Possessions

"Is there something that you want?" I asked, keeping my head down to avoid much contact.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you with your head down," the strong voice from earlier replied with a small chuckle.

I raised my head, feeling slightly embarrassed and turned to face the boy.

"Is there something that" I hadn't had the chance to finish asking my question before I realized who it was. Draco Malfoy stared back at me, looking almost as confused but within seconds he regained his composure, "you want.." my voice trailed off.

"What are you doing here?" I quickly asked.

"My father is the President of the company, a way for us to 'lay low' he says" He answered back.

I had always been aware of how attractive Malfoy was, but never did it hit me this hard. Maybe the fact that he was sitting mere inches from me brought it better to my attention.

"So your father is the Vice then eh?" Malfoy asked nonchalantly.

"He is" I answered suspiciously. Unless it was to one of his closer friend, ie. Crabbe, Goyle, or Parkinson, he was never really a polite guy. Now though, something was different.

"So I take it you're not exactly having the time of your life are you?"

"Oh no actually, I'm quite entertained," I remarked sarcastically.

"Are you? And that's why you looked ready to fall asleep I'm assuming?"

"Right you are. Now if you'd excuse me, I need some fresh air. Something about these corporate things makes me sick."

"Would you like some company?" Malfoy asked quickly before I'd had a chance to even fully stand.

"Meaning your company? I think I'll be all set thanks. I mean, we certainly wouldn't want to ruin that bad boy reputation you have going Malfoy."

He chuckled in response before standing to face me, "The people here know of a different reputation Miss Sendra. This life is merely a cover up."

"Then why, Mister Malfoy, would I want fake company? I'm quite sure I'll be fine by myself, thank you."

I walked by him and toward the exit. He turned and watched me leave but did not pursue me. Michael had also seen me leave and was quick to follow. Draco had taken note of this and followed him inconspicuously.

I made my way outside and through the parking lot. The building was surrounded by woods and I took advantage of the peace it brought to me. I had loved the serenity of the outdoors for as long as I could remember. Just as I had gotten a good distance from the building, to the point where it was out of sight, I remembered that I had left my purse at the table with Draco. The only valuable things I had in there were my cell phone and my ipod, but I doubted that any of the adults would want them. Being business officials meant that they each had their own electronics to play with. I decided that I had better go back for it, I was sure that any of the other 'children', as we were referred as, would have liked either of my valuables. Just as I turned around, I bumped into somebody and stumbled back a little.

"Hey, watch-" I looked up at who I had bumped into and found myself looking at Michael, "What do you want?"

"To apologize is all," He answered, trying to look even slightly innocent.

"Mhm. Apology accepted. Now if you'll excuse me, I left my purse inside and I have to go get it."

I tried to make my way back toward the building but Michael quickly stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

"Oh, you don't need that. It'll be fine inside with the adults," He said casually trying to shrug my words off.

"With the adults, I'm sure it will be," I made another attempt to push past him but again he blocked my way, "but with the other teenagers I'm not so sure."

Michael put his hands on my arms as if to make sure I stayed, "believe me, it'll be fine. If anything is stolen, I'll have my father replace it. He wouldn't have a problem with that at all."

"No it's fine," I tried to shrug off his hands, "I like the ones I have now. I'd prefer to keep those ones."

"Alright look," his voice suddenly got stern and his eyes no longer held that mock kindness I had seen just seconds before, "listen and listen well Katherine, we are going to be together one way or another, whether you like it or not. You should learn to accept the fact and learn your place sooner rather than later."

"I know my place Mister West, and it is not with you!"

"How dare you even think to speak to someone of my standing like that," Michael had let go of my arms and began walking toward me slowly until i found myself pressed against a tree.

I could feel my heart beating faster and my mind began to race. Obviously Michael was insane, or something quite close to it. A pure-bred brat who always got what he wanted and would stop at nothing to get it, and this time he wanted me.

"Interrupting something again?" Came Draco's voice from over Michael's shoulder, "I'm sorry, but Katherine, I believe you left this behind."

"Oh uhm, yeah," I stepped out from within Michael's reach and retrieved my purse from Draco, "thanks."

"No problem," He answered with a sly smile.

Oh no, I thought, something's going to happen. What is he doing?

"Is everything alright with you two?" Draco asked, looking at Michael with a 'friendly' composure.

"Of course everything's just fine," Micheal answered, his annoyance at Draco's second interruption apparent in his tone, "we were just, eh, talking."

"Oh, i see," Draco retorted, "wait, you're Michael West, am I right?"

"You are."

"Your father is the C.E.O.?"

"Mhm."

"Oh, he was looking for you inside. He's with her parents I'm quite sure. Needed you for something important I believe."

"Oh, well then, uhm, thanks," Michael began walking past us and then turned back to give me a "we'll finish this later" look before disappearing in the direction of the building.

"Uh, thanks," I said turning towards Draco, my gaze held more towards the ground. I had never in all my years of knowing him thought that he could actually be kind. Maybe it was just living up to his fake reputation, I wasn't sure. I turned and started to head back towards the building. The big dinner would start soon and my parents would be wondering where I was.

"You owe me you know," came his response, "don't think I do that for just anybody."

I stopped walking and turned around, intrigued by his response, "and how exactly am I to repay you Malfoy?"