Hi everyone! I have a long chapter for you! I've been working hard on it and I hope you enjoy it! Feedback is always welcomed! There will be another chapter! If there is anything you want (a lemon, certain scenario or characters) please leave them in the reviews. Thank you for your patience and reading my story! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
DAY 8
"Good morning everyone!" Ryan and Jackie both come in to greet them.
Phoebe was sitting on Christian's lap eating pieces of biscuit and fruit Gail had made for them yesterday to drop off with their clothes last night. Ana was sitting on Teddy's bed coloring with him.
"Good morning." Ana smiles at them.
"Are you ready to get that thing out of your arm, champ?"
"Yes! It's starting to itch!" Talking about his PICC line.
"Do you want to walk with us to go get it taken out? Or do you want to ride in the wheel chair?" Jackie asked.
"I'll walk!"
Ana smiled. She was getting her old Teddy Bear back little by little. He wasn't one hundred percent. He was still having some pain and tenderness and wasn't full of energy but the fact that he was wanting to voluntary walk was a good sign. It has been a task to get him to do the past week since it caused him so much pain.
Ryan helps Teddy get out bed since he was still hooked on an IV to stay hydrated and antibiotics. He ate a little more Jell-O last night and some apple juice and was holding it down fine.
Christian stands up and hands Phoebe to Ana. "I'll go with them." Ana could tell Christian was really worked up. He is anxious in his hopes of Teddy getting released today. He didn't sleep at all last night. Ana shared the couch with Phoebe last night to sleep. She would wake up some during the night and would see Christian sitting next to Teddy's bed just staring at him. 'Oh Christian, what are you thinking?' Her heart hurt seeing him so intense in this situation especially with the high possibly of Ted being released.
Teddy takes Nurse Jackie and Mr. Ryan's hands and walks toward the room where he was getting his PICC line out. Christian walked close by to hold his IV poll and Bear that Teddy insist come with him. He was not allowed in the room during the procedure. They walked into the room and saw Grace talking to the radiologist who was taking the line out. Christian took an internal sigh of relief that his mom would be with him.
"Grandma!"
Grace smiled big at her grandson. He looked so much better. He looked exactly like Christian. She bends down so he could give her a hug. "There's my darling grandson! You are looking so much better. It's only been two days since I've last seen you! What an improvement." She wraps him in a gentle hug. She glances up at her own son. He looks tense. She's released Teddy and helps him to get on the bed and get situated for the procedure. Christian left the room and waited outside for him. Grace helped and held Teddy's hand whenever he needed to. After he was done they headed back to the room.
"Ana!" Graces says warmly as she walked in the room. Ana was handling a fussy Phoebe. She was starting to get all out of sorts. She has been off her routine lately and has been different family members to help watch her and it was starting to show. She needed to get back her on routine. Ana felt terrible that her baby girl is feeling so flustered. She doesn't blame her though. She has been a pleasant and overall a happy toddler with the circumstances but it's been a little over a week and Miss Phoebe was not having it anymore. Ana said an extra prayer that Teddy will hold down his lunch so he can get released.
"Hi Grace." Ana continues to sooth Phoebe. Grace walks over to them and starts to talk to both of them. Teddy gets back on his bed with Christians help.
"Look mommy! I got blue!" He holds up his arm to show he the blue bandage wrapped around his upper arm to seal off the openings from the PICC line.
"That's awesome, baby. Your favorite color!"
A few minutes later Ryan comes back with a sandwich and water for Teddy.
"Alright bud it's time to eat! If you eat this and don't get sick you will be able to go home."
Teddy takes a bite and chews slowly, all the adults are watching him like hawks since a sandwich is a little heavier than Jell-O. When he's done chewing he just sits there and stares at his sandwich not saying anything.
Ryan grabs the pan next to his bed not sure if he's going to throw up or not.
Christian jumps into action.
"Theodore?" He moves from the chair to the bed instantly.
"What's wrong? Does your tummy hurt?"
Teddy still starting at his sandwich shakes his head no. Christian put his hand on his forehead to see if he was running a fever again. No, nothing. He doesn't even feel warm.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?" He looks at him with concerned eyes. Ana hands Phoebe to Grace and comes to stand behind Christian holding her breath and puts her hands on both of his shoulders. She was worried. Teddy was fine and talkative a few minutes ago and now he's doesn't look like himself.
"If I eat the sandwich, then I have to leave Mr. Ryan and Nurse Jackie." He looked so sad. Christian and Ana sighed in relief that it wasn't something more serious. They knew he grew fond of them but not this much. Christian took a deep breath and sighed.
"You will see them again, son. We can come back and visit any time. I need you to eat your sandwich please. It will help you get stronger." He smooths his hair back. "You're going to get to leave here and go home with mommy and daddy and your sister. You'll get to sleep in your own bed, play with all of your toys. Thanksgiving is coming up and everyone is coming over. Don't you want to help Mrs. Taylor in the kitchen?" He nods his head yes. "It will be okay Teddy. I promise you." He kisses him on his head. Ana squeezes Christians arm giving him reassurance he is saying the right things. Grace is holding Phoebe looking in awe of her son. She didn't think he would ever get married or have kids but always had hope.
"Can you eat your sandwich for me now please?
Teddy nodded his head yes and picked up his sandwich and took another bite.
An hour later with no sign of needing to throw up Ryan took his temperature.
"98.6! You are officially fever free bud!"
Both Christian and Ana breathed an internal sigh of relief. They were going to go home. Ana has been in contact with Ray. He's going to meet them at the big house and eat dinner with them and say goodbye before going back to Montesano in the morning until Thanksgiving next week. Ana felt comfort that her dad drove to Seattle to see his grandson and be there for her. She definitely needed him more than she thought. Kate, Elliot and Mia were in contact with them the whole time getting updates and how he was doing. Ana kept in contact with her mom as well. She still couldn't help but still be hurt that she wasn't coming up for Thanksgiving especially with Teddy just being ill and in the hospital for 8 days.
Ana helped Teddy change out of his hospital gown while Christian filled out the paper work for him to be released. Dr. Stevens came in as they were finishing up along with Nurse Jackie and Mr. Ryan.
"Good morning!"
They said their mornings back. Christian handed him the release forms so he can sign off on them.
"Alight, Theodore here is set and free to go. He does have some restrictions. No horse playing, running, biking riding, sports or climbing. He can walk upstairs just take it slow at first. He is still in a little bit of pain and has some tenderness from the incision from the surgery which is normal and is able to rest at home now. He needs to stay hydrated and fever free. If he's not drinking and starting to feel ill then you need to bring him back immediately." He continues on "I would recommend taking his temperature in the morning and at night for at least the next few days to be sure his fever is not coming back. Start off with light foods for about a week; soup, crackers, a sandwich is fine. He might not eat much at first because he will to get used to eating again and might become full quicker." Christian listens intensity making sure not a detail is being missed on the instructions for their son.
"Do you have any questions for me?"
Of course Christian had questions for him! Ana let him ask the questions and do the talking since she knows how Christian is. He wants to do everything by the book so Ted does not ended up back in the hospital. She loves the ways he love s and care for their family.
"If something does come up you have my number or you can ask your mom since she is his pediatrician and will be able to help out."
He turns to Theodore "and you young man" He squats down to his level on the bed. "I am so happy you are better. You are a strong little boy you know that right?"
Teddy is being shy hugging Bear to his chest and shrugs his shoulders.
"Well you are. Never forget that." He holds out his hand for Teddy to shake.
Teddy slowly extends his hand to shake hands with Dr. Stevens.
"Good meeting you, Teddy" he give him a wink and a smile. He stands up and turns to Christian and Ana.
"Mr. and Mrs. Grey," he walks towards him and extends his hand for them to shake.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, of course, I wish it was under better circumstances. Your mother talks so much about you and your family and I can definitely understand and agree with all the great things she says. You both are raising a wonderful, strong, bright young man." He says as he shaking their hands with a smile.
Christian was impressed. He reads people. That's what he does. He could truly tell he wasn't just saying these things to him to make himself look good in front of Grace who has been trying to keep Phoebe entrained.
"Thank you Dr. Stevens. For everything. You and your staff have been great and we are so thankful for everything you have done." Ana started to get teary. She wasn't sure if she was tearing up because of the sentimental statement, happiness or just pure exhaustion. It was most likely a combination of all three.
Christin gave him a firm hand shake. "Thank you Dr. Stevens for all of your help. You have an excellent staff here." He nodded to Jackie and Ryan.
Dr. Stevens thanked him and walked out.
Christian calls Taylor to bring the Audi SUV around while Jackie goes and grabs the wheel chair waiting the hall. Jackie was working a double so she was there helping Ryan out during the day shift. Ana couldn't help but notice the unspoken chemistry between them and how in love they were. They could tell they were a great match right off the bat. She and Christian couldn't think of better nurses to take care of their baby boy.
Grace hands Phoebe to Christian and says her goodbyes to go back to her shift. Jackie brings in the wheel chair to walk Teddy out of the hospital.
"Alright champ, you ready to go home?" He extends his hand to help Teddy off of the bed.
"Yeah, I can't wait to play with my toys and show Mrs. Taylor the picture I colored for her." He gets into the wheel chair carefully and the whole family makes their way to the front entrance of the hospital where the car was waiting for them. They meet Taylor outside. Taylor opens the door for Ana for her to put Phoebe in her car seat.
Jackie bends down to Teddy's level. "It was so nice meeting you, Teddy. Remember, you will always have bragging right that you beat me in bingo." She gives him a warm smile.
Teddy giggles, "I beat you by a lot!"
"You sure did, bud!" still smiling. He reaches out and gives her a hug. She hugs him back. She grew very fond of him as well. With their profession they could not show too much affection towards their patients but Teddy was different. She had a feeling this wasn't going to be the last time she sees him. She released from the hug and ruffles his hair.
Next up was Ryan. He squats down to Teddy next. "Alright bud, you take care of yourself. Don't forget, you're strong like Batman."
"And Seahawks rule!" Teddy says back.
Ryan chuckles "and Seahawks rule! Right on bud!" He puts his fist out for a fist bump. Teddy gives him one and he stands up to let him get in the car. Christian lifts Teddy into the SUV and buckles him in.
"Thank you so much for looking after Teddy. He truly fell in love with you both." Ana gave them a warm smile and shakes their hands.
Christin then extend his hand, "yes, thank you very much for taking great care of our son." He nods and shakes their hands. It's takes a lot to impresses Christian even Jackie and Ryan know this. They have heard of THE Christian Grey. Of course they were intimidated at first.
"Our pleasure Mr. and Mrs. Grey!" They shake hands then Ana and Christian proceed to get into the car to drive their family home.
The white gates swing open to the big house. Christian pulls up under the portico and turns off the car. He turns to Ana and takes her hand and kisses her palm.
"We're home"
"Finally" she sighs.
Teddy and Phoebe were fast asleep in the back seat.
"Come on, baby let's get our babies and you in the warm house."
Ana leans over and kisses him. She's misses him. How can she miss him when she has been present with him the whole time? It's a different type of missing. She was going to finally talk to Christian after Ray leaves. Their focus was to get their kids situated and back in their routine. They wake the kids up. Ana takes Phoebe in her arms while Teddy wanted to walk. Christin was nervous because he didn't want him to strain himself. Taylor gets all of their bags and Teddy's toys out of the SUV to take inside the house. He opens the door for them. They walk in and right away smell Gail cooking in the kitchen.
"Welcome home bud." Christian helps Teddy out of his jacket and boots. "Remember what Dr. Stevens was saying. You are not allowed to be horse playing, running or climbing. Do you understand me?" Christin gave him a strict tone. He didn't mention biking riding or sports since the weather hasn't been great for either. The last thing he wanted was Teddy' to go back to the hospital from something he could've prevented.
"Okay daddy."
As soon as Ana finishes taking Phoebe's coat and boots off she runs towards the kitchen most likely to find Gail.
"Wait Beebe!" Teddy takes off running behind her.
"Theodore Grey!" Christian scolds him.
"What did we just discuss? No running!"
Teddy let out a big sigh, turned back around and walked towards the kitchen.
Ana goes up behind Christian and puts her hands on his shoulders. He was tense.
"Be patient with him, Christian. He's four years old and just spent 8 days in the hospital, he's excited to be home." she's kisses the back of his neck.
He closes his eyes. "If anything happens to him that I could've prevented, I would never forgive myself." He closed his eyes and hangs his head. Ana steps in front of him, "hey look at me" he raises his eyes to her, "nothing is going to happen to him. He's home and healthy again." Christian was at a loss for words. Things have been out of his control for so long. He still couldn't believe they were home and Teddy could possibly run a fever again.
"Come, let's go see what Gail has cooking for dinner tonight."
They all sat around the dinner table. Teddy insisted Grandpa Ray sit next to him. Gail made chicken noodle soup for dinner. She gave Teddy mostly broth with little noodles, chicken and carrots per Christian. He did not want Ted to overdo it.
"You're coming back for Thanksgiving right, Gramps?"
"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!"
Phoebe squealed in her high chair next to him.
"Gramp pay wit me!"
Ana smiles. Ray is a wonderful grandfather to them. She feels so lucky that he's close by and is there for her and her family at any time. Sitting around the dinner table as a family after what they all just went through was an amazing feeling.
After dinner and they said their goodbyes to Ray. Christian then took the kids upstairs to start their bath.
Ana stayed downstairs to walk Ray out. They embraced in a warm hug.
"Thank you so much dad. For everything. I don't know what I would do without you."
Ray hugged Ana tight. "Anything for my Annie. Are you doing better?" He pulled out of the hug and looked at her.
"Much better." She gave him a soft smile.
"That's my girl. I will see you guys next week."
They said their last goodbyes and she headed upstairs to join Christian and the kids for bath time.
During bath time, both kids started rubbing their eyes. It has been a long day for everyone. Teeth were brushed and Teddy's temperature was taken. No sign of fever. Only thing that has been bothering him was his incision. It was becoming itchy because it was closing. Both kids snuggled up for their bed time story. Teddy fell asleep soon after. They could tell he was happy to be home in his own bed. Phoebe was having a hard time after the story ended. Ana headed downstairs to see if Gail needed an extra set of hands to help clean up while Christian stayed with her to try and calm her down to fall asleep. She was definitely off her routine and just needed some extra TLC which he didn't mind at all. He needed some one on one time with his princess even if it was just trying to put her asleep. He is going to plan a daddy daughter date with her next week and give her some extra, special attention for the good girl she has been the past 8 days and just because he has missed her.
After 20 minutes he was able to get her down. He walks down stairs to find Ana and lights up when he sees her waiting for him at the end of the steps. She changed into sweatpants and a University of Washington long sleeve t-shirt. Even in sweatpants she was a goddess to him.
She reaches her hand out. "Come Mr. Grey. I have something for us."
He clasp is hand in her. "Oh yeah?"
She leads them outside onto their grand patio looking out at the Sound. The stone fireplace was lit with two glasses of red wine on the table in front of it. They sit down on the patio couch. He takes the blanket laying there and lays it on top of them pulling Ana close to him to keep her warm. The air was cool and crisp. She hands him his glass of wine.
"Cheers." They clink their glasses together and take a sip of their wine.
"This is a nice surprise." He kisses her hair.
"I thought you could use a drink after a long eight days."
He takes another sip, "mmh you read my mind, Mrs. Grey."
Ana lays her head on his shoulder as they sit in silence sipping their red wine and listening to the waves of the Sound and the crackling fire. No words needed to be said. They were just taking in the moment that they were home and both of their kids were healthy and in their own beds asleep. He kisses her head again.
"You okay, baby?"
She nods her head yes against his shoulder. Moments later she sits up and turns her body toward him. She lifts her hand and caresses his cheek.
"Are you okay, Christian?"
He looks at her and doesn't say anything.
"Please talk to me."
He turns and looks at the fire and takes a sip of wine.
"Please, Christian I can tell something is wrong and it's hurts my heart to see you this way. I know it's been a difficult week but I need you to talk to me."
He still sits in silence.
"Do you need to go talk Flynn? Maybe he can help-"
"I already saw Flynn, Ana."
She was confused. When did he have the time to go to his office? He sees the look on her face.
"He came to the hospital and we talked there. I was never taking business calls when I stepped out of the room. I got a conference room at the hospital and we talked there multiple times. Up to three times a day even."
"OH." Is all she could manage to say. He takes her hand and intertwines their fingers.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, baby. I couldn't handle my thoughts and I have felt so out of control and we both know how I don't like not being in control in all things." All things huh? Ana knew that side of Christian very well. "I wouldn't dare put that on you, baby. Plus, I pay Flynn a lot of money to get shit out of me. "
Ana's heart hurt. Flynn has a way of calming Christian down on a different level. Flynn knows more horrible things about his past and can comb through it with him. She wasn't angry that he talked to him without telling her. It just shows Christian was putting her feelings before his so he could be a better husband for her and not give her the extra burden of his feelings. She didn't want that and knew it wasn't fair but that was Christian. Always putting everyone he loves first.
"I was just so scared, Ana. I have had no control over anything this past week. I keep thinking about my dream and with him not eating was driving me insane and to see him so weak and in pain just ripped my heart out." She let him continue. She knew how hard it was for him to really open up about things. She wasn't very forth coming with her feelings either when they were at the hospital. This is why she set all of this up so they can talk and reconnect. She hates feeling this disconnected from Christian. It's like a part of her was missing. He makes her whole. She has never not talked about things with him. They were both concerned and wrapped up with Teddy and Phoebe. They never have been in a situation like this with their child before. They didn't know how to navigate.
"My goal is to never let you or our children suffer and to see our child suffer this much" he closes his eyes. Ana see the pained look on this face. It was bring back terrible memories for him.
"I was four when I was rescued and put in the hospital. With Teddy being four it just hits deep. He was hungry at four, just like I was and it's like I was looking in the mirror because I know what it's like to be in pain, hungry and feel helpless. Even though I knew in my mind he was getting nutrients, getting care and had people around him who love him unlike me, it just doesn't take away the horrific memories I had being scared, starving and hurt at that age. My son is a lot stronger than I ever was." Ana sees a tear roll down his cheek. This was killing her. She wipes his tear away.
"The panic in your voice when I called you still rings in my ears. I feel so guilty that I wasn't here. I don't know if I can forgive myself for not being there with you, baby."
He wipes another tear away before it was able to fall. He didn't want his wife to see him like this but this is also what made Ana so amazing. She set all this up to get him to talk to her because she could read him like a book. She made him a better man. He didn't know what he did to deserve her.
"It's ok Christian. I am not upset with you about that so please don't let it weigh on your heart. There was nothing either of us could have done to prevent this. Even if you were here it still would have happened." She looks into his eyes. "I am so sorry this brought back horrific memories for you but I am also so proud of you for working through it. It killed me insdie seeing you this scared because I could tell things were coming back to you and there is nothing I can do to take those terrible memories and feelings away."
She looks down at the glass of wine. Christian was so honest with her and now it's her turn because she felt that she hasn't told him everything.
"I feel guilty that I didn't take him to get checked out sooner. If you were here I feel like you would've been on top of it and he would've gone and got checked out right away." She covered her eyes with her hand and started bawling her eyes out. She finally got out what she was feeling inside. The true reason. She felt like a bad mother because she didn't take Ted in sooner and with Christian being the overbearing father and husband that he is would've probably taken him to the doctor right after he woke up with a tummy ache and they could've ran test and examine him to catch it. He probably would have just needed to get it taken out and not have developed an infection.
"No, no, no Ana." He take the glass of wine out her hand and set it on the table with his. He pulls her in his lap and she cry's her eyes out on his shoulder.
"Please baby no. Please don't feel that way. Please Ana." She continues to cry and he just hold her close and tight he kisses her head. He didn't know this was the true reason. She felt like a bad mother and felt that she wasn't as good of a parent as he was and she was anything but that. She is the most amazing, beautiful mother and women in the world. How could she ever think less?
"Shah baby it's okay." He rocked her back and forth in his lap.
"I'm sorry Christian. So, so sorry." She managed to get out in-between sobs. After a few minutes her crying calmed down but she still had her face in the nook of his neck.
"Please baby no more tears. You have nothing to be sorry for. If anything you saved his life by acting fast." He kissed the top of her head. Ana looked up at him with tear stained eyes. He kisses her lips gently.
"Your lips are soft when you cry." He leans his forehead against hers.
"Is this what you were talking to Ray about in the cafeteria" she looks at him bewildered on how he knew that.
"Sawyer was a few tables over and reported to me that you were upset and crying."
Sawyer. How could she forget that she always had security around? The overbearing shade of her husband that she hopes never fades away.
"I wish you would've told me you were feeling this way. I am sorry if you feel that you couldn't talk to me. I never want you to feel that you have to put my feelings first. I live for you Ana. I always want to know what you are feeling, good or bad even if I am going through a hard time as well. Your well-being is way more important than my fucked up past. Please know that."
"It seems like we both tried to put each other's feeling before our own." Her raspy from her hard crying session.
"Ana look at me." They pull apart and look into each other eyes
"I love you. More than anything in this world. You and the kids are my life. I don't ever want you to feel this was ever your fault, not even the in slightest. I know I am over protective and a controlling ass, but that doesn't make me the better parent. Who's to say I would've taken him to the hospital that morning. You did everything right. Please don't feel like you didn't."
He kisses her and pulls her into another hug.
"My Ana." This made Ana start sobbing again. She just feels so lucky to have an amazing husband. He been amazing this whole time. Words can't describe the love they have for each other.
"Thank you for opening up and talking to me, Christian. I know how hard it can be for you. I always want to know how you are feeling and what I can do to help you through it."
They sit there and just hold each other, whispering 'I love you' to each other countless times.
"Come baby, let me put you to bed." He picks her up in his arms.
"Are you putting me to bed the way I that I think you are?" She looks into his steel grey eyes and bites her lip. It makes Christian harden instantly.
"I'm not only going to put you to bed but I am going to make love to you in our bed endless times. I believe we have some catching up to do."
Still biting her lip she smiles. "Don't bite you lip, I want to do that."
"Yes sir."
Christian's eyes darken as his dominate shade began to take over his body.
"Things have not been in my control for quite some time now, Mrs. Grey. Now I am going execute control the best way I know how." Ana got excited and wet instantly. "Yes sir."
He starts walking to go inside the warm house, leaving their wine glasses and the gas fire place lit. He or someone will tend to it later. All he cares about right now is getting Ana upstairs and making love to her. His Ana.
