Once Upon A Time

Benny Sampson:
Benny had just returned from class when her step mother screamed her name, sighing she trudged toward the woman who was seated out on the verandah sipping a Pina Colada and listening to the latest tunes. Leslie Sampson was a wannabe hipster mother who was always trying to keep up with the latest gossip so she would have something to talk about with her two other daughters. Benny's step sisters.

"Belinda," she spoke, her nasally voice like fingernails on a chalk board, as she looked up from the latest issue of Woman's Weekly. Leslie had the worst fake tan making her look like an Oompa Loompa from Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and hair the colour of straw. Benny had no idea who told her she looked presentable to send out into the real world but whoever they were either weren't her friend or simply wanted to see the world over run with straw haired Oompa Loompas.

"Yes Leslie," she straightened her bag on her shoulders trying not to make eye contact when possible.

"Seeing as your father is away there are a few things I need you to do."

here we go. the brunette thought to herself.

"I need you to clean the bathroom, the drains are all clogged up. Fix the air conditioner and then tonight it is your turn to cook tea remember. And we want salmon, you know how much your father loves it."

No, in fact, her father hated salmon it was Leslie who loved it. Benny would rather starve then eat salmon she only makes enough for four people and later that night makes a concoction of her own. Which in turn leads to her father joining her for a midnight feast while she tries to finish her homework from class.

"Yes Leslie," with that she turned and left the woman bathing in the sunlight and sipping her drink.

---

Shawn Miller:

Shawn had just arrived in Australia and he noticed the difference in temperature almost immediately. It was so much warmer then London. Pulling out his phone he looked up the temperature and saw that it was 27°, no wonder he was hot under the collar. He sat in his newly bought flat sweltering underneath his long sleeved button up shirt and black slacks. He was waiting for the new girl he had hired to help him out while living over her.

Everlyn Johann.

it was quarter to twelve and she arrived at twelve, hopefully, and Shawn really wanted to shed his clothes and change them for something cooler but he had to look presentable, always having to make the right impression of people. Pulling his phone out of his pocket he began to scan the web while he waited.

Finally his doorbell chimed through his place, standing up he straightened himself out before walking to the door. Taking a deep breath and praying to anyone listening that she would be normal. He pulled the door open.

(I hope this is okay)

(It’s great, I hope Alfie’s part is okay)

Alfie Christopher:

Alfie stepped out of the airport with his luggage in hand, taking in his new surroundings as the sun beat down onto him and instantly warmed him up. He had brought himself a car so he could explore the city that he had never visited before, he usually had a driver back home but he wanted to go out whenever he wanted and just take a drive when he felt like it. Pulling his luggage behind him he walked over to where his new black car was parked, the newest BMW so he was still comfortable but it wasn’t like he was showing off. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself, he was just there to find his Princess and fall in love with a woman that was perfect for him.

Finding his car he climbed inside, he had a full fuel tank so instead of heading over to his new house which he had only seen on the internet he decided to take a drive around. Driving and getting lost was something that he actually loved doing in his spare time, he did it back at home and had often found nice little cafes or quirky stores. He also got to meet different people that he otherwise wouldn’t have ever met, it also gave him time to himself and time to think about whatever was on his mind.

Pulling out of the car park he drove out onto the busy city streets, he suddenly wished he had hired a driver so he could actually just stare out the window at everything they past. But he had to look out the windows quickly so he was still driving safely, maybe he’d take a bus trip or something so he could explore more and get information on the city he was going to live in for who knows how long. He hadn’t even turned his phone on yet as he knew his parents would be trying to call him, they have been attempting to set him up with Princesses since he turned 18 but none of them ever had the right chemistry with him.

---

Evie Johann:

Evie was dressed nicely for her first day at work, but she was still wearing practical clothes for whatever this guy wanted her to do. Black shorts that hit just above her knee with a light grey t-shirt and a pair of sneakers, she had a phone interview with a lady last week and a few days ago she got a call from the same lady telling her that she had gotten the job. It was a job that she normally wouldn’t apply for, but she had just left her previous job at a bar because she was sick and tired of being hit on by drunk men and having foul things said to her.

She needed to work so she could continue paying for her university education, she parked her car in front of the garage at the house. Her breath was taken by how stunningly beautiful the house was, it was in a really nice suburb as well which she had never been to before as she didn’t have a reason to. She lived in a tiny apartment that wasn’t the nicest, but it also wasn’t the worst but it was all she could afford and it was enough for her. However sometimes she did feel like the walls were closing in on her, though that was normally after a day filled with studying.

Walking along the paved path to the front door, she rang the doorbell and waited to meet her new boss who she knew nothing about. It wasn’t long before the door was opening and Evie’s pretty warm brown eyes landed on a handsome blonde man who didn’t look to be that much older than her, was this her new boss? “Good morning, I’m Evelyn Johann and this is my first day here.” She told him in her sweet voice as she didn’t know what else to say.

Shawn Miller:

Shawn was glad she was on time, the last few experiences he had received back home were atrocious, none of them knew punctuality however this Everlyn did and he liked that. He looked over her she was young and fresh faced and she had beautiful brown eyes that radiated warmth. He noticed she was dressed in a stylish casual kind of way which he also liked. Unlike himself he had to dress as professional as possible. He had always been taught to look his best when doing business.

"Good afternoon, I am Shawn Miller. Please do come inside." he opened the door and stepped out of her way allowing the young woman to enter. He looked at her her hair had been pulled back in a professional ponytail and she looked the part. Ruth had done well in finding her. "Follow me," he called over his shoulder as he began to walk down the passage of his home and into the living room where he would conduct a further examination of the woman.

Once they were in the room he told her to take a seat on one of the leather lounge chairs. "Now can I get you anything before we start? A glass of water?"

---

Benny Sampson

Benny was in the kitchen setting up everything she needed for dinner she had managed to clean the bathroom and unclog the sink, it was full of hair, Kianna and Drew's hair and hair extensions that they had a habit of washing down the sink due to severe laziness. It really astounded Benny at how hopeless all three women were. She didn't understand why her father had chosen Leslie she was useless.

As she chopped up the vegetables for the salad she watched the woman who continued to bathe in the sun and sip her drink. She wanted to hit her! She wanted her mother back! Leslie would never be a mother to her and she would never call her mother. As she allowed her thoughts to wander she didn't see Kianna and Drew walk up beside her.

"What are you doing?" Kianna asked looking over her shoulder.

"Making dinner."

"But it's only three."

"I know, I am getting everything ready considering I am not going to be here for tea."

"Oooo where are you going?" Drew asked a snide note to her voice. "Going to see your boyfriend?"

"She can't do that she doesn't have one," Kianna chimed in causing the two to burst out laughing. Benny rolled her eyes and finished up her vegetables before chucking them into a bowl and placing the bowl in the fridge. Grabbing her car keys she walked to the back door and grabbed another duffle bag before heading out the door calling out she would be back later. She didn't hear Leslie and she didn't care. She had dance class and she wasn't going to miss it.

Alfie Christopher:

It wasn’t long before Alfie was lost as he drove through the streets of the lovely city, it also wasn’t long before he grew hungry so he parked his car and climbed out. He pulled his jacket off and left it in the now locked car as he was getting hot, he wasn’t used to this sort of heat as he was used to the coldness and rain. Placing his sunglasses over his eyes to block out the sun rays, he walked off in one direction in hopes to find somewhere to eat.

He came across a café and stepped inside, buying himself a peach iced tea and a sandwich with the lot he sat down at a table outside the café. Watched people pass him as he ate his sandwich, his eyes were more drawn to any females that walked past and they were all beautiful but none stood out to him. He wanted his future Queen to be beautiful on the outside but most importantly on the inside, how she was on the inside was the most important to him as he couldn’t be with someone ugly on the inside or selfish.

He took a few minutes to eat his sandwich before he tossed his rubbish away and continued walking, his hand was wrapped around the cup of the iced tea as he hadn’t finished his drink. Sipping the peach goodness, he did some window shopping as he walked past different stores but again nothing caught his eye.

Well that was until music hit his ears as he walked past a building, the store front had tall windows but the blinds were down and shut so he couldn’t see inside. But the music was different to be coming out of the store and it peaked Alfie’s interest, so he walked through the front door but stopped when he saw a group of women dancing. He smiled as he stood there watching, he was keeping himself hidden as he didn’t want to interrupt the class.

There was a woman towards the back of the group, her naturally tanned skin and dark hair did stand out to him. She was beautiful and held so much grace in all her movements, she glowed from the inside out as she danced and he wanted to meet her.

---

Evie Johann:

Sitting down Evie’s eyes continued to wander around the stunning house, “Oh no. I’m fine, thank you.” She told Shawn who really wasn’t dressed for the Australian climate, he did look a little uncomfortable in what he was wearing as it was a warm day. “You have a beautiful house,” She told him as she had to control herself, she didn’t want to melt from his accent which was harder than she thought it would have been.

“Ruth mentioned that you might have some questions for me,” She started off as she looked at him, although she had been asked a lot of questions by Ruth herself over the phone when they had their interview. But if Shawn had some questions he wanted to ask her, then she would willingly answer whatever he wanted to know.

“Or I could start straight away, I don’t mind.” She looked at him as she honestly didn’t mind, for right now the house was spotless so she couldn’t clean anything but she could cook food for him or work in the garden. Her mother always loved cooking and working in her garden, she learnt a lot from her mother and grew to have a passion for both cooking and growing beautiful fruits and flowers.

Although in her apartment she didn’t have anywhere for her to plant anything, she hoped one day she’d have the money to have a large apartment with at least a balcony or maybe even a house of her own so she could have an actual garden. That was a dream which she’d need to work very hard to achieve, but it was something she could do in time.

Shawn Miller:

Shawn couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corner of his lips as the brunette complimented his home, "Thank you very much." When Evie bought up Ruth and the possibility of questions he nodded his head. "Yes I do I have a few." he nodded his head and took a seat on the long chair opposite her. Steepling his fingers together he looked over her again before speaking.

"Have you, Miss Johann, ever done anything like this before?" this was a question he asked all of his clients. The blonde was always wary as to if they had previous experience with being an assistant of sorts. However this, what he was doing with Evie was a little different. Yes she was an assistant of sorts, but it was more for showing him around this new country he was living in.

"I am not going to sugar coat anything, I can be a very demanding man, do you think you are up to this challenge?"

---

Benny Sampson:

Benny was at the back of the dance room, her body slick with sweat and her chest heaving as she gulped in air. Her hair had fallen out of her bun, reaching up she pulled her hair out before redoing it in a tight ponytail.

"Looking good babe," Benny turned to see her best friend Kira walking toward her holding two drink bottles, Benny smiled as Kira chucked the bottle at her with her quick reflexes she was able to catch it.

"Thanks for the warning Kira!" she laughed as she took a long swig. The coldness running down her throat instantly cooled her and the urge to pour the entire bottle over her head and cool herself down.

"Hey don't look now but there is a guy over there who has been watching you for a while now... do you know him?" confused Benny looked over to the entrance and there stood a rather handsome man but she didn't know him. Shaking her head she spoke.

"No I don't, but he is rather handsome."

"Too bad you won't get a chance to talk to him... coz it is your turn for you to get up on centre stage and show the oldies how it's done."

"Not today I can't, my partner didn't arrive! Ari is sick so I cancelled the class," the two girls were swallowed into silence that was when Kira got an idea her light green eyes widening and beginning to glint mischievously. "What are you thinking?" Benny suddenly became very worried at her friend. Kira didn't answer instead she turned and walked toward the entrance where the male stood her coal black curls bouncing around her shoulders.

"Hey you, can you dance?" Benny was mortified, Kira had no shame. This was not good.

Alfie Christopher:

Alfie was still watching the dance class until it finished, the girls stood around the room and seemed to catch up with friends. But his attention was still focused on the beautiful brunette, however he watched as she glanced over her shoulder in his direction and he could have easily moved backwards but that would just make him look stupid. He wasn’t going to hide himself, no one seemed to mind that he was there watching and he certainly wasn’t trying to be a creep.

However he did move back when one of the girls headed over towards him, “Oh um… I’m not good at dancing. I’m sorry, I’m new here and heard the music.” He told the pretty girl but she brushed off what he said, her hand gripped onto the material of his shirt and simply dragged him over towards her friends.

The girl told the brunette to use him so the class wouldn’t have to be cancelled, “I really don’t think I’d be able to help you. I’m really not any good at dancing,” He spoke in his velvety smooth British accent, but the girls all appeared to communicate with their expressions and it was something he never understood and would never understand.

Alfie would have tried to make his escape if it wasn’t for the girl who dragged him over there, her hand was still holding onto his shirt as if she knew he would have tried to leave. He didn’t know what else to say, he had already told the girls that he wasn’t much of a dancer. Which wasn’t completely true, he wouldn’t say he was amazing at dancing but he knew the basics of how to dance slowly with a woman.

His mother made sure he at least knew that for when he met his princess and had to dance with her at their wedding. But that was all he knew.

---

Evie Johann:

Evie looked across at Shawn when he sat down opposite of her, suddenly she felt unsure and nervous. He asked if she had any previous experience in a job such as this one, she really hadn’t but she had told Ruth that she was a very quick learner and would do whatever it took to be the best in this position.

But she knew it would be the best if she was just honest with him, “No. I haven’t had any experience in a position like this, but I told Ruth how hard I will work for you and how quickly I learn things. I wanted to be honest with you, I understand if you decide to find someone else who does have experience.” She looked at him as she would be fine if he asked her to leave, she’d be a little upset but she would understand.

“I know that I’m up for this challenge, I’ve dealt with demanding people before. Having worked in restaurants and bars before, I’ve worked with a wide variety of different people.” Evie wasn’t sure how she was doing, she felt like she was selling herself short but she wanted Shawn to have the best person working for him.

Whether that is her or someone else, she was going to work so hard if he did give her a chance. She has had demanding bosses in the past, she knew how to deal with them to keep them happy and even though it was stressful for her. She stuck it out because of her great work ethic.

Shawn Miller:

Shawn listened to the brunette speak he was a little skeptical due to the fact that she hadn't had any previous experience in this area. He looked her over once more, when she bought up her previous jobs being in pubs and restaurants, he knew that he had to give her a chance because on many occasions he had seen how demanding people could be there as well as rude and very degrading toward woman who worked there. Shawn realised that she had a strong personality and the ability to withstand his more demanding personality.

"Right, wonderful. No more questions. You have the job... starting today. Now in fact," Shawn got to his feet and began walking around the room. "Right for starters, what is there to do here?" preferably somewhere I can cool off it is so bloody hot here!" the blonde complained as be loosened the tie around his neck and undone a few of the first buttons, however that did nothing to cool him off.

---

Benny Sampson:

Benny wanted to strangle her friend for what she was doing, the poor male looked a little confused, scared and shy all rolled into one. As Kira pulled him over she face palmed herself before meeting up with the two.

"I am so sorry about her," she quickly apologised sending her friend a look, Kira dimly shrugged her shoulders and walked away but not before making a rather inappropriate hip thrusting action which caused the brunette to blush profusely but she was glad that the male wasn't able to see it. "Well you don't have to do this. the class is cancelled so you're off the hook." she smiled.

Alfie Christopher:

Alfie chuckled softly in relief when the brunette beauty told him that he was off the hook, “Good. Because I only would have stepped on your feet,” He smiled as he looked at her, now that he was closer to her he could see her eyes better. A warm toasty brown with golden flecks throughout, “I’m Alfie. I just arrived here about an hour ago,” He told her in hope that he may be lucky enough to see her again, he wasn’t getting his hopes up that she could be his princess but he had a good feeling about her.

“And I must apologize again, I hope I didn’t scare any of you by watching. I was walking past and heard the music,” He explained to her as he felt it was the right thing to do, he had been caught watching them in the first place. “Have you danced for long? You were by far the best one here,” His smile never faded from his face, even though his words were serious. He didn’t know much about dancing but she was the best one in the class, her body moved nicer and was more elegant. “If you have the time, I’d really like to buy you a drink. I found a nice café down the street,” He hoped she would agree, he knew he was being bold and fairly forward but he wanted to get to know her and just talk to her.

---

Evie Johann:

Evie was slightly surprised that Shawn still wanted to hire her, she really couldn’t thank him enough. “Thank you, Mr Miller.” She looked at him and watched as he moved around the room, she thought about his question for a second or two. “Well there are a few shopping centres close to here that have air conditioning, we have a public pool and beaches.” She gave him a few options to pick from, “But another way to cool down is for you to change. Do you have any shorts or t-shirts?” She asked him as she didn’t know how he was still wearing his business clothes, she was used to the heat and yet she’d struggle to wear anything like he was.

She wasn’t sure what clothes he had brought with him, she hadn’t been to England so she wasn’t sure how warm the weather got over there. In fact she hadn’t really travelled anywhere, she had been to a few different states in Australia but that was it. “I could take you shopping and then you can decide what you want to do after,” She suggested although she wasn’t sure how well that would go down with him, but surely that’s something an assistant would do. Evie didn’t have a clue but it would give her another reason to go shopping, something she enjoyed but hardly ever did as she had a tight budget and needed to stick to it.

Shawn Miller

Shawn looked at the female, sure he had shorts and a shirt but due to this being a business meeting he was to look his best, "I do in fact have shorts and a shirt but this being a business deal I was to look professional," he pointed out to the woman explaining why he was wearing what he was wearing. "However since this has ended and I have hired you I think I will change and if you would be so kind, a pool sounds like a perfect place to spend the day to escape this dreadful heat." with that he nodded his head in her direction before walking out of the room and into his bedroom where he pulled the door to his walk in robe open removing his clothes as he did.

Changing into a cooler outfit which consisted of board shorts and a white shirt he put his wallet, phone and house keys in his pocket before walking out again closing the door and returning to Evie who still sat in the lounge room her hands on her lap as she waited for him.

"Right, let's go," he said before once again turning and walking out of the room leaving the brunette to stumble after him.

---

Benny Sampson:

Benny was caught off guard by the males accent, he wasn't a local, he was British, which caused the brunette to weaken at the knees. Her weakness were British men and here one was now standing in front her apologising for the fact that he couldn't dance very well. Shaking her head she spoke.

"I can tell you I am used to that feeling, after all the years teaching." she cracked a smile, "Nice to meet you Alfie. I am Benny." she held out her hand to shake his but was startled when ho took it and gently kissed it. "Uhh..." she stammered her thoughts jumbled and body buzzing from the gesture, "A gentleman I see, how refreshing. No you didn't, we're all used of onlookers to be honest it is a daily occurrence." a blush spread across her cheek at the compliment she received from the male. "Yes I have been dancing for ten years now. Started when I was nine. Thank you very much for the compliment." when he mentioned a drink she wanted to go but knew she would never get the chance, not with Leslie constantly on her back. "Uhmm... I am sorry but I can't... but I can give you my number, we can maybe organise one in the future. I have to get home..." she called over her shoulder as she hurried over to her back digging her phone out before pulling it over her shoulders.

Alfie Christopher:

Alfie was disappointed when Benny couldn’t go out for a drink with him, but he understood that she had to get home and he would give her a call to plan something else with her for another day. He followed as she rushed over to her bag, he pulled his phone out from his pocket and made a new contact for her. He typed in her name and her number as she quickly spat out the numbers, he was about to give her his new number but she once again apologized before racing out the door. He saved her number as he watched her leave, he left the dance studio with a smile on his face because Benny could very well be the woman he has been searching for to become his princess and future Queen.

He decided to head to the house he had brought but before he did, he stopped off at a grocery store close to the house and stocked up on all the food that he needed. His trolley was full and so was his car when he had paid and packed all the groceries into the boot of his car. Driving home he parked his car inside the garage and made several trips with the bag of groceries, he unpacked the groceries and his luggage first. His house was large but it wasn’t over the top, it was fully furnished and ready for him to live in. He had made himself dinner when he decided to give Benny a call, he dialed her number and his heart sunk down into his stomach. The voice told him that the number he dialed wasn’t connected, he had accidently punched in the wrong number somewhere as Benny had been rushing as she said the numbers and she either got it wrong or he misheard. Alfie swore loudly and wanted to throw the stupid phone away, now how was he going to see Benny again?

---

Evie Johann:

Evie waited until Shawn had changed his clothes, she luckily had a bikini and towel in her car from another time she was going to the pool but ended up not making it. “Great,” She smiled standing up from the couch she was sitting on, she followed him outside to where her car was parked and she saw the disgusted look flash across his face at what she drove. She wasn’t sure if this was going to be how it went, she’d use her car if they went places or if he hadn’t gotten a car yet. Unlocking her car she climbed in and put the windows down, her car didn’t have air conditioning so Shawn would just need to deal with that.

Pulling out of his driveway Evie drove through the streets until they reached the local pool, finding a park she climbed out and locked her car before she guided Shawn through. “That’s the men’s change rooms, showers and toilets through there, and there’s a small café in there.” She pointed things out to him before she told him to go swim or sit down, she walked into the women’s change rooms and changed into her dark purple bikini which covered enough but still showed a lot of skin. She tied her hair up into a messy bun on the top of her head before walking out, finding Shawn laying on a lounge chair she sat on the one beside him. “Want any sun screen? You’ll burn if you don’t wear any,” She offered him the bottle of sun screen that she had in her bag.

Shawn Miller:

Shawn was in quickly and then out just as quick, he found a comfortable spot on one of the plastic beach chairs that were scattered around the pool. Laying his towel down he made himself comfortable. Flipping his sun glasses over his eyes and he closed them and enjoyed the warmth now that he was out of all the layers from earlier.

His eyes cracked open when he heard the females voice, he looked at the bottle of sunscreen she had in her hands. Nodding his head he reached out one of his hands as he waited for her to hand it over. As soon as he had the bottle he squirted a heap in his hands and ran them across his arms, shoulders, chest and legs rubbing it in quietly. Lifting his eyes he watched as the brunette followed suit.

Returning to his comfortable state on the seat he allowed his eyes to drift close again, he knew that Evie would find her own entertainment.

---

Vin Ross:

Vin sat by the edge of the pool when he saw Evie walk in, she entered with a new guy. A guy the male had never seen around before and he instantly began to seethe at what he saw. Who did this guy think he was? What was he doing talking to his girl? He watched the two of them closely as they entered the change rooms. When the male exited first he eyed him closely taking in his rather pale completion, blonde hair and muscled physic. However in the corner of his eyes he saw a flash of brown hair and instantly turned back to the change room where Evie was now leaving, dressed in a sexy black bikini holding a bottle of sunscreen.

"Cricket... who do you think that guy is, the one with Evie?" Vin asked his mate who was trying hopelessly to flirt with a pretty young woman who was standing next to him. The red haired male turned to his best friend following his gaze to see who he was talking about.

"New guy, never seen him around before Vin, maybe... it's a new friend?" Vin hummed as he watched the two. He watched as the male laid back on the chair and the brunette vixen entered the pool, the water lapping around her waist at the shallow end. Smirking the male swam toward her.

"Why hello Everlyn."

Benny Sampson:

Everyone had retired to their bedrooms, the girls were busy on their computers or phones talking to their friends, Leslie had gone to watch her television program. Benny sat in the kitchen her laptop open displaying her study and a massive sandwich in front of her. She had filled it to the brim with sliced meat and salad as well as mayonnaise. She was happily chewing away on her food and reading up on the capsule she was up to when her father entered the dining room.

"Hey Benny." the brunette looked up and smiled at her father swallowing before greeting him. He was dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a white cotton shirt. He looked haggard after a big day at work. Benny was surprised he hadn't passed out. "What are you doing?"

"Catching up on my study."

"How is that going?"

"It's going okay but only being able to do it this late is killing me..." there was a silence between the two before her father broke it.

"So how did dance class go?"

"Great! It went really well, I managed to teach my class without my partner." her father shot her a look. "Oh there was this guy, he was new... Kira roped him into it... he was more than willing which was nice."

"And his name was?"

"Alfie."

"What a strange name."

"Yeah it is a little different," she agreed a giggle leaving her lips.

Alfie decided that he would go back to the dance studio every day at the same time as today, hoping that he would find Benny there. That surely had to work, if not then he would throw a huge party. His house was large enough so he would have the invite be open, the beautiful brunette had to live around the area of the dance studio so that is where he would start advertising the party. If it came down to that, which he hoped didn’t because he didn’t want to host a party full of strangers but he would if it meant seeing Benny again and fixing the number he had saved under her name.

But there wasn’t much he could do now, so he calmed himself down and decided to cook himself some dinner as he was growing hungry. But Benny wasn’t leaving his mind, all he thought about was her and they hadn’t been talked for that long. It was crazy how much affect she was having on him but he liked it, he liked remembering her. The way she danced so elegantly, the way her naturally tanned skin glowed under the lights in the studio, her smile reached her gorgeous rich brown eyes yet he swear he saw a glimpse of something else in her eyes.

Betrayal? Annoyance? He couldn’t put his finger on it, that emotion had been hidden away deep inside her. He could just be thinking that he saw something else, he clearly wasn’t thinking straight as he was so wrapped up by her beauty. And he knew the second he saw her, she was beautiful both inside and out. That was exactly what he has been searching for in his future princess, maybe Benny was the girl who would steal his heart and hold onto it forever.

---

(If you had a name in mind for Benny’s father, just ignore the name I used!)

Patrick had always been protective over his daughter, but he knew when to give her space. However when it came to boys, he wanted to know everything possible about the guy who was talking to his baby girl. “Did you like him? Is he a dancer too?” He asked as he suddenly wasn’t all that tired, work always made him exhausted but he always had time for Benny.

A frown formed between his brows as he listened to Benny explain what had happened, no the guy wasn’t a dancer. Apparently he was new and ‘stumbled’ across her class, Patrick knew better than that and it made him not like this Alfie guy even though they hadn’t met. As the father of a stunning young woman, he had a right not to like anyone if he so wished.

“Are you planning on seeing him again? You still carry the can of pepper spray, right?” He watched as Benny rolled her big brown eyes at him, the same eyes that his late wife had. In fact Benny looked exactly like her mother, it hurt him looking at his daughter because she reminded him of the woman he loved more than anything. But he was so proud of what Benny was doing with her life, she was the only reason he continued to live after his wife died.

---

Evie left her belongings on the lounge chair beside Shawn, once her sunscreen had sunk into her skin she walked over to the pool edge. Sitting down on the side she slid her body into the cool water, it was instant relief from the warmth of the day. It wasn’t long before she was joined in the water, “Hi Vin.” She smiled as she looked at the handsome man who made his way over to her, glancing behind him she waved over to his friend Cricket. “Does Cricket know that girl isn’t interested in him?” A soft chuckle fell from her lips as she watched the red head try to flirt with a pretty girl, but it was obvious to her that the girl wasn’t flirting back.

She remembered the day she first met Vin, it was her first day at university and she was incredibly nervous. She was trying to follow the map of the campus but had gotten completely lost, no one was helping her and she was beginning to get upset. When Vin suddenly appeared in front of her and offered to help her, she had somehow gotten herself on the opposite side of the campus from where she was meant to be. Vin had walked with her so she wouldn’t get lost again, that’s when she found out that he was studying law just like his father. From that day on, they had grown closer in their friendship.

“He doesn’t have a clue, but it’s fun to watch.” Vin spoke in his smooth deep voice, a voice that could charm anyone although it never worked on Evie. She gave him her ‘disappointing’ look, “Vin. You need to help him, I’ve seen her here before and she doesn’t go for guys.” She explained quietly as Cricket seemed to be giving it all he had, but Evie had seen the girl before at the pool and every time she had a different girlfriend.

Vin Ross:

Vin look at his friend who was trying desperately to get the girls number and couldn't help but chuckle to himself how bad he was doing. However the brunette had no idea that the girl wasn't into guys. He had seen her here a few times but he never paid enough attention to who she had in her company normally because his eyes were focused on Evie as she fluttered in and jumped in the water.

There was no denying the two should be together the woman was a ten and he was also so naturally two people with a high ranking in the looks department should be together in the end. Even if it was to Vin's benefit she he could show off to others that he had scored the hottest girl in town and there was no man that would be able to take her away from him.

"So..." he began turning his attention back to the female next to her, "Who was the guy you came here with?" his eyes lingered over to the blonde male who was still lounging on the beach chair soaking up the sunlight. "He looks like an upperclass prick..."

---

Benny Sampson:

Benny rolled her eyes at her father, yes she was his little girl but she wasn't stupid and to be honest Alfie seemed innocent... and very attractive. Lifting her eyes from her computer screen she looked at her father her dark eyes locking with his lighter ones.

"I don't know dad, I might... but I don't know if she-devil will let me out of the house again... Where does she get off? Like honestly I am treated like a slave around here dad and I am sick of it... how you married her I will never understand."

"Benny... please not this again."

"Do you love her?"

The words caught Patrick by surprise and he stammered, "Of course I do..."

"Well you're an idiot... I love you dad but you're not here ninety percent of the time, always away with work and you have no idea what Leslie does and her daughters do..." the brunette felt her eyes tearing up, out of anger and sadness, quickly she swallowed them away. "I am out by the end of the year." she mumbled. Benny had been thinking about this for a while and she knew she had to get out. She had to get away from Leslie and her toxic daughters even though she knew it would break her father's heart. She was seventeen nearly eighteen, she had a steady job and soon she would be finished her studies in another two years and will pursue a career in teaching and she will be set.

(I left Shawn out of this one )

Patrick Sampson:

Listening to Benny’s words hit Patrick like a slap in the face, he knew deep down that his daughter never really got along with Leslie or her daughters. But Leslie had helped him deal with the death of his first wife, she had been there when he wanted to end it all and just give up on life. It was how they became close as she had also lost her first husband, Pat hadn’t been planning on getting remarried because he had his chance at true love and that was more than enough for him. But Leslie got whatever she wanted from him, and she wanted to be his wife so it happened.

“Belinda, don’t say things like that. You know I’ve tried cutting back at work, so I can be here but right now I can’t.” The company he worked for was expanding so he was needed a lot more right now, he had explained that to his family and Benny had understood. But she was right, he wasn’t around to see how Leslie treated her but he couldn’t see his wife treating anyone badly.

He didn’t know what feelings he held for Leslie, he didn’t love her like he had Benny’s mother. But he guessed in some way he did love Leslie, or he just told himself that because it was too late now. He didn’t believe in getting divorced, partners needed to work things out between them and stick it out. His parents had taught him that from a very young age, and it was still with him until this day.

Moving closer to his daughter, he reached out to take her small hand into his own but she pulled away. A simple action but one that tore his heart into a million pieces, she was being serious and he knew the day would come where she did want to move out but he hadn’t been expecting it to happen anytime soon. There was a pain in his chest as his heart broke all over again, but there wasn’t anything he could do now. He couldn’t kick Leslie and her daughters out, they had nowhere to go but he wanted his little girl to be happy in the home she was born in.

---

Evie Johann:

Shaking her head lightly when Vin didn’t help Cricket out, she guessed the red headed male would soon work out that she wasn’t interested in his flirting or she at least hoped so. Turning back to look at Vin, she noticed he had glanced over to where Shawn was. “Hey, he isn’t a prick and you need to be nice to him. He’s my new boss, I’m going to be his personal assistant and I need this job so you can’t be mean to him.” She told Vin with a serious tone to his voice, it wasn’t a secret that Vin hates when she worked in bars and clubs. She hated working there but the pay was good and she always got the best tips, but having grown drunk men flirt and hit on you all night long took a toll on her.

“I left the bar and I need the money to pay uni off,” She hadn’t come from a wealthy family, her parents were amazing but they often struggled to pay bills and put food on the table. They couldn’t help Evie out when she said she wanted to study at university, not that she would have taken their money if they had any to give her. So she had started working from a young age to help out in any way that she possibly could.

“Shawn just arrived here from England,” Evie hadn’t noticed she was smiling as she looked over to where Shawn was, his accent still lingered in her mind and it made her melt. She was a sucker for a British accent and now she had to work for one, she just hoped his voice wouldn’t distract her from doing her job. Evie had always wanted to travel to Britain, she had heard people mention how beautiful it was over there but she knew she wouldn’t get the chance to travel anywhere until she finished studying and had worked for a few months so she could save up enough money.

Vin Ross:

Vin couldn't help the laugh that burst from his lips when the pretty woman told him that the prick on the beach chair was her new boss, that she was his 'personal' assistant.

"I think I prefer you working in a bar, a personal assistant what kind of job is that?" the look he received from the brunette told him that she wasn't impressed from his question. "I simply mean... there are better jobs... jobs that are better suited... but if you're tight on money I could help you out." a smirk spread across his face. Sure he would help her out for a price, if she was getting something, he had better be getting something in return. And that return payment would be a relationship.

He watched and waited patiently to see what her answer would be but he couldn't help it when his eyes moved over to look at the blonde who was now moving from the chair and toward the edge of the pool. Vin hoped he didn't come near the two of them. He really wanted her to agree so he could give her the terms and conditions. He almost laughed but swallowed the urge.

---

Benny Sampson:

"I'm gonna go to bed dad," Benny began as she got to her feet and began to collect her things, she knew she had hurt her father but it was true and as much as she didn't want to hurt the only parent she had left she couldn't keep it to herself. "Goodnight," she bent down and kissed him on the cheek before whispering 'I love you' in his ear and giving him a one armed hug due to having her laptop and books in her other.

Walking down to her bedroom she passed Kianna's room where she was gossiping away to one of her friends on her phone. Then passing Drew's room she was singing along to a Ed Sheeran song. Then she passed Leslie and her father's room. Leslie was snoring loudly which caused the brunette to smile a little. Walking to the end of the hallway she came to her room. Kicking her door open she placed her laptop down and stepped into her Pyjamas and fell on her bed sleep taking over her almost instantly.

@ sugarplum.
Can't remember if i hit reply

(You had hit reply!)

Alfie Christopher:

Alfie didn't sleep all that well through the night, he had many wonderful dreams about Benny but he also woke during the night as if he remembered that he didn't have the correct number for her so he couldn't contact her and see her again. Which is what he really wanted to do, he tossed and turned all night long which wasn't like him. However by the morning, he was already awake as he had decided to stop trying to fall asleep and instead he laid in bed. Planning on how to host a part in which Benny would want to attend, he knew how to throw a party but he needed to make sure Benny saw that he was having one. If things came to that, of course. Today he didn't have much planned but in the afternoon he was heading back to the dance studio, hopefully she would be there again and he would be able to fix the number that was saved in his phone and he would be able to contact her.

After a while he grew bored, so he rolled out of his large bed and stretched his body. He took off his boxer shorts that he wore to bed and pulled on a pair of board shorts, making his way through his house he stepped out onto the back deck and jumped straight into the lap pool that was built into the ground. He swam a few laps of his new pool before climbing out, he needed a shower and to eat breakfast before he headed out for another full day of exploring the city he was now living in.

---

Evie Johann:

A frown settled on Evie's features as Vin laughed at her job, it hurt when he told her that he would much rather her still work in a bar. He knew how much she hated working in bars and club, part of her wished she hadn't told him about her new job. Her frown didn't disappear as Vin then went on to offer her a loan, she had never been the type of person who ever wanted to ask anyone for money and she wouldn't be starting now. She saved all the money she earned from working, most went to her rent and bills and then to her Uni bills but she was always able to save some money. She never went hungry and although she couldn't always go to a restaurant to eat or buy new clothes, she was happy with her life at the moment. "I don't need your money, Vin. Why would you even ask that?" She turned her frown onto him before she actually just turned away from him, he could get like this and she didn't like this side of him. The cocky side who had loads of money and would show off because he comes from a wealthy family, she moved through the water away from him as she'd rather spend time with Shawn then be around Vin when he was being a jerk.

But as she glanced over to Shawn, he seemed to be relaxing in the cool water now and she didn't want to disturb him. So Evie swam through the water, into the deep end where she wasn't close to being tall enough to touch the bottom. She took her time moving through the water, just enjoying her time and how the water had cooled her down. She wondered if Shawn's house had a pool, she hadn't explored his house yet but she hoped he did and he allowed her to use it on hot days. She'd either ask or just see for herself, but she had always enjoyed being in water.

Vin Ross:

Vin watched as the female swam away from him, anger bubbling inside of him as he watched the direction she was heading, she was heading toward her blonde boss. He wanted to strangle the bastard who now held his girls attention. Instead he turned and went back over to Cricket who had finally got the hint that the woman wasn't into him.

"I'm going to get her!" he said causing Cricket to look in the direction Vin's eyes were trained on.

"Oh right, yeah sure Vin," he chuckled to himself.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked slapping the male upside the head.

"Nothing Vin, you'll get here you will sure." A satisfied smile spread across the brunette's face as he continued to watch the beauty swimming around.

---

Shawn Miller:

Shawn had managed to doze for a little while before the heat became to much and he decided it was time to get into the water, as he stepped in the cool water felt amazing against his heated skin. His eyes scanned around the pool at all the beautiful women swimming around in the bikinis. His eyes trailed over to the woman he had come with who seemed to be talking to another male. He assumed the two were friends however when he saw Evie move away with a frown on her face he realised that may not have been the relationship.

As she swam over to him he smiled at her trying to reassure her that everything was alright. Sure he could be a jerk sometimes but sometimes he could be really nice too. As she got closer he stepped toward her.

"Are you alright, you look a bit upset after you went and saw your friend?" the last word was more of a question as he looked at her.

---

Benny Sampson:

Benny was woken by a start, Leslie's voice yelling at her through the door to get up and get breakfast cooked for her and the family. Groaning Benny rolled out of bed and got to her feet, stepping out of her pyjamas she stepped into leggings and got ready to face her family. As she stepped out of her room she bumped into Drew who gave her the stink eyes as she looked at her outfit. Benny flipped her the bird before walking into the kitchen where everyone was waiting.

A scream erupted from Leslie's mouth when she saw what her step daughter was wearing. Benny couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.

"Patrick get in here and look at your daughter..." Patrick entered the kitchen and Benny spun around showing him her best smile. He smiled back.

"You look great Benny."

"Thanks dad, now do you want scrambled or poached?"

"Ah no, Patrick you will be having salmon."

"Oh lay off him. He doesn't even like salmon! you are the only one in this household that eats the stinking shit and you make everyone else eat it three times a day... well not today... you want salmon cook it yourself!" Benny snapped, she was over the woman controlling her father and what he eats so she told her. That shut her up very quickly as she looked over to Patrick who shrugged his shoulders.

"She is right Les, I hate fish." Leslie was so overwhelmed that she burst into the tears and ran to her room which in turn cased Benny to laugh quietly to herself. as she began to bowl the water for the poached eggs and got the bacon on the hotplate.

Patrick Sampson:

Patrick sighed when his wife left the room crying, he knew he should have gone after her but his body didn’t seem to want to move from the kitchen. He couldn’t stand eating fish or any seafood, he just never liked it which he seemed to have passed down onto Benny. “I’ll have two poached eggs, sweetheart.” He told her with a smile on his face, he moved over to the coffee maker and started to brew coffee for everyone who wanted a mug.

“Tea or coffee?” He asked glancing around at the three girl’s, Drew asked for a tea while Kianna and Benny wanted a coffee. He even heard Kianna and Drew ask Benny for some scrambled eggs, although they asked very quietly like their mother would hear and scold them for not asking for salmon for their breakfast. He really didn’t know why Leslie treated her daughter the way she did, it was as if they couldn’t think for themselves and it did sadden Patrick but he hadn’t said a thing to his wife about it.

“So what do you three beauties have planned for the day?” He asked as he boiled the kettle to make Drew a tea, he set out four mugs and grabbed the sugar and milk from the fridge. His step-daughters said they might head out for lunch and some shopping, but they weren’t sure yet. Turning his attention onto his daughter, “And you muffin?” He asked wanting to know what she had planned, he also wanted to find out if that new guy had been in contact with her yet.

---

Evie Johann:

Evie swam over to where Shawn was and she shook her head lightly at his question, “It’s fine. He just says and thinks stupid things sometimes,” She wasn’t going to get into it with Shawn, they barely knew each other. She wasn’t going to give him her entire life story this early on in their working relationship, she wanted to keep this job not have him freak out and fire her when she hadn’t even finished a shift.

“Can I ask why you came here? For work… or for love?” She asked with a small sweet grin on her face, it would melt her heart if he moved to a different country to try and find his one true love. Evie believed in that, she always have ever since she was a young girl. Both sides of her family have stayed married for years, no one has gotten a divorce or separated and that is exactly what she wanted for herself. She wanted to marry her best friend, to have a family, to have grandchildren and to grow old with someone.

But she also knew not many people believed in all of that now, Vin told her that her head was in the clouds and that true love was just in fairy tales. She never listened to him when he talked like that, nothing was going to change her belief on something she felt so strongly about. She also hadn’t seen a mark or a ring on Shawn’s finger, so he wasn’t already married and she hadn’t seen any trace of a female in his home.