"And I'll be with you, when you dream."
I was packing for my big trek across the Atlantic again; only this time, Daddy booked a one-way ticket. I was overcome with a series of emotions, some conflicting. I was furious that Daddy had the audacity to transfer my PhD position to York without so much as even consulting me. Granted, it wasn't a bad trade; I was going to a better university in fact. It was the fact that I had literally no say in it all that really enraged me. But Daddy assured me that the over-protection and monitoring would stop once I was safely outside the US. For the first time in my life, I'd be truly free and unwatched in York; I'd finally be like a real adult. That made me unspeakably happy. Mr. Bodyguard and I had a ceremony with all the Dollars in the city present. I officially handed over my position as head of the mob to him; I'd still technically be "queen" in name only- he'd literally act as my regent. That was enough though. All the Dollars were thrilled by this; the misogynist jerks got what they wanted- a male leader- and those worried about my safety knew I'd be safe in Europe. It was a win for everyone. The only concession was that Mr. Bodyguard could never marry or have kids of his own, which he was perfectly fine with; he never struck me as the romantic type.
That just left Paul, Kate, and Christian….. Christian, my hands which were currently folding a shirt for my suitcase stopped. That's right, I wouldn't get to see him before I left; he was still in the hospital. I wouldn't see him…. My eyes unconsciously scrolled down to the bracelet he gave me on my wrist. "I love you, Anastasia Steele. I've always loved you; there is no other. It's always been you- always." Letting go of the shirt, my hand covered the bracelet; my fingers pressed it tightly against my skin. I'm leaving….. I'm leaving him again, and I didn't even get to say good bye. My eyes slowly, agonizingly shut. I didn't get to see you again.
My eyes fluttered open when I felt when seemed to be a light breeze on my cheek, which was odd considering I was inside with the window shut. I found myself standing in the middle of a busy street outside in a strange city. Before my mind had any thoughts on the situation, I scanned all around me while not moving my feet an inch. I knew….. I knew I must be hallucinating or dreaming just then but….. I have no memory of why this might be. The last thing I remember, I was standing in my room while packing for my trip to York and… I touched Christian's bracelet.
"Ana?" My head gently rolled up to see a familiar, beautiful face staring back at me. His eyes were the first thing that caught me; his radiant, sapphire eyes. He was in casual wear and holding two ice cream cones. I just stood there, my eyes gradually beginning to grow. "I remember….." I heard my lips whisper to myself. "Huh?" His head cocked a little. "I remember everything…" "Remember what, Ana?" And that's when I knew, we were in Seattle, in a whole other universe. I remember this… I remember you.
"W-why… why now?" "Anastasia," the voice came from behind me now as the world around me began to fade; colors and figures became fuzzy. "You said… I wouldn't remember while I'm awake," my gaze lowered softly. I felt him take a step closer to me; I didn't even have to look- I could sense him near me, watching me…. What a fantastic sensation. "You longed to see me, be close… so I came to you like this." "Christian…." "I can't bear to see you suffer, Anastasia." Oh, the way he said that just now… I spun my feet around so I could face him. There he was, so near to me… My angel, the One Christian- the original source of all his essence.
"Anastasia….. my sweet Anastasia," his hand rose up in front of him. My lips began to tremble as the quiver ran through my whole, entire body. "Hold me…. hold me….." The angel didn't have to be asked twice. He was here within a second, wrapping both his strong, strong arms tenderly around me. I re-shut my eyes as I rested against his chest. "Please, stay with me…" I was begging while trying to steady my breath; I didn't know it was possible to be this happy. "I am always with you." "No, I mean in my world; I want you to be there with me." His eyes lowered a tad while he rested the side of his face on my hair. "You do not understand, dear wife." "Huh?" That's when he pulled me back lightly so our eyes could meet; his entirely gentle while mine where on the verge of tears.
"In any world, in any reality…. I came to this universe because you were here, my darling. You're like my own personal sun, shining so brightly. I'm like a moth attracted to your light. You, wherever you are… you become a radiant existence to me. The way you helped the woman when you were young, or took the knife for me… I love them all; absolutely everything about you in every single reality. And every time I find myself lost to my desires to be close, to feel the warmth shining off you. No matter where you go, I follow… I can't exist without seeing that smile radiated from the bottom of your heart. It's never enough, regardless how many times I see it. I'm attracted to your light, Anastasia….. my uncontrollable desire for it is only quenched when I'm with you," his eyes shut in the most tender way imaginable as our foreheads gently pressed together.
"What a beautiful light."
One Month Later:
I'd lived in York for almost a month now. Life had been hectic but really good thus far. I started my PhD and began teaching at the university. I was living in student residency for postgrads right downtown across the street from the castle. It was still so new to me, but I finally had the normal, ordinary life I'd always dreamt of- and I simply adored it. I loved York, I loved my university, I loved my supervisor, I loved not constantly being monitored all the time. Life was shaping up pretty well at the moment. There was one glaring omission from my life, however.
I hadn't spoken to Christian since I left the hospital that day Jack abducted me. It felt so long now, despite only being a little over a month. I wanted to reach out to him, but inside me told me that he'd come- he'd come to me when he was ready. I can't say how I know; it's just there somewhere inside me. Deep, deep inside of me. I do recall something about a light shining but had no actual memory to go alongside it. I wonder where I got "light" from?
So, for the time being, I listened to my gut and focused on my life here. I was walking through a part of downtown called the Shambles; this really cute, cool, medieval row of whirly houses and shops. I had just popped in the tea shop for some loose-leaf white tea. Upon exiting, I was stuffing it into my bag. The zipper was just pulled up when my head lifted; I looked forward, and I saw him.
There…. right there, standing on the other side of the small, cobblestone street was him- Christian Grey. My Christian Grey. He was fully facing my direction with these large, gorgeous eyes. Neither of us reacted, even moved immediately. Like a scene out of a movie, we stood there for god knows how long staring at each other. Both of our mouths were open, like we had to remind ourselves to breathe; which was actually a lot harder than it sounds. Then, acting from a force deep within me, the most elated, most joyous smile started to blossom across my lips. He's here… he's right here. He was right; he did come for me, after all.
Like a moth attracted to light, he came to York for me.
