Every Story Has an Ending; How About a Beginning

.:Stranger Danger:.

I woke up to the sun streaming beautifully through the glass balcony doors of my room.

I stretched and sighed, smiling slightly to myself. I felt refreshed and super excited about the trip, even though I was still feeling slight anxiety from having to miss so much school. I prided myself in perfect attendance and Brandon was seriously not helping.

I wonder how the guys are...

Looking down at myself, I realized that I was still in my clothes from yesterday. My first day here actually wasn't that bad and this place is totally amazing!

Once I sat up, my eyes locked on the bathroom door that was to the right across from my bed.

"Target acquired, men. Move out," I ordered to my invisible communication wrist watch. I stood up, stripped of my clothes, as I walk into the bathroom, and started the cleansing of the body process.

The robe I found, hanging on the bathroom door, was plush and heavenly.

I knelt in front of one of my suitcases and unzipped it for the first time since I've been here. I was so tired when I got to my room; I didn't even care to unpack.

When I pulled the flap up, there was a piece of paper with Samantha's unique handwriting all over it.

What the heck?

I picked up the paper and read the title:

Samantha's Guide to Properly Wearing These Clothes

I stopped reading and grabbed my phone from my bed.

"Hello?" I heard a groggy voice come from the receiver.

"Don't play games with me, Samantha. What is this paper?" I demanded in an annoyed tone.

"Did you read it?"

"Well...no. I stopped once I got done with the title. It sounds ridic-"

"Ask me questions when you've actually read it."

The line went dead. I looked at my phone. Is she serious?

I huffed and went back to reading the stupid paper.

*Note: I worked really hard on putting these together and making this schedule. You BETTER follow my instructions to the fullest!

Day 2: The pink and cream crop sweater and dark blue skinnies - paired with your grey flats (we're starting casual). Wear the bird earrings with heart wings, they are so cute! (You can use the purse you came up with). And wear the white bra set that has the flowery embroidery (I thought you'd like these, lol).

Day 3: The red crop shirt with heart back and black leather pants - paired with the UK news heels (you better wear them). There's a leather jacket if your arms get cold. For your makeup, check your e-mail. It's labeled B/N. If you can't figure out how to do it using the picture, there's a link to a YouTube video tutorial. Wear the pale green bra set. You can use the black Chanel bag or the red bag.

The rest of the "schedule" continued like this and I scoffed. This girl has got to be kidding me!

I picked up my phone and redialed Sam.

"Okay, seriously?"

"Yes, seriously," she answered, sounding more alert than before.

I heaved a huge sigh.

"Why can't you be normal and pack regular clothes like regular friends?"

"Camille, honestly, think about your question. Is Samantha ever a normal person? Besides, you don’t have to make the outfits yourself. Less work."

I grumbled under my breath and silently agreed with her.

I fished around one of the smaller bags and pulled out a very VERY revealing pair of panties.

"Why are my underwear so revealing?!"

My heart was racing at the thought of wearing such provocative panties while living in the same building as Brandon.

Samantha sighed.

"Camille...my sweet and innocent little girl. You are 17 now. It's been a while since you've become a woman and I haven't seen much changes in you when it comes to your sexuality. You have the man of your dreams all to yourself for two weeks. It's time for you to break out of your protective shell and become a bit more daring. That's all I'll say, for now. Call me if you want pointers on how to masturbate or get into Brandon's pants, although, I think he wouldn't mind you just asking, haha! Have a GREAT time! Love you!"

The line went dead again.

She serious?! What is wrong that girl!

My face was hot as I pulled my clothes on the bed.

"Get into Brandon's pants"?! That's absurd! Like seriously...I....would at least wait until we get married. Well, if he wants me like that.

Once all my clothes were sorted per the “schedule”, not including accessories and shoes, I hung them up in the closet. I then proceeded to put the shoes on the shelves in the closet and my undergarments in drawers. I set my makeup, face wash, and other toiletries in the bathroom and then brushed my teeth.

After getting dressed in day two’s clothes, I did my makeup, fixed my shoulder length curly hair, grabbed my phone, and left my room, gently closing the door behind me.

"Good morning," Brandon greeted me.

A light scream left my lips when I saw him.

"Oh my gosh! Brandon! What is your problem?" I scolded with slight attitude.

He just smiled cheekily at me.

"I came to pick you up. I would hate for you to get lost and never find the kitchen," he said with his wonderful voice, although his tone sounded slightly sarcastic.

That made me stop.

Oh my gosh. What if I never found the kitchen? That would be like, the end of the world! I looked at Brandon with a new-found respect.

"Thank you very much," I said, sincerely looking into his eyes, "You did a good deed soldier," I added in a mock lieutenant voice. I saluted him, but he just laughed and started walking to the left.

I MUST remember that!

"So, what are we doing today?" I asked as I followed along.

"I was thinking about taking you to the park and maybe walk around the city, and then I'd have to show you my place of work," he said as we rounded a corner.

I looked out the huge window to my right and saw my bedroom door through another window.

This place is just too cool.

"Wait, work? You have a job?"

"Of course, why do you think I've missed so much school?"

Well...that does make sense. After the first two weeks of school, Brandon and Sam started to show up less often, Brandon more than Sam. Brandon would sometimes just suddenly disappear and Sam never answers me when I ask him where he goes.

Now that I think about it, Brandon has become a lot more serious. He's not as playful as he used to
be...maybe that's because he's been working more? Hm, I guess.

"So, where to first?" I asked.

rap, crap, crap, crap, crap!

Brandon is going to kill me! I'm lost.

Again.

I pulled my cell out of my back pocket and dialed Brandon's number.

"Where the hell are you?" he asked in an angry voice. The butterflies fluttering in my stomach were acting like they just had caffeine for the first time.

"I'm soooo sorry!" I began into the phone, "When I was done in the restroom, some lady walked up to me and asked if I wanted to try some fruit samples. I was going to have a few really quick, but they were covered in chocolate-and I was soo happy! I went to go back to the restroom to retrace my steps, but there were so many people and I forgot where I came from! I'm soooo sorry!" I apologized again.

"Just tell me where you are," he said with restrained anger.

I looked up at the store I was standing in front of and told him Victoria's Secret, next to American Eagle.

Hah, of course I would get lost in front of one of my favorite shops.

I sat down on an unoccupied bench, in front of the shop, and waited.

And waited.

I picked my phone up and checked the time.

It's only been ten minutes but did I really get that lost?

Before I could dial Brandon's number, someone next to me cleared their throat, causing me to nearly jump out of my skin.

I turned and a man, I didn't notice before, was sitting in a very comfortable position, slightly facing me.

He was light skinned almost the same light brown color as Brandon. He was adorned in dark blue jeans that fit snuggly, some black combat boots, a black V-neck shirt that clung to his wonderful looking abdomen, and a black leather jacket that added to his sexy look. He looked to be in his young twenties and mature.

He was smiling at me and I realized that I was staring.

My eyes widened and I immediately looked back at the screen of my phone.

I can't believe I was staring! That is so embarrassing!

I heard a soft chuckle beside me and accidently face palmed myself for being so embarrassing.
The chuckle turned into a soft laugh and I really wanted to dig a hole in the ground and hide.

"You're cute. My name’s Dom, what's yours?" I heard him ask. I quickly looked at him, kind of shocked that he was talking to me.

My heart was racing and my face was so red. I almost face palmed myself again for not saying anything sooner.

He just chuckled, as if he knew of my inner turmoil.

"My-my name is C-Camille," I finally sputtered out.

He gave me a breathtaking smile and I couldn't help but smile in return. We made eye contact and I suddenly felt really calm and relaxed. The nervous feeling left me, but my blush wanted to stay for the party.

"What are you doing in Canada? You don't look like you're from here," he prodded as he examined me.

I was shocked that he asked such a question, but answered anyway, rather quickly too.

"I'm here with a childhood friend. We're on vacation for two weeks; he has some business stuff to take care of, so..." I was really shocked with myself for giving out so much information, but I couldn't stop!

I tried to look away from him, but his gorgeous eyes held my gaze and it looked as if they were slightly swirling or something.

"What's your friend's name?" he asked, slightly leaning toward me, but never breaking eye contact. I felt a strong pull-a need to give him this information.

"His name is Br-"

"Camille!"

I was cut off by the sound of Brandon's voice and my head snapped toward the sound. It felt like some spell was broken and I felt dizzy all of a sudden...and confused.

It seems that Brandon noticed when he got closer to me, because he kneeled in front of me and gently grabbed by shoulder.

"What's wrong? Are you okay?"

For a moment, I couldn't form words. My brain was...jumbled.

"I-I was talking to someone...you called my name and he disappeared. His eyes...were swirling...I don't know. Maybe I'm...just tired? Yeah, jet-lag," I replied, knitting my brows together. Brandon didn't seem satisfied with my answer, heck I didn’t even know what I was saying, but he let it go. He looked like he had troubles of his own.

"I got a call from work, so I need to drop by for a second. Do you want to come or have someone drop you off at the house?"

I tried to focus on what he was saying, and then squinted my eyes at him when he was done. My brain still wasn't functioning properly, so I just nodded my head in agreement. He looked at me for a second, and his eyes hardened, as if he realized something.

"Alright then, come on," he said, grabbing my hand rather hard.

Ah! Something easy to follow!

I stood up and my knees immediately buckled. Brandon easily caught me in his arms and wrapped his arm around my waist in a tight grip. His other hand cupped my cheek and he looked into my unfocused eyes.

"Are you sure you're okay? Who the hell was that guy and what the hell did you talk about? Did he touch you?" his voice sounded dangerous at the end and I got wonderful chills throughout my body and that did nothing to help the weakness I was feeling all over.

I took a moment before I replied, to try and focus on him and understand what he was saying.

"He was-he was friendly and-and he asked my name and...why we were here...his eyes..." I trailed off as I thought about them. They were so mesmerizing...compelling. I got so lost.

"What about his eyes?" Brandon asked, gently shaking me. I focused on his forehead. It was honestly, the easiest part of his body to look at, without getting lost in thought about him.

"His eyes were hazel...they were captivating and swirly... When he asked me questions I-I couldn't help but answer...he asked me your name, but you interrupted...I felt really weird, like I wasn't myself...I don't know," I finished. I honestly didn't know what to feel. It was strange, as if I was withdrawing from something.

When I focused back on Brandon's face, his jaw was clenched and he looked like he was deep in thought.

"Can you walk?" he asked as he slowly set me down on my feet. I didn't realize he was holding me off the ground and so tightly against him, until my feet touched the ground and the front of my body felt cold. I took a step back and lost my footing.

"I'll take that as a no," he commented before abruptly picking me up, bridal style. Why were my legs so weak?

I squealed in surprise, though it was delayed.

"Please don't drop me!"

That was the first thing I could think, and it was the first thing that came out of my mouth.

Brandon didn't even try to laugh. He was military sergeant serious.

"You're not as heavy as you think. I promise I won't drop you."

My arms were too weak to wrap around his neck, so I gently gripped his shirt as he carried me.

"Brandon, this is really embarrassing," I commented as I noticed the amount of people that were looking at us. He most likely looked like a God and I looked like a pretty tomato.

He ignored me and continued through the crowd.

Like the gentleman he is, Brandon carried me all the way to the car park, on the fifth floor, and to the passenger door of his car. I felt so happy. Maybe it's strange that I felt that way about him carrying me to his car, but it made me feel loved. It was nice.

Once we were back on the street, Brandon cleared his throat and looked at me for a second before turning back to his driving.

"How are you feeling?" he asked in his usual, wonderful voice.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach and my heart swelled at the sound of it.

"I feel more like myself and my thoughts are clearer. I just feel sleepy now," I explained.

He nodded his head and became serious again. He surprised me by grabbing my hand and lacing our fingers together. I tried not to think much of it, but I couldn’t help blushing.

"Listen, Camille. Canada is a nice place and the people are great, but don't talk to strangers. No matter how friendly they are, just don't talk to strangers. It's too risky, especially if I'm not with you. I can't and won't let anything happen to you. Your pare—I mean, your mother entrusted your safety to me, so it's my responsibility to protect you and I'll need your help. Which brings me to my next topic," I internally rolled my eyes at that, but continued to listen.

"You seriously need to stop wondering off," my blush was back and guilt washed over me.

"Every time we go out, you're either almost lost or gone, and that is not acceptable. You've got to stop getting lost; it's driving me insane!" he said in a frustrated tone. His grip tightened on my hand a little and I knew it was because he was frustrated.

"Sorry, I’ll try not to anymore.” It might be quite difficult, though. The world is just too amazing for me not to lost in.

Then a thought hit me.

"Why did it take so long for you to find me? I waited like, ten minutes!"

"I ran into someone," Brandon replied, but the tone of his voice and the look on his face indicated that he wasn't going to elaborate.

We came to a stop in front of an impressive office looking building that was outside the heart of the city, near the park.

"This is where you work?" I gaped as we got out of the car and Brandon tossed his keys to the valet.
I turned back to the tall building that was too many stories to count.

The name on the building read D.C. in formal script. What the heck did that stand for?

"Now," Brandon started as he turned toward me, "when we go in there, don't say anything to anyone. I'm just showing you my work place once. Honestly, I prefer not to mix my personal life with business, but I want you to see a bit of what I do."

When we got inside, I got extremely nervous and immediately grabbed Brandon’s arm. I don’t even recall him working to begin with.

He greeted the receptionist.

"Good evening, Mr. Demarinis. You have several messages, one of which is very urgent," the beautiful woman informed.

She looked to be at least 34, maybe younger. She seemed nice but very professional.

Everything looked warm and welcoming and very modern, as well as was high tech, from the computers to the water dispenser.

"Camille," Brandon called after me, irritation evident on his face. I hadn't realized I’d let go of him and started wondering.

He roughly took my hand and led us to an elevator.

"Only the 24th floor?" I asked, totally bewildered that he wouldn't go higher. The numbers on the
buttons went up to 39. Maybe that isn't even that many floors.

He only smirked and leaned against the wall.

"The main headquarters is in Europe. This is one of the many smaller buildings," he commented casually.

I just nodded my head.

The elevator dinged and we stepped out-immediately greeted by a man.

He was tall, about the same height as Brandon. He was attractive, especially adorned in his expensive suit.

"Sir, your 4 o'clock is here," the man informed Brandon in a low voice. He looked at me for a second, then turned back to Brandon.

"Tell him I'll be there in a minute," Brandon replied, dismissing the strange man.

Brandon then proceeded to lead me to a room at the very end of the long hallway. The door was red mahogany and it contrasted greatly with ebony wooded floors.

He opened the door and I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my lips.

His office was fairly large, and quite cozy looking. His desk was in front of a glass window, that made up the whole back wall, most likely granting a wonderful view of the city. The floors were a dark walnut color, the walls were a light shade of grey, and the furniture was black. The left wall was a large bookshelf with books of all sizes and colors, while the right wall was lightly decorated with paintings. Two black leather couches were in the middle, facing each other, and a coffee table that matched the floor.

"This is a really nice office. Do all your offices look like this?" I questioned as I made myself
comfortable on the couch that faced the flat-screen tv.

"I have to talk to someone really quick. Here's the remote to the tv. I've got Netflix if you want to watch a movie and the computer is open, if you're interested. Don't open the door for anyone and don't leave this room. I'll be back soon," with that, he left, totally ignoring my question.

As I sat there, flipping through the channels, I thought about everything that was going on.

My mom is never home, Samantha and Sam are lying about their relationship, and Brandon has this big responsibility as the boss of this huge company.

Things like this make me wonder about the people I live with and call family. What other secrets could they be hiding from me?