Something Funny?

Aubrianne Ivanov POV

The seat belt sign lights up right after the flight attendant's voice wafts through the com.

"We are clear to land. All cabin crew and passengers, please take your seats and put your safety belts on. Also, make sure all your items are safely secured and do enjoy your stay. Welcome to the Capital Transcendent Lotharios, everyone! May your dreams come true, as this is the land of magic", she smiles sweetly.

I am pumped and ready, filled with anticipation. Putting away the novel I was reading, I quickly fastened my seat belt, ensuring everything was secure, then braced for landing.

After landing, stretching out, I groaned. This was a long flight, and I could not wait to reach my new home.

Everything was arranged by Mr. Thornton's Right Hand, Mr. Ivan Grey. He arranged a place for me to stay, my pick up from the airport, and helped get my furniture, most of my clothing, and appliances into the country.

After clearing customs, I grabbed my two luggage and travel bag and made my way out front. Looking around, it took a little while to spot the sign that said, Ms. Aubrianne Ivanov.

But when I eventually did, I waddled straight for him. He is tall and a bit slender but has got some muscles. He is handsome, wore expensive-looking— tailored to perfection, black jacket, white shirt, the first two buttons were undone, black denim pants, goldish, dark blonde hair, blue eyes, uhh, I cringe at the sight as my mind flashes back to Ron's grey-blue ones.

The memory of that night came crashing into my mind.

I pushed it down, of course. However, there was a slight shift in my air.

He notices and steps back before introducing himself, smiling, one hand extended, "hi, and welcome to the Capital Transcendent Lotharios. My name is Grey, Daniel Grey the Be.. hmm hm, Mr. Thornton's Right-Hand man's son."

"Oh," I said, rolling my eyes because he referenced the famous Dane Moon action movies.

Reaching for his hand, "Hello Daniel, I am Aubrianne Ivanov. So nice to meet you". I smile.

He then sidesteps me and offers to help with my bags and luggage, and I let him. After securing them in the trunk and back seat of this sweet black 2021 GLE 350 SUV Mercedes Benz Series, we got in.

I sat in the front seat and sent the window down. I wanted to feel the fresh air hit my face and whip my hair around while taking in the sites as we made our way to my new home.

Looking hot in my skinny jeans, knee height, high heels, black boots, and a whitish, creamish cashmere sweater, hell, an off-white cashmere sweater, and dark brown leopard print sunglasses, hair out and flowing in some loose curls, looking more like loose waves. Jada picked out the outfit.

It was so hard saying goodbye at the airport. Looking out the window, I wondered how much I would miss Jada. We couldn't seem to let go of each other for the longest while. Shawn stood at our side like security, looking at us with a sad smile.

I understood his mixed feelings, he was happy for me but sad to see me go, and I felt the same, in a small way.

I was happy for myself and sad to leave, but at the same time though, I was delighted to go as well, walking into the unknown, a fresh start, something new, something different.

We had finally peeled away from each other in time for me to board; I looked back one more time and then turned to walk towards the plane...

I sigh as I take in all the sites we pass by. Beautiful beaches, strip malls, and hotels. I sighed again, this time in contentment for the sights before me, then it went into beautiful greenery, so magnificent, ah, the forest. About a mile or two, we came upon extraordinary suburban homes all around. Just lovely, I thought.

My mind drifted to yesterday when I said goodbye to my mom. I had a lot to say yesterday, filling her in on the last two years of my life, where I am heading now, my education, my successful outcome, and my internship. Oh, mom, I wish you were here with me.

I left out the bit about the incident with Ron, but I confessed to everything else; the grocery store, meeting Jada and the girls, and the Strip Club.

Honestly, since I began stripping over two years ago, I visited her grave less and less until I stopped going altogether, but I still talked to her when I had a problem or missed her because I believe she was and is always with me.

For this move, I made sure to pack up some of her things, just the stuff I kept with me. Just some things I had never gotten rid of, like photo albums, her jewelry, and some keepsakes, are all I had left. I even noticed a box amongst her things while packing up.

I cannot for the life of me remember ever seeing this particular box, let alone opening it before. I just purposed to look at the contents when I settled in, as I was literally in the throes of packing.

It has crossed my mind a couple of times since then, but I assured myself it's something I probably would have seen before but just don't remember at the moment.

I laughed to myself, but there was no humor as I thought if I had been packing that away after the little incident, I may have wondered and be worried now, thinking I might have memory loss or something, maybe even having a full-on panic attack.

"Something funny?" I heard Daniel's voice and snapped out of my deep thoughts.

I smiled as I glanced over at him and said, "just my mom and then a little incident." I lied, well, I just didn't tell the whole truth, but it's true, so ha.

He cocks his chin, "OK, fond memories, I guess?"

Did he suspect I was withholding? "Yes, it was," I answered, not wanting to dwell too much on the topic.

"So we have just left the Suburbs and are now approaching the city. We can go through the city if you like, just getting a small view before I give you a full tour sometime, or we could go around," he said while glancing at me ever so often.

I answered, "The city, just a quick peek." I was jet-lagged but curious, so curiosity prevailed.

I peer out the window reaching the city, eyes wide at the futuristic looks of each building's architectural design. They are tremendously innovative, inspiring, new, different, and fresh.

He points at one building in particular to my right and says, "That’s the library."

It was a huge, medieval, state-of-the-art, museum-looking building with intricate design patterns on the moldings around the entire building frame. I made a mental note that the library is a must-visit on my tour.

We passed more lovely buildings, all with extraordinary architectural design, each building almost more beautifully structured than the last. I am impressed. I filled my eyes, taking in all I could, eyes wide and full of wonder.

"I feel like we have stepped into the future," I exclaimed.

But no, there were no flying cars, at least none I have seen yet, and I grinned.

Daniel glances at me as he observes my reactions and expressions towards my views. He said, "amazing, isn't it?"

"Definitely, I am actually at a loss for words. I have never seen anything like it," I responded quickly.

As we continue on, we approach this sky scrapper. We had passed many before, but this was the tallest of them all. A giant and bold boulder at the bottom says 'Theodore Claude Thornton and Associates (TCTA),' and my eyes widened.

This is an entirely different world, certainly not one that I am used to, and it's one that I can't wait to explore.

Daniel smiled as he said, "and in this building is where I work, where we will be working." He gestured to himself and then pointed at me, one hand on the steering wheel.

I turned to him and almost shouted excitedly, "we, as in you and me? This is where I will be working?" I asked in wonder and awe.

With a grin, he said, "Yes, this is where you will be working. I am a Senior Associate with the firm working my way up."

"That's great," I said, smiling, happy for him and eager for me to get on that train as I am just starting as an intern, but here it seems like the sky is the limit, and I mean that literally, as I gaze up at the skyscraper.

I had to ask, "Who owns the building?" Thinking it must be some King or Emperor if there were such things. Maybe it was a billionaire.

He said, "Al - hmnhm Mr. Thornton, of course, this is all his," He made a circle in the air, finger pointing up. I looked at him, eyebrows arching. He said, "This entire capital is owned by Mr. Thornton, and I am proud to be working for him. He is truly an inspiration to us all and a wonderful leader to our community. All the people love and respect him as their leader."

"Who is he the President?" I asked incredulously.

Daniel chuckles, "no, he is not."

Then I ask, "better yet, does he even answer to the President?"