My alarm blasted at 5am I decided on a quick run before getting breakfast sorted.
Run = check
Shower = check
Bed made = check
Dressed for the day = check
Text to Brandon!
Oh crap. Grabbing my phone I opened text messages.
Brandon: morning Senna. I am on cloud 9 this morning. I hope the feeling is mutual. I'm sorry but plans have changed I am out of town for a couple of days and work gets hectic so if I am on radio silence please don't panic I will be in touch when I can beautiful xx
Pria: I had a fabulous evening so move over on that cloud DB. Work is work. Don't worry I'm not clingy and I've a few things to sort this week xx
Brandon: I hope you get them all sorted. I should be home Thursday so will give you a call. I can't believe I've know you for under a week ;) xx
Pria: I've no plans for Thursday yet but I'll keep you informed. I'm off to cook breakfast for my little champion. I shall drop you a text later but don't worry I shall refrain from checking my phone every 5 minutes ;) xx
Brandon: hey I already do that. Have a sweet day Senna xx
Pria: you too xx
Even his texts makes me smile brightly. I make my way to the kitchen and prepare my mix for the pancakes. I know Derek is home today so we can have a later breakfast. I start prep for just two of my men.
Jacob saunters in as I'm making the first ones. "Morning Sis you taking me in your sin machine today" he chuckles.
"Yes I am and it's not a sin machine" I smile at him.
"It looks it but I'm not complaining it gets me some points in school. Are we staying at the island this morning?" he asks.
"Yes just lay for 2" I ask.
He sets up the plates and then grabs the juice from the fridge. The coffee is just finishing as Gerry enters the kitchen. He has an office in town where he does most of his writing. "Morning princess, morning champion" he sing songs. "Mmmmm pancakes, can I have blueberry and strawberry princess"
"Already done master" I slide his plate over with his pancakes as I place Jacob's into the pan, these must have chocolate chips.
"I've missed your cooking princess" I think that's what he says around a mouthful of food. "How was your date!" he asks.
"Ohh Pria went on a date. Any kissing or are you still afraid of cooties?" teases Jacob.
"It was very nice thank you" I smiled at their teasing I knew reacting to them would only make them worse. "Have you everything for school" I asked Jacob.
"Yes ma'am" he replied.
"Less of that or I'll be kissing you outside of school" he gulped. I knew that would shut him up. "Hurry up Gerry will clean up" I told him.
"I will, will I?" Gerry questioned.
"Yes for the pancakes and tonight I am making goulash and rhubarb crumble" I said.
"Crikey I need to start running with you in the morning to burn off the calories" he laughed. I smiled back at him knowing full well the last thing Gerry would do is run in the morning, unless something big was chasing him.
"See you at dinner Dad" I shouted behind me.
"Yes you can tell me all about the date with Brandon" he singed again. I giggled shaking my head as I reached the front door.
"Come on champ lets get going" I said as Jacob came barrelling down the stairs.
We headed towards the school and the drop off point. As I slowed the car Jacob decided to speak "I'm not sure why your some Sis but I like having you around" as he finished his statement he dashed out of the door and up towards the school.
I shook my head laughing at his quick exit as I felt a car horn from behind. I looked in the rear view mirror to see familiar cold brown eyes looking back. They took me straight back to high school. Jennifer Gold. She had given me the hardest time in school but I learnt to mostly avoid her until an incident that got her arrested. I shivered and shook my thoughts not wanting to relive them.
Pulling out of the space I manoeuvred through the car park. As I started towards the exit I glance over to the drop off space to see said Jennifer arguing with a younger version of herself.
I couldn't help but smile at the scene and the old and dented sedan Jennifer was driving. In school she had a BMW 2 series convertible that was her pride and joy. Karma is a bitch and has left a loud smack on Jennifer.
Deciding I didn't want to head home straight away I made my way to my favourite bakery. 'Dawns Delights" was run by Betsy, Dawn had been her grandmothers and the bakery had been passed down along with the family recipes. Betsy had her own successful creations and had extended to a cafe alongside the bakery.
Walking inside the scents attack you. It's one of the most delectable aromas. "Good lord girl where have you been" I heard a shriek from behind the counter.
I smiled towards the noise to see the source of the noise. Betsy was loved by many. She was cheery and caring a fabulous combination. She would do anything for anyone and had helped many local kids in need.
Derek's only vice was Betsy's apple turnovers. "I'm home for a visit. I managed to be ahead of my studies so it's given me some leisure time" as good natured as Betsy was she was still a huge gossip so I was careful what I told her.
"Can I get a couple of breakfast muffins and an apple turnover please" I asked Betsy. "Tell me, how are you, how is business" I genuinely wanted to know she was ok.
"You can see business is good. We also have a young girl Jessica working with me and she specialises in special occasion cakes. Managed a few wedding ones recently. She is talented that's for sure" Betsy explained.
"I hope your not working yourself too hard" I asked.
"You know there's no rest for the wicked" she smiled and winked at me.
"You never change. Take care Betsy" I said thanking and paying for the baked goods.
"You say hello to those handsome Dads of yours. Always a shame when such specimens bat for the other team" she smiled at me. Always had a soft spot for Derek did old Betsy. He always begged Gerry and I to visit the bakery as he found it so difficult leaving once he got here. I'm still laughing as I got to the car.
Going back into the house it was quiet but I could smell Derek so I went straight to his office. He was on the phone so I showed him the bag from Betsy and he grinned like the devil and I gave a thumbs up.
I retreated back to the kitchen, prepping the coffee pot I placed the breakfast items on plates. Pulling out a tray I loaded our items including a couple of mugs of coffee.
As I reached the office again Derek was now off the phone and clearing a small table to the side of the room. I placed the tray and settled into a chair.
"Thank you I feel we are all spoilt when you are around" he placed a sweet kiss to my temple and took his own seat. We ate in comfortable silent and as I finished my muffin I toed off my shoes and curled into the seat with my mug.
"Whilst I eat this delicious morsel I want you to talk through your plans" he said.
"For today?" I asked innocently.
"Don't be taking that tone with me. I know with you taking time off in term time and so close to you graduating means something is going on in that pretty head of yours. Spill" he ordered.
"I have been in touch with my lecturer and he is happy with my end project and I have submitted it early. My coursework is complete and all I need to finish is my final assessment which Mr Stuart agreed to do online. The business course is complete and I should receive all the document through the post soon. I've a final exam next Tuesday but other than that it's sorted" I sighed squirming in my seat.
"What are you concerned about?" Derek asked.
"I've previously told you about my concern with Mr Stuart. Well he contacted me as he was impressed with my final painting and has arranged a meeting with a famous gallery owner who may want to show my piece. I want to do this however I feel Mr Stuart is using it as an excuse to see me" I explained.
"Yes he may well do. Make the arrangement but keep me informed of when and where. We will either arrange to come with you or have someone keep an eye on you" he said. I had learnt long ago to trust my Dads and their access to bodyguards.
"Ok that's not all. You facing your fears from the past is for a reason is there anything else you want to talk about?" He asked although his tone and composure had softened.
"I had always thought I wanted to go into history reclamation. I'd even considered an archeology type of role" I explained.
"Something though has changed hasn't it" he asked.
"Yes. I've realised how much my painting helps me and I want to do more. I also want to do for others so I am thinking I want to have some kind of Art Studio open to anyone. I want to encourage under privileged children and young adults who can't afford college but still have a talent to explore by offering free classes. Within this studio I want to have a gallery alongside that not only exhibits upcoming artists but anyone of my choice. I want to have therapy classes for anyone who has experienced trauma. I want art to help people like it's helped me" I finished.
"Good god Pria I think this is brilliant. Gerry and I have been thinking about a project and have been waiting for the right time to discuss it with you. There's also more we need to talk about but we wanted to wait until after college but I think the time has come" Derek said. He reached for his phone and started typing.
"I realise it a huge project and I've no idea about funding and premises and thought I would ask your help with this" I asked.
"There is a sum of money we have put aside for you and Jacob and I think that will help you with premises. We need to talk in more detail but Gerry needs to be involved. What if we get together tomorrow, we are both free after 2pm and we can go through it in detail" he said.
"Ok your making me curious but I trust you so will leave the chat until tomorrow" I almost felt like something was changing but I had no idea what.
"After everything we've spoken about I was wondering if you would consider talking to someone" he raised his palms towards me as if to pacify me. "Hear me out. This is a close friend of ours that would see you in a professional atmosphere but at her home. I also want Jacob to go although his childhood wasn't as terrifying as yours he has dealt with neglect and his mother's addiction. He would readily agree to seeing Lilly If he knew you went. Now I'm not trying to strong arm your into going. Gerry and I would both be happy to come along and all I ask is that you do 3 sessions. I will ask Jacob the same. What do you think?" he relaxed back in his chair and waited.
I knew talking to my Dads had been productive for me and I had always run away from talking to strangers. However, Jacob needed to go as I knew talking as a child now would be much better for him than waiting until he had issues in the future. Derek and Gerry had only ever had my best interest in mind and I did want to change my life.
"Yes I think it would be worth trying and I promise to make every effort to speak to her" I agreed.
"She said it won't just be about talking one to one but also suggested at some point she will give us all trust exercises to do as a family to continue our bonding" he explained.
"I like the idea we're doing things together" I relaxed back also. His phone chimed and I watched as he pulled it out to check the screen.
"I'm sorry I need to take this would you mind" Derek looked towards me and I realised he needed some privacy.
"Of course" I quickly placed the dirty pots on the tray and quietly left his office. Once I had cleaned the pots I decided to see if Jay was free for a session. I needed some time out of my head and sparring helped.
Pria: Hi I was wondering if you have some free time today for a session
Jay: I have two classes but Raven is in I can ask him as he is free x
I know I wants great with new people but I'd know Jay a long tome and if he recommended someone I trusted his opinion. I needed to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
Pria: Yes please
Jay: I'll go check with him x
I went upstairs and threw some gear into a bag as I could change at the gym.
Jay: he is free all afternoon head down and you can choose if you want to spar or do circuits or the assault course x
Pria: thanks :)
Jay had always finished his texts with a x. But I had decided long ago that we would only ever be friends so I never wanted to let off the wrong signals. I was always careful as when we first met he would flirt outrageously and although now he was more subtle I always wondered if it was more than platonic on his behalf.
Getting to the gym it was busy. There was a young girl on reception, she was pretty with dark hair and brown eyes. You could tell she worked out as she was lean and toned but she had hard contours to her face.
I clicked my card onto the entry pad and went to walk past. "Can I help you?" she was a little snarky in her questioning.
"No thanks" I replied ensuring my tone was soft and entered the changing rooms. I quickly text Raven that I was in the building getting changed. Once I was changed I placed everything in my locker and tied the band with my locker key onto my wrist.
Exiting the changing rooms I noticed Raven by reception. The young girl previously had moved out from reception and was currently talking to Raven.
"Little лиса (fox) you are ready da" Raven asked manoeuvring around the girl.
"Yes i wondered if we could start with a circuit and then sparring" I asked him.
"I would be happy to get you all hot and sweaty" he beamed at me and I couldn't help but smile and shake my head.
"Raven you haven't introduced us. Hi I'm Shelley" the young girl moved towards me and stuck out her hand.
"Nice to meet you Shelley I'm Pria. No offence but I don't do personal contact unless it's sparring or I know the person well" I had my issues with contact and I would not be pushed out of my boundaries I don't care who it upsets.
"Oh right ok nice to meet you. Raven you don't mind me joining with, I know you are always trying to get me to try things with you" Shelley practically purred at Raven.
"Look if your busy I can come back again. I spoke to Jay and he said you were free" I asked.
"Het (No), I am free, doll here is always trying to jump in my classes. Shelley I have session booked with bird see you later" Raven took my elbow and guided me down the hall. Shelley looked angry but hell I don't care I am not working out with barbie dolls who are more interested in flirting than applying effort into their exercise.
I need a release and i worked better one to one. Raven led me to the back arena which was quite busy. He moved to the right and punched a code onto a keypad which released a door and we entered another room.
This room was laid out with a smaller circuit. "This is private set for certain members but is free today we can start here. What if we do together then you can do own one" he asked.
"Yes great" I eyed over the small obstacles and mats eager to get going. Raven took charge and walked me around the course. He said to go around firstly on my own slowly as he watched to make sure I had understood all his instructions.
Once I had a meander through the course my adrenaline was pumping. "Right on 3 we will go" Raven shouted and we were off. I couldn't care less if I won or where Raven was I was focussed on my technique and the blood coursing through me.
As I finished I gave out a yell feeling much better already. "Little лиса (fox) you have a good technique and you focus. You are good da. I only beat you by 34 seconds that is a good fitness level. Do you want to do a few rounds then we will have break before sparring" he asked.
"Yes sounds great" I replied excitedly. We did a further 3 circuits and I was feeling a good buzz. Raven threw me a towel and I wiped down my face. Picking up my water I took a much needing drink.
"Good let's go to the outside and some fresh air before fight" I followed Raven back out of the room and passed the huge course to some double doors. As we stepped through I was surprised what Jay had done.
There were table and chairs outside together with a pond in the centre. Trees lined the whole area and there was a counter to the outside connecting to the cafe. "Are you ok with water or would you like coffee" Raven asked.
"Let me come with you please I want to check the options" Raven and I approached the counter.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the attendant that had been chatting with Raven last time. He was definitely handsome with heterochromia eyes. One deep ocean blue and one bright green eye.
"Marc this is Pria, Pria is Marc my brother" Raven introduced us.
"Nice to meet you beautiful, would you like some coffee" he asked with a wink.
"I love coffee but do you have iced ones?" I asked suddenly avoiding eye contact and feeling a little shy.
"Yes of course, I have a new addition today which is a cinnamon latte" Marc advises.
"Sounds perfect thanks" I replied. Raven ordered a mango and kiwi smoothie and I must admit Marc had done a great selection. Normally a lot of cafe's didn't offer a lot of healthy options but he had a wide selection and they were prepared fresh. He also had a lot of fruit alternative cakes together with your normal option. Colour me impressed.
Raven paid for both drinks whilst I had been so engrossed in the menu. "I hope to see you again soon beautiful" Marc winked at me and I blushed.
I knew I had feelings already for Brandon but I couldn't stop my shy reactions to Marc. I joined Raven at the table shaking out of my shyness.
He smiled as I sat down and I had to compliment Marc as the iced coffee was the best I'd ever tasted. Raven explained how passionate Marc was about coffee and he enjoyed working at the cafe but he dreamed of opening his own one day.
Chatting with Raven was easy he was funny. A cheeky flirt but I never felt self conscious as I felt it was banter rather than serious attention.
Sparring ended up being the hardest workout I'd ever had. Raven was talented at fighting and at reading an opponent. Even though he worked me hard he was also very good with his feedback. I agreed that working with him would help me improve and agreed to a session once a week.
I decided not to change and grab a shower when home, so just grabbed my belongings from the locker. As I entered the reception area Shelley was still there but now talking to Jay. He lit up as he saw me.
"Hey how did the sessions go with Raven" he asked. I could see Shelley roll her eyes but chose to ignore it.
"Great you were right his knowledge of fighting surpasses anyone I've known. It's exactly what I needed" I gushed still on a high from the work out.
"Good I'm glad. Are we still on for Thursday?" he asked. I heard a tut coming from Shelley as we both turned to look at her.
"What's your problem?" I asked.
She locked taken aback that I was calling her out. "Oh nothing just didn't think a gym was somewhere to arrange your dates especially after you were panting after Raven earlier" she spat.
I was about to overload on her when Jay spoke. "Pria and I were arranging a sparring session Shelley. Not that it's any of your business. If anyone pants after the men here it's you. If I have to speak to you about your behaviour once more your fired. I am sick of hearing complaints from members. Pria is not only a member but also a lifelong friend so I suggest you go home and don't come back until you've found some manners" he exploded at her.
She flushed mumbled a sorry and shot out of the room. Jay turned back to me. "Sorry about that both Raven and I have had to turn away her advances and a couple of members mentioned it to me also. I'm sick of her attitude" he let out a deep breath.
"Maybe start employing ugly people hey Jay" I said trying to lighten the mood.
"Aw that means I couldn't employ you" he shot back with a wink. I laughed as I exited saying I would see him Thursday.