RED

I Knew It Was Trouble When I Walked In

Chapter One – I Knew It Was Trouble When I Walked In

                Charity. When this word crossed your mind, you would think of the people being helped, the money that would be spent on the less fortunate ones. Charity was the root of all the generous, loving and kind people. But tonight, I didn’t feel like to be here, sitting alone on this chair while my father got some food to feed his growling stomach. I didn’t have the mood to eat so I stayed here, invisible enough for the people to see. I hated publicity tonight, I feel so naked whenever people would steal glances at me. It was as if I’m being the talk of the town. Could they just mind their own business?

                Sorry if I felt grumpy tonight. Who would be happy if the oh-so-famous Ryan Parker invites me? My dad, of course. He was downright ecstatic when I gave in to his pleas and to his sweet words of endearment. Ugh, and his puppy dog face, which was my extreme weakness.

                “Smile, it lights up your face,” dad said, placing his plate on the table and gobbling the food up. Yeah right, I should smile. Note the sarcasm.

                “You know the reason why I went here dad, so no need to tell me what to do,” I snapped, smiling at him bitterly. He went quiet and continued on eating his food. Later on, he did not bother to talk to me or nag me which was a relief at my part. I scanned the area. The ambiance was literally terrific. A beautiful disco hung lowly at the ceiling while its sparkling lights shone. The dance floor was packed with people and they were dancing slowly to the beat. But a familiar silhouette caught my eye. That dark silhouette which made my stomach drop ten feet from the ground. How could I ever forget? He was at all, the source of breaking my heart to pieces.

                As if seeing me staring at him, he turned his head and his gaze easily landed on mine. He stood frozen from his place, shock painted on his gorgeous face. I looked away immediately and stood up from my seat, dashing my way towards the restroom. I couldn’t take this anymore being with him in the same room although we were really far away. It just made me feel a hundred times worse than thinking of him. Why do I have to feel this way? Instantly, I went inside the cubicle, fighting the tears betraying to fall. I felt so vulnerable tonight, just only seeing him.

                As soon as I got inside, I let the tears fall down on my face. I couldn’t get over him. He still had that power over me. He made me feel weak, he made me feel dependent over him. But I should be strong. I should stop thinking of him. I should not let him affect me, my whole being, my whole life. I grabbed a tissue from my clutch and dabbed the tears on my face. Tonight, I needed to pull out a strong front. I wouldn’t let Ryan show that I was still the same old girl back in high school. I would show him the real me.

                I looked horrible after I cried for a good few minutes. My mascara’s smeared and it didn’t look good on me. I removed my make-up slowly as I looked myself at the mirror. When I was done and I looked half as human, I went outside and prepared myself to meet him. I knew dad would introduce me to him. It wasn’t too subtle to notice.

                Dad smiled once he saw me. I beamed back at him, a fake one, and hugged him. He was surprised with the change of mood that I had at first but he decided not to question me. Behind him was Ryan Parker, standing in his perfect glory with an impeccable smile on his face. How could he manage to do that? I studied his features thoroughly. His blue eyes were sparkling in amusement, his lips were formed into a huge grin and his crooked nose just had to be matched with them. His dark brown hair was disheveled to perfection that he looked so handsome tonight, but I wouldn’t let my guard down. I still held my poker face because I didn’t want to lose this battle. Once I broke my little interaction with my dad, he carefully cleared his throat, cautiously looked at me if I’m going to throw an outburst at Ryan, and slowly thought of the words he would say.

                “Ryan Parker, this is my daughter, Hannah Stewart,” dad said, warily stating the words as if he was in a daze. He was totally shocked when he hadn’t seen me throwing a fit at Ryan. Ryan’s face matched my dad’s too. I beamed at them, feeling my cheeks growing numb from the excessive stretching of my mouth.

                “It was a pleasure meeting you,” I said, offering my hand to him. When he was still staring at me like he was seeing a ghost, I glared at him. “Will you accept my hand, or what?”

                Ryan chuckled softly, audible enough for me to hear. I missed the way his voice would reverberate in his chest. He looked at me again, and a small real smile appeared on his handsome face. It lit up his profile. He slowly covered his big yet rough hands on my small and soft ones. I felt warmth emanating on my body and the sparks that flew out on my veins. I hastily retrieved my hand back before something might go wrong.

                “It was nice meeting you too,” he replied, a smirk replacing on his face. I hated when he played well on his mind games. And I hated when I always lose the battle without even thinking about it. I swallowed the lump that had occasionally formed on my throat.

                “So,” my dad interrupted, breaking the tension that was about to form in this ambiance. Luckily, I managed to hold my temper. If it wasn’t for my dad, I could have caused a scene, “I want to tell you the reason why the both of you are gathered here.” Something was not right here. I could feel my heart beating so fast. What had my father have to do with the both of us? Maybe he was really behind all of this.

                “As a record producer of my recording company, I wanted you, Hannah, to write the life story of Ryan Parker. Before you start to throw a tantrum here, let me explain first. I’m the one who invited you. I’m sorry if I lied to you. I just don’t want you to be disappointed because you knew whenever I invited you, I needed a favor from you. Second, since Ryan Parker is a famous celebrity icon, why not write his life story on a book? Lastly, I want you to be in good terms with Ryan. You should forgive him for what he had done,” dad explained, making my face literally drain out of color. After all this time, I thought Ryan invited me just to make fun of me. My dad’s lame excuse made me feel . . . disappointed. I wasn’t mad at him. I was just disappointed with the way things ran tonight. I would rather be glad he would invite me than Ryan to be inviting me.

                “I’m sorry, baby, girl,” dad cooed, which was making things worse. He reached out to my cheek and caressed it softly but I swatted his hand away.

                “Stop telling me those words dad! How could you do these to me? Why me? I still have an upcoming novel to release! My fans are happily waiting for it! And now you’d let me write Ryan Parker’s pathetic life story?! You knew what happened between us, dad! You knew! And I hate you for not even helping me mend these things!” I yelled, causing a scene. I didn’t care if people would look at me telling me I’m going hysterical.

                “But that’s the only way for things between you and Ryan to go back,” my dad insisted, his voice raising a notch. “And I told your agent to delay the deadline of your novel,” he added quietly making my blood boil. My dad didn’t understand. He wanted Ryan and me to be in good terms.

                “Well, news flash, dad! Ryan and I are never getting back to be friends again, like ever!” I yelled, and stalked away from the room. I could hear people whispering things about me. But I didn’t care. I was downright disappointed with my dad. He could go find some other writer since he had lots of connections. That writer would be willingly happy to take my place.

                “Hannah! Hannah!” I could hear Ryan’s voice echoing through the halls. I didn’t care, he won’t stop me and I won’t let him.

                I knew it was trouble when I agreed to go to the gala. I knew it was trouble when I walked in.

A/N: I felt so overwhelmed by your comments! I never thought you would like my story. As for readers who read this chapter, thank you! If ever you will end up reading my whole story, a lot of thanks! Thanks for encouraging me to write this chapter. I never thought people would think it's good. It will be really good if you listen to the song at the side. It really matches this chapter. :)