Chapter 10 - Can't Help Falling in Love

Christian's POV

A few weeks after Ana came back after her mysteriously leaving in the morning, she told me she went to see her dad. She didn't say anything more than that, and although there's more to the story I didn't push her. I convinced her to meet my parents in a very casual way that didn't scare her away. It started by me telling them I was going by Ana's, instead of lying and saying I was going my Michael's, it was always here and there never overnight. Eventually, they just caught on and they seemed indifferent about it. They were very curious, but they didn't say much about it. I'm not sure what they think of Ana. She comes over occasionally to hang out, and spends time with Mia too.

Tonight is prom, and the girls are getting ready in Mia's room. Those three have been inseparable, I know they are all excited for tonight. Although, Prom is meant for Juniors and Seniors, underclassmen are allowed as dates. Kate is taking Michael, and Kate's younger brother Ethan is taking Mia. Ethan seems like a decent guy, and the three of us wait in the great room for the girls to finish getting ready. My parents aren't hovering, but I know they are anxiously waiting to get pictures of everyone.

When Ana walks down the stairs in a blue v neck ball gown with a long puffy bottom, my heart leaps out of my chest. She looks stunning, her hair falling past her shoulders, I'm glad she kept it down only putting a blue band in her hair and having it slightly curled. Her makeup is light, and I'm thankful she kept everything natural. She looks beautiful just the way she is, she could be wearing a burlap sack and still look stunning.

I can see the tiny gold band around her finger, and it makes me happy to know she's mine. When I asked her to prom, I did a cheesy line in a promise ring saying I Prom?se.

The gold knot band, was anything but cheesy. I know we are to young to be talking about forever, but I knew from the moment I met her that I wanted her for as long as I could have her. I promise, even when we are apart. I'm always hers, no matter what, and she's always mine.

I walk up the stairs to meet her, and give her a small kiss, fully aware of the presences in the room. I take her hand and before we get to the bottom of the stairs, my mom is there holding a camera. We pose on the stairs, I hold Ana closely and she puts her hand on my chest, while I keep mine around the middle of her waist. I know Grace realizes where Ana's hand is, but she tries not to let it affect her to much and takes a few pictures. We take a few group pictures, and are finally on our way in the limo we rented for the 6 of us.

Ana's POV

I never imagined I'd be going to prom, let alone with Christian. If you'd have asked me before I met him, I would have thought you were crazy. But Christian Grey has turned my life upside down. I know there's still so much of my past that he doesn't know, and maybe one day I'll be able to tell him everything. Right now, I just want to be here with him and forget about all the baggage.

The prom theme is beautiful, and I know Kate and Mia worked hard on everything. I know she is going to be Prom Queen tonight, and I honestly couldn't be happier for her. She is on student council and captain of the dance team, she also runs the school paper. She is a little rough when you first meet her, but after becoming friends with her I am a little sad she won't be here next year.

I feel like Cinderella at the ball with Prince Charming. This is like something out of a movie. Everything feels so surreal, this doesn't feel like my life. Ever since meeting Christian, things in my life just started looking up. Sure, there's still some really ugly ghosts from my past, but they don't haunt me so much anymore.

The six of us dance for what feels like hours, they announced Kate and Michael as King and Queen. Once all the chaos calms down, it's Christian and I dancing when Ingrid Michaelson's voice comes through the DJ's speakers.

Wise men say only fools rush in. But I can't help falling in love with you. Shall I stay? Would it be a sin? If I can't help falling in love with you.

Im staring at Christian and although I'm not ready to say the words, I beg him to know how I feel

Like a river flows surely to the sea, darling so it goes. Some things are meant to be. So take my hand, and take my whole life too. 'Cause I can't help falling in love with you.

We move in sync with each other, swaying together in slow motion. Staring in grey eyes, this is where I want to be.

Like a river flows so surely to the sea. Oh my darling so it goes. Some things are meant to be. So won't you please just take my hand, and take my whole life too.

'Cause I can't help falling in love, in love with you

'Cause I can't help falling in love, falling in love,

I keep falling in love with you.

"Christian" I say, before his mouth captures mine.

"Ana, I love you." He breathes, and I don't respond but I kiss him trying to tell his mouth I love him without saying the words out loud.