Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Alex

Taking a ride in the car and hoping I'd find my way to Ana didn't seem very successful. I just knew she was from somewhere near the ocean; we never discussed her hometown much, only our dreams and fantasies of leading a life without many expectations. I wish I had asked her more questions about it now. I'm so lost without her. I feel like a part of me has been taken away, leaving behind only memories of the time we had together. She's missed terribly by me. My beloved girl is gone.

I watch Brad, who is driving my new red Porsche, and it looks like he's deep in thought. Guilty thoughts, most likely. I was so shocked when they told me about the authentic story of what happened last weekend that I literally shattered inside. Even though it wasn't my fault, I felt horrible. Like such a jerk. I mean, yeah, I cheated on Ana, but not intentionally — or at least, not purposely. Damn!

"Alex, man, I'm really sorry," Brad spoke up. "Your dad convinced us that Ana was trouble!"

"Yeah, I get it, Brad," I said. "But you should have talked to me first; you should have asked me for some information on her and me."

"I know I messed up, Alex. Believe me when I say that I hate myself for doing this. Your dad was so convincing and forceful. He told us Ana would ruin your football career."

“My dad is quite the persuasive guy. I don't blame my mom for leaving; I wouldn't be able to stand being with him for a lifetime, so I'm sure she felt the same.”

“Alex, driving all around looking for your girlfriend with no clues doesn't seem like the best use of time, in my opinion. Perhaps we should go back and come up with a better plan. We've been at these three days now and still have nothing.”

“Yeah, you're right. But I can't bring myself to give up…” Surrendering the possibility of being together with the girl of my dreams? No way that's going to happen. If I take my entire life, I'll keep searching until I find her. We really ought to head back—the big game is coming up, and there are scouts watching. Before I do anything else, though, I need to talk to my dad about his scheme to destroy our relationship. What an awful petty man.

I drop Brad off at his frat house and head home to the man I share my DNA with, but have nothing else in common: my narcissistic father. This isn't the first or last time he's pulled a stunt — he's a powerful man, though he has more enemies than most people. When I pull into our driveway, all I feel is emptiness. Our vast mansion sits atop a sprawling landscape of green grass and strange sculptures. There's nothing inviting about the minimalist decor that pervades the place - it's intentional.

My dad chose silver to make the front door of the mansion. I couldn't fathom why my dad chose that material, but it seemed to fit somehow. A tall fence of silver encircled the mansion, seeming to broadcast his wealth ostentatiously. I'm relieved that I never presented Ana to him. I don't remember telling him about Ana. However, he must have known her since he mentioned her name.

The butler opened the door before I even reached the steps leading up to the doorway. His name was Claud, and he had a rather peculiar look. About 45 years old with broad shoulders, he was apparently an old football player from college who needed a job. Needless to say, he was quite a frightening-looking man.

I stop in front of the hallway mirror and examine my reflection. I saw my green eyes looking exhausted, and my brown hair tousled and lifeless. Dark circles under my eyes enforce the idea that I haven't slept well since Ana left. A feeling of energy depletion matches the ache in my heart and fatigue. With a heavy sigh, I make my way to the living room, where I collapse onto the sofa. Just as drowsiness takes hold, I hear my father enter the room. Everyone else calls him Mr. Sullivan, but he's just "Dad" to me.

“Son, where have you been?” he shouts, making me jump on the sofa. “Don't tell me you are still chasing after her,” he mocks.

"What are you saying, Dad?" I asked. "She's my girlfriend—not some random girl."

He laughed and smirked. "Not anymore, she isn't. That's why I want to discuss this proposal with you."

My jaw dropped as he shouted over his shoulder, "Shauna, come in here!" The next thing I knew, she had leapt into my arms and declared, "Finally, baby! I was so worried!"

This girl was crazy—a leech who needed to be cut loose. But before I could untangle her from me, my dad snapped a photo of us and gave me an evil smile.

"Let's make things official, shall we?"