A/N: I really just want to take a little time out to say that I love you all. From the people who have read all of my stories to the people who just come across and tell me I suck at writing(which has only been one, thankfully).. You guys have stuck with me throughout this and I love hearing your opinions. To those who have reviewed, thank you for giving me some insight and helping me move the story forward. Although, I may not reply that doesn't mean I don't read or appreciate them, I usually just don't know how to respond unless you ask me a question. And to the guest reviewers who I love just as much as the rest, thanks for sticking with the story and refreshing the page to see if I've updated. (I did that too before I joined.)

To my guest reviewer Anabelle: I only received two reviews on this story so I'm not sure what the other comments were but I greatly appreciate it and I appreciate you reaching out to me and for your suggestions. Your email address did not come through but I do have an email I use specifically for this website: zaviarah at gmail

Any and all of you are free to PM or email me with suggestions, comments or if you just want to talk about anything.

Again, thank you all for your support and helping me throughout this story. I hope to continue improving my writing and actually do some editing(sorry about all my silly mistakes). This part of the story has a few more chapters left and I'm excited to see what you all think about what I have come up with! I hate long authors' notes' especially in the beginning of a story so I will stop here with another thank you. Enjoy the longer chapter! :)

-Ari

Friday July 9

Chapter 24 - A Little Bit Longer(Nick jonas)

"'A little bit longer and I'll be fine"

"Congrats you too. I hope you will still have some sort of ceremony and I still get to walk you down the hall."

Ana and I look at each other stunned and I'm nervous as hell. I know he gave me his permission but that was only a week ago and doesn't every father want to be at the wedding. Well, all parents. Great, now I'm thinking about Grace.

"Oh please, like I wouldn't notice your rings that happen to match and the lovey dovey looks you two have been exchanging. I' won't say I'm completely happy with this but as long as this is what you both want, you don't hurt her" he says giving me a death glare "And I get to walk you down some isle one of these days, I'm happy for you." he says looking lovingly at Ana.

"Thank you daddy."

"I guess that means we can change the name on your door now." I state happily. Right now the world may not know that she is mine but in the safety of this ward, I want everyone to know.

"Its good to see some people here this time around." Dr. Hamburg says as she walks through the door with a few nurses. She sits down at the foot of my bed while the nurses prepare the meds and set up. "I know this isn't exactly how we wanted things to go and sadly you'll be here for another month but I've adjusted your medicines and doses and I'm really hopeful that this time next month we'll be on the road to getting out of here."

"Now, I know we talked briefly about your new medicines but I'd like to do another run down for everyone so we can know what to expect. We will be upping your Tioguanine dosage to 40mg. Thats's the white pill that you took last time. This time you will take one in the morning and one at night. This might increase your tiredness and breathing (but only a little). Also, we will be switching your Mitoxantrone all together with Idarubicin. It does the same thing but it is a more aggressive treatment which also means that the side effects will be more severe. That's the red liquid that they're hanging." She points to the nurses hanging it one the IV pole. "This one will effect the same things and might give you headaches sometimes."

"What about my peach fuzz?" I ask. I was really happy when I noticed my hair started to grow back a little last week.

"Sadly, it will probably fall out. But in another 3-5 weeks it should be back." She smiles ruefully. "You know the rest of the symptoms. Please, tell your nurses about all your symptoms even if you think they may be small. Your cell count will drop really low in the next few days and you will feel.. well.. like crap honestly. We will almost definitely need some blood transfusions. You'll be tired and there will be a much greater risk of infection so please, to all of you, make sure you wear masks as when you come in here and if you think you might be coming down with something, you can't come in." she says looking at Christian and my dad. "Ana, this time will be much harder around but do remember you have people here who love you and who want to look out for you." She touches my hand slightly. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be I guess." I shrug. Christian kisses my forehead before moving out of the way for the nurses to clean my port area and attach everything. I hate that alcohol smell still. Once the port is in and secured they start to first administer the Idarubicin and the supplemental fluids along with giving me my first Tioguanine pill with a glass of water. The nurses leave.

"Like last time, you may should feel the effects within a few hours. I'll be back to check on you tonight. Let someone know if you need anything."

"Thanks." I say as she walks out the door.

I look over to Ray and Christian who look just as if not more miserable than I do.

"What, are you guys just gonna stare at me?" I ask slightly annoyed. They're supposed to be here for support and comfort but right now they make me feel bad looking at how much this is hurting them.

"We're sorry. I'm sure Christian would agree that this is just really hard.. on all of us. To see you like this." Christian nods his head agreeing. The only time he saw me hooked up like this was on my last day of chemo when he found me. He has no idea what's ahead for the next seven days.

"I got you this." Christian hands me a box.

I open it and it's the newest iPad. "Wow, thank you." I say gratefully.

"Yeah, I'm sure it gets really boring in here. I added some apps that I thought you might like and it's connected to my account so you can get whatever you want."

"Thanks that's really thoughtful. If this round will be anywhere near like the last, I think I will go ahead and sleep while I can." she says tucking her iPad under her pillow. "Thanks for being here you guys.." she says as she drifts off to sleep.

Kate POV

I've been so caught up in my own life that Ana and I haven't even spoken in like forever. When I had gotten back I saw the note and decided to let her be for a week but then one week turned in to two and now three.

"Ana! Surprise!" I yell coming in to the apartment. I look around for her but everything is exactly how I left it three weeks ago. Like she hasn't been here. Something's not right. It looks like nothing has been moved. There's no food in the fridge and this place has a fresh layer of dust all over it. Ana would never let it get like this. I quickly pick up my phone and dial Daddy.

"Daddy.."

"Hey baby girl, did you make it in okay?"

"Yes, I did. I'm at the apartment now but something isn't right. Ana's not here and it looks like she hasn't been here in a really long time. I think something's happened." I rush out starting to panic. Some friend I am, I haven't checked up on her in so long and now she's missing."

"Kate, calm down. Are you sure? Is there anything weird or suspicious. Should I call the police?"

"I don't know daddy. She isn't here. I'm sure she hasn't been here in forever. There is an envelope though. Should I open it?"

"Kate, that would be illegal." My father admonishes.

"But what if it's something important or like a ransom note?" I ignore his comment and open the envelope.

Ana

Here are the photos from the Gala. Ms. Grey came by to try to get in contact with you. I didn't want to give out your information so I decided to send them myself.

Caroline Acton,

Personal Shopper at Neiman Marcus

There are pictures of who I assume is Ana. She's in a really beautiful red dress and a mask. There are some of her walking in and then for an auction. Auction? Ana would never do something like that. And someone bought her. Then there's a picture of them dancing together. The water pint on all of these says Coping Together. Oh my God! That's the super swanky gala that the Grey's have every year.

"Kate?!" My dad yells through the phone.

"Oh, sorry daddy. Look I've gotta go. I think I found something but could you maybe get Ana's picture out there. I'm worried."

"I'll see what I can do." Dad answers.

"Thanks, daddy. Love you. I'll stop by later."

"Okay, love you too." I hang up the phone and head for the door with the photos in my hand. I hop in my benz and head off toward the infamous Grey mansion.

I ring the bell on the gate to the house. It's a Friday afternoon and as I don't really know these people, I have no idea whether or not anyone is home. But surely they have staff or something.

The intercom beeps. "Uh.. Hi. I'm looking for Ms. Grey."

"Who are you?" A female voice comes through the intercom.

"Katherine Kavanaugh."

There is a long pause before the gate buzzes.

I park in the driveway and make my way to the door.

"Hello. I'm Mrs. Grey. I understand you're looking for Mia?" A beautiful blonde older woman comes asks opening the door.

"Umm.. Actually, you might be able to help me out as well. I have a friend who I believe is missing. Your Coping Together Gala seems to be the last time she was seen."

"Oh, dear. Of course come in. Can I get you anything?" She asks concerned while leading me through to a kitchen.

"No, thank you. I don't want to impose. I have these pictures, do you remember her?"

"Ah, yes. I believe her name is Ana. Correct?" I nod. "She came as a last minute thing with my daughter, Mia. You say she is missing?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't spoken to her in some time and our apartment look abandoned. I'm just worried and I really want to find her."

"I see.. well let me call and see if she knows something."

"Thank you."

Christian POV

"Grey." I answer my phone quietly. I forgot to turn the ringer on vibrate and the ring tone was already loud enough to wake up Ana.

"Christian, we really need to work on your manners."

"Sorry mom, one second." I whisper while walking out in to a staircase.

"Why are you whispering. Did I interrupt something?"

"No, I was just in a bad spot, sorry. How are you?"

"I'm fine. I do have a Katherine Kavanaugh here at the house. She's looking for information about the girl you danced with at the gala."

"Oh.." I don't know what to say. Oh, Ana. Yeah, I remember her. In fact we've been somewhat seeing each other and got married two nights ago. What else do you need to know? Ana and I have decided to keep this between us until she can meet them in person.

"Yes.. do you know anything? Her friend thinks she might be missing." Oh, Ana. What did you do?

"No. Sorry. Look mom I have to go. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay.. goodbye." I can practically hear the skepticism flowing off her tongue.

I walk through the door to Ana's room while running my fingers through my hair. I see Ray intently staring at the TV screen. There is Ana's photo on a local news channel. Dammit. It was put out by Kavanaugh Media. I knew that name looked familiar.

"Ray." I announce my presence.

"Do you see this?" He asks. I can tell by his voice that he is less than pleased. "No one even called me. What..?"

"Katherine Kavanaugh." I say.

"Of course it's Kate. Look, neither one of you need this right now. I'll work this out. Are you going to be okay her by yourself for some time?"

"Yeah. Do what you need to."

"Okay, call if you need anything son." Ray says walking out of the room.

Grace POV

"Thank you for your help Mrs. Grey. It seems that it was all a misunderstanding. Ray, Ana's father just called and said she is safe. Thank you for all your help. I should get going now."

"Of course. I'm glad I could help. It was nice to meet you."

"You too. Thanks again."

Well that wasn't suspicious at all. Just minutes after I get off the phone with Christian, who was obviously hiding something, this girl is found. I don't want to believe that he has something to do with whatever is going on but.. something just isn't right. I need to have a talk with him in person.

Still Grace (At GEH)

"Hello Andrea. I need to speak with my son."

"Hello, Mrs. Grey. Unfortunately, Mr. Grey is not in the office at the moment."

"Do you know when he will be back? I can wait."

"Actually, he is out of the office until further notice. I can get in touch with him if you need."

Further notice. "No, thank you. That's fine, thank you Andrea. Enjoy your day."

Taylor POV

"Mrs. Grey. How can I help you?" This is not good..

"Hello, Taylor. Where's Christian?" I can tell by her tone that she knows something is up. I don't know what or how much she knows though.

"Mr. Grey is not here at the moment."

"Well, he's not at work and you're here so.. Where is he?" How am I supposed to answer that question?

"Perhaps you should call him." I say deliberately trying to avoid the question.

"I did.." she state accusatorially.

Christian POV

Ana has already woken up two times pretty much just to spit/throw up and then lies back down. It's breaking my, what I once thought was nonexistent, heart to see her like this. She looks so weak.. and well.. sick. And everyone says that she will get worse each day before she can get better. I really hope she does get better this time, I don't know what I would do if something were to happen to her. And then this whole thing with this Kate friend of Ana's.. I don't even know what to do about that situation and now my mom is involved and everything.. ugh.

"Yes, Taylor?"

"Sir, your mother is here. She's on her way up and I'm sure she is looking for you. Anderson already told me that she went to Grey House looking for you."

"Great. Uh.. I might have to tell her something. Try to stall and if that doesn't work. Tell her I will stop by tonight."

"I'll try."

"Thank you." I hang up.

"Who was that?" Ana's sleepy voice rings out.

"Taylor."

"Is everything okay?"

"Uh.. Well your friend Kate talked to my mom. She was looking for you and the media.. anyway, I think my mom is on to something."

"Oh.. Okay. Well, maybe tell her that we went on a few dates and that I'm on vacation or somet-.. I feel really bad lying and I know you do too. Oh boy, what are they going to think of me?" Ana sighs while sitting up criss cross in her bead.

"They will love you. We just have to find the right time to tell them. I'm going to go over there tonight once Ray gets back."

"Maybe you should just tell her.. I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"I don't know. This is all my fault."

"No, it's not. We'll figure out something."

"Hi mom."

"Hello son." She kisses both my cheeks. "So.. tell me what going on."

"With?"

"This Ana. You know you can't lie to me."

"I know mom. I can't really tell you everything right now but I promise as soon as I can, I will." I plead.

"Is it anything dangerous or illegal?"

"No."

"Well, good. I guess I can give you some time. Do you want to stay for dinner? Your sister is upstairs and your father should be home soon."

"Sure mom but I can't stay long."

"That's fine. Now what's going on with you company?"

"I thought it would be good to take some time off for a bit."

"Mhmm.. Look, I don't know what's going on but just know that if anything, I'm here for you."

"Thank you mom. I really appreciate it and I will remember that. And don't worry because once I can explain everything, you will be the first to know." I pat her hand to give her some reassurance. I hate to keep a secret this big from her and I can't wait until I can tell the world.

A/N: majority of you wanted Kate back in the story so.. here she is… Whether she will stay or not is unknown as of yet.

Will they be able to keep their secret much longer?

Thanks for reading! Please review, comment, ask question, etc. (even if you just tell me it's horrible)