Chapter 5 - The Call
The next morning I wake and I can tell by how it looks outside that it is way to early. I look at the clock and it says 5:15. Christian is not in bed. He must be in the gym or out running. I get out of bed and use the bathroom. I look over at the shower thinking about last night's shower it was one of the best I would have to say. I wash my hands and head out to see if Christian is in the is not in there but the TV is on so he must have been for a bit. I turn the TV off and head back into the bedroom. He must be out for a run. I lay back down. I can't sleep but I don't want to get up it is just to early for me. I hear the elevator ding and Christian and Taylor talking. They must have both went for a run. I don't know how any one can run this early in the morning. A few moments later. I hear Christian coming to our room.
" Ana, good morning. I did expect you to be up you sleep ok?"
" Yes, Christian I did. I woke up a bit ago and just couldn't fall back to sleep. I really wish I could because it is just to early for me."
He walks over to me and sits down and kisses me good morning. He is all sweaty from his run but I don't care. I wrap my fingers in his hair and deepen the kiss. When we both are out of breathe he rests his forehead on mine. He looks into my eyes and smiles the most sweetest smile ever. It is the kind of smile that I know if he flashed it at me and wanted something I could not say no to it. I raise my hand up and caress his face. I don't pull away but I decide to ask him about Gia.
" Christian are you going to call Gia today and set up a time for us to meet with her? I really am excited to get started on the house."
" Yes, I will call her today after I get into the office. I will set up a time for her to come here. It will be more relaxed that way. Do you have day in mind you want me to schedule it for Ana?"
" No, not really but I want it to be a day we both can meet with her. I really would prefer you to be at the meetings in the begining. Then after that I can handle it if you want me too. "
" Yes, I will be there I promise. I guess I better go get in the shower and then have breakfast. Would you care to join me?"
I know he means in the shower but I have to tease him at first.
" Yes, I will join you for breakfast when you are ready. "
He gives me this look like that is not what I meant. I laugh and say.
" I would love to join you in the shower as well. "
I am very distracted in the shower while I am washing Christian chest and his chiseled abs. I just can't believe how sexy he is. I have he turn and I wash his back even his back is finely toned. After I am done I kiss him on the shoulder and put my arms around him and and lay my head on his shoulder. I stay like this and he begins to wash his hair. I move when the soap and water start streaming down on me. He turns around to face me and smiles.
" Thank you for washing me. You haven't done that in awhile. The memories are bitter sweet for me. I love how you took care of me but I felt helpless at times like I was never going to heal."
I place my hand on his face and give him a sweet kiss.
" I know Christian I did too. I so badly wanted you better. I am glad time worked it all out and now here you are in front of me again standing. Do you think you will ever go skiing again when we go back to Aspen? "
" Yes, I think I will I am not the type of person to let fear stop me from doing things that I enjoy. I mean you have to live life. I have skied and snowboarded a thousand times and never got hurt. "
I don't want Christian to know but I feel a little scared and disappointed inside. I think part of me wanted him to never do it again. I know I am still afraid for his life. I know for a fact I am never going skiing again. I don't think I will ever be able to move on from the fact that it almost took my whole life from me.
When we get out of the shower. Christian goes into the closet to find his clothes for the day and I put my hair up and find some leggings, sports bar and T shirt and my running shoes. I think I will go for a run this morning after I see him off.
Christian comes out looking so glorious in his Charcoal suit. He is ever the handsome CEO.
" Ana, What are you doing? You going in the gym? You may have to lower the weights on the machines. Would you like me to do that for you before I head out?"
" No Christian I am not going to use the machines. After you head to work I am going to go running. "
" Ana have you spoken with Sawyer is he aware of what you are doing?"
" Christian I don't need Sawyer to run with me. You run with out Taylor at times. "
" I know I just worry about you. Today I am meeting with my dad, Elliot, Mia and Kate about the letters they got about you marrying me for my money. I thought you might want to come. We need to figure out if we should ignore it or take it to the property authorities."
" What time are you all meeting? I think it will be at my office after lunch 1:30."
" I can get back from my run and get ready and be to your office for 1:30. "
" Ok good but please think about taking Sawyer with you."
" I will think about it. Now come on let's go eat before you have to leave. "
When we are sitting at the breakfast bar Taylor comes out of his office.
" Taylor can we go in about 10 minutes? Also can you let Sawyer know that Ana wants to go running this morning. I would like for him to make sure he is ready incase she decides he is to go with her. "
" Sir, Sawyer is taking the day off. He let me know early this morning that he has a very bad stomach flu and will not be in today. If Mrs. Grey would like I could come back after I drop you and take her running. "
" No Taylor, you don't need to do that I will be fine. Christian is just overreacting. I promise not to go far and stay in a very public paths."
I look at Christian I can tell he is not keen on my plan and I am surprised when he doesn't say anything back. Something must be preoccupying his mind.
" Okay than Taylor I guess that settles it. Ana will running alone today. I am not to happy about it. But, I can't keep her in a cage. There is nothing to indicate that she is in any trouble at all. "
Christian gets up and takes me his arms.
" I have to go baby please be careful and let me know when you are back home. You know I worry about you. I love you and I will see you at 1:30."
" I promise I will let you know when I get back and yes I can't wait to see you at 1:30. I love you."
We kiss goodbye and I walk him to the elevator. Then he is gone. I go and find a pony tail holder and decide it's time to go for a run that is long over due.
Christian-
I have Taylor drop me off at the office and then I ask him to go and drive through the local park that I think Ana will be at and just make sure nothing looks out of place there. I get up to the floor of my Office and my Assistant stops me.
" Andrea what is it? I haven't even gotten a chance to get settled. You know I don't like to deal with issues right as I walk in the building. "
" Yes Mr. Grey, I just wanted to let you know that there is a Miss Abbey Kent in the lobby closer to your office she is here to see you sir. She says it's urgent. She was not on the Calendar and all she told me was you two were associates some time ago. "
I stop and think to myself Abbey Kent oh yes. I guess you could call us associates. She was a good distraction at one time. I guess I can see although I don't have any clue why she is hear to see me know It has been like maybe 4 years since we last were together and it was brief. A lot more brief than with others. I don't say a word to her as I pass by her and head straight into my office.
Andrea pages me and I tell her to let Miss. Kent come in, in about 15 minutes. I don't like first thing in the morning meets and most of all I hate surprises. Woman from my past are the worst type of surprises. I know that Ana hates that I have a past and she can become jealous easily. It makes me laugh because she has nothing to worry about. That woman has my heart and soul wrapped around her I want no one just her. I will see Miss. Kent find out what she wants and then call my lovely wife and tell her about the visit because I will hide nothing from her and I know if I tell her right away she will see that it meant nothing and she is my everything.
There is a knock at my door and Andrea let's Miss. Kent in. I get up and walk over to her.
" Abbey Kent it has been a long time what can I do for you? I hope everything is alright"?
" Yes,Mr. Grey , Sir everything is fine. I just came to talk to you about some things I have heard and I felt you should be made aware of. "
" Ok, well please have a seat. Can I have my assistant get you anything to drink?"
" No, I am fine and I know you are busy so I don't want to take up to much of your time. I have found out that My sister and your new wife have a mutual friend. She has told me that in there circle of friends it is pretty much known that your wife is not married to you for the right reasons."
" I see and what are the reasons they claim she got married to me for?"
" Well I have been told that when she was dating you her and a friend came up with a plan that she should marry you and sometime after get divorced and get a huge settlement. Then they two of them could run off together and well be together forever. "
" Abbey, I a going to try and remain calm with this because I know you are just a messenger doing what you think is right for an old friend. But, I think I know Ana better than any one and she doesn't have anyone waiting in the wings. I mean we dated for two years before I even asked her to marry me. No guy would wait that long and then have to wait for a divorce. Now I must say that for Ana I would wait like that because I mean she is my world. But Ana has never given me any reason to doubt how she feels for me. You were always a very honest and trustworthy person I think some one is setting you up for a fall. I will find out who is saying these things. Maybe you would like to share who it is that told your sister?"
" Mr. Grey I am sorry I didn't mean to upset you and I don't know who it was I am sorry. I will ask my sister maybe she will tell me and then I will let you know. I just care a lot about you I always have and I don't want you to get hurt because some poor girl took advantage of you so her and her lover could live happy ever after. Please just be careful "
" Abbey, thank you so much but I am going to have to ask you to leave now. I know you mean well but frankly you have pissed me off. What you are implying about my wife is wrong and unless you want to tell me who it is that is talking like this I don't want to ever see you here in my building again. Now have a good day I am busy so I am going to have to ask you to leave."
" Mr. Grey I didn't mean to upset you. I am sorry. I will go. I knew you wouldn't listen to me. Good bye."
I need to call Gia and make an appointment for us but fist I am in need of calming down. I get out my cell phone and call Ana. I just want to hear her voice.
" Christian, hi baby is everything alright? "
" Ana, everything is fine. I just was missing you and wanted to hear your voice. Are you out running?"
" Yes I am. I miss you too I always do. It is great to hear your voice. We still have a meeting at 1:30?"
" Yes baby we do. "
" How about I come around 12:00 and bring lunch up to your office. I would love to eat lunch with you."
" Ana that sounds great. What ever you want to bring is fine. I am going to call Gia and get us an appointment. I will see you around 12:00pm. I love you. "
" See you at 12:00 Christian I love you too.I miss you. "
She hangs up and I feel a little better. She loves me I have no doubt she is not the type of woman that Abbey described. People are just jealous of her she is beautiful, smart,kind hearted and now she is cursed with money. That is when people really start to turn on you.
" Andrea,"
"Yes Mr. Grey."
" Ana is going to be here today at 12:00pm for lunch could you please go and get me a nice bottle of wine and some roses for her. Two dozens should be great."
" Yes Sir I will see you in a bit. I will make sure one of the others are maning the desk and phones for me. "
Ana-
I love when Christian calls me. But sometimes hearing his voice makes me miss him and get homesick for him. I should just jog over to his office now and forget about this running thing. I decide to run just a little bit more. I turn the corner and I see a little girl with a water stand. She must be selling water bottles how perfect I need a drink. I walk up and get in line. I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to see who it is.
" Ana Steele, how have you been I haven't seen you since College."
" Oh Alicia hi I am fine how are you? I hear that you are marrying Jose Rodriguez congratulations. "
" Thank you. I hear you got married too. Was it that guy that you were dating when you graduated?"
" Yes it was."
" I heard he was one of Seattle prominent business men. You the type popular with the woman and had many flings. "
" Well you heard part of it right. He is a businessman but as for the rest it's not true of Christian. I am sure if Jose has told you things he wasn't very nice to Christian. They never got a long and I think Jose never thought I should marry him. That is why we really are not friends anymore. "
" Oh well I guess there are two sides to the story. But, Ana it was great seeing you. Looks like your next in line for the water. "
I turn around to get a bottle of water from the little girl who tells me it's so she can go to camp. I smile at her and don't look back at Alicia because she has really made me upset. Jose needs to learn how to keep his jealous mouth shut. I sit down on a bench to drink my water. I think about calling or texting Christian but, we just spoke and I know he is busy so I decide not to bother him. I through my empty bottle of water in the trash and then I get up to run some more and then head home. I want to shower before I go see Christian.
There is a path in the park that goes through some trees and comes out on an area where you can stand and look at the water. Christian took me there once on a walk early on in our relationship. I decide to go back there and sit and rest a minute. I must be running to much. My head is starting to ache andy my arms and legs. When I make it there I am really out of breath and dizzy. I sit down for a rest. I am not feeling right. Maybe I am getting sick like Sawyer. I decide to call Christian because I think I should just go home I am not feeling very well. He must be in a meeting because the phone goes to voicemail. So I try him again.
" Ana, is everything alright?"
" Christian I am not feeling very well. I think I over did it. I just don't feel right. I don't think I can make this afternoon."
" Ana are you still at the park? Just sit and I will come and get you. Taylor may still be there I will call him and see. Please don't be mad but I had him there making sure all was ok before you ran."
" Christian I am not mad. Yes could you please come and get me. "
" Ana I will be right there. I love you baby. I will trace your phone just stay there."
I hang up the phone and I lay down on the dock. I love Christian so much he is so great. I txt him to say thank you.
" Christian, I wanted to say thank you for coming to get me. Please hurry I am not feeling good. Love your A. forever. "
Christian-
" Taylor are you still around at the park where Ana was running?"
" No sir I am back here at Grey House. Is there something wrong?"
" yes Ana called me she needs us to come and get her she says she is really not feeling well. I will meet you out at the car can you start the tracer on her phone so we can track where she is?"
" Yes, Sir Mr. Grey right away. I will meet you out front."
I get outside and see Taylor. I get in the car and take my phone out of my pocket. I see that there is a txt from Ana. I try calling her back to let her know we are on our way she doesn't answer. I bring up the tracker on my phone and it is directing us towards the park. Her phone is still so she is not moving. I hate that she is not well. I am coming baby. We get to the park and we leave the car for the main jogging trail. Ana said she would stay on the main path. We start walking toward where the signal is coming from.
We pass a stand that is selling water. Taylor stops and decides to ask if the girl there had seen anyone that looks like Ana. She tells him that she thinks Ana had bought water from her. I look down on my phone to see if we are still heading in the right direction. The signal is gone. I am not sure what happened.
" Taylor do you still have the tracking app on? What does your show?"
" Sir I think something must have happened with the connection. There is nothing showing up. "
We keep walking and we come up to the path that Ana and I walked on a long while ago. I wonder if she went in there she always loved it. When we get to the end of the trail no one is there.
" Taylor there is no way she moved from here she promised she would stay."
" Sir we should go back out to the main path and go to the end and see if maybe she didn't turn here. I am going to call Gail and see if maybe she made it home."
We walk down the main path and there is no sign of Ana. At this time I am starting to freak out a little. She wasn't feeling well. She was practically in tears when she called she needed me. Baby where are you.
" Sir, Gail says she has not come home and Sawyer has just gotten back from the doctor and her car is in the garage all the cars are so she must have jogged to the park."
" Taylor call my work tell Andrea we are not coming back for the rest of the day. Call my parents, Elliot and tell them the meeting is cancelled Let them know what has happened. She would have taken the route here that her and I run when we go together. I am going to take that way on foot back to Escala. I will meet you at home."
I take off in the direction of Escala. My heart pounding and my stomach in knots where is my girl. I have to find her she needs me. Why wouldn't she have stayed where she was. She said she would. She wanted me to find her she would not have gotten up and walked when she knew I was coming for her. But just in case I am searching everywhere for her. I make it to Escala and I didn't see her anywhere on the route home. It starts raining but I can't give up I just keep looking and calling for her. My phones and I jump.
" Ana, is that you? No dude it's me Elliot what's going on have you all not found her yet? Kate and I are out looking we are driving everywhere."
" No Elliot I haven't found her. I don't know where my baby is. I just can't stop looking she has to be here. I am going back to the park she might be there. "
" Christian we are on our way to help you look. Where are you Taylor said you were on foot. Kate and I could pick you up."
" No I am almost back there now. I want to walk I can't miss her. She has to be here. She wasn't well what happened to her. "
" Christian no worries we will find her. "
I get to the park and Elliot and Kate are already there. The rain has stopped for a minute and it gives us a moment to really look even in the thick trees. Elliot says we need to call the police it has been hours and getting dark. I call Taylor and tell him we are calling the police. Taylor has been all over the city and he has had others helping.
" Sir, I will call them and meet them there with you. I don't want you to have to do this alone. "
" Taylor I appreciate that Elliot and Kate are here with me. We will wait here. Do you think they will take the report Taylor she has not been gone for 24 hours yet?"
" Sir she is the wife of Chriistian Grey they will start looking I can assure you of that."
" Christian I keep calling her phone and it's just ringing. I can't even get to her voicemail. Did you say you can't even track her phone anymore?"
" Kate no I can't it's like the phone died or something. It doesn't even show up anymore the last place it was traced was here in the park. I am just not sure. I just want to find her she is my life. Where could she be. What could have happened to her."
" Christian we will find her I promise. Please don't panic and get upset we have to keep it all together if we are going to find her. "
Kate comes to me and hugs me I think this is the first time I have really wanted her to hug me. I know she is concerned for me and her friend.
Soon my parents , Mia and Taylor come and the police are behind them. Taylor explains to the police all we know. I show them the txt message I got from her and I tell them how she sounded very sick when she called me. She was almost in tears. I take them to the place that I really thought she might have waited for me at the little dock place by the water. I let them know what she was wearing this morning her leggings her ponytail, her tennis shoes. I have a picture of my beautiful girl in my wallet. I took it of her when we were in France outside the Louvre. She is smiling so big and happy her hair is down and flowing she is wearing her black jacket.
" Please find my girl. I need to find her."
" Mr. Grey we will do all we can to find your wife. Were you two getting along? Is there any reason she may have left on her own? "
" No of course not why would she call me and txt me that message if she was mad and wanted to leave. I love her and she loves me. She needs to come home. "
" Officers my son and daughter in law are very much in love I assure you there was nothing going on between them that would make her leave him on her own accord. I can't believe you would even have the gall to ask that. "
" I am sorry ma'am it's our job to look at all angles."
" I understand but my son is one of the richest men in this town and I assure you if his wife is missing it's because something or some one happened to her. She would never leave Christian. "
" Grace calm down they have to do there jobs."
" Officers I am sorry about my wife she is just very emotional when it comes to her kids. "
" Mr. Grey we understand your wife and your son's grief and anger. We will do our jobs and we have to ask some tough questions and believe me it's hard for me to look people who are in pain and ask them these types of questions. "
" Now Christian did your wife have any enemies some one who would want to harm her? "
I just can't take this anymore and I have to sit down. I put my head in my hands and start to cry.
" Officers my phone had no enemies. She was very loving and kind she made every one happy and welcome. Why would some one harm her."
" Christian it is going to be ok. We will find her they will find her. I promise we will not stop looking for her any of us. "
" Ma'am and what is your name?"
" My name is Kate Grey. I am his sister in law and Ana's best friend. I can't stress enough that both of them are feeling so much pain and sorrow being with out the other. I worry about them both being apart from each other. I know how the press will take this and I want to make myself the family spokes person. Christian will not be speaking to the press. As soon as this is out they will be all over him."
" Christian, Mr. Grey, Mrs. Grey are you all right if I am the spokes person? I didn't mean to speak out of turn."
" Kate I think that will be just fine. Christian can't do this and it should be someone who understands them both and thank you for offering and being so strong for them both. "
" Christian why don't you go home and get something to eat and we will look some more tonight. Then we will come back to your place. "
" Mom I can't go home. I need to find her. The last place I know she was for sure was here. She has to be here. I can't go home. "
" Dad we have to get him home he is going to go nuts. I don't think Ana is here anymore. I just don't. "
" Elliot I don't think we will get him home. I am with you I believe that something else has happened and I don't like it."
" Christian maybe you and mom should go back home incase Ana comes home and needs medical help. I mean it's 11:00 and there is no more searching we can do. The police have said they will continue here in the park. We all could come back tomorrow."
" Elliot I don't know I just can't leave her out here alone and afraid. I need my girl. But your right she might come home and she will need me. OK tell mom I will go."
My mom and dad come with me to the apartment. Mrs. Jones tells us there has been no sign of Ana yet at all. I am starting to panic and feel so sick to my stomach.
" Mr. Grey have you eaten? CanI fix you something?"
" No Gail I am not hungry at all. I will eat with Ana when she gets home."
Mom and dad fall a sleep on the couch and about 1:00 am Kate, Elliot, Taylor and Mia all return to the apartment. They tell me the police have called off the search for the night and will continue it tomorrow.
" So that is it then My love my life is out there somewhere and no one is looking for her anymore. I should be looking for her."
" Christian I think you need to rest. You can look when it's light out you will be no good to Ana if you are too sick from exhaustion to help us look and find her. "
Elliot takes me to Bedroom and tells me to just sit down and try to relax and maybe I can fall asleep and tomorrow I will be ready to look again.
" We are all going to stay here tonight and we all are heading out to help find her in the morning."
I get up and start pacing the floor. I see her pillow, her hair brush, my shirt she left laying on the bed that she slept in last night. I can't help but think about what she will sleep in or on tonight. She needs me. I am going crazy I just can't relax.
There is a knock at the door. It's my mom.
"Christian I had a doctor friend come over to see you. He wants to give you something to help you sleep tonight so you will be ready for tomorrow. "
" Mom how can I have a good nights sleep when Ana won't be."
" Christian please just take this and drink this water. "
" Fine but I don't think it will help I can't sleep."
I lay down in my bed and stare at the ceiling. I take Ana's pillow in my arms and just cry into it. Soon I find my body feeling tired and my eyes heavy and before I know it I am asleep.
