Chapter Nine

Anna couldn't sleep that night, she kept thinking about what Dylan's answer would be.

If he says no, then it means that her father will eventually take her away.

When morning came, she went down for breakfast as planned.

For the first time in a long time she was sitting in the same room with Clara and Lilly.

Looking at Rose who was quiet by their side, she couldn't help but feel immense gratitude towards her. When Dylan sat close to her, her eyes didn't leave his face, she was nervous, scared and also excited.

"How long do plan on staring at Dylan?" Su Chen teased as he poked Anna's shoulder, they had grown quite close to each other in the past 2days.

Anna found out that they both had a lot in common even in life experiences, he was now considered her good friend.

"I...I wasn't staring" Anna denied as she stared at her plate, she didn't know how to face Dylan now.

Lily stared daggers at her, after realizing that she was in fact interested in Dylan, the close relationship he and Anna had began to annoy her.

"D…Dylan?" Anna called as she took a deep breath. Dylan turned to looked at the timid girl by his side and his expression grew warmer, he didn't know why....he always wants to be by her side and protect her.

"What is it?" Although there was no emotions on his face, his voice sounded friendly and comforting giving Anna hope.

"You are leaving in 2days right?"

"That's right" Dylan nodded.

"At.....The erm...Duan base, do you train women?" Anna said and immediately regretted it 'Of course they train women, who doesn't know that?!!'

"As a matter of fact, we do. We do not differ between men and women at the Duan base. Everyone there is equal"

"oh...." Anna bit on her bottom lip, the words were at the tip of her tongue but she couldn't say it.

She raised her head and looked at Rose secretly, their eyes met and Rose kept mouthing the words 'Ask him!'

She kept doing it continuously that her mother got suspicious.

"Rose?, what are you doing?" Clara asked, she looked at Anna's face and then looked at Rose's.

"Er....the food is just really hot, right?" Rose laughed nervously, she breathed a sigh of relief when she realized her mother believed her.

Dylan was lost in thought for a while before he finally spoke up

"Do you want to come with us?"

"Please take me with you!"

Both Anna and Dylan said simultaneously.

They both looked at each other surprised.

"You.....want to come with?"

Anna nodded quickly "Yes, yes I do"

Dylan smiled at her before patting her head "Ok then" he said, Clara's eyes widened

There was no way she was going to let the girl leave, what if she meets a doctor and finds out she can walk if she wants to?

Will she come back and then ask for the inheritance?

'No! No! definitely not!'

"Anna?, are you sure that is what you want to do?" Clara stared at Anna with a pitiful expression, she looked like a mother unwilling to part with her child.

"I mean.....with the way you are now...."

"The way I am?" Anna raised her eyebrows at her remark.

Clara smiled lightly "No, no that's not what I mean my dear, I am just saying....your legs....you know the doctors said..."

"I don't care what the doctors said, as long as Dylan agrees then I will go" Anna said firmly, she knew the woman was trying to discourage her but, she won't let her have her way this time.

"Well...I guess since you've already made up your mind, but I am just thinking...what would your father say?, have you asked him?"

Clara stared into Anna's eyes with an expression that said 'You can't get out this one'

A mocking smile appeared on her lips as she stared at her.

Anna clenched her fists as she looked away, she was practically threatening to call her father. If that happens.....all of hers and Rose's plans would all be for naught.

"I don't need to ask him for permission" Anna said making Clara's smile wider

"Oh?"

"Yes" Anna smiled back, of course!, how could she forget about that part?

"I am already an adult legally and I am allowed to make decisions for myself...

aren't I?, mother?"

Clara's smile faded, of course the girl was right. She had no reason to stay.

She now stared at her in anger "That doesn't change the fact that you..."

"I think that changes every fact" Anna interrupted before winking at Rose.

"Since you have made up your mind, you should probably start getting ready by tomorrow, it will be best" Dylan said.

Li Chen turned to look at Anna's excited face and his heart skipped a bit 'What is wrong with me?' he thought although he couldn't stop himself from staring.

"Thank you" Anna said happily, she was too excited to continue eating so she only made an excuse and left.

When she reached her room, she finally let out all of her excitement.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Oh how she wished she could jump right now.

Janet smiled widely at her before telling her to calm down.

"Anna, this is good but, Clara is right.

What if your father finds out before you leave?, it could be a huge problem"

Anna fixed her posture on the wheel chair before smiling

"Janet, you worry too much, everything will definitely be fine, I will make sure of it!" she assured.

Through out the whole day, Anna was in the piano room but unlike before her tunes weren't sad, she played happily for the first time in a long time but, Janet who was next to her the whole time was forcing herself to smile, although she was happy for Anna, that she could finally leave this place.

The one thing that made Janet sad was the fact that…