Standing Still - Twenty-three

I'm looking forward to a visit from Ana today, I'm not sure when but Jason said she and Grey were coming to up to see me. I've been awake now for a little over five days and although Grey has come to visit Ana has so far been too sick to come too.

I'm sitting up in bed wearing my work out gear as I have just come back from my physical therapy. It certainly hasn't been easy but John my physiotherapist has really helped me get through it.

I look up as my door opens, expecting to see one of my nurses but get a surprise when I see Ana being pushed through by Grey. She's smiling happily when she sees me and I can't help but smile back.

"Hey, how are you," she asks sympathetically.

"Better thanks, hopefully I'll be getting out of here soon," I reply.

"I know that feeling, I could hardly believe it when they finally said I could go home."

I smile not sure how to respond, it's hard knowing Ana has already been through all this.

"So, what have I missed?"

"Not too much, Teddy's still a handful and Phoebe cut some new teeth. We've all really missed you, I'm just so glad you came back."

"Me too," I reply, touched by Ana's announcement.

We settle into conversation after a short pause and I remember just how easy it is to talk with Ana. She makes me feel so comfortable in her presence and soon we're all laughing at her stories of Teddy's antics.

I've never had a sister but I feel something akin to that with Ana, I feel protective and strangely bonded to her. I laugh out loud at something Grey says about their son and soon we're all in fits of laughter.

"How are you?" I finally ask once the laughter has died down.

"Better thanks, I still have my bad days but I'm getting there," says Ana thoughtfully.

"I'm glad, Jason caught me up some but I was worried when I didn't see you."

"You can blame my husband for that, he's been rather overprotective since the accident."

"Don't worry, I don't blame you. I'd feel the same if someone I loved was so badly hurt," I tell Christian.

He nods his head then gently strokes Ana's hand. I know Grey and understand just how protective his is of Ana, I'm only surprised that he lets her leave the house after what happened.

We talk a little longer but I'm getting tired and I can tell Ana is also flagging so I try to give them an excuse to leave. Yawning, I manage to give them the hint and after several goodbyes and promises to return they decide to leave.

I feel suddenly saddened as I watch Grey push Ana outside in her wheelchair. Her head is bowed and I can tell she's letting go of the act she established for my benefit.

I understand from Jason that she's undergoing dialysis and is also struggling to overcome a spinal injury.

In many ways she's suffered much worse than me, even though I'm still in the hospital. I have gained a lot of mobility and have even taken a few tenuous steps with help but from what I can see Ana's still a long way away from that.

Ana's POV

It was amazing to finally see Luke awake and watch him laugh at our stories. I've been so worried about my friend and now I just can't wait to get him home with us.

I'm pretty tired as Christian drives us back to the house so I close my eyes briefly and the next think I know I'm being shaken awake.

"We're home," Christian's saying softly.

I wake with a start and look around, amazed when I see the house and Taylor standing by the car with my chair. Christian helps me to it and I sit down heavily, God I'm exhausted.

Pushing me along the drive I hear Teddy's little voice shouting out as we near the door. Once inside the house our sons voice gains in volume as he shouts at Gail.

"NO," I hear him snap over and over and inwardly I sigh.

On entering the family room I see him prostrate on the carpet kicking his little legs and trying his best to squeeze out some tears.

Gail is holding Phoebe in her arms and trying her best to keep her cool with our son.

"What's going on," asks Christian with irritation.

"I'm sorry Mr Grey but I was just trying to get Teddy to pick up some of his toys," explains Gail.

"Son, do as your told and pick up your toys," snaps Christian.

"NO," Teddy sobs finally tapping into his tear supply.

"YES," my husband shouts back.

I watch them engage in a verbal volley and sigh again when I realise they've reached a stalemate.

"Ted please tidy up your toys or you will go to the naughty spot," I explain.

"NO," he repeats so Christian drags him to the corner to sit on the spot of carpet we've designated the naughty spot.

Not happy with his treatment he calls out and tries to run from the spot but Christian is firm and continues to put him back until he finally sits still.

After three minutes I watch Christian go through the routine of asking for an apology and reiterating why he was put where he was. Teddy listens and offers a half hearted apology then runs back to his toys.

"Teddy now put your toys away like Gail asked we can play with something together," I say.

"No, play," says my son picking up one of his cars and pushing it along the carpet.

I can't believe how wilful he's gotten lately, sure it was cute at first but it's getting old fast.

"NO NOW," shouts Christian effectively drowning me out.

Teddy looks at Christian then defiantly pushes his toy car a little further. I then watch him turn his back on Christian and continue to play.

Christian's seething and before I can stop him he snatches the car from Ted and throws it across the room.

"TIDY UP NOW," he screams making Ted cower.

Poor Ted looks to me then Christian then over at his mistreated vehicle, he sobs then breaks down. His little face is so heart broken I push myself towards him and with effort drop down next to him on the floor.

I know I shouldn't but I can't help but pull him into my arms and hold him as he sobs. He's so loud he scares Phoebe and soon there both in tears.

"Ana stop, you shouldn't be doing that," says Christian.

"Doing what, comforting my son?"

"Pulling yourself from the chair, you could of hurt yourself."

"I can't stand seeing him cry," I reply softly.

"WELL I CAN'T STAND SEEING YOU HURT," he snaps then suddenly walks away.

Staring at his retreating figure I can't understand what's got him so upset. I know he worries about me but I'm more concerned about Teddy right now.

Eventually I calm my son and together we pack away his toys, he's still clinging to me and a part of me is enjoying it. We've been apart far too much lately and it's nice to know how much he needs me.

I play some games with Teddy and Phoebe and then we try building with Teddy's Duplo. I make a tower and Phoebe giggles as Teddy knocks it down, then Ted makes the tower for Phoebe to knock it down. We play at it for awhile until Christian suddenly appears and announces that I need to rest.

"No Daddy," says Teddy and I fear we're headed for another tantrum.

Christian bends down and places Teddy on his knee, he strokes his curls then softy explains to our son.

"Daddy's sorry for being cross and throwing your car but buddy Mommy's tired and needs to rest. I promise you can play with Mommy again later and I promise to play with you while Mommy's asleep."

Teddy considers for a moment then pulls himself up from Christian's lap. He walks up to me and stares at my face then amazingly nods his little head.

I kiss him and Phoebe then leave them with Gail as Christian picks we up and takes me to our bedroom. Gently he places me on the bed then helps me to undress and change into something more comfortable.

"Rest," he says kissing my cheek.

I smile then sink down in the sheets, I'm lucky my husband is so attentive.

"I'm sorry I was short with Ted," he says softly.

"He's getting to be quite the handful and I don't think I helped when I comforted him. I know he was being naughty but he was just so upset that I had to step in."

"I'm glad you did, God knows what I'd do if you hadn't."

"You would have worked it out, just remember next time that your the adult."

"I will, now rest and I'll keep those two busy."

"I love you," I murmur sleepily.

"I love you too," I just make out before I nod off.

Sorry for the delay in writing but I'm trying for once a week updates from now on. Also to those who keep saying how depressing my story is I'm not sure what you expect. Ana and Christian have a lot to cope with and are dealing with various stresses. I'm sorry that this is not a happy lets have sex story but there's certainly a lot of those out there so maybe you should read those instead.

Thank you for the support and all the positive reviews and I hope you will continue to enjoy my story.