A/N: WOW! Just...WOW! I am floored by the amount of response to this story! Seriously, you guys have got to be the best readers out there! Please know that every review, follow, alert, favorite is very, very much appreciated! Thank you! Anyway, I won't keep you anymore, here's the next bit. As always, I still don't own Fifty Shades of Grey, and all mistakes are mine. :)


Fifty Shades of Grey: The Break-Up
Chapter 2

For the sixth time, I wake up alone in my bed, in the middle of the night, trying to recall how I got here in the first place. Somewhere between crying and sobbing, I managed to get settled in, and when my eyes were too tired from the tears, sleep claimed me.

You have to stop this now, Ana! This isn't healthy! Are you trying to kill yourself? Another voice in my head chides. It's my superwoman inside. Both my subconscious and inner goddess are nowhere to be heard. They've decided to take a break.

She is right. This has to stop. But how? It seems to me that all my eyes can do regarding my situation is to cry. A sigh escapes me. Thinking this way will get me nowhere. The clock on my bedside table reads 3:25AM. It doesn't seem like I'm going back to sleep anytime soon.

Get to work, Ana! You need to get out of this funk you're in.My superwoman inside says. Firing up the Macbook, I feel like a hypocrite for actually being mad at Christian for sending it to me, and here I am using it.

Stop. No thinking about him. Focus on yourself, my superwoman inside reminds me.

I go to Google, and type "HOW TO SURVIVE A BREAK-UP." I feel stupid for actually having to Google this, but I have no idea how to go about this, really.

The first returned result is entitled "10 Things You Must Do After A Break-Up" and I decide to check it out.

#1. Strip Your Sheets
Buying all new bedding gets rid of bad bedroom energy from your room and helps you start fresh.

Staring at my sheets, the realization that what I'm doing could be pointless hits me. You've got to start somewhere, Ana! My superwoman inside chides. As far as I can tell, all these sheets have given me is comfort, and there's no way I'm getting rid of them. I start my chant, "Don't cry Ana, don't cry Ana.."

#2. Get sweaty
Pump your mood with a Zumba or boot camp class at your gym, then switch to yoga or Pilates at night to help you relax. And consider the amazing body you'll have in a few short weeks.

Now, this second one actually looks promising. Where's the nearest gym? There was a time when Christ- no, I shake my head and stop myself. Taking a deep breath, I start my chant again. Thinking about him won't do me any good.

#3. Indulge at the makeup counter
Updating your look helps you feel sexy and desirable again. While the perfect smoky eye may not heal a broken heart, it's bound to keep you from crying for a while.

If this one is true, then I would've probably found the instant cure to heartbreak. But I know I won't feel any better with makeup. I proceed to the next one; maybe it'll make more sense. Reading this thing actually takes my mind off of-Ugh. I have to stop doing that.

#4. Obsess over the breakup for 15 minutes.
"Obsessing over something is actually the natural way our brains deal with change." So let yourself freak out for a little bit. Scheduling times when you're allowed to think about it in a healthy way will let you gain control over the situation.

This is where I stop forcing myself to not think about Christian. He probably does this step on a daily basis. Does this mean he's freaking out all the time? This is getting nowhere. I wish it's Monday so I can get slumped in work and not think about him as much as I do. I close my eyes, and there's a burning feeling when I do.

#5. Go on a 30-day cleanse.
No, we're not talking about a crazy juice diet. Instead of swearing off solid foods, vow to not have any contact with your ex for 30 days. "You'll get over it faster with zero contact, and you're proving to yourself that you can survive without him."

Reading #5 makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. Explain to me how to avoid a multi-millionaire CEO when he obviously wants to see me. He could book my entire year and I probably won't have a say in the matter. Maybe I should stop this, I ask my superwoman inside, but she hushes. What do you think his actions imply? She asks.

#6. Hit Delete.
Spying on him will only make things worse, so cover all of your tech bases. Unfriend him, unfollow him, and delete him from your chat list. You don't want a pop-up reminder of your relationship every time you sign on.

He's the one with the stalker tendencies, not me! Maybe I should e-mail this to him! But do I really want him to get over me? My heart constricts at the thought. If I keep this up, and continue to push him away, will he finally give up? Will he take on a new submissive? One that satisfies his needs? The thought makes my insides turn in a bad way. I don't want to think of that possibility, but isn't that bound to be my reality?

#7. Let your friends know what you need.
Whether you want to go out for a round of cocktails or are swearing off men until 2013, make sure your friends are clear on how they can help you deal. (Because if you really just want to chill solo, that Single Girls Night Out they're planning to revive your spirit is really going to suck.)

Oh, Kate, I miss you. She's probably asleep somewhere in Barbados right now, in Elliot's arms, just waiting for the sun to shine. A heavy sigh escapes me, stopping myself from crying again. I contemplate on whether to call her now since there's only a three hour time difference, but decide against it. I suddenly remember Jose. He has a few missed calls and I haven't called him back. What am I going to say to him?

#8. Boost your ego.
Doing something a little scary that you've never done before—like speed dating, learning to snowboard, or following a recipe sans photos (not that that scares us or anything)—will give you a confidence kick like no other. Completing just one difficult task will help remind you that you're pretty damn awesome.

Speed dating? The idea is impossible for me. No, cooking sounds more appealing. It had become therapeutic in the past. But the fridge barely has anything in it, save for Jeremy's lasagna. Guess I won't have to cook breakfast then - that is, if I even decide to eat.

#9. Have face time with a furry friend.
"Research shows that interacting with animals can help you heal emotionally." Since you don't want to make any huge commitments after a breakup, try volunteering at an animal shelter or walking a vacationing friend's dog for a weekend.

Where do I do this in Seattle? I've been so caught up with Christian since Kate and I moved here that I haven't had the chance to see the city. Maybe I should play tourist later this day, if only to forget about my mess of a love life for a while.

#10. Take a fabulous trip.
"So many of my patients felt that they could finally travel after a big breakup, but the key is not to go too soon. You need to give yourself time to feel like crap before you can truly enjoy a getaway."

Where should I go? Planning a trip now will be difficult since I just started work. That, and I'm a twenty-something college graduate with student loans to pay, and almost no money in my bank account.

My subconscious, my inner goddess, and my superwoman inside all roll their eyes at me at the same time. They're all lined up, hands on their waist, tapping their foot on the floor. What? I don't! That money isn't mine! I argue. My e-mail pings and it no longer surprises me that it's from him.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: You Promised
Date: June 10, 2011 03:52
To: Anastasia Steele

Dear Anastasia,

When and where do you suggest that we talk? Please tell me so I can make time.

Christian Grey CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

The title of his e-mail makes me scowl. He's actually holding me to that? After he refused to leave when I asked him to do so! Ugh. The nerve.And how does he do this? Pretends like nothing happened! Has he actually finished obsessing over this? I feel my eyes burn again when I close them. I am in no shape to answer his e-mail right now, nor do I have the answer. I shutdown the Mac knowing there is no point in staring at his e-mail. It's a minute past 4AM. I close my tired eyes hoping I get more sleep.

The rays of the sun creeping through the room bring me out of my slumber, but despite the bright day outside, I have nothing to look forward to. I can hear my superwoman inside tsk-tsking. She is not very pleased, neither am I.

You need to go out, Ana. Come on, chop, chop. We can show Christian you'll do just fine without him.She says. Sometimes I don't get her logic. One moment she wants me to analyze Christian's actions, then the next she's pushing for me to move on. I groan inwardly, I'm so frustrated with myself.

I push the covers, and head to the kitchen. I'm starving; I actually want to eat now. Thankfully, there's the lasagna Jeremy gave me, and thank God for microwave!

I start to dig in, onto what to be the first proper breakfast I've had since I left Escala. It's actually pretty tasty, like one of those you can get from Italian restaurants, I'd have to ask Jeremy where he got it from next time we see each other.

Alarm courses through me. I need to apologize to him about last night. He really did not need to be caught up in my mess with Christian. With a new found purpose, I actually finish the whole lasagna, and find myself showered and dressed an hour later.

I've surprised myself more when I decided to wear a sleeveless off white top, matched with a ruffled floral skirt, short enough for my legs. I would've usually gone with just a pair of jeans and a shirt. I've foregone the heels. I've missed being on flats. Maybe that article did have a point. I don't look as pale, probably because I actually ate something today, and my eyes aren't as puffy because I was actually able to stop myself from crying. I do feel a little better.

Way to go, Ana! You now look like you actually want men to notice you! My superwoman inside is doing cartwheels. I shake my head. Is that really my intention? I dismiss the thought. Grabbing my bag, checking if I have everything I need with me, I decide to head next door. I still have to apologize to Jeremy for last night, then maybe head to the grocery. I ring the doorbell and I actually hear him shout "Wait a sec."

He opens his door with a smile. I think he gave me the once over, but I shrug it off. "Hey, Ana. What's up?" He smells of vanilla.

"I just wanted to apologize about last-" I stop. I can smell something burning in there. "Are you cooking something? I think it's burning."

His eyes widen in alarm. "Oh shit!" He curses, and then hurries back to probably his kitchen. "Come on in, you can tell me over burnt pancakes." I hear him shout. I mentally kick myself for getting into this situation. Nonetheless, I come in and find him.

"In here." I hear him say, and I follow his voice. The apartment looks bigger than mine and Kate's. Is it just because of the decor? The place is so clean. Is he living with someone? It doesn't look like it. I hadn't actually had the time of day to notice. I've been a walking zombie for the past six days, and this might be the first day that I actually remember something.

"Sorry for this." He says with a smile when I eventually find him. He places the burnt pancake in a Ziploc, and I wonder why. As if hearing my unspoken question, he adds "For the birds at the park." He says with a grin. I nod my head, and I don't know how to start a proper conversation. Have I really lost that skill?

"So you were saying about last night?" He urges, and asks me to take a seat in his barstool.

"Yeah, about that, I just wanted to apologize. I didn't want you to get caught up in...that." I say feeling awkward. He nods his head as he sets a plate in front of me, then putting a newly cooked, hot pancake in front of me.

"That kind of thing happens a lot in here, believe me, it was practically routine. Don't worry about it." He says with a smile, and I genuinely believe he's just trying to be nice. He pours another batch of batter into the pan. "But if you really want to apologize, you'll eat those pancakes, and you'll let me make you lunch. We'll have to go to the market first though." He cocks his head to the side as if making a mental note.

I am mentally processing this as he goes along. Is this his way of asking you out? I'm not sure if that's my superwoman inside, or my inner goddess asking. I'm really puzzled by his proposition, plus I've had lasagna for breakfast, and I'm really full.

"How about yes to lunch, no to breakfast? I already ate, sorry." I tell him before I even stop myself. Did I really just agree to lunch with him?

He feigns hurt then takes back the plate with pancakes. "Fine, more for me then." He sets the newly cooked piece on top of the other one, puts a dollop of whipped cream, maple syrup and a few pieces of blueberry and raspberry on his chocolate chip pancakes. It does look good.

"You will never forget the day that you passed up on this awesome piece of heaven on Earth!" He says with such enthusiasm, and I can't help but laugh. Is he trying to be cute? Coz it's working!Both my subconscious and my superwoman inside giggle. He takes a bite.

"Well, I'll leave you to that. I'll just be at my apartment, so come get me when you're ready?" WHOA.That came out wrong! I feel a burning feeling in my cheeks and ears. Not the best time to have poor mouth to brain coordination. "I mean...you know what I mean."

He chuckles, thankfully, he's nice enough not to add any more insult to injury. "I'll let myself out." I mutter, but he rushes and opens the door for me.

"Get you later." He lets me walk out of his door and closes it, but not before I give him a small smile. I shake my head. I was not prepared to see Christian Grey pacing outside the door of my apartment. Thank God, Jeremy didn't see him. I check my watch, and it's 8:47. I've been at Jeremy's for a good 20 minutes. When did Christian get here? And after what happened last night, what's he doing here again?

He finally sees me, and his eyes are dark, and cold. He runs a hand through his tousled hair. He eyes me from head to toe and for a moment I thought there was a glint of lust in his eyes.

"What are you doing here Christian?" I am surprisingly angry, not pleased at all to see him. I hear him growl. Well, I'm mad too!

"That skirt is very short, Ms. Steele." WHOA. Where did that come from? Fifty, oh mercurial fifty!

"I am free to wear what I want, Christian. Not that it's any of your business." I spat, contemplating if I actually want to go inside my apartment. I don't know how I'd feel if he followed me inside. He seems hurt with what I said. What the hell is he trying to play at?

"You haven't answered my e-mail." So? Did it ever occur to him that maybe I didn't want to answer it? Or that I probably don't have the answer yet? He's so frustrating.

"I haven't decided when." I say simply, eyeing his reaction. He raises his brow, as if an idea comes to mind.

"Well, what about right now?" He asks, I can almost see the hope in his eyes.

"I can't right now, I have plans." I reply, then glancing back at Jeremy's door.

"With your neighbor?" He seems surprised by this. "But you've just met him!" He says, like a petulant child. I am thankful that it will still probably take Jeremy at least a good 20 minutes before he's ready, no matter how fast he moves. I'll just have to deal with Christian until then.

I don't give him a reply. I open my door to my apartment, ready to close it onto his face when he started talking again, like a panicked boy this time.

"I want you back, Ana. I have never wanted anyone so much. Living without you has been hell. Please, come back to me. We can make this work." His eyes are sad, and he almost doesn't look straight into mine. I almost gape at his revelation. Does he really mean that? When I meet his eyes, all I see are traces of a lost boy, my fifty.

"It's not that easy, Christian. We're too different. I can't be who you need me to be." I force back the tears that are threatening to fall. I don't want to cry again, afraid that I won't be able to stop.

"You're everything I want you to be, Anastasia." I wanted to melt into his arms, but I fight the urge.

"Just give me some time to think, please.Give me today, and tomorrow. I promise we'll talk. Don't make this harder than it already is." I beg. He gives me a small nod, and I am thankful that he's considering what I just said.

"Okay." He says.

"Thank you. Goodbye, Christian." I tell him, and before he can even give a reply, I close my door. About 10 minutes later, I hear my doorbell ring. I check, and it's Jeremy. He's dressed in a plain grey buttoned down shirt, and some cargo shorts. He's a very casual guy, I observed.

"Ready?" He asks. I don't know if he hadn't noticed at all or he's just being polite, but I've been crying for the last 5 minutes or so. Probably the latter.

"As I'll ever be." I say softly.

"Alright, let's go. You look lovely, by the way." He says, and when I'm out the door, he adds "Do you mind if we walk? The market is just 10 minutes from here, and it's a bright and sunny day." His suggestion makes me smile.

"Not at all, I think it's a great idea." True enough, morning Seattle air had never felt this good - despite the circumstances I'm in.

"So, you've lived here long?" I ask him as we walked side by side.

"A while, I got the place late last year, I'm only usually at the apartment during the weekends. You?" He asks, and there's something about him that makes me think he's genuinely interested to know.

"My best friend and I live together, well, her parents own the place, they got it for her, and I'm just the lucky one whom she gets to share it with. She won't be here for another two weeks though." I explain, and it seems that something is bothering him. "Something wrong?"

"I have to come clean. I heard you earlier with that guy from last night. He is the same guy right? Not his twin brother?" He tries to make light of his revelation. I feel a burning feeling in my cheeks.

"Thank God, no. He doesn't have a twin brother. I'm sorry you had to hear us." I managed to say, not really knowing how to explain it to him.

"I'm sorry for eavesdropping. Boyfriend?" He asks.

"Ex, actually." I say. Technically, that's the truth.

"Hmmm..." He says, as if wondering about the implications of what I've just told him.

"Hmmm, what?" I ask, curious as to what he's thinking.

"Nothing." He grins, and then adds "Here we are!" The market is complete with everything I need to cook dishes I have no idea of making. I see Jeremy and he looks like he's seen Santa Claus. He's so excited by the produce that I think it got me excited as well.

"What shall I make for you, Ms...?" He trails off, realizing he hadn't gotten my last name.

"Steele. Ana Steele. And you would be?" I ask.

"Jeremy Gray." He shakes my hand, as if we're meeting for the first time. I am dumbstruck, frozen into place.

"You're kidding." I say when I finally find my voice. He doesn't seem to get my tone. "Is that with an "a" or an "e?" I ask.

"Gray with an "a," not by any means related to Seattle's Christian Grey." He jokes but making sure I believe him. I don't know how to react to the fact that he knows who Christian Grey is. "Hey, isn't you ex's name Christian?"

We are now at the meat section, and he's looking at some lamb, I think. "No way!" He says, and he both surprises me and the vendor. "The Christian Grey?" He asks in a hushed tone, trying to confirm his hunch, and I nod at his unspoken question. "Probably why I thought he looked oddly familiar last night."

We are now at the vegetable section. I hadn't planned on revealing to him who my ex is. He seems cool though, like the name doesn't faze him. He's surprised, maybe, but I don't think he's intimidated. Somehow, that appeals to me.

"Well, enough of my ex." I say, trying to change the topic. I really don't want to talk about Christian, even if he almost shares the same last name with the person I'm talking to. "Let's finish here so you can make me lunch, and accept my apology." Geez.Where did that come from? I think I was possessed by my subconscious.

He grins at me, his hand scratching the back of his head again, like a schoolboy. He nods, "Okay."


Okay, so here's the problem, if I keep going on a day to day account of the break-up, you guys might actually get tired of it before I reach the end. Lol. Of course, I don't want that, and so, please know that although I had the intention of doing that at first, I've decided against it. :D Anyway, for my end of chapter question:

1. How much longer do you think can Ana stay away from Christian?
2. Ana dating Jeremy, good or bad?
3. What kind of grovelling do you think Christian needs to do. (I'm not sure he's capable of actually grovelling, but who knows?)

Alright, that's it. Let me know in a review, a PM, whatever's more convenient for you. Until the next update! :)