The cry of a rooster for it's morning call echoed through the quiet and serene barn that was situated right next to the Seaking's lovely southern home. Who needs an alarm clock when nature acts like one? The summer heat has started making itself felt as the rays of morning sun warmed the small town's surroundings.

A red head slowly peaked out of a home made quilt just as the sun also started peaking out of the horizon. Arielle stretched her arms, yawned and flipped her cover as she sleepily looked to see what time it was.

6:00 AM.

She wanted to go back to sleep for a few more minutes but knew her mother will be up her butt if she does.

As she got up to brush her hair and tie it in a ponytail, she can hear their wooden floors creaking. A sign that the others are awake as well. That's the Seaking's household for you. They'd wake up early, have breakfast, attend to the farm, have lunch, fix the deliveries, snacks, answer emails about their business, dinner then bed.

It was a daily ritual everyone has to follow. No one dares to speak up to the man of the house, Triton Seaking, and ask for a break. He'd stare at you and before you know it, he'd give you a good lashing of words. Everyone's afraid of him. But his strict rules placed him as one of the top livestock farmers. Only one person was able to make his heart melt, Arielle.

She's daddy's little girl. The princess of the household. Even if she has 5 older siblings and with her father's business, Triton would always make time for her.

Arielle heard a knock as she spat out the toothpaste out of her mouth, "Coming!" She called out murmuring. She did a quick rinse and dashed out of her bathroom and towards her door. She headed down the flight of stairs to see her family and extended family crowding around the dining table.

"Good morning princess," Triton said over a spread of Business Daily. She walked, more of dragged, herself and gave her father a kiss. He was dressed in his usual denim jeans and checkered polo.

The long wooden table was filled with the usual Southern family breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, waffles, bacon, ham, a fruit bowl and some fresh milk. She helped herself to some energy maker and made sure her pancakes were drowning from maple syrup. 20 people surrounded the table as sounds of utensils clashed with voices and the animals noise outside of the house when Triton cleared his throat. Everyone stopped and paid attention. Arielle even thought if she was imagining things or if the animals grew quiet as well. Everyone placed their forks and knives down, except for her. She continued chowing down her breakfast knowing her father wouldn't mind.

"Darling, I have an announcement to make," He tapped her shoulder ever so gently which made everyone look at her. She gave everyone an embarrassed grin and slowly placed her fork down.

"A lot of you must be wondering why a few men in those expensive suits has been coming back a lot. I've decided to keep everything confidential until everything's settled. It's official, Seaking Farms has entered the world of corporate." Gasps and surprised faces filled the air but somehow Arielle couldn't care less. "I've decided to bring our products to the shelves of those supermarkets. Knowing that our products are the best, the Mckinley Brothers has invested a few millions to represent us." He finally finished his announcement and gave a toast- with milk.

Mixed reactions were exchanged as everyone got back to their breakfasts. Arielle looked at her father as he sat back to his chair and gave him a smile showing him how proud she was of her father. He smiled back and spoke, "By the way princess, you'd be coming with me."

"But I thought I'm assigned to milk the cows today? Isn't Jerry supposed to come with you to the grazing field?" She referred to one of her brother-in-law. Everyday, the Seaking household assigns everyone to a specific task and writes it on a customized cork board so everyone won't forget.

Triton chuckled and took a sip of his coffee before replying, "I meant to New York, my dear."

The strip of bacon almost fell out of her mouth upon her father's revelation. With wide eyes, Arielle exclaimed, "As in New York City?"

He nodded and gave another laugh. "Your sisters are too busy with their family, Jerry and the other's have jobs to attend to, while your mother needs to stay to make sure everything's alright with the workers and the farm. Besides, you've always bugged me to bring you to the Big Apple, haven't you?"

She pumped both of her fists and shouted, "YES!"

Arielle was almost blinded by the shiny marble flooring and exquisite interior design of the MBI towers. Career women passed by her wearing black stylish corporate clothes, designer heels and chunks of expensive jewelries while building their a relationship with their Blackberries and IPhones while the men either rushed off to their appointments or headed outside as the valet tended to their needs. She was thinking of moving from the middle towards the walls in fear that the busy bees of New York would bump into her.

She never thought she'd feel so out of place. Her bestfriend, Flounder (parents are hippies so go figure), insisted she pack everything in black that she has. Which ranges from t-shirts, sweat shirts, hoodies and denim jeans. Arielle was never fond of wearing frilly dresses. She dreads attending school dance because she had to wear a dress. So before boarding the plane, she made sure everything in her outfit was of the same dark color- her almost new black top and a pair of black dyed denim jeans paired with her black Chucks. Her dad never bothered dressing up as well. He even told her not to sweat it since the Mckinley Brothers assured that they had everything covered from their plane tickets, hotel accommodation and up to the car that would serve as their service. She was even shocked to hear that a bodyguard was assigned to look after her.

Is Manhattan really that dangerous? She thought it was only in the movies of Spider Man.

"Daddy, I don't think it's a good idea if I come with you," She pulled on her father's sleeve as he talked with the building's front desk woman. Even she dresses better than Arielle herself.

She was ready to sink and let the floor swallow her whole. Raised eyebrows and teasing smirks were sent her way as some people couldn't believe she'd actually wear something like that.

"Princess, I don't have time to bring you to the hotel. I've got a meeting to attend to," He placed his large hand around her tried to make her understand. She gazed up to him, as he towered over her daughter, and spoke, "It's okay. I- I'll just ask the driver to drop me off. I'll be fine. I need to take some rest anyway. I'm sure I'd be bored if I come with you anyway." Arielle bit her lip and hoped that her father would say yes.

Triton released a long sigh and nodded, "Alright. Call me when you get there okay? I'm not sure how long the meeting will last. We are still tackling one issue that both parties never seem to get along with." He planted a kiss on top of her head and gave her a quick hug before turning his back towards the woman in the front desk.

"Bye Daddy," She waved him goodbye as the woman ushered her father towards the elevators.

Arielle exited to building and was welcomed by the busy morning streets of Manhattan. It was all too much for her but she gave off a silly smile before walking towards the service car.
She slammed the door closed after her and tapped the chauffeur's right shoulder and said, "To the hotel please." He gave her a nod towards the rear view mirror and started the engine.

A few minutes have passed, Arielle was overwhelmed by the sightings and before she knew it she has arrived at their temporary residence. A valet opened her door for her and lead her towards the front desk as she showed her ID. 10 minutes later, she was welcomed by her own hotel suite c/o the MBI. Instantly, she threw herself on the soft and luxurious queen sized bed, grabbed one pillow and let out a shriek of happiness when she covered her face.

Now this is life.

She then remembered to call Triton but he's phone was off. He was probably in the meeting already. So Arielle decided to send him a text message saying she arrived safe and sound as she stood up, walked towards the balcony and saw the amazing streets of New York when she heard a knock.

Arielle walked over to the peep hole to see a tall and serious looking man waiting outside. "Who is it?" She wanted to make sure he's not a bad guy.

"Sebastian Crabbe. BMI sent me as your bodyguard," The man spoke in an annoyed voice. He's eyebrows met as he's arms folded across his chest. Arielle bit her lip, he's too serious looking to be joking around. She did remember that her father told her about him so she opened the door.

"Hi," She let out a peep squeak voice.

"It's courtesy and protocol for me to introduce myself before anything else. That is my room. Never leave this hotel without telling me and without me. Is that understood?" He seriously has no time to beat around the bush and laid his intention- straight.

"Uhhhhh- okaaaaaaay," Two words came out very long out of Arielle's mouth with her eyes bigger than before and before she knew it he already turned his back towards her and headed straight to his room. So much for a hello.

"Well that was awkward," were Arielle's words when she gently closed the door behind her.

She had to pause, lean her back by the door and take time to fully absorb everything that has been happening to her since her dad's announcement. Her eyes gazed and wandered around the suite she was occupying before running towards her suit case and fling out everything she brought. She knew she had something nice to wear, she better be. All her clothes were scattered around the floor.

In a matter of minutes, Arielle stepped out of the Four Seasons hotel and was again welcomed by the noise of busy streets. She figured why not buy something special for her dad and at the same time do some city touring. She wouldn't get lost- right?

And completely forgetting Sebastian's rule, she set off and walked towards the pedestrians and let her feet take her to her destination. Which of course, she has no idea where.

Arielle always had that habit of wandering and exploring things. Back at home, she'd be gone for hours and no one soul knows where she is until she comes home all dusty and sweaty. She was in a good of 15 minutes of a stroll when her stomach growled. It made her look at her wrist watch to see what time it was and found out it was almost lunch. She adjusted her back pack tightly and began looking for a decent place to grab a bite when she smelled the great aroma of coffee and fantastic scent of freshly baked breads. Her nose lead her to a cute little coffee shop a few blocks from the hotel and by looking at the counter, looks like she'd be up for a more than a few bites.

The bells that hung by door dingled as Arielle pushed it open. A welcoming sound every customer wants to hear, she headed straight to the counter and got in line. And from her spot, she eyed some good looking and mouth watering delights and just couldn't figure out which to buy. Finally when it was her turn, the red head decided to get a BLT croissant and an iced mocha frappucino to go with it. She took her tray and scanned the shop for a place to sit but couldn't find any. Every seat was taken, except for one table. But a guy was occupying it and looked really busy with a book. Arielle thought twice before deciding to approach the table when a little kid came rushing against her causing her tray to fly and dumping everything on it on her. She let out a horrible cry of surprise and landed on her butt as the cold beverage came oozing on her shirt. She looked for her food and to her horror- found it splattered on the guy's lap

(It's okay darling, I just figured I needed to introduce Sebastian :) )

"I- I- uh-" Arielle was so lost for words when the handsome guy approached her with a smile. She expected him to turn to her with a scowl but instead he helped her up. She was staring intently at his eyes when he spoke, "Anyway, I'm Eric and I was wondering if you'd let me buy you some lunch since you didn't exactly get to eat yours."
"YES!" She spoke a little too loudly that everyone else around them paused and looked at her. She bowed her head out of shame and said, "I mean- I- I don't think it's a good idea. I'm soaking wet, I'm- Thank you anyway but I really need to go," She tried to fix herself and walked away from Eric and gave him a sad smile. She wanted so bad to go with him but she couldn't go out looking like a wet seal.
"Thank you though," She turned to him again before going out of the shop. It was so embarrassing that it was enough to fill her experience to be a part of wall of shame.

She tried to cover up the wet spot on her shirt with her bag as she stood outside the cafe and gave out a heavy and deep sad sigh. The sun was on it's highest point as it glared on NYC. Arielle couldn't help but feel like a loser as people gave her cold stares. So much for a good day in Manhattan.

Arielle's mind was buzzing with thoughts, her mind wanted her to go back inside the shop but her feet won't compromise with her brain. She stood like a crazy and busted girl as her shirt remained drenched which gave her a chill.
You know you want to see him. She gave out a heavy sigh and was about to turn back when she felt someone touching her shoulder.

It was the familiar and warm voice she had heard earlier.
"Hey, um, so, I was wondering...What about tomorrow, maybe?" He smiled at her and added, "And I didn't get your name."
She turned to see Eric looking worried and hopeful at the same time. She gave him a smile and nodded, "It's erhm-elle" She mumbled. She wanted to punch herself for sounding like a total moron but her phone started going off. "Excuse me," She excused herself and answered and her phone.
"Hello," She walked to a corner and checked the caller, "Daddy! Yes- Uhuh!- I just went to get some lunch but I'll be there in a jiffy. Alright- Yes I will, I love you too!"
She turned back to Eric and started talking really fast, "I'm really sorry but I have to go. I'll just see you here tomorrow. Same time- I-" She looked at her watch and gave him a sorry smile. "I- I really need to go," And out of nowhere, she planted a kiss on his cheek and rushed off and hopped on a taxi.

Everything came rushing back to Arielle after 10 seconds that she was already sitting at the back of a cab. She had given Eric a kiss on the cheek.
"Oh brother," She smacked her hand on her forehead and let out a giggle.
"Are you okay?" The cab driver turned to her and asked her.
"Yes! Four Season please," She couldn't help but laugh as she told the driver where to go.
_________________________________

After 15 minutes, Arielle came rushing in the Four Seasons lounge to see where her father was.
"Princess!" She heard her father call and saw sitting with Sebastian.
"Uh-oh," Arielle bit her lip and quickly walked over to their table.
"What happened to you?" Triton looked at his daughter's shirt after blurting out the question.
"Long story but I'm really hungry. Can I just go ahead and change before we go grab something?" She fidgeted with the end of her shirt. She wanted to go change already because people were starting to give her an eye.
"Alright, but you owe me and Sebastian an explanation," her father gave her a raised eyebrow as he dismissed her.
"Well I got you this and I totally forgot to tell him and I-" Arielle was starting to blab again when Triton cleared his throat and interrupted, "Arielle! Arielle, darling. Go and change your clothes."
"Yes Daddy!" She skipped towards the elevators and headed to her suite.

Triton gave Arielle a good piece of nagging while having lunch. Apparently Sebastian has to be with her all the time.
"But Daddy, how am I supposed to make friends when he's around? He'd scare them even before they can approach me." She didn't want to be mean but the guy was obviously scary and looks like he was about to pick her up and carry her back to her room with two fingers.
Triton paused and placed his fork down to his plate, he looked at Sebastian then returned his gaze towards his daughter and spoke.
"Well-" Her father was about to say something when she interrupted him. "See! Can he at least give me a distance of let's say- 10 meters?" She gave her father a wondering look and crossed her fingers.
"I really don't know princess, it's tough being out there and-"
"But Daddy, I lasted for half a day in Manhattan without getting mugged can you at least give me the freedom to be independent?" She whined at her father's excuse.
"Yeah but you returned with a drenched shirt," He joked but Arielle just gave him a raised eyebrow and said, "Not funny."
"Well it was for me princess. Besides you don't have to talk to Sebastian. He just have to be present at all times." He counter attacked her reasons.
"All the more that he looks scary. Please Daddy," She moved her butt closer to her father's location and hugged him, her head leaning on his shoulder as she continued to melt his heart.
"Oh alright, but I'm giving him permission to approach if you are crossing the line. Is that clear Arielle Seaking?"
Arielle beamed and gave him a kiss on the forehead after giving him a good tight hug then continued her lunch.

"So how did the meeting go? That was quite long," She was picking on her peas and chose to munch on the carrots as she asked her father about the MBI meeting.
Triton gave off a heavy sigh and shook his head. "They are still insisting on that tiny detail,"
Arielle raised an eyebrow and asked again, "What tiny detail? If it was so tiny then what seems to be the problem?"
"They wanted to give the livestock some boosts?" He explained as he pushed his lunch away from him.
Arielle got worried, her father rarely pass up to any food and now he's pushing away his plate that he has barely touched.
"Boosts?" She asked as she gave her father's hand a squeeze.
"Yes, to make them grow larger and produce calves and milk faster. Something like a steroid." He whispered to her daughter hoping that Sebastian was far enough not to hear.
"What?" She let out a surprised call as her father pulled her back and placed his finger on his lips signalling her to keep quiet. "Shhhh!"
"But that's not good," She tried to lower down her voice but the shock was still there.
"I know. That's why I was firm with my hesitation to sign the papers unless they remove that one," Arielle never thought the problem was that big.

"But-" She was about to say something when her father pulled a brown envelope from his side and handed it to Arielle.
"What is this?" He gave her a nod and encouraged her to open it.
It was a magazine about antiques, soon Arielle forgot about the problem and was busy flipping through the pages. Her father knew how much she loved antiques.
She gave him another hug when he pulled another envelope. "Daddy?" She asked with a voice full of curiousity.
"I was supposed to give it to you back at the farm but decided that New York can be a more profitable location," He leaned back to his chair and gave her a smile.
"Huh?" She was still holding the second envelope in her hand and couldn't quite figure what Triton was saying.
"Go on. You'll see," He urged her to open the second one so she'd get an answer.

Arielle was surprised to see pictures of a shop filled with antiques and a folder saying that she is the new owner of a shop called Treasures at the meatpacking district. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. All Arielle did was hug her father until he got numb. They celebrated with a bottle of champagne until they decided to call it an early night and proceeded to their suites and preferred getting a good night sleep instead of having dinner.

~~~~~~~~~

Arielle woke up with a smile on her face. Today was the day she was going to meet Eric again. And she can't wait to see him. She went to her father's suite still in pajamas to see him getting prepared for another meeting. They have agreed to have dinner together and spend some city tour together.

And when she went back to her room, Arielle panicked to realized she has nothing to wear for lunch with Eric that actually looked presentable. A little shopping wouldn't hurt, would it?

Arielle came out of a vintage shop with more than a couple of paper bags in tow. Her father had dropped her off earlier and agreed not to let Sebastian go that time. She couldn't believe why people rarely go inside the shop when they carry the cutest and fanciest clothes. She was able to pick the perfect outfit for her lunch date with Eric. She just hope that he'd like what she had chosen. A cute yellow sundress that gave great compliment to her red hair.

She took a glance at her wrist to see it was almost 11. She quickened her pace and walked back to the Four Seasons. She can't be late, she already owe him so much. Once she was in her suite, she took a quick shower and quickly put her new dress before tying her hair in a yellow silk ribbon. Hopefully she looks presentable this time.
"Oh shoot!" She remembered her sling bag and grabbed it before heading out of her room when she passed by Sebastian's room. She tip toed as quietly as possible and dashed towards the elevator. She wished he'd never bother to check her room. Once she was out on the streets, she crossed the street and walked a good 2 blocks and stopped in front of the cafe. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open. She scanned the vicinity to see if Eric was already around. She saw how engrossed he was with his phone. Arielle stood by the door way looking like a fool as Eric mesmerized her, a woman carrying a baby bumped into her making the young one cry.
"I'm really really sorry Madam, I-" Arielle tried to apologize but the woman laughed it off.
"It's okay darling, I should have been more careful," The woman walked towards the counter as she was left alone again.

"You look nice." He winked at her and said, "So, my mystery red-head, what do you feel like eating?"
She gave off a chuckle and scratched her nape while wondering where they can enjoy lunch.

"I heard New York's hot dog is something to enjoy-" She bit her lip. Arielle realized she sounded dumb to actually ask Eric out for a hot dog. Can't she be any more tackless?
"Well- I'm not really sure if- Know what? You decide," She blurted out while trying to save herself from embarrassment.

"I've just been in the city for a couple of days. So I have no idea where to go," She explained. This time she spoke without flaw. She was so tranced while looking at Eric that she can't help but stutter.

She took his head a bit hesitantly but felt that Eric didn''t mean any harm or ungentleman-ness towards her, so she clung her arm with his and together they walked out of the shop.

Eric hailed a cab for them and soon they arrived in the fine dining restaurant that made Arielle a bit nervous than usual. She's not innocent or naive but she has never been to this kind of place. The only formal thing she has attended are wedding or their school prom- not that those experiences count.

"So, where are you from, red? And, I gotta ask, how are you enjoying the city so far?" Eric was staring at her intently. She couldn't help but blush, Arielle wondered if her cheeks were as red as her hair.

She bowed her head a little and answered shyly, "I think it's a really great place. I've never been here up until yesterday. I'm actually from a small town just south of the country. I doubt if you've heard of our place much less be interested in it. But we are occupying a dot in the Texan map". She giggled as a few strands has gone astray to her fair face.

Arielle was just intently listening to Eric share facts about his life. The way he says things amaze her and personally think he is more on complaining about his status than actually bragging about it.

When he looked at her, he asked about her name again. Arielle was sure she mentioned it before but maybe she was too soft spoken for Eric to hear what she said.

Suddenly she remembered her father when she backtracked what Eric had said. A corporation. She wondered how her Dad's 2nd meeting is going so far. Her eyes began to look sad as she realized that it's really hard to trust people even if you thought they meant well. Arielle realized that she is actually sitting and having lunch with a total stranger. Of course he's nice, but how sure can she be that he won't harm or hurt her?

But the guy is so cute, Half of her mind thought while the other resists Eric's charm.

"It's Elle," She decided to give him a different name.It's not like she's lying, she just shortened her real name. It won't hurt anybody- right? Besides she has to look out for herself if she needs to settle at NY and actually push through with her Antique Shop.

"And I'm not really here to have fun but to actually work," She explained. Again- it wasn't entirely a lie. She did came with her father to help him with the family business but found out the real reason he asked her to come was because he has a surprise for her.

"By the way, do you know any cheap space I can rent? I need to save some money on rent if you know what I mean," She smiled at him.

She just wanted to be sure. That's why she built a not so true story about herself. She can tell him the truth some other time- if he deserves it.