Chapter 7
I lay on my bed reflecting about the day’s events I can’t help but feel obsessed with it all I yearn for the city of London I never in a million years expected to be so bonded with a city but somehow I am. as for Jessica I really feel like I have made a friend for life we have already exchanged phone numbers and email addresses and made plans to meet up tomorrow for a spot of shopping .it’s now 10.30pm and I grab my phone and have a quick look through my emails I see one that jumps straight out at me an email from Marco shocked by this as I have never had an email from him in fact I don’t even know how he has my email address so with anticipation I open his email to read,
Alanna look what you’re missing
I open the link in the email and its goes directly on to his Facebook where he is standing on a beach with a brunette at each side of him, douche bag I think to myself, I start to compose a message back to him
Hi Marco looks like you’re having fun, but please remember to pay your friends they look like they need the cash maybe to by themselves some class and anyway darling look what you’re missing! I send him a picture of me and Jessica on the London eye I finish my email by saying,
Marco all jokes aside I hope you’re having and nice time and happy New Year!
I hit send and go back to my inbox so many emails so many people wondering why I’m out of town like it’s a big deal. I quickly type out a message and hit multiple people’s names so I can answer them all at once there job done hopefully the vultures of new York will stay quiet and few days more. I put my phone on the side table next to the bed I get under the covers and start to fall asleep.
Where am I? I see a huge dark room filled with candles and slow soft music playing there are paintings on the wall of some old aristocrats a single table in the middle a waiter takes my hand and leads me to a the seat he sits me down and pours me a glass of champagne I turn around and there he is the same man I saw the other night at the gala standing there in a dark blue suit his eyes almost alight! He sits down opposite me and I gaze towards him. He takes his glass holds it up to me and with a single movement we clink the glasses together he whispers softly "to us” and that was the first night I dreamt about Adrian Black.
I awake to the sound of big ben echoing through the city I sit up on the bed and stare out at the walls within my room. I am reminded of the dream I had last night did I really dream about Adrian black? Or was it just one of those dreams where you think you know what you have dreamt but really it was something completely different my mind just spins round thinking of him. I reach over and grab my phone to check for any emails but there is none unaware I open up my internet browser on my phone I quickly type in Google I think maybe there is more information about him on the internet. I type in his name hit search Adrian Black doctor Adrian Black TV presenter Adrian Black business man that must be him I open up the page and wait for my phone to load…. Finally it opens and right there in black and white I see him standing with a dark navy pin stripped suit on his hair the same way as the other night his eyes almost glowing his mouth broad and strong I scroll down the page but all I see is stuff about business his generous donations to the local orphanage. That came as quite a shock I never expected him to be the type to donate to charity. KNOCK!!! I jump off the bed and run to the door as I open I see another bell guy this time an older shorter fatter one than yesterday. “Miss Hart?” “Yes” “delivery for you” this time it’s not white roses but red and pink ones a huge bouquet much larger than the ones that came yesterday “sir are you sure these are for me?” I ask, “Yes miss they are for you” “I don’t suppose you know who sent them do you?” “No idea love but I think there is a card” I take the flowers from the man and sit them down onto the table next to the other ones as I turn the man goes to close the door I hear him say “maybe you have a secret admirer” I let out a little giggle and the door closes with a slight bang. I reach into the flowers to lift out the card I notice a little black box I reach in and grab it and carefully begin to open it to see a pair of diamond studded earrings I lean back trying to take all this in. I open the card and the words again like yesterday simply say “enjoy” I sit on the bed trying to wrap my head round this. Why would someone send me flowers and most of all why would they send expensive diamond earrings? I am just so bewildered by this. I hear another knock at the door and this time I hear my dad say “lanna are you up yet” I go over open the door and let my dad in “morning dad”” yes morning to you to! What’s all this” he says looking at the flowers. “they came this morning I think it’s just a hotel thing” “I never received any?” he says looking suspicious “they maybe thought I’m here alone and wanted to be nice you know what hotels are like” I give him a little smile and quickly change the subject. “What do you have on today?” “that’s actually what I came to talk to you about the meetings yesterday didn’t go so well we had to cut them short as the main company we tried to sell our products to backed out at the last minute however there is another office in talks today and I’m afraid I have meetings again all day” “I see” I say little disappointed “lanna I’m very sorry but I really don’t have any time to take you to all your favorite places and I feel so guilty because I know this has been your dream ever since you were a little girl and I am not able to share these memories with you” “dad” I say with a smile “I understand really I do its fine anyway I have met this girl and today we are going shopping so really I’m fine there is no need for all the guilt I am having a wonderful time really it couldn’t be better” “I’m glad you are having fun and that’s great you have a friend here someone to share this with” I smile at him and he gently squeezes my hand he gets up and heads out of the room.
I look out the window trying to assess the weather and what outfit to wear today I go over to my suitcase and pull and pair of skinny jeans a black and gold cashmere sweater and of course my loubotins I brush my teeth wash my face apply a little blush and gloss, spray my hair with hairspray and check myself in the mirror. Looking fine for day of shopping around Oxford Street. I grab my bag and head out the door. I wait in the cold busy street for Jessica we agreed we would meet at my hotel then take a cab to the stores after about ten minutes of waiting I see Jessica walking to towards me her hair blonde and flowing down her back I must say she really is a pretty girl with her little round face and pale white skin she is wearing a black pair of jeans a brown leather jacket with a red vest underneath and a pair of tired converse tennis shoes not typically the kind of outfit you would except for a day shopping around oxford street London’s most high end and luxury brand paradise. however Jessica she can really carry it off “hey” she says as she walks over “oh its freezing today” I say wishing I had brought a jacket “really this I warm for a December day” “I would hate to see it on a cold day then” I say and with a little giggle and we start for the taxi rank. we arrive at oxford street and it is crowed and full of people so many tourists I look around and to my disbelief I don’t see any stores I recognize I look to Jessica and say “Jessica where is all the stores” “right here alanna” she says with smirk “but where’s Harrods and Chanel, Dior that kind of stores?” “I had no idea you where after the luxury brands but Harrods is down the street come on lets go.” we enter Harrods and I really am in a state of shock for all my life all I ever wanted was to be in this store when I was twelve Daisy and I my best friend at the time used to go to macys every Saturday and we would stay there all day pretending we were in London and that we were swanning around Harrods waiting for our prince charming to come and sweep us off our feet. After and few months of that the store manager started to get annoyed with us and every time she seen us come in she would send out the security guard and we would be told not to enter the store. But here in Harrods it seems so different as I look over to my right I see two little boys playing on the floor with little wooden trains on the other side there is a little red haired girl sitting on the back of rocking horse and what really strikes me is the shop as
sistant's really don’t seem to mind at all. After a long day of shopping I have bought way too much stuff a new handbag for my mom a little white gold bracelet for Penelope a big huge bottle of my dad’s favorite cologne quarter the price of back home and for Sophie a white Swarovski hair clasp when I saw it I just knew it would look great against the deep dark of Sophie's hair I really couldn’t ask Jessica to take me shopping and not get her anything so I got her a little bottle of Chanel no5. We are now sitting in a little coffee shop just outside of Harrods sipping away at our lattes and cupcakes, “I really can’t thank you enough Jessica “I say, “no problem it’s been fun?” “Yes of course it has can’t you tell from the way I am smiling from ear to ear?” “It is a bit of a giveaway! What kind of events do have while you’re here in town?” Jessica asks looking a little shifty “there is one other party I think my dad has to attend then unfortunately I have to go home to New York” “party what kind of party?” “I think it has something to with the TV networks over here but if I said for sure I would only be lying” “I take it your dad is quite a powerful man then?” “I guess you could say you that but hey he’s just dad to me!” “I would love to have your life!” “What? No believe me you wouldn’t” “yes I really would I could go to all the parties meet all the cool people dance all night and sip champagne but for me as good as it gets is serving the champagne!” Jessica you have an amazing life here in London do you go to college?” “that’s a bit of a long story” “we have plenty of time” I say with a little smile Jessica fills me in about her family life and the fact they have some money issues she has to work two jobs to pay off her student loan she lives in a small flat (as she calls it) on the eastside of town but she is always around this area as it’s easier to find work she has two brothers both older so she is the baby of the family her mom and dad live a quiet life filled by staying in a watching the TV she also told me that she is never been anywhere in her life never left the UK she doesn’t even have a passport. “So you see alanna why I would trade lives with you?” “I know that life is maybe a little sucky for you right now however you live in the most wonderful city in the whole world if I lived here there would be no way I would leave” I say to Jessica hoping to make her fell a little better “you say that alanna but come on would you really trade with me?” “I wouldn’t trade with anyone your life is unique to you however you live it!” I see her press a little smile through her lips “you sure have a gift for making things sound wonderful alanna it’s like you see the good in everything”
Chapter 8
When I arrive back at the hotel my dad and Julian is all suited and booted ready for the party tonight as for me I’m really not that looking forward to tonight I don’t know what it is but I feel a urge of boycott ever since I heard Jessica’s words on how hard her life is I can’t help but feel selfish and spoiled knowing that anything I want is just a click away. it really is not fair for a young girl like Jessica working two jobs and slaving away as a waitress on her nights off and all the time the kind of people I’m sure she is waiting on don’t even have a clue she exists! I am sure they are all too wrapped up in their own lives of plastic surgery money, and jealousy no doubt of the person right next to them! Checking out what they are wearing where they shop, dine, what car they drive eyeing each other up talking behind their backs and no doubt sleeping with their best friends husbands. Jessica seems like such a nice person and she does not deserve to have the struggles she has.
“Lanna are you ready?” my dad says as he knocks on the bathroom door, “yes dad I will be right out” after I came back from shopping I decided to take a long bath to get all the stresses of the day away. I check myself in the mirror and open the bathroom door to see my dad there on his blackberry talking very fast and not making any sense to me. “I will make sure I do that Mr. Jenkins see you soon” was all I could make out. “What was all that about?” “Just business nothing for you to worry about." he links his arm into mine and we head for the party. we arrive and as soon as my dad is in through the door there is a slim grey haired man who quickly whisks him away to the back to meet some other people and yet again I find myself alone standing in a room full of strangers. I look around like I always do at one of these events but the person the only person in fact I could possibly be looking for is nowhere to be seen. I walk over to the bar and ask for a coke the bartender quickly gives me my drink and immediately asks me where I’m from. so I let the guy know where I’m from what I’m doing here and that tonight is my last night and not only is tonight my last night in my dream city but I’m here basically alone on new year’s eve. “Don’t you have a boyfriend or something?” The guy asks “no boyfriend” I say looking down at the bar “how is that possible?” “Quite easy actually” “You must have tons of blokes after you?” “I don’t.” “Come on be truthful!” “I am there is no guys after me well except maybe Marco” “see I knew there had to be one what’s he like?” “He is an ass” ha the bartender laughs. “Did you date him?” “No he is more the kind of guy that is like let’s not do dates just come away with me to Venice with my entire family for New Year’s!” “Wow he must really like you then if he feels the need to take you away with his family” “no it’s not that he likes me it’s more of chance to show off kind of thing.” “What?” “Yeah really” “I can’t say that I ever did that” “are you single?” I ask. “No I’m married going on two years this February” “what is that like?” Ha the bartender laughs again “it’s not without its difficult moments that’s for sure but we do the best we can and hopefully that’s enough.” “So are you in love?” “Off course I am do you really think I would be married to someone I didn’t love?” “No not exactly but where I’m from people marry for reasons in which love is not even considered!” “Is that so?” “Yes” “What reasons could you marry someone if not to love them?” “The usual money, cars, trips to Europe the chance to feel financially safe so they don’t have to go through life wanting for anything everything is there handed to them on a plate and love who needs love when you drive a Bentley?” “Surly you don’t think like that do you?” I take a deep breath and let out a sigh “actually I am the complete opposite of that sometimes I don’t think I belong there I feel when I speak with all the girls I grew up with they are all planning their life’s out like it’s been chosen for them but as for me I don’t know what I want but I know it most defiantly is not that!”
The bar is soon so crowded that I feel a little uncomfortable with all these old drunk men around pushing one another out the way to be served. so I take my drink and my little clutch bag and head for a wander around the party I walk round and I can’t help but think although I’m bored to tears felling alone and am sick of waiting for midnight to happen that this really is a lovely party. Everyone looks like they are having such a good time laughing and joking over by the band there is a few older couples dancing looking far more in love than anyone could ever imagine. I take a long walk round to the other side where I see some younger people standing I lean back against the wall and try not to show that I’m eavesdropping on their conversation as I stand and listen I come to realize that the conversations are the same boring stuck up ness of the parties of Manhattan the same mindless concern for anyone other than themselves I get bored and walk back further towards the door and to my surprise is that? No it can’t be is it? Yes it is out the corner of my eye I can see Adrian Black! I try to shift over a little so I can see him in a clear light he is with a dark haired gentleman I would say younger than him but what do I know I thought that Adrian black looked much older than twenty five. There is a blonde haired woman standing next to him not nearly pretty enough for him. He stands in all his perfection looking like he stepped off the pages of a magazine running his fingers through his hair as he speaks to his friend. As I stare more I can see the woman trying her best for his attention but nothing she seems to do even remotely interests him she flicks her hair touches his arm lets out little soft giggles but still no interest f
rom him. I am beginning to think that maybe she is doomed for the same treatment that Jessica received from this man. he turns to her and starts to say something I can’t make out so I move a little closer and I hear him say, “Cara I really think it’s time you left now don’t you?” the woman looks devastated and turns to look at him trying to fight back tears she says to him in a shallow voice “you are messed up don’t ever talk to me again” he looks at her smugly and says “you know what don’t worry I really won’t even think about you again I got what I wanted and you know what you are to me” the woman can not contain her tears as she races out the door. I can’t help but think what does this guy think he is? Does he care about anyone or anything? What is his problem? What is his story? I am brought out of thought as my dad rushes up to me and says “only ten more minutes” “what’s then more minutes?” I say looking confused “New Year off course really lanna what goes on in that head of yours I will never know.” “Right off course New Year’s” I say. “let’s get ready come on over to the bar” my dad says as he rushes me to the bar area I take a seat at the front and wait for him to order the drinks but yet again he gets pulled to one side by another grey haired man this one looks like he is in his early sixties and could really do with a gym membership. I take a sip of my champagne and wait for my dad to come back over. All the while I can’t help but look around to see if Adrian Black is anywhere in sight. I look round but I can’t see him I turn to the other side and there he is standing at the other end of the bar. With a glass of water in one hand and blackberry in the other. He has huge smirk on his face as he reads whatever is on the screen of the shiny black phone. I look over at him and I really hope that he doesn’t see me I don’t want to have a replay of what happened the other night. And with what I just heard him say to that poor girl I really don’t think that he is the type of person that I feel comfortable talking to! Who am I kidding I think to myself I am so drawn to him it’s like a moth to flame. As much as I try to not stare I really cannot help it he is just too good looking that it’s kind of annoying for someone to look that good. Oh crap! I see him looking over he has a look of shock on his face to see me sitting there glaring over at him. He takes a sip of water and makes his way over to me. Crap! I think to myself what does he want what am I going to do most of all what am I going to say? “Hello again” he says in a cool tone “hi” I say back trying to sound just as cool. “What brings you here tonight?” I think of the last time I said I was with my dad and that awful are you a daddy’s girl flashes round in my mind “I’m here for the party” I say trying not to show the despair in my voice “I never introduced myself the other night I’m Adrian black” he looks at me waiting for a reply. “Nice to meet you Adrian Black" “You are alanna am I right?” How does he know my name? I must have blurted it out the other night whilst he was interrogating me “yes that’s right my name is alanna” “you have a lovely name it really suits you” is this guy for real? “It’s just a name it doesn’t define a person!” “I couldn’t agree more” he says smirking again “do you live in London?” I pause as I answer “n-o I am from New York” “I go there a lot on business” “Yeah well London New York there is a lot of connections between the two cities!” “Yes and what is it that you do?” “I am just about to start my second year at Columbia University” I say as I think is this guy actually being nice? Is he showing interest? “What is that you study?” “Social studies I am hoping to be a graduate next year and go on to become a social worker I want to help the kids of the city that are homeless and have come from broken homes one day I hope to start a private orphanage Somewhere I can help every child find a loving home!” I say with pride I can see his face change like what I just said was something that maybe he is passionate about also. I feel the urge to ask him but scared of what his reaction might be I choose not to. “alanna may I ask you something?” of course” I say with absolute poise “have you ever had a boyfriend?” that’s the same thing he asked Jessica but for me I have to answer truthfully I look up into his green eyes and say “no Adrian I have not had any boyfriends” I catch a little smirk on the guys face like that was the best thing he had heard all year. I feel a sudden nudge I turn and my dad is right behind me “lanna its time” 7 6 5 4 3 2 1…… “Happy new year” I hear everyone in the room shout “happy new year” my dad says and he takes me in his arms and gives me a big hug. “happy new year dad” all my dad’s collogues rush over to rejoice in the new year’s celebrations as for me I look over to Adrian Black where he is standing with the dark haired man he looks over at me and mouths “happy new year” I nod back in agreement and let out a smile as he turns and walks away I can’t help but think that guy is a is such a mystery.
Three Thousand Miles To You Page 4
