Standing Still - Chapter Eleven

I haven't seen a lot of Mr Grey in the past few days, he practically lives at the hospital. He's home briefly to see the children but I'm so busy keeping up with the housework that I only ever catch a quick glimpse of him.

Jason thinks I'm doing too much but I want to help take care of the children, anyone new coming in will just upset them.

Phoebe's been no trouble at all and her easy going temperament has made looking after her almost stress free. Teddy on the other hand has certainly caused me to grow a few more grey hairs and develop and almost permanent headache.

I try my best to be patient with him but his tantrums have increased and without Ana it's hard to soothe him. Grace has visited the house several times and together we've tried to steer his outbursts into a more peaceful direction.

I'm so behind with all my chores though, even with Jason's help. Grace offered to send her housekeeper to the house to help out but I declined. I'm fairly particular and like things done a certain way, also I don't want the children to be unsettled by someone new in their house.

I've just put the children down for their afternoon naps when coming down the stairs I spot my elusive employer. He's standing in the kitchen peering into the refrigerator.

"Can I get you anything," I ask as I reach the kitchen.

"Oh Gail, I was just looking for your famous soup," he explains.

"I think I have some in the freezer, I haven't made a batch for a while."

Routing through the freezer I pull out several containers I believe hold soup and pull off the lids to check.

"Yes, I have chicken noodle, cream of tomato or vegetable broth."

"Chicken noodle," says Christian firmly.

"Okay, let me just heat it up for you and there's some fresh bread in the bread bin."

"Oh no it's not for me, Ana's doctor said she could try to eat something. She can't have anything solid yet so I thought maybe she could have some soup. I'm so glad there was chicken noodle, you know how much Ana loves it especially when it's yours."

"I'm glad too, maybe I should make some more," I speculate.

"No, I couldn't ask you to do that, your rushed off your feet as it is. I'll try her with this and there's still plenty to pick from. Just promise me you'll put the rest by for Ana."

"I promise, no one will have soup again until Ana can manage something more solid."

"Thank you, really thank you so much Gail. I don't know what I would do without you. You've helped me so much and I know I've been remiss in showing my gratitude."

"You've had a lot on your mind, I understand. How about you go kiss those babies and I'll heat up the soup for Ana."

"Thank you I will," and I smile as Christian dashes up the staircase.

I then heat a little of the soup and pour it into an insulated container. I have some left over so I store it back of the freezer towards the back so no one can see it.

Once Christian returns I hand him the container and he smiles then does something I never would have expected. He bends down and places a chaste kiss on my cheek.

"Thank you Gail."

"Your very welcome Mr Grey."

Christian's POV

Leaving the house with Gail's soup in hand I drive back to the hospital, happy in the knowledge that my wife can finally eat something. Up until now she's been fed through a feeding tube and I can't wait for it to be removed so I can see Ana's face without impediment.

Entering her room I see her gaze fixed towards the window. Yesterday Ana was moved from the ICU and she's now situated in a large private room with no rules about visitors or how many she can have.

"I'm back and I brought soup," I exclaim as her gaze settles on me.

"Chicken noodle?"

"Of course but unfortunately you can't have any crackers just yet."

"I'll settle for the soup," she says happily.

I pull the table across the bed and put the soup down on it. Then fetching some napkins from my bag I lay one over Ana's chest. Ana's propped up in bed, supported by several pillows so it shouldn't be hard for her to eat in that position.

Gail and her good thinking has included a spoon so I place it in Ana's hand as I uncover the soup. Ana smiles but doesn't make a move and then I realise how stupid I am because she can't and I know that.

"Sorry," I say sadly taking the spoon from her hand.

Ana just smiles then stares at the soup a little despondently. Why am I such an idiot, I know she cant lift either arm and I place the spoon in her hand.

Bending down I softly kiss her lips then dunk the spoon into the soup. Carefully I lift the spoon to her mouth and Ana obediently opens. I can tell from her silence that she's not loving this and it hurts to know that she's probably embarrassed.

"Well I finally got to feed my wife and you know how much I've wanted to do that since we met." I joke once Ana's eaten as much as she can.

"I knew you would enjoy that but I'm sorry because I didn't. I don't want you to have to feed me like I'm one of the children."

"I want too, I'm your husband and nobody gets to feed you but me."

"I'm sorry," says Ana again.

"Well stop being sorry because your going to have to get use to it. I like feeding you, you know that and more than that I need too."

"You need too," asks Ana uncertainly.

"I need too, I want you to eat and get stronger. I want to take you home Ana, but I can't until your eating better."

"Okay," says Ana reluctantly as I kiss her lips once more.

"Good, now did you enjoy your soup. You certainly ate more than I thought you would."

"That's because my helper wouldn't stop giving me another spoonful until it was all gone."

"Your helper," I ask amused by the term.

"Yes my helper, tall, wild hair and very controlling."

"Sounds like my son," I tell Ana whilst smirking.

"Yes it does, maybe their related."

"They better be Mrs Grey or later you and I are going to have words."

Ana laughs at my statement and I can't help but join in. A few days ago I didn't think I would never hear that laughter again.