Fifty Shades at Fault

Chapter 14

Two days of awakening

A/N: Here you go, late as always, the next chapter. I hope you like it.

The hospital is alive with activity this morning. Some of them are even patients, their loved ones, doctors and nurses. Lets just say news regarding billionaires and their wives travel fast. It's only 8:47am and already there's a floral delivery at the front desk. "These are for a Mrs. Anastasia Grey."

"Leave them right here and we'll make sure she receives them."

The young deliverer tries to argue with the stern receptionist but in the end reluctantly concedes. Well duh, what did the idiot expect?

Grace, who had arrived earlier with Dr. Greene and just been to check on Ana who was recently moved to a private room in ICU is now on her way to the NICU to check on tiny little baby Grey. The news is not good.

"Oh there you are Grace," said Carol upon catching glimpse of her walk into the room, "They've had to put the baby on a ventilator to help her breathe. Evidently this morning one of her lungs collapsed."

"Oh dear Lord!" replies an anguished Grace, "How is she doing otherwise."

"Still weak. Only weighs less than three pounds. But she's a fighter. All fourteen inches of that precious little darling is determined if it's in Gods will to survive."

Her grandmother smiles, "Much like her mother. And her father."

And speaking of her father…

…

An hour later after Sawyer has safely picked Teddy up from the plane, Christian with Taylor following behind come storming into the hospital and inquires at the front desk on his wife whereabouts. The receptionist calmly complies, "Hmm, Anastasia Grey. Still in ICU, room 10-B."

Without haste he rushes to find her and when successful his emotions take over as he stares at the figure of a young woman lying perfectly still in her bed, eyes shut tight and hooked up to equipment. A soft beeping noise is the only sound that can be heard in the room. With tearful eyes he gently puts her right hand in his, "Oh God Ana, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am. I'm so ashamed! I've been such a fool. I don't know what got into me or why I even did it. It was weak and stupid of me and I will never forgive myself for hurting you so badly. I don't expect you to forgive me either. But I want you back in my life. I love you, Ana. Only you and I always have and always will. Please, please come back to me. I'm a wreck without you. I know I'm not worthy of your love anymore and you deserve a man far better than a wretched human being like me but I need you. You made me whole. You saved me! I'll never make it through life without you. I'll do anything to earn your trust again, anything. I want to make thing better baby, I want to make up for all the hurt and heartbreak I've caused you. Please, I beg of you, could you find it in your heart to…" He breaks down and starts sobbing uncontrollably. A more pitiful, remorseful sight there never was.

Ana

What's that noise? It's so faint like, like someone's crying. Ugh! It's so dark and I feel like I've been climbing these stairs forever and getting nowhere. Hmm, there's another open door. Let me see, it leads down a dark black corridor to a couple of double doors. Come on swing them open already Ana, you know you want to. Oh look! A wedding! Wow, it's so beautiful! But, who's the lucky bride and groom? Wait. What? No, no it can't be! It's Christian? He's the groom? He's getting married again? Oh my god, don't tell me he's moving on. But, but why, how… come? What happened? Did I divorce him? Did he divorce me? Or… did I really die? If I didn't then I guess Elena was right after all. I wasn't enough for him and he's found someone who is! He doesn't look all that happy though. Now I'm really curious as to whom the bride is. Turn around so I can see you already! (gasp)This cannot be true! That's, that's her! That's the slut whore tramp Cassandra Zane? He's actually marrying the bitch? So he lied? He really did fall out of love with me and in love with her? Was his birth mother wrong when she told me he didn't? Oh Christian of all people why her? Please, someone tell me this is just a bad illusion or a joke! But if its not, I, I can't stand to watch it anymore. It's too damn depressing! I just want to cry! I want to go back to the safety of the darkness now please. (groan) Maybe I'll just stop climbing the stairs, and stay here forever!

…

Sawyer and Teddy

He hurries toward his destination listening to the news on the car radio and according to the clock on the dashboard he's right on time. Pulling into the airport parking lot in his black SUV, Sawyer has come to pick up his little buddy from "Daddy and Unac Taywor" before those two can head off for the hospital to wait for any change in "Mommy's" recovery status. Safely buckled into his carseat it's time for 'boys day out' for Sawyer and Teddy.

"So Mr. T-Bear how did you like spending the night with your papa on that big plane?"

"Sooper! I had so much fun Unca Luke!"

"Good! So what did you guys do?"

"We pwayed games."

"Video games?"

"Yeah. I beat him!"

"I bet!" he chuckles, "You daddy's never been any good at them. What else did you do?"

"He sowed me all around his pwane. Said I'd own it one day and dat I fwy it one day!" Teddy's joyous smile turned to a frown. "I wanded to fwy it den but daddy said no way!"

"I agree with him. You're not big enough yet my man." Sawyer glanced in the rearview mirror and saw a pouting child. He wasn't about to spend the day with a brat. "Don't be so glum. Your daddy doesn't fly it either."

Teddy perked up with that revelation. Seems like his daddy passed the mercurial gene to his son. "He doesn't? Oh."

Sawyer grinned upon seeing a now satisfied little boy. "Nope. So what else did you do? Did you two talk any?"

"Um hum. About Mommy. And my new sister. Said both are in hospital sick and not ta worry. Can we go see her?"

"Sorry pal, not today. Your daddy's orders. Maybe tomorrow. What else did you guys talk about?"

"Daddy wanded ta know how I like it here. I said yes. It's fun. We go walking on the beach, ta the park, the pwaygwound, on Gweg's boat…"

Sawyer could just imagine Christian's ire at the mere mention of the man's name. And his rage if he knew his family was spending time with him. He wants more than anything to change the subject fast. "Say, did you have any breakfast this morning?"

"Juice, toast."

Well I know a special place we can go to. You can get pancakes there."

Jubilation shows on Teddy's face. "Oh boy! I wove pancakes!"

His approval is all Sawyer needs to cement the notion. Now he and Teddy are on their way to IHOP.

…

A friend named Trudy

A bouncy figure carrying a bouquet of flowers in her hand sweeps through the hospital doors. She sees a familiar face standing talking with another doctor. She doesn't hesitate approaching her with an inquiry. "Excuse me, I remember you from before. You're a friend of Anne's aren't you? Maybe you might be able to help me then. You don't happen to know how's she's doing do you? Oh by the way I'm Trudy King. I'm a friend of hers too."

Grace turns to address her and immediately recalls her too. "I remember you too. Hello, nice to see you again. Yes of course I can help you. She's fine, resting in ICU. Ana had to have an emergency C-section. The baby's in an incubator in the neonatal ward."

"Is it alright if I go see her?"

"I don't see why not. It's only her husband that's in with her right now."

A revelation of this magnitude leaves Trudy flabbergasted. "Husband? Anne is married?"

"Actually, her name is Anastasia Grey. Her husband is Christian Grey. He's my son."

"The billionaire? From Seattle? Huh! Well whadda you know. I think I remember my uncle mentioning his name awhile back. But not in a good way! In regards to a business venture that went sour. So, you're his mom huh? I guess that makes you Ana's mother-in-law."

"Yes, it does. Let's go find her shall we?"

Trudy keeps rambling as Grace walks her down a corridor in search of Ana's room. "I can't believe it! So Ana's married after all! Wow. And I thought she and Luke made such a cute couple and that Teddy was his son. But then I find out that Luke and Ana are actually brother and sister and not married which wouldn't make Luke Teddy's father unless of course he had gotten her pregnant… How long have the two of them been married?"

"Going on five years. Which would make Christian Teddy's father."

"Oh, well thank god that clears everything up then. Looks like I've been watching too many soap operas huh?"

Grace as always is careful not to let her annoyance show. "It sounds like it, yes. Ah, here we are. 10-B."

Taking a wary peek inside the room Trudy eyes the figure of Christian asleep in a chair pushed up to the right side of Ana's bed, his head using it as a pillow, his right arm draped over her legs and his left hand steadfastly holding on to her right. Trudy, ever the romantic, breathes a sigh and decides to let them be. "I just haven't the heart to disturb them," she whispers, "I can always come back tomorrow."

"Well" Grace whispers back, "seeing as you're already here today why not come with me and have a look at the baby. She's a determine little charmer."

Without a second thought needed Trudy jumps at the chance to accept Grace's kind offer. Halfway down the hall her friendly rambling continues, "You know my older sister Jenny's oldest daughter gave birth five weeks prematurely. She and her husband were just walking their dog and then pow, She goes into labor! I guess it's like Heidi Klum says: one day you're in and the next day you're out!"

A patient Grace rolls her eyes. Wherever did you find this gem Ana?

…

There is little excitement the rest of the day. A sentry-like Christian continues to his self-proclaimed duty: the gentle stroking of Ana's hand and silent repeats of pleas and apologies in hopes she'll respond by opening her eyes to gaze adoringly onto his tortured face and softly whisper "Christian I miss you, I love you and I want you back." Hours past and still no change, not even when he plants a light kiss on her lips. Hey, it works in fairy tales why not try it here? But alas, Sleeping Beauty does not wake up. His desperate begging, "Please baby, please wake up. I'm not leaving until you do. I'm staying right here by your side, I'm here for you always. Please come back, please come back, please, come back," garners not a single acknowledgement either.

A bubbly nurse aide in pastel green scrubs comes striding in carrying in her hands the newest addition to Ana's ever growing collection of flowery, fragrant get-well wishes. They are beautiful: iris and orchids in a variety of tints and hues. Curious as he is Christian asks who sent them. "Greg." She says reading the attached card.

What the hell? Who does that goddamn fucker think he is to send flowers to my wife for? That fucking asshole is going to fucking pay! "Send them away!" he growls.

"Leave them right where they are." Commands a person of motherly appearance. "Christian, you have no right to dictate what Ana can or cannot keep. They were sent to her not you. Besides they're lovely."

"Fine." He heaves, yielding to Grace's scolding.

"You really need to take a break, son." She says as two nurses enter behind her.

"I can't!" he snaps, "I won't. Not until she wakes up. I want my face to be the first one she sees when she does."

"Then give her the break! Let these nurses do their job. Let them tend to her, check her wound, change her dressing because I have something you need to do that's just as important."

"What that?"

"I want you to go see your daughter. She's struggling and could really use her daddy."

Christian's heart wrenches at the news. Struggling? My little girl is struggling? Knowing that to be the case he doesn't hasten to follow his mother's lead. Wait for me my dear Ana. I won't be gone long.

They arrive at the Neonatal unit and Grace crooks her finger to motion Christian inside. His eyes glaze over as he stares at the little bundle of joy quietly lying in the incubator. "Would you like to touch her?" asks one of the nurses. He trembles at the thought but relishes the request. "Carefully put your hands through the holes at the side of the incubator like this and just gently touch her, don't rub. Her skins far too delicate for that yet."

He's apprehensive at first but soon obliges. And it is a thrill he will never soon forget. If simply placing his long slender fingers on the infant's itty bitty body could bring a lump to his throat imagine what happens when three of her wee ones wrap around one of his. "She knows me!" he squeals in amazement then relinquishes tears. "My baby girl knows me!"

"Of course she does Mr. Grey, and now you know her better too. It's very important for a preemie to feel the nearby presence of one or both parents. It helps form a warm comforting bond and that's a tremendous aid to this critical part of their early growth and development outside of the womb. For some the closeness gives them the will and strength to continue on. And this little miracle right here needs all the strength she can get. Would you like to stay with her a little longer?"

As nervous and afraid as he was at the beginning Christian finds it difficult to take leave of his daughter's side now. His soft gray eyes are pools of adoration, "Yes, I'd love that."

Fifteen more minutes spent with 'Papa's petite angel' later and Christian and Grace finally leave the NICU. He beams with an indescribable feeling of gratification. "You know what Mom, I know I'm the reason she's in that incubator now but I'm going to try my best to make sure she doesn't have to stay there."

He hurries back to Ana, anxious to share his exciting accomplishment with her. He takes her right hand in his, brings it to his lips and softly kisses her knuckles. "I saw our daughter today Ana. I touched her. She held on to my finger, she knows me! You have to meet her. You just have to. She's another reason for you to wake up. She needs you just as much as Teddy and I do if not more." Christian takes a seat and stays with his beloved for the next few hours lovingly caressing her hand, and running his fingers through her shoulder length hair its chestnut color now almost completely grown back. Taylor comes and informs Christian it's time now to pick up Teddy. Before leaving he lightly brushes his fingers down her cheek and whispers, "I love you so much, Ana. I'm off to get Teddy now. He loves you too. But I'll be back tomorrow."

…

Ana

Oh Lord, it feels like I've been climbing these stairs for ages but to no avail. But the voices I'm hearing keep getting louder the higher I climb. Does that mean I'm closer to the light? Oh when will I escape this darkness? Is it through that door over there? Is that the way at last? But wait. Maybe I shouldn't open that door. What was behind the other two doors turned out to be crummy! But then again they say third times a charm so maybe… Okay, let's see. The door's really heavy. Ugh! Taking all my strength to open. Gosh, I hope it's worth it. Oh rats! Another long, dark, corridor! This time, leading to two double doors. Get ready Ana, to swing them open and quite possibly be free at last! (gasp) No. It can't be. There's nothing but ruin here. Everything's gone. Burnt to the ground. Destroyed. Deserted. The smoky smell is nasty! Is this where I'm to end up? Trapped in a sea of desolation? Alone? Confused?... I can't! I don't want to. It's too depressing here! I'm going back to the darkness and start climbing again. I just know I'm going to reach the top soon.

…

Early the next morning

Christian shows up to the hospital bright and early, a cup of coffee in hand and an enthusiastic grin on his face. First on his list is to head on over and visit with Ana for a bit. There are so many flowers from friends and well-wishers one would tend to think they were in a garden or a florist shop but not a hospital room. Her status hasn't changed any since yesterday but never will he give up hope. He goes to her side, gently rubs her arm, strokes her hair and starts discussing the events of last night, how much she is loved and missed, that Gail sends her best and Teddy told him to give his mommy a great big hug and he can't wait to see her again. A quick kiss on her plump but dry lips and it's off to spend time with their little girl.

While he's in the NICU cooing with the yet unnamed Grey family member a nurse has checked Ana over, changed her saline bag then leaves to tend to her other duties. The room feels peaceful and calm once more until… a few more, including her boss Vivian, visitors come to see her.

"Oh, my God, did you see that?" "Yeah I did. She moved." "Quick! Go get someone I think she might be…"

One of them runs out of Ana's room and down the hall, "Hey, hey she's waking up!" Trudy yells frantically, "Ana, I mean, Mrs. Grey is waking up!"

Christian, who has just left the NICU and his and Ana's daughter has come into earshot and hears her exclamation. He rushes over to his wife's room as if his butt was on fire determined to be the first person Ana sees.

It happens. She's reached the top; found her way out of the darkness. Her eyes flutter open; she looks around the room then gazes into the familiar gorgeous face of the man in front of her who's holding her hand and smiling.

"Hey." She says softly, smiling back.

"Hey to you too."

"Where am I? What are you doing here?"

AA/N: I have a few 'thank yous' to make.

First: To Lobster33 for the wonderful and helpful information regarding the feelings and emotions experienced that goes with parenting a premature infant. She's right, accuracy is important.

Second: To cmwiseman for some terrific story ideas. Wow!

Third: To all the readers and fans of this story. You guys are awesome!