Progression
Teds POV
"Are you okay?" My parents both ask.
"Yes I am fine. I just needed some time alone with you both. It is a zoo out there" I refer to the entire family who arrived a couple of days ago. Though, I love having them all here. Months ago it was just mom and me, now I can't turn around without seeing a family member next to me.
"Are you ready to graduate?" My father asks proudly. Mom looks emotional as she fails to fight back tears. I swear that she cries at the drop of a hat these days. Dad and I have had to be extra careful not to say or do anything that may upset her. But anything sets her off these days. She can't even watch commercials without bursting into tears.
"Mom, don't cry" I wrap my arms around her and hug her, but she starts to cry even more. Dad rubs her back, which seems to make my mother calmer.
"Yeah, I am ready to graduate, though it will be strange to never wear this school blazer and tie again." What a bizarre feeling, to be sentimental about a piece of clothing. Maybe it is because I have worn variations of this uniform ever since I was five and moved to New York with my mother, or maybe it is because I am a little shaken that my life is changing entirely. Not only am I moving for college, but my family home is relocating to Seattle rather than being here in New York. Everything will essentially be new.
"I will have your uniform cleaned once we are in Seattle. We can have it boxed or even framed if you want." Mom says. Framed?
"Mom it is just a uniform. Don't get nostalgic." I say exasperated. I realize then I have hurt my mother as she turns around and buries her face into my dad's chest. I roll my eyes, and Dad gives me a disapproving look. I throw up my arms. How much longer will these pregnancy hormones last? Maybe I should delay giving them this envelope that is concealed in the inside pocket of my blazer. But I have had it for six weeks already, and if not then they would find out about it at today's graduation anyway.
"Mom, I am sorry. I should be more sensitive. It would be lovely for you to box up my uniform. Thank you." I sit still and wait for my mother to recompose herself. Maybe it wasn't such a terrific idea for the whole Grey family to come to over for this day. It will just serve to make her more emotional.
"So I have to confess that I spoke to grandpa when he was in New York last time, and he helped me organize and submit these forms to the appropriate authorities. You both should be aware and read them." I pass them to my parents making sure I don't give anything away. My dad makes sure to take the documents from me before my mom gets a chance. All part of the protect Anastasia Grey's pregnancy induced feelings plan.
"Just so you know, only grandpa and I know about this" I add. Dad scans the documents and then passes them to my mother. Dad is stunned, and my mother is again getting emotional.
"Are you sure?" My father asks.
"Absolutely, I have submitted these forms, and it's all done. It wasn't hard at all." Both my parents hug me. Actually they sandwich me a little. Oh what I would have done for them to do this when I was younger.
"Do you want to tell everyone or wait?" My father asks.
"Let's wait." I certainly don't want everyone reacting now. I know they will be happy, but there is time for that later. Personally I would rather they find out in an arena where they couldn't all bombard me. Let it soak in first.
Ana's POV
Christian and I find our seats in the large auditorium. I refused to allow Christian to pull some strings and have us allocated specific seats. I am much happier to arrive early and get seats together. I know that he already convinced or donated money to be given eight tickets. I look at the beautifully decorated auditorium and get emotional. Soon my son will enter, graduate and then in a couple short summer months will be gone.
"Here Steele, wipe your tears. Ted hasn't even come out yet!" Kate says passing me a tissue.
"I can't help it! This is just too much!" I comment. Christian puts his arm around my shoulder and tugs me close.
"Hey, it's okay baby." Christian tells me and kisses me on the side of my forehead.
"I can't wait to see you with this baby, little brother. You do know that you are going to be around sixty-three when he or she graduates from high school. Oh I do hope it is a girl, you are going to go bald trying to keep every guy off her." Elliot jokes. Christian eyes him off but then smirks.
"Ava sweetie, how is that new guy you are seeing?" Christian asks our niece who is sitting next to Mia.
"Oh he is fantastic and so unbelievable. He just bought a motorcycle so he can drive over whenever he wants." She gushes and then continues to tell Mia about him. Elliot groans miserably, not only because Christian got one up on him but also at the thought of this guy Ava is quite taken with. Even Christian looks displeased now.
"I will help you get rid of him if need be." Christian tells Elliot.
"I will hold you to it." Elliot states.
"Have you found out the sex of the baby? You are almost 20 weeks. You should be able to find out now during your next ultrasound." Kate mentions. Christian and I look at each other. We have been so busy preparing to move, and spending time as a family that we haven't even spoken about whether or not we wanted to know about the gender.
"Do you want to know?" I ask Christian.
"Yes and no. I don't know. We have an appointment with Dr. Greene when we get back to Seattle. We have some time to think about it. Do you want to know?" Christian asks. I shrug, unsure.
Music starts to play and the graduating class walks in. Ted looks at us and smiles. We return his smile with an even larger smile. We both sit hand in hand as we listen to the address and then watch the students collect their high school diplomas. Occasionally Christian kisses me and whispers into my ear to keep me comforted, but it is no use as I see Ted stand at the side of the stage and his name is called.
"Theodore Raymond Grey" The school principal calls out. There is something about hearing it out loud and in public that makes it seem so real. I am actually glad that he didn't change his name to Steele-Grey. The whole Grey clan starts to cry a little, and it's my downfall. The combination of these damn pregnancy hormones, the change in Ted's last name and the whole ceremony means that I am quietly sobbing now. Christian grips me tighter and whispers into my ear.
"Don't cry. He is a phenomenal young man. You have been an incredible mother to him and will be to our second child" Christians voice is so comforting.
Carrick taps Christians on his shoulder and tells him something quietly. Christian nods and looks rather pleased.
"What is it?" I enquire.
"My father just told me that, Ted asked to have his name changed to Grey, rather than hyphenating it as he wanted to ensure that his sibling and he had the same last name. So we four would be a proper family." Christian puts his hand on my stomach, and I place my hand on his.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, we congregate at the open area. Eventually, Ted comes over to meet us. Jose has even made the trip from Southern California, to organize a show and to congratulate Ted. Christian and Jose still regard each other coolly, and I suspect I was rather ignorant to think that would ever change years ago. Though, he is delighted that he is here to take numerous of photos.
Christian has organized for a private dining room for us all at an exclusive restaurant here in New York. The mood is extremely joyful, and it is marvelous that Christian was able to organize everyone to congregate for Ted. This is just one of the many gestures Christian has been doing for Ted to give him back some of what he lost.
"Is it time for gifts?" Elliot asks. Gifts? This is new to me. Christian and I have a gift for Ted, but it is back in Seattle. Elliot passes an envelope to Ted.
"Umm… thank you. I wasn't expecting this" Ted says shyly.
"That is from me, Aunt Kate, Aunt Mia and Ava." Elliot adds. Ted opens it to find a lanyard and a sealed card. Ted looks at it and smiles.
"Are you serious?" Ted comments
"Sure are." Mia says proudly.
"What is it?" Grace asks.
"It is a season premium membership to the New England Patriots. But how did you get these? These haven't been available for decades!" Ted is shocked.
"Well Ted, it isn't just your father that has connections in the world. Those tickets are so scarce that not even your father would be able to get hold of those even if he wanted to." Elliot gloats at Christian. Will they ever grow up?
"Ted, this is from us" Grace passes a box to Ted. Inside is an Omega watch with an inscription. 'The greatest gifts of all are worth waiting for. Grandma and Grandpa'
"Thank you it is beautiful" Ted pulls it out of the box and puts it on his wrist.
"Ted, your mother and I have something for you, but it is in Seattle so you will have to wait," Christian says. Though, Elliot frowns.
"It's okay. I am just happy to have had everyone here. Thank you everyone" Ted is gracious and polite.
"Come on bro, you're not going to tell your own son? You are going to make him wait?" Elliot is annoyed. Christian and I give him the most horrid look. This was one thing we actually wanted to keep does Elliot even know? Christian and I promised each other not to tell anyone. I wouldn't tell Kate, and he wouldn't tell Elliot.
"What are you talking about Lelliot?" Christian's controlled manner is broken by a small laughter from himself and Mia after using his childhood nickname. Elliot mouths something to Christian which apparently they both understand.
"Oh that." Christian suddenly realizes what he means.
"What is it?" I probe.
"After Ted, dad and I went on the college trip and spent those days together, I decided that maybe every summer we should do a boy's trip each year. So dad and Ted, if you are both willing, I will organize it for the first week in July" Christian offers. Ted looks excited at the prospect and then smiles at me. Christian had mentioned something about this, but I didn't realize that he had spoken to his brother or even considered a date.
"Yeah I am in." Ted says.
"It will take some re-organizing at work, but I will be there. Someone is going to have to keep you and Elliot out of trouble. Ted, if you only knew the things your dad and uncle did growing up!" Carrick grins at his sons as Grace stifles her laugh.
"So where are you all going?" Mia pipes up curiously. She is asking what Kate and I both want to know.
"Now that would be telling. Only Taylor and I know. I intend to keep this secret" Christian states. Mia pouts and I realize that she hasn't changed much.
"Well your good at keeping secrets aren't you?" Mia says irate but looks horrified soon after her foot in mouth episode. "Oh I am sorry," She says covering her face with her hands. Thank fully for her, the awkward moment is short lived when the restaurant brings out a rich and beautifully decorated cake for Ted. We had it organized for his graduation.
Three hours later, Sawyer is taking Ava, Kate, Elliot, Grace and Carrick to the airport so they can make their scheduled flight on the GEH jet home. Mia left straight after dinner, part to escape Christian giving her a dressing down and to get on her flight back to Paris. She has promised to return to Seattle for the Coping together ball this year.
Christians POV:
"Well I am glad that graduation and everything is over." Ted says, flopping over the couch and focusing on his smart phone. Ana has head off to lie down as she is easily tired, these days… Another side effect of pregnancy.
"It was a great ceremony and lunch. I hope you enjoyed it"
"Dad it was fantastic thank you. And I can't wait for this trip. Where are going to?" Ted asks excited.
"The only thing I will tell you is that it is overseas. I will need your passport." Ted nods in agreement. I can't wait for the one week trip with the other male members of my family. I have asked Taylor to look at a couple of destinations and check for security issues whilst still being able to give Ted an adventure.
"Ted, I am so proud of you. I don't think I have ever been as proud of anyone as I have been of you today and recently. Your incredible young man and you have such a remarkable capacity to forgive, when given time. I am so proud of you" I state. Ted stands up and throws his arms around me, in which I respond by hugging him back.
"It's okay dad. I love you." Ted says
"Love you too Son."
"So do you and mom both have anything planned tonight?" Ted enquiries. I try not to smirk, but I do have plans for Ana if she is up to it.
"No. Is there anything you wish to do?" I question.
"Some of my friends are going out to a party to celebrate graduation."
"No. Go and enjoy yourself, but O'Connor will be going with you. And don't drink, you are below the legal age" Ted rolls his eyes. Which actually makes me want to laugh.
"I will take O'Connor, and I won't get drunk, but I won't lie to you, I may have a drink. But only one and don't wait up. I suspect I will be out to rather late. This is the last time we will all be together for who knows how long" Ted says racing off to join his friends. I know he is leaving quickly so I won't lecture him on drinking. I am so glad that O'Connor is trailing him. Even if Ted drinks then at least he won't be driving.
I open the door to our bedroom and see Ana lying on the bed, still fully clothed. I throw off my jacket and tie, allowing them to fall to the floor. I slip Ana's shoes off and start to massage her feet even though she is still wearing stockings.
"That feels sensational" Ana smiles. I slide my arm up her leg until I reach the top of her lace stockings. I peel them both down, and continue to massage.
"We are home alone Ted has gone to a graduation party. So Anastasia do you have any requests for our last night in New York?" I start to kiss my way up her leg, pushing her dress up, so it isn't in my way. I focus on her most sensitive spot at the apex of her thighs then trail kisses over her growing belly, chest and then her succulent lips.
"Unzip me" Ana turns to her side. I slowly undo the zip savoring each second as more of Ana's body is exposed. Ana kneels on the bed and I help her pull the dress over her head.
"Make love to me," Ana requests.
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure"
At 6am, I wake up. I feel refreshed and on cloud nine. I kiss Ana softly so not to wake her up. Throwing on a pair of sweat pants and grey t-shirt, I meet Taylor in the foyer to go downstairs to workout.
"Do you know what time my son and O'Connor returned?" I enquire.
"About an hour ago," Taylor says wearingly.
"What?" I ask to clarify. "He got home at 5am?"
"Yes. Apparently it was a rather long party. O'Connor assured me that Ted was safe" I nod and though I don't ask I hope he hasn't been drinking, or at least not to excess.
"The GEH jet will arrive at midday, and will be ready for us to fly out this evening. It will be good to go home finally" Taylor grins as he informs us of the plans. I nod, knowing that he misses Gail. I had offered to bring Gail over to New York; however she declined as her only sister has been sick.
It is midday before Ted wakes up, and he looks worn out. Ana and I look at each other both with humor and parental unhappiness. Though we are about to uproot him from the life he has known since he was five, so I am rather happy that he got to see his friends.
"Hard night?" I ask.
"Just long, it was rather enjoyable, I am going to miss everyone here," Ted says a little sadly. "Ted, we may be moving, but you can always come and visit. We will still have the apartments here." I agree with Ana's comments, though I do hope Ana would get rid of her apartment here. I prefer to know that she has put that part of her life behind her and can move forward with our future.
"Maybe, but all the guys and girls are going to be scattered somewhat until we all start college. Most are off to Asia or Europe some are doing summer internships etc. Besides I have plans to learn to fly, spend time at Grandpa's firm and hopefully dad if you allow, I would be interested is spending some time at Grey House" Ted requests. Immediately my interest is peaked.
"You are interested in Grey Enterprise?" My hopes are rising, and I can't help but show how interested I am.
"A little, the truth of the matter is the up until five months ago, that was a closed door to me. Since you have been in New York and we have casually chatted about the projects you're working on it, I can't deny that part of me is interested in it. Especially the legal side, so I figure I should take advantage of both opportunities if possible." Ted states.
"The door to Grey Enterprise is always open to you. I can assign you to the legal department there, or you can follow me on some projects. The corporation is large enough that you could have your choice of departments." I confirm.
Ana's POV
I place the last of my belonging into my backpack and grab my handbag. I check one more time that I haven't left anything behind. I pat my ever growing belly. "Okay blip 2, are you ready to leave?"
"I sure hope little blip is ready, I know I am rather eager to get my family back to where they belong." Christian comments leaving the bathroom. I can't help but giggle. Christian swiftly comes over and kisses me. Really kisses me.
"You don't know how long I have waited for this day." Christian whispers into my ear kissing me one more time and then drops and kisses my baby bump. "Are you ready? Ted is waiting for us"
"I think so. Maybe I should do one more check that I haven't forgotten anything I want." I start to move to check around the room, with full intent to go check the apartment.
"No, don't." Christian says gripping me tighter. I am enveloped in his warmth, passion and our combined electricity. I know he doesn't want me away from his side any longer than needed. The thing is I don't want to leave it either.
"What if I forget something?" I ask
"Then I will have it sent over, or I will just buy you a new one. Nothing is worth having you away from me right now." Christian tilts my head up and looks at me deeply. "You are so beautiful Anastasia. You were, are now and will always be my more."
I stand on my tippy toes so I can reach to kiss his lips. I allow him to possess me, to make the whole world go away. I long to enter the bubble that is Christian and me.
"You know if you are both going to persist to be so intimate all the time, then you are going to have to close the door. And, seriously you two, you are already pregnant." Ted says from the doorway, smirking. I now agree that maybe he has spent too much time talking to Elliot. Our son sounds just like him now.
"I think it is time we leave now," Christian says. Holding my hand tightly, we walk out of the apartment, drive to the airport and board the GEH jet. Ted spends the flight on his iPad, talking to Christian about the different opportunities open to him during the summer and going between the cockpits. I have raised the arm rest so I can lean on Christian for the entire flight. He has his right arm around me, keeping me close. I close my eyes and fall asleep.
"Wake up sleepy head" I hear Christian's smooth voice in my ear. I gradually open my eyes.
"Are we in Seattle already?" I ask.
"Yes. We just landed." I look around and notice that Ted, Taylor and the rest of our security personnel are disembarking, and it is just us on the plane.
"I plan on giving Taylor and Gail two weeks of paid leave, after tomorrow night. I have booked them into a resort for the week I think I owe it to them." Christian informs me. I love this side of Christian. He genuinely cares about everyone around him, even if he doesn't show it often.
"That's sounds wonderful, but do you think you will be able to manage so long without him?" Whilst it seems that I am mocking Christian, it is a serious question. Christian relies on Taylor as much as he does Ros.
"Only if you behave" Christian narrows his eyes but then offers up his boyish grin. Oh the things that this man does to me!
"That sounds almost as an incentive for me to misbehave" I shoot back.
"Oh Anastasia, you may be pregnant, but it doesn't mean that I cannot take certain matters in hand." Christian drops his suit case and wraps his arms around me.
"Maybe I should take the next two weeks off also and keep you in bed." Christian suggests.
"But I need to work too. Roach is finishing up soon, and I need to get a handle of everything at Grey Publishing." Christian is looking at me intently. I know that he would rather I didn't work now that I am pregnant, even though he hasn't mentioned it. Though, it is only a matter of time.
"Let's go. I am rather eager to give Ted his graduation gift"
Taylor opens the door of the house. Christian and I ordered new furniture whilst we were in New York and I am pleased to see that it has all arrived and been organized for us.
"Ted, before you go upstairs, your mother and I want to give your graduation gift." Christian says excited.
"My graduation gift?" Ted says surprised. "What is it?"
"Come, and we will show you," Christian says.
Authors Note: Sorry that this chapter is a little dry but it is necessary to get us to the next part of the story, though I did get it up within 26 hours of the past chapter. Thank you to Crystal and to those who review and read. I was starting to wonder if I should end this story. . . . do I end it in the next few chapters? Cheers.