Chapter Four

Half way through the reception of mom and Steven's wedding they both sprung on me that they are going away for two whole weeks for their honeymoon. Great that was just great. Two weeks alone in the big house while they go off doing what new married couples do. At least I have Christian to keep me company. It was near nine PM when I walked over to mom who had one too many glasses of champagne.

'Mama, I'm tired Christian and I will be going home now. You and Steven go enjoy your honeymoon okay.'

'Oh okay, sweetheart. You look after yourself darling and we see you in two weeks alright.' She hugged me and then kissed my cheek.

'Okay mama I will. And you be good to. I love you, mama.'

'I love you to darling.' I gave Steven an awkward hug then Christian and I took off taking a cab back home.

'So guess what Mr Grey?'

'What Miss Steele?' He pulled me closer to his side in the cab.

'My wonderful very thoughtful mother just sprung on me that they are going away for two whole weeks for their honeymoon and they haven't thought to mention it once in the past few months to me that they are going to do that. So as of tonight I have the whole house to ourselves for the next fourteen days.'

'Oh the fun we'll have. No, I'll be there to protect you my sweet-sweet Ana.'

'Thank you my knight in shining armor.' I kissed his cheek. 'I just can't wait to get out of this itching thing. I wanted to leave earlier but we were having such a good time.'

'Yes we were.' He smiled at me. Our cab turned the corner on our street and finally we're home. Christian jogged across the street to change his clothes and to take a shower. As for me I almost tore my dress from my body when I stepped inside my house and the front door slam shut behind me and the dead bolt slam into place. I ran upstairs semi-naked just to get out of the torturous dress. I threw the dress on my bed then ran for the bathroom, to take a shower and wash my hair from all the hair gel my mother put in it. I got out of the shower feeling much better, then got dressed for bed. I was walking back to my room towel drying my hair when Mr Grey lay out stretched on my bed.

'You look much better.' He spoke up as he placed his hands behind his head where he lay on my bed.

'Yeah I feel much better. Ten hours in that horrible dress felt like an eternity. I lift my shirt so Christian can see all my rash on my stomach and rib cage.

'Oh my goodness, what is that dress made of poison ivy?' He jumps to his feet and ran his soft finger over my rib cage. I looked up at him as my phone rang.

'It's my mother.' I said before I picked up. 'Hi mama. Yes, I'm home and yes everything is locked.' Mom went on and on how she's sorry to leave me on my own and that she feels so guilty. Yada-yada-yada. 'Okay mama, you and Steven enjoy your time together and have a safe flight. Love you to mama.' We finally hung up and I turn to Christian.

'So where are they going?'

'I have no idea and frankly I don't care two weeks of no Steven, what couldn't be better.'

'You still feel scared of him baby?' He asked and he ran the back of his hand up and down my cheek.

'Yes, very much. I just have this unsettling feeling about him, I don't know why.'

'Don't you worry know I'm here to protect you my delicate flower.' Christian spoke up and pulled me into his protective arms. These arms I feel so safe in. He lay his cheek on the top of my head.

'Thank you for today and thank you for be so great.' I finally looked up at him and we kissed. We went down stairs and watched some TV. I let Christian lay down on my lap as we finally decided on a DVD to watch. He soon fell asleep on my lap and I took the throw from the back of the couch and lay it out over him. I must have fallen asleep while we watched the movie and I am now being carried to bed.

'But the movies not over.' I put my arms around his neck.

'Shhh… you go back to sleep sweet girl.' He kissed my forehead and lay me down in my bed.

'But I'm not sleepy…' This made his chest rubble as he chuckled. He covered me with my blankets and lay with me till I'm completely asleep again.

~~~oOo~~~

The two weeks that followed with mom and Steven gone on their honeymoon was crazy busy with school and then work it was really keeping me on my toes. Christian is being great as always, looking after me. I would get home from work and he would wait for me at the bus stop then carry all my things for me to my house. It's the second last Thursday and tomorrow our football team is playing against another school tomorrow and Christian and I decided to go since my first boss gave me off tomorrow night since I worked Monday evening. So we can stay for the whole game. We walked into my house and I am so tired I'm sleeping on my feet. I had some cookies and milk and we head up to my room.

'I got paid this week so I'm a whole $600 richer.'

'Wow. That's from both jobs or just one?'

'No it's from both. I use to get it from my one job back in Vegas when we lived there briefly.'

'Goodness.'

'Yeah it, use to cover just the bare essentials back then. When it was just mom and me. No one really wants to employ a minor under 16 but I guess somehow they pity me and give the jobs anyway.' I went on.

'So where have you worked before?'

'In Vancouver I worked on doing the dished for Starbucks. Then there was Jake's family pub and grill I was a bus-girl, Sunny's coffee shop I tried my hand in waitressing. It wasn't really for me, but the people tipped great. Then when we lived in Jacksonville for a while I worked at the Oldies roadhouse doing the dishes.

Then a new Starbucks opened in Jacksonville and I was a bus-girl for them, it was there that Gloria from Gloria's coffee house saw me, she was meeting up with a long lost friend and asked me to come work for her so she herself trained me to work the counter and I got a basic salary, $700 dollars isn't much to be called a basic salary but it was at least something. Then mom met Steven and we moved back to Vegas and we were there only three and a half months till we moved here.'

'So if it wasn't for you moving around so much you would have still be in Vancouver washing dishes. Yet you had more stable jobs than anyone I know Ana Steele. What an adventurous live you had so far Ana Steele.'

'You think so. It really doesn't feel like it to me. I just want to settle down in one town and stay there at least for more than two years that would be really nice.'

'That sounds like a reasonable request Miss Steele.' My phone rang and it was Ray.

'Hi daddy.' I answered.

'Annie… I'm just phoning to find out if you're still okay.'

'Yes daddy I am fine, I just got home from work.'

'Oh, how is that going?'

'They are both fine. Working by behind off.'

'There that's my girl. Are you safe up there honey?' I didn't answer.

'Annie what's wrong?' Ray asked me.

'I'm really scared of mom's new husband daddy. He comes into my room at night, I even have a ton of footage of him being in my room.'

'He does what?!' Ray yelled in his angry marine voice.

'Daddy please remember your blood-pressure.'

'Like what does he do Annie?' Daddy asked.

'He just sits watching me sleep but somehow I always know he is on his way because I'm awake but he doesn't know it when he sits for a half hour. I told mom but she was too busy with the wedding details.'

'Annie you come on down here whenever you want to get away from there.'

'Thank you, daddy. I really-really miss you.' I spoke and felt near tears at hearing my concerned father's voice.

'I miss you to honey. You mentioned last time that you have a boyfriend now. How is he? Is he taking care of you Annie?'

'Yes he really does daddy. He is here making sure I'm okay.' I smiled at Christian as he played with my hand while I talk with my father.

'Let me speak to him for a while.'

'Be nice daddy he is really important to me.'

'Very well Annie, I promise to be nice.' Daddy smiled into the phone and I hand my phone to Christian.

'Good Evening sir.' Christian spoke to Ray. While they talked I grabbed my things for a shower and walked off to take a nice hot shower and as the hot water ran down my body it felt so nice. After I dried off and got dressed I walked back to my room and my dad and Christian is still talking. I comb out my wet cleanly washed hair. I walked off to mom's room with my hairdryer and dried my hair, while the men are still talking. I got back twenty minutes later and finally Christian press the end button on my phone.

'Your father sounds like a really nice guy.'

'I told you. So what did dear old concerned daddy want?' I asked walking over to Christian that sat on my bed.

'Oh, he asked me my intentions, motives and once I think he was convinced enough he asked me to take really good care of his little girl. He said and I quote: 'I know she's not my own flesh and blood but I really love her like my own'.'

'Oh daddy.'

'You really miss him very much. You're talking about it a lot in your sleep.'

'I do?'

'Yes, maybe your Christmas holiday idea might not be such a bad idea.'

'You think so? But it's our first Christmas together.'

'I know angel face but I can see you really miss him and he clearly misses you very much.'

'Maybe you can go with me. We'll work something out.'

'What? You won't mind me tagging along?'

'Don't be silly. Of course not. Yeah it's a long flight but it really is worth it.' I pack away my hairdryer and for to work on the last of my homework.

'Really how long?'

'Four and a half hours of flight time.'

'That's not long at all.'

'You think so. With a bunch of crying babies and really demanding annoying passengers on board you will sing a different song once you flew four hours or more, Mr Wonderful.' I turn back to my school work and he came and sat beside me and we both worked through it.

'Thank you for helping me.'

'You're, welcome. Come now you need some proper sleep. We'll have a really long day tomorrow with the game and everything.'

'So are you going to try out for the baseball team this year?' I asked as I lay down on my pillow looking up at Christian stretching out beside me.

'Maybe, do you think I should?'

'You are always talking about the Marinas team and other baseball teams that's so great and I do think you'll do great no matter what you try out for.'

'You really are something special Miss Steele. Maybe I will try out for the baseball team since I have your support.'

'What are you kidding me. I am your number one fan, Mr Grey.' I wrap my arms around his neck.

'And I am yours Ana. Never forget that.'

'How is it even possible to have find one's soul mate so early in live.' I took him a bit by surprise.

'You really think I'm your soul mate baby?' He finally asked me after he found his voice again.

'Yeah I do, don't you?'

'I never really thought about it. But now that you mentioned it I really do feel the same way about you, my sweet Ana.' I smiled at him as he bends down and kiss me. I lay down on his chest and I fell asleep so fast. The next morning I was up and ready for school. The day just felt perfect. I'm having my cereal and then locked the house as I walked off to the bus stop. Christian had a book in his hand reading. I looked at him smiling, it was as if he knew I was looking at him when he looked up and right at me as his perfect all American boy smile wash across his handsome face.

We arrive at school and we all got the mother load of homework to do this weekend and we all filled out to the football field were we all took in our seats. Our cheerleaders came running across the field and our whole school cheered and it is the greatest sound of team spirit I have ever witnessed. They kicked off and so the game begin. The other school is really kicking our teams butts, we have to do something to get back in the game. Two hours later and we end the game in a tie.

Christian and I got our school bags and finally head home as our regular school bus drove us home. Christian's mother invited me over to dinner at their house tonight so that is where we are heading. We walked in and the smell of something yummy roasting in the kitchen drifted through the air. We got started on our lots of homework and we were about a quarter in when we all sat down for dinner. Dinner was roast beef with roasted veggies served with a side salad. Everything is so delicious. Nothing like mom's failed attempts on her horrible cooking skills.

But since we moved from Jacksonville her cooking has somewhat improved, not much but it is eatable. After dinner Elliot, Mia, Christian and I washed the dishes and we got right back to our homework. Around eight thirty PM I said my good nights to all the lovely Grey's and I head home. Christian walked me home and made sure everything is securely locked and bolted before he left for his own home tonight. I took a nice bubble bath tonight and soaked up all the heat of the nice bath. The smell of jasmine in the air just helps you feel more sleepy.

I left my window open so if Christian want to come back later and then climb into bed. I looked over at the clock on my night stand and it was just past nine PM. I closed my eyes and drifted off. By three AM I woke with a jolt and ran for the bathroom and was sick in the toilet. My whole body aches so bad. Christian who I didn't notice was asleep next to me ran in behind me.

'Ana?' He called and then held my hair for me while I was sick. I spit the last of the vile from my mouth and sat on the lid as I flash the toilet, holding my head in my hands. I have such a bad headache.

'Ana, love are you okay? You are as white as a sheet.'

'I feel awful. My body ache, I have a bad headache and I think I'm going to throw-up again.' I turned around and dunk everything into the toilet again.' After I was sick and whip my mouth and brushed my teeth, we walked back to my room. I just stepped into my room when I passed out.

'Jeez Ana!' Christian caught me as I was on my way to the carpet of my room. He lay me down on my bed and took care of me. As dawn arrived Christian made plans to get me the medical help I need. I came to and he almost dressed me completely. We waited another hour or so for the sun to be up more, I was sick two more times and I am running a fever.

Later Christian helped me across the street to his house so his mother can have a look at me. Carrick ushered me into their nice home when I passed out again.

'Oh god, Christian lay her out on the couch.' Grace's voice filled the room. 'What happened?' She asked him.

'I got to her house this morning and she said she's been sick like this since this morning and she really has a bad fever. She's vomited twice in the time I've been with her and she said she has a bad headache and her body hurts.' Christian rumble through all my symptoms for me. Grace shine a light in my eyes and then have a peek down my throat then examine my glans and listen to my lunges.

'Well?' My boyfriend prompted.

'She has the flu and she got it bad. I personally think she's over worked. Two jobs it's taking it's strain on her body and not in a good way.' Grace spoke her opinion. 'She's so pale. When is her mother coming back?'

'Tomorrow.' Christian answered his mother.

'Come we are taking her to the hospital.' Everyone scurry off to get dressed, to take me to the hospital. Christian must have gone back to my house to get me a bag. They all drove me to the hospital and I was admitted in the emergency room. I came to in my hospital room. Christian was reading his book next to my bed since I am sharing a room with another elderly American Indian lady.

'Hi.' I spoke and Christian's head snap up along with Carrick's.

'Hey. How are you feeling?' Christian asked me taking my hand and lay his book on my night stand.

'Worse than before.'

'Mom said you have a really bad case of this new flu that is making it's rounds and she thinks you're over worked. She called your mother and Ray.' I coughed into my hand and I felt sick again. Carrick hand me a bucket. 'I can't stay here I have to work this week and I don't want mom and Ray to worry about me.'

'Would you please let the people that care about you take care of you for once not the other way around, Ana.' Christian spoke very frustrated at me. That is when I hurled my guts into the bucket Carrick gave me.

'Christian is right Ana. You can't go to work when you are this sick and I am sure your mom and Ray will understand that you can get sick to.' Carrick spoke up.

'Mr Grey?'

'Yes, sweetheart.'

'Thank you for bringing me here.'

'You're welcome angel girl. Now get some rest you look so pale it scares me.' I just nod my head and lay back down as a nurse took away my puke bucket and replaced it with a new clean one. Christian stood closer to my head and whisper in my ear.

'Ana…?'

'Huh…' I answered really tired and feeling so bad. I have a few IV's connected to my arm.

'I love you, and please don't scare me like this again. You almost gave me a heart attack at 16.'

'I love you more and I am sorry I will try and give you advance notice next time I'm getting sick again okay.' Carrick heard this and stiffen a chuckle. Christian kissed my forehead then lay another cold wet cloth on my forehead. It feels so nice. Grace later stroll into my room and looked me over again. She ordered some nurses around to get me more medicine. They gave me more liquid medicine through my IV I already have in my arm and it took effect the moment it hit my veins I was fast asleep again.

Much later I came to and Ray was in my room with mom and Steven along with Carrick and Christian. Christian and mom each held one of my hands as my eyes flutter open.

'Hey there she is. How are you feeling honey?' Mom asked.

'Hi. I've been better. Daddy you're here to? I missed you so much.' Ray gave me a hug. 'Mom when did you guys flight get in?'

'A few hours ago. We left the moment Dr Grey called us.'

'I'm so sorry I messed up your honeymoon.'

'No you haven't.' Steven spoke up behind mom and kissed the side of her head. I just smiled at him. Ray looked from my uncomfortable smile to Steven. I knew Ray would have done more but held his tongue for mom's sake. Christian just sat quietly holding my hand with his head hanging looking at his shoes or the floor. I gave his hand a light squeeze and he looked up with a smile that made my heart skip a beat.

'You look so tired love.' I spoke to him. He just nod his head. I open my bed sheets and blanket for him to get in and he kicked off his shoes and slide in beside me. He held me to him and he instantly fell asleep holding me. Everyone quite down in my room and mom and Steven told us where they've been and what they've done on their honeymoon. Ray just look so hurt and sad it broke my heart for my wonderful father. Ray took in Christian's old seat and took my hand.

'I love you, daddy.' I mouthed over to him.

'And I love you Annie.' He replied the same way.

'I am so happy to have you here.' I looked over to Ray and smiled at him. He really looks so handsome in his Marine uniform he has on.