-CHAPTER SIXTEEN-
FULL DISCLOSURE
ANASTASIA
"NO!" I SHRIEKED AT ELLIOT as he ran into the elevator.
Almost falling to the ground, I couldn't control myself as I began to convulse, my hands shaking. This is my fault. My eyes were moving fast, not able to focus. It was inevitable, as I felt weak and faint. It's my fault – I shouldn't have tugged my arm, or my wrist. Maybe if I stood up for Christian, helped him… I don't want to cause any more trouble.
Elliot wouldn't… he can't hurt Christian, they're brothers.
"It's my fault," muttering to myself, my body quivered back and forth. Closing my eyes, trying to calm my body I slowly opened my palms, gasping at the colors wrapped around my wrist.
"Fuck," I mouthed to myself trying not to cause Kate any concern. Why am I kidding myself, I'm sure the strain on my face said it all.
Truly though it wasn't that bad.
Ana he hurt you, physically. The asshole deserves it!
But I've had worse.
Now isn't the time to bring those buried memories to the surface, he doesn't deserve the attention.
The elevator doors slammed shut, causing me to flinch at the clanging metal. I didn't even try hard enough to stop him.
Fuck
His mind was set. The animalistic mentality, hurt Christian since he hurt me.
My stomach flipped. My senses were hyper aware, smells and tastes over powering my mind, confusing my once clear thoughts.
'He's not like Morton, he can't be like Morton,' my thoughts were hazy and no matter the amount of times I wiped my sweaty palms and rubbed my eyes, my memories flooded back.
Kate wrapped her slim arms around me trying to calm my quivering body. Her hold was strong and tight, but I couldn't hold in the pain as I whaled out a sob. I wasn't sure if it was for my memories or Christian. No tears fell, only copious amounts of mucus from my nose.
"Annie, come on let's get to the truck. Oh god, you're so cold," she gave a weak grimace, rubbing her hands over my icy body.
In typical Kate fashion, she tried. Her execution was outstanding, unfortunately I didn't feel like being cheered up.
Clapping her hands together she informed me the of plan, "Ok here's the go. I'll turn the heat on. I'm sure there are some snacks in there. Elliot never stops eating and we are going to talk. Really talk," she gave her Kavanagh pout, "no excuses," I answered by nodding my head and she kindly kissed my nose.
…..
KATE PRESSED THE KEY TO UNLOCK the truck. Two loud beeps startled my already shaky nerves but the synchronized flash of headlights definitely broke the haze which draped over me.
"Ana you're so jumpy, it's ok!" her voice calmed me instantly as she stroked my sweaty bangs.
I couldn't help but huddle into Kate's side. She was warm. Smelling of over priced moisturizer and hair mousse, her scents were calming. As I engulfed her aroma, the hint of masculine sweat over powered it all, sex.
"I-I-I'm so sorry Kate, I've ruined your night," rubbing my eyes to wipe the dry burn away.
I waited for the wrath of crazy sexed up Kate. Pinching my eyes shut, counting down three, two… one. Nothing. A bite, the vexation never eventuated. She remained calm, continuing to stroke my chaotic hair.
"But … you've been waiting so long to see him," I moaned out loud, "You know Elliot in the flesh and all his appendages."
"Appendages? Really Ana, how many cocks do you think my man has?"
I groaned, "But, you had a fucking count down for God's sake," the words stumbled as the spit sprayed from my mouth.
Kate stopped; she tensed and stared directly into my eyes.
The Kavanagh stare is frightening. I know she's pissed and I'm still anticipating Kate's wrath. Was this the moment? I prepared for the downfall gritting my teeth and wrinkle my brows.
"Honey," her voice was like water seeping into all the places I couldn't reach. It instantly soothed me. "Never ever feel you are an inconvenience," she stated as her eyes stared at my wrist, "now tell me what the fuck happened?"
Oh there she is, the real Kate making her presence.
I was beginning to worry. Honestly it was a relief to see her norm, but in reality I could deal with a pushy Kate, but to deal with a bitchy Kate was a big task.
I stopped, catching my thoughts. If only I could grab them, look them over with a fine tooth comb. Tonight was going well, almost romantic, lovely to a sense. But it was far too easy for things to be destroyed. We are like the shore; the waves come crashing on the sand, rocks and the beauty of discarded shells erode away. The current always has a constant pull and drag taking you further away, yet the flow of the water always continues no matter what… we may not want it but life continues.
Tears, my forever effecting water, hit me directly in the chest where Christian had a part. It burned my lids, the ring of fire around my tired eyes, being splashed with tears of hurt. I just wanted to lick my hands and give relieving moisture to my eyes. No matter what, my thoughts stumbled to Christian and the pain of my wrist.
Breathe through it Ana. Breathe.
It's easy to tell someone when they are too distraught to breathe, but when it's you it feels like there is no hope. The challenge is too difficult, the objective is beyond reach. Possibly it's just easier to hold your breath and everything will stop altogether.
Giving up wasn't the best option or even a reasonable option today.
Breathing out I had an almost Parkinson's shake, my body gasping with an asthmatic wheeze, coughing and spluttering as the air around me didn't suffice. My chest ached, it was incredibly tight but maybe it was just my heart breaking.
Breathe Ana.
"Are you ok?" Kate's face was blank, unable to read what she was thinking, "Ana you don't look too good."
Kate's words meant nothing, my thoughts were focused on what was Elliot doing to Christian this very moment. Maybe they were speaking with one another. Yeah… talking. Obviously sipping a coffee while discussing the latest episode of Meet the Press… or the possibly punching his fucking lights out. Shit!
My chest was so taut. It felt like a belt wrapping tight around my rib-cage. The air was struggling to touch my lungs. That tug was my only compensation. Air was needed, I needed to breathe as my stomach stopped cooperating. Fuck. I'm going to be sick.
"Just." Breathe in, "Don't," Breathe out, "Talk," Kate whispered. I paused trying to catch my breath while holding my stomach, 'please listen body, please.'
Kate's voice continued, making everything spin, my thoughts were making everything hurt. Instantly my palm slammed to the door. Black dots emerged and I heaved my insides to the outside. My ribs constricted as the involuntary motion took place.
My eyes burned. My throat burned. My heart burned.
I shouldn't have run. I should have stood up for myself. I should have… I should have…
The sound of Kate's voice broke me from my downfall in hindsight.
"Oh Ana. You still have that bug?" she cocked her brow, "It's a bug, right? I'm not going to catch anything am I?" Kate drew circles over my back, "I thought you were feeling better and that's why Grace discharged you."
"I was." Gagging on my words, "Honestly I think the medication Grace gave me has worn off," I replied while wiping my mouth on my hand. "Gross, I have vomit on me," shaking my hand, flicking my stomach contents to the front passenger tire.
"I have some makeup wipes in–" Kate starting foraging through her oversized handbag, "Here. Take—" she contemplated giving me one, "no just take the lot."
"Thanks," my voice hitched.
…..
WITH THE HELP OF KATE I managed to shuffle onto the seat of Elliot's truck.
Fleetingly, waiting for the interrogation. It never arrived… again. All I received was a heavy sigh.
"What?" my eyebrow rose as I continued to clean the remnants of vomit off my face and hand.
"What the fuck is going on? One second you are all lovely dovey with Christian. Then BANG," her voice rose slightly scaring me, "Christian does a runner. Next second he's playing the fucking piano and singing your favorite song, then BAM," she punched the glove box, which made it pop open, "you call Elliot when I'm getting my lady garden hosed down and for some reason I needed to come and rescue you. I arrived to find your wrist looks less than desirable. What the fuck Ana?"
What do I say? What can I say?
"Well, I'm waiting!" I could sense the tension building as her brow gave a little twitch.
She needs answers. OK I'll give you fucking answers.
"Kate I love him. He didn't do this–"
She never had any intention of letting me explain, "Ana listen to yourself. He didn't do this… what, on purpose?" her eyes flashed to my wrist, "How can you love Christian?" Kate eyes bulge and seeing the green-eyed bitch was a fucking pain, "He's a fucking monster. Look at what he did to you? What happened, he fucking sneeze and your wrist went–" the sarcasm oozed from her pores in a not so positive way as she pointed to the wrist in question.
"No. No. Fucking NO!" shaking my head, scowling at the so-called blonde reporter next to me.
"Grace is going to look at that you know. Without a doubt she will have her son's balls on the mantel for Christmas," I winced a little bit more.
Oh fuck Christian
"Elliot isn't going to hurt him. Is he? He doesn't like to be touched, he should know?"
"Ana," she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, flinching because I didn't know which way her emotions were going to play, "Elliot is quite protective and he sees you as a close friend, possibly a sister," or mother to his future nephew and/or nieces, "I would expect him to do it. Have you seen the guns he has –"
"Guns" I started to panic as the saliva over took in my mouth. I swallowed and couldn't help but gulp.
"Muscles Ana. He has fucking awesome biceps muscles," she groaned I'm sure she was reminiscing from earlier in the night which I happen to interrupt.
"Bbbutttt," I stuttered, "He was protecting me. Christian was protecting me. I guess it got a little out of hand but that woman… Kate, she was so vile," thinking about her gave me a chill that flowed through my spine.
"Woman?" she shook off her question, "Ana I don't want to hear the excuses. This is text book domestic violence," she started to rummage for something in the glove box and her bag.
"But–"
She knew, I'm sure Elliot knew, but why didn't I…
"NO! Ana don't tag that word on, just forget him, move on. Here eat and drink this," Kate yelled as she shoved a granola bar and bottle of water into my face.
"Eat. Drink. Now," Kate strictly spoke.
"I see you don't like to extend your sentences when you're angry," I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"Oh shut up Steele."
…..
LEANING MY HEAD on the charcoal leather head rest, I finally began to soak up the heat from the fan. Everything physically was starting to feel better.
"I'm not going tomorrow night," I whispered hoping she didn't hear me.
"What! You can't be serious. It's a fucking Ball and I've been planning this event for weeks. Oh Ana your dress, you can't deny the dress not to be worn… It's too beautiful not to!"
"I think I need a cooling off period before I see Christian again. It's just a Ball any ways…"
"Just a Ball!" Kate shrieked like a banshee, "You have got to be kidding me!" she sulked through the repetition of the words just a Ball.
It must have been close to ten minutes of silence; well other than Kate huffing the words "just a Ball." We were at a stale mate, without warning Elliot stumbled into the driver's seat and slammed the door. Seeing him return so quickly the air caught in my throat.
Quick is good, right?
"Who's mentioning Balls? Hopefully my balls," he chuckled while wiggling his eyebrows to Kate.
"Oh please babe," Kate internally groaned under her breath.
At this point I wished I wasn't in the truck, especially in the middle of them both. Kate and Elliot continued bantering between one another, possibly discussing Elliot's balls but I switched off. Number one I don't want to hear about anyone's balls and two I knew by the look of Elliot's knuckles he didn't have a light conversation with his younger brother.
"You didn't," they both paused for air, "I told you not to hurt him Elliot," I couldn't even look at him but I was clearly aware that his eyes were burning a hole in the side of my head.
Elliot crashed his head on the steering wheel thumping the horn with great force. The sound made me jump five inches.
"I thought he would have fought back. I only hit him five times and he… went down. Out cold," his index finger imitated the mentioned fall.
"Oh my God," trying to access either door but they both blocked my getaway, "I need to check on him. Please." I begged.
Kate tried holding me back, but when she brushed my wrist the escape was brought to an instant standstill, "Fucking ouch," I hissed and moaned to the pain of my wrist.
"Ana I think it would be best if Mom checks you. Since she's aware of your—" Elliot paused looking into my eyes, "you know, your medical history? You need to get it checked out. It would give me peace of mind," he ended scratching the back of his head, twisting on his blonde curls.
Observing Elliot he looked at his knuckles. Brushing them lightly with his fingers, his face was taut as if they were causing him a degree of pain. His eyes were showing sadness something I have never seen on his face. Usually it's the goofy overly happy Elliot. This moment his eyes were glassy, I couldn't help but lean into him and Kate reached over and grabbed his shoulder.
"I'm such an asshole," he moaned.
"Babe listen to me. He hurt Ana so what are you going on about?" Kate hollowed to him.
He continued to shake his head and mumble the words "I'm such an asshole". Sliding the key into the ignition, his hand slipped into his pocket and pulled out two notes with the distinct face of Benjamin Franklin.
"Whose up for pizza… I've got cash… loads," he grimaced at the hundred dollar bill.
I punched Elliot unbelievably hard, and successfully it made him scream like an eight year old girl.
"You are an asshole. Not only you KO your brother but robbed him blind too."
"He'll be fine. He was breathing!" Elliot tried to brush it off.
My eyes bulged when he mentioned breathing. What did he do?
"Kate I need my phone."
Kate shrugged.
"Now," I gritted through my teeth.
Kate glanced at Elliot. I stalked his every move, he flicked a look behind her seat. Quickly she grabbed my bag, and finally throwing it onto my lap. I delved in, finding my phone. I was stressed and anxious my fingers fumbled as I couldn't type a message quick enough.
ANA: I'm sorry. Time. Give me time. Give yourself time. I hope you are ok.
Nothing.
ANA: Please tell me you are ok. P.S. Elliot foraged through your wallet.
Nothing again.
ANA: Are you ok, you're worrying me now. x
The silence was loud echoing in my head. Hitting the cell on my forehead multiple times, I can't believe what has happened today.
"I'm not going tomorrow, final. I'll try and get a bus and see Ray early," I turned to Kate, hoping she doesn't harp on about it.
"No!" Elliot yelped.
"El, you can't tell me what to do," I pursed my lips.
"Yeah El, you can't tell her what to do… come to speak of it, you were extremely quick to tell her no." Kate questioned him.
"You really should take it easy –" Kate interrupted Elliot with the raise of her right hand to stop.
"Why does she need to take it easy?" Kate started to study her boyfriend's face.
The sweat dripping down his face isn't helping the situation, thank-you very much Elliot you may have blown my bump cover. Thanks fucking a lot!
Think Ana, think!
"I can't fit in my dress Kate. I need a new one," the words fell out of my mouth.
"Oh ok, this maybe problematic," Kate paused, "What? Why? You could fit it two weeks ago. You have an awesome figure even after eating all that chocolate for weeks!"
I bowed my head. I really don't want to tell Kate.
"I'm really bloated Kate. My pants are tight. I mean really tight."
"It's totally understandable Ana you do look bloated," Elliot murmured.
"Oh shut up Elliot, you wouldn't have a fucking clue what I'm talking about," I couldn't help but give him a death stare.
"Ohhh," Kate rolled her head, "well this all makes a lot of sense now," she concluded with a firm nod.
Needless to say Kate was ignorant, having little to no idea with what was actually happening. She mouthed "period huh?" Being clear and precise I gave her slight shrug of my shoulders and a grin on my face. Elliot continued to act like a complete idiot nodding his head like a toddler.
Oh come on Elliot!
Huddling closer to me, Kate whispered, "we can totally get another Ana," she confidently stated.
"What," I squeaked, "I'm not going, final. I don't want to see Christian and I'm beyond not in the mood," trying to cross my arms in defiance but my wrist stopped me.
"Oh don't worry I've given him a nice shiner, there is no way in hell he will make an appearance with that on his face," I was in shock that Elliot was actually chuckling with the injury he has caused his brother.
"Oh my God," I started to sniffle.
I don't understand how a brother can hit his own sibling.
"Elliot, why did you have the need to do it? I know he hurt me but… but, you don't know the whole story… he was protecting me"
"Protecting you from what?" Elliot cocked his lower jaw and let out a huff, "the function of your wrist?" I cringed, can they fucking leave my wrist out of the equation.
"Who? Someone else was there?" Kate was slightly concerned as her voice became scratchy.
"His grandmother."
"Huh? Grandma Trev was there? Why would Christian need to protect you from her? I'm so confused! She's a butterfly, sweet as sugared candy. Ok, ok she has a mouth of a whore but that's because of her memory… or some shit," Elliot rambled on.
"No," I was firm with my answer while shaking my head.
"Her name was Ellie. No or was it Leah, Lina? Lina Linking?" I paused and thought it through, "I know, Lincoln that's right. Lina Lincoln," I felt quite confident I got her name correct, since I only met her once and for a short time at that.
"Elena Lincoln?" Elliot gasped.
"Yeah that's it. More like bitch from hell. Horrible woman, gorgeous hair but vicious personality if you could call it that."
"Fuck," the air escaped Elliot, "that fucking bitch troll. Hang on … hey did you say grandmother?"
"Well yeah, she told me and made it extremely clear."
"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck," Elliot hit the steering wheel each time a little harder after the next, "that woman has been obsessing over Christian for almost two years. I knew he came from a fucked up background before Mom and Dad adopted him, but really," he hit the steering wheel again, "shit are you telling me, she is his birth grandmother. Fuck me and that's how he got that awesome apartment on the east coast, she's his grandma. She was buying him… Buying him love… Holy fucking shit balls batman, this is complete fuck up."
…..
ELLIOT
IT TOOK ONLY MOMENTS for Ana to relax and fall asleep. I can't help and glance at the sleeping Ana leaning on Kate's shoulder. I keep forgetting that these girls are only 19.
"Babe can you call Mom, and tell her what has happened regarding Ana's wrist. I want to see if I should take her to emergency or just home?"
After a five-minute call to Mom she recommended to avoid the emergency department and bring her straight home so she can rest.
…..
ANASTASIA
GRACE CHECKED MY WRIST. Thankfully she is confident that it is slightly sprained. Carefully and with her meticulous manner she applied a bandage. I hadn't even given it a thought that my pregnancy could have heightened my nerves and intensified the pain I had in my wrist until the one and only Grace suggested it.
I was beyond relief that it wasn't broken. Of course I refused to mention to Grace the culprit who gave me this injury but without a doubt Elliot will fill her in.
"Ana do you want me to carry you up stairs to Mia's room? Kate has your bag ok," Elliot whispered into my ear as I lay on the soft couch.
"Can't I just stay here, it's so–" I wiggled my back into the seat cushions.
"Comfy yeah, I know from experience. It's deceiving though by morning it's a pain in the ass. Also I'm sure you would like to be near a bathroom for when you wake… unexpectedly," clearly cocked his brow, trying to reinforce his silent point.
"Honey I'll get you a towel," Kate called in the distance.
"No, I can walk Elliot, I'm not an invalid only–" rolling my eyes while mouthing the word pregnant.
Elliot went stiff since it was the first time I had "so called" confirmed my pregnancy out loud to an extent.
He shook his head, scratched his ear and moaned, "yeah, yeah… ok little miss incubator. Time for bed," I couldn't help but slap his arm once again.
"Elliot," I hissed and couldn't help to slap that arm twice more.
"Kate can you sleep with me?" I called out hoping she could hear me.
Within seconds a Kavanagh groan echoed throughout the lower floor. It was understandable she wanted to stay with her boyfriend. The only compensation I gave the poor guy was a little shrug and the word sorry.
"Fine Banana," Elliot huffed his reply.
…..
MIA'S ROOM WAS CUTE, something I would have dreamed of having as an almost 17 year old. Walk in closet, en suite bathroom with a fucking bath, and an extremely comfy queen sized bed.
I stripped off while Kate was in the bathroom brushing her teeth. Removing my quite fitted bra, I couldn't help but noticed the indents it has caused. I grabbed my old favorite HARVARD sweatshirt and pulled it over my head.
"Holy shit Ana you are right you are bloated, I have never seen you this bad before," I deciphered as Kate was still brushing her teeth.
"Yeah tell me about it, worst PMS ever," rolling my eyes hoping she takes the bait.
Kate skipped into the bathroom, spat and rinsed. She walked in with a pursed lip.
Now what!
"Stop the charade. Don't give me that bullshit," she calmly stated as she pulled down the down-feathered cover.
"Don't give me shit ok. I'm just bloated," I snorted.
"What, just around your uterus?"
Kate jumped to my side of the bed and rubbed the swollen stomach in question.
"Hmmm," sighing, completely torn with what to do.
I would love to tell her but my subconscious devil within me is screaming NO!
Kate held my hand, "It's ok Annie, you can tell me… it's cancer isn't it?"
Oh my god, why does everyone think it's cancer!
I shook my head, "Kate can you pass me my backpack."
Foraging through my bag trying to find my cell, a pamphlet fell out. Trying not to blow my cover I continued to look for my cell.
"Ana what is this?" Kate asked as she held my crinkled "teenage pregnancy" pamphlet. Well it looks like my decision has been made for me.
"Grace gave it to me."
Yeah play dumb of course that will work.
"And why? You're not pregnant."
I rolled my eyes at every word that spilled from her mouth. Is she being serious? Or have I missed the hint of sarcasm? Really! Some days Kate is a highly intelligent woman with a fabulous 3.8 GPA but today must be one of those days where her brain must be on "I obviously can't put two and two together" strike with a drastically dropping IQ.
I pulled out the rest of the pamphlets, and out slipped ultrasound pictures I forgot I had. My breath hitched since it was so easily to forget how real it is, the proof is in the picture.
"Ana," Kate's voice rang throughout the room.
Looking directly in her eyes, how do you break the news about something on this monumental topic? Fuck, I'm still trying to grasp the whole concept with me becoming a mother, now I need to explain it to her.
"Yes, Kate."
"Yes what? Yes you are going to tell me something important not relating to these," she held up the crumpled pamphlets, "or yes, you ar–" and that very moment I placed the ultrasound images on her lap.
Kate's voice became all breathy and the word "fuck," slipped from her lips.
"Please don't tell everyone," even though almost everyone in this house knows.
"You are… but you did tests and your period?"
"Well, we were wrong."
…..
LYING BACK ON THE BED, cheek-to-cheek Kate held up the ultrasound trying to decipher what she was looking at.
"See this Kate," I pointed to Baby A and she smiled, "that's a baby and see this bit here," I pointed to Baby B.
"Annnd, that's his penis…" Kate chuckled.
I, on the other hand only groaned. I'm certain you can't tell the sex of a baby via ultrasound until four or maybe five months gestation. I'm close to three.
"No Kate far from it…that's another baby."
Kate dropped her bottom lip and didn't blink.
"Yep it's twins. I'm having two babies," I was shocked as my face tightened and a huge grin formed.
"Ana…" she squealed, "I'm going to be an Aunt twice over!"
Well that went better than expected
For the rest of the evening I spent every moment telling her about the pregnancy that I have only just discovered. Eventually the topic went to Christian and what really happened.
"It's all a HUGE misunderstanding. He was protecting me and I started to freak out a little and well you know the rest," I held up my wrist.
"Well Ana still I'm not too sure about Christian. It's not right for a guy or anyone at that matter to hurt you."
"Kate I'm going to sleep."
I snuggled up to her ensuring my wrist was in a comfortable position.
"You're going tomorrow," she whispered into my ear.
"Huhh, Kate I'm tired please. I need sleep," I murmured.
"The Ball. You are going, no excuse. I'm going to find you a beautiful dress."
"Kaaate," I moaned I was beyond tired.
"Nope I'll buy it for you. I know exactly what you're thinking. Take it as a present or if not, think of it as a loan dress."
"Kaaate, go to sleep," I continued to groan.
"I'm going to pamper this momma to be, you will be beautiful, and you are going to glow. I want you to be swept away by a gorgeous man," she rambled on.
"Kaaate, mmmm."
"Is that a yes?"
"Ah huh if you only shut up. Now sleep…" I mumbled into the pillow.
A/N:
Thank you for all the kind messages and reviews. Also I understand how BT can be a hard limit for most, but please don't give up on the story to those few readers. Elena is "different" in this story (remember no BDSM). In later chapters it will come together, well that's the plan.
Speaking of later chapters, next month I'm taking part in NaNoWriMo again. This time last year I created "Burning Embers" and I'm hoping to storm through the final few chapters of M&F. This may see a drop in updates throughout the month of April to possibly only once a week (instead of current twice a week on most parts), depending on how much time I have. I'm trying my best to prepare myself but when the writing flow is on… everything else gets neglected. Sorry.
Again, I appreciate you reading the new reworked/beta-ed "Misplaced & Found." So many new followers and favourites THANK YOU! On that note, if you haven't already done so, please favourite, follow, review and PM me regarding any M&F questions or concerns. See you soon for chapter 17.
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