Promising New Beginnings
Ted's POV:
"My graduation gift?" I comment. "What is it?"
"Come, and we will show you," My father instructs. I follow behind him and my mother until we reach a rather large garage.
"You will need this" My father passes me a small remote. I press the button and the garage door opens, and there it is.
"My car!" The classic corvette convertible car I had bought in New York and had confiscated after the strip joint incident. The thing is that it looks different. Last time I saw it, it was barely road worthy. Now it looks worthy of a display room.
"Yes, your car. I had it shipped here and organized for a reputable company to work on it, to make it road worthy and reliable. I had them repaint it in its original color, and the upholstery has been fixed. I am rather impressed with the results." My father adds.
"It's perfect. I love it. Thanks mom and dad" I softly touch the shiny exterior of the car. I desperately want to take it out for a drive. I wonder how it handles now.
"There is also one more gift." My mom states. She and dad are smiling at each other.
"What is it?" Mom points behind her and there is a sleek sports car.
"That is mine?" I ask flabbergasted
"Yes." My father says, finding humor in my reaction. "It is an Audi TTS coupe, and I hope you will enjoy it. Responsibly and safely."
"I am getting two cars for graduating?" I can't believe it. I am motionless.
"Yes. But you get to take your Audi to college, but the corvette stays here. You can drive it whenever you're home. It is far more practical for you to take the Audi." My father comments. I agree wholeheartedly. I do love my old car, but I suspect that it isn't as really an everyday car anymore. Also, there is something about this sports car that makes it irresistible. It isn't as flash as my fathers, but then I doubt my parents would want be in an Audi Spyder.
"Can I take one of them for a drive now?" I ask hopeful.
"Sure," Dad says.
"I will stay here and help Gail with dinner. How long do you think you will be?" I don't know how to answer my mother. I know the second that I sit in one of these cars I am likely to want to keep driving.
"We won't be longer than thirty minutes" My dad answers. We get into the Audi, and it has that magic new car smell.
"Okay Ted. Now this car is new, and you are going to have to get a feel for it. You need to be aware that it also has far more power than your previous car. I DO NOT want you to go over the speed limit, I want you to observe ALL road rules at ALL times and most of all use your common sense and be safe." I feel like I am getting a dressing down from a teacher.
"I understand" I put the key in the ignition and the car powers up. I mean it really powers up. Dad grips the handbrake and looks concerned.
"Maybe your mother and I should have gotten you a less powerful car." Dad mumbles.
"I will be safe, don't stress dad. Can I drive now?" I ask permission, hoping this will placate him somewhat.
"Yes," Dad is unconvinced.
"Thank you, but you're going to have to get your hand off the hand brake." Dad looks down, not having realized that he has a death grip on it. Slowly he lets go. I press gently on the gas and start to move the car out and down our private road, stopping when I get to the road to make sure no cars are coming.
I head west and follow the road as my confidence build I press on the accelerator and find that the car certainly takes off. Panic hits my father's face, and I know I have definitely pushed it.
"Ted, slow down! I do not want you first day living back in Seattle to be marred with a trip to the Emergency room." Dad is worried. I ease my foot off the gas, and start to drive casually. Dad still looks tense as I drive.
"Come on dad, surely I am not that awful of a driver" I comment.
"I know. I am just cautious of getting you home safely and in one piece" Dad isn't being entirely truthful. In fact come to think about it, I am yet to see him be in a car that isn't driven by himself or Taylor. I suspect it is all part of dad's control issues. I take extra care to drive within the speed limit, observe every rule, and then finally my father actually looks like he is relaxing after ten minutes.
I stop several minutes later mindful that we told my mother we would only be about thirty minutes. "We should head back."
"Agreed," says Dad.
"Have you test driven this car yet?" I question my father.
"No. It was delivered yesterday, and your mother and I chose it from the internet, after much detailed research. I will admit that I am concerned of the power level of the car. You will promise not to go overboard while driving it." Concern is etched all over my father's face, and I know that there is just one thing I can do.
"What are you doing?" Dad asks confused at my actions.
"I am pulling over. Dad you are worried about this car, so the best thing you can do right now is to try it out and see if handles well enough" I take the keys out of the ignition and pass them to my father. We both swap sides, and I relax into the passenger seat.
"You do realize that you are smiling like a school boy." I mock my father.
"I just like trying out different cars." My father replies. We pull back out into the traffic, and Dad starts to put pressure on the gas. He ends up driving faster than, I ever had at first but slows down swiftly. We arrive back at Sound just a couple of minutes late.
"Hmmm... Nice car" My dad comments and then looks at me cautiously as he passes back the keys.
"Dad, I promise to use it responsibly. If I don't, then you can take the car away" I offer as a compromise.
"Deal! Now let's go before your mother's pregnancy hormones get to her and make her upset that we are a bit late" Dad says running his hand through his hair.
"Mom is getting a little intense. How are you going to cope when I leave for college, and she gets even more emotional" I state concerned for my father.
"I will just hold and love her more and maybe her hormones will have settled down. I will be here for her. I just hope she is better because it isn't just your mom who is going to be emotional when you leave. I will also. I am going to miss you a lot Ted."
"Thanks Dad. I am glad you and mom are back together."
Christians POV
After dinner and doing a quick check of my emails, I head to my bedroom. Ana is already there, and slipping on a satin maternity gown that I bought for her before we left New York. From the back of the nightgown, you could make out her small frame and her new developing curves, though I much prefer to see her from the front, evidence that I have been there and the promise of so much more to come.
From the second I saw Ana, I had always been undeniably attracted to her. It wasn't just one aspect that I loved about her, she was the whole package. There wasn't one aspect of her that I didn't worship. With the exception of Ana's emotions being worked up and fragile, she was having a smooth pregnancy, with a few side effects. However I want to have her checked out by Dr. Greene as quickly as possible, just to make sure. Her raging hormones has also meant that her appetite had grown during meals and for other things. Both of which I am more than willing to satisfy.
"Are you enjoying the show?" Ana smiles playfully.
"It is one of my favorites, but I would rather it wasn't a one woman show" I move towards Ana and wrap her in my arms. We are face to face. Electricity engulfs us. It was hard not to smile like a school boy at Ana as she stares longingly at my mouth. I lean down and kiss Ana softly on her mouth, over and over. It is to my surprise and joy, when she puts her hand behind my head and powerfully starts to kiss me, intensely and passionately.
"Gosh I love this material on you, but Anastasia I think I would prefer it off you." I grip the hem of her satin nightgown and in one swift move pull it off her.
"Now you are overdressed" Ana points out.
"Another well-made point." I start to undo the buttons of my shirt whilst Ana hungrily starts to unbuckle my belt and remove my pants. As quickly as I removed Ana's night gown, she has done removed my clothes. I bend down and pick Ana up and carry her to the bed. I run my fingers down the shape of her body. I cup her breasts, amazed by how much they have grown already.
"I love your breasts so much." I murmured. "I have always loved them, really loved them, but lately they turn me even more. Who ever thought that would be possible." They felt so full and almost demanded attention. I rubbed them gently, aware that they had been a bit achy, although a lot less achy than the first trimester.
"I love it when you touch them." Ana said softly, still watching my reflection. "I'm glad you like them, especially because you made them like this." Oh how I love that also.
Ana was lying on her back, and as I laid next to her, propping myself up with my arm. I began to rub her tummy, but as much as Ana loved me doing this, I could tell she was eager for something a little more life affirming. I allowed my hand to go lower until I reached her sex. I run my fingers down and inside her. Ana lets out a sharp gasp of air.
"Oh Ana, you are so ready" I continue to tease her, making her groan. Ana deliciously starts to stroke me along my length. Looking down at her, I positioned myself between her legs, sitting up. This had become one of our favorite positions, especially as her belly started to grown. I had always found it so hard to control myself when I was with Ana that I was worried that if I had laid on her during sex I would hurt the baby.
"Is there anything you would like, Anastasia?" I tease.
"You" Ana is panting already.
"We aim to please" I commence to kiss her the apex of her thighs, and she instantly squirms. I place my hands on her hips to steady her. "Don't move Anastasia. Absorb the pleasure."
"Oh Christian" Ana groans. The combination of pregnancy hormones and a constantly full bladder has meant that every sensation has become even more intense. I masterfully began to pleasure her. First, I playfully tease then thoroughly work her over. I feel Ana's hands entwined in my hair, and she is pulling my hair, a tell-tale sign that she is frightfully close to coming. I start to speed up my tongue action keeping her still at the same time.
"CHRISTIAN" Ana yells my name as she gloriously comes. Before she has even stopped her climax, I thrust myself inside her. I can't contain myself, I desperately need her. I start to move, really move until we both find our release.
Ted's POV
"Ted, wake up. You need to hurry, or you are going to be late" My mother is standing over my bed and has her hands on her hips. I look at my clock, and it is only 6am. Why, oh why did I agree to spend the first Monday of summer vacation at Grey house? I really don't even need to answer this question, the answer is oblivious. I want to see Dad at work, I want to see him in his professional element and then maybe I will understand him that little bit better.
I quickly shower, shave and put on a slim line dark suit, white business shirt and blue tie. When I reach the kitchen, both my parents are sitting down dressed in work clothes and looking like they are ready to take on the world.
"Morning." I say leaning in to kiss my mother on the cheek.
"Morning Ted. I need to leave in 30 minutes. I have a conference call with London" My father informs me.
"I will be ready." Mrs. Jones places a plate of banana pancakes in front of me and smiles at me. She used to make them for me whenever I was at dad's place as a young child.
"Ana, Dr. Greene can see us tomorrow at 8:30am. Maybe you should stay home until the doctor gives you the all clear to work." Dad suggests.
"Don't be silly; I am more than well enough to work" Mom hisses back.
"Anastasia, I just want to make sure. You are not as young as you were when you had, Ted." Even Dad shrinks after he finishes this sentence. I know this isn't going to go over well with Mom. But then again Mom didn't work until I was at school fulltime.
"Christian, Stop. I am not unwell, and I still have months till the baby is due. Surely you don't want me to stay home throughout the pregnancy." Mom scolds, but Dad just narrows his eyebrows. Oh how I would love to make a quick getaway, but it would look too obvious. Dad opens his mouth to respond, but Mom holds up her hand, preventing him.
"No, Christian. NO! You brought me in to take over Grey Publishing, and that is exactly what I intend to do, regardless of the fact that I am pregnant or not." I have never seen Mom so angry. However, at least she isn't crying.
Dad wisely decides to change the topic. "Ted, I will allocate you to Andrea today. She has worked for me for a long time and knows how the company works. It will be minor jobs, but it will give you more of an insight into the company." I nod and finish off my breakfast.
Taylor drops my father and me off at the front of the GEH building. The once intimidating large letters of the GEH building, now look welcoming. I walk beside my father, fully aware that everyone is looking at us. My identity is well known to most people in the building now, but I guess we must still be a sight. Dad seems so oblivious to everyone starring, but I suspect he is use to it. The elevator opens, and we enter.
"Dad, what is going to happen when it comes out publically that I am your seventeen year old son, about to turn eighteen, and you and mom are not only together again but also expecting another child?" I enquire. This is one thing that my parents haven't spoken about with me, but suspect they have together.
"I actually can't wait till it finally comes out. I am extremely proud of you Ted; I want the world to know that you are my son. I also want people to know that your mother and I are back together and having a baby. I suspect it will come out when we attend the Coping Together ball. You will be able to take a date. I can have Abigail brought over to Seattle if you like". Dad offers.
"No! When I broke things off with her, it went dreadfully bad. She may think that I want to get back together with her. Which I don't"
"It's up to you. You can always go alone but keep in mind the ball is a week" Dad reminds r
I am kept busy during the morning, sitting in meeting with my Dad, doing general jobs and discussing the operations of the company. Everything is going rather smoothly until I offer to take some documents to the accounting department. This building is so large that I can't seem to find my way around.
"Excuse me; I am supposed to deliver these to the accounting department on level 4. I am a little lost. Can you direct me?" I ask the girl who is pretending to be busy, looking down, at a corner desk. She seems rather disinterested. She slips her head phones off reluctantly. I stifle my laugh at the fact that she has been listening to her iPod, rather than working.
"Well you made it to the fourth level, but you have taken a wrong turn. You were supposed to turn right not left" She groans. I try to make eye contact with her, but she is still looking down. Her long dark straight hair helps to cover her face.
"Oh Ok. Thanks." I turn around and wonder exactly where to go. Right or left? I had made so many turns when I got out of the elevator. I hear the girl behind me groan as I fail to move.
"Here let me show you where it is. Don't they show people where things are around here?" She gets up, and I finally see her face. I swear there and then that she is possibly the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She deep brown eyes mesmerize me and her perfectly naturally tanned skin. Though, I can't seem to pick her nationality. She is unquestionably an ethnic mixture and is mesmerizing. I can't stop looking at her. She is the most perfect looking girl I have ever seen. It is as if nothing else exists in the world anymore, or matters.
"Thanks. My name is Ted" I tell her, desperately wanting to know who she is.
"Lily" She smiles but then looks curiously at me. "Is there something on my face?" I immediately look away from her, not realizing that I was making it so obvious. But I struggle not to look at her. She is irresistible. I can tell from the corner of my eye that she is looking at me also.
"Have you worked here long" I ask to try to start a conversation.
"No." She isn't going to give up much info.
"What do you do here?" I enquire
"Whatever, I am forced to." She honestly doesn't want to be here, and I can't imagine anyone lasting long here with her attitude, at least not with my father running the show. But right now, I couldn't care less about that.
"That is one way of looking at it I guess," I say indifferently.
"You're new here aren't you? I mean I haven't seen you around." Lily points out
"That would be an accurate analysis."
"I am here, working here as punishment" Lily finally offers up some of the puzzle that is her.
"Oh, how, what, when and why?" I ask to get her to elaborate.
"My mother works here, has so for years, and I got caught doing something, well of few things I wasn't supposed to, so she organized for me to do a summer internship here. I have been exiled from certain friends until I leave for college in August." Lily looks very antagonistic towards it all. I try to look sympathetic, but deep down I am rather glad for her punishment.
"Here is the accounting department. I hope to catch you around, Ted." Lily swiftly puts on her headphone, turns up her iPod and walks away before I can ask her anything else. Damn! She is so feisty and so unlike everyone else in this building, who seems to 'toe the line'. Then as if timed perfectly, I get a text on my phone. How does dad manage to do that?
*Meet me in my office. Let's go and get some lunch*
I manage to make my way up to my father's office without getting too lost. Maybe I should talk to Taylor about getting me a map or something. I enter the office and see my father putting his jacket on and talking to someone.
"Ted, it's great to see you again" Ros welcomes me.
"It is good to see you too. Thank you for your help over the last few months. It meant a lot to me to have my father in New York with me" I say politely and sincerely. I seriously have appreciated it, and I am fully aware that without Ros, it wouldn't have happened.
"Not a problem" She responds.
"Wow Christian, Ted is so polite maybe he should spend some time with my daughter. Maybe it could rub off on her" Ros looks rather put-off. "In fact where is she? I told her to meet me here, ten minutes ago."
The door behind us opens, and there she is. I have to be careful not to look shocked. Lily. It's Lily. Ros's daughter is Lily. A thousand questions fill my mind. Lily has gotten rid of her head phones, and her long hair has been tied up. She looks like any other employee in this building now.
"Finally you are here. Lily this is Ted Grey, Mr. Grey's son. Ted this is my daughter Lily" Ros introduces us.
"It is nice to meet you, Ted," Lily says politely and sticking out her hand. I shake it and smile.
"It is nice to meet you too" So is that the game we are playing. Pretend that we haven't met?
"Mom, you ready to go out for lunch" Lily asks Ros politely.
"Yes let's go" Ros and Lily start to walk out. I know that this is the moment I have to make my move.
"Actually Ros and dad if it's okay, why don't we all go out for lunch" I suggest. Lily eyes me off cautiously. Not knowing the game I am playing.
Authors Note: thanks for reading and again Kudos to Crystal. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review.