-CHAPTER THIRTY-


PROUD FATHERS


Friday 11th December 2009.

CHRISTIAN

THE BITTER AROMA of that fucking Triple, Venti, Half Sweet, No-Fat, Caramel Macchiato was causing my gullet to sour. Ros was devouring the fumes steaming from the mug. Not only were her eyes rolling in the back of her head but it was the little groan which escaped her mouth that was the tipping point.

"Do you want me to leave you two alone?" I leaned forward in my chair, scoffing at the idea. It's fucking coffee.

"Oh Grey, I know what you're thinking. It's the best, and far more than just coffee!" she passed the ceramic travel mug in my direction, but I refused, pushing it away. "Grinch," she mumbled into the mouth of the mug.

It was a little after seven in the morning and we had a challenging week to plan for.

Tapping my pen, waiting for the red head to finish her obnoxious drink, "So…" my voice hummed.

"Ok, so with the specs regarding the two possible acquisitions, we have the capital, but…"

"Does there always need to be a but?"

"Oh Christian dear," she sipped her drink, "there is always a but and that's besides the point, Jesus, you're being more than a butt, just a plain ass! What's eating you lately? Head in the clouds and not on the game. I need you with a fucking clear head."

"Well when you drink that shit," pointing to the mug, my finger shook, "it's hard." I groaned at her.

"Pleeasse!" she drawled.

Ros continued to ramble her stats and her latest intel, unfortunately she was right. I wasn't focused and it pissed me off, but everything reminded me of her. It didn't help that earlier this week Ros had cropped her once long red curls to a pixie cut.

Ahh, Pixie.

I continued to tap my pen to no particular rhythm, observing my office space. There was nothing of Ana here, not even a picture. I missed her, and of all days I knew it was her checkup.

"Ana's pregnant!" I blurted out to my partner.

The small snort of coffee which dribbled out of her mouth was a clear indication she was flabbergasted, "Well this is a… surprise. Up to only a few weeks ago I thought you were celibate, but this… it takes the cake." she laughed, "Is this a… congratulations or…" her forehead creased, the strain was causing me physical pain..

"Oh shit, it's a congratulations," I quickly panted out, utterly ecstatic, "her 13 weeks scan is this afternoon, but for the life of me there is something… that's not right," I said, continuing to tap my pen in a more regular beat now.

"Ok, so are we talking in 'right' as she is having trouble with her grades, or are you referring to the pregnancy?" she sighed, "Christian, pregnancy does cause havoc on any woman, and miscarriage is still a possibility."

"No, no," I shook my head, "she was skittish, well more than normal. She does this thing where she stutters when she's nervous, or… lying." pinching the bridge of my nose.

Please don't tell me she's lying.

"Oh, really, it sounds familiar Grey?" she crossed her legs, arching an brow. "She could be nervous, the 13 weeks scan is monumental, you can see a lot. Has she had an earlier scan or is this the first?"

I opened up my drawer and passed her our babies first photo.

Ros studied the ultrasound from almost three weeks ago. As her mouth grew wide, she did the double take, looking at the scan, back at me, and onto the scan again. Nodding at the obvious revelation, I smiled proud at my twins, my two of the three flesh and blood relatives I have.

The loud thudding vibration caught my attention, "Excuse me, Ros," she waved me off, eyes locked on the scan mumbling to herself the word twins.

Unlocking my phone, I opened my message app.

ELLIOT: I can't get a hold of Kate. All fucking night and now. Has Ana mentioned anything?

CHRISTIAN: She cut our call short yesterday due to your lover girl. And wouldn't talk last night. Something isn't adding up.

ELLIOT: Im shittn my pants bro.

CHRISTIAN: Well you need to see a doctor!

ELLIOT: No fucktard! Not literally! I'm worried about her. Usually she's on my case if we don't speak for a few hours, msg, vid chat or whatevs.

Opening a new tab on the screen of my Mac, I searched for flights to Boston. Eyeing the right corner of the screen, we needed to hurry.

CHRISTIAN: Call in sick. Meet me at SEATAC in twenty.

ELLIOT: C, lil broare we flying to my girl.

CHRISTIAN: No, to our girls.

...

QUICKLY APOLOGIZING TO ROS, I grabbed the essentials, phone, charger, wallet and jacket, as there wasn't time to pack. The airport was chaotic being early business peak hour. Unfortunately with such a late booking, we were situated in coach. It was going to be six hours of direct hell sitting next to my brother, but I needed to think of the end goal - Ana, and to what the fuck is going on.

Moments before boarding I messaged Ana.

CHRISTIAN: I'll be at your appointment, I have a very distressed Elliot tagging along. WTF is going on?

For one, I love flying. Elliot prefers the comforts of a luxury car, boat or train. The only time he chooses to have his feet off the ground are when he's fucking with his big loafers dangling over the edge of a bed.

He's always had a fear of heights and flying. We all know it's down to his parents' death. Through the years his anxiety has flipped back and forth, mostly desensitized, but he's far from cured.

Are we ever truly cured from our traumas?

He was lucky to have had two loving parents, I never had the chance.

"Ell, it's ok," I held his hand as we walked into the gate towards the door of the plane. My eyes watched his hand slide along the rail. "Remember in six hours you'll see Kate." hoping my smile will soothe his agitation.

"Yeah," his voice hesitated, and sweat was forming on his brow. He didn't even grab a coat, or long pants, still in his work gear from the new building site in downtown Seattle.

"Good morning gentleman, row 34 and seats A and B are located on your right of the aisle." the flight attendant pointed us in the right direction.

"Thank-you," I answered, and Elliot could only grimace, trying to remain calm knowing what was to come.

I wish Elliot had an aisle seat, but the only two seats which were next to each other were window and middle. I guess I have the window. He couldn't even turn to look at me, so I wouldn't expect him to look out a port hole at thirty-five thousand feet.

"Ell, we are still on the ground, you can breathe." I tapped the top of hand with a single finger, "I can ensure you nothing will happen." Shit, that was terrible brotherly advice. Maybe I should kick myself for my choice of words.

"Don't make promises you can't keep, lil bro. I know what happens on planes." he gritted his teeth, leaning back tight in his seat.

Shit

"To be clear, so do I. They take off, fly, and then land. Only a very small percentage have issues." I pinched my fingers together, "A very fucking small amount, and this one is not one of them," of course at that very moment his tray table unfolded and he closed his eyes tight.

"Do you have anything I can take?" I put my hand into my pocket and felt some mints. I quickly opened the container and popped some into his mouth, telling him to swallow. He doesn't need to know that they were Tic Tacs.

"It should relax you, but if need be, I'll buy you a drink." Elliot turned to me this time and smiled.

"Ahh, my tight ass bro is getting a little loose, maybe you should buy me two," he held up two fingers, still with his eyes clamped shut.

...

I WON'T SUGAR COAT IT, it was far from a sweet take off, it was more of a shit storm, utterly horrendous.

Elliot almost had a panic attack, the only thing which calmed him to an extent was reciting anything religious. In the end I may have become creative with my choice of words, because it's been years since I've been in a church, let alone read the bible.

"Sweet baby Jesus," Elliot groaned, a small tear falling, "I wish I could have a foursome, since I've already had a threesome. Also another chance to drive my little bro's Audi, it's such a sweet ride. While I'm ahead of myself, I also want to live to an old age, so I can have more time with my Kitty Kat, she's fucking smoking… baby Jesus," Elliot continued to ramble away a crazy list, even after the plane had reached stabilizing altitude.

"Ell, Jesus isn't a religious Santa or even a genie. He will not grant your wishes."

"But the big J was born on Christmas Day, I don't understand?" he turned and his eyes locked with mine full of concern.

Fuck my life, it must be the recycled air playing with his brain cells, because it's the only excuse I have left for him.

It was getting a little tense for me, not his attitude, or implacable language, rather him wanting to grip me tight. I, too, didn't want to have a panic attack myself, and I felt bad that I needed to resort to linking pinkies.

...

"EXCUSE ME," a deep voice announced.

I wiped the wetness from around my mouth. I must have fallen asleep. I turned to look and Elliot was still in the same position, right back in his seat, gritting his teeth and worry lines surrounding his closed eyes.

"I'm sorry to disrupt you both, but I thought you gentlemen would like a beverage. I have a wide selection, and the hot meal cart is arriving shortly."

"Ahh, oh a black coffee would be wonderful," I stretch my arms above my head, in the confined space, "Ell?" He was munching on his nails, "maybe the strongest spirit you have on ice." The steward handed over a scotch whiskey for Elliot, and he nursed it with the greatest of care, focusing on the individual ice cubes.

"Christian…" Elliot whispered to his cup, "what happens if there's something wrong with Kate and that's the reason why she doesn't want to talk to me?"

"Ell, there is no reason to dwell on this, just fucking drink your booze." I sculled my dishwater beverage.

After Elliot finished his scotch he finally began to loosen up, me on the other hand, I was beginning to feel a little tense regarding Ana's appointment.

'I should have supported her more regarding the appointment,' I thought to myself. Again, constantly only thinking about the business, not the future. My children.

A small little finger poked in-between the seat in front of me, and a little face tried to follow. When Elliot poked back, the laughter either side of the seat was hilarious, it was a reverie seeing Elliot calm and not due to a placebo Tic Tac or alcohol. Or possibly it was just watching Elliot play with someone on the same level of intelligence.

"And, ahhh…." Elliot covered his face, "boo," the small child roared with laughter. It's obvious one day he will make a great dad, just like how his own birth father was.

"Christian, Christian," he tugged my shirt, "I think we're official BBFs now bro, " he knuckled tap the small child, and then held his tightened fist to me, hesitating, "Ell, how much soda have you had?"

"Including the two other whiskeys," he held up seven fingers, hooked his tongue over his lip, eyes to the ceiling, correcting himself, adding another to make it eight. Ok so he's calm, jittery with caffeine but I can handle that, that's the only Elliot I know.

The little fingers wanted to continue with his play date. Then it hit. That will be me in a few months but twice over. A million thoughts flew around, mostly involving Ana, Ray and the ring.

Taking a few heavy pants, Elliot adjusted himself in his seat as his new BBF decided it was a drink break, "If only us guys at this age could do that?"

"What?" I wasn't fully listening to my brother's conversation.

"Suck on a little tittie."

"Ell, seriously, were you dropped on the head as a baby, because the shit that comes out of your mouth is worrying," his only reply was a shrug.

"Geez, you're so serious all the fucking time. Like now you've got that look." he lumped in his chair, crossing his arms and lips into a straight line, "Bro, you need one of those Tic Tacs asap!"

I laughed, "yeah man," I threw the container at him and he downed the whole entire packet down his throat.

"I need to take a leak, do you want anything while I'm up," I shook my head, no.

Out of nowhere he trips and simultaneously there was a dip of turbulence. Instantly his hands clenched the headrests, as his knuckles turned pink to white.

"Sweet baby Jesus," he squeaked, "I'm so going to piss my pants… Christian, is the plane going to crash?"

"No." I tried to comfort him, "Ell, do you want me to take you to the bathroom?" I spoke in a soft voice, as he was panicking and sarcasm was not going to help him.

"Yes," he whispered.

...

THANKFULLY OUR FLIGHT remained issue free after three bursts of turbulence. Eventually the flight caught the wind and landed fifteen minutes early. After rushing off the plane, Elliot was desperate and I was just itching to see my Ana. Unfortunately, I knew she had her appointment with Dr Greene, but I didn't have an address.

CHRISTIAN: Mom urgent, what is Dr Greene's consulting suites address. I may have spontaneously boarded a flight to Boston.

MOM: Good, give me a moment I'll message it through. Also, if you see Kate please let me know she's well, I haven't heard from her in days and it's a little out of character for that bubbly girl.

Moments later an address was on my screen. I was surprised that Mom was talking to Kate, but she has a warm heart and opened to all, but this worried me more if she was noticing the changes too.

Hailing a cab at the airport was a shit-storm, but Elliot only saw the entertainment, me failing at every attempt. Of course he had to get one first try.

Asshole

"Boston Medical suites on Harrison Ave," I instructed the cabdriver.

Running my fingers through my messy locks, what's Ana going to say as I turn up.

Please be calm, please be calm.

"I'm assuming the girls are together at Ana's appointment, have you tried contacting Kate?"

"Bro, I'm already on to it," he said with his cell to his ear, looking disappointed, "voicemail. Fuck!"

Copious messages, and too many voicemails to count later, we were out of time. No luck with any form of contact.

"Don't you need to turn your cell off at the appointment?" I tried to justify why they weren't answering.

"How the fuck would I know?" Elliot yelped.

The cabdriver pulled up and without a thought I pulled out a fifty. I didn't care.

The medical suites were surrounded by walls of glass with one large revolving door. We both ran quickly, studying the name board scanning for Greene.

"Bingo. Tenth," Elliot exclaimed, and dashed towards the elevators with me rushing behind.

The medical office was fifty shades of beige and… women. Female doctors, female nurses, female receptionist and female patients. Pregnant women were… EVERYWHERE.

"Is this heaven, Christian?" Elliot cupped his hands, "there are so many pretty ladies… so many" he hushed his voice as the conglomerate of woman eyed us over.

"I feel like I'm being attacked by their eyes," I whispered with strained teeth to Elliot. "They look like they are all glowing," I murmured.

"We are in heaven, women with the fun loving hormones." he winked, "Afternoon ladies," he informed his audience, with arms wide open. I could only clip him behind the ear.

"Excuse me gentlemen, can I help you?" I looked at the brass plate name sign, Rachel - Receptionist.

"Um," my eyes were on the pregnant women and poster lining the walls, I couldn't concentrate. "Oh I'm here to see my signif-" I cleared my throat, "partner. Anastasia Steele for her 13 weeks checkup. My name is Christian Grey, I'm sure I would have to be one of her contacts." I blurted to this Rachel. "My mother is a colleague of Dr Greene. Dr Grace Treveleyan-Grey." Elliot nodded along. Rachel quickly scribbled a few notes, her long red nails clicking over the mouse, opening a spreadsheet which looked like a schedule.

Thank fuck for that!

"I'm Elliot, is my girlfriend here?" Elliot waved to the now distressed Rachel.

"One moment, gentlemen." she held a finger up to silence our requests as she placed the desk phone to her ear.

"I'm sorry to disrupt your consult, Dr Greene. I have two concerned men in reception." she clearly stated.

"Apparently they are Gracie's boys from Seattle. Christian and Elliot."

"They are quite distressed and asking for an Anastasia Steele and…" Rachel waited for Elliot's answer.

"Kate Kavanagh," Elliot announced, possibly a little too loud.

"Kate Kavanagh." she sang back into the headset.

"Can I please see some identification gentlemen." we both opened our wallets and handed over our drivers' licenses.

Jesus, my mind went back to Ana, what ID does she have, if she doesn't have a license? A library card? I scoffed at the immature thought.

"Dr Greene," Rachel spoke back into the headset, returning our identification, "I'm positive these gentlemen are Greys. A Christian and…" she squinted, "Elliot. Shall I send them through or request removal?" Again, she continued to click away at the mouse, occasionally tapping on the keyboard with one hand, which seemed like an eternity.

"Of course." she hung up the phone and continued to type.

Both Elliot and I looked at one another, "So are we free to see her?" I asked.

"Of course, please remember that this is a medical office and respecting other patient's privacy is highly important, so please remain quiet, and on your best behaviour," she smiled, biting her lip. Jesus, she was flirting!

"Room number, please." Elliot requested.

"Consult two, it's down the hall on the left." she pointed around the corner, and we both made a run for it.

We tried our best to neaten our appearance and obviously looking at one another we knew we didn't have a hope in hell, and shrugged at each other.

Both knocking in unison, we waited for permission to enter, instead I presume it was Dr Greene we met.

"Well hi, I'm Elliot and this is Christ—" Elliot quickly caught the face of Kate, and I found Ana, her head hooked around a bed.

"Hi," Ana squeaked looking rather embarrassed, "Oh come over here, you two," she looked directly at me while waving us both over. Oddly, Kate remained quiet, "Hey, we have two little ones that want to see their Daddy and Uncle." she said.

"Ok are we all settled? And can I please complete this examination? No more interruptions," Dr Greene insisted.

Unfortunately, I watched as the Doctor inserted the probe back into Ana, and jealously hit. That should be me, it was when Elliot knocked my shoulder and flipped his chin towards the screen I was amazed at what I saw.

My babies.

...

I APPRECIATED THE NUMBER of images we received, as my eyes were glued to them, so proud of Ana.

"Ok, it seems that Kate you're up next according to my schedule." Dr Greene instructed.

Elliot's head whipped towards mine, and I swear it caused a breeze.

"Here is your cup and gown. I'll let you get all prepped," the doctor explained, but I was a little confused about the cup.

'Cup,' I mouthed to Elliot and he shrugged. His face lit up, turning to Kate, it was shock turning into a huge grin.

"Is this why you have been so up and down for the past two weeks?" he asked Kate.

Still, Kate remained silent. It was when I realized the tears which burned her cheeks, and the lack of her usual painted face, it got me concerned. Was she ok?

"Christian, it's best if we leave and let Kate and Elliot talk." Ana pulled my shoulder, but I was surprised, was Kate… pregnant too?

"NO!" She announced, "No Ana, I want you here," her eyes locked onto my own, "Christian, if you could leave. I'm sorry, " she sobbed into her hands.

It was obvious this pregnancy was something she never wanted and was causing much distress.

"Kate, there is no reason to apologize," I expressed, while running my fingers through my hair, giving a nod of understanding to Elliot.

"I'll be in the waiting room, let me have a few to admire," I grabbed some of the images from Ana's hand, "I need to boast about my kids to the parents out there," I whipped my thumb to the direction of the door. "I'll see you soon, Pixie," and I planted a kiss on Ana's forehead, as I rest a hand on each of her shoulders.

Walking down the corridor it was bitter sweet, here I am happy. Ana's pregnancy is going great guns where something isn't alright with Kate's.

Sitting admiring the images, a woman with a large bump, rubbing it slowly, noticed the pictures in my hand.

"First pregnancy?"

Why do people say that? Why not first child, or first baby?

"Yeah," I boasted, "I'm going to be a dad in June, maybe earlier. Twins." I grinned from ear to ear.

"Oh my goodness," her face lit up, while grimacing now rubbing her swollen belly counter-clockwise.

"Ma'am, are you well? Do you need a doctor?" I didn't know, was she going into labor? God what does labor look like?

"Oh no," shaking her long brunette locks back and forth, "Just Braxton Hicks contractions. Can I just say, I feel like a sumo wrestler, especially sitting in these chairs. I still have six weeks left, I'm going to be the size of a house… I can only imagine what your wife will feel like at 34 weeks with twins." she grimaced, rubbing her belly constantly.

"Sorry she's… yeah," I perked up and tried to hide my left hand, "my wife."

She doesn't need to know my white lie, I smiled. Wife. I like the sound of it.

"I'm Leila Williams, " she held out a hand, I hesitated, held my breath and shook her hand.

I reminded myself she can't hurt me, and I eased into her hand. Soft and delicate.

"Christian Grey." I blurted out, and she smiled, continuing to rub her belly.

"Mrs Williams… Leila," the nurse called.

"Over here. Just give me a minute, Susannah," she huffed at the nurse. "Christian, can you give me a hand, I just need a little pull to get my momentum and then I'm all good. My center of gravity is all out of whack," she chuckled pointing to her ball of a belly. Again I hesitated, and my hands grew sweaty… counting, breathing, remember strategies.

"Oh yes.. Um sorry…" I grabbed her hand and pulled her up, she panted and rubbed that large belly again.

"Thank you Christian Grey, it's a nice name. Did I mention I'm having a boy?" she smiled.

As she left the room, a few women quickly filled Leila's seat, to discuss my wife's twin pregnancy.

...

I NEED SOME AIR, these women must have been on some hormone stimulants because I swear if I was locked in a room with them all, I would have been tied up and jumped repetitively against my free will. Sorry ladies but no thank you. I'm taken.

I got thinking of Ray. Flipping my cell, fuck it.

The phone rang and rang, "Hello," his voice panted.

"Ray." I replied.

"Christian, son?" I smiled hearing that term, "Is Annie ok, how are my grand babies?"

"She's fine, actually she's finishing up her 13 weeks scan," I looked down at the images in my hand.

"You're in Boston? Good."

"They're getting big, Ray." I smiled and couldn't believe how much they have grown.

"Has she got a bump, please take photos. That's something I never experienced with her mother, well not at this point."

"Ana had siblings? I wasn't aware." I lowered my head, kicking the air. What else hasn't she told me?

"Carla had a few miscarriages, didn't make it past the first trimester." his voice hitched.

"So, Annie was it for us. You're blessed son, and I thank you."

"I'm truly sorry about your losses," I didn't know what else to say, I never do. My mother Grace spoke about her struggles before adopting and I was loss for words. All I know it must be hard. I quickly cleared my throat, "But Ana is doing well, I'll make sure she calls. But Ray, the purpose of this call…" I held my breath, I shouldn't be doing this over the phone, but … fuck it. "I'm wondering if you would give your permission for me to have Ana's hand in marriage."

"Son, I think you have already asked that question, the first day we met." I stifled a laugh.

"Uh," I rubbed my neck, fuck, "I… I'm thinking, I'm at the stage where I need to buy a ring. I would be honored if you help me choose something. Money is no issue, but I want to get it right."

"No." he abruptly forced out.

Taken aback from his word, I gasped, "No?" almost echoing his answer.

"Sorry, don't buy some huge rock. She'll only throw in back in your face, no matter how big it is, or dollar signs that are attached to it. I have some of Carla's jewelry, a few rings some earrings. Come down for a visit, and we can have a long chat. I have some other things I need to discuss regarding Annie."

"You're not going to show your gun collection?" I winced, waiting for it.

"Is there a reason I should be?" he hesitated, lengthening his words.

"Well… no, but when I get back to Seattle I'll check my calendar to arrange a time."

"Thank you Christian, I'll appreciate that."

Should I, shouldn't I?

"Ray…" I hesitated.

"Yes son?"

"You have a very special daughter. And I thank you for raising her. She's very determined and stubborn."

"Yes she is. She's so much like her own mother, it's uncanny." he chuckled.

"Ok. Well I need to get back to her, but I'll call soon about a catch up."

"Thanks son, talk soon."

That whole conversation has my heart beating outside my chest for the right reasons.


A/N:

Thank you for reading "Misplaced & Found." If you haven't already done so, please favourite, follow, review and PM me regarding any M&F questions or concerns. See for the next chapter of M&F.

missmusicteach