Christian's POV
Ana and I arrive back at Escala around nine. She seems hesitant, which I can't blame her for. She leans against the counter while I search the freezer for some dessert.
"I hope you like ice cream." I say while pulling out a gallon of chocolate chip. "Gail retired for the night." I set the carton down and grab two bowls and a couple of spoons from the cabinets.
"Ice cream is perfect." She says softly. I scoop us each a good amount and we just lean back pick at it. Ana takes a few bites, but stares into the bowl for the entire time. If I didn't know any better I'd say that she almost looks sad. Her head is hung low and her mouth drops at the corners to make a frown. Her eyes concentrate on the bowl, but I can tell that her mind is far away on other things.
I leave my side of the counter and go to stand beside her. She doesn't realize I'm there until I gently place one hand on her shoulder. The moment my skin touches hers, she gasps loudly and jumps back a couple of inches. I find her reaction very strange. Ana was never the jumpy type. I take my other hand and cup her cheek. Her wide eyes watch me with caution. I wait for her breathing to slow before I speak.
"What are you thinking, baby?" I ask softly. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. I'm surprised when she lets her head fall onto my chest. I'll admit that my heart skips a beat. I take the opportunity to wrap my arms around her and pull her closer. I can smell the shampoo in her hair and the lotion on her skin. I run my hands softly up and down her back.
"Things have changed so much." She whispers into my chest.
"No they haven't, Ana. Things just got off track that's all. We can fix it." Ana pulls out of my embrace and turns her back on me. A cold shiver runs through my body. "Ana, sweetheart, we're together now. Everything can go back to normal." She's still facing away from me, but I can see she shoulders shake. Damn it, she shouldn't be crying, I come up behind her, but she quickly swings around to stop me from coming any closer.
"No, Christian, it won't!" She shouts. Tears stream down her face and her eyes are wild with rage. She holds her arms out wide and gestures around her. "Things will never go back to normal!" More tears flow down her cheeks. I don't know what's happening right now. I'm frozen in shock.
"Ana," I say her name softly. "It'll be okay." I don't know what else to say at this moment. I'm caught completely off surprise.
"No it won't!" She sobs. Her chest heaves with her heavy breaths. "Don't tell me that things will be okay when they won't."
"Where in the hell is all of this coming from?" I say. I move a little closer and grasp her shoulders. "Why are you acting like this?" I throw my hands up in the air to prove my point and my voice comes out stronger than I intended. I don't mean to frighten her. She has every right to her emotions. Her reaction stops me in my tracks though.
Ana's eyes become wide with fear and her mouth falls open. She turns her head to the side and throws her hands up in front of her face to make some sort of barrier.
What the…
"Please." I hear herwhisper. Please? Please what? I slowly lower my hands at my sides. I'm so confused. Ana reacted as if I was about to strike her. As if I would ever do such a thing.
"Baby, what's wrong with you?" I make sure to keep my voice soft. She doesn't say anything, but she lowers her head and shakes it back and forth. She's crying again. "Ana?" I whisper. I go to touch her cheek, but she reacts too quickly and jumps away from my touch. She swings her arms behind her and knocks the bowl of ice cream off the counter. It falls and shatters when it connects with the floor. Ana gasps and immediately runs towards the mess, kneels down and starts to frantically pick up the pieces.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." She sobs while concentrating on the floor. She continues to sob apologies while picking at the mess.
"Ana, it's alright. I don't care about the bowl. Leave it." I try to tell her, but she doesn't seem to hear me. She just continues to cry and shake her head. I kneel down beside her and try to pull her away, but she refuses to look at me.
"Ana, look at me." I say. She ignores me. I say it once more and yet nothing happens. She's too focused on the broken bowl. "Ana!" I shout. Her hands freeze and her head snaps over to look at me. She's terrified. Her body shakes with both sobs and fear. Her lips still mumble apologies, but no words come out. This is not the Ana I know. This Ana is timid, nervous, and submissive…not my Ana.
"Baby," I whisper. I slowly place my hands on her face and thank God when she doesn't pull away. She trembles underneath my fingertips. "Something is wrong." I say. She doesn't say anything for a few minutes, but she eventually nods her head once. I feel the moisture fall from her eyes and onto my hands. My blood goes cold. I need to know the truth. She needs me, and damn it, I will always be here for her no matter what.
"Whatever it is, Ana," I lean in and kiss her forehead. "You can tell me."
She looks into my eyes for an eternity before opening her mouth to say the words that completely stop my heart in my chest.
"He hits me." She whispers.