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"Ana, ANA! Wake up" my shoulders are being shaken. I sit up suddenly.
"No Christian, it's not true, I swear" I sob, not really sure where I am.
He pulls me into an embrace.
"It's ok Ana, you had a nightmare, stop crying pumpkin" he gently rocks me.
"It's Elena, she is sending the messages" I cry "she is trying to warn you off me"
"We don't have proof of that Ana, no finger prints, DNA or film footage of anyone let alone Elena" he hushes me and I feel calmer now I have told him what I dreamt.
"I will keep an eye on her though" I think he has said this to placate me but I know he has the capabilities to follow her and trace her every movement. He kisses me and squeezes me tightly. We dress and go downstairs for breakfast although my nausea is bad this morning.
"Good morning dear, feeling rough this morning?" how does Grace do that? She knows exactly how to read me and what I am feeling.
"She had a nightmare mom and got a bit upset" Christian explains, I nod in agreement.
Grace loops her arm around mine and says "toast and a little ginger tea this morning then" as we head toward the dining room. Kate and Elliot smile as we enter and a chorus of good morning's run around the room.
"So kids, any plans for today?" Carrick asks us all.
"I think we would all like to chill today, maybe take a picnic down to the lake and take a walk" Elliot looks over and we nod in agreement.
"Mom, can Mrs Lucas organise a picnic for five people in the next hour or so?" Christian asks.
"I am sure she can, I will go and ask her now" Grace gets up and leaves the room.
I am nice stroll and fresh air sounds wonderful, the tea and toast is sitting just right, Grace return with an ok from the housekeeper so I take a moment to go into the library and select the book I didn't finish reading last time I was here. I put my feet up and become engrossed in reading. A knock on the door makes me jump and Christian comes in asking if I am ready to go. I look at the time and am surprised to see just over an hour has passed since I came in. I get up, go upstairs to put my sneakers on and pick up a jacket in case I feel chilly.
Christian and Elliot carry the food and blanket for us to sit on whilst Kate, Mia and I walk a little behind, we can see them having quite an animated chat and I am quite sure Elliot is teasing him in the big brother way about becoming a dad. I can't help but smile and think to myself that four months ago I could never have dreamt in a million years that I would be right here, right now and have what I have. I know the road ahead is long and filled with pot holes and pit falls but I am going to do everything within my power to make this work.
We find a beautiful spot down by the lakes edge and the boys spread the blanket open, we all sit and start devouring the delicious lunch. Elliot has also sneaked in soccer ball so when they have finished eating, its Elliot verses Christian for a kick about until Kate and Mia decide to challenge them to a game. I don't think I have laughed so much in ages, Mia has the ball, and she runs up towards Elliot, Kate then grabs Elliot for a quick kiss while Mia sails past and scores. I appear to be the referee at this point and I voice that I see nothing wrong with Kate and Mia's tactics and as far as I am concerned the goal stands. Elliot and Christian mock protest about cheating and a bias referee. I poke my tongue out and say my decision is final. They put their heads together and I can tell they are plotting the next move against the girls.
The score 1-0 to Kate and Mia but the boys are coming back strongly, Elliot is marking Kate, and Christian is doing his best to stay up with Mia. The ball is in play when Christian shouts NOW! Elliot almost rugby tackles Kate to the floor, whilst Christian grabs Mia and dunks her on the ground, Elliot has started kicking the ball towards goal and Christian has made up the distance to help ward off the now rampaging Mia and Kate but they can't catch up in time and the boys score, all is level. The level of protesting about unfair play and roughness is high and I agree that a penalty kick is awarded to Kate and Mia.
They scoff but Elliot is defending and Kate is kicking and it's a miss so the score is still level.
"Half time" I shout "refreshments available" They all come over and semi exhaustedly drink some homemade lemonade. Christian plants a kiss on my lips and tells me thanks.
"Thanks for what?" I look quizzically at him.
"For not giving up on me, for wanting and needing me" he starts "however you are a dire referee" and pokes his tongue out at me, I swat his behind with a fabric napkin as he gathers up the others to start the 2nd half. It descends into a giggle fest after ten minutes with each trying to trip, push or pull the other over. I am shouting helpful hints to Kate and Mia from the side line about how to get the ball, when finally Elliot is busy keeping a thrashing Kate down and Christian is chasing Mia, I go over and kick the ball into the boys goal.
"She shoots, she scores, Goal!" I shout at the top of my voice, they all stop and look over at me before Mia and Kate extract themselves from the grip of the boys and rush over for a group hug whilst Christian and Elliot look over in stunned silence.
"Yay we won, we won" we all chant.
"Cheats, cheats" comes the call from the halfway line where they are still standing.
"I declare as official referee that Kate and Mia won by two goals to one" laughing as I say it.
"Fix, fix, corrupt referee, we demand a rematch" Elliot is, in good humour protesting as they finally reach the blanket.
"Good game Elliot, Christian, better luck next time" I say tongue in cheek as everyone sits and has another well-earned drink. Christian lays down with his head on my lap, he is even sexy when sweaty and dirty and I feel myself getting aroused at the thought of rolling under the blanket with him.
"Ana, earth to Ana" Mia giggles "Huh, what? Sorry I drifted for a minute"
"It's 3pm, are you ready to head back?" Mia tells me "remember Gramps, Nana and a few other friends are coming over this evening, I figured you might want to catch a nap before everyone arrives"
"Yes thanks Mia, I would appreciate a couple of hours to rest" I smile, we pack up and head back to the house."
"What were you thinking just now as if I can't guess?" Christian asks me and I blush furiously with embarrassment because if he noticed then everyone else must have too.
"Well if you can guess I don't need to tell you" giggling I say "but yes you are right, I was" as my blushing subsides.
"Oh, horny are you? I will have to see if I can take care of your needs later then but right now you need to sleep" he has that lustful come to bed look in his eyes. It really wouldn't take much to make me…no you need to sleep Ana!
The feel of the rich Egyptian cotton sheets against my skin feels luxurious and I sink down into a restful slumber. After what only seems to be five minutes but is in fact two hours, Christian wakes me in time to shower and get ready for the arriving guests.
"I feel really nervous Christian" I mention.
"I am here, just stick close, I will make introductions, you will love Gramps and Nana but be warned they can be a bit 'old school' and speak their minds at times" he smiles.
Deep breath Ana, it will be ok. We head downstairs and I grip Christians arm tighter and tighter each step I take. He tells me to relax otherwise I will cut the blood supply off to his hand otherwise.
Unfortunately the first person we bump into is Elena. Of all the people it had to be her.
"Christian, Ana darlings, how are you? How is the 'arm' now?" she air kisses us both.
"Fine thank you" I tersely reply. I can honestly say I have never hated anyone before but she is getting very close to the mark.
"We have to go Elena, excuse us" Christian curtly says. She looks annoyed but moves aside and we carry on through to the conservatory.
"There they are, took your time, what's this I hear about babies? My grandson must have super sperm!" Gramps informs everyone. That's my introduction to Christian's Gramps! He shakes my hand, kisses my cheek and winks.
I don't think I have ever seen Christian go so red.
"Good to see you too Gramps" as he shakes his hand, trying to ignore the earlier statement.
"Chrissy, where are you? Where is my grandson?" Nana comes through the room, grabs Christian and plants a kiss firmly on his cheek.
"Hey Nana, how are you? Gramps still looking after you ok?" Christian asks playfully.
"Of course" she pinches his cheek between her fingers "Now I understand you are going to be a father soon, so where is she? Are you going to introduce me to the lady carrying my great grandchildren?
"Nana, this is Ana" he states.
"Ah Ana dear, lovely to meet you, you are very pretty, thought you would be older but never mind" I can't help but chuckle, they both are what I expected and I feel privileged to meet them.
We circulate some more meeting some of Grace and Carrick's oldest friends and neighbours, all of them seem genuine and kind especially Reg and Evelyn from next door. They were interested in my job, my background and of course delighted about the babies, I spend quite a while just generally talking to them.
Christian comes over with an orange juice refill for me but I ask him to hold it while I use the bathroom. I have found out over the last week or so that they can so squash your bladder even at this stage.
I am exiting the bathroom and I meet Elena in the corridor, I suspect she followed me to confront me away from Christian and his parents.
"Ana dear" she creepily walks up closer to me.
"What do you want Elena" I hiss.
"I want to know what you think you are doing to Christian" she questions
"Not that it is any of your business Elena but we are in a consensual relationship and we are happy" I spit back
"He doesn't need you; he had everything he needed before you came along. You are a phase in his life, he will drop you like a hot stone in a few months when he tires of you" the venom just oozes from her.
"Who are you to judge what I can or can't give Christian? You know nothing about me or our relationship so I suggest you don't speculate on other people's lives" Keep cool Ana.
"I know what he needs Ana and you wouldn't have a clue" she snidely remarks.
"Oh really, well I know I am not a paedophile Elena, seducing young boys is not my style" Bam, a hand slaps across my face; I gasp and put the palm of my hand over my cheek. I see her raise her hand for another strike but before she can, a hand grips her wrist tightly.
"Don't you fucking dare do that again bitch" Elliot states. A few seconds later Christian rounds the corner with the look of rage on his face. I feel quite scared; I have never seen him this angry before.
"What the fuck do you think you are doing Elena? How dare you strike Ana!" he fumes.
"She is using you Christian, can't you see that? I know what is right for you" she challenges.
"What's going on here? Elliot, Christian?" Grace has come around and found us all standing glaring at Elena.
"Mom, please just turn around and walk away" Christian pleads but she stays where she is.
"Elliot please take Christian away from here" I say with some force.
"Ana? Please tell me what is going on" begs Grace.
"Grace, I don't know the full story and it is going to be very hard to hear but Elena seduced Christian when he was fifteen after Elliot turned her down. I will let Christian tell you the rest as its not my story to tell. I don't want to get anything wrong" geez this wasn't how this evening was supposed to go.
Grace turns and looks Elena straight in the face
"Is this true Elena?" she whispers
"Well Grace, it wasn't quite how it has been explained" she starts but Grace explodes before she can say anymore.
"You had sex with my son when he was fifteen years old after my other son turned you down? What kind of sick person does that? We have been friends all this time and you have used my family for your own gratification, you disgust me, you make me sick, get out of my house before I do something I will regret more than ever letting you into my life. GET OUT!" she screams.
Grace starts to sway as if she is going to faint so I call for Elliot, Carrick or anyone to help me. Elliot comes hurrying and Elena scurries past him toward the door.
"Mom, mom come sit down in here" as he leads her to the dining room away from the rest of the guests and helps her to sit. I pour her some water and put the glass near her hand.
"Where's Christian?" I mouth to Elliot.
"The garden" he whispers back
I walk out through the conservatory and a few pairs of questioning eyes to find my man.