Standing Still - Twenty-seven

Carol has just attached me to my dialysis machine so I guess I'm staying in bed for the next four hours. I feel tired after being up most of the night thinking about Jim so I think about taking a nap.

I'm just drifting off when I feel Christian lightly kiss my cheek, I look up and he smiles as he bounces Phoebe in his arms.

"Sorry were you going to sleep," he asks.

"Drifting," I mumble.

"Well you sleep baby I just wanted to tell you that I'm taking the children outside to play in the garden. It's warm and your son wants to play on his trike, actually he insisted."

"Take photos," I ask softly hating the though of missing something.

"I will, rest and I'll come check on you when we return," he replies.

I smile and kiss Phoebe's offered hand then wave goodbye as they slip from our bedroom. Closing by eyes I'm soon asleep only vaguely aware of the laughter coming from the garden.

When I wake it's noticeably darker outside and I can hear Gail downstairs in the kitchen most likely preparing dinner. I turn around in bed and instantly smile at the presence of my husband nestled beside me.

"What time is it?"

"Almost six, you've been asleep for so long I was starting to worry."

"I didn't sleep much last night, too many things on my mind."

"You should have woken me up, we could of had insomnia together."

"I don't think it works like that but thank you. Ever since you told me about Jim I can't seem to get him out of my mind."

"Me neither, I hope he calls back soon or his wife does. Are you hungry, Gail's making one of your favourites."

"I can't wait," I tell Christian as a pain causes me to rub my right leg.

I squirm on the bed then try to stand up but I'm still attached to the dialysis machine.

"Cramp, hold on," says Christian as he pulls my leg into his lap and massages it. I lean back on my pillows and squeeze my eyes up tight at the pain increases.

Cramps are a side effect of the dialysis and one I could certainly live without. Add to that the fatigue and occasional itching and I realise just what a blessing normal kidney function used to be.

"Is it any better," asks Christian still rubbing by calf muscles.

"A bit," I gasp as the pain slowly eases.

After a while the pain goes but leaves behind that ache you always get after a leg cramp. I'm sure it will hurt more tomorrow, it always does but at least the severe pain has gone.

Carol returns and disconnects me from the machine and then my husband carries me downstairs to dinner. We eat almost in silence as we tuck into Gail delicious roast and I wonder why my husband is so quiet.

"Are you okay," I ask once he's finished.

"Fine, how's your leg."

"It's good, thanks for helping me earlier."

He smiles then pushes up from the table, walking towards me and kissing my cheek. I understand now why he's been so silent, he's just worried about me.

I get up too and help him carry the dishes to the kitchen, then turn as I hear our phone start to ring.

"I'll get it," says Christian making his way to the study.

I speculate on who could be calling but just put it down to business, Christian's I assume when he doesn't return.

Thankfully Gail is here to help me get the children ready for bed and together we manage the task in less than an hour.

Christian's POV

I hate seeing Ana in so much pain so I hurry to massage the ache from her leg. Her face is twisted and her fingers tighten around the bed sheets. I don't like the noises and whimpers that escape from her lips and her stiffness as she leans against me.

Eventually her eyes open and she smiles almost embarrassedly at me as I stroke her leg in my lap.

I'm quiet during dinner and I know she's on to me as she keeps shooting concerned glances my way. I can't help it I worry about her especially after seeing her in so much pain just minutes before.

I feel so annoyed when the phone rings, I know it's probably business and I know it may take a while. I wanted to help Ana with the children and I was looking forward to story time.

"Grey," I snap as I pick up the phone.

"Hello, is that Mr Christian Grey," the caller queries.

"It is," I reply sighing.

"Oh, well I believe you talked with my wife Allison. I just wanted to call to thank you for updating us on your wife's condition. I was so happy when Ally told me your wife was well, the relief was enormous. I've been so worried about her, I feared she didn't make it."

"I assure you it is I that should be thanking you. Mr Fletcher what you did, your bravery in getting inside that vehicle. Thank you, thank you so much, thank you for bringing her back to me."

I choke up on the last few words and look around my study, trying to stop myself from getting upset.

"Mr Grey please I was just doing my job, I'm only grateful that your wife is okay."

"Thanks to you, I owe you so much Mr Fletcher."

"Jim, it's Jim and you owe me nothing. You just look after your wife and those babies and live the best life that you can."

"I will thanks to you Jim. Ana my wife wants to thank you too, so much. Would you be willing to meet up sometime, whatever's convenient to you of course."

"I'd love to see her again, to see her face if only to see it happy this time."

"Great, you must come to the house and bring your wife, we'd love to meet her too."

"I'd like that, let me get back to you with a date. Got to check with Ally first of course."

"I understand, got a wife myself thanks to you."

He pauses at my statement then ploughs on as if I'd said nothing.

"Please give my regards to your wife and tell her I can't wait to see her again."

"I will Jim, thank you for calling and thank you," I reply my voice wavering on the final thank you.

Hanging up I pause to stare outside at the darkness, then rush off to find Ana and tell her the good news.

Longer chapter to follow, thank you for commenting and reading along.