Chapter 4

Beta by Carol Lopez

APOV

It's a been a whirlwind of a month. The paternity test came back in the quickest record time, Christian had great influence over the fast results. Chris and I both went to Christian's apartment so we could all be together to read the results. His apartment was the most extravagant home I have ever seen, which made me worry that if the test came back that he is Chris's daddy; Chris will most likely destroy everything in his path. We all sat in the main room while Christian held onto the envelope for dear life. I ended shouting rather loudly for him to just open it and lets get this over with. I never meant it how it came out. I just want answers, and I guess Christian's patience is a lot better than mine. After what felt like hours of waiting, we finally found out that in fact Christian is Chris's biological father.

Christian was over the moon and in such high spirits with the news, but on the other hand, I was doing a lot of inward thinking about how life was going to change. I know I sound selfish, but I couldn't stop thinking about how this will drastically change our lives. At this rate, Christian's life was changing rather quickly, as well. That was a month ago now and I have to say things have been amazing. Christian has taken his role very seriously, and we have been working pretty well together.

The first day Christian and Chris were alone together, I was out of my mind. My worry lasted for the first couple of weeks of their visits. We are a well oiled machine now. Well, according to Christian we are. The biggest hurdle we have faced was dealing with my dad. He was not impressed with the news, but I think deep down he is happy Chris now has a daddy. I just don't think he likes Christian too much. He moaned about him being too wealthy and powerful and he has genuine concerns about Chris. I have allowed my dad to take his time in dealing with all of the new developments. I have had more time to get used to everything. Ray being Ray, did politely threaten Christian at family dinner at the Greys, which was so uncomfortable. I think him and Carrick will be good friends, as they are both as negative and skeptical as the other. Carrick has not warmed up to me, yet. But, he is taking on the granddaddy role perfectly. The rest of the Greys have been amazing, especially Grace.

I am studying for finals right now. I got a last minute internship at SIP, a publishing company. So, my life is pretty hectic right now. Christian and I disagreed on the internship, as he thinks I have taken on way too much. I appreciate his concern, but I need the experience. Even if it is only for a short time, it will still look good on my résumé. The press has been a nightmare since Christian released a statement about him being a father. I know feel like a celebrity every time I leave my house. I am always being asked questions and even everyone at college is treating me different. Sawyer has been a Godsend at times, as Christian was right about Chris and I needing security. Lately, the press has gotten out of hand on a few occasions. So now, we have Reynolds on our team, as I like to call it. Today, I am at SIP for a few hours. Then, I have studying to do and most likely clean the apartment, as Kate is useless in that department. Chris is spending the day with Christian and the Greys as they are doing something fun, apparently. I leave SIP a little earlier than usual, as I am starting to feel unwell. I think Christian was right that I am over doing it just a little bit. As I head towards my car, my head starts to spin and I feel like I am losing my balance.

"Miss Steele" Is all I hear before everything goes dark.

Beep beep beep beep. I throw my arm out to switch off my alarm, when I realize it's not on the bedside cabinet. I give up and open my eyes to be greeted by Christian and Chris. Oh fuck! Christian Grey is in my bedroom. What the hell is going on? I know he's been in here once before, but I don't like to think about that.

"Anastasia you gave everyone quite a scare." I can hear the concern in his voice.

"What are you talking about? Please give me Chris, I feel like I haven't held him forever."

"Well, you have been unconscious for over 24 hours so I guess for any parent that would feel like forever."

"Excuse me? I have been a what now? Huh?" I am so confused. What the hell is going on?

I move my arm out so I can take Chris, when I see wires attached to my hand. What the hell! I take a look around me, and I can see I am clearly in a hospital. How the hell did I get here?

"You collapsed outside SIP. Sawyer was the one who brought you here. Ana, I can't even begin to tell you how frantic I have been! I have decided to take some matters into my own hands, as this could have happened while Chris was with you, and it could've been a lot worse." I can hear the anger in his voice.

"I know! You don't have to make me feel like a bad mother. Now, can I please just hold my baby?" I can see the look of guilt on his face. I doubt he wanted to make me feel that way, but he did.

"Christian, what did you mean you have taken some matters into your own hands?" He inhales rather deeply, which worries me. Oh fuck! Is he going to try and take Chris away from me?

"I have moved you and Chris into the apartment under mine. So, we can be closer and I can be there quicker in case of any emergencies, or if I am needed at anytime of the day." Who the hell does this man think he is?! I over worked myself and fainted. He's acting like I am the worst mother on the planet, who can't take care of her own child.

"Christian, I'm offended that you think you can just do that and for insinuating that I am a bad mother. I'm guessing all our belongings from our apartment have been moved? So, I would like them returned, as you can't just remove Chris or me from our home. Who the hell do you think you are?!" I yell out.

"I am Chris's daddy. I have every right and responsibility to make sure my son and his mother are safe and close by."

I now have Chris in my arms and I can see his little eyes start to open. I can't continue this conversation with Christian because I know it will turn into an argument, which my son doesn't need to hear.

"We will talk about this in a more private setting, as I will not do this in front of Chris." I whisper shout.

I just get a nod from Christian. If he wasn't so hot and if my body didn't constantly scream at me to jump his bones, I would enjoy ripping him a new one. I guess a part of me is disappointed that we are not living as a family. I thought there was something romantic sparking between us, but I guess I was just kidding myself.

Two days after leaving the hospital, Kate tells me that she is up and leaving to go travelling and that she does not know when she will return. I know this is how Kate handles things not going her way. Her and Elliot had been hooking up and I think Elliot quickly realized that she's not exactly the relationship type of girl. So now, Kate will go on her version of travelling, which is just going on a vacation for an extended time to lick her wounds.
Christian and I had a talk about the whole Escala thing. After a few glasses of wine and long conversation, I decided that it will be best for us all to live closer together. As I was planning on moving closer to the city after finals anyway. So, I guess I just got a head start. Christian has been amazing. He helped me put my apartment on the market.

We did disagree on me paying for the apartment he is giving to me and Chris. But, he said he wanted to provide a home for his child, so I backed down a little. In addition to the apartment, Christian wants to pay child support, which I don't know how to feel about it. I know all men should support their children, but when it's a billionaire it can look a bit gold digger style.

I'm brought out of my thoughts by my little boy crying, making me aware he has awoken for the day. We both have nothing planned for today, so I decide to get us both dressed, and go see if Daddy would like to go take some family photographs today. I'm trying my hardest to include Christian as much as possible without feeling like a pushover, because he has gotten his own way...lately. I'm enjoying the help and family for my son, but I get the feeling that Christian needs to be in control all the time. I don't want to feel like I am being bulldozed by him. I think my feelings for Christian are evolving everyday and I want more.

CPOV

My mother always told me I could ace any test I took, but I could not be prouder when I saw the results of the paternity test. A part of me wanted to tell Anastasia that I would like for us both to celebrate together once Chris went to bed. Because, I want her so bad that my dick actually hates me right now. I have been a real daddy for a month now and everything has been amazing, well apart from Raymond Steele that is.

It's still an ongoing battle. Carrick is no better, him and Mr Steele seem to be teaming up to be the haters as Anastasia calls them. They're both great Grandfathers to my son, but it isn't right how myself and Anastasia get treated by each others fathers. I'm more concerned for Anastasia than myself.
The day Chris and I had a man's day was the most rewarding and nerve-wracking day of my life. Mommy was feeling the same as she blew up my phone, but she would never admit to it...but she did. We have been doing a lot together as a family unit, and we seem to be co parenting amazingly. But, that's not what I want. I want to come home to my girl and our son and be a family under one roof. I want to go to bed every night with the woman I am falling for, after reading our little one to sleep. I know Christian Grey has turned into a soppy family man. I bet no one would have thought that I had it in me.
The press have been pissing me off after I released a statement. They've been acting like starving lions. I hired more security for my son and his mother, as I will protect them at all costs. On top of all of that, I can tell Anastasia is wearing herself out. She is studying for her finals and took on an internship at SIP, which I am in the process of buying as I don't like the way her boss looks at her. Something about him does not sit too well with me at all. OK, a part of me might be jealous, but my gut is never wrong. I'm doing everything in my power to keep eyes and ears on Jack Hyde.

The day Sawyer called to tell me Ana had collapsed and was being taken the hospital, I thought my heart had actually stopped beating. I admit I handled it in the wrong way. I even got her stuff moved out of her apartment and into one in Escala, without even discussing it with her. I made Ana feel like she was a bad mother and that was never my intention. I'm just a control freak who reacts in his own way, but I think I need to learn not to be that way when it comes to my son and his mother.

The argument was short and brief as we should never be arguing in front of our child, no matter how old he is. As time went on, Ana decided it was a good idea for her to move into Escala so the three of us could be closer together.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly, until I brought up paying child support and her not paying for the apartment. I just want to be a good daddy, but I don't want to step on Ana's toes. It's so hard to navigate this co parent relationship, when all I want is for us to be a couple and be happy.

Yes, I am in love with Anastasia Steele and I want her. But, how do I get her?