Chapter 2 - Meet the Family

Ana's POV

I'm sitting in math class, thoroughly confused with today's notes. I'm probably going to have to meet with Mr. Warner later. I need to do well on the upcoming test.

I look at Christian sitting next to me. He has his notebook open doodling instead of taking notes. I wish I could skate through school like him.

I rip out a piece of paper and write, "Nice notes :p," and pass the note to him.

He grins, writes something down, and passes it back to me. "You should take some real notes instead of all those numbers."

I write down the indefinite integral Mr. Warner tasked us with solving and hand it to Christian. I had no idea how to solve the problem and assumed Christian didn't either because he never pays attention in class.

Again, he smiles at me and subsequently begins to jot down the solution. I furrow my brows when he hands me back the paper with the right answer circled at the bottom. I was completely baffled. He's brilliant!

"You need to be my math tutor," I whisper to him.

He softly chuckles, and I add, "I'm being serious Christian. How the hell do you know how to do this?"

Before Christian could answer, Mr. Warner dismisses the class. Everyone rushes out of class, and I start walking with Christian to our next class.

"I'm good with numbers," he says to me.

"Obviously," I snark, "I, on the other hand, am on the struggle bus."

He laughs at my expression and says, "I can help you anytime you want."

"I'm going to have to take you up on that offer," I reply as we walk into our next class.

Christian's POV

It's the end of the school day, and I'm contemplating asking Ana if she wants to come to my house so I can help her with math. I really want to spend more time with her, but I'm too nervous to tell her outright.

My inner demons are screaming at me, telling me not to get Ana involved with my dark shit. But I somehow can't let go of the feeling in my heart that tells me to go for it. I know it might sound crazy, but she brings out a different, lighter side of me just from the few days I've known her.

When we get out of our last class, I ask her, "If you're free today, I can help you with math at my house. Or your house."

She responds, "Oh, that's perfect. I don't have cheer practice today. You live in Bellevue, right?"

"Yep," I answer, "It's about 20-25 minutes from here."

"Okay, that sounds good. Should I meet you there?" she asks.

"I can drive us both and then bring you back to school later. Or I could drive you home and pick you up tomorrow morning," I reply logically.

"That's so nice of you," she says, "We can figure it out later. Let's get going."

Being the gentleman I am, I open my car door for her again. She gives me a bright-eyed smile and comments, "You know you don't have to keep doing that for me. I'm perfectly capable of opening doors."

I assert, "Well, you shouldn't have to," and she rolls her eyes at me.

When we get on the freeway, Ana turns on the car radio, and some Taylor Swift song is on.

"Is it okay if I turn it up?" she asks considerably.

"Yeah," I nod, and she immediately jacks up the volume.

She starts singing the lyrics perfectly, and I can't help but laugh at her silliness and sheer cuteness.

"You have to know the words to this song, Christian," she declares, "It's a classic."

"I promise you I don't," I reply.

"If you help me with math, I'll give you a Taylor Swift crash course," she jokes.

She continues singing along and starts dancing in her seat. If that wasn't the cutest shit I've ever seen, then I don't know what was.

When we finally pull into my driveway, I see that mom's car is already there. Great! Now she's going to embarrass me in front of Ana. Please, God, don't mention that I've never had friends over before her. Ana's going to think I'm a complete loser.

I put the car in park and rush over to Ana's side to open the door for her.

When I get there, she was already closing the door for herself. "I beat you to it," she teases.

This time, I roll my eyes at her, and I hear her glorious giggle.

I lead her through the back door to the kitchen, hoping my mom wouldn't be there ready to begin the Christian Grey embarrassment session.

Ana's POV

Holy crap! Christian Grey invited me to come to his house. Does this mean he's into me? Or does he feel bad for me because I suck at math? Whatever his reason was, I'm excited to spend more time with him, not in a school setting.

When we arrive at his house, I'm in total awe. I assumed he was wealthy, but wow. Actually seeing it is something completely different. His house is a mansion and is absolutely gorgeous. The house is stunning, built in a classic French Provincial style. There's an ornate fountain out front at the center of a circular driveway, and luxury cars line the driveway: a G-Wagon, a Lamborghini, and a Range Rover.

Wait, what if his parents are home? Crap, I'm going to have to meet them and make a good impression. I walk nervously along with Christian as he leads me into his home.

Christian's POV

Thankfully, Grace wasn't in the kitchen, and I bring Ana over to the breakfast bar. The only downside is that now Grace could pop up at any time.

"You can put your stuff down here. Do you want anything to drink?" I ask, playing the perfect host.

"Just water," she replies.

I grab two bottles of water from the fridge and hand one to her.

We both sit down, and Ana takes out her math homework.

"What do you need help with," I ask.

She ended up asking me a multitude of questions, and I skillfully answered each and every one of them. After her questions, Ana began doing her homework.

A few minutes later my mom walks in. She looks surprised that my friend was real and wasn't something I was making up.

"Hello, dear," my mom pipes in, "Who's this?"

That causes Ana to turn her head up from her homework.

My mom walks towards us, and Ana gets up to greet her.

"I'm Anastasia. It's so nice to meet you, Mrs. Grey," she says and holds out her hand.

My mom completely disregards the handshake and goes right in for the hug in typical Grace Grey fashion. Embarrassment #1 already committed within the first few seconds of meeting her. Be cool mom!

"Please call me Grace," she tells Ana.

"Then it's lovely to meet you Grace," Ana corrects herself.

"You too, Anastasia," my mom replies, "Christian's never brought any of his friends over before. Forgive me if I got a little excited."

Okay, now I just want to hide. "Mom," I groan, "that's enough."

Ana's POV

When Christian's mom pops up in the kitchen, I become terribly nervous. Act normal Ana. His parents need to like you, I tell myself.

When I go to give Christian's mom a handshake, she gives me a big hug instead. That eased my nerves a little. She also tells me to call her Grace instead of Mrs. Grey, so that helped with the nerves too.

She mentions something about Christian never having friends over, and I hear him groan in the background. Although, I wasn't surprised to hear that about Christian. From what I've observed about him in a few short days is that he doesn't easily open up to people, and he likes to keep him to himself. It seems that the only exception to that is with me. Hmm, something to think about.

"So Anastasia," Grace starts, "You're in Christian's grade?"

"Yes," I reply, "We're in all the same classes, so that's how we met."

"Would you like anything to eat or drink Anastasia?" Grace asks me.

"No thank you," I refuse politely. "Oh, and please call me Ana."

"Are you involved in any sports Ana?" she inquires. "I keep telling Christian he should try out for football, but he won't listen to me."

"I'm on the cheer team at school," I tell her.

"Oh, that's wonderful," she exclaims, "Christian's little sister, Mia, tried out for the cheer team this year. She goes to Bellevue Academy."

"Christian told me," I smile at her.

"Ana, if your parents are okay with it you should stay for dinner," she states.

I hear Christian groan in the background again and he mumbles, "Mom."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose on you like that. Christian was just helping me with my math homework," I say.

"Nonsense," she insists, "We'd love to have you for dinner. Christian's father should be home around 6. I have to go pick up Mia from school right now, but please stay, Ana."

I smile at her, and she grabs her keys from the counter. "I'll see you both for dinner," she says to us as she left the house.

"I'm sorry about my mother," Christian apologizes.

"No, don't apologize," I say, "Your mother is lovely."

"You don't have to stay for dinner if you don't want to," he tells me.

Does he not want me to stay? Um, does this mean he's not into me? Gah!

I'm not sure what to stay, but Christian interrupts my thoughts, "I mean, I'd love it if you wanted to stay, but don't feel pressured."

My ears perk up at that statement. So he does want to spend more time with me? At least I'm going to take it like that.

"Sure Christian," I reply, "I'd love to stay for dinner. I'm excited to meet your little sister," I comment.

"Be prepared for non-stop talking from Mia," he says.

I smile at him, and we get back to the math homework.

It was about 5 when I finished my math homework. Christian was a fantastic tutor.

"Your house is stunning," I comment.

"Ya, I guess it kind of is," he agrees. "I never really paid much attention to it, but my parents have done well, I guess." "Would you like a tour?" he asks me.

I nod and say, "I'd love one."

Christian's POV

Okay, first of all, why did my mother have to embarrass me like that. She really had to mention I've never had a friend over. Way to make me sound like a complete loner and idiot! God, and she invited Ana to dinner. I do want her there, but that was way too far. I doubt Ana wants to hang out with my family tonight.

Nonetheless, Ana said she was going to stay, no doubt being polite to my mother who all but demanded her to stay for dinner.

Anyways, Ana commented on how beautiful the house was. I guess I was never really paying attention to my privilege. This is the kind of house you see in movies, and I get to live here.

I asked her if she wanted a tour, and she said yes. I start by bringing her to our massive backyard. I walk her over to the boathouse, which is one of my favorite places to escape.

Ana gasps in awe when I bring her in. The boathouse is filled with vibrant, blooming flowers, and light is reflecting majestically on the water and glass. Ana is looking around at the beautiful surroundings, but I'm only staring at her. For me, the beauty wasn't in the boathouse, it was looking at it through her gleaming eyes. Fuck, when did I become such a sap! Cool it, Grey!

"Do you come here often?" she asks me.

"Yeah," I reply, "Sometimes I just sit in here and think at night."

"You don't sleep?" she attempts to joke.

There's no way she could've known that I never sleep because of my terrible nightmares. I somberly reply, "No."

She notices the struggle in my voice and moves on to a different topic. "Do you go sailing often?" she asks me.

"Yeah," I answer, "I usually go with my dad and brother."

"That sounds lovely. It must be nice to have such a close family," she comments.

I nod and lead her out of the boathouse to show her the rest of the backyard. I show her the rose garden and infinity pool before leading her back inside.

Ana's POV

When Christian takes me back inside, his mom arrives back home with his little sister. I hear her voice before I can see her.

Christian comments, "Be prepared, Mia might bombard you."

"I think I can handle her," I joke.

When Mia sees me, she runs up to me and gives me a hug. She's absolutely adorable!

"Oh my gosh, you're real," she exclaims.

"Hi," I greet cheerfully, "You must be Mia."

"That's me," she states. "I absolutely love your shoes." Okay, is it possible to already love her? She definitely knows her fashion. I looked down at my new Christian Louboutin booties.

I reply, "Thank you."

"Those are from the fall collection, right? I wanted to get them, but my mom said I already had too many shoes," she says.

"A girl can never have too many shoes," I reply, and we both giggle.

Christian's POV

While Mia ambushed Ana, Grace said she wanted to talk to me.

"Christian, Anastasia is just lovely," she says.

"I'm aware, mother," I reply.

She starts takings things out of the fridge and places them on the counter to prepare dinner.

"You should bring her around here more often," she suggests.

"If you don't scare her off," I quip.

"Oh, hush, Christian," she chastises me, "Don't be so melodramatic."

I roll my eyes at her and leave the kitchen to go save Ana from Mia's exuberance.

"Mia, that's enough. I was giving Ana a tour of the house," I tell her.

"Sorry, Chrissy. I'm going to show Ana my closet. You're going to have to wait," she snarks.

Ana shrugs at me and smiles as Mia drags her upstairs.

"Mom, you need to tell Mia to calm down," I complain.

"Christian, stop complaining," she declares, "You're family's excited for you, that's all."

Again, I roll my eyes at her, and she adds, "Lighten up, sweetie, and go set the dinner table for me."

Begrudgingly I listen to her and grab the plates and cutlery from the cabinets to set the table.

I was setting the table when I heard the garage open, which meant that my dad must be home. He walks in a greeted my mother with a kiss, ugh barf!

He then walks into the dining room and greets me, "Hey son."

"Hey, dad," I reply.

"Mom tells me you brought a friend over," he states.

"I did, but Mia is currently harassing her right now," I snark.

He laughs and says, "Well you know how your sister is. She's very enthusiastic."

I nod in agreement.

"I'm happy for you son," he starts.

"Dad," I interject, "I do not need to hear another member of my family remind me that I have no friends."

"Son," he continues, "It's a good first step."

"Dad," I interrupt him again, "I've heard enough from mom already."

He gives me a knowing look and says, "Okay then, I'll leave you to it."

When I finish setting the table, I go back into the kitchen where my mother is finishing up dinner: spaghetti carbonara, caesar salad, and roasted vegetables.

"Christian, dear," she gets my attention, "Will you please go upstairs and tell Ana and Mia dinner will be ready in 5 minutes."

"Of course, mother," I reply, and march up the stairs to Mia's room.

Mia was, of course, talking Ana's ear off while showing her all the designer pieces she's been amassing. I knock on the door and relay the message: "Dinner will be ready in 5 guys."

"Got it, Chrissy," Mia shouts.

Ana's POV

Mia and I really connected through our love of fashion. She brought me up to her room to show me all her clothes and accessories. This girl's closet could rival mine.

While I was fawning all over he designer handbags, she says, "So Ana, you and my brother…" implying that we were a thing. God, I wish.

I laugh at her suggestion and say, "We're just friends, Mia."

She eyes me skeptically knowing I'm not telling her the complete truth.

"You like him don't you?" she asks, no doubt already knowing my answer.

I reply, "Maybe a little," and we both giggle. "Don't tell him," I demand.

She puts her hand on my shoulder and says, "Don't worry, Ana. My lips are sealed. But if it makes you feel any better, he's into you too." Well, that's encouraging.

Mia goes back to showing me her clothes when Christian knocks on the door. He tells us that dinner is almost ready and goes back downstairs.

"Should we go downstairs?" I ask Mia.

"I'm starving," she comments, "So, that's a yes."

When we go downstairs, Grace is putting the food on the table, and who I'm presuming is Christian's dad is helping her.

He sees me and immediately comes to greet me. "Hello, Anastasia. It's so nice to meet you," he says as he holds out his hand for me to shake.

I shake his hand and reply, "Hi, Mr. Grey! It's great to meet you too."

We all take our seats at the table, and Christian takes the seat next to me.

"Dig in guys," Grace says, "I know you're all hungry."

We are all passing the food down the table, and I put a little bit of everything on my plate. The food smells so good, and my mouth is practically salivating.

Mr. Grey asks a question directed at Christian and me, "So, how's school going so far guys?"

"Good," Christian curtly replies.

I internally laugh at his short response and speak up, "Really good so far, Mr. Grey. Christian has already been such a big help to me in math. I'm absolutely terrible at math, but it's a necessary evil in school, I guess." Crap! Now I'm starting to ramble! Get it together Ana. Don't embarrass yourself in front of his parents.

"Math was never my favorite subject either, Ana," he replies, "And please call me Carrick. Mr. Grey makes me feel old."

I smile at him, and he eyes Christian, no doubt because of his short answer.

I grab another forkful of Grace's delicious carbonara and silently moan. I wish I could have a meal like this every night. With me living alone, I have to cook for myself. I love cooking and do it well, but it's hard to find time every night with school and cheer, so I usually have to order takeout. I'd love to have a mom that made home cooked meals every day. Christian is so lucky.

Mia and Grace are having their own conversation, while Christian's dad is still focused on Christian and me.

"Are you involved in any sports Ana?" he questions.

"I'm the captain of the cheer team at school," I state proudly, "But I'm not sure if that actually qualifies as a sport."

"Oh sure it does," he replies, "I keep telling Christian to try out for something but, of course, he doesn't listen to me."

Christian rolls his eyes at his dad's commented, and I laugh to myself.

Mia jumps into the conversation, "Oh, I forgot to tell you guys. I made the cheer team. I'm going to get to wear the super cute skirt, and we're getting matching hair bows."

We all congratulate Mia; she seems super pumped.

Grace asks me, "So, Ana, what do your parents do?"

"My dad used to own a security company, but now he works in Washington D.C.," I reply, "and my mom lives in Georgia with her husband."

"You live alone, dear?" she sounds surprised.

I'm used to that by now. When people hear I live by myself, they usually wonder how my parents could trust me on my own. Most teenagers my age are flaky and irresponsible. It only makes sense that she's be skeptical.

"Yes," I reply, "My dad got a job in D.C. he couldn't refuse. I really wanted to stay in Seattle to finish high school. He was hesitant to leave me on my own at first, but he really trusts me now."

"What about your mother dear, if you don't mind me asking?" Grace rebuts.

"We don't have a close relationship," I reply, not wanting to get into it any further.

Christian interjects in sensing the tension in the room at the mention of my mother, "Mom, Ana's dad works for the president."

"Raymond Steele is your father?" Mr. Grey asks me.

"Yes, that's him," I reply.

"My law firm worked with his company on a few contracts," he says, "He's the White House National Security Advisor, correct?"

"Yes, he and President Grant were in the army together, so that's how he got that job," I state.

"Well, Ana," Grace begins, "you're always more than welcome to come here anytime you want. It must be lonely living all alone."

"Sometimes it does," I admit, "It's so nice to have a home cooked meal for a change. I'm always too busy to cook. This is delicious by the way."

"Thank you, Ana," she replies with a smile.

We all continue to chat until we were done with the meal.

"Thank you so much for dinner, Grace," I thank her.

"Of course, Ana," she replies, "I really do mean it. You're welcome here anytime."

Christian's dad excuses himself and Mia runs up to her room saying she needed to get tomorrow's outfit for school ready.

Grace starts to clear the table, so I insist, "Let me help you clean up, Grace."

"That's okay, Ana," she refuses. "Christian, why don't you finish showing Ana around the house."

Christian nods his head at her and leads me out of the dining room. He shows me the movie room, gym, wine cellar, and all the other rooms.

The last room he shows me is the living room with a gorgeous Steinway grand piano as the centerpiece of the room.

"Do you play?" I ask while motioning to the piano.

"I've been playing ever since I was six," he responds.

"Can you play me something?" I ask hopefully.

"Sure," he replies and takes a seat on the piano bench.

I take a seat next to him on the bench, and he begins to play a beautiful tune: Clair de Lune by Debussy.

I get lost in the music and watch his hands expertly glide over the ivory keys.

When he plays the final note, I comment, "That was beautiful, Christian."

His gaze meets mine and I get lost in his grey eyes. I rest my hand on top of his and feel a surge of electricity run through my veins. His face inches closer to mine, and my heart starts pounding. Is he going to kiss me?! I think he is! I close my eyes expecting to feel his lips on mine, but instead, he jerks his head back and fakes a cough. Ugh, but those lips!

We both pretend like that almost-kiss never happened and giggle at the awkwardness.

I check the time on my phone and say, "It's getting late. I should probably head home."

He replies, "I can drop you off at home now and take you to school tomorrow morning."

Disappointed that he didn't kiss me, I merely say, "Sure."

Christian's POV

As I drove Ana home, I couldn't help but think of that moment at the piano. You chickened out Grey! You should've fucking kissed her. God, I really wanted those to feel those full, pouty lips on mine, but I got too nervous.

As much as I want to kiss her, I'm still reluctant to because of my many mental issues. Anastasia is too good for someone like me. I'm fucked up on the inside and out. She deserves someone better than me, but I'm already too attached to her to let her go.

Ana gives me the directions back to her apartment, and I pull up right in front of the building. She waves goodbye to me, and I tell her that I'll see her tomorrow, bright and early.

Throughout the silent car ride, I couldn't tell what she was thinking. Was she disappointed that I didn't kiss her? Did she even want me to kiss her in the first place? Fuck! Who knows!

She sure looked like she wanted me to kiss her, or was I reading the situation wrong. When she put her hand on mine, I felt my heart jump out of my chest and fire through my veins. Did she feel the same way? God, I hope she did.

When I get home, I jump in the shower and go to bed, exhausted from today's events.

Ana's POV

After Christian dropped me off at home, I immediately texted Kate to tell her what happened today.

A: You'll never guess what happened today

K: What?!

A: I went to Christian's house so he could help me with math. We almost kissed!
At least I think we did

K: OMG girl! He's so into you. Why didn't you guys actually kiss?

A: I think he got too nervous. Our faces were literally centimeters away from each other

K: Invite him to the party tomorrow night. Maybe you'll have another chance there ;)

A: You're a genius Kate

K: I know :)

A shorter chapter this time, but I hope you guys still enjoyed it!

The next chapter is coming in a few days. (It's going to be good! haha)