Chapter 3
As I watched Seb talk to Eve and Brook I couldn't help by feel a slight pang of jealously. I felt sort of cheated, which was really stupid but I couldn't help it. That was supposed to be my hug and kiss; instead both of my best friends got what should have belonged to me. While all I got were false accusations and demanding orders.
"I'm sure you ladies would like some time to talk, so I'll excuse myself and wait outside." Seb told both the girls who were literally drooling over him. It was exactly the same as it was four years ago. They were both still so mesmerized by him, and I couldn't really blame them.
Seb turned to me and in a second his smile broke and eyes became hard. "I have an important meeting to attend. So hurry." He closed the door behind him, and I turned to find both Eve and Brook gawking at the closed door.
Ugh! What was up with them? Yes, Seb turned out to be more attractive than a Greek god, but his infuriating personality was enough to make anyone run at least mile away from him.
"Oh my god Ana, that was Seb!" Eve exclaimed as if I wasn't already aware of that fact.
I simply nodded at her and turned back to my pile of clothes. I grabbed my favorite shirt and folded it neatly before stuffing it into the case.
"He looks even better than he did four years ago! Ana, you get to live with him!" Eve exclaimed climbing into my bed.
I had four chairs and three beanbags in my room, and yet everyone continued to use my bed.
"Eve, he's not like the Seb I was friends with. He has changed a lot." I made eye contact with her. "You know this." I told her pointedly.
"Yes, but you said that all those years ago he wouldn't even talk to you and you changed that. You got him to open up to you a little. Maybe you just need to do that again?" Eve put in hopefully.
She was a dreamer alright. "Eve." I sighed at her excited face. "Seb was a boy then, trying to figure out what the heck was happening around him. He got dragged from the streets to a huge house where he didn't know anyone. Obviously he was angry at the time. It was easy to talk him out of that anger, to get him adapted to the change."
It had been easy. Not so much at first, but as the days dragged on I was able to peel away one layer at a time until the real Seb shined through. He just needed someone to talk to, someone to care for him and most of all someone to love him.
I loved him with all my heart. I idolized him and worshipped him. In my eyes he could do no wrong. I trailed behind him like a love sick puppy. He was a role model that I never had; always hardworking and determined.
"But I don't know what's changed to make him be like that. My only explanation is that all that power and wealth finally got to him, and he saw me for what I was. His guardian's pesky little girl, who followed him around like a lost dog." I announced feeling the familiar sorrow flood through me.
"You don't know that Ana. He seemed really nice just now." Brook said plopping down on my bright green beanbag.
"Exactly my point. He was nice to you!" I said more bitterly than I intended to. "Just a few seconds ago he was accusing me of being a whore!" I was shaking. I felt the tremors run through my body as the anger came bursting through.
"What the hell? Why would he call you a whore? You have never even been with a guy. If anyone's a whore here it's Eve." Brook said, probably trying to lighten the mood.
"Gee, thanks Brook." Eve made a face at her and turned her attention back to me.
"Seriously though. Why would he call you that?" Eve questioned.
"He thought I was about to have sex with Chance." I went back to pick up some other shirts and started to fold them. Clearly Eve and Brook weren't going to help me pack.
Eve spurted straight up like a bouncy ball. Her eyes were wide in shock. "Chance? Our gay friend Chance? Why in the world would Seb think you were having sex with Chancy?" Eve asked without hiding her incredulity.
I turned to face both my friends. They were more than that; they were like sisters to me. We shared everything, well almost everything.
"Because," I let out a huff of frustration, "he walked in on me straddling Chance in my next to nothing swim suit." I turned to Eve. "Thanks a lot for that by the way."
"Why in hell were you straddling Chance?" They both asked me simultaneously.
I threw all the pieces of fabric in my hands into a duffel bag before hopping onto my bed. Which was still slightly wet from Chance's trunks.
"I wanted to get back at Chance for almost drowning me." I explained and watched as Eve and Brook shook their heads with a smile. "So I jumped on him trying to hurt him. But instead ended up on top of him."
Eve and Brook were now full on laughing. Brook was clutching her stomach as though she was getting a cramp from all the laughter.
"It's not that funny!" I told them, even as my own lips twitched into a smile. "Well anyway, Chance being Chance started to make some sexual sounds which probably could have been heard all the way to Timbuktu." I paused as Brook and Eve continued to laugh even louder if that was possible. "That was when Seb walked in. I tried to explain to him that Chancy is my best friend and that we weren't having sex but he won't believe him."
I looked up to see Eve and Brook sharing a knowing smile. "What are you two smiling about?" I looked at them suspiciously.
Brook got up and walked over to me and stopped just a few feet in front of me. "Ana, did you ever stop to think that maybe Seb was so angry because he didn't like seeing you with Chance?" She asked.
I rolled my eyes at her. "He obviously didn't like seeing me with Chance that's why he called me the 'W' word."
Brook shook her head at me. "No, Ana I mean maybe he was upset that you were with another guy? Maybe he was jealous?"
I scoffed and shot her a look. "Jealous? Sebastian? Brookie you are delusional." How could she think that Sebastian was jealous? Why would he be jealous? It made no sense. "Besides it's not like his attitude towards me was charming before he got here. He hadn't talked to me in years. So that makes no sense." I told her.
They both sighed. "You're probably right Ana, but you should try talking to him; see why he is treating you the way he is." Eve said.
I scowled at her. "I am not going to talk to him about it. If he doesn't want to talk to me then I'm going to make it easy for him. He might have been my best friend at some point but now he is nothing more than a stranger who I am going to be sharing a house with."
They sighed once again and rolled their eyes before finally deciding to help me.
Half an hour later all my important things were packed up. I left everything else, knowing that the school would ship them to me later. I walked out of the room with my suit case, while Brook and Eve trailed behind me with my other bags.
"Ready to go?" Seb asked, gracefully rising from the dark leather sofa.
I scowled at him and nodded my head. "Yeah." I answered before turning back to Eve and Brook.
I bid them goodbye and we promised each other we would meet up two days before school started to go shopping.
I grabbed my backpack from Brook and put it on first, then slung the duffel bag that Eve got out over my shoulder. I also had my purse hanging from one shoulder and a suitcase dragging behind me. At first I waited to see if Seb would help me by taking anything but he just started towards the hallway so I had to carry everything.
I saw the pitiful looks Eve and Brook threw my way and I internally groaned before following Seb to the elevator.
If he didn't want to help me then I wasn't going to ask for his assistance. I could carry all these by myself. Yes, it would make me walk slower, but that was to my advantage. Maybe I can get Seb to miss his all important meeting. Even as I thought about it, I felt bad. I couldn't make him miss a meeting, regardless of how awful he was to me.
Once we were in the elevator Seb and I both pressed two different buttons.
"Why do you need to go to the fourth floor?" He asked, looking at me curiously.
"I need to visit a friend. Tell them goodbye." I said looking straight ahead. I could slightly see my reflection in the shiny metal doors.
"And which friend would that be?" He asked as if I was testing his patience.
"Chance." I replied just as the elevator doors began to open on to the fourth floor. I started to take a step out, but before I knew it the doors were closed and I was all the way towards the back of the elevator.
"What do you think you are doing?" I demanded. He just pressed the button to close the door and pulled me back. Now the elevator was smoothly making its descend to the ground floor.
Seb didn't answer, he just looked straight ahead as if nothing had happened. If it wasn't for the twitch in his jaw muscles, I probably would have believed that nothing had happened.
"I know you heard me. Why didn't you let me go?" I asked again, trying to re-adjust my duffel bag so the weight wasn't nearly as painful.
"I'm going to be late for my meeting if you make any more stops." He was still looked straight ahead as the doors opened.
I bit my lip at him in annoyance and shrugged my shoulder. "It's fine I'll see him again in two weeks. So it's not that big of a deal." I was having trouble balancing both the bags and the suitcase, but I wasn't going to tell him that.
"He's coming to visit you in two weeks?" Seb's stride was long and fast, making it almost impossible for me to keep up. Especially with the luggage I was carrying.
"No. He's going to the same school as me. So luckily I'll get to see him a lot." I answered, smiling to myself.
I was so excited that Chance's parents were letting him go the same school as us. We have all been so upset over the last few weeks, worrying about not being able to see each other. I was deep in thought and smiling at my feet that I didn't notice that Seb had stopped until I crashed into him.
"Watch where you are going!" He yelled at me, even as he helped me get steady my feet. Then he surprised me by taking a hold of my suitcase, and grabbing the duffel bag off of me.
"Sorry." I mumbled feeling embarrassed for being such a klutz.
"It's fine. Just keep up." His voice was stern.
I followed him quietly for the rest of the way till we arrived at the sleek black limo. A man dressed in a black suit held the door open for me while another took my backpack from me. I slid into the cool leather seats, appreciating the sudden contrast from the heat outside to the coolness inside. A few minutes later Seb got in, but not before sharing a few words with the driver.
We were both quiet the whole way to the airport. I just stared out of the window while Seb was intently checking something on his phone.
As soon as the car stopped, I hopped out. I couldn't handle the awkward silence that was stretching between us. If anyone had asked me four years ago, who I was most looking forward to seeing, I would have said Seb. But that was four years ago. Now I couldn't wait to get as far away from him as possible. It almost felt as if his dark aura was contagious. It was bringing down my own mood.
I was escorted up onto the plane by a flight attendant. He placed a gentle hand on my back as he led me up the stairs to the private plane. Once we were inside he took me to my seat and offered me a variety of drinks.
I forgot how much I used to love going in the plane when I was younger. I loved looking out the window and watching everything get smaller and smaller as we went up and larger and larger as we went down.
I fished out my phone so I could text Chance, Brook and Eve before takeoff. They were going to a party tonight and I wanted to catch them before they all got too busy getting ready. I cross my legs underneath me and leaned against the window as I texted.
About ten minutes later Seb appeared through the entrance. The second he stepped into the plane three flight attendants enclosed him. They were so desperately trying to get his attention that I couldn't help but chuckle.
As soon as the chuckle escaped my lips, four heads turned towards me. I ignored three of them and focused on just one. A head that held eyes filled with amusement. I stared back at him without blinking, refusing to look away even as it started to get really awkward. The loud beep from my phone was what finally broke our eye contact. I looked down and found that it was a message from Chance.
Soon the plane was speeding down the runway and we were in the air in less than a few minutes. I enjoyed the view as we rose. Our school was located in a beautiful valley, with lush green trees and soothing streams. When we first came to school, I was too busy being nervous to notice the gorgeous scenery, but now I could appreciate it well.
I was just about to doze off when Seb's voice brought me back. I looked up confused to see that he wasn't talking to me but into a phone. He gave me a swift glance before he returned his gaze to his laptop screen.
"Cybil, I'll be home tonight and I'll see you then." He spoke in smooth Italian. Probably unaware that I have taken Italian for the past four years and had become pretty proficient in the language.
"Yes, I'm traveling with his daughter." He said into in phone.
I tried not to straighten up even though I really wanted to. I didn't want him to know that I was not only listening to him but also understanding every word he said. He was talking about me, and I wanted to know why.
"She is a child for god's sake. I am just returning her to her father like he asked. Then I'll come see you and we can enjoy a late dinner." Seb's voice was sharp as he spoke.
I flinched internally at his harsh words. I knew he didn't want to be here, but hearing him say it just tugged my heart down. I pulled my blanket up to my face, fearful of the tears that were quickly filling my eyes. I wasn't a child, and I was definitely not going to spend any more time with Seb than I have to.
"I don't understand why you're getting so worked up. I told you I would see you later tonight. I have a meeting to get to as soon as I drop her off, and then I'll be there. I don't appreciate clingy women, and you know that." His voice remained steady even as the tone turned threatening.
I almost felt bad for whomever he was talking to. Almost, being the key word since I'm sure she knew exactly what she was getting into when she agreed to date Seb.
"I will see you later Cybil." He said ending the call quickly. I don't even think he waited for her to finish saying whatever she was about to say, because I was sure I heard her voice as he pressed the end button.
He placed his phone next to his laptop and went back to working and I couldn't help but think that it was going to be a long year till I head off to college.
We landed a few hours later on a private runway. After the plane came to a smooth stop I stood up and stretched. All my muscles felt sore from sitting for so long. I knew my hair was probably a mess and my mascara probably smeared across my eye lids from sleeping, but I didn't really care. I was just really excited to see Carrie, Loretta and even my dad.
By the time I had my bag secured across my shoulder, Seb was already stepping out of the plane.
"Please try to hurry, we're already late." He told me and walked out of the plane.
The only male attendant on the plane gave me a small smile, before helping me off the flight.
The drive home was no more exciting than the plane ride, Seb once again had his laptop perched on his thighs and acted as if I didn't exist. I shrugged at his distant behavior and went to look out at the familiar landscape that passed by.
Sweet memories of home filled me as we got closer and closer to our estate. When we finally reached the huge gates leading up to the home, I couldn't handle my excitement anymore. I sat up straight and placed my hand on the door handle ready to open it as soon as the car stopped.
At first the house came into view. It was a large white house with a few modern touches. One side had huge glass panels that gave a great view to the indoor pool, game room and entertainment room. It didn't always use to be like that, but a year or so before mom died she re-decorated the whole house. She saw something in a magazine that she couldn't get out of her head and finally convinced dad to modernize the house that's been in the family for generations. I have to say I definitely liked it a lot better now, the house was lighter due to the glass panels and the modern furniture was slightly more comfortable than the antique kind.
I saw a grey haired lady standing on the porch with a burly man behind her. I let out a scream of excitement and pushed open the door just as the car came to a still. I ran to Carrie and threw my arms around her. She looked just the same except a little older, but that motherly aura she gave off was stronger than ever.
"Well look at you! You're even more gorgeous than your mother ever was. I am sure the boys will be lining up at this door on a daily basis now." Carrie said, pushing me out to arms length to give me an examining look. "Child you're too thin, we will need to fatten you up with some homemade treats."
"If you make it Carrie, I'll be sure to eat it. Even if it means I gain a few hundred pounds." I told her, feeling the love of her words. It felt so good to see her after so long! I loved her like she was my own mother. She was the only one that was truly there for me whenever I got homesick. She was the only one who would call me when I didn't and yell at me for not giving her a call.
"Oh now. You got your mother's genes, and that lady never gained any weight no matter how much she ate." She said and turned to Seb who was finally getting out of the car.
"About time you brought this little miss back home. We expected you back here a few hours ago." Carrie said with a slight scowl that was more filled with humor than anger.
"It's her fault, she didn't get ready in time, and to top it off the plane hit some turbulence on the way so we had to take longer. Is Trevino in?" He asked and didn't wait for a reply as he made his way into the house.
"I swear I don't know what's wrong with that boy. One minute he is helping me in the kitchen and the next he minute he's running away as soon as you call." Carrie mumbled shaking her head.
"I'm sorry for taking so long Carrie. I wish I knew I was supposed to come home earlier so I could have packed beforehand." I said in as an apology.
Carrie gave me a confused look, and shook her head. "It's okay dear, but what do you mean if you knew earlier? You should have known you were coming home three days ago!" She exclaimed loudly.
What was she talking about? How could I have known I was coming home three days ago?
"I don't know what you mean. I didn't know I was supposed to be here today until a few hours ago when Seb came to get me." I said returning her confusion.
"Oh my dear. That boy!" She said and started into the house without explaining any more.
I decided to let it go for now, but I would ask her what she meant later.
"Ana." Colby said as I turned to him.
"Colby!" I ran towards him and gave him a tight squeeze. "How are you?"
"I'm fine little Ana." He replied.
I made a grimacing face at him. "I'm not so little any more Colby." I complained even though I enjoyed knowing that he was just as affectionate as ever.
"You will always be little Ana to me, regardless of how old you are. Now, come on there is a pretty lady that is excited to see you." He said turning around towards the direction of the stables.
I let out a squeal and marched behind him. My dear Loretta! I was so excited to see her after all this time.