(THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all your reviews. I really appreciate all your kind words! This is my first fanfic and I'm very glad that you've taken time to read it. Again, Gracias a todos! *Un abrazo*)
Chapter 4
*ANA POV*
Christian has taken charge of my 23rd Birthday celebration. I am clueless as to what he has planned for today. I really dread aging, but knowing that my man is not getting younger is quite comforting. After giving me his gift this morning, he has arranged for breakfast in bed, some Fifty lovin' in the tub and a picnic in the meadow for our family. So far, the day has gone really well.
I have just finished using the contraption that is the breast pump for the purpose of extracting expressed milk for my son as per Master's request. The moment I told my husband I was ready to go back to work, I was given a lecture on child rearing. The scolding made me regret bringing Christian to parenting classes. I didn't know he'd be so hooked. He recites every guideline on proper parenthood to me as if it was taken from the Bible. He emphasizes his refusal of making Ted drink milk formula before he reaches 6 months old. The day after that argument, he brings home a breast pump. I thought it was some horny Christian Grey teasing equipment, but he was serious. He used the damn thing as a weapon of compromise. Who would've known that he'd really taken lactation to heart? He made me read the manual that night. I told him I already did even though I didn't. The next day he barraged my phone with questions of how to and how not to use the evil breast pump. I searched for the equally evil manual to no avail. Christian then texted me that he knew I didn't read it, which is why he hid it. Sneaky Fifty. I knew when he came home it would be another long lecture on Teddy's well-being. With much passion about lactation, he must've been a renowned milkmaid in his past life. But then I realized he is no different about me & my appetite (or lack thereof), and Teddy's nutrition. The thought of the twenty page food list he gave me for my postpartum recovery came to mind. My Fifty is just too loving and caring when it comes to his family. I accepted defeat that night, giving in to the damned breast apparatus.
I place the filled milk bottles inside Teddy's fridge. Christian comes just in time.
"You did what I asked?" He asks me. I nod.
"Good." He looks to Teddy's crib and sees him fast asleep.
"I gave the baby monitor to Mrs. Taylor. She'll attend to his needs."
Sensing his plan, I take my hairpin off and let my mane fall. "And whose needs shall I attend to then?" I say in my best attempt to do a sultry voice. I bite my lip consciously, knowing it does things to Christian.
"Come." He extends his hand.
"What if I won't?" My hand brushes through my cleavage.
Christian steps forward and I take a step back.
He shrugs. "You really want to play that game?"
"Maybe." I tease.
He takes his shirt off and throws them on the floor.
"Christian! We are not having sex here! It's the law." I whisper vehemently.
"He's asleep." He continues to unfasten his belt. He seems really determined to do this.
We both know we don't have the heart to do an exhibition infront of Teddy. We love him way too much to scar him for life. "Do it." I urge him.
He unzips his pants slowly, no doubt waiting for me to cave in.
I stand my ground, not moving a muscle. "Go on, Christian."
He suddenly pulls me to him, kissing me hard. He rubs my breasts with his hands. I jump at him, putting my legs around his waist, still locking lips. "Bedroom." I whisper to his ear. We immediately exit the nursery and make a run for the bedroom.
"Deeper, baby," I begged. My nails are buried in Christian's copper hair as I urge him on. His hands spread my legs wider, and I arched my pelvis towards him. He thrusts into me. Hard. "Christian!" I whimper. He continues to move inside me, going slow, fast, deep and deeper. "So. Tight. So. Good," he pants into my ear. His solid thickness gliding in and out of me makes the pit of my stomach quiver. "Unnhhh, Christian! Christian!" I hold on him, knowing I'm close. He now drives faster and buries himself deeper that before. He sneaks a hand in between us, rubbing my clitoris as he continues thrusting. He knows it drives me wild until I can't take it anymore. Stars explode before my very eyes. We both scream each other's name as we come.
We now lay on sex-stained bed. I am lying on his chest, his arms wrapping my little body. The air smells of our lovemaking, my favourite bedroom scent.
"Five. Wow," Christian breaks the silence.
I giggle. "Five is wow, babe. But I believe that's now becoming an average," I say.
"True," He agrees.
I move up to cup his face and give him a quick peck on the lips. "So tell me Mr. Grey, is his the number you normally go with your subs?" I ask.
"I don't do vanilla with my subs, Anastasia," he replies. "Only you." He places my strayed hair behind my ears.
I kiss him passionately as my hand wanders to his erection.
I can feel Christian's hardness as I grasp him tightly. "Gods Ana!"
As we almost give into each other again, Christian's blackberry rings. "Rain check."
"Oh no you don't!" I admonish him. I continue my lewd ministrations on his favourite body part.
He grabs the blackberry and answers the call. "Mom?" He motions for me to stop.
A call from Grace doesn't stop me. I see Christian is trying to contain himself as he is now profusely sweating. I continue to caress his erection, making love to it with my hand.
"Yes, mom, Okay." he says, almost shrieking. "Mom please. Yes. Yes. I get it. Yes!" He starts tossing his upper body from side to side.
I decided to take it a step further by rubbing the head of his erection with my thumb.
"Mom. Please, just please. I understand." He closes his eyes. "Mom! Okay! Yes! Bye!" Christian's patience breaks. He throws his phone before the caller on the other line could ever answer.
He takes me hand away from his erection and eyes me blankly. Oh boy, he's not pleased.
"Not cool," he mouths. He stands up and extends his hand to me. "Shower," he says in a cold, demanding tone. I nod and take his hand.
I rummage through my walk in closet, looking for something to wear. My head turns to back to the events that happened prior to our relaxing shower. I scold myself mentally for being obtuse sometimes.
Christian enters the room looking as gorgeous as ever, this time in a tux. My inner goddess' mouth falls to the floor, and my subconscious follows suit.
"Are we going out tonight?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "Turn around baby."
I turn away from him.
He stands behind me, the proximity is intoxicating. He slides his hands up and down my arms. He presses himself closer to my back, wanting my backside to feel his bulge. The lets my hair drape on one side of my shoulder before he starts to nuzzle my neck. "You smell good, Ana."
I close my eyes. "It's the smell of five earth shattering orgasms, Christian."
"True." His hands are now resting on my tummy . "Close your eyes birthday girl."
I do as I am told. Next thing I know, Christian has blindfolded me.
"Don't take it off or I will punish you," he whispers. I nod.
"I need you to trust me Ana. Do not resist. Do not fight back. Okay, baby?"
I nod again.
"I need you to promise me."
"I promise, Christian."
"Good." I feel him kiss my lips gently.
He then places what seems to be a headphone on my ears. A loud, melodious tune starts to play. It's the same song that Christian asked me to listen to while he was fucking me during our earlier days. "Christian Grey," I speak, but I barely hear my voice. This is freaking loud.
I suddenly feel hands on my body. Thin fingers, uncalloused, silky hands. It's not just one person I feel. Unless of course, this one happens to be a mutant with four hands. I attempt to fight them off but I remember what I had just promised Christian. No, I won't break my promise. I feel their hands holding extremities, moving it in a range of motion.
A little while later, I know I'm clothed and my hair is done. I'm just glad no drastic measures that involves shaving or plucking was done. I wouldn't want to strangle anyone on my birthday.
I believe I am sitting in the living area of the Masters bedroom. The headphones were taken from my ears.
"Finally! I was a little scared of going deaf," I scold whoever was there.
I hear the sound of the door closing.
I'm staying put. I promised my husband I'd trust him. Damn, Fifty and all his ideas!
I suddenly feel like I am being lifted on the floor and carried. The smell of my husband tickles my nostrils.
"Christian?" I ask.
"Thank you for cooperating," he replies. He plants a kiss on my forehead.
I know we are mobile. I felt him close the bedroom door a while ago.
I cuddle close to him, smelling his scent.
"You smell good, Christian."
"Thanks. Today is an extra special day so I decided to bathe. I tried out that thing people call 'shampoo'. I used to think hygiene was overrated, boy am I wrong. I think I'll take a bath everyday from now on," he answers sarcastically.
Ha-ha-ha. Silly Fifty.
He puts me down on the ground and steadies my gait. I feel him take the blindfold off, but replaces them with his hands.
"Ready, baby?"
I nod.
He puts his hands down and kisses my cheek.
HOLY COW. I am on top flight of the stairs, overlooking the living room. It is now filled with familiar faces. Everyone is now looking at me. They raise their glasses, and simultaneously yell out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
I can hear Teddy's shriek and loud babbling amongst the crowd.
I am in awe right now. "Thank you!" I yell back and wave at them.
I look down at my outfit. I am wearing a white gown with black floral prints, similar to Audrey Hepburn's iconic gown in "Sabrina".
I look at Christian who looks suave in his tux.
"Who are you supposed to be?" I ask.
"Bond. James Bond." He winks at me.
Christian or whoever he hired has done a good job decorating party favors. The room is filled with pink and white curtains, and pink balloons hanging on the ceiling. By the large window is an eight tier, all white cake with roses on the base. In the middle of the room is a liquor bar filled with all of Christian's favourite wines.
I am still stunned with all the things Christian has cooked up for today. "How did you manage to do this?" I ask him.
"I wanted to throw you a party, one that you'd love."
"You planned all this?"
He shakes his head. "Sadly, I am not in the business of party planning. I asked help from Mia and Kate. They conceptualized the idea and I liked it."
"I like it too, Christian."
He leans down and kisses me on the lips. "Everything had to undergo my approval though. I know how crazy my sister and that bestfriend of yours can be." He probably calls into mind my 'bachelorette kidnapping' wherein I was 'almost' flown from Seattle to Vegas. He knew of the plans after he wire tapped the phone of the apartment I used to share with Kate. He heard the conversation Mia was having with an airline company, asking for them to book us on the next flight, ASAP. Control freak Fifty kicks into action with his team, guns a blazing (but being strongly against firearms, you could say, floggers, whips and canes a blazing). To make the long story short, he got to SeaTac before we did, blocking our names off every flight of every airline until the wedding day.
"I am impressed that you were able to smuggle everything under my nose without my knowledge, Christian."
"I do remember you telling me that I use sex as a weapon, Anastasia."
Christian always has me to a disadvantage when it comes to sex. Always! My subconscious glares at me for being too predictable. "Damn Grey. You know my weakness."
He raises his eyebrows playfully at me and slaps my behind before giving it a hard squeeze.
We both make our way to the crowd, all family and friends, wishing me a happy birthday.
We spot Teddy being carried by Gail, who is sporting a female pirate outfit.
"Teddy bear!" I reach for my boy who excitedly comes to his mama's arms.
He is only wearing diapers under his white underwear with wings attached to his shoulders.
"You are so cute!" I sprinkle him with kisses all over & he rewards me with a giggle.
"I cannot believe Mia made him wear this." Christian shakes his head.
"What? Look at him!" I raise Teddy in Christian's direction. "He's very cute! Like a real angel. Only you would have issues about something holy." I roll my eyes at him.
"Eye rolling at daddy infront of my baby? That's a double offense." Christian shakes his head. "Come to Daddy, Ted." Christian emphasizes the word Daddy. He's been repeating that word to Teddy ever since he read a book on Infant development. I saw him a few times repeating the word 'Daddy' like a mantra to Teddy while the latter was asleep. He said he was sending subliminal message to Teddy's subconscious. That way, Teddy might dream of him and feel safe & protected. He stopped the routine after I made jokes about his attempts at 'Inception'. I had to continuously remind Christian that Teddy is barely a year old.
I hand Teddy to him whom he welcomes with open arms. "Eye rolling is a bad habit, son. Remember that."
The three of us walk around to greet everybody. Teddy was of course the star, not that 'Sabrina' and 'James Bond' complained.
"Dr. Flynn! Rhian!" I shake Dr. Flynn's hand and give a polite curtsy to Rhian.
"Please Birthday girl, it's John,"
"..and who is this little one?" Rhian questions. She touches Teddy's chubby fingers, and he stares at them.
"Say hi to Dr. Flynn and Rhian, sweetie." Ted's only response is a blink.
Christian takes Ted's hand and makes a waving motion. He then kissed his son's forehead.
"He really looks like a real angel," Rhian adds. She rubs Teddy's chubby cheek, making him giggle.
We continue our interaction with our guests. A few of my friends from work are present: My assistant, Hannah, Claire from reception, my boss, Roach and his wife. Christian's right hand Ros was also present, along with Andrea and a few of his blonde troupes.
Taylor's team was also there, scattered around the vicinity, all in black suits. I know they're in "work mode" now.
I look around the crowd for family, particularly, my side of the family.
"Ray couldn't make it. He still isn't allowed to drive." Christian must've sensed my inner thoughts. After his accident, Christian has secured a personal nurse for Ray, as well as safe proofing his entire house and getting regular home check-ups from his doctor. "Jose and his dad don't want to leave him alone either. They sent their regards though." I smile. "Your mom on the other hand has developed a new phobia for flying after watching a documentary of in-flight accidents. She explained that one thoroughly to me." I roll my eyes. My mom is a dramaqueen extraordinaire. She will get over that "phobia" in a few days, trust me.
We have passed by Grace and Carrick who are in a nun and priest costume respectively. Christian and I had to subtlety fight them off for Teddy's presence.
I activated my filter and continuously had to remind myself mentally that it was a costume party and everybody was entitled to wear what they liked. I lost it though when I saw Elliot wearing a Chippendale costume. Christian and I were both perplexed. I had the urge to cover Ted's eyes with my hands.
"Ana, Christian, I am very sorry for this. Elliot forgot to buy a costume, so he had to make do with what he owns. Apparently he doesn't own that much," Kate apologizes. She looks very immaculate in a Jessica Rabbit number.
"The fact that he owns hot leather pants is astonishing to me," I reply.
Elliot approaches us and puts an arm around Kate.
"I'm really happy Ana decided to forgo the centralized air-conditioning," Elliot jokes. "Apparently, so is Teddy." He points to Ted who is clutched to his father's chest.
"I do pay you enough to buy clothes Lelliot," Christian scowls at him jokingly.
"Yeah you do. But these babies cost a fortune." He runs his hands through his leather pants.
Mia and Ethan approach us hand in hand. Mia is in a Princess Leia outfit, buns included, while Ethan is in a Han Solo costume.
"I didn't know you also sideline as a waiter, Elliot," Mia says.
"Well now you do," Elliot replies. His permanent smile widens.
"So Ana, do you like your look?" Mia asks.
"I do. Was it you who did all this?"
"Well Kate and I did. Christian told us what he'd like"
I look at Christian who he winks at me & leans closer. "I know your body well."
I blush.
At dinner, everybody in attendance except for my drowsy son gathered at the dining table, savouring the gastronomical feast prepared by Gail. Grace, is now recalling the events of Ted's latest check up. She relishes the role of being his grandmother/paediatrician too much. She and Carrick did. Even though he had work, he would always be waiting in Grace's office everytime Christian and I set an appointment for Teddy. Everyone in the table seems to be genuinely interested to listen to Grace's tale of Teddy's excellent health record and his immunization status.
"Theodore was such a brave boy when he received his vaccines. He only cried a few tears afterwards. Most kids get frightened when they see needles, but not our darling Teddy," Grace proudly narrates. Christian was more nervous when Teddy had his immunization. A day prior to our clinic visit, he stayed in his study from morning to night, reading books, journals and research papers on vaccines, even calling his mom in the dead of night to ask her questions about the procedure.
"He is! Teddy is such a darling. One time, I almost dropped him and he didn't even flinch." Mia adds.
Oh boy. That is not something you'd want to say around his dad.
Christian freezes, dropping his fork & knife into his plate. His piercing grey angry eyes glare at Mia.
I squeeze his hand before he decides to say something that might spoil the night. "Almost, Christian. She didn't drop him," I whisper, enunciating the word "almost" . My hand rubs his back, trying to calm him.
He closes his eyes and takes a sharp intake of breath. He picks up his fork & knife and starts eating again.
Success! My subconscious and I give each other a high five.
"Tell them about the story of his Daddy's picture!" Carrick insists.
Christian is now smiling shyly, his is looking down on his plate. I give him a quick peck on the cheek.
"Oh yes!" Grace claps her hands. "They came to my clinic a few weeks ago. My grandchild was on my sons lap. He saw his Daddy's picture on my table. He smiled showing his entire gums and stared at the picture for a long time. He turned to his daddy and kept on giggling. Just as they were about to leave, he cried and cried. We didn't know what he was crying about, but he kept on looking at his dad's photo on my table. He ended up bringing that photo home with him, and that stopped his tears." Grace's voice was breaking, no doubt almost crying. "He's such a sweet little boy."
An echoing of 'awww' can be heard as the story finished. Christian has cited that story as an evidence of his subliminal messages to Teddy at work. I giggle.
After dinner, dancing at the backyard followed. Christian has outdone himself yet again by setting up a marquee in our backyard. Inside was a temporary dancefloor, a stage in the middle, sound equipment, a table with cocktails, and a dj. Everyone excitedly took their places and danced the night away. Even Christian's grandparents, both clad in Amish outfits can't be kept away from the festivities.
After what seemed like the hundredth song of the evening, the music stopped.
"What? I'm not partied out yet!" Mr. Trevelyan clearly wasn't pleased. Grace was patting his back, stifling a laugh.
Mia was onstage asking for everyone's attention. "Thank you everyone for being here tonight. I hoped you enjoyed tonight. Woohoo!" She gestures to punch the air. "I would like to call the attention of my sister-in-law, the birthday girl & her husband. Ana, Christian?" Mia searches through the crowd for us.
Christian takes my hand and raises his eyebrows suggestively. "Shall we, Mrs. Grey?"
I squeeze his hand. "We shall."
We both proceed onstage to where Mia is standing.
Mia hands me the microphone.
I stare at it at first, not knowing what to say. I look up to Christian who eyes me lovingly. Even without words, he still manages to send a wave of encouragement through me. "Hello? I – uh." My hands are shaking, I have always felt socially awkward, no doubt a manifestation of my stage fright. Christian squeezes my hand in support. I felt a surge of confidence flow inside me. "I would just like to thank everyone who came tonight. I really did not expect this." I smile at my husband. "This day has been Christian's doing." I blush as I recall everything that happened since this morning. "I didn't ask him for anything because he has already given me everything I ever wanted." I am not for any forms of PDA, but I feel like Christian deserves it right now. And there my tears go again, for the nth time today. "Christian." I turn to face him. We are now looking at each other. "Thank you for everything. You are my lover, partner, bestfriend, confidant, better half, the love of my life, man of my dreams, and baby daddy." I giggle through tears. "You have given me the best thing in life when you asked me to be your girlfriend, your wife and when you gave me a son."
Christian wipes my tears with the back of his knuckles.
I can hear sobbing around me. My peripheral vision spots Kate who I think is crying on Elliot's chest.
"I love you. I love you so much, Christian Grey." The waterworks continue.
"I love you too, so much," Christian mouths to me.
He pulls me into his arms, dips me and kisses me passionately.
We could hear the 'Oooos' of people around, but didn't care.
He pulls me back up again and let go of me. He pretends to straighten his bow and winks at the guests.
Oh Fifty. Smooth as ever.
Mia taps Christian's shoulders from behind, handing him a fully dressed Teddy in a onsie. He woke up hungry no doubt.
"Here's our baby boy." Christian kisses Teddy's cheeks and holds him against his chest, facing the crowd. He takes Teddy's hand and gestures for him to wave.
We can see his grandparents waving their hands and blowing kisses to his direction.
Teddy doesn't look to happy though as he was obviously disrupted from his sleep. He stares back up at Christian, giving him his own version of Daddy's signature 'cold stare'. Good job Teddy! Now your father will feel how soul wrenching his glares can be.
I place the microphone infront of Christian's mouth, motioning for him to say something.
The moment Christian clears his throat, all the attention is now solely on him. He has the demeanour of a young, brilliant CEO that reflects his effect on people. "Thank you everyone for coming & taking time to be a part of today's celebration. It means so much to Theodore and myself that Ana is loved by the people she truly cares for. Thank you for loving my wife and mother to my son. Thank you." Teddy pulls the other end of the microphone. "Seems like little Theodore would like to say something."
Grace and Carrick have now travelled from the back of the tent, to the front of the stage. Carrick takes pictures as Grace keeps making faces at Teddy.
"Want to say something Ted?" I ask him. I now position the microphone before him.
His hands play the top of it now, bringing his lips closer.
He babbles on incessantly as his voice can be heard around the tent. His proud grandparents are now clapping their hands. Ted looks quizzically to Christian as he continuous his rambling. He must be curious as to why he can hear his voice so loudly, I assume. Christian smiles at his son's antics. Teddy shrieks and taps the microphone yet again, this time with force. He giggles revealing his gummy smile. Everyone seems to be smitten with Teddy as they all chuckle with him.. or at him.
Mia signals something to Christian with her hands. He leans closer to her and she whispers something to him. He snickers, and gives her a nod.
Mia walks to me and takes the microphone from my hand.
Teddy follows the direction of the microphone and glowers at his aunt Mia for taking his new toy. He looks so much like Christian, it's scary.
"Okay, guys. The night isn't over yet!" Mia exclaims, as enthusiastic as ever. Please exit the tent quietly in a orderly fashion." Everyone looks at her, confused. "Trust me, people! Go on! Chop, chop!"
The crowd evaporates from the tent, as per Mia's instructions.
We are now all outside, waiting for the surprise.
Christian and I are standing next to each other, my left arm on his waist, and my head on his shoulder. He is still holding Teddy and seems to be covering his head. Another 'parenting protocol' for sure.
He looks at the night sky and smiles.
"What is it?" I ask him.
He leans down and kisses me. "Watch"
I stare at the sky which is now lit up by fireworks. Oh my. "Christian!"
"I know you love fireworks, baby," he replies.
My eyes are still fixed on the sky. "It's so beautiful." I look to him and see him staring keenly at me. "Thank you. I love it, Christian!"
"We aim to please Mrs. Grey," he says, smirking.
Teddy's gray eyes widen in awe. He opens his arms up to the heavens. I put my finger on his hand, which he fully grasps. He points to the skies with the other.
"He loves it, too." His proud papa cuddles him closer to his body.
Cascading hues of reds, yellows, orange, green and pink continue to glisten, giving colors to the sky. For almost 10 minutes, everyone's attention was on the pyrotechnic display. The last part of the show was the three red flares that blazed up, forming the shape of a heart.
Teddy gawks at the sight. He looks at me and Christian with his mouth open, looking very surprised.
About an hour later, the night ends as everyone takes their leave.
Ted is now tucked tightly in his crib. I relish his moments of somnolence, as I know he'll be awake crying and hungry soon.
Christian and I retire in our bedroom. We are both cuddling, sitting up on our bed, still fresh from our late night shower.
My head is on his chest and my hands are snaked on his waist. His are across my shoulder and my lap.
I close my eyes, reminiscing the activities of today.
Christian caresses my hair. "Sleepy, love?"
I shake my head. "No. I'm just thinking."
He raises his eyebrows. "Of what?"
"Of today. The videos, the picnic, the sex, the surprise party, the fireworks." I nuzzle his chest.
He envelopes my body in his arms tightly. "You know I'd give you the world, Anastasia."
I place a chaste kiss on his heart. "I know. Thank you."
"No need to thank me. It's my life's mission."
I stare up lovingly into my Fifty's eyes. My beautiful man, my beautiful love.
"You make me the happiest woman in the world. I am so in love with you, Christian."
He kisses my lips, gently, but with much passion.
"I want to make love to you now, Ana."
My ears pop up like a puppy after hearing his words.
I pull myself up and hurriedly discard my shirt, revealing nothing underneath. I tug Christian's drawstring pajama bottoms and throw it on the floor. By the looks of it, my husband is very pleased to see me. "Take me. Now."
His lips turn into a sly grin. "Oh I will, wench."
This is going to be a long night...