I wake up early the next morning, much too early considering today is my only sleep in. Seven AM to be exact. I didn't sleep a wink all night, and when Christian finally managed to cuddle me to sleep, I dreamt of her taking away everything I had.
Christian was fast asleep. His head was resting on my shoulder and his hands were around my stomach as was the norm with us. I gently stroked his arm in an effort to calm my nerves, but nothing was working. I felt like I'd never be able to truly rest with her in my home, near my husband and my son. But you allowed this. snidely remarks my conscience. Yes, I did, but only out of pure pity. Nobody would be so cruel as to kick her out when she was hurt and scared. You nearly did though.
Its now 9 am and I can't stand it anymore. Turning my head to kiss Christian on his forehead, gently coaxing him awake. After a moment he takes a deep breath and flutters those wonderful eyes open. Sleepy or not, they never fail to make me smile. "Morning, baby." Christian mumbles as he stretches out, giving my stomach its daily stroke and kiss. "Morning, Pheobe." he whispers against my stomach, making me giggle from the tickling sensation.
"Stop!" I squeal as he begins lightly tickling my stomach, kissing me all over. "Christian I'm serious!" I beg as I feel the tears of laughter prick my eyes, and instantly halt as I feel his fingers brush my opening. I can see him smirking as my breathing hitches. "I love you pregnant," he whispers as I feel his fingers exploring more thoroughly. "You're always ready for me. I love that."
"Mommy! Daddy!" we both hear from the baby monitor on my side of the bed and instantly we both jump up from the bed and make a dash for his room. Not once have I ever run like this to Teddy's room - Christian always has, but that's just Christian. No, today I'm ready because I fear I already know what hes screaming over.
Bursting into the room, we find my baby boy sitting up in his bed, crying. "Oh baby whats wrong?" I ask as I come to sit on his bed, giving him a big hug and kiss. Christian sits at the other side of Teddy and rubs his back, giving me a look that I have come to understand as 'This is what we got interrupted for?'. "I-I had a bad dream!" Teddy wails and he buries his face into my neck.
"Shh," I soothe, picking him up and walking out to the hall, with Christian right behind us. "Its alright baby boy, me and daddy are here." I whisper into his little ear as I hear his subsiding sniffles. After we climb down the stairs, Teddy lifts his head and puts his hands out to Christian. More than happy to hold his son, Christian takes them from my hands and I sigh in relief. Carrying one kid is hard but with Teddy in my arms, its nearly too much. Thank goodness Pheobe will be here soon, and me and Christian can divide and concur.
As per the norm on the weekends, Gail has time off to spend with Taylor. Christian works Sunday evenings, but up until about 5, its just me, him, Teddy and Pheobe. As Christian and Teddy take a seat at the breakfast bar, I busy myself, pulling out all the ingredients required for pancakes. I hear Christian and Teddy happily babbling behind me and feel much better when Christian gets a laugh out of Teddy. Sure, I know the nightmares can't hurt him, but I know how they effect Christian, and I'm sure he has nothing but a heavy heart when Teddy has them.
After about 20 minutes, I'm adding to a pretty high stack of pancakes. Teddy loves when I flip the pancakes and catch them on the pan, and I can't help but do it over and over just to hear his cute little giggle. That dazzling grin on Christian's face makes me pretty happy too. I'm flipping probably pancake 24 by the time I catch Elena walking in the kitchen. It nearly makes me drop the pancake but I catch it just in time, much to the delight of Teddy and his clapping hands.
I think I see Christian stiffen in the corner of my eye but I can't be sure. I stand with my back turned to the table as I add more batter to the pan, waiting for someone to speak because it sure as hell won't be me.
"Good morning, Elena." Christian greets as he dabs the side of Teddy's mouth with a napkin after he let a drop of orange juice go down his chin. I turn around at this point and begin to serve up the pancakes at the breakfast bar. "Good morning everyone." Elena greets as she sits to the left of Christian. It makes me simmer ever so slightly but I realize that she's left the seat where I've left Teddy's train themed plate open, as well as the seat beside it. Smart move, sweetie.
"Pancakes and coffee?" I offer, purely because I feel Christian watching me as I scoop up about 7 and stack them on Christian's plate, and scoop up 3 to leave on Teddy's plate. Elena flashes me a small smile, "Please, Ana."
As I scoop up 7 and law them on her plate, I flash back the most fake smile I can muster and turn to grab the pot of coffee and hide my face as I grind my teeth. I serve myself 7 from the stack and start pouring coffee for everyone.
"Me mommy!" Teddy begs as he holds up his near empty sippy cup. Christian instead takes the orange juice from the center of the table and fills it up. "Your special big boy coffee is this one, Teddy." Christian announces as he pops the top back on his cup and hands it to him. I smile at Teddy but don't miss him curiously staring at Elena, who is picking away at her plain pancakes.
"Who are you?" Teddy asks as he picks up a piece of his pancakes and slowly munches, staring at her like she was three heads. Elena finally looks up from her breakfast, looking over to Teddy with shock. She looks a little sad too, but I can't be sure. I take a big drink of my tea as I watch the scene play out. "I'm Elena," she quietly begins, letting another smile break out as she watches my son. "Whats your name?"
"I'm Thee-dore Grey." I always smile when he introduces himself as 'Thee-dore' and not Teddy. I can see Christian's smiling at his pronunciation too. "Why don't you put Syrup on your pancakes? they taste better with syrup." Teddy explains like its a secret he's been keeping to himself. I can't help but giggle as I eat a piece of my breakfast. "I would love some actually." Elena says as she stretches out and grabs the syrup from the center of the table. "Thank you, Thee-dore." She says with amusement as she pours a little of the syrup over her breakfast.
"No its Thee-dore, not Thee-dore!" Teddy tries to stress the difference, whatever that is as he speaks to Elena. Me and Christian's eyes meet and we burst out in a fit of laughing. Teddy doesn't really get whats happening but joins in laughing as well. I see Elena do the same after a moment and can't help but praise my son for breaking some of the tension.
After our breakfast is done, Christian heads upstairs with Teddy to get him dressed. Since he doesn't work until 5 I will be pissed if he comes downstairs with Teddy in his new suit, but I feel confident Teddy won't let that fly until its time for work.
Elena is sitting in the kitchen in another outfit from my closet. A tight black shirt with a white blazer and plain blue jeans. I can tell she doesn't like it, but she wisely says nothing. I can't help but feel completely intimidated by her as I stand in a floaty blouse that doesn't do much to hide my large stomach, and my maternity stretchy jeans. I'm going through my tablet looking for Dr. Greene's appointment time when I hear Elena clear her throat.
Looking up, I spot her fiddling with her gold Rolex. I find fidgety Elena to be extremely alien to me. I'm so used to her high and mighty attitude around me, that I feel completely out of debt with this nervous woman in front of me.
"Ana, I'm really thankful for this," she begins as she meets me dead in the eye. I lock my tablet without looking away from her and place it on the counter behind me. "I know this isn't easy for you, and I know Christian must feel so torn between me and you right now, so just really.. thank you."
I stiffly nod, feeling like the apology is just the opener.
"Ana I'm going to be straight with you. There are either people, or just one person that wants me dead. I've been getting threatening notes sent to both my salon and my home for a while now, and while I thought it was perhaps my new sub setting up a scene, or some disgruntled ex employee, I now know its a lot more serious."
I can't believe she's telling me this. I thought she would be confiding in Christian with all of this. He would know what to do. I'd have no idea. I decide she's telling me all of this because clearly she wants us to get along.
"I'm sorry you have to deal with this." I say. I know if I were in her position and I didn't have Christian, I'd be scared for my life. I very nearly was in her position, with Jack Hyde. I cup my stomach protectively at that thought. "Do you know who it is now?" I ask innocently, as if I wasn't listening to it last night.
"Its my ex-husband, Linc. Maybe theirs more involved, but hes definitely the man who attacked me yesterday. Christian ruined his business and I just found out that he was bailed out of jail 3 days ago."
"Bailed out? after only two years? He went there because he bailed Jack Hyde out, who tried to kill me, my baby and Mia!" I want to shout, but refrain because I don't want to alert Christian to this conversation. I know if I want to know whats happening with Elena, I'll only be told by Elena.
"I know, but he was never convicted with intent to harm you, your baby or Mia. He was only convicted of bailing out someone who went on to commit more crimes. His sentence was significantly shorter, and his bail was posted 2 weeks ago a little early for 'good behavior'." She practically scoffs the last part. She pats her hair into place for a moment and then meets my eyes again. "Don't worry, by the way. Jack Hyde isn't going anywhere for a while. His bail won't be posted for another few years at least, and I'm sure Christian will make sure he stays locked up for as long as humanly possible."
I gasp and clutch my heart. Its a little dramatic but I don't care. "Oh.. oh thank god." I sigh with happiness, knowing my family and me aren't in danger of that awful man coming back to hurt us anytime soon.
Maybe its that little piece of knowledge that makes me feel so suddenly charitable, but I almost instantly regret it when I say, "Elena, please feel free to stay here for a while, at least until Christian and the security team have decided how they can keep you safe."
Elena looks so relieved as she looks up at me. "Really?" she whispers in disbelief.
"But know this Elena," I warn in the most threatening way possible, which isn't at all threatening because I drop my gaze to the floor and pick at a piece of invisible lint on my blouse. "I'm doing this for Christian, not you." Elena looks up to me with alarm. Its either from the shock of the threat, or the fact that I just made it looking as nervous and uncomfortable as I am now. I'm sure knowing her, its the latter. I see her mouth open and close just as fast, clearly regretting whatever snide remake popped into her head. At least, that's what I'd like to think.
Christian comes down a few moments later with Teddy's hand in his. "Mommy I'm wearing my batman shirt today!" Teddy squeals while running up to me to show me the shirt he wears near every second day. "You are? let mommy see." I say with the greatest amount of enthusiasm I can muster while picking him up and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Oh wow!" I breathe with amazement while I cuddle my little boy, grinning from ear to ear as I hear his laughing. "You're the cutest guy I know." I am goading Christian at this point and he knows it.
"Hey," he breathes in a threatening tone. "I believe I earned that title fair and square." he plants a long kiss to my lips until Teddy decides hes sick of looking at us and places his hands on our cheeks and pushes as hard as he can. "Stoooop!" he whines as he finally pries us apart. I wince as I see the glare in Christian's eyes. He gives his employee's hell when they find us kissing in his office, so I can't ever guess what he'd do to Teddy. Probably nothing considering the big softy loves his son too much to do anything, but then again, he certainly loves kissing me. Its close, I'm sure.
"Little cock blocker." Christian whispers under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear and giggle at. "Oh stop, he just wants all of our kisses for him." I giggle as I swoop in and smother my sons cheek in kisses. Christian can't help himself as he takes the other cheek, wringing a long fit of laughter from our son.
I can hear Elena laughing at us in the background but it only stands to make me angry. I know these mood swings of me being sympathetic and friendly one minute, and completely and irrationally angry with her the next is all down to my scattered hormones, but damn it I know deep down that's just the effect she has on me.
"Something funny Elena?" Christian asks with amusement as her giggles subside. She looks up at my husband with wonder in her eyes. Don't look at him like that, my subconscience hisses.
"I just never thought I'd see the day, Christian.. Mr. Grey, big shot CEO and loving father. Who knew? It suits you." Her voice goes quiet towards the end, almost like shes afraid shes said too much. Christian nods and his smile goes from that of amusement to general happiness as he pats Teddy in the head. "I never knew I could love this much honestly.." he quietly confesses as his eyes flick from Teddy to me, and then to both of us.
I blush under his gaze and I'm sure that isn't going unnoticed by the bitch troll intruding on our very intimate family moment. Augh. Why did Linc have to come back and beat her? I just want to enjoy my husband and son for a little while longer before Blip number 2 makes her debut. Instantly, I am hit with a fantastic idea on how to get her away from us for the day.
"Christian, could Sawyer go with Elena to her home so she could pack a bag for tonight? I'm sure she's sick of wearing my clothes."
"Err.." Christian begins, a little shocked I'm sure that I've just told him she'll be staying the night. Something I'm sure he's expecting a full explanation too when we're alone. "Of course yes. I'll ring Sawyer and have him come down now, is that alright Elena?"
Elena nods and takes a seat once again at the breakfast bar. Christian sends a quick text and within 2 minutes, I hear Sawyer coming down the stairs and the jingle of keys in his hand. "Sir." he greets as he comes into the kitchen, awaiting orders as do all the security staff when in his presence. They act so informal with me, its always so weird to see them treat Christian like hes the president of the US. "Sawyer, can you escort Elena to her home to collect a few things for her stay tonight? check the house before you allow her to enter. Take the new boy with you if needs be."
"Yes sir." Sawyer nods and walks out, Elena following suit. "Bye!" Teddy shouts as she is walking out the main front door. I can see shes taken aback by Teddy's outburst, as am I and Christian. She wavers for a moment and then turns to awkwardly wave. "Bye Thee-dore." she laughs as Sawyer shuts the door and they're gone.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding when the door shuts, and instantly I feel a weight is off my shoulders.
"So.. she's staying with us tonight?" Christian asks.
"Well yeah.." I start awkwardly but then begin to find my feet. "I mean what was I suppose to say? I know your husband is out of jail, is angry, bitter, only looking for revenge and is trying to kill you, but your a bitch and I don't like you?" I can see a smile trying to break out on his face but he knows just by my tone that I am now hormone anger driven Ana, and he knows the best way to handle her is to let her be angry.
"I suppose not." he saves himself with his passive answer. "Thank you." he then follows it up with, this answer a lot more genuine. "I'm afraid Linc's not going to stop until she's dead this time, so I'd really like to keep her where I know Linc can't touch her for now. At least until Taylor and the team can look over the security footage from her homes security cameras and get the proof we need to get him the life sentence he deserves."
I nod, knowing that this is both what needs to, and what will be done. I don't want anyone to die, bitch trolls or not. I don't ever want anybody's death to be my fault because I didn't do something. I presume since Linc was stupid enough to go to Elena's clearly camera monitored home and beat her up, the footage will be brought home by Sawyer, and it'll only be a matter of hours before the footage is searched for Linc, the appropriate pictures are taken, and then finally, the legal system will get involved.
"Okay.. Elena's out of the house for now and we only have a few more hours before my meeting with Dr. Greene." I smile up at my husband, knowing that this is both of our favourite times of the week. I walk over to him and put down my son who has his eyes on the train set in the family room, throwing my arms around his neck and kissing him lightly on the lips. "She probably hates you."
"Hmm?" he asks against my lips as he pries them open with his tongue to deepen it. I pull back after a long moment. "Dr. Greene? Making progress appointments for Pheobe on a Sunday? The poor woman is probably driven crazy by you." I tease.
"Mmm. I'm sure the money we pay her keeps her more than sane." he hums as he kisses the corner of my mouth and pulls me back. "Stop distracting me, wench. I have a son and wife to entertain until she's torn away from me."
I playfully scoff. "Only to check on the blip number 2." I stick my tongue out at him and squeal as he envelopes me in a hug, picking me up from the ground. "Don't stick that tongue out at me unless you want me to bite it woman." he growls.
"I apologize Mr. Grey." I pout at my husband as I make my most genuine apology to date.
"What an actress. You live to mock me, don't you woman?" He smirks that brain melting smirk at me.
"Its one of my many qualities." I whisper as I kiss his nose. "Come, husband, we owe our son and daughter a family day."
And that's exactly how we spent our afternoon. In our own little bubble out in the meadow. Me, Christian and Teddy all took off our shoes and rolled up our pants to our knees as we stepped into the shallow end of at the very edge of the lake, walking on the soft dirt and stones underneath the water all afternoon. Teddy spent the better part of our walk looking for fishes, but surprisingly did not find any, even after running along the edge screaming for them to come out of their hiding places. He never fails to put a smile on me or Christian's faces.
My appointment was at 4 o'clock, and of course, it went fine. I was told my due date was going to be August 26th, so Dr. Greene and I decided my voluntary C-section would be done of the 20th, to avoid all the chaos we had with Teddy. I got my ultrasound picture for Christian, as well as a fresh batch of vitamins from the grocery on the way home.
By the time I get home I see a note and a single white rose on the table from Christian.
Gone to work with the future heir to the throne. He loves his suit. We promise not to work too hard.
I miss you already.
Your utterly smitten husband. x
I pick up the rose and take a deep breathe of the lovely smell. My husband sure knows how to make my heart flutter. Placing it in the vase on the table, I take a quick look for Elena, but find I'm alone. A small smile breaks out on my face as I run for my laptop and the remote to the kitchen's television. Its my own rule that all laptops, phones and tablets are on lock down on Sundays, but my boys are out, and I want to make sure everything is ship shape at Grey Publishing. A quick check in won't hurt anybody, and Christian doesn't need to know.
"That's fine Jacob, just as long as the renovations are finished by the 12th." I yammer into the phone and I pace the length of the family room, my eye constantly darting to the television as I half pay attention to the latest episode of some sort of love triangle series that I'm starting to get into.
I wait a beat before replying. "Yes, the 20th will be the C-section, so I should be flying out late September, I can give you a better idea of dates closer to the time though." I start on my 50th lap of the family room as Jacob rants my ear off about cutting up my beautiful body and that its a crime or something. I'm only half paying attention at this point because I feel myself growing sleepy.
I wait another second before I interrupt Jacob mid sentence. "Yes Jacob will do, listen I gotta run. I think I hear Christian pulling up with Teddy, and I need to get him in his bath. We'll talk next week after the extension blueprints are sent to me... Yes, great, chat to you then, bye!" I hang up and collapse dramatically on the couch as I turn the television back up. I'm totally lost at this point sadly. I check to see if its recording and to my delight it is, so I decide to exit the episode and replay it from the start.
I don't get far when I hear the front door softly open and close. That only means one thing, my little boy is out for the count. Christian walks into the room with my tuckered out Teddy a moment later and I stand to give Christian a quick kiss before taking Teddy from him. "How was he?" I whisper as I admire my baby boy in his cute little suit. He does make quite a cute CEO.
"Oh he pitched a fantastic solution to my Taiwan based companies manufacturing problem and then he checked in with the branch in San Francisco to make sure their legal department was handling the insurance issue with one of their buildings. Typical day for him really."
I giggle at Christian's breeziness and rock my son back and forth. "Maybe its time for you to retire then old man, hand the reigns over to more bright and upcoming employees with fresh ideas."
He smirks at me as he rubs Teddy's back. "Then we could retire to Hawaii and I could get a message to help with these damn wrinkles."
I gently pat him on the cheek in the most patronizing way. "Hush Mr, Grey, they make you look sophisticated."
He lets out a quiet chuckle as he leans in for a quick kiss. "Let me put Teddy to bed so we can open up a bottle of wine and turn our family day over to our adult night." I teasingly whisper as I walk passed him in a hurry to leave him with his thoughts.
I scurry up the stairs and quietly pad down the hall to Teddy's room and gently set him down before removing his shoes and clothes, replacing them with a Spiderman t-shift and shorts that Mia gave him for his birthday. All the while he stays blissfully asleep as he sucks his thumb. I smile and gently pull the covers over his small body and kiss him good night.
I walk down the stairs, giddy as a horny teen as I walk into the family room, only for my expression to sour as I see Elena is back.
But I sense that all is not right as I see Taylor has now joined the group of Elena, Sawyer and Christian as they all pool over a few pictures on the table.
As I quietly step over and look passed Christian and Sawyer, I see the disturbing story each photo tells.
In some photos, security cameras are smashed. In others, plates and glasses are shattered. Clothes are torn, her bed is gutted. Complete and utterly senseless destruction is the only way I can describe what's happening in these photos.
But the one in the middle is the one that makes me go white as a sheet. On Elena's Bedroom wall reads:
Christian and Anastasia Grey
12 Bellevue drive
Seattle
WA, United States
If you don't come out, I'll just go in.
The last thing I remember is Christian shouting my name before I black out.
A/N: I made up their address since I don't think the book ever said where they were living exactly, so I looked up places surrounding Lake Washington *shrug*
