Chapter 5 - The Fallout
Ana's POV
I woke up thinking about Christian and the sweet memories from last night.
I checked my phone and saw a text from Christian.
Christian: Good morning beautiful
My heart started to thump in my chest and my smile was filled with joy.
Ana: Good morning to you too
Christian: What are you up to today
Ana: Spa day with Kate
Christian: Have fun xx
I put my phone back on the nightstand and flopped back down on my bed. It seemed like my whole life had changed in a week. I couldn't be happier.
Kate came over to my house around 12, so we could go to the spa to have a girl's day. I was planning on filling her in on everything that happened between Christian and me.
When she arrived, she crushed me with a huge bear hug.
"Ana! Tell me everything about your date. LIKE NOW!" she frantically shouted.
I laughed at her enthusiasm and replied, "Chill Kate. I'll tell you everything, but let's go to the spa first."
"Ugh, fine," she capitulated.
We got in my car and were off to our favorite spa for facials, massages, mud baths, and time in a sauna.
"Okay, spill," Kate said while we were soaking in mud.
"The whole date was just a dream. He has a boathouse in his backyard, and he set the whole place up with flowers and candles. It was like something from a rom-com," I gushed.
"That's so sweet!" she exclaimed. "Did you guys fuck?" she asked bluntly.
I flung a bit of mud at her and admonished, "Kate! Oh my god! Of course not! That was only our first date."
She giggled at me and flung more mud my way. "Did you guys at least kiss?" she asked.
I blushed and meekly replied, "Yes."
She shrieked and said, "You go girl!"
"I think I'm in love with him," I blurted out.
Kate looked absolutely stunned and all she could say was, "Excuse me what?"
I knew she must have thought that I was crazy, but I needed to tell someone how I was feeling.
"I know it sounds crazy," I reasoned.
She cut me off, "You think?"
"I know it's crazy, but we have an undeniable connection, Kate. We get along so well, and we can talk for hours. I didn't tell you what happened on Friday, right?"
"No," Kate answered.
"Well, Colton was trying to rape me at the party. Christian saved me, and he took care of me. He made me feel safe again." Tears were starting to form in my eyes at my revelation.
"Oh, Ana!" Kate cried, "I'm so sorry. I had no idea!"
"It's not your fault, Kate," I said, "You were too drunk to notice anything. I also shouldn't have been drinking that much. I was practically asking for it."
"Don't you ever say that about yourself, Steele." Kate admonished, "Colton is a jackass. He'll pay."
"Kate," I warned, "Don't do anything that you'll regret."
"Don't worry, Banana. No one ever fucks with my best friend. Did Christian kick his ass at least?"
"I think so. Have you seen the size of his arms?" I asked, trying to bring humor into this situation.
Kate and I both giggled.
She said more seriously, "But in all honesty, are you doing okay?"
"Yes, Kate. I'm perfectly fine. Christian came before anything sexual could happen," I replied candidly.
Kate sensed that the topic needed to be dropped, so she shifted the conversation.
"So… Is Christian a good kisser?" she questioned while wiggling her eyebrows.
I threw some more mud at her, which caused us to laugh even harder than before.
After we were done with the spa, Kate suggested we go shopping. And who says no to shopping?
Kate and I were currently at the Bravern in Bellevue, shopping to our heart's content.
We were browsing through Neiman Marcus when we stumbled upon the lingerie section.
"Oh my God," Kate exclaimed, "Let's get you some sexy lingerie for Christian!"
Embarrassed by Kate's outburst in public, I begrudgingly followed her to look at the lingerie.
She started grabbing everything she could find and threw them into my arms.
"Let's go try these on," she insisted.
One of the sales associates came up to us and asked, "Can I get a dressing room started for you guys?"
Without asking me, Kate responded, "Yes, please," and handed the lady all of the things she grabbed.
The first piece I tried on was very scandalous. It was a black lace teddy that barely covered my boobs.
"Do you look hot?" Kate screamed at me from the other side of the fitting room door.
I did a 360 in the mirror, and I had to admit, I did look smoking hot!
The teddy accentuated my minimal curves in all the right ways, and I looked like a wanton minx. I was sure it would drive Christian crazy.
"I love this one Kate," I yelled back at her.
I ended up buying three bags full of new lingerie, much to Kate's amusement.
"My little virgin is all grown up now," she gushed.
I rolled my eyes at her comment and she continued, "If you need any sexual advice, I'm your girl."
I laughed at her admission. Kate was definitely not bashful about her dalliances with countless men.
After our shopping excursion, Kate and I headed back to my penthouse to watch Netflix and indulge in pizza.
"What do you want to watch?" I asked her.
"House of Cards," she stated.
I turned on the TV in the living room and started the show.
"Can you order the pizza?" I asked her.
She obliged and called for pizza delivery.
I grabbed two sprites from the fridge for us and placed them on the coffee table. I then picked up a cashmere blanket and plopped on the couch.
A few minutes later, I heard a frantic shout from Kate in the kitchen: "ANA YOU NEED TO SEE THIS."
Extremely interested as to why Kate was in hysterics, I got up from the couch and walked over to Kate.
She hands her phone to me with an article pulled up, and I was shell shocked by the headline.
"Millionaire Heiress, Anastasia Steele Gets Wild"
The headline was followed by a photo of me in my lingerie drinking and dancing on top of a table.
FUCK!
"How long ago was this posted?" I asked Kate.
"Like just now," she replied.
Right on cue, I had an incoming call from my dad.
I'm in huge trouble!
Kate mouthed to me that she was going to go, knowing that I needed to talk to my dad in private. I nodded at her as she left.
"Hey daddy," I answered the phone.
"Anastasia…" he sternly said.
"How are you, daddy?" I laid on the sweetness.
"Don't play that game with me, young lady," he stated. "Please tell me why there are photos of you all over the Internet half-naked."
"Daddy," I started.
"No, Anastasia," he cut me off, "This is unacceptable."
"I'm so sorry, daddy," I tried to apologize, "I made a mistake."
"You think?" he angrily spat. "If I wasn't so swamped with work, I'd come back home to deal with it."
"That's not necessary dad," I replied.
"I know," he stated with less anger in his voice, "But I better not be hearing of this type of behavior anymore, or we're going to have a problem. I mean what in God's name were you thinking?"
"I wasn't thinking," I clarified, "I promise it won't ever happen again."
"It better not, Anastasia," he stated, "If I hear about anything like this again, you're moving to D.C. with me."
"Okay, daddy," I submitted, "I love you."
"I love you too, Annie," he said sympathetically.
I ended the call and was so relieved that he wasn't any angrier.
Christian's POV
My parents were coming home today, so Mia and I were on our way to the airport to pick them up.
"Oh, Christian!" Mia exclaimed while I was driving on the highway.
"What is it?" I asked her.
"Ummm," she stated, unsure.
"What, Mia?" I repeated.
"Well," she began, "there are some photos of Ana online."
"What kind of photos?" I asked curiously.
"Just some photos half-naked at a party," she said really fast.
I couldn't fucking believe it. Whoever leaked those photos to the press is fucking dead!
I felt my anger start to intensify and subsequently gripped the steering wheel harder to release some of the tension.
"Christian?" Mia questioned, obviously sensing my impending anger.
She had been lucky enough to witness firsthand what happens when I got angry.
I didn't respond and she tried to calm me, "Christian, it's not a big deal. I'm sure everyone will forget about this in a week or so."
We arrived at SEA-TAC and I headed for the arrivals. I parked the car and texted my parents that we had arrived.
I then texted Ana to make sure she was doing okay with the photos that were leaked from the party.
Christian: Hey. Are you OK?
Ana: You saw the photos?
Christian: Mia told me about them. I didn't see them myself. How are you?
Ana: I'm fine, I guess. I got an angry call from my father, but what can you do?
Christian: I'm sorry xx
Ana: Not your fault
Christian: I should've come earlier and saved you from drinking too much
In a twisted way, I really felt responsible for not getting there earlier to take care of Ana. I felt like this was somehow my fault. An angel like Ana didn't deserve to be embarrassed like that for everyone to see.
Ana: Christian! Don't blame yourself. We've had this conversation already
Christian: I'm still sorry
Ana: I'll be okay
Christian: xx Can I pick you up tomorrow?
Ana: Of course. See you xx
After talking to Ana, I got a text from my mom, saying that she and dad just got their luggage and were heading outside.
I sat in the back of the Range Rover with Mia and waited for our parents to come.
A few minutes later, I saw my parents walking through the door. I got up to help put the luggage in the trunk and dad drove us home.
Being a mom, Grace asked Mia and me, "How was your weekend, kids?"
"Good," I replied instinctively.
Mia excitedly said, "It was so good, mom. You'll never guess what happened!"
"What happened, Mia?" my mom asked, completely used to Mia's exuberance.
"Christian had a date!" Mia exclaimed.
I glanced at her. Why the fuck would she tell our parents that?
Grace looked astonished and turned back to look at me.
"Is that true, Christian?" she questioned.
Dad looked equally as surprised, although he wasn't vocal about it.
Begrudgingly, I replied, "Yes, mom."
I gave Mia another glare, and she shrugged her shoulders.
"Who'd you go out with, dear?" Grace asked.
"Ana," I curtly replied, wanting to get this conversation over with.
"What do you guys do?" Grace inquired.
"Dinner," I said shortly.
Mia piped in with her big mouth again: "Mom, it wasn't just dinner. Christian went all out. He decorated the boathouse with candles and flowers and made me cook dinner for them. It was soooo romantic."
"Mia," I complained and gave her yet another glare.
Dad looked completely shocked and eyes me via the rearview mirror.
My mom was ecstatic and she exclaimed, "That's so sweet, dear. Ana must have been pleased."
My dad piped in and said, "Wow, son. You sure put a lot of effort in for one date."
I rolled my eyes at both of my parents and stayed silent.
Mia interjected, "Christian is sooo into Ana."
"Mia, stop," I told her.
"Christian, stop yelling at your sister," mom declared.
Mia gave me a victorious look, and I gave her yet another dirty stare.
Ana's POV
I was kind of nervous about school tomorrow. I was anxious to see Colton and was worried that people were going to be talking about me. At least I'd have Christian by my side all day. No one would be able to hurt me if he was around.
Line break
The next day
I woke up with a pit in my stomach – I had to go to school and face everyone. I was praying that no one mentioned the photos, but knowing the kids at my school, it was bound to be a hot topic.
Christian was picking me up this morning. I wondered if this was going to become an everyday thing because I'd like it if it did.
I did my usual morning routine, made some breakfast, and waited for Christian to arrive.
Christian's POV
When Ana and I got to school, I could sense how anxious she was to face everyone. I put my hands on hers in an effort to soothe her, and she gave me a soft smile.
She looked very reluctant to get out of the car, so I encouraged her, "Everything's going to be fine. Stop worrying."
I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and we were off to our first class.
So far, on the way to our first class, everything seemed normal. There were no whispers or side glances behind our backs, and it seemed as if no one was talking about the weekend's events. That all changed when we stepped into our first class.
"Hey, Ana!" one boy shouted, "Wanna get wild again this weekend?"
The whole class erupted into laughter, and I immediately went to defend Ana.
Ana interjected before I could and retorted, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize we had to get daddy to bail you out of jail again."
There were "oohs" and "ahhs" floating around the classroom, and the kid retreated into his seat, obviously embarrassed.
Ana looked triumphant and not to mention sexier than ever. She was a feisty little thing, and there was nothing hotter than a girl who could stand up for herself.
We sat down and I could tell that even though Ana had put up a strong front, she was crumbling on the inside. Deep down, I knew she somewhat cared about her image and how others perceived her. While I couldn't care less, Ana wanted to be respected and liked by her peers.
Ana's POV
I couldn't believe that fucker had the audacity to taunt me in front of the whole class. If he thought he could get away with that, he was an idiot.
Our next class was English Lit, which was usually one of my favorites, but it was definitely not going to be pleasant today. Colton was in the class, and I really didn't want to face him.
I also didn't know how Christian will react if I told him who tried to rape me. My guess was that punches might be thrown, and I didn't want to get Christian in trouble. Also, Christian might kill Colton. I mean, Christian was very muscular and while Colton was toned and fit, Christian made him look small.
Christian and I were a bit early, so we walked into an empty classroom and took our usual seats. Colton walked in a few moments later fully sporting a black eye and what looked like a broken nose. Shit! Did Christian do that to him?!
Colton spotted me and made a beeline my way.
Christian had no doubt connected the dots and realized that Colton was the guy.
"Ana," Colton started.
Christian interjected and threatened, "If you go anywhere near her, I'll give you another black eye."
Colton looked very intimidated and pleaded his case, "I'm sorry bro. I just need to talk to Ana."
"You're lucky she isn't pressing charges," Christian spat out.
Colton was thrown aback, and by this time, more and more students were entering the classroom, cutting our private conversation short.
Colton looked defeated and went back to his seat.
The teacher entered the room and started the class for today. We were reading Romeo & Juliet, one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, and for 45 minutes, I got lost in the tragedy.
After class was over, Christian and I were ambushed by Colton again.
"Ana," Colton pleaded, "Will you please let me explain and apologize."
"I really don't want to talk about it Colton," I replied.
Colton continued, "I'm sorry, Ana. I was so drunk, and I was upset that you rejected me so many times. I really don't know what came over me. I'm so sorry, and I can't say it enough."
"Sorry doesn't cut it," Christian said with animosity laced through his voice.
"Ana," he pleaded again, "You know me. You know that's usually not who I am. Please, I'm begging you. You don't have to forgive me now or ever. I just want you to know that I regret everything that happened, and I'm so so so sorry."
Christian gave him a death glare and Colton took that as his cue to leave us alone.
I felt so helpless again. On one hand, Colton's actions were monstrous and unforgivable. On the other hand, I've known Colton for 3 years now, and he has never come off as aggressive or violent to me. He seemed truly sorry, but at the same time, he almost raped me! Gah! I know I couldn't ever fully forgive him, but maybe I could be indifferent?
I felt tears forming in my eyes and Christian crushed me into a hug.
"It's going to be alright, baby," he whispered into my ear. And for a moment, I wanted to believe him.
Christian's POV
I couldn't believe that asshole thought he could just apologize to Ana and that she would forgive him! I mean what the fuck was this guy's logic?! You don't just almost rape someone and apologize the next day! Un-fucking-believable!
Throughout the day, I could tell that Ana wasn't acting like herself. Thank God Ana stood up for herself this morning because no one was mentioning the half-naked photos out of fear of Ana's wrath.
I was so in awe of this woman – she was so strong and beautiful. All I wanted for her was happiness and love. And, God, I fucking loved her.
Christ! I haven't even asked her to be my girlfriend yet, and I was already talking about love. Fuck Grey! If you ever said that out loud, Ana might think you were certifiably insane.
Nevertheless, I knew how I felt about her, and I could only hope that she would feel the same way someday down the road.
I was now supposed to drop Ana off at home, but instead, to cheer her up, I was going to take her to the pumpkin patch.
I knew it sounded like a childish activity, but I thought it would bring a smile to her face, and that was all I wanted to see today.
"I think you made a wrong turn Christian," Ana said when she realized we weren't on the normal route to her building.
"I know," I replied.
"Where are we going?" she asked, curiously.
"It's a surprise. Hopefully, it'll put a smile back on that gorgeous face," I answered.
"You love surprises, don't you?" she posed.
"I only love surprising you," I genuinely replied.
Ana's POV
I loved that Christian was trying to cheer me up from my terrible day at school. He was truly one of the kindest and most caring people, yet he didn't see it.
Christian started driving up a winding dirt road, and it seemed a little familiar to me. It seemed like a place I went to as a kid, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
Christian continued to drive down the road, and I knew exactly where we were. My dad used to take me here as a kid to pick out pumpkins to carve. It was our little daddy-daughter fall tradition. I really did miss him.
Christian and I got out of the car, and I rushed over to him to give him a big hug. Oddly, he flinched at first but reciprocated.
"It's just the pumpkin patch, Ana," he joked.
"I know, but it's the thought that counts. I used to come here with my dad all the time," I recounted.
"My parents used to take me, Elliot, and Mia here too. That tradition stopped when Mia kept complaining that her shoes were getting dirty," he said.
"That sounds like Mia," I laughed.
"Undoubtedly so," he agreed.
We walked side by side to where all the pumpkins were, and I went over to where all the small dainty ones were. Christian, on the other hand, motioned to where all the fat deformed pumpkins were.
"Let's get a huge one," he proposed, "Mom and dad would never let us get these before."
I laughed at his childishness and replied, "Christian! No! The big ones are so hard to carve. We can make cute faces with the baby ones."
"Aren't they supposed to be scary?" he asked.
"Not if I say they don't," I retorted, "Also, I'm not sure that pumpkin will fit in your sports car."
"Point well taken," he replied.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, "We can make pumpkin pie!"
"Ummm, Ana," Christian said, "I'm not sure if you've seen me in the kitchen. But cooking – not my thing."
"Oh hush," I replied, "You can help me. I promise I'll keep the knives away from you."
"Probably for the best," he admitted.
We ended up getting four perfect, normal-sized pumpkins – two for pie and two for carving. Christian loaded them into the back of the car along with all the carving tools we just purchased, and we were on our way to my apartment.
When we arrived, Christian and I had to lug our pumpkins all the way up to the penthouse floors. God damn, were those things heavy!
We placed the pumpkins on the dining room table and I stated, "You take the guts out of two pumpkins and I'll get the other two cooked for the pie filling."
"Yes ma'am," he replied, and I giggled at his tone.
I cleaned up the pumpkins a little and put them in the oven so that I could make the pie filling later. I went back into the dining room and saw Christian struggling with pumpkin guts.
I immediately laughed and he cried, "This is really gross, Ana. My mom always did this part."
"Man up Grey," I giggled, "They're just seeds."
With my help, Christian was finally able to gut the pumpkins. I couldn't believe someone as big as him was scared of a little pumpkin goo. It was funny – comical even.
I dumped the pumpkin guts in the trash and grabbed the knives to carve out our pumpkin faces.
Christian immediately started carving out his face, while I took the time to outline my face first with a sharpie. Clearly two very different approaches here.
"Fuck, this is harder than I thought," Christian complained while looking at his pumpkin's deformed eyes.
I giggled at him and showed him mine - two perfect triangular-shaped eyes.
I finished carving out the rest of my face, and Christian attempted to fix his disaster.
By the end, I had a cute looking pumpkin and Christian had a very interesting one, to say the least.
I grabbed two candles and placed them inside the pumpkins, so I could light them later.
"Ready to make the pumpkin pie?" I asked Christian.
He shrugged and replied, "If this ends up a disaster, I warned you about my lack of cooking skills in advance."
He followed me into the kitchen and I assigned him the task of measuring out flour, sugar, butter, and salt for the pastry.
I put all the necessary spices in the pumpkin mix for the filling, and when I checked on Christian and he was covered in flour.
"Would you like an apron?" I teased.
"Haha, very funny, Ana," he said.
It was a miracle we were able to put the pie into the oven with Christian as my sous chef.
While the pie was in the oven, I decided that we needed whipped cream to go with it.
I made Christian whip the cream because he was so strong.
"Ana, my arm's tired," he whined.
"Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed while taking the bowl from him and finishing the job, "You're so lazy."
He surprised me by taking some whipped cream and smearing it all over my lips.
"Oops," he taunted, "looks like we need to clean you up."
Then, all of a sudden, his lips met mine, wiping off the whipped cream.
When we broke the kiss I replied, "I think I'm all clean now."
"I don't think so," he quipped and lifted me up so I was sitting on the counter.
With our drastic height difference, Christian could still reach my lips, and he pulled me into another kiss.
His lips tasted sweet, definitely from the whipped cream, and I couldn't get enough.
Christian's POV
Kissing Ana had become my new favorite pastime. Her lips were always so soft and sweet, and she always smelled so good – a mixture of rose and vanilla.
We were now cuddling on her couch, eating delicious pumpkin pie (that I actually helped make), and watching Christmas movies. It was the middle of September, but hey, Ana was in the Christmas spirit.
I was still a bit confused as to why I was okay with Ana's touch. For some reason, her touch didn't bring back those terrible memories. When she touched me, I just felt warmth and love. I didn't associate her touch with the cigarette burns.
This girl truly captivated me in every way possible, but with my fucked up past, I knew I didn't deserve her. But even though I didn't deserve her, I wanted her. More than I'd ever wanted anything in my entire life. And I'd be selfish every single day for her because she meant that much to me.