Dangerous Obsession

KENDALL I was staring at myself in the full length mirror in my extravagant walk-in closet admiring the sun kissed burnt orange beach dress Cheryl had chosen for me when we went shopping some days ago. Cheryl is my quirky and ever fun loving best friend. She had single handedly made a big list of all the things we were going to do together this summer, she was always like that. I slipped on a pair of golden strappy sandals hoping Cherly would approve of them and not come in here to ransack my closet for shoes that she thinks would actually compliment the dress. I mentally rolled my eyes as I picked up my phone to snap the shoes I had on with the intention of sending the pictures to Cheryl on w******p when I heard a knock on the door. "Ken, could you come downstairs for a moment." My father's voice said. It was calm but with a bit of urgency. I wondered what he had to say to me. It was unlike him to demand my attention in this calm and collected way. I felt my heart skip a bit. Mom wasn't sick right? It often happens in movies, where the dad summons the daughter out in this exact way and the parents break the really bad news to her. As I descended the stairs, my mind raced, conjuring up the worst case scenario where my Mom has a year or even a few months to live. A gasp escaped my lips in pure fear. My mom wasn't sick or was she? Yes! In the movie the Mom always seemed healthy because she was trying to keep everyone from worrying but just until one day! A cold fear gripped me as I held the railings for support, my legs felt wobbly and my knees grew weak. As I got to the sitting room, I saw my parents sitting some few meters away from each other on the couch and having animated discussions. What the hell was this about?! "Mom..Dad?" I shot my brows up questioningly. "What is going on?" My voice was barely a whisper, my eyes which were obviously wide with worry, searched their faces for answers. Even if my mom wasn't the present mother, at least she made up for it by spoiling me with everything I needed. I wouldn't want anything happening to her, it would break my soul and I didn't even want to think of such a thing. At that moment, I felt like running up to her, squeezing her in a tight embrace and telling her how much I loved and appreciated her. "Ken dear, come sit," My mom beckoned, flashing a sweet inviting smile. Was this a facade? Was it all a show to make me believe everything was fine? Did they really think I was still a child? I walked slowly to the couch like a lamb being dragged to be slaughtered, and sat in between them. What the actual hell were they going to talk about? Let it be anything, anything at all that didn't involve all the fears that weighed my heart down right this minute. "Kendall dear," She began, her voice soft and rumble, "as you know, your dad and I have accepted a position in Madrid. It's a fantastic opportunity, but it means we'll be away for an extended period of time." Really? Was this what they really wanted to talk about?? I felt relieved but very angry. "Madrid? Is that a place in New York City? Or probably somewhere in America I probably haven't heard about? Or perhaps you mean Spain?..a whole continent away?" I managed to force a smile, my voice steady, "That's wonderful, I'm so happy for you both." My dad placed his huge hand on mine and squeezed it gently, grazing his palm that had been made rough from several years of overworking. His gaze completely softened. "We've decided it's best if you stay here, at least for the time being. We've made arrangements for you to stay with…." He paused, his eyes searching mine.".....with Mr Alexander Sterling." "What?!" I blurted out in shock. The name struck me like a bolt of lightning. Alexander Sterling? The man of my steamy and forbidden dreams. The very man I have hand a huge crush on ever since my young girly heart knew what it meant to feel. The same man my father considered his best friend? My breath hitched. My mind raced with a mixture of excitement and dread. This was my chance, my only chance to finally get the man of my misty dreams. The thought of staying under the same roof with Alexander Sterling made my mind think of all the naughty things I could do to him. I was sitting in between my parents and shamelessly having these thoughts. Going after my dad's best friend would betray my parents trust, I couldn't risk their friendship with Alexander. Yet, the allure of the forbidden was too strong for me to just push to the back of my mind because it all came rushing in, all my secret desires and s****l fantasies came rushing in. I imagined the possibility of stolen glances, the secret touches. It would be a cruelly dangerous game, a high stakes gamble, but one I was very willing to play. "Ken?" My dad called softly, jolting me back to reality. I hope they hadn't seen how crazily excited I was about this whole idea of going to live with Alexander. "Mr Sterling?" The name managed to roll out of my lips. Just the sound of this name made me hot. "I…i don't know what to say." My father's expression turned into understanding. "I know this is sudden, Kendall. But I trust Alexander. I've discussed this with him and he doesn't mind. You'll be working with him as his secretary. You need to be groomed, the company belongs to you after all." My mouth opened but no words came out. Okay, let me digest this. Firstly, I would be living with Alexander in his house, secondly, I would be his secretary and go about with him? Holy mother of bugs! Was this a dream? If it was, I don't ever wanna wake up. "He'll look after you Ken, he's a good man," my mom said patting my back softly. Yes of course, Alexander Sterling was unarguably a good man but I'm not sure I was a good daughter.