Fifty Shades…Full Circle
Chapter 13
I awake to Christian stroking my cheek. "You're watching me again." I growl at him with my just awake voice and snuggle down in my pillow.
"I know. I imagine I always will. I'm always so grateful when I wake up to realize that you're still here. You're still mine."
I put my arms around him and pull him over on top of me. Gazing up into his eyes I raise my lips to meet his. Fisting his hair in my hands I wrap my legs around his hips and guide him to me.
"Do you want to?" he whispers to me.
"Yes. I need you. I've missed you." I whisper back.
I hear his gasp as he murmurs against my ear, " You feel so good. I want to do this slow. I want to savor every moment of it." His breathing is deep and unmetered and I gasp as I feel him gently begin to make love to me. He lowers his head to nuzzle my neck. "Is that good, baby?" he asks.
All I can manage is a throaty, "Yes."
"God, this is my favorite place to be," he says against my shoulder. "I never want to leave. A soft moan escapes me as he continues to worship my body with his.
"Stop. Hold still just a minute. I'm gonna' come and I don't want to yet," he whispers. I can feel his heart racing against my chest. "I can't last much longer."
I comb my hand through his hair and slow down following his lead, "Oh, God." Is all I can get out and I can feel my breath begin to hitch as he starts to move again.
"Do you like that?" he asks as he is pushing me closer and closer to the edge. "Are you close baby?" he asks.
"Yes. Yes." My breathing is getting ragged and my belly is trembling.
"Open those eyes. I want to see them. I want to watch you," he murmurs as I begin to feel myself fall over. My breathing stops and my entire body trembles as I look into his eyes and surrender to him. "That's my girl. Come for me, baby."
My God what he does to me. What he can make my body do. It is so attuned to him it responds automatically, it craves him. I adore this man. My need for his is overwhelming. He's my drug, my bliss, my heaven yet at the same time he can be my torment and frustration. But, whatever he is, I am his without hesitation or reservation. I can feel myself building again as he begins racing to his climax. There is a tortured mask of pleasure on his face as he is reaching the edge of his endurance. Just as I fall over again, I watch him as he reaches his own release.
Throwing his head back I hear, "Fuck. Shit," as he growls into the air. Finally we begin to relax simultaneously and he collapses on me burying his face in my hair. I can feel his warm breath on my neck and feel his soft lips as he glides them across my skin.
"Never leave me Anastasia. I couldn't bear it. I can't imagine my life without you," he murmurs.
"Christian, I'm not going anywhere. Why would you say that?" I ask as I kiss his cheek and stroke his hair.
"When we fight it always scares me. I always hold my breath until we get it worked out and I know you're going to stay."
" Really? Still after eight years you feel that way? Christian. I married you. I committed my life to be with you. We're going to have disagreements and argue from time to time, but it doesn't mean I'm going to leave you. Please just get that out of your head. Now if I ever catch you with another woman that might just be a different story, but not because we disagree on something. Never," I try to reassure him.
"I know that. It's just deep down I still have this nagging feeling that I don't deserve you. I don't deserve all of this; you, the children the life we have. I never want to wake up and find it's all a dream."
"Well it's not a dream and it's time for me to get up and get our dream child off to school."
He gently rubs my nose with his and kisses the side of my mouth stroking my lips with his. "Okay. If you have to, but I'd like to continue this discussion this evening," he gives me a wicked smile.
"Mr. Grey have you forgotten? You have a rehearsal, a dinner and a bachelor party to attend this evening?" I remind him.
He falls back on the bed, "Damn. I forgot about all of that. Well when I get home we'll revisit this. I won't be late." Giving me a quick kiss, he sits up and throws his legs over the side of the bed and heads to the bathroom to shower and get ready for work.
I get my son up and as he gets dressed I go back to talk to Christian. He's out of the shower and has a towel wrapped around his waist. He has just lathered his face to shave. "Is the boy up?" he asks.
"Yes. He's getting dressed. I need to know what you want for breakfast."
"Oh. I guess a couple of eggs and bacon and toast. What's Teddy having a pimento cheese sandwich?" he snorts.
"No. He opted for pancakes this morning." I'm standing beside him facing him and leaning against the counter watching him shave.
"Traditional breakfast? I was beginning to wonder about his food choices. If he's having pancakes I'll make it easy and have them too."
I find myself unconsciously mimicking his facial movements as he drags the razor across his skin. "He just doesn't feel the need to limit his selections to the particular meal. He asks for what he's hungry for. My son thinks out of the box."
"What are you doing?" Christian looks over at me.
"Huh?" I'm totally lost in him. Just standing here drinking him in. Watching his body move, his muscles flex and then there is that smile.
He leans over and gives me a quick kiss and gets lather on my face. "You're staring at me."
"I know. I like to watch you shave." I tell him as I reach over and grab the washcloth to wipe my face. "Christian I need to call Paul and give him an answer. Before I do I just want to make sure you're okay with this."
"I guess so. I want you to be happy and if this is what you want ….then do it." He looks over at me as he stretches his neck up and slides the razor over it. "I'm not over joyed about the situation, but ….."
"Thank you sweetheart. I'll call Paul today and let him know." I kiss his bare shoulder and give it a quick nip with my teeth before leaving to check on Teddy.
"Just make sure the bastard pays you what your worth," he yells back as I leave.
The men are fed and on their way out the door. I give Teddy a quick kiss on his head, "Have a good day, sweetie. I'll see you this afternoon."
Christian saddles up for his morning good bye kiss. He wraps his arms around my waist picking me up to look me eye to eye and presses his lips to mine, parting them. I can hear a soft moan escape him as our lips dance across each other and then he softly nips my bottom lip. "I'll be home around lunchtime to get ready for tonight," he breaths against my lips before setting me back on my feet.
"Dad, if you're finished, can we leave?" I hear Teddy growl at his dad.
Never breaking eye contact with me, "I'm on my way son. Just saying good bye to your mother." He whispers in my ear, "I don't want to leave. I want to take you back to bed. I want to spend my morning up to my neck in you instead of meetings and reports."
"I know. But you'll be home early. We can revisit this then." I push him away and catch my breath as I shoo him out the door to work.
After showering and dressing for the day, I finish up my chores upstairs and decide it's time to make some phone calls and commitments. Finding Paul's business card I take a deep breath and call his cell.
"Paul Sanders."
"Paul? This is Ana Grey. Am I catching you at a bad time?"
"Ana! No. Not in the least. I'm glad to hear from you. I was wondering if I would."
"I wasn't sure if I should use your personal cell or call through the company number on your card."
"I gave you my personal cell for a reason. I expected you to use it," he genuinely sounds glad to hear from me. He's so upbeat and friendly. He certainly is a different type of CEO than Christian is. But then Christian has so much more responsibility than Paul does. Paul runs one company and Christian has so many to keep up with.
"Good. Thank you."
"Have you thought about my offer?" he asks.
"Yes I have. I have thought about it and talked it over with Christian, like you asked me to."
"And?"
"And I'd very much like to work for South Atlantic Publishing." I let out a big sigh. There it's done. I've said the words and made the commitment. It feels good.
"That's great news. I was hoping you would agree, Ana. Any idea of when you would like to start?"
"Well, I suppose anytime. I am going to have an office built and will need to get everything set up. But I can certainly start before all of that is completed. Whatever you would like."
"Well. Why don't we say first of next month. That should give you time to get your ducks in a row. Tell you what; I'll be flying out to the office in Sacramento about that time. Why don't I stop in Seattle and pick you up. You'll need to come to the office and meet with your assistant and a few of the authors you'll be inheriting from Jim as well meeting with him, and getting the usual indoctrination from human resources. How will that work?"
"Sounds great. Who is Jim?"
"James Dillard. He is retiring and you'll pick up his authors and staff. You'll like Connie, his assistant. She's been with us for ages. She knows all the ropes. She's from the west coast and jumped at the chance to transfer when we opened up the office out there."
"James Dillard? I'll be taking his clients?"
"Yes. Is that a problem?"
"No. Not at all. He is just so well respected and handles really prominent authors. I just figured I'd have to start at the bottom and work up."
"Well, I think you can handle it. Besides I think they will enjoy working with someone a bit younger, someone with fresh ideas and new concepts. Don't worry, we won't let you drown."
"That all sounds great. How long will I need to be there?"
"Oh, a day or two, maybe three. It depends on how quickly we can get the ball rolling and get the authors in for you to meet with."
"I'm really excited about it."
"Me too Ana. I'll call you later in the month and we can solidify the plans. I'll send you a contract with salary requirements and all the usual contractual bullshit."
"That sounds good , Paul. I'm looking forward to it."
"Me too, Ana. I'm really glad you'll be coming on board. I'll call you later and please call me if you have any questions. Use this number if you want to. That way you can avoid having to leave messages."
"I will. And thank you Paul."
"No problem. I'll talk to you soon."
Wow. I've really done it. I can't believe I'm finally going to do this. I need to get in touch with Elliott, Gia and Liz to get the ball rolling on this office. I probably should have the empty room upstairs redecorated as well. It's just a big empty space right now. Maybe having it repurposed will make things better for everyone.
Now I need to get in touch with Ms. Douglas. I promised I'd call her this week. Maybe having to go to Sacramento is a good thing. I can probably get away with meeting her there easier than I can here. As long as Christian doesn't send a body guard with me. I doubt Paul would appreciate me bringing along my own security team on a quick trip to the office.
I look up her number in my phone and dial.
"Hello, may I please speak with Mrs. Douglas? This is Anastasia Grey."
"One moment please, Mrs. Grey."
After waiting a few moments, "Mrs. Grey. This is Virginia Douglas. It's good to hear from you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Douglas."
"Please call me Virginia."
"Virginia. I wanted to call and touch base with you. I still want to meet with you, however it may be a bit tricky meeting here in Seattle. My husband insists on a security detail most of the time and I feel sure they would inform him of our meeting. I'd rather not do that; at least not just now."
"I see. Where would you feel comfortable meeting, Mrs. Grey?"
"I will be in Sacramento around the first of next month. Would that be something that you would be willing to do?"
"Sacramento is fine. I can meet there just as well as Seattle."
"Good. I'm not sure of the exact dates right now. May I call you later in the month when I confirm the dates that I will be in Sacramento?"
"That will be fine. I'm very anxious to have the time to talk with you. There is so much that I want to know about Christian."
"I understand. There is a great deal about you and his mother and father that I'd like to know too. "
"Yes. I'd like for you to know as well. I'd be glad to bring photos or any information that would be of interest to you."
"I would appreciate that. I'll be in touch later in the month then, Virginia. And thank you for your patience."
"No thank you for this opportunity, Mrs. Grey. Until later then."
"Yes. I'll be in touch. Good bye, Virginia."
Well. That is taken care of. She sounds so genuine. I just can't believe that she could be after money. For some reason I really believe she is who she says she is. I need to go check the closet and see what I have to wear tonight.
Walking into my closet I see my bridesmaid dress hanging in its protective bag. It was delivered while we were in Houston. It had to be altered again at the last minute. It was originally fitted allowing me room for a nine month pregnancy, but now had to be taken in to fit my much smaller form. Looking past it, I rummage through my closet and find a black lace cocktail dress that hits mid- thigh with three quarter length lace sleeves and a bateau neck. It would be see through but for the black silk under slip that is both shorter in length and lower cut at the neckline than the lace outer dress. I'll pair it up with black pumps and my diamond drop earrings. That should do it.
Now that that is taken care of I think I'll head down and eat a bite of lunch. The house is so quiet. Myra is running errands, and Gail has taken Grace to a play date leaving me the house all to myself. This is a rare luxury. Looking in the fridge Gail has made some fresh chicken salad with grapes, pecans and celery. Perfect. I'm just putting the finishing touches on my sandwich and in the process of cutting it in half, when I about jump out of my skin.
"Oh! Shit! What the hell are you doing?" I am surprised when I feel arms around my waist and a kiss on my neck. It takes me an instant to recognize it as my husband. "What are you doing home so early?"
"I said I'd be back around lunchtime," he growls as he buries his nose in my hair.
"I know. But for you that usually means around two o'clock not noon." I turn around to face him still in his embrace. His lips tackle mine and move across them with sweet determination as mine surrender to him.
"Where is everybody?" he asks only breaking our contact long enough to ask his question.
"Mmm. Teddy is still at school…" he captures my mouth again. "…and Gail took Grace to a play date…." I'm taken once more. "…and Myra went to the grocery and to run errands."
"You mean we're alone?" he asks against my mouth.
"Yes. I believe we are," I'm able to gasp.
"Really?" he backs off to look at me.
"Yes, I do believe we are alone in this huge house, Mr. Grey." I smile at him with my arms still secured around his neck.
"Well we're wasting time. I haven't been able to get you off my mind all morning. I couldn't concentrate on a fucking thing, so I just gave up and came home. My balls are killing me and my dick is about to break through my zipper."
"Mmm. That sounds distressing. I can see why you couldn't concentrate. Perhaps I can help relieve your distress." I take his mouth with mine again.
"That's just making it worse," he growls. "What I need is a good old fashion fucking."
"Sounds like a reasonable solution." I give him a quick kiss on his nose.
Christian grabs me under my knees and folds me over his shoulder. "Come on wife. We have work to do." He says as he slaps me on my butt and begins to walk out of the kitchen.
"Wait. Wait. My sandwich." I shout. Christian turns around and grabs my sandwich plate and we head upstairs. Once there Christian throws me on the bed and follows me pinning me underneath him. He spends most of the afternoon demonstrating his repertoire of sexual skills, which are pretty much limitless. You can almost cut the air it is so heady with pheromones. We finally are sitting naked on our bed leaning against the headboard splitting the chicken sandwich and talking. Christian leans over and licks my breast. "You had a crumb," he grins at me.
"Thanks," I smirk at him.
"Wait, there's another one," he tells me as he leans in and glides his tongue over the other one. He drops the rest of his sandwich on the floor and moves over on top of me wrapping his arms around my waist and ravaging my breast. His breathing is ragged as he sucks and nuzzles; his tongue caressing my skin.
All I can manage is to moan and drop my sandwich, surrendering to him again. Looking down I watch him devour me. "My God . You're insatiable this afternoon." I whisper to him as I fist his hair.
"Mmm." I can feel the vibration as he moans against me.
"God, baby. You're killing ,me."
He rests his head on my chest and looks up at me. "I can't get enough of you today," he says his fingers gently stroking the already engorged area between my thighs. "Every time I take you, I think I'm finally finished, then I look at you and need more of you."
He continues to caress me as he calmly talks to me, but I am having difficulty forming words. "Do all married men act this way about their wives?" I ask.
"Baby I have no idea. I can only vouch for me and I am one husband that can't get enough of his wife." His eyes are getting heavy as he looks up at me. "Fuck I love you," the words are gauche, but the meaning is so intense and they are enough to put me on the precipice.
I catch my breath as he lets me teeter on the edge of my sanity. "Do you need to come?"
"If you'll let me, please," asking for permission for some reason.
My arms are wrapped around him and I tighten my grip and pull him to me as my arousal reaches a fever pitch. He is relentless and within seconds I am at my breaking point. I can't control myself and I feel my body relax as the climax races through me. All I can do is go limp and let it claim me taking me with it. He teases me and taunts me until I finally begin to regain consciousness again. Releasing me he crawls up to take my mouth with his. As our lips seal against each other, I wrap my arms around his neck and push him over on his back. I follow him forcing him down as I straddle him and reach behind me taking him in my hand. He crosses his arm across his eyes and I can see his face take on a sensual mask blurring his beautiful features.
Leaning forward I glide my hands upward over his skin; my fingers combing through the hair on his chest and remembering a time when I wouldn't be able to do this. Slowly I lift myself on to my knees and I can hear his gasp as I take him. "Oh, God baby," he gushes as he slides his hands up my body. They stop to cup my breasts and I place my hands on top of his as he squeezes and massages them. As they again skim down my body they come to rest cupping my butt. Looking down at him our eyes lock and I sit up straight arching my back and rake my hands through my hair letting it tumble back down around my shoulders.
"God, you're so beautiful," he growls up at me.
I like this position. I like looking down at him feeling like I'm in control, knowing that I possess him at this very moment. Knowing that all he can see and all he can think of is me. At this moment I fill his mind, his senses and his desires. He is mine. He is as addicted to me as I am to him.
"I want to fill you up. I want to consume every inch of you," he growls as he sits up and wraps his arms around my waist. Christian nuzzles his face between my breasts and digs in to begin his drive to his climax. I can hear him grunt with each push upward. His breathing is becoming ragged as he increases his pace and intensity. Suddenly he throws me over and rolls on top of me. I take his mouth with mine and my tongue dances with his as I feel his breath forced out of his lungs with each push. Our abdomens are misted with perspiration and slide over each other with each synchronized move. I watch the muscles in his stomach flex with each push. Damn that's so hot.
"Oh, fuck. I'm gonna' come again," he gasps. He looks like a thoroughbred straining to reach the finish line, his breathing coarse and the perspiration dripping from his mane. I watch him as he reaches his goal and his face contorts with his pleasure. His body shudders along with mine as he is consumed with his climax. I can feel the sweat drip from his hair onto my chest as he trembles above me. As the intensity begins to fade and his face relaxes, he falls on me and begins to breathe again.
He wraps me in his arms and kisses my belly. "God I can't do that again….at least for another five minutes," he laughs.
"Baby, you're killing me. Teddy will be home soon. We should probably get up and get a shower. I stroke my hand through his hair as he kisses my belly.
"I can't move. My muscles have all turned to jelly. I have to stay like this for a while," he gasps against my skin.
I swat his butt, "Come on big boy. Gail and Grace will be home soon and Teddy right behind them."
"Okay. But just for now. I need to build my strength up for tonight. I have to be able to fight off all those strippers."
"Forget fighting them off. If any of them make a move on you, just run and get the hell out of there."
He lifts himself off of me and gives me a quick kiss as he sits back on the bed. "Damn we're wet." He strokes his hand over his abdomen and then through his hair. "Come on. Let's get a shower, baby." He takes my hand and pulls me off of the bed.
"Sweetheart? Can you zip me up?" I ask Christian as I walk out of my dressing room. I have finally figured out how to put my hair up. It's pinned loosely at my nape with a few loose tendrils that fall around my face, sort of a Grecian look, or so I'm told. The dress is a little snug and maybe a little short, but I was assured this is how it is supposed to look. I tug on the hem a bit as I walk over to Christian and turn around for him to zip me up.
"I want to rip that dress off of you…with my teeth," he whispers as he zips me up.
"Looks that good, huh?" I smile back at him.
"You shouldn't be allowed out in it." He lets out a big sigh," It's going to be a very long frustrating evening."
"Good heavens, Christian. You're going to wear it out." I turn around and give him a quick kiss and a squeeze to the package.
"Careful!" Christian jumps back a bit. "That thing is loaded."
"As long as it doesn't go off, we're good. " I take a step back and look at this fine specimen. "You look sexy. I like that suite. Is it new?"
"Yep. I had it made for the wedding when I had the tux made."
"You got another tux? Why?" I ask him.
"I needed one for the wedding. They all had to match you know." He tells me as he struggles with his cuff links.
"Here let me do that." I push the stem through the opening in the French cuff and secure it in place, then grab the other one and do the same." There. You have more tuxedos than any human could possibly wear. Why do you need so many?"
He shrugs, "I just enjoy wearing them and I like having a choice," he tells me as he finishes the Windsor in his tie. I stop him and take the tie in my hands sliding the knot up and tighten it at his neck." You look hot." I give him a quick smile.
He grabs his jacket and I grab my purse and we walk down to say goodnight to our children. When we get down to the kitchen, the kids are eating dinner, looks like hamburgers and fries. "Wow. You guys look good." Teddy smiles over at us in astonishment.
"You sound surprised. Don't we always look good, son?" Christian asks.
"You know what I mean, Dad," he grabs his burger and takes a big bite. "You're all dressed up," he tries to garble through his burger.
Christian walks over and takes his head between his hands and kisses Teddy's curls, "Don't talk with your mouth full." Teddy just nods.
Grace is covered in catsup, but seems to be enjoying her meal. "Gail what are you doing?" I ask her.
"Oh, just trying to clean up this little purse of Grace's. She left it at the Bingham's this afternoon and I didn't realize it until we were half way home. I had to turn around and drive all the way back to get it. Then she left it outside while ago and it got some dirt on it, so I'm trying to get it cleaned up for her to take tomorrow." She says as she diligently tries to wipe the dirt off of the little bag.
Grace reaches out, "Mine. Mine. My purs." She looks so distressed over it.
"I know angel. I'm trying to get it cleaned up. I swear I think we need to tie it to your arm. You just leave it everywhere." Gail admonishes her.
"I still don't understand why the fu….why she needs a purse." Christian growls.
I exhale and relax the reproachful frown on my face. "You don't have to understand, Sweetheart. She just does. It's just one of the many mysteries of having a daughter. Learn to live with it."
Christian shakes his head and we kiss our kids good bye avoiding the transfer of catsup from Grace's face to our clothing. "Gail I'll be home early. Right after dinner," I tell her.
Christian puts his hand on my back and guides me toward the door. "Come on, baby. Taylor is waiting. Let's go."
We slide into the back of the Bentley and Taylor heads out to Christian's parent's home. "So what are the plans?" Christian asks as he squeezes my hand.
"Well, as I understand it, we will have a short rehearsal at your parent's house, then head over to the club for the rehearsal dinner. Then you will go with Elliott and Ethan and the rest of the guys for the bachelor party and Taylor will take me home." Christian nods in agreement. "Will you be able to get home after the party?" I ask him.
"Yep. Elliott will drive me home," he tells me.
"Elliott? Won't he be drinking?" I ask him.
"Probably. If he has I'll call Sawyer to come get us." He leans over and gives me a quick kiss. "Don't worry. We'll be careful."
We go through a quick run through of the wedding and then all meet back at the country club for dinner. It's so good to see Kate's parents. I haven't seen them in ages. They seem so happy that Ethan and Mia are finally tying the knot. Little do they know they are about to be grandparents again. It's a lovely dinner with everyone relaxed and happy. The dinner conversation is upbeat and everyone is having a good time as the champagne flows. Even Christian appears to be relaxed and in a good mood, leaning back in his chair with his jacket unbuttoned and his arm draped over the back of my chair. It's so good to see him that way. I just love it when he has a carefree look on his face. His thumb is stroking my back as he talks and laughs with his family.
Carrick and Mr. Kavanaugh have both made a toast. Christian has vowed to kill Ethan if he ever hurts Mia. Elliott has made some vile joke that is fraught with sexual innuendo. I think Grace will kill him by the look on her face. As the evening winds down the men gather to depart for their evening of debauchery. Christian puts his arm around my waist and walks me out to the car where Taylor is waiting. He gives me a sweet kiss on my cheek, never being one for public displays of affection, "I won't be late. Just a couple of drinks and laugh at a few crude jokes and I'm on my way home."
"Okay. Try to have fun. But not too much fun." I reach up and give him a long, deep, wet kiss, whether he likes it or not, reminding him of what is waiting for him at home.
He catches his breath, "I may be home earlier than I thought."
Taylor and I talk on the way home and I find out how Sophie is doing in school. Seem she has earned a scholarship to college. Not that Taylor ever had to worry about college. Christian would have seen to it that it was paid for. He really thinks a lot of Sophie and not just because she is Taylor's daughter. She really is a sweet, smart, beautiful girl. Taylor beams when he talks about her, but I can see his jaw tense when I ask about a boyfriend. He and Christian are two peas in a pod when it comes to their daughters. Poor girls don't have a prayer. He lets me know how much he and Gail have appreciated having evenings and weekends off so they can be together, and how much more rested Gail is now that Myra is helping out. I'd do anything for either of them. I couldn't bear losing them, although I know at some point they will both want to retire. I just won't dwell on that.
After entering the dark house I set the alarm and walk upstairs to check on my children. Grace is sound asleep. She looks like such a little angel when she is asleep. She has her rabbit beside her and she is clutching that silly purse of hers. If I had known how much she was going to like it, I'd have gotten her one sooner. I pull on it trying to remove it from her clutches, but she just grasps it tighter, so I give up. Pulling her covers up I give her curls a kiss and then leave to go check on Teddy.
Teddy is knocked out too. He is snoring a little. Allergies I guess. He looks so much like his father. He's going to be a knock out. Luckily he is such a sweet boy; he won't be too hard on the ladies. I cover him up as well and give him a goodnight kiss, then walk back to our bedroom to undress and wash up.
I'm utterly worn out from the day's sextivities. Christian is insatiable sometimes. I have no idea how he does it. He can rival the Energizer bunny at times. Lucky me. My body is exhausted and the bed is calling my name. I slip on my gown and crawl between the sheets drifting off thinking about my Fifty.
I'm roused when I see the room drenched by car headlights and hear a car stop out front. It must be Christian getting home. Looking at the clock it reads 3:40 a.m. Good heavens. He never stays out like this. Waiting and lidtening, I hear a car door close but I don't hear the front door open and then I notice the headlights fade and I hear the car pull away.
Waiting a few moments, I decide to go downstairs and see what is going on. The house is still dark and quiet. "Christian." I whisper. "Christian are you home?" I whisper into the dark. I don't get an answer.
A/N: A big thank you to everyone for the really nice reviews. I read them all and they are what keep me writing.