Existence of Phoebe Grey
Christians POV:
"Mr and Mrs Grey?"
"Yes. Do you have our daughter?"
"I will need you to identify her, but this is a picture. Can you confirm that this is your daughter?" I snap the picture of out his hand out of desperation. Tears pour from Ana's eyes, and my emotions boil over.
"Yes. That is our daughter, Phoebe Grace Grey. How is she?" What I really mean is…. Is she alive? This has been my biggest fear the second we learnt she was missing. One that I haven't even dared to say out loud.
"Please follow me." I want to yell. I want to punch something or someone. If Ana didn't have such a tight grip on my hand and had started to follow the doctor, I would have demanded there and then to be told about my daughter's condition. Each step I take down the corridor represents a thousand deaths. What if each step is one closer to learning that our daughter is no longer with us. My emotions are heightened when I sight Hughes standing outside a hospital room. I count to ten and attempt to compose myself. If Phoebe is in a hospital room then she is at least alive, but what physical and emotional injuries is she suffering? I know I need to be strong for Ana. We both love our four children dearly, but there is undeniably something extraordinarily special about Ana's relationship with Phoebe.
"Your daughter's doctor, Dr Miller, is upstairs. I will notify him that you have arrived. He should be down shortly to speak to you both." The doctor announces and gestures for us to enter the room. We don't hesitate though a thousand possible images run through my mind. Phoebe on the hospital bed connected to wires and numerous machines. History repeating itself from when she had seizures and surgery as a young child. I wrap my arm around Ana's as tears commence to run down her face when we see our daughter lying motionless on the hospital bed. The room is deadly quiet. An unfamiliar sound from a room that our daughter is occupying. Phoebe's rich, thick brunette hair is flared out on the pillow, and though it undeniably her, she looks pale. She is so still and definitely thinner than she was before this ordeal began.
Phoebe slowly opens eyes and blinks several times. "Mom… dad?" I remember the first time she opened her eyes as a baby, and how warm I felt inside. She was and always will be my little princess. I recall how protective I felt and how she owned me my heart. I just got the same feeling. Our daughter's voice is soft and unusually low, but it's hers.
"Yes, Phoebe we are here. We have been so worried about you." Ana moves next to her and takes her hand. I follow suit and take hold of Phoebe's free hand. Feeling her makes it seem so much more real. Our daughter is alive.
"Mom... dad... umm...I have a lot of... explaining to do. I umm..." Phoebe tries to speak but struggles. I understand her difficulty... I am also struggling.
"Ssshhh princess. We can all talk later. How are you feeling? Are you hurt? Are you hungry? Do you need something to drink?" I start to take control, something Josh recently described as the father version of my CEO- mode.
"No, I am fine. I am just a bit tired." Relief engulfs Ana and I. Thank you, God! I look over Phoebe's arms, neck and head, which are the only parts of her that are visible, and there aren't any bruises or marks. It feels like a miracle though I know that there may still be injuries we can't see and don't know about yet.
"The only reason the hospital admitted me was because I explained that I hadn't had any Epilim for my epilepsy for about four days and that mixed with exhaustion put me at high risk. They also admitted me because they weren't completely sure of my identity as I didn't have any identification on me. I was a little disoriented and I even though I might have mentioned I was Phoebe Grey I can understand why the hospital was unsure." Mixed emotions run through me. Phoebe has been missing for two weeks and was without medication for a few of those days. I am so grateful that she had at least some supply with her but angry because it confirms that whatever happened was planned. But by who? Phoebe and Laurence, or just one of them? There is also the possibly that Carson got a supply ready for her though it is not likely. There are so many questions… the biggest of which is where Laurence and his father is now?
"They have me back on Epilim and I have gotten some rest. I am still a little tired but far better than I was."
"Can we get you anything?" Ana questions. A few tears again run down my wife's beautiful face, though she quickly wipes them. Those tears are a mix of relief, anguish over the last couple of weeks and worry. I have a thousand questions to ask, and desperately want answers but having Phoebe back is enough for the moment.
"I just want to go home. Can I go, please? I am not injured and I can see a doctor back home if need be. I will be able to rest better in my own bed at home, than here."
"Let me go and find your doctor." I smile at Phoebe kiss her forehead, before walking out the hospital room where Taylor is waiting.
"How is Phoebe?"
"Uninjured and wanting to go home. I need to speak to her doctor" The other doctor said that Phoebes doctor was upstairs so I head that way. "Where are we at?" I probe.
"The FBI and authorities at home have been notified that Phoebe has been located. They will want to talk to her as soon as possible." I understand that time is of the essence in matters such as these though I had wished Phoebe wouldn't need to be questioned just yet? I would prefer she go home to get a decent meal and rest before she is subjected to recount the events of the past two weeks.
"That is the status on Laurence and Carson?"
"No new information. Phoebe is the link. The authorities want to send an officer down to question her if she is unable to return to the sound today." Damn it so quick! I know that there is little that I can do about this especially as I want Carson and Laurence brought to justice.
"I would prefer for that to happen at home, as will Ana. I will contact my father and my family's legal team. Get Turner. I want him on hand for Phoebe, just in case. After that, I want my daughter to rest at home. Maybe never let her out of mine and Ana's sight!" Taylor grins a little, but his expression quickly resumes impassive.
After a final assessment by Doctor Miller and instructions to receive a follow up to check Phoebe's blood chemistry as a precaution, she is thankfully released. She sits between Ana and me on the drive home. I don't know how long it will take before either of us let Phoebe out of our sight.
Six hours ago we were told that there was a girl fitting our daughter's description only an hour away from our house, an hour and forty-five minutes later Ana and I arrived at the hospital and now we are going home, with our daughter. The whole family has been informed that Phoebe has been found and is well though there has been no media coverage yet. This is important. Ted is on his way home, wanting to see his Phoebe for himself though I am worried that he might be angry with her. Lily believes that Phoebe has just finished whatever she needed to do at school and is coming home for a while. When the time is right will tell her the truth. Josh is so excited that he said that he will watch every Disney movie with Lily so she won't annoy Phoebe as she rests.
"I am so happy to be going home. I can't explain how much I want to sleep in my own room tonight, be woken up in the morning by Lily to play tea parties, then eat breakfast with our family. I even want to hear you, dad, tell us to eat more." Joy. For the first time in two week. I experience real joy. Ana even giggles at Phoebes little speech. "I am still tired."
"Go to sleep. We will wake you when we get home." I suggest.
"Okay... and Mom and Dad… I am sorry" Phoebe yawns and closes her eyes. Ana takes hold of her hand and she rests her head on my shoulder. She is fast asleep before we have even hit the highway. Right now everything in the world is right and I am in control.
# # # #
Taylor drives us straight up to the front of the house. My mother and father meet us at the door and immediately hug Phoebe. Our daughter again begins to apologise to them when they tell her how worried they have been.
"Let's all go inside" I direct. Not two seconds have passed since we all entered the house, that Lily comes running up to her big sister. We told Phoebe about the little white lie we told Lily about her absence. Phoebe kneels down so she is at Lily's height.
"Phoebe, finally you are home! I was so sad that you had to go to school, but Ted and Josh took me to see the new Disney princess movie. It had twin's princess and they fell in love with twin princes, but they end up living in different kingdoms and miss each other lots. I know that you wanted to see if with me, but I don't mind watching it again if you want."
"Okay... we will see. Sounds like Ted and Josh were the best big brothers ever!" Phoebe looks up at Josh. "Hey, Josh."
"Hey, Phoebes! It's good to have you home."
"Thanks. It's good to be home" Phoebe stands up and hugs Josh.
"You owe me Phoebe... Some of the guys from my school saw me go into that movie and it was hell." Regardless of Joshua words, his tone is playful.
"Joshua!" Ana scolds his use of language.
"I meant that the movie hilarious. Lily, I am so glad that I went to the movie. I am even willing to take you to the next Disney movie when I am fifty years old" Lily glares at Josh and then in a rare act of defiance sticks her tongue out to her brother. This little girl is going to be the death of me, especially when she becomes a teenager. I know I need to correct her behavior but same time I can't help but grin at her. I am going to go into my father-oriented CEO mode more with her, than in we need to be in CEO mode at the office in a few years… who I am kidding. It's going to start a lot earlier.
"Lily Anastasia Grey, we do not accept disrespect in this house." I scold.
"What about Josh? He was disrespectful also... I heard him say the word Hell!" I catch Ana rolling her eyes, which is my sentiment exactly.
"Lily and Josh... both of you upstairs. Josh, you still need to finish your French assignment and school starts in three days. Lily, you can go and play in your room."
"But I don't want to go upstairs. Phoebe just got home." While I feel for Lily, I can't let her get her own way right now.
"Why don't I go upstairs with you, we can play together." My mother offers taking Lily's hand.
"Okay. Phoebe are you going back to school soon?" Lily's question is just another one of the many unanswered questions that need answers.
"I am not sure. But either way I will be home for a little while, I think. I promise to spend as much time with you as I can. I know that I could really use on of your delicious tea parties in a little while." Phoebe's answer is enough to placate Lily, who is happily, is walking up the stairs with Grace followed by Josh. Ana and I are once more left alone with Phoebe, with the addition of Taylor and my father. My father informs me that Turner, my family's lawyer has already arrived in case we need him. Phoebe examines the time on her watch and looks a little uncomfortable.
"Phoebe?" I question, hoping she will just come out and say what is on her mind, but before she is able to reply we are joined by Saunders, the FB officer who has been heading up the investigation in conjunction with my family's security.
"Miss Phoebe Grey?"
"Yes."
"My name is Saunders and I am in charge of your case. Welcome back! The Bureau are thankful that you are well."
"Thank you for your efforts. I am appreciative of all your work." Phoebe politely responds to him.
"I acknowledge that you have only just arrived home; however, we need to speak to you, as soon as possible. The whereabouts of Laurence and his father is still unknown. It is imperative to our investigation that we question you."
"I understand. I am more than happy to answer all your questions and explain everything that happened over the past two weeks." Phoebe looks up and tears swell in her eyes before they run down her face. Ana and I approach her and hold her as quietly she sobs though she composes herself quickly."
"Mom and dad, that book was a warning. Laurence tried to warn me, but I wouldn't listen. I am so sorry! …Saunders, I know where Laurence and his father is. I can help you."
A/N: Sorry that this chapter is short and only answers if Phoebe survived or not. It was going to be a far longer chapter, but you would all have had to wait and I got messages asking to know about Phoebe, so this is the best I can do right now. The next chapter will explain what has happened to Phoebe, Laurence and his father during the past two weeks.