***
Daniel and Anna are spending time together at the wish of the man, who decided to help the girl relax and distract her from the thoughts of Natalia. At first, the lovers went to a small café, but then they decided to walk in beautiful places, from which there is a perfect view of the mountains. While the time is slowly getting closer to the evening, it’s possible to see the amazingly beautiful sky, in which there are shades of red, orange, and pink. Everything looks magnificent around: there are many different trees, grass, flowers, and bushes, and a small river is flowing on the bottom that goes further. “The life of the MacClifes is like a volcano,” Daniel notices, holding Anna’s hand. “That family experiences something every day.” “That’s right,” Anna agrees. “And not only the MacClifes, but also their best friends.” “Yeah, your friend got into trouble because of them.” “But thank God, she’s home and replied to my message.” “I would’ve definitely been shocked if I hadn’t known Natalia was kidnapped by Michael’s people. When the reportage said it, I wasn't surprised. But when they mentioned all of his tricks, I got horrified, saying softly.” “But he’s already been arrested and will be kept in prison ‘till the start of the trial.” “That trial is gonna definitely take a lot of time and many nerves. I don’t know how it happens ‘cause I’ve never been on a trial, but some of my familiar people said it’s a long, exhausting process.” “At least, they’ll have no problems with the proof of a fault. And the word of all the members of the story will be very important. The reportage said all the members would have to go to the trial and explain what happened.” “Oh, I’m afraid Michael’s lawyer may do a bad thing, thanks to which that man would be found non-guilty. Or he’d get a suspended sentence.” “I don’t exclude it…” Anna agrees thoughtfully. “A business of a lawyer is protecting the one, who hired them. And everybody wants to make the judge stand by their side.” “It would be great if the MacClifes had a good, educated lawyer that’s proved the fault or innocence of many people.” “I think they’ll care about it. But Michael will do nothing if the police get irrefutable proof, and all the MacClifes speak their word and get some witnesses involved in this case.” “Honestly, I don’t like Michael,” Daniel confesses. “He had such a nasty face in the photos that were shown in the reportage. It seems like he’s never done anything good in his life and has always done dirty things and ruined everybody’s lives.” “Agree, I’d be afraid to stand by that man… But I must confess that he’s similar to the father of Terrence and Edward, the photos of whom were also shown in the reportage.” “Yeah… What’s his name… Probably, Jamie MacClife…” “Yes, Jamie! But that man is much better. Michael’s features are very rude and non-attractive, but his brother has very soft and nicer ones.” “To be honest, I’m surprised that Jamie is alive. I don’t understand how that man could be dead and then rise magically. Terrence told me his father was dead!” “If I could answer… But the reportage said he was pretending to be dead after the murder attempt. He wanted to strike Michael down at a sudden moment.” “But how?” Daniel wonders. “How did he do it? Did the police help him? The reportage had no word about it! Or at least, I didn’t hear anything like that!” “I think my friend will tell me about that situation,” Anna replies thoughtfully. “I’ll call her when we’re back home and agree on the meeting. She promised to tell me what happened to her. And this time, I’ll get answers to all the questions. And… May Natalia confirm what Raquelle, Edward, and Terrence told us… I mean, the rape attempt and the story of the photos.” “They would hardly lie about such a serious thing. I prefer believing it’s the truth. And Rochester looked so scared as if she was tried to be kissed against her wish.” “I’m afraid everything was much worse than just kisses.” “Oh, poor Natalia…” Daniel shakes his head with sadness in his eyes. “She’s experienced so much: the rape attempt, the breakup with Edward, his charges for the betrayal, and the kidnapping…” “My heart squeezes when I think about how much has happened to her in the past few months,” Anna sighs heavily. “Natalia was a little different, but those events impacted her a lot. They made her much quieter, softer, and timider…” “But I must notice that she’s got strong endurance and a tough character. Natalia bravely got over all the difficulties and was fighting ‘till the end, even if it was very hard for her.” “Who knows, Daniel… Maybe, she doesn’t talk about what she feels inside, and Natalia seems brave, confident, and fearless outside.” “I guess her instinct of self-defense worked when she understood she must’ve saved herself and could hardly count on someone. When danger threatens someone, anyone rushes to run away immediately.” “I think you’re right. Edward said Natalia was trying to protect herself when Michael’s people surrounded them. And I think she was protecting herself the way she could when they got him out of the way by hitting him on the head.” “Exactly! But sadly, there were too many of Michael’s people, and she couldn’t deal with them alone. Though, if there had been one or two people, she would’ve run away.” “Maybe…” Silence settles in the air for some time, during which Anna glances at a ginger, tiny cat that is sitting aside and licking its puffy, dirty hair. “Hey, I still can’t accept the fact that Edward is tried to be charged with the murder of the man,” Daniel confesses. “That he might easily go to prison… And I can’t believe that he is the sibling of Terrence. The one, whom he and his mother wanted to find so badly.” “Yeah, I was overwhelmed when I heard he had been in prison on the charge of murder,” Anna replies quietly. “And that Terrence’s brother has been near him all the time and calling himself Edward Lockhart. Well… If it’s the truth, of course… What if we mean different people.” “I don’t think so. Edward could pretend to be someone else. He was imposing his friendship on Terrence for the reason. I make the conclusion that the guy could be well aware of his family ties with him, and that’s why he wanted to befriend him, his mother, and his friends.” “We’ve gotta ask the guys and find out what happened. Whether Edward is really one of the MacClifes. And whether he really has to do with the murder of that man.” “It’s hard to say if he’s really guilty, but since the pistol left on the crime scene had his fingerprints and the fingerprints of someone else, there’s a chance that Lockhart wouldn’t be found guilty.” “I don’t know why, but I don’t believe he’s guilty of the murder. I can’t imagine Edward with a pistol in his hands.” “I don’t also wanna believe he’s guilty. I wouldn’t like to know the family of Terrence has a killer. And how he’d feel when calling himself a brother of the one, who shamelessly killed the person.” “But agree, it was strange that Edward got arrested just because he was at the crime scene with a pistol in his hands. The police came, saw him with a gun, and placed a handcuff on him.” “Yeah, it’s really strange. Anyone could grab a gun! And what – put everyone in a cell and charge them with a cruel murder?” “At least, Edward has a chance to stay free. Yes, he will be judged anyway and become the defendant, as well as Michael and his gang. But if that guy finds the one, who will confirm his words, it’ll be good for him. And I think the police should take a note about his charges for the real, as he says, killer.” “I think they will. Edward charged one of Michael’s accomplices.” “Yeah… The reportage said that.” “I wonder, did Michael have to do with the murder of Nicolas Carter?” Daniel frowns slightly. “Since the killed man was a friend of Jamie, Michael could probably get off that man.” “Maybe, but the reportage said nothing about it,” Anna replies thoughtfully and thinks for two seconds, frowning slightly. “But if it’s the truth, how didn’t that man please Michael? Because he was just a friend of the father of Terrence and Edward?” “Hard to say. Or maybe, Eric had a business with Nicolas… He said or did something wrong and got Brown angry.” “I don’t exclude it. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Michael really had to do with that murder.” “I wonder, is that everything Michael has done to Terrence and Edward’s father? I think he’s done much more than the reportage said.” “As far as I remember, they said Michael stole a shipbuilding company from Jamie, a house, the money, the wealth, and everything he had,” Anna replies thoughtfully. “And he planned to kill not only him but also Terrence and Edward and got Raquelle and Natalia involved in this story.” “And they said about the mother of the MacClife brothers.” “I remember. He wanted to get off everybody to be a part of the MacClife family or be connected with the one.” “Yeah, he decided to do everything,” Daniel chuckles quietly. “Wanted to do a few things at the same time: getting off the hateful brother and nephews and letting the girls stop suffering.” “He planned everything too well,” Anna notices. “But his plans were ruined. Thanks to my friend, who did something at the right time and organized the plan of saving her close people and getting Michael and his gang arrested.” “Agree, Raquelle is amazing!” Daniel exclaims with a slight smile. “She saved her friend and fiancé and his brother and helped the police get Michael arrested.” “I wonder, did Terrence know about Raquelle’s plans?” “I doubt it. And I’m gonna say more – she probably started to plan something a long time ago. At least, when Natalia was kidnapped, Cameron had already planned something.” “Do you think the call she answered on the day we talked to her, Terrence, and Edward was from someone to help her?” “Terrence said the case wasn’t about the fact that they started to fight with our pretense. And Raquelle probably lied to us when saying she’d go to a meeting with her manager.” “So, as he knew nothing about it, I can compare the act committed by Raquelle with the act committed by Terrence.” “You mean the case of Simon Ringer?” “Yes. Raquelle didn’t also know Terrence would love to follow her and take the police. And if MacClife didn’t know my friend wanted to do the same, I’d say it was her thank.” “I believe she’s glad she did something for her fiancé. Raquelle often loved saying she was ashamed of doing nothing to prove her love for Terrence.” “Cameron got what she wanted.” “Even if it’s the truth, I don’t think she did it only for Terrence. Raquelle and Natalia are close friends, who’ve always supported and helped each other. That girl organized the plan of saving for Terrence and for Natalia.” “That was so noble,” Anna replies with a slight smile. “Even despite just doing the police’s orders.” “Every time, I make much more sure that Raquelle is a very kind and light person. I’m sure she’ll never leave her close people and always do her best to help them.” “Right. Even despite her obsession with a career, my friend loved her close people and gave them as much attention as she could.” “But now I see that girl doesn’t make her modeling career the most important thing.” “Yeah, the story of Simon Ringer and Terrence helped her learn something.” “The important thing is that a person is good.” “My girls are very good. I’m really lucky with my friends. Both of them are loyal and helpful. You can trust them completely. Yes, maybe, the blondie is a little talkative and can’t keep secrets, but if it’s something very important, she can be silent.” “And I consider your friends a wonderful company for you.” “Aw, thanks, my sweetheart,” Anna smiles shyly. Daniel embraces Anna around the shoulders, cutely kissing her on her temple, and says nothing for two seconds, while the two are slowly going straight by the truly wonderful places. “Hey, I can’t forget how Raquelle screamed at Terrence with our pretense,” Daniel confesses. “Blamed him for nobody the hell knows what, and kind of let us know that MacClife made her irritated.” “You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about it,” Anna replies thoughtfully. “Yes, I think everything is fine, knowing that Raquelle saved Terrence from Michael. But she got me a little scared then.” “I never managed to see her so excited.” “I think it’s tiredness.” Anna sighs quietly and moves a thin strand of her hair behind her ear. “Both of them got sick of solving the problems. So, that’s why these two started to argue often and find a reason to find fault in something.” “But I’m glad these two understand that everyone has conflicts and don’t yell about a breakup everywhere.” “They will not take it. Terrence fears it probably much more. I saw he was so scared and depressed when Raquelle screamed at him.” “Yeah, either he hides his emotions badly, or he doesn’t aim to hide them.” “It’s hard for him to do it in this case.” “He wants to seem like the strongest, most irresistible, and best man in the world, but he can’t do it. He wanna make himself think that nothing can break him. Though, if someone presses on his weakness much stronger, he will break down like a stick on a tree. Yes, Terrence is not weak, but he is not unbreakable.” “And one of his weaknesses is losing Raquelle. He could take much, but not that. The great fear of losing her makes him more vulnerable. That guy is attracted to that girl so strongly that he won’t be able to live without her.” “Yeah, but I mean not only that. Terrence’s been strange for a long time. He had been the one before Peter ended up in the hospital. He already got a changing mood. For example, the band. Sometimes Terrence didn’t wanna give up and was sure we should’ve fought ‘till the end. But sometimes he said there was no hope, and we should’ve gone separated ways, disbanded the band, and paid the liquidated damages to say goodbye to the studio and the agency.” “Well…” Anna bites her lip slightly. “I wasn’t also one hundred percent sure you had a chance to save the band. I think nobody had such great hope.” “No… I… Of course, I also have doubts about it, but I believe in the best more. Even despite the current situation.” “Be sure, when he realizes that Raquelle will not leave him, he will get a wish to save the band no matter what the cost,” Anna replies confidently. “And I believe he will start to believe in the best only when his problems are solved. They make him feel lousy, and the situation with Raquelle makes everything much worse.” “I think he can exhale with relief because he got off Michael and his pals’ threats. Though, he still has band issues and some problems with his relationship with Raquelle… And his relationship with Edward is far from good.” “Ah, Edward, Edward…” Daniel exhales slowly. “That guy has done many things… Though, he seems such a cute angel that wouldn’t hurt a fly.” “On the one hand, he could be called a victim, as well. He’s the same victim of Michael as his brother, soon-to-be sister-in-law, mother, father, and ex-girlfriend.” “You’re right. But I don’t wanna blame him for everything and will wait for everything to get clear. Maybe, Edward had a reason to be silent and not to tell them the truth. Or maybe, he was just afraid… Because… Sometimes that guy seemed a little timid to me. Too insecure. Too quiet.” “Do you think he was afraid Michael would do something bad to him? Is that why he said nothing about this story?” “I don’t exclude it. And if Michael knew about the murder and was sure Edward was hiding his arrest, that guy was afraid his uncle would reveal the secret to everybody and do his best for him to be a killer.” “Sounds like a good excuse. And I’d believe if it was the truth.” “As I said, my attitude toward him changed a little when we saw Edward on that day. I felt really sorry for him, ‘cause he looked terribly excited and depressed. And I’d also be terribly worried if I was instead of him.” “I was very sorry for him, as well…” Anna sighs heavily. “Edward was too nervous and shaking when telling us about Natalia’s kidnapping. I had thought Terrence and Raquelle understood him wrongly and made everybody think the same. But then I realized it was really true.” “And I believed what he said. Edward’s face spoke for itself… His body… His eyes… Everything showed what he actually felt. And then I realized I couldn’t call him a betrayer anymore.” “I believe everybody started to think about whether he was really so terrible.” “Definitely, yes.” Daniel falls into silence for two seconds. “Hey, it seemed to me that Terrence got a little softer to him. Even if he was still mad at him. Nevertheless, he stayed quiet and didn’t show open aggression toward Edward. At least when we were at his house.” “But he definitely had to apply many efforts to do it. Terrence would’ve hardly agreed to let Edward into his home so easily. Even Raquelle wouldn’t have made him do it.” “But I believe she did it if those two were able to stay together in the same room and not to fight like a cat and a dog. Though, Terrence hadn’t even wanted to hear Edward’s name, and he refused to call him a brother. He always asked me not to remind him of that guy with his pretense. And when he told me what happened between them, Terrence was tense and kept his arms crossed.” “I think he didn’t just wanna talk about it. He wanted to end that talk as soon as possible. But he knew he wanted to share it… And he knew he shouldn't have better hidden something from his friend, who would find out everything early or late.” “Well…” Daniel thinks for two seconds. “Natalia kindly told us a part of the story. But we didn’t betray her and kept her secret.” “Agree. It would’ve been better to let him tell us everything and pretend that we didn’t meddle in what we didn’t have to do with.” “Hey, I think Rochester and MacClife got close to each other like brother and sister.” “Right, they became close friends,” Anna smiles shyly. “They’ve helped each other in hard situations many times. For example, when Simon was torturing Raquelle. They supported each other after every one of them had fought with Cameron, whom Ringer made a crazy lady and turned all of us against her.” “I remember.” “And now those two are united because they fought with Edward to hell.” “Right. Natalia still loves Edward, and Terrence considered his brother a close person, who betrayed him. But even if they stop speaking, he’ll always be his older brother, no matter how much he wants to forget it. No family ties can be broken. It’s what you will always have, no matter if you want it or not.” “I’m madly sorry for them,” Anna says with sadness in her eyes. “Terrence and Natalia suffer much more and won’t come to themselves at the nearest time.” “Me too. Edward gave them a strong pain and made them disappointed in him.” Daniel falls into silence for two seconds and sighs quietly. “However, everybody treated him well, but he did his best for us to start to call him a stinker that needed only the money and wealth of his family.” “I don’t think he wanted to fight with everybody and show the worst side of him. And I don’t want and won’t judge him. I’m gonna keep a neutral position and watch the events silently. Terrence, Natalia, and Raquelle should solve the problem with Edward themselves. If they reconcile, I’ll be very happy for them. But if they don’t, it’s their fate.” “I think I’ll agree with you and keep a neutral position. We don’t have to do with this story, and we can’t choose what our friends should do. If it had to do with us, we would say different things. But now I think we better step away and just wait for everything to get clear.” “I mean it! We can talk about this situation, feel sorry for Terrence, Raquelle, and Natalia, and judge Edward as much as we want. But it will hardly help them.” “I think so,” Daniel smiles shyly. “So, I’m suggesting we leave them alone and talk about something nicer. I got you outta home for us not to talk about the problems of the MacClifes. I want you to calm down with the thought that your friend is alive and healthy.” “You’re right,” Anna smiles slightly and looks at everything she sees. “We really better close this topic. Otherwise, I’m gonna go crazy.” “But I don’t want it.” Daniel runs his hand softly over Anna’s cheek and moves a couple of strands of her hair off her eyes. “I want you to be happy, funny, and healthy.” “I don’t doubt you’ll help me.” “Of course, my princess. I invited you to walk in the city and admire this beauty.” “It’s really very beautiful here,” Anna smiles shyly. “Just an incredible place…” “I can’t deny it.” Daniel puts his arm around Anna’s neck, pressing closely to himself. “My magnificent girlfriend is walking in a magnificent place. That’s what it should be.” “Aw, Daniel…” Anna glances down with a shy smile, puts her arms around Daniel’s waist, and presses herself close to him as possible. The young people continue to walk and keep going for some time in silence, sending each other tender gazes and cute smiles or looking around the amazingly beautiful place where they are with interest. “I chose a good place to walk,” Daniel says with a wide smile. “First, there are usually fewer people here. And second, we could spend a good time together and enjoy each other’s company.” “And there’s a very beautiful view of the sunset,” Anna adds with a smile, paying attention to the unbelievably beautiful sky colored with different colors. “I’ve always loved watching the sun going down… It looks so beautiful…” “Agree, it really looks impressing.” Daniel starts looking at the sunset or Anna’s hair, over which he runs his fingertips. “And I associate the sky color with your hair… I mean, its color… Fiery red…” “It’s not my natural hair color,” Anna confesses. “My natural hair color is brown. But one day, a girl advised me to dye my hair red. They picked up such a good color that I didn’t want any other color.” “I’m sure you’d look stunning with any hair color.” “Thank God, my parents didn’t ban me from dying and cutting my hair. Of course, they’d kill me for boyish hair or a bald head. But I would never cut my hair like this.” “Have you always had long hair? Or did you have short hair?” “Nope, I’ve always had long hair. Somehow, its length reached the small of my back. But I’ve preferred hair of this length and this color in the past few years. Not too short, not too long.” “I see…” Daniel still continues to run his fingertips over Anna’s hair and stroke it, looking at every single strand with a slight smile on his face. “What a beauty… I can stroke your soft hair forever. And it has such a nice smell…” “Just like I can stroke yours,” Anna smiles shyly and touches Daniel’s hair on his temple. “I associate your hair with dark chocolate.” “I’ve been told that since childhood, and many people joked that they wanted to eat my chocolate hair,” Daniel laughs quietly. “Mother always admired it and noticed that my father had the same one. And it’s the truth. It had the same chocolate color but was less thick. But I think the case was about the age, ‘cause Mother said Dad had incredible hair when he was young.” “I guess, when someone ate a piece of chocolate, everybody joked about your hair.” “It happened. One buddy of mine always had little pieces of chocolate with him and joked at me when eating them.” “And you could laugh at yourself and joke about your hair when eating chocolate.” “Actually, I’m indifferent to chocolate. I dunno, I’ve never been attracted to sweet food… Since childhood… I can eat a cake, cookie, or éclair with a cup of coffee, but it would be just food for me. There are those, who literally go crazy when they don’t eat sweet food, but I’m not that type.” “But I like dark chocolate, even if I don’t eat it too often. I’d eat a piece with pleasure, but I wouldn’t overeat.” “Same about me. I can’t say I hate sweet food, but I’ve never been dependent on chocolate and sugar.” “I see.” Silence settles in the air for a few seconds, during which Anna and Daniel stop near the edge of the abyss, from which they start watching the perfect view of the mountain that is placed somewhere far, embracing each other with both arms and completely enjoying the warmth that the beloved person is spreading. “Listen, have you ever wanted to climb a mountain?” Anna shows interest. “Maybe, just to look at the world from a high height,” Daniel replies thoughtfully. “But not very much, honestly… The higher you climb, the colder it gets. And the less oxygen there is on every new high. It doesn’t fit me… Because I prefer the warm weather and summer…” “Is that because you were born in the summer on August, 20th?” Anna laughs shyly. “Just like you were. But on July, 15th.” “I love the warm weather and summer, as well. At least because I can put on my favorite shorts and a beautiful top tube.” “That’s what I love,” Daniel purrs with a mysterious smile and hugs Anna around the waist. “Moreover, you have something to show.” “Daniel…” Anna gets blushed. “Don’t argue, my sunshine. I’ll think so – that’s all!” “You make me blush.” “You better smile frequently. You look so good when you’re happy and smiling.” “Aw, sweetie…” Anna tenderly kisses Daniel on the cheek, making him smile widely. “You know how to make me smile.” “And I’m lucky to date the girl, who I’m so similar to,” Daniel replies, tightly embracing Anna with both arms. “With whom I feel incredible.” “Yeah, but while you like adrenaline and risk, I prefer a quieter pastime.” “Why do you think so?” Daniel moves his eyes from the mountains to Anna. “You just love risking a lot… Risking your life. You’re gonna feel bored if you stay in the same place.” “Ah, Anna, why do you think I love risking?” Daniel smiles shyly. “Yes, I really like finding something that would shake me up. But I’ve never played with death and tried to fall with my head first, knowing it would kill me immediately.” “But driving at cars at a high speed is a real play with fire.” Anna glances at Daniel. “I’m afraid, you see… Afraid that you might lose control if you decided to drive in the city at a crazy speed.” “I start racing only when I’m too mad and wanna let my emotions out. When everything is fine, and I’m quiet, I’ve got no reason to do it. For example, when Peter and I often fought, I was furious and started those races or boxed on a punching bag. I felt terribly exhausted but absolutely quiet.” “And don’t you start races now?” “No, the last time, it happened a long time ago. And I have no reason to get so enraged. I’ve lately spent a lot of time at the studio, where I play something on the guitar or sing. Even if I do it alone.” “And how’s the work at the studio?” “Not as good as I’d like.” Daniel glances at the mountains. “But everything isn’t so bad. However, due to the problems in his family, Terrence hasn’t come there for ages.” “He doesn’t go to the studio?” “Yeah, he was at the studio a long time ago. However, it doesn’t stop me from going to the studio and doing something: trying to write something, practicing a play on guitar, getting vocal lessons, and something like that. And sometimes I talk to the manager about some ideas or suggestions… Though, we sometimes talk for nothing. George tells me something about himself and his life, and I share my stories with him.” “I see you got on well with George.” “Actually, we didn’t fight,” Daniel replies thoughtfully. “Yes, George was insulting and humiliating us, but that doesn’t mean that man treated us badly. I can understand him… He said he didn’t wanna lose our band and waste his time. How disappointed you’d be if a project, to which you gave much effort and a lot of money, wasn’t successful. And George always says our band has great potential, and if we want it, we can have a brilliant future.” “Your close people hardly doubt it. But you should not only wish to reach something, but also work on it. Sorry, honey, but we don’t get something for nothing. Your beautiful eyes won’t help you get what you want.” “I know. That’s why Terrence and I are working on it. Even if we can’t always do something, and even if we’re missing Peter. We do really need him. And keep hoping he’d love to come back to us.” “Oh, I can’t wait for something about Peter’s condition to be clear.” Anna sighs heavily with sadness in her eyes and glances down. “It’s so sad to realize that we’re powerless and can only count on luck. The doctors… Pete himself…” “We did what we could. Now we only have to wait.” “Has nothing changed?” “Sadly. Nevertheless, every day, I’m getting a greater hope that someday he will survive. Peter’s doctor doesn’t give us a one hundred percent guarantee that he'll get well, but he doesn’t aim to make us believe it’s the end of his life. As he says it, there’s still some hope.” “People survive in much harder cases. My grandfather on the mother knew one person, who was in a coma for a very long time, but managed to survive and come back to normal life quickly enough. Though, everybody knows this process takes a lot of time.” “Agree. And I’m sure if we quietly talk to Peter, we’ll find out the reason why he brought himself to this condition and get him back to the band.” “I’d like to believe it. The band’s fans are seriously worried about him and want Peter to get well as soon as possible. They post a lot about it on social networks. And as it turned out, the blond has very many fans.” “Support of our band’s fans is one of the reasons that makes me keep hoping for something. Sometimes I think we owe our fans and must come back together. We must start performing and finally release our first album.” “I also believe everything will get better soon. I’m super sad because of what’s happening, but it’s not a reason to say it’s all over.” “You’re right, beauty.” Daniel hugs Anna around the shoulders with a slight smile and kisses her cutely on the top of her head. “Let’s believe everything will be okay.” “Sure…” Anna replies quietly. First, Daniel tightly hugs Anna with both arms, but later he comes to the girl from behind, hugs her around the shoulders with one arm and around the waist with another arm, pressing her closer to his chest, and snuggles his nose in her neck. That’s why she smiles shyly and caresses tenderly the arm, with which he is hugging her around the shoulders. They stay silently for a few seconds, enjoying each other’s hug and the light wind that is blowing their clothes, hair, and faces. And then Daniel chuckles quietly, moving his eyes into the distance, while Anna keeps caressing his arms softly with a feeling of bliss. “Yeah,” Daniel pronounces thoughtfully. “When we talk about someone to have problems, we start talking about what’s happening to them.” “But nobody would say we don’t care about what’s happening in the lives of our friends,” Anna notices with a slight smile. “I agree, but now I’d like to get these thoughts out of my head and just spend a good time. Don’t forget that I decided to bring you here not to talk about bad things. I want to be with my beloved princess and help her relax and forget the bad things.” “That’s what I need.” Anna steps back softly from Daniel and turns on him. “And I know you’re very good at that.” “In this case, I’m at your service, my gorgeous lady.” Daniel tenderly grabs Anna’s face, kisses her cutely on the tip of her nose, and runs his open mouth slowly over every part of her face, smiling shyly when he breathes in the incredible smell of the girl’s skin. “You know well how I can give you pleasure.” “You just know the ways to drive me crazy and break any resistance,” Anna replies in a lower voice, putting her hands on Daniel’s back and starting to run them tenderly over it, while he leaves sweet, short kisses on her cheeks, cheekbones, and chin. “If only you knew how much you drive me crazy,” Daniel replies in a quiet, low, velvet voice with a wide smile, caressing Anna’s cheeks with both hands and running his fingers through her hair, over which he runs his hands with great pleasure. “Your beauty… Your tenderness… Your smell… Your everything… I can’t stay indifferent when being with such a stunning beauty.” “If you go too far, I won’t be responsible for myself,” Anna smiles shyly. “Of course, I will go. Did you, silly girl, think I wouldn’t pay attention to you?” Daniel leaves a short kiss on Anna’s lips. “No, dear Ms. Seymour, you’re deeply wrong.” “Right here?” “Right here.” “You’re so crazy.” Anna steps back from Daniel softly and starts walking around him slowly, looking at him with a mysterious smile. “Just crazy.” “Yeah, I’m insolent and confident, I don’t deny it.” Daniel rolls his eyes for two seconds, putting his hands on his hips. “And I don’t doubt myself or everything about me.” “Confidence always gets attracted.” Anna comes to Daniel, softly grabs him by the collar of his shirt, presses him to herself so closely that the points of their noses contact one another, and looks into his eyes with a slight smile. “And drives me crazy in my case.” “All girls love confident men.” Daniel looks at Anna’s face with tenderness, stops his eyes on her half-open collarbones, and smiles widely when looking into her eyes again. “Oh, damn, my body starts shaking after just one gaze at you…” “Wait, sweetie, I’m dressed yet,” Anna smiles mysteriously, sticking her breasts up. “If I wore a beautiful bikini or underwear, it would be very hard for you to hold yourself down. You’d be whining like a hungry dog!” “But I already feel bad…” Daniel pronounces in a quieter and lower voice, still smiling widely and starting to feel that his body is getting tense, and his breath becomes heavier. “In a good sense…” Daniel moves Anna’s hair aside with a slight movement, tenderly runs his lips over the area behind her ear, and slides to the curve of her neck, on which he leaves a couple of kisses. While the girl rolls her eyes from pleasure and exhales sensually with a blissful smile on her face. “How gorgeous you are…” Daniel whispers in Anna’s ear and touches her ear tenderly with his lips, feeling that she shakes slightly. “An unbelievably beautiful cutie… That is wanted to be kissed…” “Maybe, we should wait ‘till we go home?” Anna suggests shyly. “Maybe, won’t you drive me crazy right here?” “Home is too far. But you know I can’t wait when I’m with you.” Daniel leaves a couple of kisses on another curve of Anna’s neck and the front of it and runs his hands over the curves of her waist, making the girl exhale more sensually and louder. “It’s madly hard for me to resist and not to kiss you at least once and caress you a little.” “I ain’t gonna succumb to your provocations right now.” Anna softly steps back from Daniel and starts going away from him backward with a mysterious smile, as her red hair blows much more because of the wind that gets stronger. “Ain’t gonna…” “C’mon, Anna, stop,” Daniel chuckles, comes to Anna from behind, and runs her fingertips slowly over her spine from up to down and stays on the small of her back for a few seconds, tenderly caressing it. “Can you really resist this? My incredible caresses and kisses?” “I can’t,” Anna smiles slyly, raising her head proudly. “But I don’t want to do it yet. Don’t wanna give up.” Anna comes to the edge of the abyss, watches the perfect view of the sunset for some time, and raises her hands up, bending backward slightly and stretching herself. Daniel watches her and every movement of her body that he finds very attractive like charmed. But a few seconds later, he comes to the girl and grabs her by the hips, purring in her ear tenderly: “Do you know you’ve got a magnificent body? A perfect one…” Daniel tenderly kisses Anna on the nape of her neck and runs his half-open mouth over it, while his hands caress the curves of her waist. “And so sexual…” “Control yourself, Perkins…” Anna says in a quiet, low voice. “Don’t go too far…” “Why not?” Daniel wonders, as his hands caress Anna’s arms from her shoulders to her fingertips. “You’re my girlfriend, and I have the right to give you pleasure and get it. Moreover, I’ll remind you that the goal of you and me is to forget the bad things and relax.” “Want me to rip your clothes in madness?” “Do it, baby.” Daniel kisses the area behind Anna’s ear that he softly grabs with his mouth, while one hand of him slides to her collarbones and the front of her neck that he tenderly caresses with his palm or his fingertips. “Do it… Undress me right here…” “Calm down, you, hungry, cheeky guy…” Anna exhales loudly with closed eyes and shakes slightly from the slight touches of Daniel’s fingertips to the thin, sensitive skin on her neck. “Oh, damn, Daniel, what you’re doing to me… Oh…” “It’s called getting pleasure,” Daniel replies confidently, running the tip of his nose over Anna’s hair and breathing in its flower smell. “And I know well what you like. What could get you excited…” “Well… I don’t feel like I’m ready to attack you like a hungry wolf and literally tear you.” “Wait, babe, it’s a matter of time and effort,” Daniel says with a smug smile and caresses Anna’s cheek and head tenderly. “I don’t rush and do love making pleasure last longer. I adore kissing and caressing your gorgeous body.” Daniel leaves a few kisses on Anna’s cheek before he gives her a few short ones on her lips and one continuous and unbelievably tender one that she immediately answers, putting her hand on his hand that is holding her by the chin. His second hand is placed on her belly, which the man caresses tenderly, but later he moves another hand to the small of her back, which gets some of the man’s caress. All of his actions are very tender and slow. They break the girl’s will and make her moan into his mouth sensually and tense her thighs and the muscles of her belly with a feeling of a nice warmth between her legs and a slight tickle in her abdomen. Later, Daniel covers the front of Anna’s neck with short kisses and does it to its curves, leaning the girl’s head back. When he hears the lady’s more sensual sighs, the man confidently gets his hand underneath her shirt and starts caressing the naked part of her belly, which she unconsciously tenses. “Oh, Anna, you drive me crazy,” Daniel purrs quietly with a wide smile, breathing a little heavily and loudly and running the tip of his nose over a curve of Anna’s neck. “You’re too good… Too sexy…” “If you step two miles away from me, you won’t have to choke on emotions,” Anna replies with a sly smile, closing her eyes when Daniel tenderly kisses her on the nape of her neck and the area behind her ear, while one hand of him caresses her forearm, and another one moves to her thigh and slides over it up and down. “Just like me… You kind of want to kill me with your actions…” “I’m not guilty that you’re so attractive and make me wish to hug, kiss, and caress you as much as possible.” Daniel, deciding not to go too far at least now, tightly locks his hands on Anna’s chest, presses the girl closely to himself and kisses her cutely on the cheek, against which he tenderly rubs his nose. “And if I want to do it, I do. And in some cases, I don’t even ask for permission.” “Aren’t you afraid I may kick you for insolence? Kick your gorgeous ass!” “But will you not do that? Right, beautiful?” “If you behave badly, I’ll have to.” “C’mon, my sunshine, you will not do that to me, your beloved man, whom you love so much,” Daniel replies confidently, tenderly running the back of his hand over Anna’s cheek. “You’re a good girl…” “I was a good girl! But when I met you and fell in love with you, I didn’t notice how one too confident, insolent, and handsome man made me sassier. And I eventually started to do what I wouldn’t do when I was younger.” “But it doesn’t make you embarrassed. You don’t seem like a shy cat. You’re a real tiger.” “I forget about embarrassment when you’re near me.” “Said by the girl that gets blushed and turns upon me when I walk into the house half-naked. In a towel or in pants without a t-shirt. And if I wear nothing, she’s ready to run away from home.” “Yeah, I’m not used to that, I confess it,” Anna looks down shyly. “Not used to seeing a man, even when he only wears pants or underwear… But I’ve already appreciated your gorgeous body and find it madly attractive.” “I understand it’s hard to get used to this awesomeness,” Daniel smiles widely, raising his head proudly, spreading his shoulders, and sucking in his stomach. “Of course, I don’t pay too much attention to workouts, even if I do sports at least once per week. But I believe I’ve got a magnificent body, not showing which would be a sin. I can’t hide that I do even love showing my naked body. I’d be happy to walk shirtless or in my swimming trunks.” “Yeah, Daniel, you love yourself no less than Terrence MacClife,” Anna laughs shyly. “Of course, that self-pronounced king of everything and everyone always turns up his nose and thinks he’s unique. But you don’t stay behind.” “But it’s the truth, princess. And you’re very lucky you got this beauty.” “Not only this beauty, but also you.” “Oh, yay, I’m all yours, babe. Do whatever you want to me. I’ll get pleasure from anything.” “Aw, Daniel.” Anna kisses Daniel on the cheek with a wide smile and snuggles her nose in his neck, which she slightly tickles, making him laugh shyly. After this, the lovers keep standing on the edge of the abyss and watching the magnificent sunset with a shy smile. The man is still tightly hugging the girl from behind, while she is caressing his strong to feel arms, in which she feels absolutely safe. “Hey, we started talking about good girls, and I kinda wanna play a little…” Anna confesses with a mysterious smile, slowly walking in front of Daniel’s eyes and blinking her eyes playfully. “Wanna something interesting… To shake up…” “I can easily organize it,” Daniel shrugs with a shy smile, stroking his chin and looking at Anna from head to foot with interest. “Keep doing what I started and bring it to an end.” “Want me to choke with my emotions? I’ve got so many, but if you go far and keep driving me insane, I’ll hardly take it.” “If you wanna let your emotions out, do it to me.” Daniel throws his hands aside, spreading his shoulders and keeping his back perfectly straight. “I’d accept your caresses with pleasure. The caress of the beloved beauty that knows how to do nice things to me.” “Wait, my sweetheart, I’ll solve it with you.” Anna turns on Daniel with a mysterious smile. “As you started it, you will not get off me so easily.” “I will not get off you until I get what I want. Right now, I want to hug, kiss, and caress you as long as possible.” When Daniel wants to come to Anna, she steps back with a quiet chuckle and looks into his eyes with a flirty smile, shaking her head. “No, no, don’t rush, Perkins,” Anna teases on purpose, showing up her collarbones with a proud gaze and a slight smile, running her fingertips slowly over them and seeing Daniel swallow up nervously while his eyes are set on them, and his pupils are dilated. “You’ll have time to enjoy these moments.” “Decided to become a bad girl?” Daniel asks. “Don’t you wanna be a good girl?” “You can’t be the only one to be non-obedient and ask for a punishment.” “Oh, yeah, punish me! C’mon, beautiful!” Daniel sharply gives a start again. “Come to me…” When Daniel wants to come to her, Anna chuckles with a smug face and starts slowly stepping back from him backward, not moving her eyes off him and slightly shaking her hips. “And where did you go?” Daniel wonders. “Where did you go, I asked? Seymour!” “Try to catch me, pretty boy,” Anna smiles shyly, turning on Daniel, still going backward, wrapping a strand of her hair around her finger and keeping her back perfectly straight. “Try…” Anna turns with a flirty laugh and runs aside, while Daniel stops and looks at her with a sly smile, raising his head proudly raised. “Okay, as my girl wants to play, I give her a chance,” Daniel says confidently. “But you will not run away from me, cutie. I shall catch you!” When Daniel gives a start, Anna starts running aside with a shy smile and a quiet, contagious laugh. The man gets under the influence of it and starts to laugh and smile, not even thinking about problems and trouble. “I’m here, sweetheart!” Anna exclaims and shakes her head, so her loose hair raises up. “Here!” Anna runs away with a playful laugh again when Daniel almost catches her. The man does not hold down his chuckles and is going to catch his wonderful prize and caress her. He has been dreaming about it for a long time, just looking at the attractive body. The girl does not let him catch her, often makes sharp twists, and tries to deceive her sweetheart, so he does not have time to understand where to run. There is nobody in the place where the lovers are. And the territory is large enough – there is much space to run and start something like playing catch. But later, Daniel starts getting bored from trying to catch Anna unsuccessfully. So, he decides it’s time to end it and do his best to get the award he wants so badly. The man waits for a good moment, stops quietly, and waits for the girl to run up to him. Later, she shows up a few meters away from him and starts showing funny faces at him, but he does not react and just waits for his sweetheart to get closer to him. And when it happens, Perkins immediately runs to Seymour from behind and catches her, grabbing her by the waist with both arms. That’s why Anna makes a quiet squeak and automatically tries to resist. “Gotcha, beautiful!” Daniel purrs with a smug smile, running his nose over Anna’s cheek and playfully biting the curve of her neck, while one hand of his is tenderly caressing her belly. “Gotcha, my girl!” “It’s not honest!” Anna protests with a shy smile. “You should’ve caught me!” “Think I caught you.” Daniel snuggles his nose in Anna’s shoulder and leaves a couple of short kisses on the curve of her neck, breathing in the smell of her incredibly soft skin that drives him insane. “I wasn’t gonna run after you ‘till the evening and wait for you to get tired.” “Yeah, fighting with you is worthless ‘cause you’d win anyway.” “Glad you confess it.” Daniel softly turns Anna on himself and looks into her eyes confidently, while their faces get very close to each other, and the tips of their noses contact slightly. “Confess that I'll get what I want, no matter how hard you resist.” “Ha, you thought I’d let you feel me up after a few compliments and a couple of kisses on my neck?” Anna chuckles and slaps Daniel playfully on the nose with a finger. “No, honey! Maybe, someone agreed on anything for you two minutes later, but I will not give up so easily.” “Well, when a girl pretends to be hard-to-reach and makes you run, it’s much more interesting.” Daniel grabs Anna’s face in her hands and leaves a few short kisses on her lips with a big break. “But I think all guys like it…” “Maybe…” Anna puts her hands on Daniel’s shoulders, while his hands move to the curves of her slim waist. “You can feel like a hunter…” “I already feel like a hunter.” Daniel tenderly runs his fingertips over Anna’s back. “I dream of caressing one gorgeous lady that wakes up passion inside me. Makes my body shake ‘till my fingertips… Makes me think of her when she’s not near…” “A little bit before I get blushed.” “Just telling the truth.” Daniel gets Anna involved in a tender kiss on the lips, tightly squeezing her in his hug, pressing her to himself, and placing his hands on her back. The girl answers him back with pleasure, putting her arms around her sweetheart’s neck, running her fingers through his little rebel hair, and feeling that his heart misses a beat. A little later, when the man is adding some pressure and fire, she tenderly grabs his face and caresses his ears with the tip of her tongue and her lips. That’s why he smiles widely and answers his sweetheart with a dizzying caress of the soft feminine lips that he bites and pulls tenderly. Anna answers Daniel with pleasure and caresses his head, arms, shoulders, and neck, and makes quiet, sensual moans, entirely giving herself to an all-embracing ecstasy with a loud, heavy breath. But when Daniel starts covering her neck with kisses and tender bites, Anna’s whole body gets a strong shake, and she sighs sensually with closed eyes. The crazy beat of her heart echoes in her head, and her legs are getting weak, while the girl’s boyfriend is confidently caressing the lady’s body and seducing the red-haired beauty. “Gosh, Daniel…” Anna moans sensually with her eyes rolled from pleasure and snuggles her face in Daniel’s shoulder with a heavy breath, tightly wrapping his neck with both arms and slightly pulling his hair on the back of his head. “Gosh, I can’t… Gosh…” “I know, I know, I also feel freaking good,” Daniel purrs with a smug smile and leaves a few kisses on Anna’s neck. “I can’t get off you…” “You’re driving me crazy…” Anna smiles shyly and exhales quietly with closed eyes, sinking her nails into the nape of Daniel’s neck in passion. “M-m-m…” “My baby…” Daniel confidently moves his hands to Anna’s thighs and starts to caress her buttocks, running his lips over the curve of her neck. “You’re so incredible, girl… Just incredible…” “Oh, why do I love such a crazy guy?” Anna asks, running her warm hand over Daniel’s cheek and exhaling sensually when he leaves a couple of kisses on another curve of her neck. “Because you dreamed about it.” “Yeah…” Anna leans her head back when Daniel kisses the front of her neck and runs his half-open mouth over it. “Oh, shit… Perkins…” “You’ll feel much better if I go further and show you everything I can do,” Daniel says confidently, sliding to Anna’s collarbones, which he covers with short, tender kisses. “Is it not everything?” “No-o-o…” Daniel runs his hand over the curve of Anna’s waist and moves it to the girl’s breasts, which he squeezes tenderly. “It’s not everything… I can do much more…” “Oh, gosh…” “Don’t worry, cutie, you’re gonna love it. And you’ll see that you can’t find anyone better than me.” Daniel gets Anna involved in a continuous kiss on the lips again, still caressing her breasts with one hand, squeezing her buttocks with another hand, and running it over her thigh like a boss. The girl puts her hands on his back and scratches it slightly, pleasing the man’s ear with her sensual moans and waking up a stronger passion inside him with her tongue, with which she confidently caresses his mouth. Under the influence of the feelings, she can barely breathe, feels a tickle somewhere in her abdomen, and gets goosebumps every time the warm and soft hand of the strong man slides over any part of her relaxed body and caresses her. At some moment, Daniel moves his hand on the back of Anna’s head and caresses her head tenderly, while another hand holds her by the chin and inclines her head on different sides when he brings his face to the thin, long neck and generously covers it with exciting kisses. But when Perkins goes to her collarbones and breasts, on which he also wants to leave his kisses, Seymour puts her hand on his cheek and gives him a madly nice, dizzying kiss on the lips with a heavy breath. Then she sharply but softly steps back from the man with a sly smile on her face. The brunet being a little discouraged and breathing heavily looks at the girl surprisingly, who bites her lip slightly, while her playful, hungry gaze examines him from head to foot. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Daniel wonders. “You decided to torture me a little again?” “Maybe…” Anna pronounces in a low voice with a mysterious smile, wraps a strand of hair around her finger, and takes two steps back, shaking her hips slightly. “Maybe…” “C’mon, dolly, stop pretending to be hard to reach. Don’t you see how I’m burning and dying from a wish to caress and kiss you?” “You will wait, pretty boy…” Anna, looking into Daniel’s eyes, runs her hand slowly over his chest and does it again, but with both hands. “We don’t rush.” “You’re cruel. At first, you get me excited to madness, but then you don’t let me touch you with a finger.” “I ain’t gonna make all your wishes come true immediately.” “Don’t ask for trouble, Seymour,” Daniel advises in a low voice. “Otherwise, I won’t leave you alone until you give me what I want.” “Get cool, horse! Let’s better go to that river! That’s so beautiful! I wanna look at that!” Anna takes Daniel’s hand softly and starts leading him after her, while he has to obey his sweetheart. The green-eyed beauty keeps laughing kindly at times, smiling shyly, and looking at the man, who gets kind of excited because of the game of the girl. However, just like her. She gets pleasure from giving her boyfriend a little part of what he wants, and sees him literally eating her with his hungry gaze. Some time later, Anna leads Daniel to the river. Crystal-clean water is flowing in it, and the edges of it are framed with small natural rocks. There are many green plantings and much grass around, and this place looks incredible thanks to the amazingly beautiful sky colored with shades of red, yellow, and pink. After looking around, Anna lets Daniel’s hand go and comes closer to the water, while he keeps standing and watching his sweetheart. The green-eyed beauty squats down and runs her hand over the water’s surface. That’s why she sees a little ripple that disappears some time later. The girl does it two more times, cracking a smile, but then she gets up, glances at Daniel, and comes to him. “Why are you standing so dumbfounded?” Anna asks softly, caressing Daniel’s face with both hands. “Sweetheart… What’s wrong?” Anna puts her arms around Daniel’s neck, gets so close to him that the edges of their noses slightly contact and rub against one another, and leaves a short kiss on his lips. “You’re putting me under unbearable torture, beautiful,” Daniel replies in a low, velvety voice and hugs Anna tightly by the waist, putting her hands on her back and looking into her eyes. “Do you really like torturing me?” “I can ask you the same.” Anna runs her fingers through Daniel’s hair on the top of his head with a shy smile. “And I resent that you drive me crazy with your tortures.” “I give you pleasure, babe.” Daniel kisses Anna cutely on the cheek and runs his open mouth over it. “The pleasure that you deserve. That I wanna give you.” “Daniel…” “And yeah, you could also do some nice things to me…” Daniel purrs in Anna’s ear with a wide smile, grabs her earlobe tenderly, and kisses the area behind it. “Caress my gorgeous body…” “You may not take it if I start doing it.” “I’ll take anything, sweetheart,” Daniel whispers tenderly, touching Anna’s forehead with his forehead. “Everything…” “Really?” Anna gives Daniel a short kiss on the lips, tenderly grabs every one with her mouth, and pulls them slightly. “You know I can easily drive you crazy.” “Oh, yeah, do it.” Daniel grabs Anna’s chin with his mouth and kisses it tenderly. “Drive me crazy. I wanna some caress… The caress from the one, who knows how to give me pleasure.” “Are you so sure?” Anna smiles slyly and leaves a short kiss on Daniel’s lips, over which she tenderly runs her finger, setting her gaze on them and biting her lips slightly. “Sure?” “Yes… I…” Daniel makes a quiet moan when Anna shuts him up with a more continuous kiss on the lips, tightly holding his face. At first, she does everything tenderly and shyly, as if she is feeling the ground, but then she adds more fuel to the fire, gets loose, and actively uses her tongue and teeth. The man answers her back, holding her by the small of her back with one hand and slowly running another hand over her thighs. The actions of the beauty make him feel a slight dizziness and pump a lot of air into his lungs more often and much deeper. The moans full of enjoyment get out of his mouth, and his whole body shakes, gets tense, and instinctively presses himself to the girl, who knows all his weaknesses and can give him pleasure. All these feelings are getting stronger when Anna, holding Daniel’s cheek with a hand, confidently rubs his chest with a free hand and covers the curves of his neck with tender kisses with pleasure. The man makes quiet moans with closed eyes and tightly presses his sweetheart to himself in passion, running his fingers through her hair and squeezing it slightly. “Oh, damn, Anna, you’re imitable…” Daniel pronounces in a low, hoarse voice with his eyes rolled, breathing heavily and feeling that the heartbeat echoes in his head, while Anna keeps caressing his neck with her soft lips. “You drive me crazy…” “Wait, Perkins, when we reach home, I’ll show you everything I can do,” Anna promises with a sly smile in a low, velvet voice, while one hand of her gets underneath Daniel’s shirt and slides tenderly over his torso, giving special attention to his abdomen. “Because I’m a good girl, I will not go too far outside. But when we’re in our room, I’ll shake you up a little.” “I’ve always known you’re a bad girl deep inside.” “Maybe.” Anna looks into Daniel’s eyes with a slight smile, seeing that his pupils are widely dilated, his face is a little red, and his mouth is slightly open, and holding her arm wrapped around his neck. “There’s a handsome guy with magnificent eyes that makes me go crazy and become the one I’d hardly be at my wish.” “I just showed you what kind of pleasure you could feel if you met the right person, who knew how to provoke it.” “Hard to deny it.” Anna gives Daniel a cute kiss on the lips, holding his face, runs her hands slowly over the man’s tough chest and walks her fingers over it. “Hey, my mood suddenly got so playful… I wanna play and fool around…” “That’s how?” “I don’t kinda wanna be good. I wanna be bad.” “Haven’t you played enough when running away from me?” “It wasn’t enough…” “Aw, sweetie…” Daniel tenderly caresses Anna’s head. “You’re like a little baby that only wanna have fun and play the fool…” “You don’t?” Anna shakes her head with a sly smile and runs the fingers of her hands through Daniel’s hair. “You’re a kind of adult!” “Adult! I’ve been an adult, serious man for ages! The baby Dan grew up and stayed in the past.” “No, Daniel Perkins, it just seems to you… Sometimes you may not be serious and act like a little baby.” “It happens at times… But when I have to, I remember I’m no longer a boy.” “Nevertheless, I like your frivolity.” Anna runs her hands underneath Daniel’s shirt and slides over his torso, bending her back and spreading her shoulders. “And the fact that you’re a hooligan. An insolent, self-confident hooligan that is strong in all senses and always gets what he wants.” “Prefer bad boys?” Daniel smiles slyly, placing his hands on Anna’s hips. “I’ve lately often caught myself thinking about it.” “Good girls almost always like bad boys. And vice versa. Bad boys love good boys. As they say, opposites attract.” “That’s right,” Anna agrees with a slight smile. “But alongside that, I like those, who have a sense of humor. Those, who can cheer me up and make me smile. I think it’s one of the things that a person must have to be good, at least for me. Sadly, I was growing up in the surrounding where almost nobody joked. Though, I’ve always loved laughing at something funny.” “So, don’t you like bores?” “Yup, honestly… And I don’t get attracted to those, who are obsessed with their studies and books. There’s nothing to talk to them about but the studies.” “I don’t also like them. And I’ve never been close to those, who have an obsession with books and knowledge. Yes, studies are cool, but when you study too much, it’s not good.” “Couldn’t disagree.” “But I madly love adventurous girls. Who may be unexpected in a good sense. From whom you don’t know what to expect. With this type, every day would be full of adventures and surprises.” “You mean me?” “Of course, my princess, you,” Daniel replies softly, caressing Anna’s cheek and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Being with you never makes me bored. You can be different: sweet and shy, sassy and passionate… I never know what you wanna do, and I definitely like it. Like the fact that you aren’t an amoeba and do express emotions.” “Just because I was always shy and obedient doesn’t mean I was as quiet as water. As you know, I was kind of a rebel girl and didn’t obey my parents.” “I know. We would’ve hardly met if you’d spent all your time studying and obeying your parents, who didn’t wanna give you total freedom.” “And I believe I’m madly lucky to meet you,” Anna replies with a cute smile, tenderly caressing the nape of Daniel’s neck with her fingertips. “If not for the meeting at the club, I don’t know what I would've been doing. Probably, my parents made me do what I didn’t wanna and always reminded me that younger people don’t go against older people.” “Consider me a savior from boredom, who showed you what real pleasure was.” “That evening changed my life for the best. And I will never regret it. Never.” “Mine, too,” Daniel replies softly, running the back of his hand over Anna’s cheek. “It got much more colors, more happiness, and a stronger wish to live… I feel as happy as I’ve never been. Now I wanna go home as soon as possible, even if I didn’t wanna go there before. Because nobody waited for me there.” “I’ve probably never been as happy as I am now.” Anna puts her hands on Daniel’s chest, still looking into his eyes with a tender smile. “I am thanks to you, Daniel.” “You deserve only the best. And I’m trying to give you all of that so hard.” “You’ve done very much to me. I’ll never forget it, and I will always be grateful to you for the wonderful moments you give me. This time is the best in my life. Hangouts with my friends aren’t as incredible as the time I spend with my beloved man.” “Nice to know you appreciate the time we spend together. And I wanna thank you again for staying by my side, despite nothing. For making this time the best in my life.” “I’m trying, sweetheart,” Anna smiles shyly. “And maybe, we may sometimes argue and fight. But we both know we can’t avoid arguments ‘cause it’s a part of life. A part of what we can’t run away from.” “You’re right. But we don’t need to talk about what happened in the past. We should live in the present and look to our future. Don’t look back to the past. Time goes up, and we’ll get so much that’s gonna be much better than what we had before.” “Excellent words,” Daniel smiles slightly and tucks a strand of Anna’s hair behind her ear. Anna and Daniel look into each other’s eyes for some time with wide smiles on their faces. But then the girl tenderly caresses the man’s cheek, takes his hands, and kisses him cutely on the cheek, making her sweetheart smile shyly. Then she brings her face to his face slowly but confidently and gives him a tender kiss on the lips, to which he answers immediately. The green-eyed beauty caresses the man’s soft lips for a few seconds, but then she steps back and looks into his eyes with a playful smile, letting him know that this man can kiss her. Feeling it, Daniel softly grabs Anna’s face with both hands and barely touches her lips with his lips, getting her involved in a tender, little shy kiss. All this time, he tries to stay quiet and not to show sharpness and assertiveness, doing his best to help the girl relax. A few seconds later, Daniel and Anna break the kiss, but not the hug and eye contact. The man leaves a few tender but truly exciting kisses on the girl’s neck with a playful smile, or just runs his open mouth or the tip of his tongue over some places on it. It makes her smile much wider, make moans full of enjoyment, press herself closer to her boyfriend, greedily breathe in the air, and understand that her heart is beating much faster, and her body gets obsessed with a tormenting tension and a tender warmth. Daniel’s hands are caressing her head, face, arms, shoulders, and back. And when the emotions are getting stronger, they go down to her breasts, the curves of her waist, belly, thighs, and buttocks. No part of Anna’s body stays without attention. The green-eyed beauty drives her sweetheart insane with quiet sighs, feeling a hot wave and dizzy, and caresses the man’s body. Touching any part of it makes her shake and makes him moan in pleasure. But understanding they are not home and cannot go too far when anyone may come here at any time, Daniel and Anna give each other another continuous kiss on the lips and break it a few seconds later, looking into each other’s eyes full of gloss, happiness, and fire. Later, the young people break the hug, take each other’s hand, sharing an ogle gaze with each other, and start slowly walking across the river, forgetting all the bad things and feeling incredibly happy. But some time later, Anna and Daniel stop and look at each other with tender smiles, taking each other’s hands. After the man kisses her cutely on the cheek and rubs his hand against it, the girl glances at the little stones, with which the edge of the river is framed. At first, she comes closer to them, and then the man follows her and hugs the girl around the waist with a mysterious smile. “Don’t you wanna walk on these stones?” Daniel suggests. “What if I fall into the water and have to go home, being absolutely wet?” Anna wonders. “I will hold you not to let you fall.” “Well…” Anna bites her lip slightly, looking at all the stones. “I think… This idea isn’t so bad. We could try.” “Let’s go then.” When Anna comes closer to one of the stones, Daniel lifts the girl up, places her on it, making sure she is standing straight, and takes her hand tightly. Standing on the stone, the red-haired beauty can easily see the stunning views that she sees far from here. Although she is a little nervous because she may slip and fall into the water, the girl completely trusts her sweetheart, knowing that he would not let it happen. “C’mon, try,” Daniel encourages, holding Anna’s hand. “I’m holding you.” At first, Anna hesitates a little, but later, she, holding Daniel’s hand tightly, carefully starts stepping on the stones placed in one uneven line that follows the curve of the river. She raises a free hand on her shoulder’s level with the hope of keeping balance. The man often encourages her with a slight smile and follows her, making sure that she does not fall into the water and become wet. “Braver, sweetie, braver,” Daniel says confidently. “Go faster, don’t be afraid.” It seems like everything is doing well: Anna is stepping on the stones with quiet whoops and laughs, and Daniel is holding her hand and watching his sweetheart with a shy smile. At some moment, she gets busy with this thing and starts to walk more confidently, trying to keep her balance and sometimes looking at the man, who lets her know that he is with her. But then Anna slips on one stone and starts falling with a scared shout. Luckily, Daniel reacts just in time and immediately grabs the girl. Although the green-eyed beauty gets scared, she knew that her sweetheart would help her. And when the girl starts standing straightly again, she truly smiles at Daniel and says shyly: “Thank you…” “Always welcome,” Daniel replies with a slight smile. Anna keeps tenderly smiling at Daniel for a few seconds. And then she relaxes entirely and keeps going on the stones and doing it more confidently with the thought that she has wonderful support that would not let her fall into the water. But since the river reaches very, very far, one minute or two later, Anna understands she may walk like this until the evening and decides to go down. That’s what she lets Daniel know, slowly stopping on one of the stones. “So, that’s all?” Daniel asks. “Yup, got a little tired,” Anna nods. “Will you help me go down?” “No problem, my princess.” Daniel comes closer to the line of the stones, grabs Anna by the waist with one arm, and places another arm under her knees, while she puts her hand on his shoulder. A few moments later, the girl ends up in the man’s arms, who does not rush to place her on the ground after stepping back from the river. When he passes some distance, Daniel brings his face closer to Anna’s face and starts rubbing the tip of his nose against her nose, later sliding down to her cheek. That’s why the girl starts laughing shyly and smiling, tenderly caressing the man’s cheek, on which she leaves a few kisses, and gets the same answer from him. Anna hesitates for a few seconds and looks into Daniel’s eyes before she puts her hand on his cheek and gives him a tender, continuous kiss on the lips. The hazel-eyed brunet answers it with pleasure, tightly holding his sweetheart in his arms and not hiding his wide smile when she runs her lips over his forehead, eyes, cheeks, cheekbones, and chin. Later, he goes away at some distance, decides to place the girl on her feet, and holds her tightly to know she is standing straightly. While the girl teases him a little by leaving an exciting, long kiss on the curve of his neck, tenderly running the tip of her tongue over a small part of it and slightly biting it with her teeth. That’s why he, smiling shyly and breathing heavily and loudly, feels his body gets goosebumps, and his hands automatically move to her slim waist. But later, Anna rubs the tip of her nose against Daniel’s nose with a shy smile and looks into his eyes with a tender gaze full of warmth. Then the girl tightly hugs the man, placing her head on his shoulder, placing her hands on his back, and pressing herself close to his chest. She feels like a little but completely protected girl only in the arms of this man. He is the only one to give her such incredible warmth and unconditional trust. She would even trust him with her life without any doubt. Anna looks so relaxed and peaceful, while Daniel tenderly presses his girlfriend to himself, caresses the girl’s head, runs his hands over her back, and runs his fingers through her thick red hair. The green-eyed beauty puts on a smile when she hears his fast heartbeat and can feel it through her hand that she keeps on the man’s chest. And when he snuggles his nose in the curve of her neck, his hot breath on the thin, sensitive skin makes her shake slightly. Some time later, Anna steps back from Daniel, shares a shy smile with him, and gets the same one from him. Then the lovers decide to go back home, feeling that they got a little hungry. The man puts an arm around the girl’s neck and kisses her cutely on her temple. And she presses herself to him with pleasure, hugging him with one arm, putting a free hand on his tough chest, enjoying the nice warmth that his hot body spreads, and feeling like the happiest girl in the world. When they pass some distance, Daniel and Anna end up in the center of the lively city, where there are so many people. There are little traffic jams, in which cars, yellow taxis, and common transports spend time. Now it’s about six o'clock. It’s getting a little dark outside, but the sky is still somewhere blue, somewhere red, somewhere pink, and somewhere orange. The weather is warm enough, and the light, cold wind makes people smile. On the lively street, there are many high buildings, on which big posters, photos, animated announcements, and many other things are hanging and seen from afar. Someone is walking slowly with a purse, packet, or food or drinks in their hands and looking at everything they are passing by. Someone wants to go leave as soon as possible and rushes to do their business. Someone drives in the city on bikes, rollerblades, and skateboards. And someone is standing aside and watching what’s happening around them. Holding each other’s hand tightly, Anna and Daniel come to the crossroad that they should cross after it’s green. Fewer people want to do it along with them, and more fellows are coming every second. They come to the edge of the curb and are patiently waiting for the red for cars and the green for people. Meanwhile, the lovers look at all the buildings, posters and what’s happening around them with interest, share a tender gaze with each other and say a few words. And a few seconds later, the traffic light changes to green. The big crowd rushes to cross the road as soon as possible. Anna and Daniel react a little late, but also start crossing the road, not forgetting to look around in case a car shows up driving at a high speed. When they end up on another side of the street, the lovers keep going home, enjoying every second that they spend together and having the pleasure of walking in the center of the city, where they can see so many beautiful things. “There are so many people today…” Anna notices thoughtfully. “Huh, honey?” “What’s surprising?” Daniel pronounces. “It’s about six hours… I think many people are going home from work. So, that’s why there are traffic jams on the roads.” “Honestly, I’m still not used to living in a city where so many people live. Because everything was different in the city where I spent my childhood…” “Was it so small?” “Fewer people lived there. And the neighborhood where I lived was so small… Someone had cheap houses or small apartments, and someone was much luckier and lived in bigger apartments. There were two schools in that neighborhood. One was close, and another was literally on another end of the city. But reaching it was easy ‘cause there were problems with buses that never arrived in time and were always crushed.” “Wanna say that was the place for poor people?” “No, not quiet. Not only poor people lived there. We could meet provided fellows. For example, Natalia’s parents. They had lived in that city for a long time before they decided that they’d have more opportunities in New York. I mean, they often went here for their business, but they later decided it would be great if the family left Kingston.” “Wow…” Daniel frowns slightly and thinks for two seconds. “I always thought provided people lived in large cities.” “Not everyone, my dear. Although my parents were also provided, they moved to New York only when I decided to go to the university in this city. Though, before, Father and Mother came here for their business.” “Hey, weren’t there universities in that city?” “There was one. Many guys studied there, but I didn’t wanna go there ‘cause they didn’t have the faculty that I decided to study on.” “And what kind of faculty did you study?” “A theatrical one. I always liked everything about theater, acting, or something like that. So, I decided to go to this faculty. I studied well, never failed an exam… The professors always praised me… And I eventually graduated from it with good results.” “A long time ago?” “When Raquelle and Terrence just met, I was in my last year and rarely spoke to the girls ‘cause I was getting ready for the exams. But on the day of getting diplomas, Natalia and Raquelle came to support me.” “And your parents?” “No, they didn’t come. Not because they didn’t want to, but because they left somewhere for their work.” “I believe they approved your decision to go to the theatrical faculty.” “They didn’t mind and really approved my choice. Mother was especially happy ‘cause she always loved theater, ballet, classical music, and something like that… And she tried to give this love to me…” “Taught to play piano and sing?” “Yup, girls usually go to the ballet at a very early age, literally since babyhood… I went out of the age when Mother suddenly decided to give me to a ballet school. Of course, she got upset that I wouldn’t become a ballerina, but later she decided to focus on piano and vocal lessons and started to teach me. But as you know, I’ve always loved singing more than playing piano.” “Didn’t they send you to a theater club?” “Theatre – no. But I learned much when studying at the university. I was in a big group, and we learned the theory and often played some scenes. Of course, we started with short and little boring ones, but when we got experience, we started to act in more interesting ones. We often performed for the whole university, and my vocal lessons were good for me, ‘cause they sometimes asked me to sing something.” “Were you scared?” “Not quite. Yes, my knees were shaking from fear of the public at first. But later, I got used to it and became more confident.” “I see that you got pleasure from the studies.” “Right, I went to the university with pleasure. But now I understand it’s not very interesting and seems boring. Though, I actually had no choice ‘cause I’ve always been good at creative: music, dances, acting… I could hardly be successful at something else.” “Didn’t it to do with your relationship with your parents?” “Maybe, partly. Of course, I showed my character and could do something against my parents, but I didn’t do it openly. But after graduating from the university, they decided to think about my life and make it what they wanted to see. Of course, they didn’t make me work. But I wasn’t allowed to pick up a partner for life. They wanted my husband to be someone from their circles. They dreamed of me giving birth to at least one grandchild shortly after the wedding. They wanted to plan my whole life.” “That’s good you knew the one they chose as your fiancé.” “Yeah, but I’ve said I considered him a good friend or brother. I’d never love that guy, no matter how kind, sweet and decent he is.” “I understand why you agreed to run away from them.” “Just always wanted to be independent and decide what to do. My parents can’t choose my life for me. Of course, I’m grateful to them for everything they gave me, but now I wanna live by myself. I wanna choose my husband, decide when to give birth to a child, whether I want to work, and everything… It’s my life, and I have a right to make it what I want.” “I absolutely agree with you, beautiful. You are not a child and can choose what to do. Your parents gave you everything you needed, and now you become the only one to choose your way.” “I’ve already chosen my way and will not regret it,” Anna smiles shyly. “I chose the man, who I wanted to be with. The place where I want to live. The life that I’m happy with. I aimed for it all my life and got what I wanted.” “That’s why you’ve always been a rebel deep inside,” Daniel laughs quietly, hugging Anna around the shoulders. “Not every girl – and even boy – could go against their parents’ will to live as they want.” “Maybe, I would’ve run away when I was a teenager if I’d met a boy, with who I wanted to live. I only needed to find the courage. To know I had a place to run. I couldn’t run so easily. Wander around like a homeless girl, get through trash cans to find food, and sleep on the dirty asphalt…” “I get it.” “But I recently got a chance to change something in my life. Stop letting someone decide everything for me and thinking I’d be happy to live the way they want. I’m a human! I do have a right to show my feelings and say ‘no’ if I don’t want something.” “You mean me?” Daniel smiles mysteriously, looking at Anna tenderly. “Of course, you, pretty boy.” Anna kisses Daniel on the cheek with a shy smile. “You did play a major role in my life and made it a thousand times better. I’ll never forget that and will always be grateful to you.” “But I wanna notice that it was your decision. I just offered you help and a chance to have a home.” “I would’ve been an idiot if I’d refused to move into the house of the one, who I barely knew badly, but with whom I felt madly good.” “Aw, my love…” Daniel kisses Anna cutely on her temple and presses her closer to himself, while she puts her arms around his waist and closes her eyes for a second, feeling as happy and beloved as never ever. The lovers keep slowly walking in the center of the city to the right place for some time, but later, a man, who is somewhere close, loudly calls not the two but the green-eyed girl: “Anna?!” Anna opens her eyes widely when she hears her name and turns on the sound. A few moments later, Daniel does the same. The girl gets sharply white when she sees a tall, middle-aged man. He has the same height as her boyfriend. He is wearing a gray suit and a dark blue shirt. His dark brown hair is very short, and his light stubble looks well-groomed. Thanks to some features, he has a resemblance to the red-haired girl, who quickly realizes that she definitely knows that man. “Father?” Anna pronounces hesitantly, setting her widely open eyes on the unfamiliar man and starting to breathe heavily. “What?” Daniel gets nervous. “Father?” “God, not this… Not this… Please…” “Damn, is that really your father?” “Yup, that’s him…” Anna confirms quietly, closing her half-open mouth with a hand for two seconds. “My gosh…” Daniel pronounces excitedly. “Daniel, if my eyes don’t lie to me, kill me, please. If my father comes to us now, do something to me…” “No, no, don’t even dare to think about it,” Daniel jabs and caresses Anna’s back softly. “It’s okay, sweetie, calm down, please.” “No, please, God, only not now…” Anna shakes her head, understanding that she starts shaking. “Not now… Please, may he leave… I’m not ready to see him! I don’t want it! No…” But no matter how hard Anna prays to God, the unfamiliar man confidently comes to the girl and Daniel, who steps back from her and just stands next to her, looking at his sweetheart’s father tensely and pulling the sleeves of his coat nervously. The girl gets horrified by thinking of what might happen now and cannot move, scarily looking at the man, who comes to her and looks at her gloomily for two seconds. “So, hello, Anna,” the man pronounces quietly but coldly. “Hello, Father,” Anna greets quietly, slowly moving her eyes down. “I… Didn’t know I’d meet you…” “I did not also think I would meet you…” the stranger falls into silence for a second. “Someday.” “Erm…” “You want to say nothing to me? Huh, daughter? Maybe, you can find an explanation for your bad actions?” “I don’t…” Anna pronounces, being confused. “Do not mumble! Speak loudly and clearly! What did you the hell do? What is it called?” “I did nothing bad!” “Nothing bad?” the stranger wonders. “Is that fine that you drove me and your mother crazy? We knew nothing about you for a few months!” “Dad, I want…” “Listen, Anna, I know you are an adult girl and could live alone,” the man replies much quieter, exhaling sharply. “But you acted disgustingly! How could you do that to me and your mother? Leave home and disappear for a few months!” “I can explain it…” “Do you understand what we felt when we came back home and found out that you were not home? We fretted and fumed because the police refused to help us, saying you left home at your wish and stopped being a child! They advised us to leave you the hell alone!” “Erm…” Anna pronounces, while her eyes are scarily looking at the man, who is definitely mad. “We were ready to destroy the whole police station to hell and demand that they start the searches! To get you back home!” “But I didn’t disappear at all!” Anna says hesitantly, throwing her hands up. “I left a note for you and Mother, in which I explained everything and apologized for doing that.” “Huh, she left a note!” the stranger hums, rolling his eyes. “You had no right to do such a disgusting thing!” “I understand your anxiety, but…” “Don’t you care that we were restless and thought of what we were afraid to think about? Our business got worse because we could not focus on them and always thought of you. About where you were. But a few months later, you show up and quietly walk into the city as if you don’t have a father and mother, who pulled their hair out!” “Listen, Dad, I…” Anna pronounces hesitantly, looking quite scared and fingering over nervously. “So, you got ashamed? Ashamed of making Lilian and me nervous! Turning off your phone and not answering our calls and messages!” “I changed my number after I left home.” “Ah, I got it! So, we don’t find you! Your father and mother don’t call you all day long and tell you to go home shortly!” “Dad…” Anna pronounces with pity in her eyes. “You went loose, Anna. You often went against the will of older people and did not obey those, who knew what was better for you. But now you got arrogant!” “Don’t say it, please…” “It’s because you’ve always spoken to bad people. You refused to spend time with those, with whom you must have spoken. Instead, you chose the people, who had a bad influence on you. For example, Raquelle Cameron and Natalia Rochester. They have probably always been the headache of their parents, and they decided to make the daughter of Lilian and me worse.” “My friends are very good! I’ve always felt wonderful in their company. I feel myself only with Raquelle and Natalia. It’s always been interesting and funny to be with them.” “Those girls would not teach you anything good you should know and do.” “You say what my mother, grandmothers, and grandparents made you think. None of you have ever spoken to them, and you don’t know what they are! You’re irritated because I communicate with those, who I do like. I don’t wanna spend time with those, who I feel absolutely bored with.” “If you spoke with cultural people from a good sociality, you would say different things. But you have been attracted to those, who cannot be compared with you, since childhood.” “Wake up, Dad, please! Stop thinking of what you’re made to think! You just need to talk to my friends to understand how deeply you and Mother are wrong. You’re too dependent on the influence of Grandmothers and Grandchildren!” “You are too dependent on the influence of your friends!” the stranger moves his gloomy gaze to Daniel, who feels that the freeze gets over his skin. “Did this young man wash your brains, as well? Did you mess up with another person from a bad company?” “Don’t hurt him, Father!” Anna exclaims confidently. “He’s as good as all my friends, who you and Mother don’t like!” “Yeah, good…” the stranger blunts and looks at the excited Daniel from head to foot. “Here’s another one to blame for making my daughter nobody knows what.” “God, why are all the people, who I’ve ever spoken with, bad for you and Mother? Why are only those, who are daughters and sons of your friends, good? Maybe, they are much worse than those I chose as my friends! Maybe, your familiar people blow smoke and make an image of wonderful, perfectly educated people for their children!” “May this man try to prove that he deserves to speak to you,” the stranger says coldly. “Come on, young man! Let me introduce myself if we met. I am Maximilian Seymour, the father of this girl that went loose.” Daniel nods but says nothing because he does not want to make the tense situation worse and is afraid to say something bad. However, Maximilian does not like it and looks at the brunet getting sharply pale from fear much gloomier, crossing his arms over his chest. “So, say something?” Maximilian asks coldly. “Huh, young man? I am addressing you! Are you deaf? Or lack brains?” “Father, please, stop!” Anna begs with pity in her eyes. “Stop being silent and blinking your eyes scarily!” Maximilian yells irritably. “Speak now, what did you do to my daughter? You and your friends made her leave home and let us know nothing about her for a few months?” “He is guilty of nothing! I wanted to leave home! Nobody kidnapped me and held me anywhere by force! The decision to leave home was only mine! Mine and nobody else!” “Alright, then be pleased to explain your disgusting behavior and tell me how your friends are connected with your runaway.” “I left because I got sick of living by the rules of you and my mother. I don’t want to live with what I don’t like. What makes me feel disgust, boredom, hate, and other negative emotions. I always dreamed of being independent and doing what I wanted. I have the right to choose my way and decide where to live, who to live with, who to marry, and from whom to give birth.” “You will have a wonderful life if you marry Ryan Potter. His father is very provided and has many good, familiar people and friends. And the guy himself is well-educated and able to provide for you and your future children.” “Forget it, Father, I will never marry Ryan and especially Julian. I’ve always treated Ryan well, but his brother has always scared me and seemed very cold, cruel, and horrible. I don’t want to live with a good man that I don’t love the one, who makes me feel a terrible freeze on my body.” “Anna!” Maximilian throws coldly. “Now I will be standing up for my opinion and right to choose. I didn’t have enough courage to go against your will, but now I understand I can’t live like this anymore. I’ll always be grateful to you and Mother for everything you’ve given me. But now I want to live by myself and choose my life.” “You want to disappoint your mother and me?” “Do you really think a human may have no right to their wishes? Do you think that by marrying me off the one you two like, you would make me happy? No, Dad, I will never be happy!” “Older people know what you need better.” “I don’t want to get you and Mother upset. But you’ve gotta accept that I’m not a baby anymore and can decide what to do.” “Don’t you want to live a provided life with the one, who would give you everything? The Potters have money and good contacts. Being Ryan’s wife, you will be able to live well and give my grandchildren everything.” “I’d rather live in poverty with my beloved man than live with a lot of money with the one I don’t love and want to see. No money and children will hold me near to the one I don’t love. I shall go to divorce early or late. I have nothing against Ryan, and I treat him well. But he’s just my friend. I will never love that man. But I want to be with the one to be not just my friend but something much closer.” “Stupid things! You’d complain to your kind of beloved poor man that you’ve got nothing to eat and wear.” “Happiness is not money, Dad. Happiness is when you’ve got a beloved person by your side. As they say, with sweet heaven in a tent.” Maximilian says nothing and moves his gloomy gaze aside, calming down a little and thinking about something seriously. “If you and Mother hadn’t insisted upon my wedding and tried to decide everything for me, I wouldn’t have left home,” Anna replies quietly. “Everything would’ve been fine if you’d supported me and approved my wish to live on my own.” “You really want it?” Maximilian asks quietly. “Really want. I dreamed about it since childhood. I thought I’d grow up and find a way to break free and make my life what I wanted to see it. And I did it when I got a wonderful chance.” “Would you be happy?” “Yes, Father, I’d do. I always looked at you and Mother and understood that I didn’t want the same life. When your grandmothers and grandfathers decided to get you married, they didn’t care if you loved each other. They wanted to get benefit from your marriage, becoming a family, and starting some joint matters. They got what they wanted, and you and Mother got something good. But did you find happiness? Do you love each other so much that you feel bad apart? You’d love to see each other every day and stay together for hours? It never happened! I never saw a strong love of you and Mother. You were always something like business partners. And I’ve never understood how you could live like that. Someone set up these crazy rules in our family, and older people have been choosing husbands and wives for their children. That’s wrong, Father! We’re living in the modern world! A human must choose whom to love and with whom to be.” “Yeah…” Maximilian falls into silence for two seconds. “You’re right… Absolutely right…” “I don’t care about a benefit or a wish to please older people, who don’t always do what would be better for everybody. I care about love and care. That I could only get from the one, to whom my heart belongs. And I’ve already found the man, who perfectly fits me.” “You see, Anna…” Maximilian pronounces thoughtfully, keeping his hand on the collar of his shirt. “There’s something… Since you started a talk about me and Lilian… I want to tell you something that has to do with me and your mother. I must say it.” “Sorry, Dad, but I don’t wanna come back home,” Anna says confidently. “And I will not be back. I like the life I’m living now. I want to change nothing and to live where I’m living now.” “No, no, honey, the problem is not about it,” Maximilian shakes his head. “Yes, at first, we really wanted to find you and bring you back home. As you heard, the police refused to help you because you left at your wish and weren’t a child anymore. But now it’s been put in second place.” “But what do you want to say?” “You see, your mother and I had some problems that we had had to run into over the past six months.” “Work issues?” “We had some serious ones. But luckily, we solved them. However, I want to say something different.” Maximilian nervously pulls a sleeve of his jacket. “You see, daughter, alongside the work issues, your mother and I got problems in our personal life. We started to have many fights, and we felt that it was hard for us to be together. Every day could not end without loud scandals because of little things.” “As if you never fought before.” “Yes, but at some moment, everything went so far that we eventually made a decision that would be the best one for us.” Maximilian falls into silence for two seconds, looking a little tense. “I… It’s hard for me to say it, but I should…” Maximilian exhales sharply before he says with sadness in his eyes: “So, your mother and I are divorcing… I mean, we’ve already filled in all the documents. And now our lawyers are working on the divorce processing and consulting us about all questions.” Anna says nothing for two seconds and moves her sad gaze down. “Divorcing?” Anna asks quietly, looking at Maximilian hesitantly. “Yes, Anna, I’m very sorry it happened,” Maximilian replies with regret. “But since we met, you should know that your mother and father aren’t living together anymore.” “And…” Anna bites her lip slightly. “How long ago did you fill?” “Recently. And I left the apartment, in which Lilian and I lived, much earlier. Now I’m living in a small apartment that I bought after we started to think of divorce. Your mother also found a different housing. And we decided to sell our old apartment. And share the money with each other.” “So, divorce…” Anna pronounces thoughtfully. “Sorry, but you said we never had a love for each other. It’s the truth! We’ve always had a relationship of colleagues. Lilian and I have always been colleagues, who get on well. But we never managed to be wife and husband. Our marriage existed only because of my parents and your mother’s parents. They wanted us to live together. But now, living together doesn’t make sense. Your grandfathers and grandmothers died, and you grew up and would hardly think our divorce is a tragedy.” “You’re right. I’m not upset. It would’ve happened early or late.” “But it doesn’t mean we’d stop speaking. No, your mother and I kept an amicable relationship and reconciled after all our arguments. Even after our divorce, we will keep working together. And the divorce is gonna be quick and harmless. We will not sue for the joint property and fight for your custody because you are of legal age. Lilian and I agreed about everything kindly and decided what every one of us would take. We should only wait for some time to get the document that would confirm our divorce.” “Are you sure you’d be able to work together?” “Of course, we are. We were terrible spouses, but we could be called good colleagues. Moreover, no matter how it all is doing, we aren’t strangers. And we’re connected by you, our daughter, who we love very much.” “I also love you and Mother very much, despite nothing,” Anna smiles shyly, even if she does not believe her father’s words. “Grateful to you for everything you’ve done for me. I’d never dare to say you were terrible parents.” “Maybe, we really made some mistakes and should’ve done something different.” “Just let me do what I want, and everything will be fine.” “Well, if you want to live on your own and are sure you can do it, it’s okay,” Maximilian replies softly. “I don’t mind your choice.” “Really, don’t you mind?” “I’m gonna say more, I’m proud of you. Proud that you had the courage to go against the older people and start to live as you wanted. Yes, it’s bad when someone goes against older people and argues with them. But sometimes it would be better if someone did what they wanted. In this case, that’s good you want to be independent.” “Will you not marry me off to Ryan by force?” “No, I will not insist. And to be honest, your mother and her parents wanted it much more. They were more powerful than my father and mother and me. Yes, our word meant something, but we just supported the idea to marry you off to the member of the Potters.” “But why was it the Potters?” “A business, my sunshine. By becoming a family, we could work on joint projects and get greater success and earn two times more.” “It’s amazing that you didn’t make me work with you.” “It’s true, but your grandfather on the mother often said he would’ve been happy if you’d worked with all of us. But in this case, nobody insisted. Nobody even made Lilian work. She started to do that at her wish. Women in our families didn’t have to work. But men had to. Father was getting me ready for this job literally since childhood and made sure that I was doing everything right.” “I see…” “And I must confess that I didn’t want to marry your mother. Lilian is a wonderful woman, but I’ve never been attracted to her as a beloved lady. I’ve always considered her my colleague and the mother of my daughter. Believe me, I could marry the one that I really loved, but I had to obey my parents and marry your mother.” “But why didn’t you go against your parents’ will?” Anna wonders. “It was okay if my mother resisted it. She always listened to them. But you could protest! Because… Men often go against the will of mothers and fathers…” “Ah, honey…” Maximilian sighs quietly. “Honestly, I’ve never had a tough character… So to say, I’m quite a soft man… Of course, it doesn’t mean I’m ready to bend under someone, and I've always been weak. Sometimes I had the wish to do what I wanted, but my parents had too strong an influence on me and could make me do anything with one gaze. But later, I was becoming more independent and started to understand that I made a mistake when I let my parents choose my fate.” “I think you can live as you want now. Because… There is nobody that could impact you.” “No, Anna, my time is gone. I can’t go back and fix what’s over. But if I chose my life, it would be absolutely different.” Maximilian falls into silence for two seconds and looks at Anna with sadness in his eyes. “So, I’m asking you not to make the mistakes that your mother and I made. It’s your life, and you can decide what to do. Now I understand it well.” “No, I will not change my mind,” Anna promises confidently. “I’ve been living the life of my dream for a few months and don’t regret it.” “And if you’re happy, I am happy, too,” Maximilian smiles shyly. “And Mother? Will she approve my choice?” “I think she has the same opinion as mine. We will no longer insist on anything or meddle in your life. Of course, we will help if you need it. But I promise that we will decide nothing for you. Everything will happen as you want.” “Thanks a lot, Dad,” Anna smiles shyly. “I’m glad to hear it.” “Ah, yeah… Although you’re living in another place, I would like to see you often. I don’t want you to disappear nobody knows where and make Lilian and me worried. I missed you and wanted to see you so badly.” “I missed you, too. And I’d be glad if we often met and talked on the phone.” “It will happen, my sunshine. Just promise that you will no longer do what will make me and your mother worried and shocked.” “I promise, Dad. I will not do.” Maximilian smiles much wider, and Anna comes to him a little hesitantly and takes him in a touching hug, exhaling with great relief and smiling widely. Her father accepts it with pleasure and presses his daughter to himself, being madly happy to see her. Daniel is standing aside quietly and smiling slightly, as he watches the scene he sees and feels truly happy for Anna. He exhales with relief because the parents of his girlfriend found her and, as Maximilian promised, will no longer force their daughter to do something. A few seconds later, Anna steps back from Maximilian and looks at him with a slight smile on her face. Then the man glances at Daniel, who has said nothing yet. “By the way, honey, who is this young man?” Maximilian asks. “Is it your friend?” “No, Daddy,” Anna smiles shyly and glances at Daniel. “He’s more than just a friend.” “More?” Maximilian rounds his eyes. “So, who is he, then?” Anna bites her lip slightly and hesitates for two seconds before she confesses: “It’s my boyfriend.” “Boyfriend?” “Yup, we’ve been dating for five months.” “Five months?” Maximilian frowns slightly. “Wait, Anna… Isn’t this the young man, who you met somewhere? I remember how you told your mother about that guy, and she was not happy with it.” “Yup, that’s him,” Anna replies quietly. “That’s how…” Maximilian thinks for two seconds, stroking his chin and looking at Daniel closely. “So, here’s the one you met on that day…” “That was really me,” Daniel says a little hesitantly for the first time in a while. “I got it… Erm… Excuse me, could you introduce yourself? Since we met, it would be great to acquaint.” “Sure… My name is Daniel. Daniel Perkins.” “Nice to meet you, Mr. Perkins.” Maximilian shakes Daniel by the hand, being quite amicable. “Well, if you misheard, my name is Maximilian Seymour.” “I remember,” Daniel says amicably. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Seymour.” “Forgive me for being rude to you when I just saw you,” Maximilian apologizes with regret. “It was a bad act of mine.” “It’s alright, do not worry.” “Do not get me wrong. I have never minded you so categorically. I just… When I saw Anna, I just got obsessed with emotions, because of which I couldn’t control myself.” “I understand everything, sir. No hurts.” “Anyway, I ask you to forgive me again.” Daniel nods, not forgetting about a gentle smile and being a little nervous because of this unexpected meeting with the parent of his girlfriend, for which he was not ready. “Anna, tell me, please, where did you go after you left home?” Maximilian asks. “Where are you living now?” “With Daniel,” Anna replies a little hesitantly. “At his place.” “So, are you living together?” “Yes. Somehow, Daniel offered me his help and said he’d be happy if I lived in his house. At first, I refused because I felt uncomfortable, but later, I accepted his offer.” “But I originally offered help as a friend,” Daniel specifies. “At that time, we did not date yet. Just got on well.” “Alright…” Maximilian pronounces thoughtfully. “And had you lived alone before?” “Yes, I had lived alone before Anna moved to my house.” “And did nobody live with you?” “No, Anna is the first girl that started to live with me. All my ex-girlfriends did not live with me. They could spend a night, but then they went home.” “I see…” “I told Anna I would be happy to accept her at his home because I lived all alone. Even if my friends had visited me to talk or watch a movie, your daughter wouldn’t have bothered us.” “Are your friends decent?” “Come on! All my friends are wonderful people. They always help me with something, and I do not refuse and do something if I can. For example, one friend of mine got into a bad situation, and I suggested he live with me for some time. Why should he have paid for a hotel when he could live at my house?” “Aren’t your friends connected with bad companies?” “Not at all. Do not worry, I don’t have bad people in my friend list. I stuck bad people out of my life a long time ago. Moreover, I am a part of the music band along with two of them.” “Oh! You have a band?” “Yes, but we are not so famous and are just starting to gain popularity. At first, I was in the band with my friend and one girl, but then another man joined us. And later, the men and I decided to start our band.” “Are you playing for fun?” “First, we played for fun and didn’t think of success. But then we decided to try to get famous. Working in the first band gave us a lot of money. But after leaving it, we lost our basic income and should have done something. We did not think we would make our band famous and earn millions on albums and shows. But we could not leave our hobby for music. And… We got lucky… We got noticed…” “Great…” “Haven’t you heard of the band ‘Against The System?’” Anna wonders. “Daniel is a member of that band. He plays bass guitar and sings.” “Sorry, Anna, but I do not follow the world of music because I don’t care about it,” Maximilian shakes his head. “You don’t better ask me about the latest rumors of the show business.” “Sorry…” Anna glances down. “A man, who used to be a famous actor is also a part of that band.” “A former actor?” “He’s still an actor,” Daniel specifies. “But music is more important to him. When he got a chance to get famous in the music world, he put his acting career in second place and is giving his everything to music.” “So, I believe you have reached much. If he is an actor, he has fans, contacts, and money.” “Well, how to say…” Daniel pronounces thoughtfully, exhaling slowly. “I think there is a part of the truth about your words.” “So, is not the truth?” “Dad, maybe, you go to our home, so we talk about everything?” Anna suggests. “You can come to us at any time. I will give you the address of the house where Daniel is living and my new mobile number.” “You know…” Maximilian pronounces thoughtfully. “I would not mind doing it right now. I want to talk to you, Anna, and your boyfriend. Get to know him better and ask about the main things.” “Right now?” Anna rounds her eyes. “Yes,” Maximilian glances at Daniel. “Mr. Perkins, will you not mind if I visit you?” “No, no, not at all,” Daniel replies gently. “We will accept you with pleasure.” “Excellent! Did you come in your car?” “Today, Anna and I decided to walk on our feet. I decided to show her some beautiful places. I was a little busy with my problems and did not give your daughter enough attention.” “And how far do we have to go to your home?” “About ten or fifteen minutes straightly. Of course, a way on your feet would take more time, but no more than half an hour.” “Great. In this case, I’m suggesting you go in my car.” “Okay, we agree,” Anna shrugs with a shy smile. “Forgive me for insisting that you accept me at your home,” Maximilian apologizes hesitantly. “I just want to solve this problem quickly and say if this man fits you.” “It’s alright, we understand it,” Daniel replies quietly and looks at Anna, who nods confidently. “Yes, Dad, we agree,” Anna smiles shyly. “Then, I’m asking you to follow me,” Maximilian replies and turns around slowly. “Just call me the address of the house, so I can get directions.” Anna, Daniel, and Maximilian go straight for some time before they come to a big parking lot and come to the expensive, almost new silver jeep. While Mr. Seymour is going ahead, the lovers are following him, holding each other’s hands and looking at each other a little hesitantly. Later, Maximilian gets into the driver’s seat, and the lovers prefer getting in the backseat. By the way, Daniel shows himself as a gentleman, helping Anna get into the car first. Maximilian really appreciates this gesture, judging by his slight smile, but he says nothing aloud. Then Mr. Seymour asks for the right address, and Daniel calls it, nervously fingering over and starting to pull a sleeve of his coat. Anna’s father quickly chooses the way in the navigator, pressing some buttons. And then the man starts the motor, leaves the parking lot, and reaches the road, on which he goes without problems. Fifteen or twenty minutes later, Maximilian, Anna, and Daniel arrive at the house. The man is not worried that the father of his beloved girl might not like his place because it’s stunning. A big pool, a garage, a couple of lots for cars, the well-kept territory… There is nothing to find fault with! After Maximilian leaves the car in a special place, he turns off the motor and wants to leave. Next, Anna and Daniel leave, and the man shows the best side of himself again and helps the girl leave the car, holding her hand. Seeing that her father gets busy looking at the house that he really likes, Anna calls him with a gesture, and he does it, still examining everything he sees. Although the lovers feel a little awkward, they completely understand that they try to be gentle, sweet, and amicable to keep dating without fearing that their relationship may be broken. However, everything is doing well so far, and Mr. Seymour is amicable enough and even smiles slightly at times. Anna and Daniel bring Maximilian to the house and enter it after the man opens the hall door with a key. The three take off their outside clothes and leave them on the sofa in the living room. Maximilian keeps looking around much more carefully, believing that his daughter’s boyfriend could provide her with everything. To the happiness of the lovers, it’s absolutely clean in the living room, and there is the incredible smell of the food that they ate for lunch. “Does someone want to drink coffee or tea?” Anna asks gently. “Dad, give you something?” “I’d drink coffee,” Maximilian replies amicably. “Alright, I will do it. And you feel like home. Daniel will show and tell you everything.” While Anna goes to the kitchen to make coffee, Daniel and Maximilian stay in the living room and say nothing for a few seconds. “Erm, why are we standing?” Daniel breaks the silence hesitantly and points his little shaking hand at the sofa. “Sit down, please.” Maximilian sits on the edge of the sofa. And then Daniel does the same, trying to be as shy as possible and pulling a sleeve of his shirt with the hope of calming himself down a little. “So, while my daughter is not here, we will talk a little,” Maximilian says quietly. “I want to know more about you and understand if you can make my daughter happy. Of course, I will have to get to know you better, but I think the first impression about you will help me understand who you are.” “Yes, sure,” Daniel pronounces gently. “You can ask me anything. I will answer all your questions.” “Alright. Well, first, I would just like to know how you met my daughter. How you were getting to know each other, when you decided to start dating and something like that.” “Well… Anna and I met at a dance club, where she came with her friend, Natalia. I came there alone to relax a little and went to the hall at some moment. And then I ran into Anna accidentally. She showed up suddenly, and I did not react and step aside in time. Of course, I apologized and said I did not see her. She said she did not see me and apologized, as well. Well… And then we had a talk, introduced ourselves, and shared our numbers. Promised to meet again. Then Anna went to her friend, and I went home.” “I hope she did not drink alcohol drinks there.” “No, come on! Anna does not like alcohol. She may only drink a glass of champagne at a special event. Someone’s birthday, for example.” “And do you often drink alcohol?” “I may drink a glass of something strong for special events or at meetings with my friends, but I never drink too much. I try to remember my limit.” “Alright…” Maximilian pronounces thoughtfully. “And I’m glad my daughter knows the limit, too. Lilian, her mother, and I live a healthy life: not drinking, not smoking, and trying to eat fine food. We do not like something like fast food and tried to give that love to Anna.” “I noticed. She has never eaten bad food, but her menu has always been varied. And Anna cooks so well that I have the pleasure to eat all of that.” “Her mother taught her. We think a woman does not have to stay in the kitchen all day long and feed her husband and children, but she must know how to cook something. Even if she can cook two or three dishes, it will be very good.” “I’m always delighted by what Anna cooks,” Daniel smiles shyly. “Honesty, I cook horribly. I mean, I cannot actually do it. My friends often laugh at me because of that. And they are surprised that I have not burned my house down.” “I understand,” Maximilian laughs shyly. “I think I’m very lucky to have Anna. She’s a very gentle, shy, and decent girl, who always acts worthily and knows the limits. Being with her never makes me feel bored. She can talk about anything. You know, there are some stupid girls that cannot keep a talk and can only talk about clothes, hair, cosmetics, and something like that. Anna is not like them. She can tell something very well: even if I do not care about something, she can tell about it so that I start to show interest and ask her about everything.” “I have never doubted her manners or education. Her mother and I always tried to give very much attention to that and aimed to make our daughter a many-sided lady.” “That’s what I mean.” “Alright…” Maximilian falls into silence to clear his throat. “Yeah, let’s go back to you… Say, how long were you and Anna getting to know each other? And when did you realize you wanted to date?” “We were getting to know each other for about one month…” Daniel replies thoughtfully. “Maybe, a little longer, I cannot remember exactly… But we got on well after the first meeting… I mean, the second one when I called her and suggested we meet.” “Did you count on something more or just want to be friends?” “Honestly, I liked Anna shortly after we met. Barely looking at her, I thought she was a very beautiful and bright girl. Her beauty got me admired… When she left, I had her image before my eyes for a long time…” “I think everybody is meant to like her. My daughter is a very beautiful girl. She took after her mother. Lilian has always been a beauty, and she's never stopped taking care of her.” “You’re right,” Daniel nods with a slight smile on his face. “Anna always takes care of the way she looks. If you went to our room, you would see she had lots of products for the face, skin, hair, and something like that. I don’t know anything about it, but I see she uses all of that every day.” “Women always give much attention to their appearance,” Maximilian smiles shyly. “That’s why they’ve always been so beautiful.” “Yeah… But I did not find the courage to confess to Anna that I liked her when we met. And… I decided to wait for a while and get to know her better. To find out what she had inside…” “So, were you waiting for one month to tell her you liked her?” “Yeah, but actually, I wanted to wait for a little bit more and did not plan to reveal it so soon,” Daniel confesses hesitantly. “But it happened that I accidentally let her know that I saw her as my girlfriend during one of our walks. I quickly realized I said too much and tried to close the topic, but Anna was too headstrong and persuaded me to explain what it meant. At first, I denied it and tried to assure her that I had misspoken. But then I gave up and told her I liked her, even if it was hard for me to do it because I was not ready to confess my love. But as it turned out, I was worried for nothing because Anna confessed her feelings, too. Well… We decided to try to date…” “Alright… And have you gotten a stronger love for my daughter after a few months? Or is it still something like a moment of affection?” “No, no, I do not think it’s a moment of affection. I’ve gotten so attracted to her for five months that I cannot imagine another girl instead of her. It will sound a little sentimental, but I’m falling in love with her every day more and more.” “And does she love you as much as you do?” “Do you doubt it?” Daniel rounds his eyes. “No, no, I do not. I saw how she looked at you. I just want to know if you feel her love and the fact that your feelings for her are mutual.” “Obviously, Mr. Seymour. Anna takes care of me like nobody else. I’m madly grateful to her for being by my side and making me so happy. Nobody else has done what that sweet girl does for me.” “I got it,” Maximilian smiles shyly. “You know, I must confess that I’m sometimes terribly afraid that our story will end someday,” Daniel confesses hesitantly, tightly locking his fingers. “I’m so used to her that I could hardly live without her. And now I understand that my home became full of happiness after Anna moved in here. I’m surprised how I could live all alone in such a big house and be happy… Because living with a beloved girlfriend that makes your life bright is much better.” “Excuse me for the immodest question, Mr. Perkins, but have you thought of marrying her? I understand it’s not been so long, but what if you have these thoughts…” “I cannot deny it, I really started to think about it. But since it’s a very responsible thing, I want to delay a proposal to marry.” “Do you understand you will not just live together all your life? I am going to be open, I do not like when two people live together before a wedding. Only the wife and husband must live together. But I’ve already said I would not insist on anything. If Anna wants to live with you and is happy with her life, it’s alright, I will not mind it.” “Of course, I’m not going to live with her without marriage all my life. I just have some problems that I should solve before starting to think of the wedding. I already started thinking about it, but I do not want to rush. Early or late, I will marry Anna if she accepts my proposal.” “That’s right!” Maximilian nods in approval. “A marriage is a very serious thing that not every person is ready for. I completely support your decision. I would not personally like you to be unhappy because you decided to play a wedding too soon. You and Anna must be ready for marriage and know what that is. Why you need it.” “Sure. But when everything just started, I thought asking a girl to date me was a serious thing. And now, when the case is getting closer to the proposal, the idea of creating a couple does not seem so horrifying.” “There is a part of the truth about it.” “But please, do not consider me the one, who gets a benefit from living with a girl and uses her as a slave. I do not force Anna to do anything and do not make her clean the floor at the house and cook food for me all day. If I want something, I just gently ask her about it. But I never give her an order like a king sitting on a throne.” “So, are you serious about my daughter?” “Of course! I want to have my family! Be as happy as my parents were. They were very happy in marriage and treated each other with great love and mutual respect. I looked at them and always said I wanted the same for myself. And I’m very lucky I have a girlfriend, who I’d be so happy with, and who I see as the mother of my children.” “I guess you know what you want to get in your life.” “Of course, I have goals and aim for them. And I think many of them have come true partly. But I don’t usually give up on something in the middle of the way.” “I like this type.” “But sometimes it may be very hard.” “Agree.” Maximilian looks around the whole living room. “Yeah, I must confess that you have a very good house. I really liked it and everything I saw here. And the neighborhood is wonderful.” “Thanks,” Daniel nods with a slight smile. “I have lived here since I became legal and plan to move nowhere.” “Very beautiful house… And I see that Anna takes care of cleanliness and keeps it in order.” “It’s the truth. Anna washes the floor every day and wipes dust off regularly. She is definitely very clean.” “Her room was always in perfect order when she lived with me and her mother. We never had to remind her to clean. My daughter has always been very economic.” “Yeah, I noticed it,” Daniel agrees. “And yeah, I’m sorry for asking questions that might seem immodest… But say, did you earn money for this house? I believe you had to work hard to buy this beauty.” “No, everything is fine, I understand you need to know me better,” Daniel replies amicably with a slight smile. “Erm… No, I did not buy this house. I got it from my parents, who, unfortunately, died. As a gift of my legal age. So to say, they planted the seeds and told me to grow something out of them.” “They were provided?” “We weren’t super rich, but our family never knew what a lack of money was.” “Both of your parents worked?” “No, Mother was always a housewife, and Father worked. Though, after their death, I had to forget about my careless life. I had to start to work and take care of myself.” “Let me ask you, why did your parents die?” “My father got seriously sick and could not recover. And my mother could not just live without him. The several months that she lived without him seemed like torture to her. She did not come to herself. She really lacked Dad, whom she madly loved. And one day, Mother died after him. She got seriously ill.” “My gosh… I’m very sorry…” “Their death became a shock for me that I could not come to myself from for a long time. But I had to put myself together and keep living. To live with the thought that Mom and Dad would not help me and give money anymore.” “So, did you get this house before your parents’ death?” “Yes, I was twenty-two when Father died. So, one year later after I got the keys from the house, the documents, and the right to live here.” “And did you fix it up by yourself?” “Truth! This house was half-empty: there was some furniture, power, water, and gas. But I had to buy very much. And I planned to change something. And little by little, I earned money to fix up the house thanks to performances of the band, the part of which I had been before my friends and I created ‘Against The System.’ Although the shows were for limited circles and took place at small restraints and pubs, we earned great money. I played in that band for about four years and stayed in it only for money and the opportunity to live well. And everything happened as I planned: I bought everything I needed and earned enough money to live well.” “As I understand, were you a guitarist?” “Yeah, I played bass guitar. But when my friends and I started the band, everybody started to sing. Even the drummer sometimes performs some lines.” “By the way, you and Anna said there was a famous actor in your band…” “Yes, Terrence MacClife. He is still very popular among teenage girls. He has very many fans, and that man is deeply respected by the show business.” “I have heard this name several times… On a TV or a site on the Internet…” “Has Anna never told you about him?” “Never.” “By the way, Terrence is engaged to Anna’s friend, Raquelle Cameron.” “Raquelle Cameron?” “Yes. And they recently celebrated their first anniversary.” “Anna somehow briefly mentioned that her friend was married. And she said the other friend of hers also dated someone…” “Do you mean Natalia? No, she is single now! That girl dated Terrence’s younger brother for some time, but they broke up.” “Alright,” Maximilian pronounces thoughtfully. “Well, why does your band not perform on big scenes? Or do you perform only in restaurants?” “Six months ago, a famous band contacted us and suggested we perform as their opening act. They saw the video of us performing a famous song.” “Opening act?” “It’s when a band or an artist performs a few songs on a show of a band that plays it. So to say, warms up a crowd before the headliner, a star of a show, goes on the stage.” “Yes, yes, I got you.” “Well… We played a few shows and got fans. And some time later, the representatives of a music studio contacted us and asked us if we wanted to work on an album. We agreed on everything and signed a contract with the studio and a PR agency that gave us a manager.” “So, I can congratulate you in this case,” Maximilian smiles slightly. “Thanks a lot,” Daniel thanks. “But sadly, there is nothing to congratulate you on because we got some problems that might put an end to the existing of our band.” “Oh, I’m sorry…” Maximilian shows regret. “I hope you will solve them.” “I hope, Mr. Seymour. Anyway, we try to work as hard as possible. And the support of our girls really helps us. Without them and their belief, we could not reach as much as we’ve reached. For us, it’s a strong push in the back that makes us go forward.” “That’s great you have this support.” “I could not disagree,” Daniel smiles shyly. Silence settles in the air for two seconds, during which Daniel looks at his hands folded in front of him, and Maximilian looks around the whole living room again. “You know, Mr. Perkins, I’m making more and more sure that my daughter was not wrong when choosing you,” Maximilian confesses amicably with a slight smile. “After this talk, I can say that my first impression about you is that you are a good, open, shy, and decent man, who it’s very easy to talk to. And judging your talk, you are quite educated and by far not stupid.” “I’m glad I did not disappoint you,” Daniel replies gently. “Of course, it’s just the first impression, and I will have to get to know you better. But now I can make some conclusions and say you fit my daughter.” “I will try to do my best not to disappoint you and to make you sure that you can trust me.” “By the way, I noticed that you got very nervous when I met you and Anna outside.” “I did,” Daniel replies shyly, moving his eyes down for a second. “Because I was a little rude at first?” “Partly… But actually, I just have to talk to one of my girlfriend’s parents for the first time. Meeting the parents of my second half is something new…” “Did you never meet the parents of those you dated?” “No, the parents of my exes knew about me, but none of them met me personally.” “I see… I think everything happened too suddenly, and you were not ready for this meeting and talk.” “Honestly, yes. But at heart, I knew early or late it would happen… I knew Anna would not be running away from you and her mother all her life and would have to explain everything.” “Lilian and I got really scared when we were back home after a little trip and found out that our daughter wasn’t home. So much that we did not try to understand the meaning of the note that Anna left.” “Anna did not want to hurt you or her mother. She loves you two, despite nothing. And for her, you’ll always stay the close people, to whom she will be grateful for everything you’ve given her.” “I know.” “Excuse me for being curious, but how did your family get a tradition to marry your children off to those, marriage with who would give them a benefit?” “You see, Mr. Perkins, I would say it’s not a tradition. It’s a way to remind everybody that younger people must not go against older people and must obey them. The parents of Lilian and me made us sure to marry Anna off to the son of their good friend. I mean, one of them. In our family, we did not listen to the opinions of younger members or those, who were different from what the others thought. If Anna’s mother or I started to think of something, our parents, so to say, washed our brains quickly. But as I mentioned before, Lilian’s parents and she had a greater influence.” “Did you never try to go against their will and not to do what they wanted?” “Of course, we did. But while Anna’s mother accepted her situation and was obedient to her father and mother, the control of my parents, mother-in-law, and father-in-law started to annoy and choke me. I started to become a free bird and wanted Anna to be the one. I did not want her to live the life that her parents, grandmothers, and grandfathers had. I wanted her to be happy and choose what she liked. I wanted her to choose a man.” “Anna never said who commanded in her family. Thanks to her, I know only that her parents always decided everything for her, and she wanted to be independent and choose her life.” “It’s true. Anna lived under the control of her relatives for so long that it made her dislike the limits. My girl needs freedom. A chance to do what she wants. Maybe, in childhood, she barely understood something, but you know what happens at a teenage age. Everything sharply changes: a quiet, obedient child turns to a headstrong rebel fellow that’s ready to go against older people.” “I understand.” “Nevertheless, I’m not afraid that my daughter may go too far. She knows what she can do, and what she cannot do. That girl will never do anything that could harm her. Anna is a smart girl and would not put her finger in the electric socket.” “She will do nothing bad, I do not doubt it.” “Maybe, if Anna had met bad people, they would have spoiled her. But I think she spoke with quite decent people that would not teach her bad things.” “Excuse me, Mr. Seymour, why do you have something against Raquelle and Natalia? I know both of them and can assure you that they are wonderful. The girls are very sweet, decent, and kind. I get on well with them and find them my friends.” “Honestly, I don’t know those girls personally and can’t say what they are. And Anna’s mother has seen them only two times… But our parents did not like them. They always said, although those girls were good, Anna should not have spoken to them. Even though they did not also know the one and the other.” “But how did they get those conclusions?” “I do not know. Maybe, they wanted to make Lilian and me mind that our daughter spoke to those girls. Make Anna sure that she should not have spoken to those people. So to say, a psychological thing. However, their arguments did not impact my daughter, and she kept speaking with those girls. Anna has always been less dependent on the influence of older people than Lilian and me.” “You may not doubt those girls. I’m not the only one to be able to confirm they are wonderful. I can call my friends, who would tell you the same. Terrence would surely confirm that his fiancée is a wonderful person.” “So… Maybe…” “Raquelle and Natalia have always supported Anna in any situation, and she’s been by their side and done anything she could. For example, those girls somehow fought, and your daughter tried to support the two but sometimes felt she was tearing herself between them.” “I believe your words,” Maximilian says quietly. “You are true and not trying to find excuses and cover yourself, those girls, and someone else.” “No, no, Mr. Seymour, I’m telling you the truth and not trying to whitewash anyone,” Daniel replies confidently. “If I disliked a person, I would say it. And I would not let Anna speak to him or her if it was bad for her.” “I believe, Mr. Perkins, I do…” “And I will remind you again that you can have no worries about Anna. With me, she is in trustful hands. I would never hurt her or do something bad.” “You know, there were moments when I let Anna go somewhere to have fun alone, with her friends, or with a boy. Her mother, grandfathers, and grandmothers did not know it. But if they had done, she and I would have suffered.” “Was she banned from having fun?” “Yes, they thought she would’ve better had fun with books and the people, who were similar to them, or speak to the family of her potential groom and the groom himself. But I disagreed and thought a young girl should’ve gotten pleasure from life and had fun with people of her age. I didn’t want them to make her an adult woman much earlier. Childhood goes fast, and my daughter would not have enjoyed it fully if she had listened to older people.” “I understand.” “Of course, she went somewhere, despite the bans of her mother, grandmothers, and grandfathers. But sometimes I personally allowed her and promised to cover her somehow.” “And you did that?” “Almost. They did not kind of believe in my excuses, but I did not care. At heart, I was happy my daughter had fun. I was so sorry for her when she was sitting with books all day long, trying to memorize the rules of etiquette and learning to stay feminine, tender, soft, and obedient. As an educated woman, as my late mother-in-law loved to say.” “I get it.” “It’s all so boring. I don’t know how I got the endurance to follow the rules that our families set up for so long. Oh… I was young and stupid… I believed my close people really wanted to make my life better… But as it turned out, everything would have been better if I had chosen it.” “I think I would not take it, as well,” Daniel chuckles quietly. “Anna and I are united because we both like to feel free and independent and get pleasure from life. We don’t like that everything may be the same and boring. I don’t mean something dangerous, but I would like to get a little dose of adrenaline.” “I understand you well.” Maximilian leans on his laps with his elbows, bending closely to Daniel. “Here’s what I want to tell you, Mr. Perkins: enjoy your life. Enjoy everything you have. You are young, life lies in front of you, and time flies very fast. You will not have time to understand that you are more than fifty. Appreciate every single moment and get pleasure. If you don’t do it now, it will be too late to do something.” “I know. So, I’m trying to spend an interesting time.” “That’s good,” Maximilian smiles shyly. “By the way, what’s your age? I think you are either as old as Anna is or a little older than her.” “I turned twenty-six one month ago.” “Good age. Very good. I think it’s the time when you can think about a wedding.” “Well…” Daniel smiles shyly and runs his hand over his hair. “As for the wedding, I’ve already told you what I thought about it.” “I know. Just stating the fact that.” Daniel says nothing and just slightly shrugs. And a few seconds later, Anna goes to the living room, holding a cup of coffee that she gives Maximilian, who carefully takes it and says: “Oh, thanks, darling. I dreamed of drinking coffee all day…” “Sorry for being absent for so long…” Anna apologizes shyly, folding her hands in front of herself. “Water in a kettle was boiling for too long.” “It’s okay, honey.” Maximilian takes a couple of sips of coffee. “Mr. Perkins and I did not feel bored and talked about much.” “Really?” Anna asks hesitantly. “I hope your talk was good?” “Yes, your boyfriend turned out to be a very good, level-headed, and decent man. I’m going to be honest, talking to him is very nice.” “Great,” Anna smiles shyly, understanding that it may be a very good sign for her and Daniel. “I’m glad you got on well.” “When you have a business with an educated and clever person, you can quickly find a common language.” “Nice to hear it,” Daniel replies shyly. Anna adds nothing and just smiles shyly until Maximilian breaks the silence after taking a little sip of coffee: “By the way, daughter, could you tell me more about your friends? About Raquelle and Natalia?” “About Raquelle and Natalia? And what do you wanna hear?” “Something that would make me sure they’re as good as Mr. Perkins says.” “You may not doubt them, Dad.” Anna sits on the sofa next to Daniel, folding her hands in front of her. “Those girls are amazing friends, who would always come to help. Natalia and Raquelle are ready to do anything for those they love and know what love and friendship are.” “Is it true that one of them is engaged, and another dated the brother of her fiancé?” “It’s the truth.” “Okay…” Maximilian takes a sip of coffee again. “Are they well-educated? And what about their families? Poor? Rich? Good? Bad?” “Well… Natalia’s parents are provided people… Many famous people are working with them. The girl’s mother is a fashion lawyer, and her father is a fashion journalist. The Rochesters are well known in some circles. They got success when they lived in Kingston.” “Interesting… And what about your second friend?” “Her family was never provided. The grandfather on the father is a working-class man, who lives on his pension or what he earns for his job and what Raquelle gives him.” “And her parents?” “Sadly, they died many years ago in a car accident. One enemy of them cut the brake of their car, and they lost control of it. And they died after getting many dangerous traumas. Raquelle was a little kid…” “Gosh, how awful…” Maximilian gets horrified, rounding his eyes. “Poor people…” “Raquelle was raised by her grandfather, and sometimes her aunt, the sister of her mother, who is living in England, helped him. My friend is a British on the mother and an American on the father.” “Alright… And what about her wealth?” “Raquelle earns great money thanks to her job. She’s never been dependent on her fiancé in a financial way and always helps her grandfather with money.” “And what’s Raquelle’s job if it’s not a secret?” “She’s a model. Raquelle regularly participates in photoshoots and often walks on a runaway at fashion shows. She’s got many fans and is deeply respected by celebrities in the show business.” “Well… You know it better… As I’ve said, I have no wish or time to watch it. And I don’t know anything about Raquelle and her fiancé.” “Raquelle’s fiancé is a famous actor and leader of the music band. Young girls really love him.” “Yes, yes, I know,” Maximilian nods, drinking coffee from a cup in his hands. “Mr. Perkins told me everything. And I’m very sorry that the band got problems.” “Yeah, one of the members is now in the hospital in a hard condition,” Anna replies with sadness in her eyes and glances at her hands. “He tried to kill himself.” “Oh, gosh, how awful…” Maximilian gets horrified. “It’s the truth, Mr. Seymour,” Daniel confirms. “Sadly, we can do nothing now and are just waiting and hoping for a miracle and the doctors’ professionalism.” “I hope that guy will survive. No matter what happened to him.” “We want it, as well,” Anna says with sadness in her eyes. “The band has great potential. If the guys work hard, they will have a brilliant future.” “I wish it happened. But your boyfriend has already provided himself by playing shows for a small crowd. Though, if his band gets famous, he will have a greater chance to become provided.” “I’m sure he can do it,” Anna replies confidently with her head proudly raised. “Well, if he can’t do this, he will try something different.” “That’s good if it’s the truth. If he is going to be with you, he must be able to provide for you and give you whatever you want.” “Of course, it’s gonna be great, but I don’t care about money. I care about true love, care, loyalty, and the ability to make someone feel better. And… Readiness to protect and help me if I need it… Daniel has all these features and gives me much more than I ask.” “Do you really love him so much?” “I can’t imagine someone else instead of him,” Anna replies confidently with a wide smile. “I madly love this man and want to make him happy. Because… If someone does everything for me, I must answer back.” “That’s right, sweetie!” Maximilian smiles shyly and falls into silence to take a couple of sips of coffee. “I’m glad to hear it and happy to know you found the one to make you happy.” “So, do you like Daniel now?” “Yes, after the talk with Mr. Perkins, I made sure that I like the choice you made. I’m sure this young man will do his best to give you everything you want. I like the fact that he is gentle, decent, level-headed, smart, and open. During our talk, I never felt he lied or did not say something. These things make me respect this man much more and confidently say I can accept him as your boyfriend.” Anna and Daniel cannot hide the smile that they quickly share with each other. “So, don’t you mind our relationship?” Anna asks hesitantly. “No, I don’t mind your relationship if everything is so serious,” Maximilian replies confidently with a wide smile. “I’m not able to change something. And I don’t want to bother you. Setting up barriers when there is love is worthless. Two people would find a way to be together, no matter how hard someone tries to tear them apart.” “Gosh, Dad…” Anna smiles slightly. “You deserve to be happy, Anna. I really want your life to be what you want. I want fate to give you the gift that will make you happy. Nobody will bother you anymore. If you decided to live this life, do it. I only have to support you and wish you luck.” “I am happy. Much happier than I was when living with you and Mother. Now I feel free and can breathe freely.” “So, if you are happy, I am happy, too. For me, you will always be an important person that I love with all my heart.” “It’s so nice to hear it.” “Don’t forget that I kind of helped you spend time as teenage many times.” Maximilian smiles slightly. “Do you remember how I allowed you to have fun alone or with your friends secretly from your mother, grandmothers, and grandfathers? Sometimes you got caught, but you blamed yourself, not wishing me to suffer. Though, there were cases when I suffered, too.” “And I’m madly grateful to you for that,” Anna smiles shyly. “I didn’t wanna say you let me go to have fun, ‘cause I didn’t wanna frame you. Maybe, if you’d gone against your family, you and I would’ve been very close. And I’m sure you would’ve understood me and my wishes. Because I thought you had the wish to get rid of the influence of Grandmothers and Grandfathers, but it was so strong that it was hard for you to go against them.” “I’ve always understood you, sunshine. Your wish to become a free bird. You wanted to become free and independent – you did it! You made your dream come true, despite nothing.” “Thanks for understanding.” Anna glances down for a moment and looks at Maximilian, who is now drinking his coffee. “Thanks for everything you’ve done for me. It’s always been very important to me.” “Remember that I’m madly proud of you and glad your life didn’t become the same as the lives of mine, your mother, grandfathers, and grandmothers. We were all unhappy deep inside, but we didn’t want to admit it because we were afraid to disappoint older people.” “And I saw it. So, I decided that I wouldn’t let anyone rule my life. Even my own family. I wanted it so badly that I wasn’t afraid of the consequences. I got what I wanted, and I am proud of myself. And I’m glad you became free and began to do what you wanted as well. I think you and Mother will be much happier after the divorce.” “I think your boyfriend played his role in this story,” Maximilian notices amicably. “He impacted your wish to leave your home and start to live your life.” “Yes, to some extent,” Anna smiles slightly when glancing at Daniel sitting next to her. “But I made this decision. Daniel just offered his help, which I didn’t reject it. He literally fell from heaven just at the wonderful moment.” “Yeah, you would’ve hardly left home if you hadn’t known where to go,” Maximilian laughs quietly. “You wouldn’t have lived like a homeless lady…” “I think I wouldn’t get confused if I went nowhere,” Anna assumes thoughtfully. “I’m not so helpless and could take care of me.” “Yeah, but not everyone would give you a home. Someone hardly wants to let a stranger in, feed them and dress them up.” “You’re right,” Anna replies with a slight smile. “But I’d definitely think up something…” “I don’t doubt it, my sweetie.” Maximilian drinks his coffee and puts the empty cup on the coffee table. “Oh, alright… Since we talked about everything, I can get you rid of my pretense and let you stay alone. I heard and saw what I needed and calmed down.” “Thanks for getting it off my chest,” Anna thanks with a smile. “I felt terribly awkward for you and Mother for doing that. But… I couldn’t live in a cage anymore…” “Don’t regret it, daughter, you did the right thing. And I’m very glad that we’ve finally met and that you are safe and sound. For me, it was a sudden but nice accident.” “And for me, it was an exciting-scaring-and-amazingly-wonderful accident,” Anna laughs shyly. “Yes, yes, don’t continue,” Maximilian chuckles quietly. “I understood you two were worried and nervous when you met me. It was seen on your white faces.” “It was just too sudden. We weren’t ready for the meeting with you.” “I understand. But since it happened, we can do nothing.” “Yeah… Sure…” “And yeah, don’t disappear anymore. Although you’re an adult, I would personally love to know what’s happening to you. I don’t need to know everything, but I should know just something. To be quiet about you and know you’re fine.” “I will not disappear, I promise,” Anna promises confidently with a smile. “Now you know where we are living,” Daniel adds shyly. “If you want to visit us, we are always ready to accept you.” “Thanks for your welcome, my dears,” Maximilian thanks amicably. “And as they say, thank you so much for the incredible coffee.” “Always welcome, Daddy,” Anna smiles shyly. The three share a shy smile and get up from the sofa. Maximilian touchingly hugs Anna to say goodbye, kisses her on the forehead, and says some nice words in her ear that make her smile and kiss her father on the cheek. And when they step away from each other, the girl goes aside and starts writing something in a notebook that she takes from the table near the stairs, and Mr. Seymour tightly shakes Daniel by the hand, saying: “Take care of my daughter and make her happy. I put great hopes on you.” “Do not doubt me, Mr. Seymour,” Daniel replies confidently and breaks the handshake. “I will do my best for your daughter to be happy and need nothing.” “I hope, Mr. Perkins.” “You can call me just Daniel.” “Alright, Daniel, if you want.” “Take it, Dad,” Anna says softly, coming to Maximilian with a piece of paper torn from the notebook and giving it to him. “I wrote down my new mobile number and the home number of Daniel and me. And the address, just in case.” “Thanks a lot,” Maximilian replies, taking the piece of paper from Anna, wrapping it, and putting it in the pocket of his jacket that he takes from the sofa. “I’ll add them to my contacts and call you when I have time.” Anna says nothing and smiles shyly, while Maximilian puts on the jacket and takes some things placed on the coffee table. “I wish you luck, guys,” Maximilian says amicably. “You look beautiful together.” “Thanks…” Anna and Daniel thank at a different time, embracing each other. “See you soon.” “Let me walk you out,” Daniel suggests and points at the hall door. Daniel comes to the hall door, opens it, and closes it after Maximilian leaves the house. And when the man comes to the living room, he and Anna look at each other with wide smiles and give quiet whoops at a different time, not hiding their happiness. “Oh, my gosh!” Anna exclaims happily, putting her hands on her cheeks with her widely open eyes. “Is this the truth?” “Damn, I can’t believe it!” Daniel shakes his head, closing his mouth with his hands. “I can’t believe it!” “I wouldn’t have thought everything could be so easy! Father said he didn’t mind our relationship and wouldn’t meddle in it!” “It must be a dream… I… I can’t… It all seems so unreal!” “This day is definitely gonna be one of the best ones of my life!” “Mine, too!” Daniel first puts his hand on his heart and then grabs his throat, feeling he can barely breathe from excitement. “Oh, damn, I got so excited that I can barely breathe… My heart almost stopped!” “Me too, sweetie, me too…” Anna runs her hands slowly over her face and slightly grabs her hair, exhaling with a slight shake. “Gosh, I can’t believe it… My father gave us his blessing! My father approved of our relationship! A-a-a…” Anna makes a quiet happy whoop, not hiding her wide smile, while Daniel closes his eyes and leans his head back. “Well…” Daniel pronounces thoughtfully, coming closer to Anna. “We got the blessing of your father… He let us know he wouldn’t set up barriers for us… So, it means I can officially call you my girlfriend, fearing nothing and nobody.” “And I can stop being afraid we will be separated,” Anna adds happily. “From now on, I can quietly walk outside without being afraid to meet my parents. We can always count on Father’s support.” “And I’m no longer under a threat to get arrested, in case your parents made the police sure to start searching for you and charge me for everything.” “Yeah, pretty boy, you’re super lucky. Even though Mother and Father could prove nothing.” “Well, I dunno… I could expect anything.” “We can relax now,” Anna smiles widely, caressing Daniel’s cheek. “It’s hard to believe it, of course, but it’s the truth.” “Oh, damn!” Daniel claps himself on the forehead. “I still can’t believe I met your father. I met the parent of my girlfriend for the first time in my life. I never managed to meet a father or a mother of someone I dated before.” “Everything happens for the first time.” “And I’m madly glad everything was fine enough.” “Hey, what do you think of my dad?” Anna asks shyly, comes to the table, takes the empty cup of coffee, and goes to the kitchen to wash it. “Liked?” “You know, he’s a good man.” Daniel follows Anna and leans on the surface of the counter with his elbows, while the girl washes the cup and the plate under warm water with some detergent. “Though, I thought he was terrible at first… He attacked you with claims and looked at me as if he wanted to kill me.” “Yeah, I was really scared.” “Oh, yeah, I was really frightened!” Daniel laughs quietly. “And I even thought he’d hit me on the head with a heavy beat if he had it.” “You’re serious?” Anna laughs shyly, glancing at Daniel, turning off the faucet, wiping the cup and the plate, and putting them in a cupboard with the other crockery. “Everything went black before my eyes when you said that was your father!” Daniel exclaims excitedly. “My heart was in my throat! It was madly hard to breathe! My hands were shaking strongly! My legs barely held me!” “I understand you, Daniel, I felt all the same,” Anna replies softly, caressing Daniel’s cheek after wiping her hands with a towel. “I really thought he’d take my hand, bring me to his car, drive me home, lock me in my room, and not let me go until I agreed to the wedding with the man I didn’t love.” “You know, after the talk with your father, I started to think you exaggerated some things. Yes, your life wasn’t sweet, but you didn’t live like being locked in a cage.” “But I felt like that. I wanted to get out of that cage, but my family didn’t let me do it.” “Luckily, everything was over very well,” Daniel notices with a slight smile. “You will not be put in a cage and married off, and I won’t get a hit on the head with a beat and be put in prison.” “I think life is getting better, huh?” “Yeah, life is getting better and funnier…” Daniel strokes his chin, frowning slightly. “Now I can quietly strike the line ‘Pleasing the parents of my girlfriend, doing my best to become a good boy for them, and making them fall in love with me’ out of the list of my problems.” “I see Father succumbed to your charms when he just looked into your eyes,” Anna laughs shyly. “At first, he was ready to kill us, but when he looked at you, he became good and gave his approval of our relationship.” “Well, you do know the power of the magic of my incredible eyes,” Daniel replies proudly, slightly raising his head. “Anyone would be ready to sell their soul to a demon for this beauty.” “Yeah, Daniel, the thing you can’t be deprived of is your self-confidence. Whatever happens, you never stop doubting yourself and praising your gorgeous eyes you were given by nature.” “And what? Isn’t that true? You just look at me! How could someone dislike the owner of such beautiful eyes? I would’ve been really surprised if your father hadn’t accepted me as your boyfriend. If I hadn’t been such an attractive and charming man, I would’ve hardly gotten so much.” “Alright, stop praising yourself!” Anna laughs shyly, slowly turns her back on Daniel, and goes to the living room. “Why should I stop?” Daniel sharply comes to Anna from behind and grabs her by the hips with both hands, tenderly rubbing his cheek against her cheek. “I wouldn’t mind hearing a couple of compliments from my beloved beauty. About me being a gorgeous man.” “You know it, my sunshine.” “I wanna hear it again.” “Oh, Perkins, you’re getting more similar to MacClife.” “Well, some time later, you may become as passionate as your friend,” Daniel replies in a lower voice, runs the tip of his nose over the curve of Anna’s neck, and leaves a couple of kisses on it. “The paleface tells me she may be a very bad, naughty girl.” “I see your mood got better after you met my father,” Anna chuckles. “You became so playful and relaxed. “Though, you’d been kind of dumbfounded.” “Of course, it got. Because nothing will prevent me from dating you.” Daniel tenderly kisses Anna on the nape of her neck and runs his lips over it. “Nobody will ban me from hugging, kissing, and being with the one, who drives me insane.” “However, yes. Minus one problem. Maybe, all of our problems will be solved little by little.” “If all the problems are solved so easily, I’d be very happy.” “Our most important problem has been solved.” Anna turns on Daniel slowly and comes closer to him, putting her hands on his chest. “And I’m sure the others will be solved as well.” “Breathing is definitely getting easier.” “Think it’s the beginning of good things.” “I do. And I’m sure everything will be solved someday.” “That’s why I’m quiet now. Because nobody will meddle in my relationship with my beloved man.” “Yeah!” Daniel makes a happy whoop. “Now nothing will prevent us from dating!” “A-a-a, I’m so happy!” Anna whoops quietly, jumping happily. “Happy!” While Anna keeps jumping with a happy laugh, Daniel comes closer to her with a wide smile on his face and takes her in his tender hug, which she accepts with great pleasure, tightly wrapping the man’s neck with her arms. Being too obsessed with happiness, he lifts her up at some moment and spins her around, while she bends her legs under herself. Then Perkins lifts Seymour a little higher, and the green-eyed beauty puts her hands on her shoulders and looks at him with a tender smile from above, laughing happily. A few seconds later, Daniel places Anna on the floor, runs his fingers through his hair, grabs her face, and kisses the girl on the forehead. Then she smiles shyly, looking at her sweetheart with eyes full of fire and happiness. A little later, the girl puts her arms around his neck and gives him a continuous kiss on the lips, placing her hand on the back of his head at some moment. And he answers it back, tightly hugging her by the waist with both arms and placing one of his hands on her back. “Sweetheart…” Anna pronounces in a low, quiet voice with a wide smile, breaking the kiss and looking into Daniel’s eyes, while their foreheads contact, and her hands caress his cheeks tenderly. “Nobody will ban me from saying it…” “And you’re only mine now…” Daniel replies in the same low voice, running his open mouth over Anna’s forehead, cheekbones, cheeks, nose, and chin and smiling much wider with a quiet sigh. “I can introduce you as my girlfriend with the permission of your father…” “And I can introduce you as my boyfriend.” Anna runs her hands through Daniel’s hair and runs them over the top of his head to the nape of his neck. “Still hard to believe it, but it’s the truth.” “But now I’m absolutely quiet and have the right to do whatever I want to you,” Daniel purrs tenderly, leaves a couple of short kisses on the corners of Anna’s mouth and her top and bottom lips, hearing that she starts breathing heavily and loudly. “I can hug, kiss, and caress you as much as I want…” “But don’t hope you’ll get everything so easily. You’re gonna work hard to get such a beautiful girl.” “I’m ready.” Daniel tenderly kisses Anna on the curve of her neck and continues to speak, as he leaves kisses on this area in between, making her shake slightly, roll her eyes from pleasure, and sigh sensually. “Ready to work hard to get a chance to give my beauty all my love and tenderness.” “Oh, Perkins, if you keep doing this, I'll lose control of myself.” Anna sighs quietly with closed eyes and a slight smile when Daniel leaves another kiss on the curve of her neck. “You drive me crazy…” “Oh, yeah, lose control of you,” Daniel smiles snugly, runs his open mouth over the front of Anna’s neck, and covers another curve of her with kisses, keeping one hand on her cheek, breathing on it with a hot breath and hearing that her sighs are getting louder and more sensual. “Yay, baby, lose…” “You decided to drive me crazy again?” “Yes, I did.” “Maybe, you won’t do it?” Anna puts her hand on Daniel’s chest and runs it over the one. “I will, beautiful. Nothing and nobody will stop us now.” Daniel tenderly touches the skin behind Anna’s ear, which he also caresses, with his lips, while his hands softly squeeze and caress her shoulders. “Today, I experienced strong stress and almost died from a heart attack. And… I need to relax a little. Get rid of tension.” “You know, I got terribly scared, as well.” “So, it’s time to help each other relax,” Daniel replies softly and leaves short kisses on all parts of Anna’s face, while his fingertips slowly run over her back. “Oh… How could I resist such an incredible smell of your skin? It does really drive me crazy…” “Ah, Daniel, what are you doing again?” Anna smiles shyly, closing her eyes and biting her bottom lip with a nice shake of her whole body. “Quiet, beautiful, quiet.” Daniel tenderly caresses Anna’s lips with his lips. “Daniel…” Anna makes a quiet moan, understanding that her heart misses a beat and feeling a little dizzy. “My girl… Only mine…” Daniel slides to Anna’s neck and covers it with tender kisses, running his hands through her hair and caressing her head tenderly. “Oh, gosh…” Anna rolls her eyes, sinking the nails of one hand into the nape of Daniel’s neck and slowly running another hand over his tough chest. “Don’t be so tense, princess. I’ve done nothing special yet. I’m just caressing you… And… Kissing you a little…” “Don’t make me turn into a sassy girl that doesn’t know limits.” “Maybe, I want it,” Daniel purrs in Anna’s ear, while she gets goosebumps on her whole body because of his voice. “You better stop before it's too late.” “Why should I do it?” Daniel caresses Anna’s earlobe tenderly with his lips, grabbing her by the throat, and running his hand slowly over her collarbones, breasts, and belly. “Maybe, I do want you to become a little insolent and forget about your shyness for a while. You know how much I like girls that have kind of incomparable features.” “So, pretty boy, can’t you want to take my clothes off to caress my gorgeous body?” Anna chuckles kindly. “Gonna say more, I’m imagining something like that,” Daniel says confidently, holding Anna by the nape of her neck with one hand, running another underneath her shirt, and caressing her belly tenderly. “And I’m losing my mind…” Daniel leaves a long, exciting kiss somewhere closer to Anna’s ear, on the curve of her neck, the front of it, and in the hole in the throat. That’s why the girl feels slight dizziness and heat between her legs and starts breathing much heavier from a lack of air. “You wearing stunning underwear, sitting over me, running your hands over my half-naked body, covering it with kisses, and then…” Daniel runs his hands over the curves of Anna’s waist and moves them to her thighs. “Slowly taking your underwear off, keeping giving me pleasure, and letting me do it to you…” “If you said it to the too shy girl Anna at the age of twenty, she’d burn from shame, get terribly blushed, and call you a sick pervert,” Anna laughs shyly while her hands are placed on Daniel’s back, and her nails slightly scratch it. “I’m sure it would’ve gotten you excited as well as it does now,” Daniel replies with a smug smile, running his hands slowly over Anna’s breasts, tenderly squeezing them, and starting to use his tongue and teeth to leave wet paths on his girlfriend’s neck or biting the tender skin of it slightly. “I already feel the passion for getting a victory over your shyness and making you do what will give you real pleasure.” “What will bring me to a heart attack. That’s what you wanted to say?” “Don’t worry, nobody has died from pleasure.” Daniel gets Anna involved in a continuous kiss on the lips, which he pulls, sucks, and bites tenderly, not refusing to caress her mouth with his tongue and enjoying the girl’s sensual moans. “Besides, shyness and restraint are just your mask. Actually, you can be a very passionate and fateful woman.” “Not true! I’ve always been very shy and never thought of those dirty things you make me think about!” “Prove it then!” Daniel smiles shyly, bringing his face very close to Anna’s face and confidently looking into her eyes while the two are breathing heavily, and his hands are caressing her naked back. “Show me how shy you are. What a good girl you are. Who would never even dare to think of some incredible things that she could do to her man.” “And you control what gets into my freaking stomach,” Anna raises her head proudly with a sly smile. “Before I work on it and do what can make you whine and forget your name!” “You can give some nice things to it if you want.” Daniel runs his thumb over Anna’s lips. “I wouldn’t mind it. But if I like it, I shall also do what’s gonna make you moan loudly and bend backward like a cat.” “No, I’ll leave it for dessert.” Anna gets her hands underneath Daniel’s shirt and runs them tenderly over his chest. “Trust me, I know enough to make you scream.” “Oh, that’s how! But you say you’ve always been shy and innocent.” Daniel runs the back of his hand over Anna’s cheek with a wider smile and moves some red strands off her eyes. “M-m-m… You lied to me, babe. My girl is actually different.” “Because of you, pretty boy.” Anna puts her arms around Daniel’s neck with a mysterious smile on her face. “Only because of you…” “Well, yeah, the fact that I’m freaking attractive, charming, and good at love things has to do with it,” Daniel replies with his head proudly raised up, caressing Anna’s back with one hand and her buttocks with another hand. “Resisting me is impossible. Nobody can. Even the shyest and most decent girls, who don’t know how good they could feel.” “Maybe, your eyes really have a magic power that’s able to make anyone obey their owner.” Anna, looking into Daniel’s eyes, moves her hands to his chest, slides underneath his clothes again, and caresses his stomach tenderly, making him smile shyly. “My legs shake, and I take my breath away every time I look into them for the reason.” “You know it well, beautiful. You know that you will not be able to resist my charms.” “Well, try to use them,” Anna suggests in a low, nice voice, tenderly running a finger over Daniel’s lips with her lip slightly bitten. “Let’s see how far you would make me go.” “Come here then, cutie, show me everything you can,” Daniel smiles widely and slyly. “And I’ll have the pleasure of doing very nice things for you.” Anna sharply shortens the distance with a sly smile and, grabbing Daniel’s face, gets him involved in a passionate kiss that he answers back with great pleasure, holding the girl by the back with one hand or running his fingers through her hair and placing another hand on her hip that he tenderly caresses. The more time is gone, the stronger the passion is getting, the deeper the kiss is getting, and the more exciting and loose the lovers are becoming. At some moment, the man gets control of the situation, starting to cover his girlfriend’s neck with exciting kisses and letting his hands slide over her arms, breasts, the curves of her waist, belly, thighs, and buttocks. Some efforts before the red-haired beauty moans blissfully, breathes loudly and heavily, feels a strong shake in her whole body, and understands that her heart stops after every assertive touch of the man’s lips to her most sensitive places. Anna gets pleasure from caressing Daniel’s tough-to-touch arms and wide shoulders, running her fingers through his soft chocolate hair, pulling it slightly, and making it disheveled. Their hot bodies instinctively press against one another, their hugs are getting tighter, and their minds are obsessed with strong affection and unearthly bliss. The girl does not miss a chance to smooth the man’s neck with tender kisses and caress it with her lips, running her hands slowly over his torso and getting underneath his clothes to feel her boyfriend’s tough muscles better. Daniel enjoys every single moment, closing or rolling his eyes, shaking after every single kiss or slight bite with the teeth, and not holding his quiet moans. His fingers tightly squeeze Anna’s buttocks in passion, and just her pretense makes him restless and forget how to breathe. The heart is beating much faster, the face gets a little blushed, and the thoughts of meeting Maximilian leave the mind. A little later, Anna gets her sweetheart involved in another more exciting and hotter kiss on the lips, feeling free to use her tongue and continuing to caress his neck with her hands and fingertips. Daniel answers his beloved girlfriend back with pleasure and does not hide the wide smile during little breaks, tenderly caressing the girl’s head, running his hands through her bright red hair, and using his fingertips to caress her neck, on which he later leaves a couple of tender, madly exciting kisses that make her make sensual moans. They can hear the loud, uneven breath of each other and feel it on their skin, which gets goosebumps, understand that their bodies are obsessed with strong tension, and the heartbeat is getting faster. Daniel runs his hand over Anna’s naked belly with a heavy breath and massages tenderly the small feminine breasts, caressing her ears with his lips and leaving kisses on the area behind them. When she turns her back on him, he confidently grabs her by the throat and gives her such an exciting kiss that her knees shake. The girl quietly moans into the man’s mouth and feels how tense the bottom part of her body is, which is absolutely relaxed and positively reacting to anything that’s happening. After leaving a few short kisses on her face, Daniel takes Anna being intoxicated with emotions in his arms and carries her to the sofa in the living room while she playfully bites his ear. The man seats the girl on the sofa and, getting her involved in an exciting kiss on the lips, sits down next to her, moves his hand to her knees, and starts caressing the inside of her hot thighs. The green-eyed beauty does the same, then opens a couple of top buttons on the man’s shirt to expose his chest a little and caress it. She also leaves a few kisses on it and smiles widely when hearing him moaning much louder and breathing heavier. Anna does not forget about Daniel’s neck, which she caresses with her lips, the tip of her tongue, and her teeth. She does it so skillfully that her boyfriend takes his breath away. After choosing a good moment, the girl slowly presses Daniel to herself so that he raises himself above her when she lies on the sofa. They start another incredible kiss, during which the lovers caress each other’s mouths with their tongues and bite their lips tenderly, while her finger stroke his hair, her free hand gets underneath his shirt, and her nails slightly scratch his back. Daniel himself generously covers Anna’s neck with kisses and caresses it with his lips, while his hand is sliding over her naked collarbones. The man also gives attention to the girl’s thighs and belly, which he gets naked and does not leave without kisses. At some moment, he opens some buttons on her shirt to do the same to her breast, silently admiring the black bra that she is wearing. Anna only has to enjoy what’s happening, giving herself to an all-embracing ecstasy, making loud and sexy moans and feeling how a shake is spreading all over her body. She forgets that her parents made her a shy girl, who would never dare to think about something like this. Resisting Daniel’s skillful actions is impossible. He does not have to get directions to know what would help him possess her gorgeous body. She keeps her eyes closed while enjoying the way the man is covering her belly with kisses and caresses it with his warm hands. She sighs blissfully when the man’s fingers confidently squeeze her breasts and thighs. And she does not mind when his hand gets underneath her jeans to give some attention to this sensitive area. Anna does not think it’s all some kind of perversion, and she does not try to resist her feelings. She entirely gives herself to the man and lets him enjoy these magical, amazing moments and helps her feel happy, relaxed, and wanted.Chapter 33: I Think I Should Accept It And Let Him Go
November 8, 2023 at 1:47 PM
It’s about three o'clock. Natalia is sitting at home. She got a little better, but she feels lousy. The girl has only one wish – to lie on the bed all day and watch TV. She is doing this now, as she is lying on the sofa in the living room with her hair brushed up and wearing a dark pink tube top and shorts of the same color. The blonde does not almost move her dead eyes off the big plasma TV hanging in the living room, holding a remote control in her hands. Natalia tries to find something good, but they are translating only the news issues that repeat all the same thousands of times, some not very good movies, and other things. Moreover, many channels keep translating the reportage about Michael’s arrest, which almost everybody has seen. Almost every newscast is discussing it, but nobody says anything new.
Natalia has not met Terrence and Raquelle in the past three days. She decides to give them a chance to have some rest because she understands that they hardly want to have a meeting of friends. All this time, the girl has been sitting home, having a rest, and enjoying every second she spends at the place that she terribly missed while having to be at Michael’s house.
“Hey…” Natalia thinks, lying on the back, putting her hand under her head, setting her sad eyes on the ceiling, and stopping watching the TV. “Anna doesn’t still know I came back home three days ago… Gosh, I haven’t told her that! I forgot about her! Anna still thinks I’m kept in the house of Michael… But if she and Daniel saw the reportage, they’d guess everything. Damn… I’ll try to call her right now and explain everything.”
Natalia wants to reach for the phone and call Anna. But when she barely gets up, she gets a notification about getting a new message on her mobile phone placed on the coffee table. The girl, frowning slightly, takes the phone, unlocks it, and opens the message she was just sent.
“Hey, Natalia, it’s Anna! I just saw the report on the TV, in which they talked about you and a certain Michael, who was holding you at his house. Also, they mentioned all the MacClifes. I doubt you would reply to me now, but please, text or call me when you can. I do worry about you and can’t calm down from thinking that danger is threatening you.”
Natalia expected to see a similar message and is not surprised by what she read. The girl does not think much and decides to reply to Anna, typing a message and sending it.
“Hey, Anna! Everything you heard is the truth. The MacClifes have to do with this story as well as I do. And yeah, you can have no worries about me: I’m fine. I'm ready to talk to you when you want.”
While Natalia is waiting for a message from Anna but is not sure if she will get it, she goes to the kitchen and microwaves some food. And when she returns to the living room, sits on the sofa, and eats a little, her phone makes another sound that notifies her of an incoming message. She takes it and reads what Anna sent her.
“MY GOD! Natalia! I can’t believe it! Are you okay there? I heard you were kidnapped by the people of a certain Michael. Are you free now? Reply to me, friend, please! I’ve been too worried!”
Natalia smiles shyly and types a message for Anna.
“Don’t worry, sweetie, now you can have no worries. Yes, I was really kidnapped, but now I’m fine and home. I promise I’ll explain everything to you once we meet. If you want, go to my home. Or we could meet somewhere and talk about what happened to me. Not only that… I’d like to tell you something you should know. But it’s not for a phone talk… I wanna talk about it personally.”
Anna types a message quickly enough, and Natalia eats only a few spoons of what she cooked for herself.
“Erm… Sorry, honey, but I won’t be able to meet you today. Daniel suggested we walk in the city, saying I should relax and calm down. Erm… Let’s meet tomorrow? I’ll call you once I’m back and agree on the meeting.”
Although Natalia gets sad because Anna is not able to meet her today, she does not make it a tragedy.
“Okay, deal. I won’t dare to prevent you from spending a wonderful time with your handsome guy, Daniel. And hey, I’m sorry for making you nervous and not letting you know about me earlier. I was just exhausted, but I came to myself more or less today. Well… And I missed my home so much that I didn’t wanna leave it…”
Anna sends her reply a few minutes later, and Natalia gets time to go to her room, take her laptop that she carries to the living room, and turn it on, holding a plate with the food that she is eating with a fork.
“It’s okay, you shouldn’t apologize… Have a rest and come to yourself, and I’ll call you tonight to agree on the time. My handsome guy will get it and won’t mind it.”
Natalia smiles shyly, types a reply message, and puts her phone aside.
“Thanks! Have a good pastime with your boyfriend.”
Anna sends her reply just saying, “Thanks a lot!” with a smiling emoji that makes Natalia smile. After this, the girl puts her phone aside, puts her laptop turned on her laps, and leans back in the sofa. When she opens an app for streaming songs online, the blonde checks her list, turns on a song, and makes the sound louder. Being pleased with her choice, Natalia opens an Internet browser, starts browsing sites with news, rumors, and announcements, and checks her social networks. The Internet is full of news about political conflicts, meetings, and something else. There are also many articles about Michael’s arrest. Though, they are all almost the same and contain no good information. She quickly scrolls pages and runs her eyes over them, recalling the horror that she and her close people had to experience.
But later, Natalia gets sick of seeing the news about Michael MacClife. He closes the site with the news about him and decides to find an interesting movie or funny videos that would make her mood better. The girl opens a large famous site, on which there are some movies in a paid section, funny videos from the lives of other people, advertisements, music videos, and many other things. The blonde is checking the list of most viewed videos with many comments, knowing that it’s sometimes possible to find really good stuff that always gives her good inspiration. She runs her eyes over the thumbnails of every single video and their titles, but finds nothing special for some time. Though, later, Natalia sees a low-quality video that lasts four minutes. This video has received about a million views, almost one thousand likes, and thousands of comments.
It seems absolutely worthless and was recorded at a late time. But she gets interested in this video and decides to watch it. But then Natalia hears the wired line phone start ringing suddenly. She slightly shakes from a little scare because she got used out of the sounds that the phone makes when someone calls. The girl closes both tabs with the page of popular videos and the site with a music library, shuts the laptop, reaches for her phone, and answers the call.
“Hello,” Natalia says quietly.
“Oh, gosh, Natalia, thank God!” the feminine voice pronounces excitedly. “Finally, you’ve answered!”
“Erm…” Natalia gets a little confused, but quickly recognizes the voice that belongs to her mother, Letitia. “Mother? Mom, is that you?”
“Yes, it’s me!” Letitia replies excitedly. “Gosh, you did scare me and your father. We almost got a heart attack.”
“Mom, I…”
“Can you explain what’s happening to you? Why didn’t you answer calls from your father and me for a week? We called you several times on your mobile number and our home number, but you didn’t answer!”
“I can explain everything…”
“Do you understand how excited we got excited?” Letitia resents. “We assumed the worst and even wanted to return to the USA. We thought of literally something!”
“Don’t worry. There’s no reason to panic anymore.”
“No, you say? But how would you explain the reportage that they are translating on a TV?”
“Erm…” Natalia bites her lip slightly. “A reportage?”
“Two hours ago, your father and I saw the reportage on the TV, in which they talked about the arrest of a certain Michael MacClife,” Letitia explains a little gloomily. “And they mentioned you, Raquelle, Terrence, Edward, and a certain Jamie. They even said something about me and your father! What is that? What’s going on?”
“Listen, Mother…”
“Why do you get into trouble when one of us leaves you alone? You’re an adult girl, but you act like a little, irresponsible baby.”
“Don’t say that, please…” Natalia begs with pity in her eyes.
“Maybe, you finally explain how you got into this story?” Letitia asks a little coldly. “What are you the hell doing, while your father and I aren’t in New York?”
“It’s all very hard to explain…” Natalia replies hesitantly, biting her lip slightly. “I…”
“I want to specify: I don’t care about why Michael got arrested. And I know he is connected with the MacClife. I need to know just one thing: did that man really hold you at his house for four days? Did his people kidnap you by his order?”
“Oh…” Natalia relaxes her shoulders and exhales sharply. “You heard and saw everything… I won’t deny anything.”
“So, is that the truth?”
“Yes… It’s true… But please, don’t worry about me, I’m fine and at home now.”
“Oh, God…” Letitia sighs heavily and falls into silence for two seconds. “You must not actually be allowed to stay alone. Anthony and I always have to look after you to be sure you won't get into something. The last time you got into trouble, and I still want to know about it. And now you got into something else! How did you get such a love for adventures? Are you going crazy from doing nothing?”
“Do you think I really wanted it?” Natalia wonders, rounding her eyes. “Think it was pleasant for me to stay at that home for four days? Be with those horrible people! Yes, thank God, they did nothing bad to me, but I felt very bad there and was praying that I left that place soon.”
“Are you really fine? Or don’t you want to scare Anthony and me?”
“No, no, I swear, I’m alright.”
“Okay, I believe you… Then tell me more about that story. What do you have to do with that man? Is it true that Terrence and Edward turned out to be brothers, and your ex is not Lockhart but MacClife? Is that true Michael is their uncle? And who’s Jamie MacClife?”
“Yes, it’s true. Terrence and Edward turned out to be siblings and Michael’s nephews, and Jamie is their father, whom they did not love for different reasons. And yeah, Edward is really not Lockhart.”
“But why did that man, as the reportage said, try to kill all the MacClifes?”
“Michael has hated his brother all his life and turned his life and the lives of all the members of his family to hell. He tried to kill everybody. Jamie, Edward… Even Terrence and Raquelle almost suffered. He didn’t kind of hurt Mrs. MacClife, but he wanted to destroy her after defeating her sons.”
“He almost destroyed his family?”
“It’s all jealousy for his brother, who was always more successful, his success and evil caused by the fact that Jamie had everything, and he had nothing. It’s a long story… But the meaning of that is that fact.”
“Okay, I got it. But how did it happen that you and Raquelle got involved in this story?”
“Well… You can understand why danger was threatening Raquelle… And as for me, on the day when I met Edward, we were noticed by one of Michael’s pals, who knew who my parents and I were. As Michael said, he didn’t care about me, but when we started to date, he disliked it. And he thought of the man, who saw us together and told him about it…”
“Did he recognize you because your father and I are famous in some circles and know very powerful people?”
“Yeah, and also because I speak to Terrence and Raquelle… They’re celebrities, who are known much more than Dad and you.”
“Okay… But is that man connected with you in another way? Maybe… Do you know him or his friends? You’ve spoken to many people. And… I think that man could have some familiar people.”
“Nope, I don’t know him personally… And his friends…”
“Did he do nothing bad to you when you were at Michael’s house?”
“He didn’t do it at the house, but…” Natalia bites her lip slightly, getting nervous enough and starting to shake from the memories that she gets obsessed with. “Actually… He…”
“What?” Letitia feels that her heart starts beating faster.
“He a-a-accosted me…” Natalia replies hesitantly. “Accosted…”
“What? What do you mean he accosted you? What are you talking about, daughter? Don’t joke like this! You know that I take everything about you very seriously!”
“I don’t joke, Mother. That man wanted to do something horrible to me…”
“Gosh… What did he do to you?”
“He…” Natalia pronounces in a shaking voice, nervously starting to shake her leg and barely holding down the tears that are coming to her eyes. “That’s horrible… Horrible… It’s madly hard for me to talk about it… I… I ain’t sure I could tell everything right now. It’s too hard for me…”
“My girl, what’s happening to you?” Letitia gets horrified. “Why is your voice so shaking? Did that stinker do something very horrible to you?”
“Very horrible…” Natalia starts sobbing quietly, clenching her hand into a fist. “Horrible, Mom…”
“Don’t scare me, Natalia, please. Pity your mother. I’ve got too many reasons to worry.”
“It became the reason for my breakup with Edward. I mean… Not that… He just… Understood what happened to me wrongly…”
“Gosh, what does Edward have to do with it? Is he connected with that man?”
“No, the case is not about it. He hadn’t known him before he met him for the first time.”
“But what then?”
“It’s… It’s…”
“Honey, I don’t make you tell me everything now if you aren’t ready yet. But at least drop a hint! I need to know what happened to you, and why you were so strange. If you say it became the reason for your breakup with Edward, it happened a long time ago.”
“You’re right… A very long time ago…”
“A couple of words, Natalia. Tell me what happened in two words.”
“He… He…”
Shaking from fear and excitement, Natalia tries to hold down the tears coming to her eyes and emotions for some time before she decides to let her parents know something now to make the mission to tell them everything easier.
“That man…” Natalia pronounces quietly, falls into silence for two seconds, and exhales sharply. “The man, who saw me and Edward, almost raped me… About five months ago.”
Getting sharply white, Letitia says nothing for a few seconds because she is deeply shocked by what she heard and wants to hear it’s not the truth.
“W-what?” Letitia asks in a shaking voice. “What did you say? You… You… W-w-were t-tried… To r-rape?”
“Yup,” Natalia pronounces quietly, doubles over, and leans on her lap with her elbow, as she is holding her head with the palm of her hand. “Tried…”
“Natalia, stop saying these things! This is not funny! What were you thinking of when you decided to say it?”
“I’m not lying, Mother. That’s what I was hiding for several months. The reason I was so strange. The reason why I literally wanted to die.”
“No, no, I don’t wanna believe it…” Letitia pronounces in a shaking voice, starting to breathe heavily. “I don’t wanna believe my daughter was almost raped… I don’t want!”
“I’m very sorry, but it’s the truth. I will not tell you everything he tried to do to me, ‘cause you don’t better know it… But… He was doing everything against my will… I tried to save myself and run away, but he didn’t let me go…”
“Natalia…”
“I still get horrified from thinking about what I had to experience on that day.”
“But…” Letitia exhales slowly. “But… But w-w-why did you say nothing? Why were you silent?”
“I didn’t do it on purpose!” Natalia excuses herself with pity in her eyes. “I swear, I didn’t want it!”
“How could you do that to us? How could you say nothing for so long and pretend that nothing happened?”
“I was terrified, Mom!” Natalia makes a quiet sob. “I was so terrified by that man that I could do nothing. That man threatened that if I told someone about that, he’d find and kill me.”
“Yeah, are you sure he wouldn’t kill you if you were silent? And torture yourself and all of us? Do you understand how much nerve we spent worrying about you? Understand how hard it was for me and your father to see you in such a horrible condition, and guess what happened to our daughter?”
“Sorry, Mommy, I didn’t wanna make anyone nervous. I know I did a bad thing. Like an egoist,” Natalia sharply leans back and raises her head, closing her eyes, from which tears are rolling down her cheeks. “I know I should’ve told someone the truth… I could’ve avoided much if I hadn’t been a coward, who seriously thought someone would get her out of the ground to kill her for a long tongue.”
“At least I’m glad you understand it.”
“My silence led to terrible consequences. But I wouldn’t have thought it would have to do with what happened later.”
“As I understand, does it have to do with Edward?”
“Yes. Our breakup. I loved that man with all my heart and didn’t even think of leaving. But if I’d told him the truth, everything could’ve been otherwise. He wouldn’t have started to consider me a betrayer.”
“Wait, Natalia, wait…” Letitia says thoughtfully. “But how could the rape attempt become a reason for the breakup? You said Edward didn’t know that man!”
“But Michael knew him. He used the fact that I was almost raped. Edward’s uncle took something from that man that helped him make his nephew sure that I was allegedly cheating on him.”
“And what was it?”
“Photos. In which I allegedly hugged and kissed that man. His pals, who were with him on that day, were photographing us so that it seemed that I liked it. So… Edward believed it and didn’t figure out anything… One month ago, he went to my home, threw the photos at my face, blamed me for cheating, and announced our breakup.”
“My gosh…” Letitia gets horrified. “And didn’t you try to change his mind?”
“Nope…” Natalia sniffs quietly. “I was so overwhelmed that I wasn’t able to say something. I mean, I wanted to deny everything… But first, I remembered the words of that man. And second, Edward was so mad that something could hardly wake him up. At least, I thought so… When I had told him everything before my kidnapping, he sharply forgot about any evil.”
“And did he believe that man so easily?” Letitia wonders. “Did Edward easily believe those photos? Couldn’t he guess you didn’t think of betraying him?”
“Honestly, I don’t know what he was thinking about.” Natalia sighs heavily and runs her hand through her hair. “But on the other hand, I understand him and have no right to be mad. Because I’m the one to blame…”
“You say you told him everything?”
“Yeah, but does it matter? Of course, he said he believed me and felt very sorry about what happened. But I don’t think we’d get everything we had back. Our ways are separated. I think I should accept it and let him go.”
“At least, you told him the truth and gave him a reason to think about what he did. If he’s not a stupid guy, he will understand he was deceived by his own uncle.”
“He knows it, Mom. Michael confessed everything when he made Edward and Terrence go to his home and tried to kill us three. And… Revealed many secrets that put many things in the right places.”
“So, here’s another reason for Edward to think about his actions,” Letitia replies quietly. “As Michael himself confessed that he framed you on purpose and did his best to end your relationship, he is supposed to have no doubts.”
“Now, it doesn’t matter. Because it’s all over.”
“Do you think you can put the dot in your relationship?”
“Sadly. But who knows, maybe, it should’ve happened. Maybe, Edward is not my destiny. Maybe, he’s just the experience that I will need in the future. He was probably sent to me to learn some lessons. No more.”
“Of course, I don’t like how that man behaved. But I must confess that he was the best of all your boyfriends. Your father and I had liked Edward before that story started. And… I will be really sad if your breakup is final.”
“He was the best for me, as well.” Natalia sighs heavily with tears coming to her eyes. “But if happened, I will meet someone to be better someday. I’ve always believed that it’s all for the best. So, I will not stop believing I’ll get a man that will be much better than Edward.”
“Listen, honey, I understand it is hard for you two, but don’t yell about the final breakup everywhere. You should quietly talk about everything you have inside and understand if you can be together. You’re asked just to talk openly. You will have time to reconcile or break up. Your breakup is not final, as you think. Anyway, you’re still a couple. So, you either need to save your relationship and do something to get back the trust of each other, or end it forever and wait for someone to be better.”
“Maybe, we’ll talk when we’re ready. But I think our breakup is final. We’ll meet just to quietly confirm it and let each other go our own ways.”
“You’re mad at him?”
“Nope… I’m not mad at Edward anymore… I used to be mad at him just because he doubted my loyalty and was humiliating me for a long time. But I kind of deserved it because I made him think about it and was too cowardly to tell him the truth. I understand I can’t be mad at him for what I’m guilty of. Besides, now, I could tell him lots of compliments and say how much I’m proud of him. Because he’s lately shown the best side of himself and tried to be good for everybody. Yes, I still have a bad feeling, but now I can’t say I’m madly mad at that man.”
“Do you think he’s mad at you?”
“Who knows, Mom… At least he was worried when he found out that his uncle gave the order to kidnap me. And he got enraged when he heard Michael was guilty of our breakup. He was protecting me and wasn’t quiet when Michael said something bad about me.”
“I believe he is still not indifferent to you.”
“It changes nothing. No matter how much I don’t wanna say it, Edward and I broke up. And we will never be together. We should only experience the trial of Michael when we’ll have to come as witnesses. But when it ends, we’ll stop meeting and never meet again.”
“Yeah, the reportage said Michael would be judged soon.”
“Edward, Terrence, Raquelle, and I were asked to tell the judge what happened. All the MacClifes and the witnesses of all the attempts will be there.”
“I get it.”
“Ah, Mom…” Natalia sighs heavily, putting her hand on her forehead. “Honestly, I don’t wanna go there. But I’ll have to. I have to come and tell them what Michael’s accomplice did to me and how I was kidnapped and held in the house for four days.”
“Because of Edward? Or because it’s hurtful for you to remember the past?”
“One and another thing. But I’m also gonna be madly hurt if our ways go apart after the end of the trial. Now something connects our four, but then we’ll no longer have a meaning in communicating.”
“Why, sweetie? You will still meet Terrence and Raquelle. Aren’t you gonna run away from your friends, who’ve done so much for you?”
“No, of course! Just the fact that everything wouldn’t be the same makes me sad. Yes, Michael is arrested, and our tortures are over… And now what? Will we experience the trial, run on the four sides and start living our lives? At least Edward is gonna disappear from the life of his family. He’s ashamed of looking into everybody’s eyes after behaving badly towards them. And making them understand some things wrongly.”
“Nevertheless, don’t say everything is over. I think you and Edward will have time to talk before the start of the trial. You better do it at the nearest time. Otherwise, it’s gonna be hard for you. You’ll be meeting on every trial, and it’s not gonna last for one week. It’s a very long and hard procedure: they will take much time to listen to all the defendants and witnesses, examine the clues, and examine the documents. I do know what that is.”
“I dunno…” Natalia sighs with sadness in her eyes. “It’s madly hurtful and horrified to come back to the past and talk about it. And this suspense scares me much more… I’m afraid ‘cause I don’t know what to expect in the future. Who knows what will happen to me tomorrow, in one month, in one year… I can’t be sure if I can find the courage to talk to Edward. Not sure if he finds the courage to suggest that.”
“I completely understand you, daughter.”
“It’s very hard for me, you see…” Natalia swallows up nervously and makes a quiet sob, carefully wiping off tears under her eyes. “I don’t know if I can take all of that. If I have enough strength to get over what’s expecting me…”
“It’s gonna be okay, Natalia, Michael, and your offender will go to prison. If we have to, your father and I are ready to do our best to put at least the one, who almost raped you, in prison. And whatever happens, I promise that when the trial starts, we will be by your side and supporting you.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Natalia thanks with a slight smile. “I’ll definitely need the support of you and Dad at such a hard moment.”
“You’ll not be alone. I'm sure many friends and familiar people of the MacClifes will wish to go and support them. If nobody is allowed to go to the room, they’ll stand outside.”
“Hey, when are you and Dad gonna be back home?”
“Actually, we planned to return in two or three weeks, but we’ll probably be back earlier. Moreover, after this shocking piece of news, we can’t stay here, far from you. And when you stopped answering calls, we started to think of returning to the USA. We decided that if you didn’t answer today, one of us would go to New York.”
“I will not disappear and will answer your calls and call you by myself. And when you’re back home, I’ll tell you everything that happened to me.”
“That’s why we wanna be back earlier. When your father called me to the TV, on which they were translating the reportage, we made much more sure that something serious had happened to you. And now we will talk about it.”
“Don’t leave everything and come back here. You better do what you need and then plan a trip to the USA. You’ve got no meaning to worry about me, ‘cause I’m fine.”
“No, Natalia, we will not stay here longer. When we finish our business, we will buy tickets, get on an airplane, and go home.”
“Okay, let it happen… Then call me when you and Dad wanna return. I’ll at least meet you at the airport and drive you home.”
“Sure, I will do. And now try not to get into bad situations. And don’t think about what happened too much. I understand it’s very hard for you, but you may go crazy if you always think of that horror and make yourself worried.”
“I'm trying, Mother,” Natalia sighs quietly.
“And I’m glad you finally made the situation clear and confessed everything.”
“Thanks a lot for listening and supporting me,” Natalia thanks with a slight smile. “Maybe, you judge me for being such a stupid idiot, but I’m glad I got the support and understanding.”
“Loving parents always stand by the side of their children, despite nothing. Even if they always make mistakes and do something bad. So, your father and I will love you anyway.”
“Hey, isn’t he with you now?”
“No, Anthony is now at home with your grandmother. And I went to a store and decided to try to call you on the way.”
“I see…”
“Okay, honey, sadly, I have to say goodbye to you,” Letitia says with sadness in her eyes. “I should call someone for my job. He’s waiting for my call.”
“Okay, I won’t bother you.”
“A little later, your father or I will call you and say when we decided to return.”
“Hey, give my greetings to Father and Grandmother…”
“Sure, my sweetheart.”
“I hope they are fine?”
“Sure. They’re all fine. Your grandmother felt a little worse because she got too excited when hearing the report about Michael and your kidnapping. But thank God, everything is over, and Anthony and I calmed her down.”
“Oh, God…” Natalia puts her hand on her heart with widely open eyes, feeling that it’s beating several times faster.
“Hey, do you still have money on your card? If you don’t, I will transfer you a little!”
“No, no, thanks. I have money. And enough food.” Natalia smiles shyly. “It’s okay.”
“Okay then. See you later.”
“Bye, Mom.”
“Bye.”
Natalia turns off the call, puts the phone on the coffee table, and just sits on the sofa for some time, leaning her head back and setting her dead, wet eyes into the distance. After this talk, the girl got a little better and made herself much more sure that she should have told the truth to her close people much earlier. Because they would have supported her, even if she did not almost think of the consequences of her actions.