AN.. thank you all for your patience. I had the next chapter written about 3 weeks ago but then I clicked something as I was editing on my phone and that the end of that. however, even though it took a few days to get into the swing of things I have managed to soldier on. I am aiming to end this story at chapter 60 unless my crazy mind decides otherwise. it has been encouraging having your support even during the times when I was quiet I always had messages of encouragement. Chimbwido
Christian POV
I check the bedside clock, it's fucking 3 am and I'm wide awake. I can hear her breathing gently beside me with some of her hair sprawled across my chest. I know why I'm wide awake but hate to admit how thinking of the uncertain future is unnerving. There's nothing to be concerned about according to Anastasia but she doesn't fully comprehend my predicament. From a young age, happiness or any form of contentment lasted just minutes if not seconds any given time. I would be laughing with my mom, the few times she behaved like a mom and it would all evaporate the moment He entered the apartment. My mom would morph into wicked the stepmother, dragging me to my room sometimes by the ear. I would lay huddled in the corner sobbing, at times I'd even wet myself, knowing the consequences of that would be easier to face compared to running the risk of being spotted outside my room.
She stirs and moans in her sleep and my dick responds as we are both naked underneath the sheets. Intimacy needs a new definition in every dictionary because what I'm experiencing takes a whole new meaning, my stomach clenches slightly just thinking of all the poison Eleanor fed me. That was her way of controlling me, making me believe that we were one entity " people like us don't do love Christian". But I'm here doing love and even though it frightens the life of out me there is nothing that would rather be doing and there is nowhere else I would rather be. A cold shiver runs through me knowing our paths will cross at some point but I hope it isn't soon. I haven't spoken to her since she pulled her stunt but its time to cut ties completely. I want to have the last word.
I put a pair of sweatpants and quietly sneak onto the balcony. I shiver slightly as the cool breeze greets my bare chest. I'm staring out into the distance watching the flickering lights wondering who else is Sleepless in Seattle. I have a meeting with Social Services at 3 in the afternoon and they want Chris to come with. I know that's whats really set me off balance even though I hate to admit it. What the fuck do they want from me? There more children out there in need of urgent intervention which is likely to be the difference between life and death but they have time to waste on me and my son who is going to be loved more than he will even know.
I sense her presence before she snakes her arms around my waist. I stiffen only for a second before I begin to relax. This woman owns every inch of me and she knows it. She is not afraid of me and that's one of the things I love about her. She is not here because she is being forced or coerced she is here because she wants to be and that I'm just getting used to it. Her hand finds its way into my boxers...'come back to bed' she whispers seductively and who am I to deny her plus the distraction is welcome.
Ana's POV
I place my hand on his thigh and give him a reassuring squeeze, we are sat in the back of the SUV on our way for the appointment. Christopher is in his own little world watching a DVD and his intermittent giggles help to lighten the mood. The little boy is oblivious to the potential storm that is brewing. He has settled well with us and now even sleeps in his own room. He has met his extended family and managed to charm them all. Initially, on our arrival, he clung to my side a little frightened by all the excited pairs of eyes that greeted him. But then soon as uncle Lellio started acting like a 4-year old that was all it took
Christian looks outside during most the journey barely says a word. The appointment came sooner than we had anticipated and I know Christian is struggling as he has no control over the outcome. I'm confident there is going to be nothing to it but he is convinced that his life is about to take another unwelcome turn
The waiting area is crowded and this is mid-afternoon. Worried parents and some people who would make you worry that they actually are looking after a child fill the room. Some children sit quietly, afraid, clearly understanding that their fate hangs in the balance so they carry the burden of their little worlds of their delicate shoulders. Other children seem unconcerned as they crowd the play area laughing shouting and cheering
Christopher sits with us relaxed on my lap watching.
"What's taken them so long?" Christian says impatiently, a slight tremor has set in his right leg
"Relax, don't forget all these people waiting here before us and it seems busy."
" I bet you they are plotting." He continues this time gritting his teeth. " They'll need more than the freaking SWAT team to hold me down if they decide to take him .."
"Who said anything about Chris being taken away, you're being ridiculous now."
He huffs like an errant child, Men! I keep an eye on Christopher who one second was sitting quietly on my lap and the next moment he bolted away to join the other children. Christian wanted to follow him but I suggested that we just observe from a distance. Initially, Christopher hesitates but within a space of a few minutes, he actively participating, one of the children hands him a toy car.
We all look up as a set of double doors are pushed open with a little more than necessary force. A middle aged blonde haired woman emerges from a set of double doors dragging a child who is about 8 or 9. She wipes away her tears. " Mummy whats wrong?". She doesn't respond and as the young boy struggles to keep up. He sounds distraught but doesn't seem to appreciate that it's probably not the ideal time to be having this conversation with his mother. Whatever his concern is, it just cannot wait
"What did the lady say?" he continues to probe his mother who is trying to vacate the building as soon as possible. Now everyone's eyes are on them
" I'm sorry I forgot what you told me to say if she asks but you said never to be telling lies." he continues almost sobbing
" It doesn't matter." she hisses under her breath " Now all I need is to find an extra $500 a month out of thin air to get you a babysitter and a bigger place to live otherwise you heard the lady. You will be going to your father and his new wife."
" But she hates me and she lies. I promise I will never tell if you hide me at your work. I'll be quiet."
We continue to watch them making their way to the exit. The mother stops just outside the building and kneels so they are at eye level. My heart constricts, the pain causes my eyes to water and it takes all I have in me for the dam not to burst. I watch dreading that this poor child will be scolded even further now that they are out. Instead, his mother pulls him close and I have to excuse myself rushing to find the nearest bathroom. I splash cold water on my face and stare at myself in the mirror, my chest heaves. I shouldn't be so affected but I cannot help it. Everyone else just watched and afterwards continued with whatever it was they were doing as though it is just another day. I take a few more minutes to make myself look presentable and head back to the waiting area, Christian stares at me with those grey questioning eyes but he doesn't get a chance to say anything as his name is called out almost immediately.
'Mr Christian Grey!' A middle-aged white woman shouts as she emerges scanning the room with a file that her hand that seems heavier than it looks given the way she clutches onto it. The dark circles under her eyes seem to have their own story to tell and even the way she drags her feet you'd think they weighed a tonne. I rush to grab Christopher who protests briefly while Christian acknowledges our presence.
Her expression changes and she frowns seeing us.
"Follow me." She says without even making any introductions. She leads us to any office letting out an exasperated breath. There are files stacked on her desk and Christopher's file is probably next to be added onto that mountain.
"Take a seat please." She scans her file one more time as if hoping to find some information and then eventually she looks up
" I'm Helen Bradford, one of the social workers, here."
"I take it you're Miss Steele ." I nod as it's clearly not a question
" Anyway, I'm struggling if I can be honest as to why this has been given high priority." She scans her file again
Christian and I exchange a glance but say nothing as it's not us who dictated the priority of the situation
" I'm sure you can appreciate how busy it is. The reception is packed, I have children slipping through the net and then... I just don't know." We leave her to continue
"Anyway so let me get this straight, Christian Grey is the biological father, Christopher's biological mother is late and his aunt who is his guardian is unable to continue looking at him but is happy for you Christian to have full custody of your son."
"Yes, that correct. She is currently unwell and is having treatment. We have agreed that once she is better then we can make arrangements for Chris to spend some time with her " Christian says
"How about the distance you?" She probes him further
Christian shifts in his seat slightly, 'private jets' i say in my head in response hoping it didn't come out load
"We can make arrangements Miss Bradford, that I can assure you." I detect a hint of annoyance, but he keeps his composure.
"Very well," her voice is beginning to waiver " how have things been over the past few weeks? How are you, young man.?"
"The lady said hi Christopher."
I nudge him and he responds shyly with a smile, " I'm fine."
" The main thing is that he will need stability. He has gone through a lot." She looks at Christian and me.
" Yes, we understand that perfectly well Miss Bradford. As stated Christian and I are engaged and once everything's settled we will be setting a date for the wedding. " I can feel Christians eyes on me and resist the temptation to look at him
" How is he in himself? Any concerns? Is he sleeping? How about his appetite and his interactions with yourselves and other people?" Christian and I look at each other for a brief moment and he gestures for me to respond.
"At present, he appears to have settled in well with us though he is still adjusting. He eats well and is very active. Surprisingly he now sleeps through the night and is settled in his own room At the moment we are spending a lot of time at home and Christian is working from home as well so even though we have a housekeeper most of the times at least one of us is with him. He does ask for his mother, Sarah from time to time and he has spoken to her a few times over the phone and we hope to visit her soon." I'm hoping that answers all her questions, she jots a few things down and I pausing waiting for her to finish
"Anything to add Mr Grey." He shakes his head
" No, I think my fiancée said it all. The only thing is we will be moving to more permanent accommodation at some point but we will advise you when that happens."
" Fair enough. How about things like medical care, nursery etc ?"
" Yes.. urm... I have looked at few activities locally and we are still deciding. We have our own doctor so we can arrange a general examination for him. The nursery will depend on where we move" She nods in response and I'm just thinking how will Control Freak allow this child out of sight in our absence. I've told a lie about the doctor as the only doctor I know is the gynaecologist but I'm sure Christian has the name and number of someone who can turn up at the drop of a hat. He will probably employ a paediatrician who will have to be available round the clock the moment that thought crosses his mind.
"Ok, I think that is all I need for now so you are free to go. I will be writing a report which will be looked at by my supervisor. Honestly, I do not have any concerns at this moment in time but a few more follow ups will be required before we can close his file. So all I can ask is that you look after this young man. I'm sure you've seen what it's like out there, it's not easy at times trying to find a child a stable home and worse still we just do not have the resources or facilities to support those who are trying to do just that ... sorry, I'm rumbling."
With that, we are dismissed and quickly exit the building. I welcome the fresh air as it hits my lungs. I was suffocating being in that building, listening, watching and breathing in the despair that surrounded each and every person in that Children's Centre. The mother and child from earlier were probably just a snippet of a daily occurrence but I know it will linger around me for a while longer.
We wait outside for Taylor, Christian carries his son and pulls me to him planting a kiss onto my forehead. I breathe him in and he smells like home. I cling onto him a little while longer and I wonder what is going through his mind as he is not giving much away
"You were amazing ... didn't know we had all those plans in place. And a wedding date soon .. I think I might need a bit more time before we tie the knot."
He is teasing me and I just smile if it was up to him I would have been Mrs Gray a day or two after his proposal.
