| The End is Only the Beginning by: Kerimack Chapter 3: Kathryn�s Secret Sebastian and Annette were on their way to a school assembly when her father called them into his office. Sebastian had tried to keep his annoyance hidden. He and the headmaster had a mutual dislike for each other. Of course they were always pleasant to each other for Annette�s sake, but Sebastian knew he hated him and that he couldn�t stand the idea that he was dating his only daughter. Hardgrove wasn�t one of his favorite people either. He was a pompous, boring, pain in his ass. But he went along with Annette to his office anyways. When they arrived the headmaster was talking with a young guy. He was tall, with light brown hair and an athletic build. Sebastian at first thought he might be another student but realized that he was a bit older. Hardgrove smiled at the two of them as he entered �Oh there you are. I was starting to think you wouldn�t make it� he leaned over and gave Annette a hug and a gave Sebastian a strained smile. Sebastian smiled back. �This is Chris Ashton. His parents were great friends of your mother and I in college. Chris also use to attend Manchester no to long ago. He graduated at the top of his class� Chris gave a small smile as if the headmaster was embarrassing him. �Chris this is my daughter Annette and her friend Sebastian Valmont� Sebastian pretended to smile politely. The old fart won�t even acknowledge that I�m her boyfriend. Chris gave them a big smile but it was more towards Annette �Well it�s nice to finally meet you Annette. You�re fathers told me so much about you� She smiled over at her father �All good I hope� �Of course. He was just telling me about your recent travels to Europe. I think it�s amazing that a young girl is so interested in helping others rather than just shopping at the mall� Annette�s face lit up �Well thanks. I worked really hard over there. I don�t think people realize how bad it is in that part of the world. I was happy to do what I could. All it takes is a little time and money and we could really make a difference� �I totally agree� Sebastian sat and listened to them talking away his annoyance growing every second. Annette seemed to forget he was in the room. But what annoyed him more was the expression on the headmasters face. He was totally delighted Annette found Chris so fascinating. The son of a bitch probably set the whole thing up. Finally Chris seemed to notice he was there �Oh, hey sorry man I just get worked up about these things sometimes. It�s nice to meet you. Sebastian right?� Sebastian forced a smile and extended his hand �Yea, nice to meet you.� They shook hands �So what brings you to New York?� The headmaster placed his hand on Chris�s back �Chris is in town visiting. He will graduate from Harvard next year� Big fucking deal. But as he stared over at Annette he could tell she was impressed �Wow Harvard. I�ve been considering going their, but I don�t know if I can get in � Chris smiled over at her �Oh I�m sure you can. What are you�re plans after graduation Sebastian?� �I haven�t really decided yet Chris� He hated this guy already and was wondering when they could leave. He looked at his watch �Hey where going to be late for that assembly. We should get going� �Oh I completely forgot� I�m sure you did. You were to busy drooling over Chris. �Well why don�t you go down with them Chris. Annette is giving a speech on recycling and the environment� Annette smiled and nodded �Yes come with us� �Ok, sure� The three of them then headed down to the assembly. Annette and Chris talked the whole way about college, starving orphans, and the importance of recycling. They barely noticed Sebastian was with them. The whole situation was making him sick. He couldn�t believe Annette was falling for all this bullshit this dork was spewing at her. They arrived at the auditorium which was already filled with half the students in the school. Annette headed back stage and Sebastian followed. �I�ll go take a seat. Good luck� Chris then went and got a seat in the front row. He smiled and waved over at Chris and when he turned around Sebastian�s face fell �What an asshole� Annette turned to him �Sebastian!� He rolled is eyes �Oh please don�t tell me you bought into all that crap about wanting to help the rainforest or whatever� �Yes I think he was sincere� �I can�t believe you can be that stupid� A hurt expression came on Annette�s face �Believing the best in people isn�t stupid Sebastian. I believed in you didn�t I? He was completely nice to you. Why do you have to be such a jerk?� Before he could reply a familiar voice behind them called out �Ooo do I sense a lovers quarrel?� They booth turned around to see Kathryn with a mocking smile on her lips. �Fuck off Kathryn� �You know, I don�t believe you�re suppose to be back hear Sebastian� They stared hard at one another for a second before Annette spoke. �What do you want Kathryn?� �Mrs. Hogan is looking for you. She wants you to go over your speech� Annette sighed and leaned over and kissed Sebastian on the cheek �We�ll finish this discussion later� Kathryn gave her a fake smile as she walked past her then rolled her eyes �So I take it everything isn�t peachy fucking keen with everyone�s favorite couple?� Sebastian glared over at her. They had barely spoke since her little seduction of him the other night. Truthfully he was afraid to be alone with her because he knew he might not be able to resist her this time. �None of your business� �Sorry. Just thought I could help� she then walked up to him until they were inches a part �So did you tell goldilocks about our little kiss the other night?� �What do you think?� �I think that you want to do it again� she leaned over and licked his lips with her tongue He tried his best to not respond �I don�t want you Kathryn� She smiled and placed one hand on his chest and moved the other downwards �I think you�re lying� Her hand went down until it was resting on his crotch. She began to massage it. He tried his best to control himself, but he was unable to. She knew exactly how to get to him. Kathryn looked down at his pants and in a small sexy voice said �Ooo Valmont, you�re so hard� A wicked smile came across her lips and Sebastian returned it. She then leaned over, gave him a lingering kiss on the cheek and whispered in his ear �See I told you, you would come back eventually� Kathryn then removed her hand after giving him one hard squeeze and walked on stage to deliver her speech. Sebastian was left there trying to contain the bulge in his pants. Bitch. He went and took a seat in the back of the auditorium. Kathryn gave a speech about the importance of protecting our environment which Sebastian tried his best not to laugh at. Then Annette came and gave her speech. Sebastian stared over at Chris and noticed how much attention he seemed to pay to her. Afterwards Sebastian returned back stage and congratulated Annette on her speech. He rolled his eyes when he noticed Chris had come back too. �That was amazing Annette� �Thanks I was so nervous. I hate talking in front of crowds� The headmaster also came over to congratulate Annette �Yes honey you were excellent� She gave him a hug �Thanks dad� �Oh Chris theirs someone I want you to meet� he gestured over towards Kathryn who was talking to a large group of people. Sebastian smirked as she approached. Oh this should be interesting. Chris was totally Kathryn�s type. Handsome, well bread, and stupid. He expected her to come over and start charming him. Maybe she can divert him away from Annette. She headed over in their direction and he noticed the fake smile on her face. Chris turned around to great her and her face quickly fell. The headmaster walked over to Kathryn �Chris this is out student body president Kathryn Merteuil. Kathryn this is a friend of the family and one of Manchester�s finest graduates Chris Ashton� �We�ve already met� her voice was very quiet and the color seemed to drain from her face. That stupid smile never vanished off of Chris�s face �Yes we meet what was it four years ago? How have you been Kathryn?� Kathryn looked like she was trying to force a smile but it wasn�t working �I�ve been fine� �Kathryn�s been over in France for out student exchange program this past year. We are all very proud of her� �Really you�ll have to tell me all about it later� She stared at the ground �Sure� �Well I have to get going. It was nice to see you again Mr. Hardgrove, and it was nice to meet you Annette� �I�ll walk you out� the headmaster volunteered Sebastian waved at him as he left �Prick� �Sebastian� Annette sighed �What?� he asked innocently. Annette just shook her head and headed out with her father and Chris. Sebastian turned his attention back to Kathryn who was staring out into space �So how do you know college boy?� For a second Sebastian thought Kathryn was going to be ill �We went out a couple of times� �Ohh did he dump you� he laughed at her mockingly Kathryn stared up at him her eyes were cold and her voice steady �Not exactly. I have to go� she turned and left. What the hell was that all about? He had never seen Kathryn look like that before. We wondered what was up between Kathryn and Chris and how he could use it against her * * * * * * Kathryn had left the auditorium and gone straight to the girls room. She ran into a stall and immediately throw up. She didn�t even have to force it. Her head was spinning ever since she saw Chris and she felt sick to her stomach. What was he doing hear? Why couldn�t he of stayed in college? He had to come back to torture her. Well she wouldn�t let him. She got up from her position on the floor and walked out to the sink. She cleaned out her mouth and looked at herself in the mirror. She wasn�t going to let him do this to her. She was Kathryn Merteuil for Christ sakes. A smile of determination came across her face. This time it would be different. This time she would get him back for what he did to her. * * * * * * After school Sebastian went to find Kathryn. He was determined to find out what the hell was going on with her. He went to her locker and there she was. He smiled at her �Hey want a ride home?� Kathryn glared up at him suspiciously, then shrugged �Fine� She got into his car without a word. They drove for about ten minutes without either one saying a anything. Sebastian kept staring over at Kathryn but she seemed to be lost in thought. Finally he had enough �Ok. What�s going on with you?� She didn�t look at him �Nothing� �Bullshit. You�ve been acting strange ever since you saw Chris. What exactly happened between the two of you?� �None of your god damn business� she said coldly �Let me guess he fucked you then didn�t call afterwards?� he began to laugh �Did he break your heart?� Kathryn turned and faced him �Fuck you Sebastian!� �Ooo I see I hit a nerve. Poor Kathryn got dumped by Mr. All America. What happened did he find out what you are really like?� Her voice got very quiet �You don�t know what your talking about. Just drop it� They arrived at the Valmont home and Sebastian stopped the car and turned to her. He forced her to look at him �I�m going to find out one way or another so you mine as well tell me now� she stared at him coldly �Fine, have it your way. I�ll just find out on my own and if I were you I�d pray I don�t cause if it�s as bad as you think it is you�re ruined� The cold expression never left her face �Are we done?� �For now� She got out of the car. He followed after her and when they got in the living room Tiffani was there. She was giving directions to one of the maids who nodded along to everything she said. �Oh your home. I have a surprise for you� Kathryn glared over at Sebastian �Your getting a divorce?� Sebastian pretended to look hurt. Tiffani stared over at her with a confused expression �Umm no. Annette is coming over for dinner and she�s bringing a guest. You�ll never guess who� Kathryn just stared at her �Chris Ashton!� Sebastian rolled his eyes and sighed Kathryn�s face paled and then she attempted to smile �Chris Ashton?� �Yes. When was the last time you saw him?� �At school today� she mumbled Tiffani didn�t seem to hear her �I never did understand why things didn�t work out between you two� Sebastian stared over at Kathryn and smiled �Yes why is that sis?� Before Kathryn could answer one of the maid�s dropped a glass shattering it to pieces. Tiffani turned to her and started yelling at her in Vietnamese. Kathryn walked past them and headed to her room. Sebastian followed but she slammed the door in his face and locked it before he could get in �I�m going to find out� he screamed. When he was left with no answer he went into his room. He finally would have something against Kathryn. He just couldn�t wait to find out what it was. * * * * * * Chris and Annette arrived for dinner a few hours later. Kathryn had yet to emerge from her room so Sebastian greeted them at the door. Annette was dresses in a long skirt and cardigan set. Sebastian smiled at her and leaned in and kissed her on the cheek �You look nice� �Thanks� He put on his best phony smile for Chris �Nice to see you again Chris� He smiled warmly over at him �You too. Is that your Jag out there?� Sebastian looked out the window and smiled proudly �Sure is� �Nice. I drive a Porsche myself�. Sebastian looked out at the shiny red car and snickered to himself. Fag. �Very nice� Tiffani came in and greeted them all. She seemed to make a point out of welcoming Chris. Christ you would think she wanted him for herself. �Where�s Kathryn?� she looked around Sebastian looked towards her room �I think she�s still in her room� �Oh well dinners almost ready. Maybe someone should go get her. Sebastian was about to volunteer when Chris said �I�ll get her� Sebastian glared over at him and watched walk up to her door and knock. Tiffani and Annette headed to the dinning room and he followed. They talked about china patterns and glass wear for a while. Sebastian noticed that neither Chris or Kathryn had arrived He interrupted his step-mother�s ramblings. �I�ll be right back� He headed to Kathryn�s room. When he go there he could hear them talking is loud whispers. The door was opened a crack and as he looked through it he could see Kathryn against her wall and Chris standing only inches away from her. Sebastian smiled, he knew something was going on between them. As he studied Kathryn�s face he could tell that she was pissed and the usual stupid smile on Chris�s face had vanished. He stared down at Kathryn angrily like he was trying to intimidate her and Sebastian could hear him say �Look if you open your mouth to anybody�� �Like I want anyone to find out!� she spat back angrily �Because if you do, I�ll tell everybody what a slut you are and you can kiss that Ivy league education goodbye� For a second Sebastian thought Kathryn might cry, he almost wanted to help her but he was too fascinated with what was going on �I won�t say anything� she replied quietly. �That�s a good girl� Chris then began to caress her cheek �Maybe I�ll stop by and see you before I go back to school� Kathryn�s throw his hand off of her face and her eyes narrowed at him �Don�t you ever touch me, understand? I won�t say anything about what happened just as long as you stay the hell away from me� Chris started to laugh and Sebastian decided to take the opportunity to make his presence known. He walked into the room without knocking �Hey guys, dinners ready� he looked over at Kathryn who just glared at him �Is something the matter?� Chris but that phony smile on his face again and shrugged at Sebastian �No we were just having a friendly little discussion� he stared at Kathryn as if for conformation. �Yes� she then turned her back and started fixing her hair in the mirror. �Well I better go� Chris then left and Sebastian waited till he was gone before speaking. �I don�t suppose you�re going to tell me what that was really about?� Kathryn turned around �It was nothing. Let�s go to dinner� She headed out the door but Sebastian pulled her back �You know it�s funny, you looked almost afraid of him� Kathryn forced a laugh and pulled his hand off her arm �Please. Like that dork could do anything to hurt me� He was about to reply when Annette came in the room. �Your mother told me to come get you for dinner� Kathryn walked out of the room without a word. Annette stared over at Sebastian �What was that about?� He shrugged �Damned if I know� They then headed to dinner, which in Sebastian�s mind ranked as one of the worst he had ever attended. Chris�s mouth never seemed to stop moving, he was always going on about what he did, or what he saw, or who he met. The whole time Annette and Tiffani seemed absolutly entranced by everything the idiot said. Kathryn said barely two words only the occasional �Yes�, �No�, and �I�m not sure�. Sebastian believed this was the only time he ever saw her eat a whole meal. She seemed desperate to find anything to do but talk or make eye contact with Chris. No one seemed to notice except Sebastian who spent the whole meal trying to keep his annoyance of Chris hidden. When it was finally over Chris and Annette both thanked Tiffany for dinner, as if she made the food herself. Kathryn said a quick goodbye to them then headed to her room. Tiffani watched her leave and commented �I don�t know what�s wrong with her tonight� Sebastian wasn�t sure why but he defended her �I think she was feeling sick earlier� he then glared over at Chris who just smiled. An hour later after coffee Chris left and Sebastian offered to drive Annette home. When they were in the car she asked �What was with your sister tonight?� Sebastian smiled �I�m not sure yet, but I think it has something to do with Chris� Annette shook her head �Chris? I don�t think so. He would never go near Kathryn. He�s too smart for that� Sebastian rolled his eyes �I don�t think he�s the guy you think he is� She sighed �Please Sebastian my fathers known him for years. I think he could tell if he was lying to him� �Yea, he�s also thinks Kathryn�s a saint. The guys not the best judge of character� Annette turned to him angrily �How dare you say that about my father! You barely know him� Sebastian could feel himself getting angry �I know enough. And I know Chris isn�t the boy scout he pretends to be� �What�s wrong with you?� �Nothing� �Yes there is. These last couple of days you�ve been like a completely different person. Ever since Kathryn�s come back� Sebastian rolled his eyes �Oh so that�s what this is about, Kathryn� �Yes. You�re a completely different person when she�s around. You always act like your trying to prove something� �I do not� He pulled up to Annette�s house and parked. She was suddenly very quiet and stared down at the floor �You have this weird connection to her somehow. You can deny it all you want but I know some part of you cares about her� Sebastian wasn�t sure how to respond. Annette just shook her head sadly �I have to go� she then leaned over and kissed him on the mouth. They pulled away and Sebastian promised to call her. As he pulled away he considered what she said. Sebastian was heading home when a thought occurred to him, he might just know how to find out what Kathryn was hiding. He turned the car around and shook his head in amazement that he hadn�t thought of it earlier. He knew just the gut who could help him. * * * * * * �Hello Valmont, what brings you here at this time of night?� �Blaine I need to ask you about something. Are you alone?� Sebastian walked into the house praying he didn�t walk in on Blaine and one of his friends. �Yes, I�m alone unfortunately� they went up to his bedroom. Half of Blain�s stash was laid out on the table. Sebastian stared down at it in amusement. �Are you having a bake sale?� Blaine sat down at the desk and continued his work �No exactly. I just got some new shit in. Care to sample some?� He considered it for a moment before shaking his head �No thanks, not tonight� Blain smiled �Oh right wrong Valmont. So what can I help you with tonight Sebastian? I haven�t seen you around lately� �I need some information about a guy named Chris Ashton. What do you know about him?� The smile had vanished off of Blaine�s face and he suddenly seemed very serious �Why do you want to know?� �He recently came back to town and I think he and Kathryn are connected some how but she won�t tell me how. I take it you know him� �Yea, we went to Manchester together. What makes you think something is going on between him and Kathryn?� �She told me they use to go out. Ever since she�s seen him she�s been acting totally weird and I can�t figure out why. He and Annette came over to dinner tonight and I over heard him and Kathryn talking. It almost sounded like he was threatening her. I need to find out what went down between those two?� �Why?� A cold smile came across Sebastian�s lips �So I can use it to destroy her. Look ever since she�s got back she�s been driving me nuts trying to break up me and Annette. If I don�t do something to stop her soon, she might succeed and I can�t allow that to happen. I won�t let her win.� Blain shook his head �Sorry I can�t help you Valmont. As much as I would like to see you and blondie ride into off into the sunset together, I�m not going to help you destroy Kathryn� �So this thing with Chris it really could destroy her?� �If it got into the wrong hands possibly, I�ll tell you this much, it�s not what you think� Sebastian looked at him curiously �What do you mean?� �Just drop it� Sebastian sighed and sat down on a chair. He took out a cigarette form his pocket and lit it up � Tell me this, is the guy really the boy scout he pretends to be?� Blain laughed �Hardly. In fact if I were you I�d watch my back, the guy�s got a mean streak and if he finds out that you�re sniffing around in his business..� �Oh please. The guy�s a complete pussy. Besides he has to go back to school eventually� �Still. Best to be careful� Sebastian thought back to Kathryn a few hours ago. She had almost looked scared of Chris, but why? What did the guy have on her? If Blaine wasn�t wrapped around her finger maybe he could find out. �The guy has been sniffing around Annette. I thought she would be smarter then to fall for this guy�s bullshit, but apparently not. Maybe theirs something I can do to get him out of town sooner?� �If I were you I�d leave it alone. Kathryn can handle herself and if Annette loves you as much as you think she does you have nothing to worry about� Sebastian stood to leave �I�m going to find out what she�s hiding Blaine with or without your help. So when you go and report this little meeting back to Kathryn tell her to watch her back� Blain rolled his eyes �It�s always so nice having these little moments with you Valmont� Sebastian walked out the door giving him the finger. * * * * * * Later that weekend, Kathryn was out shopping. She needed something to take her mind off of Chris and Sebastian�s unrelenting scrutiny. Why he couldn�t just drop it was beyond her. Did he really hate her that much? She was inside Gucci trying on a pair of stiletto boots, when Blain arrived. Kathryn looked up surprised to see him, after all it was the ladies section. �What are you doing hear?� �Looking for a pair of red heels. What do you think? I�m looking for you. I called your house and your mother said you were out shopping. Tell me is their a reason your not answering your phone?� She sighed pulling the boots off �I�m avoiding my darling brother. He won�t leave me alone� Blaine sat down in the chair opposite her �Avoiding Valmont? That�s a switch. Last time I saw you, you were planning a seduction� �Yea, well that particular plan has been put on hold for the time being. I�ve got bigger problems than Sebastian�s little nit-wit girlfriend. Chris Ashton is back in town� �Yea, I know. Valmont came to see me last night. He was trying to find out what went on between you and Chris. He told me to tell you to watch your back� Kathryn�s eyes went wide �He can NOT find out about what happened! You didn�t tell him anything did you?� �No of course not. But he seems pretty determined on destroying you� Kathryn rested her head on her hand �Yes I know. It seems my little plan to bring back the old Valmont worked. He�s back to his old self and trying to make my life miserable� �Be careful what you wish for� Blain offered helpfully She glared up at him �Not helping� Blain went and sat down next to her �Look I really don�t think you have anything to worry about. I mean there is no way Valmont can find out about what Chris did to you. No one knows but you, him and me.� Kathryn stood up and collected her things �I suppose your right. Maybe he�ll get board with this vendetta thing and leave me alone� Even as she was saying it Kathryn didn�t believe it. She knew Sebastian to well and he didn�t just give up on things. He wouldn�t give up on this until she was in ruins. * * * * * * At the same time Kathryn was shopping Annette was across the street in a restaurant having lunch with Chris. All weekend they had talked on the phone. It amazed her that they had this much in common. She felt that she could talk to him about anything, unlike Sebastian who she could barely connect with lately. When Chris called her and asked if she wanted to have lunch she immediately said yes without even thinking. She told herself that it wasn�t a date they were just friends having lunch. They had been their for over an hour talking, and laughing about everything. It amazed her how easily he was to talk to, she felt like she could tell him anything. In the short time they had known each other Annette felt that they had really connected, it was weird but she couldn�t remember the last time she felt like this around a guy not even Sebastian. Chris was poring some more wine into her glass. She usually didn�t drink but he had insisted and she didn�t argue �So tell me Annette how long have you and Sebastian been together?� She thought for a second �About six months� �You know, you two seem totally different. I mean you�re so focused and mature and Sebastian well� let�s just his reputation speaks for itself� Annette nodded, not at all surprised Chris thought like that. Most people were surprised when they found out she was dating Sebastian, she herself was even a little surprised. �Well he�s changed a lot since we started seeing each other. I mean he�s totally faithful to me and all it�s just been lately�� He looked concerned �What?� She sighed �Well it�s just that since his step-sister has returned he�s been different. He�s been acting more like his old self, which isn�t good� �What would Kathryn being back have anything to do with Sebastian�s behavior?� Annette realized she had to tread carefully, she couldn�t give away too much information even if she did trust Chris �They�ve always had a close relationship before we started dating and afterwards when Kathryn began to lose her control over him she tried to destroy are relationship. It never worked but now that she�s back he�s completely obsessed with getting her back at her for hurting us. If only she would just leave us alone� �Well look the Kathryn I remember wasn�t as tough as she thought she was. I don�t think you have anything to worry about. I would never let her hurt you� Chris placed his hand over hers and she looked up into his eyes. He seemed so sincere, so sweet, unlike her own boyfriend who couldn�t get his mind of his sexy step-sister. Sebastian never talked to her the way Chris did, never looked at her like he did. She suddenly wished she didn�t have a boyfriend at all. �You�re so sweet� she said softly �So are you� he then leaned in and gently kissed her on the mouth. At first Annette thought to push him away but as it got more passionate she found herself kissing him back. As she thought about this moment afterwards it would occur to her that maybe they should not have sat outside to eat because a person could see clear across the street and see the new pair. * * * * * * The sales women at Gucci was handing Kathryn her new boots. They were expensive but Kathryn didn�t care. Buying new things always made her feel better, but it did not stop her thinking about Chris and Sebastian. She was going to have to find a way to get Chris out of town and Sebastian off her back. She smiled wickedly as a thought entered her mind. Maybe I should give him something else to think about. She wondered what her dear brother would think if he arrived home form school one day and found her sitting on his bed wearing nothing but a smile? As she contemplated her seduction of Valmont, she looked around for her driver who was no wear in sight. Fucking idiot. He must have gone across the street to get something to eat. She stared at the small Bistro across the street and noticed a young couple making out. She didn�t recognize them at first but as they pulled away her mouth fell open slightly. Chris and Annette. Making out. At first she thought she might be ill. Her worst enemy and the man she hated more than anyone on the planet making out in full view. It was disgusting. But then a thought occurred to her. I wonder what Sebastian would think? She began to smile. |