Our Life Changed

Before Annie

Hello! My name is Laura and I am a huge fan of the 1982 version of Annie. I recently watched it on Netflix and it reminded me how much I love Grace and Oliver as a couple. It inspired me to write this fan fiction! Please do not repost this story on any other sites without explicitly contacting me first. This story will eventually contain mature themes. I will try to do this incredible movie justice, and I hope you enjoy reading! - Laura x

. . .

Grace Farrell had been working for Oliver Warbucks for 9 years, and she had never seen him as awful as he was right now. 

The Depression was taking such a toll on the billionaire. As heartless and cold as he claimed himself to be, she knew deep down that he blamed himself for the hundreds of men he had to put out of work because of the economic crash. She noticed how much dimmer he became every time he had to close a factory, or lay off some laborers. His public image was taking a hit as well. People were infuriated that this man was living in the lap of luxury while their children were starving to death in the streets while they struggled to find work. Mr. Warbucks received approximately 75-100 death threats a week in the mail and she knew that they took an emotional toll on him. This is precisely the reason why she suggested the idea she had in mind. 

"But sir, think about the good this will do for your reputation! By taking in a poor little orphan, you will be showing the public that--" Grace told him excitedly. 

Warbucks leaned back in his desk chair, cross as ever. "Absolutely not! Get ahold of yourself, Miss Farrell! What makes you think I have the patience to deal with a child at a time like this?" He snapped, furiously scribbling notes onto a pad. 

Grace adjusted herself on the chair in front of her desk, writing pad thrown to the side. "Sir, I'm simply asking you to consider it. I think the child would enjoy it immensely, and frankly, I think you need it as well. The air is so gloomy inside this house, and the joy of a child would surely lighten it!" She exclaimed, trying to force back a smile and look as professional as possible. 

"That's quite enough, Miss Farrell! You clearly have to idea what the responsibility it is to look after a child, especially one who is not raised with proper manners or social conduct! I simply do not have the time to have a gangly little child running around my house while the economy falls apart around us!" He yelled, making her flinch. 

"Mr. Warbucks, with all due respect, you are quite pent up these days! I believe it is extremely unhealthy for you to be under such an amount of stress with no way to relax! It is not only the economy that is falling apart!" She said firmly, smoothing the bottom of her pencil skirt. 

"Miss Farrell. I understand the point that you are making. However, I simply do not have the time. Now, I am awaiting a very important telephone call from a business executive in Philadelphia, so if you would pick up your pad and be ready to transcript, that would be excellent." He said, glaring at her from behind his desk. 

"Mr. Warbucks, I am begging. The staff are absolutely miserable, and even I think I would benefit from having a sweet little child around the house." Grace said miserably, looking down. 

Warbucks sighed. "If it really means that much to you and the staff..." He began, rubbing his forehead tiredly. Grace sat up in her set quickly, smoothing her hair. 

"I will allow one child and one child only in this house. For one week. They will live their greatest dreams for one week and then be sent back to wherever you came from. You as well as the staff will be singlehandedly responsible for taking care of the child. There will be press coverage. You will need to contact the New York Board of Orphans at once to ensure that the child will be here by no later than tomorrow. Now get the pad ready for the phone call." He said sternly. Grace's face broke into an absolutely radiant grin. 

"Oh, thank you so much, sir! You have no idea how much it means to me. I think you will really enjoy the company the child will bring." She said, grinning from ear to hear. 

He couldn't help but allow himself a tight smile at the sight of her so happy, and then sighed. "I cannot afford the burden of a child. If they show any delinquency at all, they will be sent back. And Miss Farrell, I warn you-- do not get attached." He said at once, turning to the phone.