fifty-shades-of-grey

Oh my… where’s this going?He clasps my hand.“Outside of the time you’re my sub, perhaps we could try. I don’t know if it will work.I don’t know about separating everything. It may not work. But I’m willing to try. Maybeone night a week. I don’t know.”Holy cow… my mouth drops open, my subconscious is in shock, Christian Grey isup for more! He’s willing to try! My subconscious peeks out from behind the couch, stillregistering shock on her harpy face.“I have one condition.” He looks warily at my stunned expression.“What?” I breathe. Anything. I’ll give you anything.“You graciously accept my graduation present to you.”“Oh.” And deep down I know what it is. Dread spawns in my belly.He’s staring down at me, gauging my reaction.“Come,” he murmurs and rises, dragging me up. Taking his jacket off, he drapes itover my shoulders and heads for the door.Parked outside is a red hatchback car, a two-door compact Audi.“It’s for you. Happy graduation,” he murmurs, pulling me into his arms and kissingmy hair.He’s bought me a damned car, brand new by the looks of it. Jeez… I’ve had enoughtrouble with the books. I stare at it blankly, trying desperately to determine how I feelabout this. I am appalled on one level, grateful on another, shocked that he’s actually doneit, but the overriding emotion is anger. Yes, I’m angry, especially after everything I toldhim about the books… but then he’d already bought this. Taking my hand, he leads medown the path toward this new acquisition.“Anastasia, that Beetle of yours is old and frankly dangerous. I would never forgivemyself if something happened to you when it’s so easy for me to make it right,” he trailsoff.His eyes are on me, but at the moment I cannot bring myself to look at him. I standsilently staring at its awesome bright red newness.“I mentioned it to your stepfather. He was all for it,” he murmurs.Turning, I glare at him, my mouth open in horror.“You mentioned this to Ray. How could you?” I can barely spit the words out. Howdare he? Poor Ray. I feel sick, mortified for my dad.“It’s a gift, Anastasia. Can’t you just say thank you?”“But you know it’s too much.”“Not to me it isn’t, not for my peace of mind.”I frown at him, at a loss what to say. He just doesn’t get it! He’s had money all his life.Okay, not all his life – not as a small child – and my world-view shifts. The thought is verysobering, and I soften towards the car, feeling guilty about my fit of pique. His intentionsare good, misguided, but not from a bad place.“I’m happy for you to loan this to me, like the laptop.”He sighs heavily.“Okay. On loan. Indefinitely.” He looks warily at me.“No, not indefinitely, but for now. Thank you.”