Authors Note:
Since you had to wait so long for the previous chapter, Crytal9034 and I though another chapter earlier than usual was well deserved by all you readers. If you haven't read the previous chapter then please do. Please give a round of applause to Crystal9034. I hope you enjoy it!
Schemes
Ted's POV
"Now mom and dad I have my own proposal for you both." I pull out copies of the forms I made up with my grandfather and one my Uncle Elliot made, and pass them each a copy. They both read the document. I take a deep breath in hoping this doesn't blow up in my face.
"NO!" Both my parents speak in unison. I know then I have made a mistake.
"Ted, your car is only just road worthy, you can't drive it through Mexico, especially not alone. I doubt that it would even get you out of New York before it broke down in who knows where!" My mother has a strained tone to her voice that I have never heard before. She is now standing over me with her hands on her hips, regardless of the fact that we are about to descend into New York. Damn, she has never refused to let me spread my wings. I know now that this was a terrible mistake. I make a mental note to myself, never listen to Elliot, ever again!
Dad whose response initially matched my mother's has rapidly changed his response. He looks at me suspiciously. It annoys me that he can read me so well. Deep down I feel that he should have to get to know me better before being able to do that.
"Anastasia, calm down, sit in your chair and put your seat belt on now!" Dad instructs mom intensely. She rolls her eyes, which causes my dad's lips to form a tight line and his eyes go dark.
"Calm down? Are you serious Christian? You of all people should be the one jumping up and down. You're the parent obsessed with security and safety." Mom has the darkest look in her eyes ever, enough to match the one my father just gave her. This is not going as planned, at all.
"I AM passionate about security and safety, which is why I want you to sit down now as we are descending and about to land!" Mom and Dad give each other unpleasant looks. Damn this is going to fail. Mom throws her hands up in the air and resumes her seat. Dad whispers something into my mother's ear that seems to soothe her.
Dad smirks at me. "Ted, when did Elliot advise you to try this?"
"What makes you think that dad?" I ask. Dad gives me a rather smug look.
"Because your Aunt Mia did the very same thing years ago, when she dropped out of college." Dad raises his eyebrows at me.
"What?" My mother is even more confused now.
"When Mia dropped out of college, she gave our parents a similar itinerary, stating that she was going to go backpack throughout Africa, alone, even going through areas which were facing a lot of ethnic civil wars. Of course, our parents freaked out. She then informed them, that she wasn't actually going to Africa but rather has quit college to go to France to study patisserie making. Elliot gave her the idea, so her plans of dropping out of college wouldn't seem unacceptable in comparison. Ted, what are you actually wanting to tell or ask us for?" Dad asks. My mother calms down proportionately though is still highly annoyed at me.
"Sorry Mom, Elliot did guide me, and yes dad there is something I am interested in." I take a deep breath before continuing as my nerves start to take over me. "I want to…" I sigh heavily. Both my parents are looking at me, anxiously. I was so stupid springing this on them like this, but it did achieve at least one of my aims, 'to finally get my parents to agree on something even if they did give each other the worst glares in the world'. They have spent years disagreeing on everything it's time for that to all end.
"I am never going to take advice from Elliot ever again." I state. This has made everything all so much harder as my parents are eager to get information out of me. I have never faced them both together when I have been wanting to do anything before.
"Good decision. Now spit it out Ted!" Dad's voice is demanding. I know he is worried about my request. But to be honest, I am more worried about what my mother is going to say in response.
"Hear me out first before you both say anything in reply." Both my parents agree. "I want to change my name to Grey or at least hyphenate it to Steele-Grey." I stop speaking for a few seconds, to give my parents a second to process the information. Dad looks a little taken back, but there is a serene little smile to his face, and you can tell that he likes the idea. My mother's reaction is uncertain. Yep it is safe to keep talking.
"I want to change it as it feels right. My last name would have been Grey if all those unfortunate circumstances didn't happen, and I think it would make my grandparents happy." I inform them.
"Is that the only two reasons Ted?" Mom asks me. She is looking at me, just like she did when, I was younger and trying to work out if I was lying. "Be honest with us, we won't be upset or mad." I take a long deep breath in, praying I won't upset anyone.
"Another reason why I want to include Grey is that I remember being five years old and wondering why my father and I had different last names. All my friends had the same last name as their fathers except me, it was something I genuinely wanted." My voice is low and shy. I feel like a little child seeking the attention of my parents. The key thing is that I felt like I was missing out on something, and I am desperately seeking what I felt I never had.
"Mom how do you feel about this?" I enquire. I genuinely care about what my mother thinks, she has loved and raised me for every second of my life. I don't want her to think I am turning my back on her.
"I am happy as long as you are happy. But keep in mind that this won't necessarily mean that your father and I will reunite." Mom has that straight up and honest tone in her voice. Why does this fact hurt?
"I understand" I tell her.
"Dad what is your opinion?"
"Well of course I am all for it! I can have my lawyers handle this, just let me know." Dad honestly looks overjoyed. He has a little of that twinkle in his eye that I saw in those old photo's my grandparents showed me of him with my mother, before everything happened. It is also that little twinkle he gets when he looks at my mother some times.
"Then it is up to you if you want your last name to be solely Grey or Steele-Grey," My mother reaffirms.
"I will need time to think about it" Both my parents nod in agreement. For the second time in a space of ten minutes, my parents have done one thing that has evaded them for years, not once but twice. Finally, they agree on something.
Ana's POV:
I sigh quietly to myself. Remorse is hitting me harder and harder, each time I look up and see Ted. I thought I was always doing the right thing for him, but I was wrong. I shouldn't have been selfish after he was born and filled out the birth certificate. I was just so mad at Christian. The three of us sit in silence as we land in New York. At least I start to feel more in control here. New York has been my home for the past twelve years; it's where we have carved out a life for ourselves.
"Mom I am going to disembark" Ted tells me apparently eager to get off the plane.
"Okay, I am just going to double check that I have everything. I brought a lot of work on board, and I seem to have misplaced some of it, I think. I will only be a few minutes." I smile at my son. He quickly leaves. Hhhhmmm…. Where is that other manuscript?
"Missing something?" Christian says from a short distance.
"Yes, I can't find one of my manuscripts." I look up and there it is in his hands. "Where was it?"
"It was in the private lounge." Christian says softly as I gratefully take my much needed manuscript. Our hands touch, and even though it is only momentarily, it is enough to feel his warmth and passion.
"Thank you." I suddenly feel particularly shy next to Christian.
"Can I convince you and Ted to come and stay with me at my apartment? It is closer to Ted's school and your work. Plus I can organise to have anything you need brought over from your apartment." Christian offers.
"Christian, I don't think so. Plus, don't you think that would be too much, too soon" I say simply.
"Not for me and probably not for Ted. Why don't we ask him?" Christian suggests. How does he always manage to think of an alternative pathway for everything?
"I think it would be better if Ted and I just go home. We have been gone for a week!" I try to explain, Christian looks terribly displeased. "You are more than welcome to come over." I offer and watch him to gauge his position.
"Don't bite your lip. It still does the same things to me that it did nineteen years ago when I first met you." Damn I didn't even realise I was doing that. Christian looks a little frustrated as he approaches me and places his hand under my chin and with his thumb releases my lip. Our proximity makes it even harder to ignore the electric feeling around us. I finally look up at Christian. His grey eyes transfixed on me. I study him, realizing that he has barely aged in all this time. He is still the gorgeous man that every woman has lusted after. I want to kiss his perfectly shaped lips.
"I won't kiss you right now. In fact, I don't even intend on touching you, regardless of how much you want me to, I am going to make you wait" Christian states. His smooth voice illustrates his control. Shocked by his admission I step back, and bring myself back to reality. Deep down I am hurt, but severely confused. He has been dropping less than subtle hints for the past week. He is more mercurial than ever!
"I don't know what you are talking about Christian. You were the one who invaded my personal space. Now I do have other places to be." I say spiteful, grabbing my bag and documents, so I can rush out the plane door. I hear Christian groan loudly behind me, and with each step I take, I feel sadness and pain.
Taylor, Sawyer and two other security people that I haven't seen before are waiting for us, next to a couple of cars that have been loaded with our luggage. Hastily I get into the car and sit next to Ted. Christian quickly follows but sits in the front with Taylor. I am grateful for the space, especially as it will take a while to get to our apartment in the city.
"Mom, do you mind if I go to Josh's place tonight? All the guys are going over there tonight" Ted asks, emerging from his cell phone.
"That sounds fine," I tell Ted. He has a rather marvellous group of friends, and the good thing was the Josh only lived a couple of blocks away from us.
Taylor drops us at the front of my apartment building as he parks the car in the garage. "Can I come up?" Christian asks.
"Yeah, of course you can Dad," Ted tells him. Ted's advocacy of his father is a joy to see actually. We enter the elevator and even though our seventeen year old son is with us, I can feel the energy between Christian and me. Briefly I look up at Christian, and though he tries to hide it, he has been looking down at me.
"Mom and dad, I am going to get some sleep." Ted informs us and heads off to his room. It is still very early in the morning, and he didn't get any sleep during the long flight over.
Once alone, I turn to face Christian. "I am going to have a shower and get some sleep myself, what do you intend to do?" Christian gets a boyish grin to his face.
"I could join you?" He says grinning even more now.
"I thought you were going to make me wait" I tell him, reminding him of his words from when we landed.
"Point well made" Christian grimaces, then groans. "Look Ted is going out tonight. Join me for dinner at my apartment. I never got to take you there. Please, just for dinner, no funny business."
I nod my head. "Why not I don't have any other plans, I just need to get some sleep."
"Excellent. I will have Sawyer pick you up at 7pm, and there is a dress and shoes on your bed for you to wear tonight. I will see you then. Also, Taylor has organised new security for you and Ted. I sincerely hope you won't conspire with them. As usual they will be discreet" My jaw drops as Christian leaves. I head towards my room, and sure enough there on my bed, just as Christian stated is a gorgeous silver dress and shoes. I don't even try to consider how on earth Christian managed this. But then it was Christian Grey of course.
"Hey Mom, can I come in?" Ted asks from my door. I am dressed in my robe after my shower and am fixing my hair.
"Sure, come on in" I tell Ted. He enters focusing on his smartphone rather than his surroundings.
"Taylor is here, with a couple of new guys. I am about to leave, and I have just spoken to some of the guys and they are going to crash at Josh's house. I will text later if you want" Ted offers.
"That is fine. Those men are the new security personnel that your father has organised, so don't be surprised if one follows you. I will ensure they don't stand guard all night. Better tell him you are staying over at Josh's place" I suggest to Ted, whilst busying myself at getting ready.
"Easily done. Are you going out?"
"Yes. I am going to have dinner with your father." I tell him honestly. Ted's expression is mixed, making me approach him. I put my hands on his arms. "Be honest with me, would you rather I didn't see him this evening."
"Of course not. You should go, but I wouldn't mind us three having dinner together soon. I would like us to spend some time together." The strong feeling of remorse I felt on the plane hits me again, even harder. Ted has missed having a proper family.
"Do you hate me for not giving you the name Grey when you were born?" I ask weary of his answer.
"Mom, I could never hate you. I just want to start to make some changes that I feel is right for me." Ted pauses. "I better go, Josh and the guys will be waiting for me. We are all going to order some pizza and then play pool and cards."
"Have a terrific time. I will see you tomorrow." I tell Ted. He hesitates for a minute, looking a little uncomfortable. "Why are you acting so peculiar?" I ask, watching him wearingly.
"No reason. Bye Mom" he says kissing me on the cheek.
"Bye Ted." I say shaking my head a little. I don't think I have ever seen him act so unusual.
"Mom, just to remind you, I am going to be out ALL NIGHT at my mates house, so if you were NOT to come home for a certain reason and decide to stay at Dad's apartment…. For the night…. Then you wouldn't need to worry about me being alone" Ted comments embarrassed. He quickly walks off before I can say anything. I look at my reflection in the mirror astounded. Did my seventeen year old son, soon to be eighteen, just encourage me to spend the night with the father he resented over a week ago?
Shrugging the thought off, I finish doing my hair and put on some makeup, though not a lot. I slip on the dress, and it is exceedingly formfitting. Every curve on my body is on show and my heels make my legs seem longer. 'Interesting choice Mr Grey' I consider getting changed into another dress but decide against it. I will just put a jacket over it.
Taylor opens the door to Christian's apartment for me. It is terribly spacious and perfectly decorated, rather reminiscent of Escala, though, not as grandiose. A little voice in my mind wonders if there is a playroom in here, but I suspect it is unlikely. Christian has always used this apartment for business and never brought any of his submissive to New York.
Christian waltzes over to me, quickly. He is dressed in a dark suit and a linen shirt. But doesn't have a tie on, so the first few buttons of his shirt are undone. There certainly should be a law against looking as good as he does.
"May I take your jacket?" Christian offers. I nod as he stands behind me and gently pulls it off me. I stand still, self-conscious knowing that the tightness of my dress leaves little of my body shape to the imagination.
"Wow, that dress is amazing on you." Christian says running the tip of his long index finger over his top lip. I feel even more self-conscious as I try to cover myself with my arms.
"Don't Anastasia! I have always told you that it is a joy to look at you and it is even more true to this day. Come and have a glass of wine with me." Christian's voice is so seductive. It takes a lot of effort not to melt right into his arms.
The main room is breathtaking with panoramic glass walls. You can see all the lights of Manhattan from here. Christian passes me a generously filled wine glass. It tastes sensational.
"I just got a text message from O'Connor. Ted has arrived safely at his friend's house. He will stand outside for a little while and then pick him up tomorrow. I owe you a debt of gratitude for doing such a fabulous job with our son. I should have been there for you. I know I will never forgive myself for my negligence" Christian says sorrowfully.
"Christian, it was you that said that we need to forget the past and move on." I remind him.
"Stay here. I will be right back" He whispers into my ear. I watch him walk away. Shamefully I steal a glance at Christian's backside as he walks further into the apartment. "I know you are looking at me Anastasia" Christian calls out. I quickly turn away facing the skyline of New York blushing, so badly that I can feel the pinkness of my cheeks. I hold the cold glass of white wine to my face to cool me down, but when that fails, I quickly drink the contents of my glass. I know that this is just going to make it worse, but I need to calm myself and give me some level of confidence. I sit down on the black leather couch, once the effect of the alcohol hits me.
"You finished your wine already?" Christian asks as he sits down with me.
"Yes, I was thirsty" I tell him sheepishly. Christian raises his eyebrows at me.
"If you say so. Here, I have this for you. It is my way of saying thank you for everything you have done raising our child." Christian passes me a box with the Cartier logo on it.
"Thank you and you are welcome, but I thought we decided we weren't going to dwell on the past anymore. So this isn't necessary" I point out again, frustrated.
"Point taken, but I still want you to have this. I demand that you accept and wear it. This is very little in comparison to what you have given me" Christian says, refilling my glass. I open the box, and I instantly love it.
"Thank you, it is beautiful," I tell Christian appreciatively. It is a thin and intricate platinum necklace with five perfect diamonds in a drop pattern.
"I am glad you like it. I had them design and create it specifically for you. I was actually worried that it wouldn't be ready in time." Christian tells me.
"Oh. Why?" I enquire.
"I wanted very specific diamonds." Christian states casually.
"What do you mean by 'specific' diamonds?" I investigate, making Christian rather annoyed.
"Specific in that I wanted perfect 3 carat diamonds. Have you finished your line of questioning now, so I can put this on you?" Christian runs his hand through his hair frustrated.
"Yes I am finished, but if these five diamonds are 3 carats each then this necklace would cost in excess of three hundred thousand dollars" I say shocked. Christian has cocked his head to the side. He raises his eyebrow at me. I know this look.
"You never did anything small did you?" I mock him lightly.
"You don't deserve small Anastasia." He whispers into my ear, and he latches the necklace around my neck. "Are you hungry?"
"Starving actually. I haven't eaten all day." I inform him. Christian looks annoyed at my admission.
"Then it is more than time to eat"
Dinner is delicious as is desert. Christian organised a restaurant to deliver. I am surprised by how easy we have managed to talk. I don't think we even spoke this much before I got pregnant.
Christian POV:
After dinner, we both retreat to the couch where you can see the city. I know that this is the first time in years that I have seen Ana's eyes sparkle.
"Do you want some more wine?" I offer.
"No, I better not or I may recreate the first night that I spent with you in the Heathman Hotel" Ana says giggling. I soak in every part of that wonderful sound.
"Then I better take that half glass of wine away from you now. I still like my women sentient." I tell Ana. I long to feel her against me again, but it would be amazing just to lie next to her again and watch her sleep. The mood around us becomes intense. I feel the same old electric charge around Ana and me. I have never felt this with anyone else. This is why no one will ever come close to her.
Ana looks at me occasionally and nervously, just like she did so many years ago. I run my knuckles across her jaw, ensuring she would have to look at me. I lean over and kiss her. I possess her mouth, letting her know just how much I want her and how much I have missed her. I feel my body react. My pants are going to get rather tight, rather quickly at this rate, especially as she is kissing me back.
*Cough* I hear Taylor from the doorway. What the fuck does he want? I choose to ignore him. I don't want to separate from Ana. *Cough* Taylor coughs even more loudly, that Ana moves away from me. For Fucks sake! This better be extremely important!
"I will be back. Don't move" I tell Ana softly, stealing a kiss before I walk out. She is blushing like a teenager, having been caught making out with her boyfriend on the couch. I storm out angrily of the main room and into the kitchen with Taylor.
"This better be FUCKING monumental!" I yell at Taylor.
"It's Ted." Taylor tells me.
"What's happened? He is at his friend's apartment." I tell him.
"No. No, he isn't…" Taylor tells me. He passes me my cell phone and on the other end is Ted.
"Ted, what has happened?" I ask. I listen to Ted and groan… How am I going to get out of this apartment without Ana getting suspicious and after we promised each other no more lies?
I LOVED WRITING THIS CLIFFHANGER! PLEASE REVIEW.