Standing Still - Thirty-four

Carla arrived yesterday and there's certainly something going on between her and Christian. They spent a lot of time together in his study when she first arrived and they've both avoided each other like the plague since.

Ana also seems wary of her mother, like she doesn't believe she's here to help her. I've been with her a lot lately and she practically grabs my hand to stop me from leaving her alone with her mother. Small talk is about all I can manage and really the tension that surrounds them has me rather confused.

Last night I was staying at my sons house to help with the children and I overheard Christian shouting at Carla. I couldn't believe my son was being so rude to his mother-in-law and was on my way to give him a piece of my mind, when I heard something that made my blood run cold.

Evidentially she was making demands and begging for Christian not to tell Ana something. Christian snapped back at her so loudly I feared he would wake the children.

"Don't worry I would never tell her, it would break her."

Carla did not reply and I had to dash behind the wall to avoid her as she ran from the room. I heard Christian smash something against the floor then pace wildly in my direction.

"Christian what is it," I asked as he stepped into my path.

"Nothing," he replied curtly.

"Christian something has happened, please tell me," I asked softly.

"I cant," he snapped then tried to walk away.

"Christian Trevelyan Grey don't you walk away from me."

"I can't," he repeated then without warning he suddenly broke down.

I led him back towards his study and shut the door, sidestepping the broken glass I made his sit down.

"What is it Christian."

Then with time and much persuasion he told me what was going on with Carla. I sat dumbfounded for a while unable to understand what he was telling me. It had to be a mistake a misunderstanding, surely not what was being told to me.

"I don't believe it," I finally replied.

"It's hard I know, that fucking bitch is hard to fathom."

I knew then that it was true and even Christian's language failed to shock me after what I had just heard.

I shook my head then pulled Christian's hand into my lap. He looked so lost and it was hard not to run to that woman there and then and slap her face.

"Unfortunately it has to be done, but that women I don't know how I will ever face her again."

"But face her you will or Ana will work out that something's wrong. She can't ever know, never. Please Mom she can never know."

I nodded my head then wrapped my arms around Christian, how could she do this to him, to Ana.

By the next day I made up my mind to have a little chat with Carla and I could barley wait I was so mad. I wanted to scream, I wanted to shout but in the end I did neither.

When I saw her next morning I realised what might happen if I let her have it. She could leave, she could walk out the door and not return and Ana needed that kidney.

I decided there and then to hold my tongue but by God she better watch herself the second that kidney leaves her body.

If it would have done her any good at all I would have given Ana both my kidneys and here her mother needs payment just to part with one. I'm cold with Carla, I can't help myself but I never let it slip that I know. I guess some people really shouldn't have children and Carla is certainly one of them.

As the days follow I find myself practically despising the woman, especially when she is in any way solicitous to Ana's wellbeing. Christian was right, she's a fucking bitch but she's Ana's mother and the only one that can help her.