Chapter 14: Mia's Birthday Preparations

The next two weeks went by quickly. Phoebe was off the crutches and had been to see Flynn a couple of times, once with Christian and once on her own. She still suffered nightmares nearly every night but she had Christians support and comfort through that. Since the school year was nearly over, Christian and Ana had decided to keep her home and home school her to help her catch up on the work she missed. She didn't mind it; in fact she preferred it because she was afraid of going out.

Kenny visited in between shifts at Starbucks, school and hanging out with his dad. He was shocked to see Mr Clarkson from school round her house one day and realised he was her home school teacher until further notice. Kenny would help her with her home school homework then get kidnapped by Ashley to play soccer or tennis. He even got Phoebe to play a song for him on the grand piano but she didn't sing. Christian smiled when he saw them together, thinking Kenny was good for her the way Ana was good for him, minus all the sex.

"Stop spying," Ana had said one afternoon when she saw him watching them through the kitchen window.

"I'm not; I'm just watching the way they are together. They remind me of us when we first got together. So carefree."

"I hope not completely like us. I'd be a bit worried otherwise."

"Obviously not the intimate side but acting their age, having fun. Phoebe's come a long way and I really think he's helped her."

"You've helped her too. You're always there and she will never forget that. You will always be the number one man in her life." Ana said standing from her stool and wrapping her arms around his waist from behind.

"Yes, I know that. But he seems to be more for her. It's like he's her version of my Ana. You helped me and he's helping her."

"You are so sweet sometimes." He turned in her arms and wrapped his around her body. Her tiny baby bump hidden by a baggy t-shirt.

"Did you know she came into my study last night and wrapped her arms around me giving me one of her strong hugs?" Ana shook her head. "Yeah, I was surprised but overjoyed. And she let me hug her back."

"This is a big deal for you isn't it?" Ana smiled.

"Yes. I know exactly what it's like to be in her position and I know that took guts for her. What are you smiling at?"

"I haven't seen you this happy in a long time." He smiled and bent his head to kiss her. "Does this mean you'll stop doubting your parenting skills? Because I don't think this baby can cope if you keep it up."

"I will try my hardest, Mrs Grey." He placed his hand on her stomach.

"Have you had Mia's present sorted out?" she asked suddenly.

"Wrapped up and in our bedroom."

"Do you think she'll like it?"

"Mia loves anything to do with jewellery, Ana. You should know this by now."

It was Mia's birthday on the Thursday just gone and the family were going out for dinner on Saturday to celebrate. Everyone was excited because it meant they got to celebrate another birthday with her and her cancer treatment started going downhill slightly and they didn't know how many more they would get with her.

"Your birthday next. Tuesday, right?" she smiled. It was only after Christians twenty-eighth birthday that realised his and Mia's were about five days apart. Though this year, Christian decided to let Mia have the attention and do his own, quiet thing with his family.

"Yes but this meal is for Mia. You know I don't like celebrating my birthday. Only with you and the kids." He kissed her and Ana changed the conversation back to Mia.

"I can't believe she was forty-one yesterday. It seems like yesterday we were twenty-two going out clubbing and having fun. Looking for hot dates when our husband slash fiancé weren't looking," Ana said, grinning and teasing.

"Yeah, I know. And I hope you weren't looking for hot dates when I wasn't looking." He raised an eyebrow but grinned anyway.

"Why would I want a hot date when I had my Adonis at home?"

"You wouldn't," he kissed her passionately. "I still feel sorry about her and Jacob. They were perfect for each other." He added.

"Don't mention Jacob tomorrow in your speech. She doesn't need to be reminded that her fiancé was killed one week before her wedding."

"Don't worry, I won't. It would probably just remind her of the baby, too."

"She hasn't had it easy these last few years. I just wish there was something we could have done. I hated seeing her so distraught," Ana said, tears filling her eyes. Christian held her as she cried silently for a few minutes. When she recovered she stood up, wiped her tears and smiled. "Sorry, baby hormones getting the best of me."

"It's alright Ana. How is blip number six?"

"She's fine. I'm actually loving this baby more and more every day. Haven't had any problems with morning sickness or other symptoms. Anyway, I've got to sort something out for dinner. You can go back to spying on our daughter, but don't come crying to me if you get caught."

"You ruin all my fun. Actually, I've got some work to do in my office for a bit."

Christian went to his office and Ana rummaged the cupboards looking for something for dinner.

... ... ...

Phoebe showed Kenny her favourite spot in the meadow and explained why it was special to her. It was the most peaceful place she could find and watching the sea always calmed her, so whenever she had a temper tantrum or got angry over nothing, Christian would bring her to this spot and sit with her while she calmed down.

"There was also this one time when I was about eight or nine, when my mum gave birth to Ashley," she was saying. "I was trying to ride my bike and I fell off scraping my knee but my parents were nowhere in sight so I came down here, on my own, to sit and think. I felt like my parents didn't care about me because they had another new baby to look after. I don't know what I was thinking but I'd decided I wanted to run away and find a family that would love and care for me but I knew I wouldn't be able to get out of the house so I hid down here," she pulled him towards a large boulder and showed him a small gap under it. "I used to fit in there easily so I hid in there and waited for it to get dark but I fell asleep. My parents were going mad looking for me and my dad nearly called the police. It was gone midnight when he found me sleeping down here and tried to carry me back to the house but I woke up and pleaded with him to leave me alone. We sat on this boulder and talked most of night about how they would always be there for me and my brothers, we just have to learn to share."

"The trouble with every sibling. Sharing their parents."

"We got used to it. I also think that was around the time Aunt Mia had her miscarriage." She said to herself. She shook her head, getting rid of that memory. "Anyway, it's getting late and I've got to be up early in the morning."

"You kicking me out?" he asked jokily.

"Yes as you have spent an awful lot of time round my house lately. My brothers starting to believe you live here."

"Ha! Ashley's a cool kid."

"Yeah, he is. And he adores you. Anyway, I'll see you at some point; don't know when yet because I'm busy all weekend."

"Maybe, Monday then?" she smiled and agreed, leading him back up to the house where he said good-bye to her parents. Even though she was off the crutches, she still had to be careful when walking and she still had a bit of a limp. But it meant she could have her old room back and she was dying to be in the comfort of her own bed surrounded by her own furniture with her own things. The spare room was nice and comfortable since Christian had the easy moveable stuff moved down there but her room was her space. The spare room wasn't the same.

Opening the door, she immediately felt more comfortable. Closing her eyes she inhaled, the soft scent of cherries and vanilla from her favourite perfume still hung in the air. It always made her think of cherry bakewells, her favourite cake.

After having a quick shower she rung her favourite aunt to see how she was feeling.

"Hello?" Mia answered.

"Hey, Aunt Mia. How are you?"

"Hey, Bee. I'm fine, thanks. Had a better day, today. How're you? Leg ok?"

"I'm good, great. Terrific, actually. The leg's fine aches a bit but it'll be ok."

"That's good. You sound happy." Phoebe could tell Mia was hinting to something.

"I am. Very happy."

"Been spending time with Kenny?" Mia teased.

"Yeah, he's been round a lot. He's a great friend."

"I heard from your father that he's spent nearly every night there after school? He seems to think that Kenny is good for you."

"Yeah, I suppose he is. I really like him Aunt Mia, but I don't think dad likes that idea."

"Why do you say that? He's been supportive of him being round there hasn't he?"

"Yeah, but Kenny's had problems with his mum. She's in prison for abusing him and dads scared that if and when she comes out she's going to come looking for him and his dad. And naturally dads scared I'm going to get hurt."

"I would worry too, if I was in his position. But, don't let him bully you into ending whatever relationship you have with Kenny."

"Anyway, I didn't call to moan about my life. I wanted to make sure you were ok? Treatment going well?"

"As well as it can be. I'm just hoping I can pull through."

"I'm glad to hear it. I also wanted to apologize for not calling yesterday. I've been busy with home school and then Kenny came round and we were doing homework."

"Don't worry about it, Bee."

"No, I am. But anyway, happy birthday for yesterday and can't wait till tomorrow night."

"Thank you. And yes it's quite exciting isn't it? You should bring Kenny. I would love to meet him, Ava says he's British. I hear the accent is to die for."

"Yeah, the accent is quite sexy. But I can't bring him tomorrow, the reservation isn't big enough," Phoebe said, smiling.

"I'll just tell your father to add one more person to the list. That will be no trouble."

"It's a really nice offer, Mia, but I think it's best if he didn't. He seems uncomfortable just around mum and dad at our house. I think the whole family would be intimidating."

"Well, ok, if you're sure." Mia answered. She had already made up her mind to get Christian to add Kenny, she just didn't tell Phoebe. She also didn't tell Phoebe that her treatment wasn't going as well as it used to. She didn't even know if she would survive until Christmas.

"Are you excited for tomorrow? The boys have been driving me nuts going on about it."

"Yeah I am. It's going to be fun. What are the boys doing?"

"All they've been talking about this week is how awesome your meal is going to be and who's sitting where and blah blah blah. It's really annoying." A knock at her bedroom door startled her.

"Phoebe?" It was Ana. Phoebe gestured to her phone and Ana nodded but delivered her message anyway. "Lights out, it's getting late," she said and Phoebe nodded.

"Anyway, I gotta go to bed now, Aunt Mia. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok, sweetie. Sleep tight and I'll see you tomorrow," Mia replied.

"Oh, tell Mia I say hi," Ana said quickly.

"Mum says hi, by the way."

"Hi Ana!" Mia shouted causing mother and daughter to smile. After saying a final goodbye, Phoebe hung up. Ana sat down next to her daughter.

"How are you feeling? Honestly?" she asked seriously.

"Mum, honestly right now, I'm fine. I'm great actually. Stop worrying."

"It's my job to worry. You are still my daughter."

"I know. I just feel bad for taking up so much attention," she laughed at herself. "You know, before everything happened, I was upset because I wanted more attention from you and dad that's not relating to school. Now, I'm taking up too much attention and now I feel like the boys are missing out."

"The boys understand. Anyway, Kenny's been round to give you attention so your father and I can see the boys. And I can promise you that Ashley's not feeling left out."

"That'll change when the baby's born." Phoebe said quietly looking down to her lap. Sighing to herself and shaking her head she looked up into her mother's concerned blue eyes. "Let's just hope I can get over all this crap before then,"

"Phoebe, are you really upset about having another sibling? It may be a little girl."

"Mum it's none of my business what you and dad get up to. But I am happy for you. I'm just struggling to get my thoughts and feelings under control right now."

"You would tell me if you had a problem wouldn't you?"

"Of course." Phoebe smiled slightly. "Mum, I'm really tired. I just want to go to sleep, if you don't mind?" Ana just nodded and stood up and left her daughter alone. Phoebe lay down and closed her eyes. Shortly after she was asleep.

... ... ...

Ana collapsed on her bed and cried into her pillow. She wanted to help her daughter but she couldn't help but feel like Phoebe was pushing her away. Was she really that upset about having another brother or sister? Or was it more jealousy to the amount of attention she knew the baby would need? Ana didn't know and she didn't know how to help Phoebe get through this. Christian was different, he was her lover and he wanted her help. Phoebe was her daughter and now an emotionally broken teenager. She knew it would take time, but she didn't want to be pushed away in the process.

"Right, Mrs Grey. The final child is in bed and asleep so now I think-" Christian started walking into the room before seeing his wife curled up crying on their bed. Rushing to her side he took her face in his hands, thumbs wiping away the tears. "Ana? What's the matter? Is the baby ok?"

"No, the baby's fine. I'm just worried about Phoebe."

"Why? What's wrong with Phoebe, aside from the obvious?" he questioned. She told him about her fears and thoughts. About how she feels Phoebe resents their baby. How she feels like she's being pushed away, the way Phoebe's changed scares her. "Baby, Phoebe's been through a lot, lately. Her way of coping appears to be being alone for a while. It won't last long; she relies on us too much. Just don't give up on her, baby. As for the baby, her emotions are everywhere at the moment. Maybe when thing have calmed down a bit more, she'll appear happier. I'm sure she doesn't resent the baby."

"What if we're putting our happiness before her though?"

"That's not what we're doing. We are happy, but she is coming first at the moment. It's going to be a long recovery, Ana. Look at me, forty years of therapy and I still need to see Flynn occasionally."

"I'm just scared we're losing her."

"Anastasia, listen to me. Phoebe knows that we will always be here for her. She doesn't expect us to put our lives on hold for her. She wants us to be happy and doesn't want constant reminders of what happened to her. We will not lose her because I won't let it happen. She's a strong person and she will get through this. So please, stop thinking this way. You'll only make yourself even more upset."

"I'm worried."

"I know. I am too. But we have to stay strong otherwise she won't feel like she can talk to us and she will never get over what happened." Taking her into his arms he pulled her to his chest and laid her down kissing her cheek. "Try not to worry too much, baby. I don't want to cause you any stress." She cried into his chest for a few minutes before finally calming down. "Better?" she nodded. "Good. I mean it Ana, don't sweat over this. Let her come to you when she's ready to talk."

"When will that be? It was easier with you, you wanted me to help. She doesn't."

"Ana it took me years to open up to someone, that someone being you. All we can do is let her know that we are here and are supporting her through everything. Kenny's good for her." Ana let out a small giggle.

"He's a sweet boy. Ashley adores him."

"I've noticed. As much as I hate to admit it, he's good for her. In fact Mia wants me to add him to the guest list for tomorrow. She's very eager to meet the boy who has been great support for her favourite niece."

"I'm sure Mia doesn't have favourites, Christian." Ana giggled. "Are you going to add him to the list, then?"

"Yes, but we are not to say anything to Phoebe. She apparently told Mia he wouldn't want to go so Mia being Mia went behind our daughters back. Now I don't want to talk about Phoebe anymore. You've been quite upset this evening and I think I should cheer you up." He said kissing her passionately. She giggled and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer.

After slowly taking off their clothes, they made love into the early hours of the morning.

... ... ...

"Mia?" Grace said Saturday morning. "Are you ok?" Mia was curled up on her side on top of her bed. She was pale and looked like she was about to be sick. "Mia?"

After a few minutes, Mia sat up.

"I'm fine mum. Just felt a bit funny, but I'm fine now."

"Are you sure? You look like you're going to throw up."

"Honestly. Dr Roberts told me nausea is a side effect of chemotherapy. You know this, mum. Just give me a minute and I'll come downstairs."

"I think we shouldn't go out tonight. You don't look at all well."

"No mum, we have to go out tonight. I want to meet Kenny and see everyone. And it wouldn't be fair to Christian if we cancelled. I promise if I feel bad when we're there I'll let you know and we can leave early." Mia pleaded.

"Fine, but I'll be talking to your father about it. He wouldn't want you making yourself worse."

"Mum, you're overreacting. Please, just for tonight stop worrying and let's have a good time." Mia said climbing out of bed and heading towards her bathroom for a shower. Grace sighed and headed towards the kitchen where Carrick was drinking a cup of coffee over the morning newspaper. Seeing Grace enter he smiled, but frowned just as quickly when he saw the look on her face.

"Grace? You alright?"

"I'm worried about Mia. She doesn't seem to be well today. It took me ages to wake her up."

"I'm sure she's fine, Grace. She's like Christian, always making her injuries or illnesses sound like no big deal. Let me talk to her when she comes downstairs and we can discuss what to do about tonight."

"She's insisting we go. She doesn't want to upset Christian by cancelling."

"And we're not gonna. Mum I know you worry but I'm going to the meal tonight. If it makes you happy I'll have a rest day tomorrow." Mia said, entering the room. She must've had the quickest shower ever, Grace thought.

"Mia, you can't blame us for worrying. The treatment's not been going as well as it had been. We just scared of losing you," Carrick told his daughter. Mia sighed in frustration and said she was going to chill out in the garden. Grace sighed.

"I think I should call Christian and let him know Mia's having a bad day and may leave early tonight."

"Grace, leave it. It'll just frustrate her and nobody wants a frustrated Mia on their hands."

"But we should at least warn him." She insisted.

"And if he cancels? Mia will be crushed. We'll just have to keep an eye on her and if she gets worse we'll ring Christian." He stood up and took his wife in his arms. After looking into her eyes he kissed her softly. "Everything will be alright tonight." He let her go and headed to the front door to head into the office for a couple of hours.

... ... ...

Christian, Ana, Teddy, Phoebe, Nick, James and Ashley arrived at the restaurant early and were, therefore, the first there. Ana was surprised as Christian decided to distract her while she was trying to find something to wear and spent about an hour fucking her before he finally allowed her to get dressed.

She chose to wear a light blue knee length dress with elbow sleeves. She tied a dark blue sash around her waist tying a bow around her back. She liked this dress but she knew she wouldn't fit in it for much longer when her pregnancy belly started to show.

"I'm surprised we're early," she whispered to her husband as they sat down and ordered drinks. The kids had either flavoured water or diet coke, Ana had sparkling water and Christian ordered a couple of bottles of white wine ready for when the family arrive. Kate and Elliot arrived with Ava shortly after and accepted the glass Christian offered. Ava sat down next to Phoebe and accepted strawberry water. They noticed there were still four empty seats.

"Who do you think the fourth seat is for?" Ava asked Phoebe, who shrugged. "Is it a friend of yours or an extra guest of Mia?"

"Probably a guest of Mia since I don't have anyone else coming." Phoebe replied. Ava nodded and looked at her.

"You look good, Bee. Love the dress," Ava commented.

Phoebe was also wearing a knee length dress but instead of sleeves going down to the elbows they stopped at the edge of her shoulder. The neckline was curved under her neck, high enough to hide her scars. It was a cream dress with light pink flowers covering it and a sash around her waist similar to her mothers and wore light pink sandals with a small heel. She smiled at Ava and thanked her for the compliment while also returning it.

Ava was the opposite to her cousin. She was wearing a tight dark purple dress that stopped slightly above the knee that showed off her curves. The black lace sleeves went down to her wrists and the neckline was much lower the Phoebes, making her breast look larger than they were. She looked hot and Phoebe envied at how confident Ava was with her body and how she always looked amazing.

"I hear you've been spending a lot of time with Kenny, lately," Ava said suggestively.

"He's been round," Phoebe replied.

"I knew it!"

"What? That's not unusual."

"No. You've just confirmed my suspicions."

"What suspicions?"

"You like him. A lot!" Ava exclaimed. "I can tell by the way you smiled as I brought him up. And there's that look in your eye as if you're almost imagining him looking at you." Phoebe suddenly laughed.

"I think he's amazing, Ava. He's so supportive and so easy to talk to. I have feelings for him."

"Have you told him?" Phoebe shook her head. "Why not?"

"What if he doesn't feel the same way?" Ava laughed. "What?"

"Trust me, he feels the same way."

"How do you know?"

"The way he seemed lost when you weren't around made is obvious. And the way he's always round your house. And-"

"Good evening everyone!" Mia suddenly exclaimed, smiling. Ava was smiling widely in her direction and Phoebe turned round to greet her aunt with the rest of the family when she saw Kenny standing next to her grandmother, looking slightly out of his comfort zone.

"And the way he's going to put up with our family for you tonight," Ava finished whispering in Phoebe's ear.

Phoebe just stared at him, speechless.

... ... ...

Thank you to all reviewers. Please let me know what you think.