-CHAPTER NINETEEN-


TIME TO SLOW


Saturday 21st November 2009 continued

ANASTASIA

"HELLO CHRISTIAN," I gripped the dock railing tight causing my knuckles to blanch white.

"Hello Pixie," his mouth lingered open as his tongue subtly rested on his lower lip.

He was close, I could feel the air escaping Christian's mouth. It was warm in comparison to this cool November evening. I was taken by a single breath.

"I-I-I wwwant to say…" I stuttered.

The breeze brushed along the water, causing me to involuntarily shake. Christian fingers brushed along my naked arm, immediately goosebumps formed.

"No Ana, please allow me to speak before you run again." Without asking his blue jacket covered my bare shoulders.

"Running?" I lacked all ability to speak in full sentences. Instantly Christian's lips pressed against mine.

My defying strength crumbled, as he slipped his delectable tongue further into my mouth, groaning with pleasure, his scent was heaven. Pulling back, Christian skimmed his hands to both sides of my face.

"I wouldn't classify that as speaking," giving him a little pout.

Again without warning he engulfed my lips as one arm entangled under my curls and around my neck. I leaned into his other hands which was cupping the curve of my back.

My hands wanted to touch him. Hesitantly I went to his safe zone away from his chest and back.

Together and inseparable it felt good.

We were brought back to the real world with the sounds of snickering and the odd laughter. Awkwardly breaking apart, we both gasped for air refusing to look away from one another.

"No more running," leaning his forehead to mine.

"Physically or metaphorically? Because I ain't running with these two in me!" I pointed to my bloated unseen belly.

"Ana. Don't," he began to rub his forehead on my curls, "I'm serious Ana. You always run."

I couldn't answer.

My mind was going a million miles a second. Running? I don't run, I just remove myself from situations that get at little…

Shit

"Ana," he didn't move his face. "STOP," Christian forcible yelled at me ending with a slight shudder.

"What?"

"Ana you're over analyzing. Just stop," looking towards the moon I could see the worry on his face, "you said time. You need time. What the fuck does it all mean? Part time? Time apart? Pixie?" his finger rubbed the edge of my ear just like all those weeks ago.

Pulling his face back, I saw the look of a lost boy. The fear of apprehension was painted over his face.

Christian's façade got me wondering. Should I try and conjure him to remove the masque? What was underneath? How bad was Elliot's damage? Is his eye black or just the cheek? Would he classify it as my fault or his own?

Oh my God!

"I don't want to lose you," he lightly shook his head back and forth, "do you have any idea how you make me feel? I'm actually surprised with myself… I'm a complete mess."

"Christian just saying you don't want to lose me isn't going to solve anything."

"Ana! Stop repeating what I'm saying and just listen for once. I'm, I'm oh fucking God woman. I can't think straight."

Removing his hands from my face. I stood still following his instruction.

For once I was listening.

Christian peeled, with the utter most care the masque from his face. As soon as it was free from his skin, all air escaped my lungs. His eye had a ring of purple and blue in the dim light from the boats on the water.

Shit his face.

"Christian," my hand automatically went to his eye, "I'm sorry it's completely my fault what Elliot did," waving my hand around his eye.

"I deserved every punch. I can't believe the way I treated you and you're trying to apologize to fucking me." he looked down at my arm.

The bruising was minimal. Really it was no near as horrific as Christian's eye.

Christian being a gentleman pressed his lips directly to my wrist.

"Christian!" I yelped, "that's clearly the wrong wrist," he winked using his non injured eye.

Why does he need to be such a cocky bastard. His hands delicately held my injured wrist and placed a soft warm kiss. His lips never stopped as they continued to work along my arm.

I pulled away.

"Kissing something doesn't make everything better. We aren't children," as soon as I finished speaking I regretted everything that fell out of my harsh mouth.

"But Ana we are having children together."

He lowered his head walking further along the dock. My instincts were to follow him.

Why can't I function properly when Christian is around! Gahhh!

"I'm truly sorry Ana with what happened," he whispered refusing to make eye contact.

"Straight to the point I can't deny it I like you Christian," his head lifted, "we did something together I'll never regret," I held my stomach since a wave of warmth flowed from my feet to my mouth.

Breathe through it Ana. It will pass.

"Christian, it's still very new to me… to us. We are young, living on opposites sides of the country to start with."

"Ana, move to Seattle. Live with me."

I was taken aback with his offer.

"Christian," resting my head on his chest, "You already know my answer," it was automatic how his arm began to stroke my hair.

"So it's a no?"

The cold air hitched at the back of my throat. I think I'm disappointing myself. Again.

"I have too many loose ends I need to tie up," holding his hand, "Christian I adore you. You are a beautiful charming young man and the father to my … our children. But you have a nasty temper."

He tried to pull his hand away, but I refused.

"I need to finish college for starters. Organize my medical degree acceptance, find somewhere to live oh and of course work out how I'm going to raise twins while unemployed."

"You still didn't give a definite no. I have hope," he chirped giving his wonderful smile.

"Christian," shaking my head.

"I don't want to get our hopes up. It's not just us anymore. What happens if it doesn't work out? How would we both care for the kids?"

Turning to look at the water lapping against the wooden deck, I contemplated with what I said. Is this the right thing? I want to be with Christian, but I need to get myself straight. God he needs to get his tempter under control number one.

Why do I need to love him?

"Ana, I have something for you."

His hand went to his pocket and pulled out a small blue velvet sack. Puzzled with what it could be. Christian slowly untied the blue ribbon, the moonlight caught the silver chain appearing from within the sack. In the dim light two silver rings connected together spun in the air.

"What… what is this?" pointing to the chain.

"A thank you," Christian unclasped the hook and placed it around my neck.

"It's a thank you for making me love. The silver is to signify a time to reflect our new change. The new direction our life is taking us. The color silver is to calm and soothe you. It's obvious you need it," I squinted my eyes and bit my lower lip, "the chain is to represent how I want to be wrapped around you. See these two rings," he lifted with his two fingers with all the precision and care, "these are our babies."

No one has ever bought me anything, let alone jewellery before. He said our babies!

Swoon!

"This is too much. There was no need to buy me anything. You have already given an important gift which I thought I would never have," rubbing my tiny tummy I felt my eyes water.

"Pixie. Don't you even contemplate thinking about crying woman. This is a happy moment," his thumb caught my single tear.

"I'm just hormonal and tired," trying to brush it off, "God damn it, why do you need to be so good?"

Giving me a silent smile he kissed me again. "Christian you can't hurt me again. I've been hurt before and it almost broke me."

"I know, I was an asshole."

"Don't you ever belittle me again or hurt me. As soon as you do, I'm gone. Forever," looking into his eyes hoping he realises how important this really is.

"I want to promise, but I know I can't keep it until I see someone about it. This anger towards my maternal family… it fucking hurts and I hurt you in the process. Fuck!" Christian rubbed his forehead, wrinkling his skin.

"Speaking of family," I begin the recount of my interesting day.

"Oh God what did Elliot do… say?" Chuckling under my breath if only it was Elliot.

"Oh Christian," rolling my eyes, "I had a slight altercation with your grandmother."

Christian flicked his head back and groaned.

"Really? Oh what has she done now?"

"She didn't intend for anything to happen. She's a fiery bitch that's for sure. Kate and I went to a day spa-"

"Let me guess… Esclava."

"Ah huh," I nodded, "I have to say Augusto was a honey," his name just rolled from my tongue and the wink proceeding I couldn't help.

"Augusto? Who the fuck is Augusto?" holding in my giggles, oh ok jealous Christian.

"Never mind," his eyes grew a smoky grey, "Ok, ok he was the receptionist and completely committed to his partner Luis," as soon as he heard the name Luis Christian's smile returned.

"Well, can I continue?" he gestured with his hand to go on, "on a positive note your grandmother completed my makeup and hair. Negative we had a bit of an unfavorable discussion," I wrinkled my lips together and scrunched my nose thinking of the memory.

"And, what was the topic of this discussion?"

"You. Some how in the process I tripped landing on the floor," rushed the words so he couldn't hear them properly.

"You tripped. Ana, why didn't you call," instantly he held me around my waist and rested his hand on my stomach.

"I'm fine," I corrected myself. "We're fine," holding my hand over Christian's.

"My ego was a little bruised. I did tell her to back the fuck off."

"I highly doubt she will understand," once again I rested my head on his chest.

"I hope she does."

…..

"GOOD EVENING LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. It is now time for our lucky winners to have their first dance with their prized participant," as the announcer rolled off the names of winners and their dance partners.

"Can I have this dance fair maiden," Christian winked.

"What happens if I say no?"

"Oh Pixie I would throw you over my shoulder in a heartbeat, and smack that cute ass of yours."

"So for the sake of my stretching abdomen I shall accept this dance?" I curtsied.

Making our way to the geometrically tiled dance floor of shades of black and white, Christian placed his hand in the curve of my back and we began to move to the music.

It feels right, this is right.

The bright lights of the tent dimmed to purple and blue hues. I could only see the gray shining from Christian's eyes. He was happy, probably more relieved I didn't do the dash away from him.

Smooth sounds of a brass band hummed throughout and gentle voice of Michael Bublé complemented the ensemble. We both swayed to the calm music. Dancing with Christian was easy. He was a fantastic leader and all I needed to do was follow. We couldn't stop smiling at one another. I was smiling so much my face began to ache.

Maybe surrounded by

A million people I

Still feel all alone

I just want to go home

Oh I miss you, you know

Home, was a heart breaking song. The poor guy just wanted to be with his lover. Was this Christian and I?

"You know if you don't blink soon your eyeballs might explode," giggling into Christian's chest.

"Well at least my last image would be of you Pixie," he winked again with his good eye.

"Don't get ideas, remember… slow."

"None at all," he began to engulf my exposed neck with light brushes of his lips.

It was taking all my strength to hold in a guttural growl of pleasure, or even wanting to bang the heck out of him on the floor. And by boy he knew exactly what he was doing.

He was making me melt at the knees, wanting more.

"Well Anastasia, you seem to be slightly flushed," my cheeks and multiple other extremities of my body were throbbing with the combination of wanting to throw up my dinner.

Damn it nausea. Breathe Ana.

"Yes it is getting overly warm in here," I could feel my eyes roll back in my head.

Breathe.

Christian settled his cool hand to my forehead and arms, "You don't feel warm. Ana you look quite pale," he exclaimed with a hint of fear.

I wasn't lying I was feeling warm. The combination of Christian's foreplay and my roiling stomach, I knew only one smell could set me off.

Trying to ease myself I stared at the lips in front of me. A usual cheeky smirk appeared and the words "I love you" fell from his mouth. It was as if he timed it with the final chord progression of the song and Michael Bublé held his note a little longer than usual.

I thought everyone was cheering the singer himself, oblivious to the situation they were applauding our personal moment. The occasion was beautiful as Christian complemented it with a final spin on the dance floor. Everyone was complementing us. I was giddy with so many emotions and feelings.

He loves me?

You know the moment something inevitably is going to happen. Right or wrong everyone starts to move in slow motion. Well it's happening. And I think it is going to be bad.

The slight whiff of single woman's expensive perfume probably costing them hundreds was enough to get my legs bolting for the nearest exit.

Knowing I had no hope making anything resembling a bathroom Mrs Grey's flower bed was the closest thing.

"Ugggh, I'm sorry… irises… I'm really sorry… peonies… ugggh."

Even in a moment of weakness vomiting the hardest I have ever in my life, I'm still apologizing. To all things flora for God sake.

"Sorry Grace," I whispered once the automatic urge to hurl stopped.

Again I smelled that God awful perfume and now I've lost both my lunch and dinner. I was relieved to feel Christian's hands holding back my curls and rubbing soothing circles.

"Thank you," I moaned.

"Here take this you have a little," he passed me a delicate white cotton handkerchief, "there and … oh here," he pointed out my mess I have made on my face.

How embarrassing!

Still concerned he held his palm directly to my forehead and the light touch of my cheeks. To be cared for is wonderful. To be loved is even better.

"Are you sure you're fine?"

"Yes," My throat burned from all the acid, "morning sickness… well all day sickness. It comes in waves and someone's perfume set me off."

Christian admired my face. His eyes were looking over me ensuring I wasn't lying to him.

"Christian I'm going to walk around the grounds for a little bit, just to ensure I don't bring my breakfast up too,"

"Can I accompany you?"

"Of course," and I couldn't but help and blush as he kissed the top of my head.

…..

SEEING THE GLOWING LIGHTS of the tent in front of us our stroll was coming to an unwanted end. I needed all the courage in the world to ask him.

Breathe.

"Can you stay at your parents tonight?" I hummed not sure if Christian was even paying attention.

Looking at his squinted eyes a huge grin crept upon his face.

"Oh stop right there Mister, don't even contemplate that you're getting lucky tonight. I just want to check on you."

His smile grew more. Cheeky bastard.

"You know… I need to check… your face since you were knocked out last night."

"Oh now you care."

Don't push it Mister.

"And we are not going to share a bed, let alone a room. Ok! Slow, real slow," I poked his stomach.

Christian crossed his arms around his chest.

"Really?" he cocked his brow.

"I'm sleeping with Kate."

Of course with Kavanagh perfect timing, Kate and Elliot stumbled from behind the leafy hedge sucking Elliot's face.

"Wheet - Wooh," the sound of a wolf whistle bellowed through the tent. Looking closer it was Evelyn Trevelyan cheering on her grandson.

"Ok ok ok," Christian chuckled at me as I held up my palms in surrender.

"I'll be alone. In Mia's room. No ide—"

Without warning I felt a little faint.

"Whoa. Ana," I stumbled a little and luckily Christian caught me.

"I don't know where that came from." fanning my face.

"You still feel sick?" I shook my head.

"No just a little dizzy, and my back hurts a little," I didn't want to alarm Christian but I feel a warm flush and my eyes were going spotty.

Breathe Ana

"I think if I sit down and have a little water, I'll be totally fine," giving a chaste smile.

…..

REACHING OUR SEATS Christian dashed around like a headless chicken trying to find some ice water with a little lemon. I now recognized this as Christian care mode. I didn't have the heart to tell him that lemon doesn't help rather makes my morning sickness worse.

"Christian, I'm going to the bathroom. I'm feeling off still," I told him as I sipped my lemon water with a grimace upon my face.

Slowly getting up I grabbed my clutch and headed towards the glamorous porta potty bathrooms.

Pacing myself closer to the bathroom, I didn't feel right and a stabbing pain hit my abdomen. Keeping my poker face, I waved to Christian.

Christian mouthed "I love you" in the distance cupping his hands to make a heart shape over his chest.

Grimacing I replied "ditto".

…..

THE ONE HUNDRED PACES I took, it hurt. Stumbling to the basin, I couldn't help but pat my face with cool water.

"Ahhh," the stabbing pain came again and I clenched it for support.

What the fuck is going on?

Thinking a quick pee may shake it off, I placed my clutch on the tiled counter. On the toilet I rested my elbows on my thighs and cupping my head in my hands, the warm flush rushed up my esophagus. Flicking layers of material around, I quickly forced my face to the porcelain bowl and hurdle my now breakfast combined with lemon water down the toilet.

Flushing the remnants away, I was relieved that could it be possible I'm actually feeling much better. Giving a final splash of water over my face it was odd, my clutch had moved.

What the fuck?

Snatching it from the counter I gripped it tightly. The entire walk back to the table I thought "

Shit did someone take something from it?

Looking around, Christian was gone.

Just great!

Searching throughout my clutch to ensure everything was accounted for, I noticed something folded.

"Oh my God!" immediately my hands went to my mouth.

There was my ultrasound picture, flipping it over was a delicate hand written message:

I understand now.

Love can happen especially for my grandson.

Please take care of him and my great-grand babies. EL


A/N:

SONG INSPIRATION:

1. Home - MICHAEL BUBLÉ

Thank you for reading the new reworked/beta-ed "Misplaced & Found." 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 20.

missmusicteach