Chapter 2

• "No, Annalisa! She would be so disappointed if she knew you were considering dropping out of college for this," her mother implored the next morning.
• However, Annalisa's decision was already firm.
• 'You know she's right.'
• She didn't care.
• "I need to pack her belongings and sell her house, mom. I have to travel to Dallas, and who knows how long that will take. This is the simpler route. Once everything is settled, perhaps I'll enroll in a college there," she stated, busily packing a suitcase.
• "You need to think this through thoroughly, Annalisa. Avoid making hasty decisions that could potentially jeopardize your future," her mother advised softly.
• She paused, halting her actions to face her mother, "A future that I wouldn't have had without her assistance. You seem to forget that she was the one who financed my college education in the first place. I have every right to drop out if I choose to. And I might even enroll in a college in Dallas while preparing the house for sale."
• Her mother remained silent for a while before speaking again, "If you believe that's the best course of action. You're mature enough to make your own decisions... That doesn't mean I won't offer my advice every now and then," she murmured, "Are you sure you don't need any help?"
• She resumed packing, "I'm certain. She and I were the closest, so it's my responsibility. I appreciate your offer to help, but I can handle this."
• After zipping up the suitcase and placing it on the floor, she pulled up the handle, sighed, and looked up at her mother, whose cheeks were already streaked with tears.
• "I always anticipated you moving out, but I never expected it to be this soon or under these circumstances," her mother sniffled.
• "I understand, but it'll be alright. We'll always be just a phone call away," she reassured her, giving her a comforting hug.
• "You'll call me when you arrive there," her mother requested, planting a kiss on her forehead.
• "Yes, mom. I promise," she smiled, watching as her mother exited the room, likely to inform her father that she was ready to depart.
• As she surveyed her childhood room, adorned entirely in pink, it no longer felt like hers.
• It felt as though the room belonged to a different person.
• She detested the circumstances that were finally taking her to Dallas, but perhaps this was for the best.
• Perhaps this would lead her to complete her college education in Dallas, and maybe this would help her land a great job in the city.
• And while it might sound cliché, perhaps this was the first day of the rest of her life.
• ......
• Navigating through downtown Dallas proved to be a daunting task for Ann.
• The traffic was congested, and it seemed like every radio station was airing commercials.
• Eventually, she gave up and left the radio on a random station, which happened to be a gossip program.
• "...planning to get into modeling and TV like your younger brother is?"
• The interviewee responded with a dark chuckle, and then a man's deep voice echoed through the speakers, "No. My first priority is the company. If Lance wants to spend his time becoming famous...so be it."
• "So, no desire to be famous? You do realize you're somewhat of a celebrity here in Dallas, right? Everyone knows who you are, Dylan-"
• -Not I," Ann chuckled.
• "You're one of the wealthiest men in the city, and I hear Silverstone Incorporated is thriving right now. Could all of that be thanks to Lance gaining some publicity?"
• The other man sighed deeply, "Perhaps, Mark, and if it is, then I thank him for that, but we were doing just fine before he decided to pose shirtless for various magazines. Silverstone Incorporated has been successful from day one...and that was about 80 years ago when my grandfather started the company from his home at just 25."
• "That young, huh?".
• "Yes, and it was a success when he passed the business to my father when he was 30, and it remained successful when my father passed it to Lance and me when I was 30. Now it's more successful than it's ever been. I'm very fortunate, but despite what people may assume, it hasn't always been 'easy street' for me or my siblings."
• Ann scoffed, "Yeah, I bet you haven't been spoon-fed silver your entire life. What I'd give to have been born into a wealthy family and lived in luxury since birth," she said with a sigh.
• Regardless of the circumstances, even though she had to drop out of college, as soon as she was able to, she'd either find a job in or around the field she wanted or she'd return to college.
• Even though her grandmother left her everything she ever owned and what was left in her savings account, and though the said amount would be enough for her to live off of for a little while, she knew she needed a job and sooner rather than later.
• So, after selling her old Station Wagon, she was out buying boxes and a lot more tape. After those chores were done, she decided to head to a career center in town and look on the bulletin board for potential job opportunities.
• As she walked through the double doors, a woman with olive skin, black hair, and a beautiful smile greeted her from behind the front desk.
• "Hello there! How can I assist you today?" she asked in a rather cheery voice.
• Ann cleared her throat and looked around for the bulletin board, "Some recent events brought me to Dallas and I find myself in need of a job so I decided to come here while I was out in town today."
• The woman nodded and moved a lock of hair behind her ear, "Okay, great. You're definitely in the right place. What kind of job were you looking for?"
• "Um, really anything, at the moment. What do you have?" Ann answered.
• At this point, it really didn't matter what job she got. As long as it wasn't fast food and it was more than $10 an hour.
• The woman reached for a small stack of papers at the edge of the counter, "Well, you're in luck because someone just came in today and dropped off these flyers and I think the job might suit you. Here you go," she handed Ann one of the pieces of paper.
• Ann looked down at the company logo at the top and chuckled, "Silverstone Incorporated? I listened to a program on the radio a few days ago about the head of this company. He was talking about his brother being a model or something like that."
• The woman chuckled as well, "What a coincidence. Yeah, Silverstone is a pretty big company around here. I'm surprised the flyers aren't all gone yet. I'd definitely give that number a call as soon as you can."
• "Yeah, I definitely will. Thanks for your help," Ann smiled and turned to walk out.
• "No problem. Have a good day and good luck!"
• "You as well," Ann raised her hand in a wave as she continued looking at the paper.