Authors Note: Thank you for everyone's reviews. I really loved them all. I hope you enjoy this chapter and keep reviewing. I am sorry that I can't update more than twice a week, but work is frightfully busy due to my promotion. Thank you to Crystal9034 for editing and to Susan for her visuals.
A Grey Response
Christian's POV:
Seven long hours and I finally exit the boardroom of Grey House. If thousands of jobs hadn't been on the line, then I would have never left Ana today. Just thinking about her earlier emails to me were enough to keep me going. I check my watch, and it is after 3pm. Ros follows me into my office. I want to be updated on a few projects. I have set myself up pretty well in New York professionally, and I have stepped back on my work load to spend time with Ana and Ted. Though according to Elliot, instead of me working 24/7, I am only working 18/7 now.
"Andrea, two coffees please." I tell my personal assistant as I remove my jacket and tie. Dutifully she follows my instructions. Inside my office, Ros leans back on the couch. She is equally relieved that the meeting is over, and the purchase of our new shipping yards has been saved. I take my cell phone out, and text Ana, as I look at the portraits of her in my office.
*Meeting finally over. Missing you. I intend to make up for lost time today tonight and on the flight to New York tomorrow morning. Where are you? I know where I would like you to be.*
I stare at my phone for a few minutes, expecting and hoping for a quick response text or a call, but nothing. Is Ana still shopping? I would doubt it, but then again is with Kate, who could represent America in a shopping Olympics.
"Ros, Mr. Grey. Here are your coffees" Andrea enters distracting my thoughts. I throw my phone down on my desk and sit on the couch, facing Ros. I start to drink my coffee, which helps to refresh me.
"I want to move ahead on the acquisition, of Jake manufacturing. If we wait, then they are going to hold out for a higher price that I am not willing to accept." I tell Ros
"I will get on to it, but the CEO, has made it clear that he isn't budging until we double our asking price. Which we can't accept. I have analyzed the company's short and long term profit margins, and such a price is not warranted." Ros informs.
"Agreed. Let's see if we can acquire more shares in the company maybe that will make them agree to our offer. I am headed back to New York tomorrow, and I doubt that I will get back to Seattle much over the next few months. Ted doesn't graduate for another four months. But I want to be kept fully up to date on this deal." I update Ros. She smiles when I mention Ted. She was the only person, at Grey Enterprise, who knew about Ted, and that was accidental.
"Has Ted decided which college to attend?" Ros enquires.
"Yes he has actually." I tell her proudly. "He is….."Taylor enters my office abruptly, ceasing my speech. Distress is etched on his face.
"Taylor?" I stand as if by automation.
"Mrs. Grey has been taken to NorthWestern Hospital" He informs me. Panic hits me. I can't talk. I take my cell phone off my desk and follow Taylor. "Ryan is getting the car. He will meet us at the front of the building." Taylor informs me. I press the elevator button, getting mad that the doors don't open immediately.
"What happened to Ana? Which part of the hospital is she in?" I ask to regain my ability to talk. T
"Security has reported that both Mrs. Grey & your sister-in-law were at Escala at the time. They were both in the bedroom, when Ana passed out. They couldn't get her to gain consciousness and called an ambulance." Taylor stops talking as the elevator doors open. We enter and furiously I press the door close button and press Ground.
"Mrs. Grey is in the Emergency department with your sister-in-law right now. She has regained consciousness and is waiting to see a doctor" Taylor's voice is full of concern as he tells me that Ana is still waiting. Fuck! Can't the hospital get their shit together? And my mother is in New York. I can't call her and get her to go see Ana. I desperately need to get to her.
Taylor and I race the Audi. Ryan gets out of the car and allows Taylor to drive. Taylor will be able to get me quicker to the hospital. I keep trying to get a hold of Ana or Kate, but neither of them answers their phone. I become more and more anxious. We hit the afternoon traffic, and roadwork's, meaning we come to a standstill, with little chance of moving soon. We haven't moved for five minutes, and we are only one mile from the hospital.
"Meet me at NorthWestern," I tell Taylor. I get out of the car and start to make my way swiftly on foot. I desperately need to get Ana. My emotions are out of control. I desperately need to gain control. How come the second Ana leaves my side, some crazy shit happens? I am wondering if it would be possible to move Grey Publishing operations to Grey house this summer. This way I can keep a closer eye on Ana.
As I reach the doors of the hospital, I hear my name being yelled out.
"CHRISTIAN. WAIT!" A strained voice calls out. I turn around and see Elliot running towards me. Shit it must be bad if Kate has called him.
"Elliot, I need to get to Ana" I tell him not wanting to wait. He manages to catch up, but stands behind me. I push my way to the desk, where a young nurse looks up at me displeased. Though it only takes one look and I am able to intimidate her.
"My wife, Mrs. Anastasia Grey was brought in here by ambulance. I want to see her. NOW!" I tell her. My voice is demanding.
"Yes Mr. Grey… you... uumm... I will have you taken in as soon as possible" She stumbles over her words.
"As soon as possible? Excuse me" I hiss repulsed.
"Christian" Elliot puts his hand on my shoulder. "Let's just stand back. You will get in there quickly" Elliot's attempts to calm me fail.
"Christian, calm down, or they will throw you out of here, and you won't get to see Ana" My brother reasons. I step back and wait impatiently.
"Did Kate call you?" I ask. If I have to stand out here, then I am going to try and find out what ever information I can
"Yes. She called me after Security contacted you. She wanted me to meet you. She figured that you wouldn't keep your and likely cause a scene or punch someone out if you couldn't get into the hospital immediately. Seems that my wife knows you rather well" Elliot hides his smirk. At least he knows that right now isn't the best time.
"What did she tell you? What were they doing exactly when Ana passed out?" I probe.
"They were at Escala. Ana was standing up, got pale and then blacked out. Kate didn't tell me anything else." Elliott tells me truthfully.
I run my hands through my hair and pace a little frustrated. I need to get Ana. I need to make sure she is okay. I need to be with her.
"Did anything develop with your suspicions? The pregnancy?" Elliot voiced my concern. I need to get to Ana in case she is pregnant. I cannot predict her reaction, and I cannot bear the notion of her running off again.
"No. She hasn't had any symptoms that I have seen" Elliot, and I look at each other worried.
"Mr. Grey?" A nurse finally calls me.
"Yes. My wife, where is she?" I demand to know.
"Right this way" She motions to the door.
"About bloody time" I spit. I move quickly. Elliot follows. I am escorted down a corridor to the Emergency department. I see security and nod, before pulling the curtain to the side to gain access to Ana hospital bed. She is lying on the bed with Kate next to her. My poor Ana is pale and exceptionally quiet. I want to comfort her and hold her close.
"Ana," I whisper her name and go over to her free side. I take her hand and softly kiss her lips.
"How are you feeling?" I ask softy. I am desperately trying to keep the worry off my face and voice.
"My head hurts, but I am fine." She tells me.
"Your head hurts? Have they given you anything? Has a doctor even come to see you?" I ask annoyed. I am ready to go out and pounce on the next doctor that walks past.
"Christian, please" Ana implores me. The strained look on her face placates me. I sit close to her. I don't want to cause further stress.
"The doctor has come already, and they had determined that even though Ana knocked her head when she passed out, she doesn't have a concussion. They just want her to stay here under observation for a few hours. The nurse is supposed to come soon with some painkillers" Kate informs us. I brush the hair away from Ana's beautiful face.
"Thank you Kate. Thank you for being here with Ana" I tell her. I am honestly indebted to her. She has made sure Ana was well.
"Of course I would be here with her. She is my best friend" Kate points out. Elliot moves behind her and puts his hands on his wife. He gives me a 'she has got you there' look. It is at times like this that I would usually take my niece out and lavish her with clothes or a new IPad. That usually got the smirk off Kate's face. Though right now, I am just glad that Kate was with Ana.
"Are you thirsty or hungry? Can I get you anything?" I ask to refocus on Ana.
"No. I just want to get out of here and go home." I know Ana is talking about going back to New York. We are scheduled to leave tomorrow, but I will delay our flight if it means putting Ana at risk. I can have my parents stay longer in New York or even have Ted flown over here. Hell he can do his school at home schooling program if need be.
"We have to see. It will depend on what the doctor says"
"Christian, please, I want to get back to Ted. Your parents also…" Ana starts to explain.
"My parents can stay this weekend also. Neither of them needs to be back in Seattle until Monday." I rebut, cutting her off. Ana sighs, and finally relents.
I look at Elliot, trying to tell him that he should leave and take Kate with him. He nods. "Kate I think we should be going. Ana needs some rest, and we have plans this evening"
"No way. I am not leaving Ana" Kate scolds. I tighten my lips and give her a scornful look. But she fails to look at me. I glare at Elliot
"We have to go Kate. Ava is waiting at home, and you don't like her being home alone." Elliot states and before Kate can protest Ana speaks.
"Don't worry about me Kate, I am fine. Go home or else Ava will be home alone, and you hate that. I will talk to you before I fly back to New York" Kate relents. Before she walks out, she says goodbye to Ana and gets quite close to her. I can't hear what they are saying to each other. For a second, I honestly wish I could read lips.
Ana's POV:
Christian has been trying to get rid of Kate and Elliot, and whilst I know his brother gets the message Kate is trying to her earnest to avoid leaving. It isn't until I convince her that I am fine, and I will speak to her before we fly out. She leans closely to me to make it look like she is just kissing me goodbye.
"Ana talk to Christian. Tell him the truth" Kate pleads.
"I don't know how he will react" I tell her.
"You never will know unless you tell him!" She says. I sigh deeply inside. I know she is right.
Finally alone, Christian moves to my other side so he can get closer to me. He holds my hand and kisses my knuckles. He is starts to play with me wedding ring finger. He gives me his award winning smile when he looks my ring.
"Did your meeting go well? Did everything get organized?" I ask, hoping to avoid the pressing subject at hand.
"Yes, but I don't want to talk about that. I want to talk about you. What made you collapse?" Christian probes. I am not going to be able to get around this.
"To be honest I am not 100% sure." At least this is the truth. Maybe it was the fact that I am pregnant or maybe I am just over-tired.
"Well what were you doing beforehand?" Christian isn't going to let up.
"We were at Escala." Christian purses his lips a little at the minimalistic information being offered out by me.
"And….?" Christian cocks his head to the side.
"And what?" I ask.
"What were you both doing at Escala? Damn it Anastasia stop being mysterious! Tell me now." Christian is clearly agitated. I practically shrivel up at Christian's manner. He drops his shoulders down knowing he has overstepped the mark. "Ana I am sorry. I am just worried about you. When I got the news that you had collapsed, my world crashed. I just want to keep you safe. I love you too much to lose you ever again" He lean over and kisses my forehead. I smile at Christian causing him to break out into a large smile.
"Christian, we need to talk" I inform him. I am trying to be calm, but there is definite tone of anxiety in my voice. Christian runs his hand through his hair, and I know he is rattled.
"We can talk about anything. What is it?" Christian asks softly. Well it is now or never.
"So, I had been feeling a little off lately, and then today when I was with Kate, I kept needing to go to the bathroom and then certain smells really started to get to me. I then started to wonder, or at least Kate did. She then made me go to the drug store…" I stopped to gauge Christian's response. The last time he found out I was pregnant was terrible. Christian is sitting there absorbing everything. He is unreadable.
"And at the drug store…" Christian adds to keep me talking. I gulp. I never thought I would ever say this, again.
"Kate purchased me a pregnancy test. We went to Escala as it was close and I did it, and it came up positive" I blurt out, quickly. I stop and wait for Christian response. I think my heart is about to stop beating.
"Positive," Christian says as if testing out the word.
"I know you are shocked, and I told you I was on the pill. Which I am, but I think I got pregnant beforehand, in New York. I haven't seen a doctor yet, so I am not entirely sure." I try to explain. I take a deep breath and keep talking. "I don't know what to do. I never even thought I would be pregnant again, and I am almost forty now. I am not twenty-two anymore. You have never wanted children, really, and we have only just got ourselves sorted and now we have this baby and..." I am rambling like I never have before.
"Ana, stop" Christian is authoritarian. I stop talking suddenly with my mouth still open. Christian places his index finger and thumb on my chin and closes my mouth. He then places his hand over my stomach and softly touches it.
"You're not mad?" I don't know how to react.
"Oh Ana, no. Mad is the last thing that I would be right now." Christians tells me softly. I am confused by his reaction. I don't know what to say.
"I have a little confession to make. I had my suspicions that you were pregnant. Even told Elliot on the Yacht, when we went out this week" Christian tells me.
"What?" Christian shrugs innocently. He is yet to take his hand off my stomach.
"So you want this child?" I ask to seek further clarification.
"Oh yes." Christian says with a large smile and even a laugh. He has got his cell phone out and seems to be texting. Oh I hope he isn't telling anyone. It is way too early.
"Ana I have wanted to have another child with you for a little while. I just never have the courage to ask you, or even talk about it with you." I am taken back by Christian's confession. I never even thought I would have another child. I don't even know how I feel about the baby. I have only known I was pregnant for less than two hours, but I have been worried about Christian's reaction that I haven't had a chance to think about it.
"Mrs. Grey" The doctor has returned. Christian looks at him seriously. I know he is about to throw a thousand questions at him. "How are you feeling?"
"I am fine. Can I go home?" I ask him. I honestly just want to leave.
"Yes. You don't have a concussion and all your vitals come out normal. I do suggest you see an obstetrician soon, but I am very sure you will be fine" The doctor states filling out his remaining forms.
"Thank you" I tell him, slowly sitting up. Christian is hovering over me and even helping me to my feet.
"Christian I can walk" I tell him.
"I know. I just don't want you hurting yourself again. So lean on me, now!" Over-bearing Christian is back. Hand in hand we walk out of the emergency department. My life has been turned upside down once more. All because of the man who is holding on to my hand for dear life. Christian's ever active blackberry peeps again. Upon checking the message, instead of leading me to the doors he turns and we head towards the elevator.
"Why aren't we leaving?" I ask frowning. Christian grins a little at me as we enter the elevator.
"I don't want you or our unborn child to leave here without knowing that you are both well. I need to make sure that you are healthy to fly tomorrow. I refuse to take any chances." Christian says sternly.
Before I realize it, we are outside Dr. Greene's office. Mr. Control Freak. This was what those two recent messages he received was about. I bet Taylor organized it for him. We are almost immediately escorted into the office, where Dr. Greene is waiting for us. She has obviously aged, but her sense of humor is still very much present. After answering another series of questions, I find myself lying down to have an ultrasound. A small but clear picture of our baby is displayed on the monitor.
"There it is. I would predict you are about three weeks." She says smiling. The little image of our baby makes me realized just how much I actually do want this precious growing baby inside of me.
"Mr. and Mrs. Grey, everything looks healthy. I do recommend making extra appointments due to your age, but as long as you look after yourself and take precautions, you should have an exceptionally normal pregnancy" Dr. Greene informs us.
"We are scheduled to go back to New York tomorrow for a few months though" I tell her.
"That is fine. I will refer you to a reputable doctor there. Do not worry" Christian diligently takes notes as Dr. Greene gives us the name of a New York based obstetrician. I eagerly take his arm as we finally leave the hospital. I am feeling a little light headed. So much has happened today. But so much happens every day when I am with Christian. It is all part of the package.
Ted's POV:
"Taylor has just called me. Mr. and Mrs. Grey has arrived. They are downstairs." Sawyer informs me. I nod and look at my cards. Grandpa and I have been playing cards for an hour now since I got home from school. I am usually pretty adept at this game, but I can't read my grandfather. According to my grandmother he has the same look on his face as he gets in court. We have put our final bets on the table.
"Okay Ted, what do you have?" My grandfather challenges.
"Three 10's" I smile. I finally got him. He scrunches his lips and shakes his head. Finally, I have won one.
"Sorry Ted. Royal flush" he says, exposing his cards. The smile from my face is wiped away.
"Damn. How did you do it? Surely after an hour, I should have won at least one hand, even if by chance." I run my hand through my hair, which makes my grandmother laugh a little.
"Experience and years of developing a poker face in court" My grandma informs me. She has momentarily put her book down and stands behind my grandfather. She wraps her hands around his neck.
"Maybe I should reconsider my major at college. Law may not be my thing" I shake my head at myself.
"I surely hope not. I was rather hoping you would work at my law firm in Seattle after you graduate." My grandfather proposes. I can't help but smile at the offer. I had thought about going to Seattle after college, but this offer genuinely peaks my interest.
A door opens, and I get up to greet to greet my parents. I have actually missed them, though I have enjoyed the time with my grandparents. My parents are both at the door. Looking rather happy actually.
"Hi Mom and Dad. Welcome back" I tell them as I hug my mother, then my father.
"We have a surprise for you actually" My father tells me. He and my mother smile but don't say anything else.
"Okay, what is it?" I ask, looking at my dad and then my mother. My father then points to the door. The door? Slowly I open it and there she is. Ava.
"Miss me Teddy bear?" She says. She is the only one I tolerate calling me that these days.
"Sure did. Ava Maria" I throw back the nickname I made up for her when we were young. "I didn't know you were coming"
"Neither did me, until last night." She responds. I escort her inside the apartment where she is greeted by our grandparents. They too are surprised to see her.
"Ava sweetheart, it so good to see you, though we are rather astonished." Our grandmother responds.
"I asked my parents if I could come for the weekend, with my uncle and aunt and then I could fly back with my grandparents. So they agreed. Also, when Ted was in Seattle, he told me he would take me out in New York one day. So here I am Ted and ready to go out." She smiles at me. I know she is still interested in me, but it would undoubtedly upset our parents if we got together. Also, to be honest, I don't have much luck when it comes to girls. After a couple of dates with Abigail, our relationship has come to a quick end.
"Any time. Just say the word and we can go out." I tell her.
"With Security" my father adds with a real authoritarian tone to his voice.
"You know this was excellent timing actually. My parents are away this weekend, and I was going to have to stay with my Uncle Ethan which I certainly didn't want to do. Also this way, according to my mother, I could keep an eye on Aunt Ana and make sure she doesn't pass out again." Ava states smiling but then covers her mouth. A look of shock is all over her face. I see from the corner of my eye my mother tenses up and my father's eyes have narrowed.
"Mom, you passed out?" I ask worried.
"Yes, But it is nothing..." My mother starts to reassure me.
"Do you want me to have a look at you?" My grandmother offers.
"No, Grace I have seen a doctor, everything is being taken care of. Please do not worry about it at all." My mother tries to put everyone at rest, though it isn't working.
"Then why did you pass out?" I ask curiously. Both my parents look at each other. Whilst they don't say any words, it seems as if they are saying a thousand words.
"Mom, Dad and Ava, would you excuse us? We need to talk to our son in private. Ted lets go and talk in my study/" I follow my parents. I am instantly worried. Why won't they say what is wrong in front of my grandparents?" Does Ava already know what is wrong?
All three of us sit on the couch in the study. It is shaped in a U, so we have to face each other.
"Okay, now that it is just us, will one of you tell me what is going wrong? Are you sick Mom?" I ask genuinely concerned.
"No, I promise you. I am not sick." Mom stresses.
"But something is up, isn't it" I ask.
"Yes there is" My father adds. He looks at my mother and gives her quick nod.
"Ted, honey, I did pass out in Seattle, and I went to the hospital, but I am not unwell. In fact, it I am more than satisfactory. I am pregnant. " The words hit me like a freight train. I even wonder if I heard my mother right.
"What?" I ask to seek clarification. Mom slumps her shoulder down.
"Your mother is pregnant. We are expecting another child, and you are getting a sibling." My father explains.
"Is this some type of twisted joke?" I ask.
"Of course it isn't. I am only a few weeks pregnant. I am due in November. This isn't bad news" My mother further explains. We all sit there silently. I try to process what I just heard, and my parents wait for my reaction. I don't know how long we are sitting there until my mother speaks.
"Ted, who do you feel about this?" My mother hazards to question. I stand up in reaction.
"How do I feel?" I ask, put off by these very words. "How did you think I would feel?"
Authors note: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review... :-)