Life of Scarlett

At the time he said this I didn't really know what he meant it took me a few years before I totally understood. It actually took him a while to get me to open up and trust him, he treated well and not like a little girl he was tough on me. If I was disobedient I was punished, there were times I thought I was better and wouldn't carry out my punishment so it would be extended I finally got that he wasn't going to take me back to the orphanage I started to learn to listen and do as I was asked without questions. Not that I wanted to go back I was living in a beautiful house going to school and even started to make friends again (ok they were all boys) I thought the girls were stupid with the way they acted.

This man was wonderful to me I had all the new consoles Xbox, PlayStation and all the games which made me popular with all the boys and I did prefer their company than the girls who all played with dolls (insert eye roll). I didn't get invited to any of the girls birthday parties but the boys loved me they all invited me because I played like a fiend on those games my hand and eye coordination is outstanding even now as an adult.

My training started from the day I moved in with Baba with running and swimming to begin with, as I became stronger and faster the sessions became more intense and longer. My second year living with Baba my training was intensified with Karate starting with my white belt it only took me a year to get to my black belt, I loved it so much and little did I know that this was all for discipline. I was in a lot of school activities too I was on the athletics team the swimming team and always did very well in all of them, by the time I was 15 years old and with Baba for 4 years I was hated by all the girls in school because I had the attention of all the boys. Not that I cared what they thought if they wanted to talk to me they would I never went out of my.

I went from strength to strength learning different types of fighting skills boxing and kick boxing I even trained with a MMA fighter, I was a fast learner and loved every second of it. I turned 17 and Baba said that it was time for me to learn a new skill and sat me down to explain what it was.

He said "Now Scarlett, you need to listen very carefully to what I am about to tell you."

"yes Baba."

"I am going to teach you how to shoot guns."

Did he say guns as in plural.

"Yes Baba."

He looked at me seriously "you are a very smart girl so I am trusting you not to mention this to anyone, this is between you and me understood?"

"Yes Baba."

Now you might ask why I don't ask questions when faced with such an unusual request. This is how he has taught me to listen first without reaction until I know all the facts my reaction can give away how I am feeling and people can use this against me. How you may ask well we will get to that later on in my story it's complicated and there is so much in my life that happened before that point.

I have to say learning about the guns was fascinating to me, it took almost 6 months before I actually got to shoot a gun but I remained patient and when I did I LOVED IT!

Baba watched me closely with each weapon he gave me showing me the difference to each one, I was taught to pull apart and clean then put it back together. My ultimate favorite was the sniper rifle looking back I laugh it was all the Xbox and PlayStation games I guess and maybe all the patience I have from having to wait for everything.

I was really starting to get a lot attention from all the boys at school my guess was because of my athletic build I have long black hair and my eyes are blue I know what I look like and that none of them would ever get the chance that's for sure I wasn't interested, I remained friends with them that I didn't want to lose. Baba wanted me to go to university to study anything I wanted to, but I opted to do a college course through the local Government college the course was to learn about computers and I was there 2 days a week. I also worked at Baba's mechanic shop I loved working there putting structure and keeping everything and everyone in order and I am and was good at it. The guys showed me all there was to know about cars and motorcycles this surprised Baba, because I was excellent at it and I only had to be shown once and I would pick it up no worries.

In all this time my training routines didn't change they just got more intense, my running and swimming were my constant, I changed up my fighting training between them so I didn't get bored. Turning 18 comes and goes uneventfully with finishing my course at college before I knew it I was turning 19 and felt I needed my own space. I found a little 2 bedroom cottage and decided that I would buy my first house well I was working full time and I was being paid very well and I could afford to do so. After I moved in I found that I missed my Baba so I got in the habit of talking to him everyday at night before I slept I even brought my motorcycle which I had put together with the help of the mechanics at the shop that is it was and still is my pride and joy.

One morning I received a text from Baba that he wanted to see me after work there was something he wanted to discuss. Well the discussion was very interesting right from the beginning. I met with Baba at the back of the mechanic shop where my gym was located, he motioned for me to follow him to the back where there was a door that had a key code lock I remember thinking to myself I didn't recall seeing that door before.

Once the door was opened we walked down a flight a stairs to what I remember thinking was a basement, there we went to another door with the same sort of lock as before. Once in this room it was like another world there was a ton of equipment that I had never seen before, I waited for Baba to speak he motions to a table and we sit and again I wait patiently for Baba to explain what we are doing here.

He says "Scarlett there is something I need to confess to you and I need you to be open minded and wait to the end before you comment okay?"

I just nod and wait what can I say this is all very cloak and dagger stuff.

"I want you to listen carefully you know I have a side business."

Again I nod and wait because I think my suspicious are being solidified.

He continues to look at me right in the eyes and once he seems to feel satisfied that he has my full attention he went on with his talk.

"I have for the last 35 years been an assassin for hire, I have come to a point in my life and an age that I can no longer carry out some jobs age is not my friend, but you my love have showed so much promise in everything that you do. With everything that you have accomplished that is why I am asking you would this be something that you would be interested in? If you are not I will have to give that business to the next in line, I do not think he is worthy and you have been consistently on point."

This whole time I have sat in complete silence and looking at him with no emotion as this is exactly what I thought he did. Hey there was all the training with guns the fighting skills and I was expected to excel at all of them and I did, I never asked why well I did enjoy it all like it was what I was supposed to do. From the start he always referred to me as his daughter and we have love and respect for each other as father and daughter should, so when he asked me this question I took it very seriously and thought for a moment then said.

"This is very important to you, Then it is important to me too so my answer is yes."

I would do anything for this man he has showed how to be a better person to trust and love, he even tried to find out who my real parents are but I never cared I had him.

He looked at me with so much pride and said " Wonderful, well as you can see this is the base of my operation you will be given all the access codes for the doors and computers, we will go through everything and the you will be introduced to the organisation as my successor. "

"Thank you for your trust in my ability to take over for you. I love you and will do my utmost to make you proud of me."

So it begun over the next few weeks I was shown all the relevant information. I was given all the codes to everything, I was shown how to open multiple accounts and how to move money around as not to be traced. I was also shown all the men and women in the organisation and the hierarchy, Baba told me that I would have an official party to be introduced as his successor. This I was advised is a fancy gala and that I had to have a fancy gown so I had to going shopping this is torture. There was only one person I could think of to come with me my best friend Caleb, he was the first friend I made after coming and living with Baba and we have stayed best friends through all the years. We have weekly get together for dinner and drinks at the local pub, he at one point wanted more but I didn't want to ruin the friendship that we had.

I made a call to Caleb.

"Hey Caleb."

"Hey Scar."

"I need your help with something."

"Sure anything what's up?"

"I need to get a fancy ball grown and I need your opinion."

"I love you Scar but that's not going to happen talk about killing my life."

"Oh please Caleb you all I have and I really don't want to go alone please please please?" I knew I was asking to much of him he is a guy after all.

"I love you Scar but not happening dress shopping not happening but we can go games shopping later."

I huff and hang up on him I will just go by myself and I really need this done after all the gala was the next night.

I go to a high end boutique I had to make sure it was acceptable so there I was looking through all the dresses and nothing was really appealing to me, I had to think about the tattoo I had on my back I didn't want to have it on display well not yet anyway.

I finally found a a dress I thought may have been considered as acceptable, it was a gold colour and went to my ankles and was close fitting but not completely skin tight I did love the way it felt and how it looked on. I then look at the shoes because I thought I can't wear boots with this dress, once I was finished I was so proud of myself then I thought shit make up and hair I don't know how do to do it. I find a hairdresser that has a make up artist thank God I go in and ask if they have any appointments free and luckily the do so I take it and make my way home.

I tried to sleep but it had so many things running through my head how I was meant to act and this was going to be the first impression of me to a whole organisation. The next morning I wake up having only a few hours sleep I felt horrible but I had no choice I needed to get my ass out of bed and get myself sorted.

I went to my appointment the started with my make up then my hair when I looked in the mirror they had made my eyes all smokey looking and with very natural colours my hair was pulled back and all these bits everywhere I looked completely different. After I arrived home I started to get ready putting on my new dress and shoes I remember thinking I look so glamorous. I waited for my Baba he said that he had organised a driver for us I thought I wonder if it was a requirement. I hear the car pull up outside and grab my clutch and head for the door, when Baba sees me he has a smile from ear to ear. He looked amazing in his tuxedo I have never seen him dressed up like this.

"You look amazing my beautiful Daughter.

"Thank you Baba, you look amazing too. So is what I got okay I wasn't sure if this would be appropriate?"

"You look perfect Scarlett, Lets get going we don't want to be late."

We get going and I am in awe of the stretch limousine I have never been in one before, this all feels so surreal it's a feeling I can honestly say I have never had before. Baba must feel my apprehension so he holds my hand all the way to the venue, I must admit at the time it helped I needed the stability he gives me. When we arrive I see all the women dressed in long flowing dresses and all the men in tuxedos, the women looked so elegant and I was unsure if I would be able to fit in to their glamorous lives I was feeling like a fraud I was so used to wearing pants and boots and t-shirts. As if reading my mind Baba says to me again.

"You look beautiful Scarlett."

"Thank you Baba I just feel um well out of place."

"Nonsense, you are going to be the belle of the ball, they are going to want to know you."

In my training in the organisation I had come to understand that Baba was one of the heads of the organisation and had a say of what happens in the day to day.

As we exit the limousine all eyes were on us which was a little unnerving at first I am not used to this much attention, Baba nods to a few people and steers me to the ballroom entrance, again all eyes are on us we go straight for our table which was the head table we take a seat, I look around and notice the bar at one end the waitresses and waiters walking around with trays of finger food. I was still in awe of all the beauty around me I have never in my life seen such beautiful woman and handsome men in all my 19 years on this earth. I watched a man approach our table looking directly at me with a look of complete disdain, I knew right away I wouldn't like this man. As he got closer he then looked at Baba and said.

"John, How are you?"

I could see that Baba didn't like this man I knew my instincts were so on point, but the ever wonderful diplomat Baba replied.

"Good Joseph hope you are well?"

"Yes very and this must be Scarlett?"

"Yes, Scarlett I would like to introduce you to Joseph he is one of the elders of the organisation."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Scarlet, We have heard so much about you and your training over the years your Baba has sung your accolades we are pleased that John made a decision."

Made a decision he really didn't know much about my Baba and he was going to have me in this organisation and he knew that I would accept, this man was trying to get me upset and I wasn't going to let him, He says all this with a smile on his face, the smile hadn't reached his eyes though he made me feel uneasy. I smile and shake his hand he quickly says goodbye ad walks off, I look at Baba and he looks at me and I say.

"I don't like him very much he makes me feel uneasy."

"Yes daughter there are few people that feel the same as you."

As we finish our conversation someone has come to the table I look up to find a younger man standing there looking at me with hatred, great I think to myself all the men are going to hate me I bet the women won't be any better. I sort of put 2 and 2 together this is the guy that would have been next in line if I didn't agree to be Baba's successor, he was young and very good looking but I think he maybe a little older than me but meh not interested I had a lot to deal with. I think Baba thinks I am gay I have never shown any interest in men well I do but I don't need one to complete me. He looks at Baba and says.

"John"

Baba looks from to the guy and says.

"Aiden"

I can't help the giggle that escapes me, the curt way they just acknowledged each other was too much.

"Scarlett, this is Aiden, Aiden this is my daughter Scarlett."

I look at him and put my hand out to shake his. and say.

"Pleasure to meet you Aiden."

I try to smile sweetly at him but I am sure it looked like a grimace. He just looks at me from head to toe and says.

"Likewise."

Seriously I thought to myself this dude needs a punch to the nose. I snatch my hand back and turn to Baba and say.

"I'm just going to powder my nose please excuse me."

"Of course love I may not be here when you come back I will do my rounds saying hello to everyone."

"Mmmmhmmm I'll look for you when I get back."

I don't say anything to Aiden I really didn't want to see him again so really no need to be pleasant. I take off in the direction of the signs showing the ladies. I head straight in do what I need to wash my hands and look in the mirror it was still hard to see myself like this it just wasn't me, well tonight it is I say to myself. As I go back to the entrance into the ballroom I am stopped by Aiden, I thought to myself hear we go.

"You won't make it 2 weeks in this organisation you know, you should just leave now before you embarrass John and the organisation little girl."

"Oh really, and what do you know of me that makes you so sure is it the dress and shoes?"

As I say this he looks down so I show a little leg through the slit of the dress and show him the gun I have strapped to my thigh. Baba had said that woman had an advantage with this as some stiletto shoes have steel through the heel and we can get away with metal detectors, and if it looks like that it would take too long to take them off and keep everyone in line waiting they just let women through. His eyes linger a little longer than was necessary so I cover up.

"I believe that I am more than capable to look after myself, as for lasting longer than 2 weeks hmmm your issue not mine. My Baba believes in my abilities and I don't need your approval, so if you will excuse me I think I'll return to the party that is in MY honour."

With that I push past him and return to the main ballroom leaving Aiden to just stare. I find my seat right next to Baba and tell him what had just transpired between Aiden and I, I have always told Baba everything.

"He was out of line to talk to you in that fashion."

"Don't worry about it I put him in his place, if he continues then I will do the right thing and bring it up with the other elders in the proper way. I'm not going to let his little girl hurt feelings dictate my life."

"And right there my beautiful daughter is why you have been chosen, the elders have been around for a long time and they know what your training was and is like, and to top it off you would be able to run circles around him and he knows it."

The gala took off it was wonderful I danced with Baba and yes I had had lessons in ballroom dancing I knew now why. All the elders danced with me to introduce themselves to me, I had just finished dancing with the last of the elders and was returning to my seat when Aiden came over and took me in his arms and danced me to the dance floor. I rolled my eyes it didn't help that it was the waltz, so I was pressed up close to his body and really didn't want to be that close to him.

"So?"

I just look at him unsure of what he wanted me to say, I swear I hate small talk now and back then my motto is just say what you mean and mean what you say. So I look him in the eye and say.

"Yes?"

"Why are you looking at me like there is something wrong with me?"

First time ever I am dumbfounded, seriously he gave me that speech in the hall way and he expects what?

"Not at all but your speech in the hallway not that long ago, you didn't want to know me and let's just be clear you were nasty."

He looks at me in the eyes and just stares not looking away and not missing a beat dancing. Oh how I love the stare game I am the master. We keep moving across the dance floor just looking into each other eyes, I could feel the hate I had start to disappear I kind of like the feeling I was having in his arms it just felt right. He is first to look away I can't help the smile spread across my face.

"Cocky aren't you?" he says

"Not at all." I reply

I look around the room and notice that every set of eyes in the ballroom is on us.

"Ummm Aiden?"

"Hmmmm?"

"Why has everyone stopped and are watching us?"

He finally looks around.

"I have no idea how about we finish this song before I escort you back to your table."

"Sure."

The song goes on for a little longer and it is one of my favorites by Nora Jones "Come Away With Me" I close my eyes, I don't need to worry about my steps Aiden is a wonderful dancer. He pulls me in closer as the song is coming to the end, I couldn't help but open my eyes and look at him.

"You want to give them something to stare at blue eyes."

HUH blue eyes?? Never one to pass up an opportunity or a dare I say.

"Sure, Why not."

This brings a smile to his lips and well if he was good looking frowning my God he became an Adonis. His blue eyes shone with mischief, the last notes of the song were being played he dipped me and kissed me in the hollow of my neck. Well my heart did that many flutters I thought I was having a heart attack, even my breath hitched and something in my stomach went crazy. I came to learn that they call them butterflies. He felt so good and he smelled even better I almost felt like I was going to faint from all the sensations. He brings me back up and threads my arm through his and takes me back to my table and my Baba. Baba was beaming with pride at how well I had danced and conducted myself and he was smiling like such a proud father well he was my father he said.

"You both danced beautifully."

"Thank you John."

"Thank you Baba."

I can't help it I hugged Baba I was feeling a little well a little emotional for some reason and I couldn't understand why, I have never been the emotional type I didn't even cry when I fell and hurt myself as a child.

"There are a few announcements and they are going to introduce you, okay Love?"

"Yes Baba, I might go freshen up before I face everyone again is that okay I do have time?"

"Go Love there is still time."

I grab my clutch and head to the ladies to fix myself up and prepare myself for the announcement that was going to change my life. I was by myself checking my makeup and hair which hasn't move with the can of hair spray the hairdresser used, I dab a little perfume I take a deep breath and remember the last dance I just had. I have been trying really hard to not think of it because my checks turn pink every time. I shake my head to myself get it together Scarlett I thought to myself. I head out to the hallway and thank God he isn't waiting out there, as I move into the main ballroom I see Baba waving at me to go over to him at the rear of the stage he says to me.

"Okay we are next love, hmmm so are you ready?"

"As ready as I will ever be. Thank you for the opportunity i'm so honoured to be your successor I love you Baba so very much."

He takes me in his arms and hugs me tightly and whispers in my ear.

"I love you more Scarlett forever."

I feel the tears prick the corners of eyes but I blink them back we both need to be on show any minute.

"You my love have made me prouder than any parent you are perfect."

We stay like that for a another few minutes, then they are calling Baba to the stage as we are the last to speak Baba goes first and the applause is deafening.

"Thank you Thank you. You all know that I am retiring this year from active duties and going full time to the elders chairs, I am proud to announce that my daughter will be taking the reins. Now for those of you that do not know she is lethal not only with weapons but hand to hand combat she has been training so hard and has shown her potential that has surpassed most men I know, and all at the young age of 19. So without any further ado I present my daughter Scarlett."

I take a deep breath and go on stage toward where my Baba is waiting for me and the pride that was beaming from him I don't think any other parent ever has shown their child. That's when it hit me he is my everything I love him so very much and this is exactly where I was supposed to be and who I was meant to be. As I reach him he takes me into a hug kisses my forehead steps back and says to me.

"I so very proud of you, and I know my faith in you is not misplaced Scarlett I love you yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever for as long as I live."

"Thank you Baba, I love you more."

I took a deep breath and go to the podium I look around the room, a room full of assassins by now I had taken back the control of my emotions. I speak into the microphone in a steady voice.

"Thank you everyone for the warm welcome I am blessed to be the daughter of a man that showed me the potential I have in me and knew exactly how to draw it out and show me the abilities that were within me. I hope to show you all in time, I also hope to honor and respect all our rules and adhere to them. Thank you all again for this welcome into the organisation."

The applause is deafening, I just look around the room and smile at everyone as I turn to the other side I notice Aiden he isn't clapping but there is a definite change in his demeanour. I try to figure out what this look is and it looks like admiration well thank goodness it isn't distaste like before, I smile at him and at the rest of the people. Out of the corner of my eye I see an older man and I am pretty sure that I wasn't introduced to him but the look on his face almost takes my breath away, he looks like he is ready to shoot me and be done with me. Then I hear my Baba behind me say.

"Well done love let's go sit down at our table I am sure there are people that want to talk to you."

I nod and move to our table now that the worst was over the public speaking which I hate with a passion I may add I was more relaxed. People came to our table to speak and congratulate me and Baba, the rest of the night moves pretty much to the same just a blur of people of names and titles. I did have fun though there were some interesting people that I am sure that I was going to be meeting again for the work part of my job.

By the end of the night I could feel my feet throbbing and Baba had indicated that it was time to go and all I could think was thank goodness for small mercies, as we were waiting for the car to come pick us up Aiden found his way over to us this was the first time since our dance that he came close to me. He said.

"I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to come over and congratulate you."

He took my hand and went to kiss my check but it was so close to my mouth I didn't move his lips felt so soft against my skin and my eyes closed and I remember the feeling of his hand on my back the smell of his woodsy cologne he had on that night, I will tell you I enjoyed every second of it. I collected my thoughts quickly and replied.

"Thank you it is appreciated and thank you for the dance earlier."

Our car pulled up and I stepped away from him but turned back and said.

"It was a pleasure meeting you Aiden."

"And you Scarlett and you."

With that both Baba and I climbed into the car and started off towards my cottage, Baba walked me to my door congratulated me again hugged and kissed me and waited until I was safely inside and the door was locked before he left. I was getting ready for my shower because all I could think of was getting the hairspray and makeup off and falling into bed and sleeping for two days. As I was about to get into bed I received a text message and immediately thought of Baba and something happening to him, but I was wrong,

TEXT:
Baba: So very proud of you daughter everyone was impressed with your maturity.

Scarlett: Thank you Baba it is all because of you and how well you taught me love you good night.

Baba: Good night love.

END TEXT:

I put on my comfy shorts and T-shirt for bed by this stage I am so ready to fall asleep. I didn't realise just how tired I was until I was finally in bed. As I am laying there ready for sleep to take over my mind wonders to Aiden and I remember the kiss and I touch were his lips were without thinking, I can't like him right he started off as the biggest jerk. I drift to sleep with my mind still on Aiden and the feelings I was having for him or about him I'm still not sure which. Most women would probably want to have a mans attention especially one as good looking as him, I have a lot to prove in this cut throat industry that is ruled by men and that night just proved it all to me I need to focus on my job.

My sleep that night is fitful at best I didn't sleep well at all and get up feeling like a truck had run me over thinking a shower would ease my tense muscles I grab my phone to put some music on when I notice a text from a number I don't know. But when I read it my heart decides to skip a beat.

TEXT:

Aiden: I can't stop thinking of you. All I can think of are your blue eyes and your lips.

And there in full colour is a picture of this man looking good enough to eat.

My heart skips a beat what am I meant to do with that information and what the hell am I supposed to do when a photo is making my heart act in so many ways that I didn't want it to. Oh an how did he get my number I didn't give it to him?

All of a sudden my phone vibrates with a new message.

Aiden: I want to see you today if that is okay with you will you meet me?

END TEXT

What the hell am I going to do and do I want to see him again so soon? was all I could think and the answer was yes good grief really. So I take my shower maybe I can think better, yep no such luck his face keeps popping into my brain. So I decide that the answer is yes I want to see him again and yes I want to see him today right now actually. I was about to slap myself stupid when I thought about what I was doing what was I going to type back. But the answer to all of the above was made for me my phone was ringing and it was him. Then all the doubt came back to do I answer or let it go to voice mail at the time I was at a loss at what to do. So I did answer all but doubting if I should do so.

"Hello?"

"Hi Scarlett, I didn't get a response from you from my text and I got worried."

Well I didn't expect that, why the hell would he be worried I am more than capable looking after myself.

"I'm fine."

That's the best I could come up with at the time thinking back I laugh at how lost I was to a boys attention well a boy I liked that is.

"Scarlett will you meet me today?"

"Sure where do you want to meet?"

"Come to my place we can figure it out from there, I live on Shaddy Drive Point of Paradise, do you know where that is?"

Damn is all I could think he lives so close to me not even 5 mins away, how had I never seen him before?

"Yeah I do that's only about 5 mins from me, can you give me about an hour I only just got up?"

"Sure, when you get here just come right through the garage there is a door to the outside I am just training my dog."

Oh he has a dog was the thought then a picture of him shirtless and how hot he would look God how am I going to cope being with him if this is what happens during a simple conversation over the phone? All I could say was.

"Sure what is the number?"

"There is only my house on that drive you can't miss it see you soon Scarlett, oh and dress casual we won't be going anywhere over the top."

"Okay see you soon Bye Aiden."

"Bye Scarlett, I like how you say me name and you sound so sexy over the phone."

Before I could reply he hung up and I looked in the mirror and well shit I am blushing when did this shit start happening, I was turning into a right stupid girl, and I kind of liked the feeling of being desired.

I thought about the whole conversation and thought what the hell am I going to wear casual for me was a pair of jeans and some sort of shirt, Well I'm not going to drive I will take my Harley that way I just wear my leathers simple. At the time I owned A Harley Davidson Fat Boy Named Bertha she was my pride and Joy. So I got ready and kept everything simple hair in a pony tail and make up pretty much as natural as it can be, I went to my garage and started Bertha up and the butterflies in my stomach started with her in less than 5 mins I am going to be in front of him what the hell was I thinking saying yes........