I Found [Discontinued]

CHAPTER 5

ANNA

A bright light woke me up from my slumber. I open my eyes to see it was a bright and a new morning. I sat on my bed and saw the room. The same room that I haven't been since I moved to my apartment. I was only here because my family was back, otherwise this house just felt haunted. Moments ticked and my memories from yesterday started resurface.

Shopping with Rain.

Rain admitting that she liked somebody.

Meeting Vincent and Daniel.

Daniel?

I let out a gasp when I remembered.

Daniel tried to rape me but I didn't let him. I showed my monstrosity.

I sucked a breath.

That monstrosity saved me, as much as I hated.

I heard quiet footsteps coming from the other side of the door. Slowly, those footsteps became frantic. My door swung open and I stared at the men standing. He placed his entire weight in one side of the door and crossed his hands.

He grinned.

"No knock-knock jokes?" I said.

"Not today. I can't believe you still remember that."

"Of course, I remember. We used to do when we were younger." I said and we started laughing. His expression changed to more serious, "Are you ready for tonight? You do remember that, right?"

I was unsure of what he was saying but I played along, "Yes?"

He looked into my eyes, "Then tell me."

"Uh... Uh..." and with that I accepted defeat, "Fine. I don't remember, Caleb."

He came forward and sat next to me and said, "Dad told you on the phone. We have a ball on one of our hotels."

I dropped my head on the bed, like an ostrich, "NO!" But my hope glommed, I tried again, "Can I skip it?"

He spoke quickly, "No, I'm not going to suffer alone. You are coming with me."

"Why are we going, again?" I asked.

Caleb continued, "Dad says it's good for the publicity. There are some clients that we need to impress. Business things."

I looked once again on the sun, reminding me that was a new day and no Daniel can screw up. If he does... "Very well, business man. Now get the hell out so I can get ready!"

He stood up and gave me a salute, "Yes ma'am." And he left.

***

Later

It was seven o'clock here in Chicago.

I walked to my full length mirror. I looked at myself. I smoothen all the edges of my dress and took a deep breath. In fifteen minutes, I needed to go downstairs and leave for the ball.

The same ball happens every time we open a new hotel. Dad, Juan Rostrovick, loves to gather people and make them happy. Dancing for him is relaxing. He gives excuses that is all about business but me and Caleb know the real reason. These balls make him remember of Caleb's mother. He doesn't say it but I know that he misses her.

"ANNA! Time to go!" I heard a shout from downstairs.

I opened my door and shouted "I am coming."

I quickly went downstairs with my full-length gown. It was difficult to go downstairs. Dad had to help me and finally reached downstairs, "Thank you! Caleb isn't a gentleman."

"I am gentlemen." He looked offended.

Narrowing my eyes, "No, you aren't."

"Yes I am." Caleb said.

"Enough kids. Let's go! Business waits for us." Juan spoke, tensed. Juan opened the door and signalled to exit.

We walked away silently.