lights were on. Parking in the garage, I stared straight ahead. Alright. Let's do this.
I took a deep breath and opened the door to the house. Pop music filled my ears and I found my brother dancing like a crazy person while my dad tried to sing. I couldn't hold in a chuckle, and that alerted them that I was here.
"Josh!!" Andrew said as I clapped slowly.
"Hey little man!" I said, laughing. "Nice moves!"
Andrew laughed a little bit and I turned to face dad.
"Hey dad. It smells good! What are you making?"
Dad smiled. "My famous beef and bacon lasagna!" I smiled. Dad was a good cook. Dinner was soon ready and I was sitting next to Andrew joking around about something and I looked at dad. This is the Dad I remember and love.
"Hey Andrew. Mum wants to see you, so I'm taking you to tomorrow at lunch time." I said.
"Ok." Andrew said and he continued eating his lasagna.
"So Josh. How was your day?" Dad asked me.
"Cool, kind of boring." I said truthfully.
"You have a filming tomorrow, correct?"
"Yeah, why?"
"No reason, just making sure." Dad said and continued eating.
"Josh? Is Mum feeling better?" Andrew asked, looking up at me.
"Yeah, she said she is feeling........ better." I answered honestly.
Andrew smiled and shoved a fork of pasta into his mouth and chewed thoroughly. I rolled my eyes and ate my own pasta while dad tried to make good jokes.
***********
Dinner ended with me on cleanup duty. It was awful, considering that Dad always dumps the stuff in the sink. After cleaning, I walked into the living room and saw Andrew watching TV. He was watching American Horror Story, I have no clue what season or episode he was on, but it looks...... interesting. I jumped onto the couch next to him, making him shout in shock. I chuckled and began tickling him.
"JOSH! Ha-ha- S-STOP!" Andrew hiccuped.
I eventually stopped tickling the poor kid and sat beside him. The TV show had changed to The Waking Dead. This was a pretty good TV show. Two hours passed and I turned off the TV and turned to find Andrew asleep. I shook my head with a chuckle and lifted his limp body up and walked towards the steps. First step, third step, fifth step and Andrew's room!
I walked forward and set his body onto the bed. I stood back and glanced around. I will never get, how a middle school kid's room, can be so organized and clean! I mean dude, he's a guy! I shook my head and left his room. As I was walking to my room, I slowed down as I passed dad's room. It was shut but I could hear dad saying something. I leaned in closer and listened in.
"-give me. I am trying to right my wrongs. I understand what I have done to my boys was unacceptable.....forgive me father. Amen."
Since when did dad..... pray? I shook my head and walked into my room. The alarm clock read 10:08. Still super early. I could stay up, because it's not like I have to get up really early. Mum at 12:00 is the earliest I have to be out, so why not? I pulled off my clothes and opened the cupboard next to my bed and pulled out a beer bottle. Don't you dare judge me. It helps keep me on topic. I pulled out my laptop and took a swig from the bottle. I pulled up google and typed into the search engine. When did Savanna become the Top Model?
Savanna, the supermodel, started her career when she was merely five years old. Doubted at first, most doubted she would last a year in the modelling business. So imagine everyone's surprise, when, at the age of fifteen, Savanna became the youngest top model in history.... And so on.
Next question. What is Savanna's background.
Savanna is really a complicated figure. Nobody knows anything about her, she simply has managed to escape the paparazzi. We do know a few things for sure. Here are the facts.
Birthday: December 2nd
Height: 5'8"
Siblings?
17, turning 18
Attends a high school
Lives in California, USA
And that was it. I rolled my eyes. Ana really did like her privacy. Oh well. Maybe I'll ask her some personal questions that I don't know...... just maybe. I shut down my computer and turned off the light. 'Till tomorrow Ana Lars.
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