ELENA

JUNE 19TH 1998

"Grace dear' what's wrong?" She doesn't look like she's slept in days and for a doctor that's some…

"Christian didn't come home yesterday, we found him passed out in the driveway this morning. Elena, he was drunk out of his skull." Of course, it's her precious boy.

"Grace that boy needs discipline but you…"

"He's suffered enough abuse…it's the wrong path to take. It will only isolate him further."

"You know what, Linc is having the extension to the house done at the moment, there's a lot of work to be done on the grounds. Why don't you send Christian to come clear it out? Just maybe keeping him busy might take his mind off his troubles."

"Oh that sounds like a good idea, I will do that."

"Good with that settled let's get some lunch."

JUNE 29TH 1998

I don't know what it is about that boy, but I can't get him out of my mind, yes he's good looking, but that's nothing new. Despite his many problems, I believe with the right guidance he will be a force to be reckoned with. And I have just the tools to mold him into that force. Many people might turn their noses at it but only if they find out. For a second there I thought that brother of his would be my undoing. He always stared at me like a dog in heat and when I gave him the opportunity he runs out of here with his tail between his legs.

I check out my outfit again in the mirror, yes this is perfect, the right amount of cleavage and legs. The lemonade is nice and chilled; I poured the shop-bought drink into a jar with a few lemons to look homemade. I'm not going to make the same mistake I made with Elliot, I am going to take my time and make damn sure he wants me before I proceed to the basement. I want his submission desperately. I waited until an hour after he was due to call Grace. "Grace he didn't show."

"He left the house to come there, Elena I'm at my wits' end; I don't know what else to do."

"Why don't I pick him up tomorrow?"

"Would you, oh thank you."

"No need to thank me." Really no need at all.

I better go change before Linc gets home, we don't want to give him the wrong idea.

I hear the phone ringing, but I don't bother to pick it up, it's probably Linc calling to tell me he's working late again.

I wake up late and notice Linc's side of the bed hasn't been slept in, so he didn't come home at all. I decide to check my messages to see what his excuse is this time.

'Elena dear no need to pick up Christian turns out he's found something of his own.' What the fuck she actually sounds excited about whatever it is, no, no, no I have to put a stop to this before its too late. Why didn't I check my messages yesterday?

I call the Grey household for the better part of the day, and no one answers, this can not be happening I was so close, fuck.


I'm coming out of the bank and who do I see, well, well if it isn't Christian Grey. Who the fuck is that? Don't tell me the something of his own is babysitting because that's just laughable. He finally spots me.

"Christian, I have to say I'm disappointed you refuse to remove the rubble in my yard."

"Yeah, something else came up." I'm a patient woman I can wait for him to be done with whatever it is.

"Well, how about next week, I'm sure whatever you had would be done by then."

"No, it will take me the whole summer to clear it up." This boy is trying my patience; I mean what could be…

"Really, what could be so important?" He has the nerve to look pissed off; he's thrown my plans into complete disarray.

"Mrs. Lincoln, my ice cream is melting I have to go." His ice cream… is he serious? I try to keep the scowl out of my face, but he sees it.

Worse I noticed he was smiling before I approached him, that boy doesn't smile, the most you get is the occasional smirk and usually It's when is brother makes a smart ass comment about me.

It's been over three weeks, and my plans to get my hands on the Grey boy has completely fallen apart, worse Linc doesn't bother coming home most days, and when he does, I might just as well not be here. I need to make some effort with him before he gets any ideas about divorcing me, maybe I should accompany him to his business trips when he asks.

"Elena." Grace calls finally able to meet for lunch. "Sorry, I'm late, had an emergency admission last night." Despite all that she looks relaxed, almost as if she hasn't got a care in the world.

"Grace, you look…happy."

"Oh, Elena you'd be surprised what lack of worrying will do to you." I must look perplexed, Grace chuckles and continues. "Remember I told you Christian found his own thing." Yes, how can I forget? "Well her name is Anastasia Steele."

"What Christian's got a girlfriend?"

"No, no, more like a very observant and astute young friend, she Mia's age but you wouldn't know it just by talking to her." So that was the girl I saw him with. "She and her father have turned my boy around, he is a different person. He always there… he works in Ray's Workshop and also does his books, finally putting his mathematical ability to good use."

"Ray?"

"Ana's father." I may just have a way to stop all this.

"Grace you are you telling me you are letting a complete stranger use your son." The look she gives me tells me I may have put the final nail in my coffin.

"Elena, you have absolutely no idea what that family has done for my boy, something I thought was impossible. Ray isn't using my son, he pays him by the hour, Christian didn't want the money, but Ray insisted." She takes a breath and before she can continue I step in to try and limit the damage I just caused.

"Grace I'm sorry naturally, I'm not aware of the whole story, forgive me for jumping to conclusion." She nods.

The rest of my afternoon with Grace was quite frosty. Evidently, she holds that family in high regard.

SEPTEMBER 12TH 1998

They are having a birthday party for the girl, seriously why? God, that family has ruined everything, I need to get that girl away from Christian, I don't how just yet but I'm going to find a way if it's the last thing I do.

The housekeeper lets me in, and I hear Grace and Carrick talking about how well Christian is doing. Fuck, this is proving to be a lost cause.

"Grace Darling."

"What is that woman doing here today." I can hear you, you ass.

"Sorry Cary." The rest of Grace's sentence is drowned out by a bunch of screaming kids running past me.

"Elena is something the matter."

"No Grace dear, I was wondering if I might borrow Christian tomorrow." Just an afternoon at my house is all I need.

"I'm afraid he's busy tomorrow, Sunday is the day he takes the girls out to the park and usually the movie theater after that." For the love of God.

"He's been busy all summer. Well maybe sometime after school this week." Just an afternoon, a fucking afternoon.

"Elena he's got practice, homework and doing the books at Rays' I'm afraid time is something that is rare for Christian."

"What about Saturday?"

"He's busy then too," Carrick growls. Time to go I think I've pushed it a little too much.

"It's okay Grace I will leave you to it." Fuck, maybe it's time to move on.

NOVEMBER 25TH 1998

"Christian, how lovely to see you." God, he's with her again.

"Mrs. Lincoln."

"Getting last minute items for Thanksgiving."

"Uh huh." He's clearly not in a talking mood.

"Anyway I will let you go, after all, I will see you later." Who knows I might just get him on his own.

"I didn't know you were invited because everybody coming to Thanksgiving this year is already at the house." This is Carrick's doing I know it.

"Oh, I assumed I was your mother always invites me."

"Assumption is the mother of all fuckups." This little brat needs a slap who the hell does she think she's talking to. I say nothing as Christian has sided with her, I can't afford to alienate him

"Good Riddance to bad smell." She will pay, one day she will rue the day she crossed me.

Great, I let the maid have the day off today, I'm praying Linc doesn't come home today because the idea of having to cook anything to appease that man is unthinkable. He doesn't even attempt to make conversation anymore. I can't believe I wasn't invited to Grey's, the only reason most people put up with me is due to my friendship with Grace. Since I made that comment about her new friends she has been cold towards me and Carrick doesn't make any attempts to hide his dislike for me.

I decide to visit Grace and ascertain why I wasn't invited to Thanksgiving, in fact, Grace hasn't called to meet up for lunch since our last one.

I was invited, and those two lead me to believe I wasn't. Christian and his little sidekick may not have said I wasn't, but it was implied. God, I feel like a fool, those two without any real reason have it in for me, and now I've got Carrick who hates me taking the opportunity to make me feel even smaller. I saw the look he shot the two, he knows they told me I wasn't invited.

JANUARY 4TH 1999

As much as I said I was leaving Christian alone I can't help it I find myself following him just hoping to catch him on his own?

I believe I have figured out a way in. The brat's mother appears to be trying to get her hands on her. They've moved into a fabulous house, and she's been left out in the cold.

I need that brat out of the way, and she's my best chance. God, I can't believe anyone eats the food in this place. It takes me a few minutes, but I spot her. "Carla right, my name is Elena; I believe we can be of great help to each other." She takes a look good at me and sees money, how predictable.

"I can't talk now, meet me back here at around 7 tonight." Well, that was easier than I thought.

"So how can you help me?"

"I want your kid out of the way, and you want your hands on her," she wants to argue, but there is no point. "I've seen you following them."

"Why do you want her out of the way?

"I need something from Christian, and I can't get it with your kid in the way."

"I don't know what you want me to do?"

"I will pay you to get her out of the way, just for an afternoon." The mention of money as certainly piqued her interest.

"Okay, you got a deal."

"Excellent. I will be keeping on eye on them the moment you have her I will know."

With that, I get out of the greasy hole they call a café.

JANUARY 11TH 1999

Well that was a waste of time, Carla was about as useless as they get. God Elena give up you are not getting anywhere with this. What the… he's on his own, my, my, he's really on his own. This is my chance. See Elena your perseverance has paid off.

"Christian where is your little friend."

"Hello, Mrs. Lincoln."

"Let's take a walk."

"Why?" Patience Elena, patience.

"I would like to talk to you about something."

"Okay." I have to tread carefully here.

"Christian I guess your issue with touch is longer an…"

"No, it's still an issue." Perfect.

"So your little friend is the exception."

"My family can touch me, no one else. Her name is Ana." I don't give a fuck about her name.

"That must make things difficult with girls. I mean a guy with your build and look must get a fair amount of attention."

"What's it to you?"

"I can help."

"With what exactly."

"Do I need to spell it out?"

"Mrs. Lincoln I don't know what you are talking about."

"Look why don't you come by my house tomorrow after practice, and I will show you."

"Mrs. Lincoln either you tell me what you want here and now or you don't tell me at all."

"God I will enjoy bringing you to heel."

"You are talking about sex." Finally.

"Yes Christian, I can make you scream with pleasure you didn't know existed." What happened to tread carefully?

"Mrs. Lincoln we are not having this conversation." This is not going the way I expected.

"Are you trying to tell me you haven't thought about it."

"I have but not with you. You are disgusting." I just slapped him, I didn't intend to, but I just slapped him. God that felt good.

"You slap me all you want it doesn't change what you are." With that, he walks away. Fuck that went very wrong. If he tells his parents how am I going to get out of this? I should have left him alone, fuck Elena you've done it now. You are done.

I pace the house waiting for the other shoe to drop, I'm waiting for the cops to bang on my door, I'm so wired I jump when the phone rings. With very shaky hands, I pick up. "Hello."

"Elena dear, it's been a while since we had lunch I was wondering if you could come by the house tomorrow, we need to catch up." Oh thank fuck, he didn't say anything.

"Yes, Grace I would love to, it has been a while."

"How about 2."

"Yes that is perfect, see you then." I flop on the couch with relief, time to get over that boy. I dodged a bullet today, and I have no intention of standing in front of another gun. Oddly I can't help feel the timing of her call is a little convenient. Oh stop it, Elena, you are just on edge.

JANUARY 12TH 1999

The housekeeper lets me in, as usual, I walk into the living room, and I know just from the look on their faces at unlike his brother Christian Grey told his parents. I keep my head held high and decide to go for shock and absolute horror at whatever I hear.

"Grace it's be…" My words get stuck in my throat when I hear my conversation with Christian loud and clear. I'm horrified alright.

"Grace, Carrick I can explain."

"Sure I would love to hear what explanation there is other than you offering my 15-year-old son sex." Oh God if you get me out of this, I swear I will leave the young boys alone.

"This is what is going to happen; you will step down from all the various charities and children function you attend. You will stay away from us and the Steele's. If I even hear a rumor of you and a child. Michael will get his hands on this; we both know he will divorce faster than you can blink." I nod, what else is there to say, Linc I believe is already looking to divorce me, and this will be just the ammunition he needs to leave me with nothing.

JUNE 21ST 1999

How could I be so stupid, getting those divorce papers threw me? I should never have taken him to the dungeon I was far too worked up for a scene. Shit now he's in the hospital. What was I thinking? I can't shake the feeling Carrick gave Linc the tape, what else could he possibly have on me. What happened to leaving the young boys alone, what the fuck happened. My obsession with Christian no matter what I say is still very much alive, that was why I went after Isaac. He's not as good-looking as Christian, but with same copper colored hair and almost gray eyes, he was the perfect substitute. I've really made a mess of things now.

What is with the loud banging? "Elena Lincoln." Fuck.

"Yes." I voice that can't possibly be my own answers.

"Elena Lincoln I'm arresting on suspicion of child molestation, endangerment, and grievous bodily harm. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will…" I'm crying so hard I don't hear a word he says.

I make my phone call to my lawyer, and he tells me due to conflict of interest he can't represent me. What conflict of interest? I called Linc he told me I disgusted him and I was on my own. With no money, I am now waiting for the lawyer from the public defendant office.

"Mrs. Lincoln."

"Yes."

"I'm James Watterson; I'm your defense attorney." Jesus, he doesn't look old enough to have finished high school more or less law school. "Let me get straight to the point, the search warrant executed on your home produced a large amount of evidence, evidence that guarantees you will be found guilty and will most likely die in prison."

"Search warrant."

"Yes, they found your dungeon, pictures, and videos of all your victims." I'm hyperventilating. "The D.A is willing to offer you a deal if you will spare the state the cost of going to trial. I suggest you take it."

"You aren't even goi…"

"Mrs. Lincoln I'm a lawyer, and I'm meant to put aside my morality when it comes to my client. I'm not going to lie to you; I'm having a hard time doing that. This is the best deal you are going to get, 12 years in the woman's state correctional facility or the rest of your life there, you pick." He's not even going to attempt to defend me.

"I want another lawyer."

"Fair enough, but I should warn you this deal expires in less than an hour. By the time another lawyer gets here it will 15 years or more." I should fight this, with what you fool.

"Okay."

"Sorry, I didn't hear you."

"I will take the deal."

"Good decision, clearly the first one you've made in some time." Condescending asshole.

JUNE 27TH 2011

One more night, one more night and I am a free woman. The 12 years have been anything but easy but focusing my anger and animosity towards the Grey's has given me something to look forward to.

During my sentencing I found out that my plight was down to them, they should have kept their noses out of my business, but no Grace had to encourage Isaac to talk and Carrick, that man is my first target all the years he looked down his nose at me.

My first month here I ended up at the infirmary. I knew I wasn't liked, hell even the guards turned their heads pretending to deal with something else while I was attacked, my jaw line slashed with a rough blade destroying my beautiful face.

I can't wait to see what a waste of space Christian turned out to be.

12 years in segregation and due to the Grey's involvement in my case, I am not allowed any news or watch any media related items on them.

"Lincoln got a parcel."

"What." In 12 years, no visitors, no parcel, while the scum here…they were getting all sorts, I got nothing, nothing to bargain with…

"Did you hear me?"

"Yeah, yeah."

I pick up my parcel and hurry back to my hole before someone takes it off me.

What the fuck, what is this, no he didn't… he's meant to… he's a waste of space, not one of the most powerful men in the country at what…28. Shit, shit, shit in 12 years while I've been…the Grey's have only gained more influence…good that means they have more to lose. There is a simple note attached to the package.

DON'T PICK A FIGHT YOU CAN'T WIN.

A FRIENDLY WARNING.