A/N: Thanks for the feedback. Please keep them coming. A few have expressed concerns that Christian will not stay faithful to Ana or that he'll go back to Elena. There is drama in this story as there's drama in every story. But I promise you, A/C will have their HEA at the end. Just please be patient with me. Enjoy.
Title: FSOG: From Heartbreak to Happiness?
Chapter 32
(Christian stood there impatiently at the doctor for an update on Ana. He raises his hands to his sides and spoke)
Christian: "Well? How is she?"
(Kate sighs as she folds her arms over her chest)
Kate: "Christian, let him speak."
Dr. Price: (nods) "It's okay, ma'am. I understand you're all worried." (sighs deeply) "Anastasia lost a lot of blood. It didn't look good for her awhile during surgery. However, in the end, she pulled through." (smiles) "She's a trouper and did well."
(Christian, Kate, and Elliot all breathe a huge sigh of relief. Christian asks if Anastasia is allowed visitors. When the doctor gives them the green light, but only allowing one at a time, Christian faces Kate and smiles politely)
Christian: "You can go in first. I'm sure you'll be the first one she'll want to see. I'll go in after you."
Kate: (nods) "Okay." (smiles) "Thank you."
(Kate pats Christian on the back before following the doctor to Ana's room. Once in Ana's room, the doctor warns Kate that Anastasia may not wake up for a while as she just got done with surgery. He also tells her that Ana may not remember everything at first. Kate nods her head in understanding. She was just glad that her friend made it through surgery)
(Kate sits on a chair near Ana's bed that's by the window. She looks at her friend in helplessness. She sighs softly as she spoke)
Kate: "You had us all worried that you wouldn't make it. I'm so glad that you did, though. I know the doctor said you may not wake up for a while." (chuckles slightly) "I'm being selfish because I want you to wake up now. You have so many people pulling for you, honey. Christian is afraid that his actions caused you more harm than good. I tried to reassure him that you'll pull through. I think he wants to see for himself."
(Kate rests her hand over Ana's that's on the edge of the bed and gently squeezes it. Kate looks up and at a sleeping Ana)
Kate: "You look so peaceful right now. It's ironic because I don't think you've had a good night's sleep in months. Yet, you look like you're catching up on your z's." (snorts) "That probably sounds dumb."
(Kate rests her arms on the edge of the bed and then her hands on top. Kate briefly lowers her head over her crossed arms when she hears a moan coming from her best friend. Kate quickly looks up to see Ana stirring in her sleep before slowly opening her eyes. Kate smiles wide that Ana is finally awake. Ana blinks a few times and sees Kate next to her)
Kate: "Hi, sweetie."
(Ana looks a bit confused, so Kate explains)
Kate: "You're in the hospital. You were accidentally shot in the chest and lost a lot of blood during the surgery. If you can't talk, it's okay. Don't try to."
(Ana looks around and checks her surroundings. She wipes her eyes and sighs as she looks around a bit again. She tries to speak, but her voice croaks at first. Kate offers to get the doctor, but Ana quickly shakes her head as she points to the water with a straw on the table. Kate quickly gets it and holds the glass while putting the straw to Ana's lips so Ana can drink. After taking a few sips, she nods for Kate to take the glass of water away. Kate puts the glass back on the table and then faces her best friend again)
Kate: "Did that help?"
Ana: (nods & whispers) "Yes." (clears her throat) "Thanks."
(Ana gets comfortable in the bed a bit before looking at Kate and is able to speak in a normal tone now)
Ana: "What happened?"
Kate: (tilts her head) "What do you remember?"
(Ana thinks for a few moments when everything comes flooding back)
Ana: "We met with Jack and Jose in the park to do an exchange. Christian and Taylor were waiting in the background. Christian and Taylor used mostly fake money. In the end, Jack and Jose figured it out and demanded the money. We said no. Jack pulled a gun on us. That's when Christian and Taylor made their presence known. Taylor pulled a gun on Jack and Jose. In the end, Jose tried to distract Taylor with the briefcase. Christian ran to Jack to try getting the gun away. Taylor told me to get out of the way, which I did. After wrestling with the gun, it went off."
(Ana comes to a realization)
Ana: "It must have hit me in the chest because it hurt like a bitch. I fell down and I-I think Christian rushed to me, holding me in his arms. I was barely hanging on."
(Kate nods in response. Kate was privately wondering if Ana remembered what Christian said to Ana. She wouldn't tell Ana incase Ana didn't remember. Ana looks confused again and she shook her head, causing Kate to speak with concern)
Kate: "What's wrong?"
Ana: "I-I…" (sighs) "….I feel like there's something else I'm supposed to remember. Like something else happened before I completely passed out and went unconscious."
Kate: (shakes her head) "Don't force yourself, Ana. If something else happened, you'll remember it in time. Just let your body heal."
(Ana sighs in defeat. She was tempted to ask Kate for details, but Kate was right. She needed to remember on her own. Ana looks at Kate again)
Ana: "What happened to Jack and Jose after the scuffle?"
Kate: "Taylor shot Jack and Jose in the leg to prevent them from escaping. Taylor then called 911 to get help for you. The terrible two's were arrested and vowed revenge. That's all I know what happened as I was in the ambulance with you on the way to the hospital. If you want to know more, you'll have to ask Christian or Taylor as I wasn't there."
Ana: "Okay." (sighs) "I hope that Jack and Jose stay in jail where they can't hurt anyone else again."
Kate: "Well, I'm sure they promised revenge. Those two idiots will never learn."
Ana: (nervously) "Is our secret safe? I mean, what we did to your stepfather?"
Kate: (raises her eyebrows) "You mean, are there copies of the photos they probably took that night or had someone else take? I honestly don't know. I guess that's another question for Christian and Taylor. I'm hoping they got rid of all the evidence."
Ana: "I was so worried we'd go to jail for what we did."
Kate: (snorts) "You and me both." (smiles) "But Christian and Taylor won't let that happen."
Ana: (smiles a bit) "How are you and Elliot doing? The last thing I remember is you two hoping to go out on a date soon. Being this crazy mess with Jack and Jose are done, you can see where things go."
Kate: (nods & smiles) "I'm hoping to, yes. He's fascinated me since we first met. He cares and has taken an interest in me, despite all of my drama."
Ana: "Christian seems to genuinely care about me despite my resistance to open up to him." (sighs in defeat) "I wish I knew what to do, Kate."
Kate: (tilts her head) "How do you feel about him?"
Ana: "Christian is different from Jose. Jose just wanted sex. Christian doesn't. He and I have had some close moments. He's been cold towards me a few times. I get the impression that he doesn't want to let me in because he's been hurt in the past."
Kate: (raises her eyebrows) "Like you."
Ana: (chuckles softly) "Like me, indeed." (confused a bit) "I think he's come close to telling me how he feels. Once he did, but then admitted that he cares only."
(All of a sudden, Ana has a flashback of the shooting in the park. Ana's eyes go wide as she continues to remember everything. Kate notices Ana's shocked state and starts getting up from her chair)
Kate: "Ana, what's wrong?"
(Ana looks around without moving her head as more flashes come to her. The last set of flashes are of Christian holding her in his arms and willing her to live. When she was feeling herself slipping away, she heard Christian overcome with emotions. Her eyes grow wide again and her lips part as she remembers the last thing Christian said to her)
***Flashback***
Christian: (shouts) "No! Don't you give up, Anastasia! Please fight! Stay with me! I love you! Don't leave me!"
***End of Flashback***
(Ana slowly faces her best friend in shock, causing Kate to grow more worried)
Kate: "Ana, what is it? Talk to me!"
Ana: "Before I passed out from the gun shot, did-did Christian….did he say that he loved me, Kate?"
(Kate's face goes from panic to a smile and nods)
Kate: "Yes. When you were fading away, Christian consoled you and willed you to fight. He admitted, at long last, that he was in love with you."
(Ana looks away from Kate to process what she just remembered. She faces her friend again in puzzlement)
Ana: "Why didn't he say something before?"
Kate: (laughs) "Probably for the same reason that you didn't, Steele. You didn't want to get your heart broken again." (sympathetically) "You were hurt by Jose fucking Rodriguez. Christian was hurt by this woman named Elena Robinson. According to Christian, she hurt him a great deal. I warned Christian if he ever admitted how he felt for you and you did the same to him, not to hurt you. If he did, I'd kick his ass."
Ana: (sighs softly) "Not if Elena Robinson has anything to say about it. I only met her once or twice. But, she made it clear to Christian, in front of me, that they'll be free to be together soon once her divorce is final. Kate, how can I compete with that?"
Kate: (serious tone) "Because you love him, Ana. I know you do. The way you always talk about him, it's clear you do. As for Elena? Christian made it clear he doesn't want her. Whatever happens, Ana, please….follow your heart. It won't steer you wrong. Whether that leads you towards Christian Grey…only you know that."
Ana: (hopeful tone) "Is he here? Christian, I mean."
Kate: (chuckles) "As if he'd be anywhere else, Steele. He's in the waiting area. He was kind in letting me see you first." (winks) "If you ask me, he's a keeper."
Ana: (smiles) "Thank for always being there for me."
Kate: "Best friends for life?"
Ana: (nods) "For life."
(The two hold hands being she's too sore to move any more than she's already done earlier)
(Meanwhile, in the waiting area, Taylor, Welch, and Christian walk around as they discuss Taylor and Welch's interview with Detective Pierce)
Christian: "So, how did the interrogation go with Pierce?"
Taylor: (snorts) "He wasn't very happy that you weren't there. I told Welch what happened before we were interviewed. He advised me on what to say and what not to say. Pierce wanted to know the women's secrets on why the two idiots blackmailed them."
Christian: (slightly nervous) "I hope you knew what not to divulge regarding that."
Taylor: (nods) "You know the answer to that question, boss."
Christian: (smiles a bit) "Thank you. Thank you, as well, Welch. I appreciate you being there for the interview regarding the good detective."
Welch: "No problem. Taylor knew what to say for the most part. He just needed a little help on a few things. That's where I came in."
Christian: "Well, you both did very well, as always."
Welch: (chuckles) "Taylor and I couldn't help but get amused at the detective's expense. He so badly wanted to know more about the whole thing. He was pissed off that we wouldn't tell him. He also wasn't happy that we didn't say much. We said what was needed. Nothing more, nothing less."
Taylor: "He reminded us not to leave town."
Christian: "Of course he did. I don't go anywhere unless it's for business."
Taylor: "I wonder if Pierce will have more questions later on or if he'll look into the girl's past?
Christian: (serious tone) "He better not otherwise he'll deal with me. I'll be there the next time he has questions."
Welch: "Don't worry, gentlemen. If it comes down to it, I'll take care of the evidence. I won't let the women be in legal trouble for something that was out of their control. Between the three of us, they're safe. That you know of, is there more evidence of the night in question?"
Taylor: "You mean do the two idiots have more photos than what they gave Mr. Grey or the girls?"
(Welch nods)
Taylor: "None that I'm aware of."
Christian: "As far as I know, there's nothing more. However, I wouldn't be surprised if there is more
evidence on the girls."
Welch: "Okay, if I were you, I would make sure there's no more photos lying around. That way, Hyde and Rodriguez have no more leverage against Miss Kavanagh or Miss Steele."
Christian: "No problem. Consider it taken care of."
Welch: "I'll let you and Taylor handle the arrangements. Once it's done, let me know."
Christian: "Thanks, Welch."
(Welch shakes Taylor and Christian's hand before making his exit. Taylor and Christian face each other)
Tayler: "Are you like me, where you're hoping the thing with the girls is done with?"
Christian: (nods) "Yep, but I know it's not. It'd be too easy."
Taylor: (serious tone) "Do you want me to take care of the evidence?"
Christian: (raises his eyebrows) "It won't be too difficult?"
Taylor: (smirks) "How long have you known me, Grey?"
Christian: (laughs) "I should have known the answer to that. I don't know if you'll have to go to their places or if they have hard devices, or what they'll have."
Taylor: "Consider it taken care of."
(Taylor and Christian's conversation is cut off by Kate's arrival)
Christian: "How is she doing?"
Kate: (nods) "Okay." (smiles) "She's asking for you."
Christian: "Thank you."
(Christian and Taylor nod before Taylor leaves. Kate winces as she speaks)
Kate: "I didn't interrupt, did I?"
Christian: (shakes his head) "No, you're fine. Our talk was done. I gave Taylor a job to do."
Kate: "About me and Ana?"
Christian: (small smile) "The less you know, the better."
Kate: (chuckles a bit) "Ah, gotcha. No problem."
Christian: "Well, I'm going to go in and see her."
Kate: "Good because she's waiting for you. She's in room 204."
(Christian walks past Kate to go to Ana's hospital room. When he gets to the doorway, he sees Ana peacefully sleeping. He slowly walks to the side of her bed and sits down. A smile forms as he watches her rest. Moments later, Ana awakens to see Christian watching her)
Ana: "Hi."
Christian: (smiles) "Hi, beautiful."
Ana: (chuckles softy) "How long have you been here? Why didn't you wake me up?"
Christian: "Just a minute or two and I didn't have the heart to. You looked so peaceful."
Ana: "Well, I'm up now."
(As she stretches, she winces in pain, causing Christian to softly sigh as he briefly closes his eyes)
Ana: (concerned) "What's wrong?"
Christian: (scoffs) "You shouldn't have been shot, Anastasia. You got shot because of me."
Ana: (sighs) "Christian, it wasn't your fault. You were trying to protect me and Kate. I don't blame you."
Christian: (raises his eyebrows) "Yeah, well, you should. Because I blame myself."
Ana: (tilts her head) "Christian…"
(Christian gets up from the chair in a huff and wipes his face with his hands)
Ana: "I'll keep telling you until you hear it. I don't blame you."
(Christian turns around to face Anastasia)
Christian: "Kate said the same thing. She doesn't blame me and said you wouldn't, either."
Ana: "Please listen to her. You were trying to help us. You tried to get ahold of the gun. You didn't mean for it to go off. Kate and I know that."
Christian: (grumbles) "I wish I had your faith."
(He sighs deeply and momentarily looks at the ceiling)
Christian: "Anastasia, don't you get it? I never should have tried to wrestle the gun away from Hyde. You were almost killed because of my stupidity." (sighs in despair) "I would never forgive myself if something happened to you because of me. Even now, I-I don't forgive myself." (tears in his eyes) "You deserve someone better than me."
(Ana looks at him in confusion. Was he admitting how he felt towards her without saying the 'L' word? She looks around without moving her head before focusing on the love of her life)
Ana: "Oh, Christian. I wish you would listen to me. To hear what I'm telling you."
(She offers him her hand as she spoke)
Ana: "Come here."
(Christian faces her in doubt, causing her to nod her head with her hand waiting for him to touch. He slowly walks to her and rests his hand in hers. He sits back down and the possible couple stare at each other)
Ana: (pleadingly) "If I blamed you at all, I would tell you, Christian. But I DON'T blame you. Because of you, Jack and Jose are in jail where they belong." (sighs) "I have no idea how you feel about me, Christian. For all I know, you just think of me as an employee or at most…a friend. However, from your occasional outbursts, I think you care about me."
Christian: (chuckles a bit) "Oh, Anastasia. You have no idea how much I truly care about you. Ever since the first day I met you, I knew there was something amazing about you. I was in a shitty mood that day, but your saddened state pulled me back to reality. You changed me that day and I didn't even know it. Kate told me why you were in tears that day. That jackass Jose isn't worth your time."
Ana: (chuckles dryly) "He cheated on me because I wasn't ready to sleep with him. But, I knew it was only a matter of time as he had been pressuring me the last couple of weeks we were together. I made it clear my answer was a no. He ran out of the room in a huff. I should have realized what he was going to do next. I guess I was in denial until I found out the truth. Kate wanted to kick his ass. She settled for a punch in the nose."
Christian: (laughs) "I'm liking her more and more by the minute."
Ana: (giggles) "Of course you are."
Christian: (nods) "Kate is a good friend to have."
Ana: "She encouraged me to open up to you about my feelings incase you were too nervous to or if you didn't know how I felt."
Christian: "She encouraged me to do the same." (sighs) "You met Elena that one time in my office."
Ana: "Yes and she speaks very highly of herself."
Christian: "She hurt me deeply when she left her hubby to be with me, only to later on decide she wanted him back." (snorts) "Then, of course, she wanted him and me. I told her to make a choice. She chose him. I have been trying to move on, but it's like she won't let me."
Ana: "If she's in the process of divorcing him, she'll want you back."
Christian: (shakes his head) "She can want me back all she wants. She can't have me." (smirks) "Besides, my heart's already taken. It has been for a while even when I didn't realize it."
Ana: (trying to understand) "Before I went unconscious after the gun went off, I thought I heard you say you loved me. Then my memory briefly disappeared before it came back when Kate was here earlier. Did you confess your true feelings to me before I blacked out?"
(Christian sighs deeply as it was moment of truth between him and Ana. He didn't want to get hurt anymore and he didn't want to hurt her. However, it was time to lay all the cards on the table. To be honest, he was almost willing to get hurt again if it meant having a chance with Anastasia. He remembered what Kate said to him. It was time to sort it all out, once and for all. He nods his head as he spoke)
Christian: "I thought I was in love with Elena. I really did. She left her husband, Linc, for me. I thought we were going to get our happily ever after. The one thing that I didn't like about her was she could never make up her mind. We were happy for a while. Then, she decided that she wanted her ex back. It took me a long time to realize that I was just a toy to her. Something she could toss around whenever she wanted. I gave up on her. I don't think she'll ever realize just how much she hurt me. It was in that moment, that I promised myself that I wouldn't put myself out there anymore."
Ana: (perplexed) "What changed?"
Christian: (smiles tenderly) "You came along. You showed me that it's okay to love again. That just because someone from the past treated you bad, not everyone else is like that. There can be kind, loving, and generous people out there in the world." (nods) "You're one of those people, Anastasia. I've never known anyone like you before. You make me want to be a better man." (chuckles) "I used to be a ruthless SOB, but you changed that."
Ana: (smirks) "'Used' to be, huh?"
Christian: (rolls his eyes) "Okay, I can still be ruthless when the situation calls for it." (smiles)
Ana: "You are one of the kindest men I have ever known. I thought Jose was one, too, until he showed me his true colors. You showed me that there are men out there who care about me and not what I can do for them."
Christian: (sighs softly) "It broke my heart when you told me what Jose did. He's an asshole who got his kicks from hurting you. You didn't deserve that."
Ana: "Both you and Kate said that. It makes me believe it."
Christian: "I hope you do. You deserve a lot better than that fucking asshole who thinks he's God's gift to women."
Ana: (chuckles) "I definitely know that I'm better off."
(Christian briefly looks down, then back at Ana. As he speaks, he gestures)
Christian: (sighs) "I've never been really good at expressing my emotions or my feelings. The one time I did was to Elena. I won't make that same mistake again."
(Ana tilts her head with a compassionate face and nods as she speaks)
Ana: "Just tell me what you feel, baby."
Christian: "I think I fell in love with you that first day we met on the sidewalk without even realizing it. With only a little bit of information that I knew, I tried to have Taylor find you. It was no use, though. It was only when I saw you in my office for the interview that fate intervened." (smiles) "I finally found my Anastasia."
Ana: "When our paths crossed that day in your office, I was so relieved. It's like I found you, at last. Now, we just had to decide what came next, especially being we work together."
Christian: (sighs deeply) "I vowed to myself that I wouldn't work with someone that I was in a relationship with. What if it didn't work? We'd still have to see each other on a daily basis. I don't know about you, but that'd be awkward."
Ana: (nods) "You're right. It would be awkward. However…"
(She takes his hand and gently massages it as she spoke)
Ana: "I'm a true believer on finding our happily ever after's. I don't know about you, but I feel you're mine. I feel I was meant to see you on the sidewalk. I also feel I was meant to find you at your office and reunite with you. We can't predict the future, Christian. I choose to believe that you and I will be okay. As long as we're honest with each other, with ourselves, and trust in each other…" (nods) "…We'll be okay. But, it's up to you, as well."
(He takes her hand and rests it to his lips and gently kisses it before looking at her)
Christian: "If you would have asked me a few months ago if I was wiling to take a chance on love, my answer would have been no fucking way. However, the more I'm around you and know about you, the more I want to know you. You make me want to be a better man. Before, I didn't give a shit about anything. But, with you, Anastasia Rose Steele…" (smiles) "…I feel in my heart like I'm ready to conquer the world and see where it takes me." (nods) "As long as I have you by my side." (shakes his head) "I have never felt for another woman what I feel towards you." (nods & smiles) "I love you and will until the day I die. You're 'IT' for me, baby."
(Ana couldn't stop the tears from falling down her cheeks as she listened to the love of her life professing his undying love for her. It was something that she had hoped, no prayed, would happen for along time. Now, it finally did. She continued to cry tears of joy, causing Christian to softly wipe the tears from her cheeks with his thumb. Now, it was her turn to share her feelings for him)
Ana: (laughs) "I have waited forever, it seems like, for you to tell me how you truly felt. Yes, you said you loved me a few times, but you always backtracked. So, I never knew what was in your heart."
Christian: "I'm sorry for that. I was fighting what my heart was telling me. Like you said earlier, I didn't want to get hurt again."
Ana: (nods) "I understand that. I don't blame you. Now that you told me how you felt…" (smiles) "…It's my turn. I have loved you forever, it feels like, but it's only been months. You care for me and love me like no other man has ever loved me before. We're all bound to hurt each other from time to time. I choose to believe that you wouldn't do it intentionally. Just like I wouldn't do it intentionally. You may be ruthless to others, but you've never treated me like that. If and when you do have to show your serious side, I won't take it personally as I know you need to be like that at work."
Christian: (nods) "Thank you for understanding, Anastasia. You're right that there will be times when I need to be serious. I would never intentionally hurt you over it. I'm glad you know that."
(Anastasia sighs and nods as they needed to know where to go from there)
Ana: "What happens now?"
Christian: (confused) "What do you mean?"
Ana: "We've both admitted how we felt towards each other. Where do we go from here?"
Christian: (smirks) "I have an idea."
Ana: (chuckles) "Oh, yeah? What's that, Grey?"
Christian: (clears his throat) "Miss Anastasia Rose Steele, would you do me the honor of going out on a date with me?"
(Ana smiles happily and laughs as she speaks)
Ana: "Yes, Christian Grey! I would love to go out on a date with you!"
(They both couldn't wait to see what happened next with them)
Chapter 32 Done
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