Hi All, this chapter chronicles the weekend from Friday evening to early Sunday morning. So I haven't gone straight into Ted catching Ana and Christian, leaving the Red Room, but this made for a much more enjoyable chapter with lots of layers and more interest. Apologises for any errors, but my head space isn't where it should be.
Coming Clean
Christians POV
I balance the tray of drinks, with a blanket thrown over my shoulder as I re-join Ana and Phoebe outside. Anna is lying on the outdoor sun couch with Phoebe lying on top of her. They are cuddled up and looking at the stars. This is one of the most serene visions, I have seen next to watching them sleep. There is an incredible peace about them as they talk, cuddle and laugh, highlighting the fact that they have a perfect mother and daughter relationship. Ana is compassionate, loving and caring whilst still setting boundaries for our daughter. It is all the qualities you would want in a mother. One of the greatest gifts ever given to my children was to have Ana as their mother.
I pass a glass of white wine to Ana and a cup of apple juice to Phoebe, before throwing the blanket over them both. "I wouldn't want you both get to get cold" I tell my girls. Ana gives me a familiar look, telling me I am just being over controlling. I then, push my lounge chair towards Phoebe and Ana, so I can be close to them.
"Do you want some blanket?" Ana asks, and I help myself, glad I bought a king sized throw blanket outside.
"What time am I going to grandma and grandpa's house tomorrow?" Phoebe asks us. At dinner, tonight, we told Phoebe about her upcoming sleepover at Bellevue. News which excited her to no end. Even going on to proclaim that this would make up for the fact that last weekend she been sick and couldn't go out.
"We will drop you off in the morning and will then pick you up mid-morning the next day. Afterwards, we can do anything you want for the rest of the day" I inform her. I suddenly feel a pinch of guilt, having Phoebe babysat for our guilty pleasures. I am just lucky that she considers it a treat to go to her grandparents' house.
"At my grandparents' house, can I stay up?" Phoebe enquires. I notice that Phoebe has directed this question more at Ana than me. By nature, I am intensely strict about bedtimes, but Ana is more relaxed over them, especially during the weekends.
"That will be up to your grandparents. Your daddy and I don't mind, as long as it is not too late." Ana reasons.
"I love going to Grandma and grandpa house" Phoebes states casually.
"Why is that?" I inquire. Everyone knows that my parents dote over Phoebe and give her more attention than any four year old has ever had, but I am rather intrigued by what her answer will be.
"Because it's super fun. Also because I get to eat cocoa pops or ice-cream with pancakes in the morning rather than oats or muesli, and I get to watch more television. Also, I get a lot more treats." Phoebe admits. I narrow my eyes at my daughter's admission.
"Super fun? Isn't daddy and me super fun too?" Ana asks, frowning a little.
"Yes you are both fun, but not Grandma and grandpa fun. They are a different fun" Phoebe explains.
"What type of treats were you talking about?" I ask softly, so we will be open with me
"You know, everyday treats. Biscuits, and fairy bread, and strawberry milk, instead of plain milk. Grandma and Grandpa secret stuff." Phoebe informs us. I scrunch up my face is horror. No wonder Phoebe has more energy after being at her grandparents' house. You would think my mother being a paediatrician would mean that Phoebe's sugar content would be kept to a strict limit when they are looking after her.
"I am glad you have little secrets with your grandparents," I tell Phoebe as she is looking concerned at my expression.
"Mommy and Daddy do you both have any secrets? Secrets that only you both know?" Phoebe asks. Ana and I look at each other shell-shocked by her innocent question.
"One or two" Ana replies as I gulp quietly.
"What are they?" She asks.
"Now if we told you then they wouldn't be secret." I explain and then look at my watch. "And it is also time for you to go to bed."
# # # #
After 9am the next day (Saturday) we drop of Phoebe at Bellevue where she is greeted by her grandparents with open arms. I pass her backpack to my parents, though we packed a few changes of clothes and pajamas, though there is little need to pack anything really. My parents have a large range of toys, puzzles and some clothes for Phoebe at their place, just in case.
"Thank you grandma and grandpa, for letting me sleep over," Phoebe says politely as instructed by Ana and myself in the car.
My parents both smile. "Well it is fantastic that you get to stay over. Now why don't we take your backpack upstairs? You are sleeping in your daddy's old room" Phoebe agrees and obediently walks up the stair with my mother and Ana, leaving my father and me alone.
"Thanks for this Dad. We will be back around ten tomorrow morning. We will be in the city, so we should be able to get back in less than an hour should you need us. You can reach Ana, and I on our phones, plus Taylor and Sawyer will be with us." I inform my father clinically. Regardless of my faith in them, I feel the need to reaffirm that we are contactable constantly.
"Christian, everything will be perfectly fine, and don't worry if you are late. This isn't Phoebes first time sleeping here, and she can stay for lunch if you like. You and Ana do not need to rush back. You both taking take time for each other, does not make you bad parents." My dad shakes his head at me
"I know that Dad. Ana and I are grateful to you and Mom. Phoebe adores coming here, I only wish that we had been able to give... you know... Ted the same opportunities, as well as you and mom." I look down regretful. I have been dealing this issue with Flynn lately, even had Ted come to some of the sessions, but I wonder if I will ever come to terms with my actions.
"We wish that too, but you have done a phenomenal job getting your family back together. Best to look at the future rather than the past. Your mother and I are tremendously proud of you" My Father comments. I feel a lump in my throat, and nod appreciatively at him.
Ana and my mother walk back downstairs, whilst Phoebe practically runs down. Oh how I wish she would slow down inside, especially on the stairs. She is going break her neck one day.
"Phoebe no running inside, and especially not down the stairs. If you miss a step, you are likely to fall and get seriously hurt." I scold her softly, but ensure she gets the message. Phoebe stops half way down the stairs.
"But..." She tries to argue.
"No buts." I tell her seriously.
Phoebe has gotten changed out of her dress into a shirt and shorts, and in her hand is a painting apron. "Grandma and I are going to paint pictures" Phoebe is has stopped running down the stairs but is now bouncing down them and jumps into my arms.
"I didn't run down," She remarks.
"But you didn't walk" I rebut.
"Next time walk!" Ana adds.
"Okay" Phoebe pouts sadly, prompting me to bend down to get to her level.
"Will you paint a picture for me?" I ask.
"Yes," Phoebe says. I kiss her forehead. I can't let Phoebe engage in dangerous behaviour, but I don't have the heart to scold her before we leave.
"Okay Mommy and daddy, it is time for you to go. We will see you tomorrow" My mother says, practically throwing us out. I would protest or give my mother a scornful look if I thought it would even have the slightest chance of success. Ana says goodbye to Phoebe first and I even notice a stray tear run down her face.
My turn. "Bye Phoebe, have a marvellous time, and we will pick you up tomorrow. We love you to the moon and back" I rub my nose on my daughters, making her giggle and kiss her good bye.
"Thanks again Mom and Dad. Also, we are only a phone call away, and if you don't mind try to keep the Grandma and Grandpa secret stuff to a limit" I raise my eyes brows. Both my parents look at each other and then Phoebe, who now has her hands over her mouth. Ana and I both grin as we walk out of the house.
Outside we swap cars with Taylor. Taylor drove the R8 to Bellevue while we travelled in the SUV as we prefer our daughter to travel in the safer car, and her booster seat doesn't fit in the sports car. But I want some privacy for our drive to Escala. As far as I am concerned, the weekend starts now.
We hadn't even been on the road for five minutes when Ana's phone beeps and it's a photo message from my Mother. There is a picture of Phoebe smiling widely and her grandfather outside painting pictures of flowers, love hearts and rainbows.
"We have amazing children," Ana says proudly.
"That we do".
Ana's POV
As we drive towards Escala, I look up at my glorious husband and rub my hand against his jaw and feel his stubble. Christian takes my hand and kisses each one of my knuckles and then pays extra attention to my ring finger.
"I like your skirt. It seems to have become shorter since we left Bellevue" Christian comments narrowing his eyes. I hide my smile. I had shuffled my skirt up a little while we have been in the car.
"Really?" I say pretending to act surprised.
"You are a terrible liar Anastasia. However, it does show off your fantastic legs." Christian runs his long fingers along my thighs and under my skirt. I raise my skirt a little more, giving his long fingers easy access. With his well-developed skills, Christian pushes my panties to the side and inserts a finger inside of me. I feel so wanton as we drive through the street of Seattle.
"Oh Christian" I moan as he moves his finger. I catch a glance at Christian and notice that he has maintained his composure. He looks like any other person on the road on a Saturday morning. How does he do that?
"Feel it Anastasia." Christian then rubs his thumb on my sensitive spot, and it is practically my undoing. I am partially aware that we are moving faster, but Christian is keeping all my senses preoccupied while he competently drives into the garage of Escala. He presses one button on his cell phone as the SUV drives in and parks next to us.
Taylor: Grey?
Christian: Taylor, Ana and I need to solve a matter in the car. We will go upstairs momentarily. Go up with Sawyer. We will be there soon.
Taylor: Understood.
Taylor disconnects the call, and once he and Sawyer have gone upstairs, Christian stops his fingering skills and pulls down my panties.
"You are so perfect and delectable. I can't wait till we get upstairs and no one is around, but we may not have long" Christian warns me as he shuffles over and is hovering over me.
"I need you. Now" I beg him for relief. Christian fills me and starts to thrust, slowly at first, but picking up his speed as he goes. Every muscle in my body reacts deliciously. I tilt my head back in reflex as I become all sensation.
"Open your eyes, Anastasia. I want to see you" Christian tells me. Once I do, our eyes interlock. There is a desperate need in both our eyes. A need always to be together. Christian increases his pace, causing me to tighten and together we call out each other's names as we gloriously find our release.
"Well our mini-weekend away has got off to a wonderful start." Christian comments giving me his boyish grin.
"We aim to please" I tell him, using his infamous words.
"And that you do Anastasia, in more ways than you could ever realise." There is honesty in his voice, which fills me with warmth. I put my hand behind his neck and pull him towards me until our lips meet. Together we possess each other mouth.
"We need to get up to the penthouse. This is mine." Christian says placing his hands on the apex of my thighs. "I do not want to increase the risk of someone else seeing this and with you kissing me like that. I can't wait. I need you again". hhhmmm... that gives me an idea.
Christian holds his hand out to help me out of the car and visually examines the car park.
"What is it?" I ask.
"Just checking that Ted and Lily have definitely left. Teds car isn't here, and neither is the security car, so Mrs Grey, I believe we have the place to ourselves." Christian is grinning like a school boy again. I love him this relaxed.
Christian punches in the code to the elevator as we start to go up. In my head, I start to count. ..5…4…3…2…1. I reach over and press stop on the elevators and turn to face Christian.
"Yes, Anastasia?" Christian looks at me as if he is ready to pounce.
"Lean back on the wall" I tell him. Christian raises his eyebrows amused and take a step backwards. I undo the zip on Christian's pants and insert my hand inside. I can feel him growing in my palm.
"Christian, there is something you need to know" I look straight up into his eyes.
"What is it Anastasia?" Christian is a mix of concern and sexual need. I get a decent grip on him and rub him tip with my thumb.
"This. Is. Mine" I emphasise each word. Christian has always made of point of my sex, being his; I felt it was way past due to point out my ownership of his body parts. Christian looks at me pensively and humoured. I undo the two little buttons to his boxer shorts and pull him out to take him into my mouth, hungrily. I look up as I take him, wanting to be able to see his reaction. Christian's eyes are wide, and his hands are gripping my hair.
"Oh Ana" He calls out in almost a prayer. I taste his dew and know he is close. I push him in harder, and don't stop until I feel him come at the back of my throat.
Christian lifts me up and weaves my hair in his hand and tilts my head, and commences to kiss me again, passionately, and then places small kisses on my lips.
"You. Are. Sorry. Beautiful." He tells in between kisses and then stops and glares into my eyes one more time. He fixes some loose strands of hair behind my ear and gives me a sincere smile. "I love you so much Anastasia Rose Grey."
"I love you too Christian Trevelyan Grey"
Christian readjusts himself before he re-enters the pin number into the elevator, and we continue to move. We finally enter the penthouse, where Christian throws down his jacket and mine on the couch on the main room. Taylor walks past us as he heads to his private quarters. He and Christian exchange a quick nod. Once we are alone again, Christian pulls me in close to him and starts laughs. I look at him peculiarly, urging him to explain
"I believe that Taylor half expects us to take each other every time we get into an elevator" Christian tells me rather humoured. I can feel my cheeks start to burn as I blush a deep crimson colour.
"Good thing he is discreet and well paid then," I say nervously and embarrassed at the though. Christian however, continues to laugh.
"Let's have some lunch. You ate very little for breakfast today, and this morning's activities have given me an appetite. Gail came over this morning and put some subs in the fridge for lunch for us."
Christian and I sit down and talk about everything as we drinking iced tea and eat our lunch. This is one of our favourite things to do these days, along with our co-curricular activities in elevators, expensive sports cars, red rooms and our bedroom.
We are lying entwined on the couch, looking over the Seattle skyline, when Christian whispers into my ear. "Fifteen minutes, red room, just your panties" The familiarity of Christian's voice is comforting and does things to me that I can't explain. Only feel deep down.
I kneel down, for old times' sake and wait for Christian to open the door. We arrive wearing those old soft jeans. He looks so hot in them still that they alone could be my undoing. AS soon as Christian opens the door, I smell at the same familiar smell of the room, though it is not as strong, the main thing I smell is wood and polish. The walls are still a dark burgundy color, which matches the colour of the sheets on the bed. The oxblood chesterfield couch is here as is the wooden cross, which has made its way back to the playroom after being relocated elsewhere. The large mahogany chest of drawers is still here; however, I know a majority of its contents were thrown or relocated to the sound before Ted moved in. It looks like an unusual bedroom these days.
I look down, but hazard a sneaky look towards Christian, who has bought some toys from home, in a locked case.
"I can tell that you are looking Anastasia. Did I say that you could peak?" Christian has taken on his alter ego. The dominant.
"No, sir." I say.
"Tut tut" I hear him say, but that is all. "Stand up Anastasia and look at me" I quickly obey.
"Do you remember the safe words?"
"Yes, yellow and red." I state. Fuck every muscle of my fibre is reacting.
"Are you sure you want to do this Anastasia?" Christian asks to reconfirm my acceptance.
"Absolutely. Sir" I look at him into his eyes ad he smiles.
"You never fail to amaze me, you beguile me. But right now, I have other plans for you." Christian moves back and sit on the small couch. "You are wearing a robe, and whilst it is fetching on you, I believe you have broken another rule." Christian voice is full of sensual threat.
"So I have, Sir." I comment grinning.
"Are you laughing at me?" He says.
"No, I wouldn't dare. I never have" I challenge, finding a sizeable chuck of confidence.
"Take your robe and panties off. I want to see you." Christian says. I comply and stand completely naked in front of him.
"Now lie on the bed with your legs apart. As wide as you can" I do not waste a second and wait for further instruction. "Now touch yourself. Here. Rub." Christian touches the most sensitive spot on my body. His eyes are yet to leave my body. I start to rub myself softly and feel the tension build up.
"Yes, that is a decent start, Anastasia, but I know you can do it a little harder" Christian coaches me. I can start to feel myself get wetter and wetter as the sensation builds I can't keep still and my legs jerks.
"Stop" Christian calls out. "I want you tense for a few minutes maybe that will teach you to stay still. He moves away and returns with soft restraints, which he applies to my wrists and then ankles, rendering me motionless. Christian grins wickedly as he then proceeds to blindfold on me.
"Can you see Anastasia?"
"No," I say panting. Oh how I have missed this in our playroom.
"No, what?"
"No sir"
I feel a strange sensation, and realise that Christian is attaching nipple clamps. Though it is nothing to the sensation that comes when he pulls on them. The sensation is incredible and makes my already sensitized body even more so. I then feel kisses run down from my lips to my thigh and then Christian tongue on my already throbbing part of my sex. Skilfully he plays with me while pulling on the nipple clamps. Christina then inserts a finger in my and then runs it up and down, spreading my wetness all around, until he insert what I assume is a plug. This has been his favourite toy of late, and it is a way to tell me what is coming later.
Christian continues his expertise motions with his tinge, and as I am about to come he removes the clamps and increases his motions. I feel like I am about to be split apart, from my climax. Christian then giving me little time to come down fills me and starts to fuck me. Hard, until we find our release together.
I am quickly released from my restraints, and the plug is removed. Christens rewards me with soft kisses, and gives me a few moments to gather myself.
"You never fail to disappoint Anastasia"
"Neither do you, Christian." I point out.
"Turn over I want to take you from behind." I get on my stomach and raise my backside. I then feel two quick hard smacks to my backside, making me 'yelp'. That was the hardest he has ever smacked me with his hand.
"You should be lucky that is all you got Anastasia. One was for wearing your robe when you were instructed to, and the other was for forgetting to reference me as sir before" Christian tells me.
"Oh god Anastasia, you ass is delectable." He says before inserting himself in me and having his way with me.
# # # #
"Ana" I hear Christian call my name softly. I open my eyes, unaware that I had fallen asleep.
"How long have I been asleep for?" I ask, slowly opening my eyes.
"A couple of hours. You were so tired that you didn't even realise when I carried you into the bedroom" Christian tells me kissing my top of my head.
"And I thought I was in decent physical condition. I need to start having more personal training sessions" I say stretching.
"I will arrange them for you, though looking at your body, you don't need it," Christian says running his hands up and down my body.
"But it's all about stamina" I laugh, reminding us of some of the first times we were ever together.
"We need to have a shower; I have a few surprises for you still." Christian whispers into my ear.
# # # #
Christian and I step out of the shower and dry each other off. The high temperature of the shower has served to rejuvenate us both, and I feel like I can take on the world. Entering the spare room I notice a dress bag, a shoe box, and another box that I swear weren't there before we entered the bathroom. There is also a crisp dark suit, white shirt, and our favourite grey tie neatly hanging up.
"Is this your surprise?" I ask Christian.
"One of them" he winks at me.
I pull out the black high heeled Louboutin shoes and the open the Nieman Marcus dress bag. The dress is an exquisite burgundy color and has a slightly daring halter V-Neck and a ruffle at the front. The box that was placed next to the shoes and dress contains a matching black lace panties and bra set with stockings. I get dressed; put on my makeup and then brush my hair. I decide to leave it down as Christian prefers it that way. I examine myself in the mirror as I adjust my dress.
Christian stands in front of my and runs his index finger along the V neck of my dress. "I am glad we are going to be alone for dinner, especially since you are wearing this dress. It really does you justice."
"Where are we going for dinner?" I enquire. We are both dressed to the nines. Christian puts his finger on my lips and points up. "Up?"
"Yes but we need to wait a minute before we go." Christian comments as he shows me his watch. I smile in acknowledgements. The clock ticks 7pm and right on schedule my cell phone rings. Christian and I race to answer it first. The heels on my shoes prevent me from being any sort of challenge and Christian picks up first and put the phone on sound speaker.
Christian: Hello my princess.
Elliot: Well hello my gorgeous.
Christian looks like he could roll his eyes while I suppress my laughter. We both check the number, and it is Grace and Carrick's home number. We then both hear the combined laughter of Elliot and our daughter.
Christian: very humorous. Can I guess that you both have us on the loud speaker?
Phoebe: Yes daddy.
Ana: We have you on the loud speaker also...
Phoebe: Uncle Elliot came over for dinner and we had been playing and telling me stories from when daddy was little. Did you really, at one time…
Elliot: SSSHHHH Phoebe. You are not supposed to tell your parents what I tell you.
Christian grimaces and it's a good thing that Phoebe is on the line, or some choice words would be exchanged right now.
Christian: Phoebe, you know how we are going to California in a couple of weeks.
Phoebe: Yes
Christian: well why don't we go and visit Ava at Berkley. Elliot I am sure your college daughter would like to hear of some of your antics as a college student.
Elliot: Don't even think about it and chill out Christian, I am telling harmless stories from when we were little kids, besides our parents are in the same room. Kate is on assignment, and I thought I would come and hang out with my favourite niece in the whole wide world.
Ana: Phoebe, we miss you sweetie. Have you had a fantastic time so far?
Phoebe: Yes mommy. I have done some painting, puzzles, played outside, made cookies with grandma and then Uncle Elliot came over and we had dinner. I have had a bath and Uncle Elliot said he would watch Cinderella with me if you both let me stay up. Can I stay up and watch it?
Christian puts his arm around me as we both smile at the happy tone to our daughter's voice. Christian annoyance at Elliot has dissipated.
Ana: That is fine, as long as you go to bed at the end of the movie.
Phoebe: Thanks Mommy. What have you and daddy been doing today?
Elliot laughs loudly at the point.
Phoebe: Why are you laughing Uncle Elliot?
Christian: Yeah, Uncle Elliot, what are you laughing at?
Elliot: Nothing, I am going to get you a cup of milk Phoebe and myself a cold drink. Enjoy the remains of your time together Ana and little bro. I will take the phone off loud speaker and give it to Phoebe.
Phoebe: Hi mommy and daddy. Uncle Elliot has gone now. He is really funny!
Christian: If you say so, princess. We will pick you up in the morning. Have you decided what you both would like to do tomorrow?
Phoebe: Not yet.
Christian: Well you think about it, but don't ask your Uncle Elliot for any ideas. Gosh knows what he will suggest.
Phoebe starts to giggle.
Phoebe: Okay daddy, I promise. I love you mommy and daddy.
Ana: Love you too. We will see you in the morning.
Christian: Sleep well, princess. Love you and miss you.
Phoebe: miss you both too. Bye.
We both say goodbye to Phoebe one more time before putting the phone down and wrapping each other in our arms. Christian and I have the largest smiles on our faces.
"Are you ready for your next surprise, Mrs Grey?" Christian whispers into my ear and point up, reminding me of our conversation before our entertaining phone call with Phoebe and Elliot.
"Oh yes. Dinner and it being up?" I look at him curiously not understanding what he means. Christian weaves his arms into mine, and we start to move up to the top of the Escala building.
"Charlie Tango?" I comment before exiting the elevator.
"No." Christian says looking down at me.
"Then why are we going to the roof?" I ask. Christian smiles and leads me out of the elevator when the doors open. I can barely believe what I am seeing. On the top of the building, with a panoramic view of the lights of the entire Seattle city is a little round table with two chairs at either side. Plants have been arranged with little fairy lights, and there are literally hundreds of little electric candle lights on the floor with large arrangements of flowers all around.
"Hearts and flowers, for you always Anastasia" Entrée, Dinner and desert are brought up through the service elevator by two waiters. Where the food is coming from, I have no idea and couldn't care less right now.
"Have you had enough?" Christian asks.
"Absolutely. Thank you that was wonderful."
Soft music starts to play from who knows where. "You are full of surprises aren't you?" I comment trying to work out where the music is coming from.
"I have to keep you on your toes. Dance with me"
Christian and I move slowly to the music. The familiar tune and lyrics of the Righteous Brothers song, 'Unchained Melody' radiates though us, as we enter our little bubble, pulled together by the combined by our energy and love. Skilfully Christian leads me around the decorated room and occasionally spins me, but we never take each other's eyes off each other. Once the music comes to an end, we stand as close to each other as possible.
"So Mrs. Grey, we have dined and danced, what else would you like to do?" Christian asks salaciously.
"I want to go back to the red room" I tell him. Christian raises his eyebrows shocked but overjoyed.
"We aim to please, and I seriously want to take this dress off you. Come let's go, now." Christian rushes me to the elevator.
"Christian I am curious about something. When let Ted and Lily live here, most of the red room was more or less dismantled, and though it is not exactly the same as it used to be it is still… uumm… functional. How?" I inquire, wondering who is responsible. Christian smirks a little.
"As you know, the whole room wasn't exactly dismantled, more rearranged. The bed of course stayed, and the little couch was moved. The contents of the cabinet was taken away, which is why I bought our little extras with us, in the case. The cross was actually placed under the bed, not relocated. So it would seem like strange bedroom if Ted had entered there, but he doesn't have a key to the room nor does the security allocated to our son and his fiancé." Christian clarifies for me.
"Okay, I get that but then how did the room get reassembled?" I ask.
"Taylor. He came over last night and set it up. He will organize the room after we leave and before Ted and Lily return tomorrow evening" I blush horribly at the thought.
"Reassure me again. He is well paid to deal with all this isn't he?" I gulp.
"Yes he is. Considering the amount that I do pay him and have paid him over the years, I am half shocked that he hasn't left, and taken early retirement with Gail." Christian lips thin at the thought.
"Maybe because after all these years, he actually likes and cares for you" I suggest. Christian looks at me as he processes my words.
"Maybe." Christian says insecurely. Oh fifty!
Instead of going straight to the red room, we enter the spare room. "Let me unzip this dress." My dress pools at my feet as Christian commences to under dress me until I am only wearing my black panties.
"Here put this robe on" Christian passes me a white silk robe that just covers me, but feels glorious against my skin. Christian enters the bathroom and returns wearing his old jeans, once more. I can't help myself but go over and feel the soft denim.
"I am glad that you bought these jeans out. I have missed them."
"Come, we need to hurry. I am about to combust, just looking at you." Christian says quickly leading me to the Red room.
# # # #
Christian wraps his arms around me while we lie on the four poster bed of the red room. This entire day has been adventurous, exciting and a little overwhelming. I yawn giving into the exhaustion that is coming over me, but each time I catch Christian's eyes, I want him all over again.
"I need to take you to bed. I don't want to sleep with you in here" Christian tells me. I agree and start to sit up before I fall into a deep sleep. I can literally feel the heat of Christian glare as I put on the rather short robe. As Christian open the door to the red room, he sweeps me off my feet and picks me up. I can't help but giggle loudly.
"Oh I hope you are not sore Anastasia. With you giggling like that, I don't think I am going to be able to stop myself from burying me deep inside you." Christian tells me salaciously.
"Make love to me," I tell him softly.
"My pleasure," Christian replies.
"Dad? Mom? What are you two doing and why were you in that room?" I am brought back to reality when I hear Ted's voice. Shit! He isn't supposed to be here. Christian puts me down, and I desperately try to cover myself as much as I can. I blush horribly wondering how much he just hears.
Teds POV
My heart is beating so fast, and I have to remember to breath. I can barely look at my parents right now, hell they are half naked, and I wish I could chase the words, I just heard my parents exchange out of my mind.
"Ted, you are back early" My dad says impassively.
"Yes I am... and umm..." I rub my hands over my forehead, feeling a headache coming on. "I can't talk to you both, when you are dressed, or actually undressed like that. Can I meet you downstairs in say twenty minutes?" I request.
"Yes of course." My mother replies and I make a quick getaway back downstairs. I bypass the main room, where Lily is sitting on the couch with her right foot up, and go to the kitchen. I have a quick drink of the bourbon that is stored in top kitchen cupboard. I can't have Lily question as to what my parents, might have been doing upstairs.
I return to the main room with a glass of water for Lily at the same time my parents are entering the main room at the same time.
"Christian and Ana, did Ted find you both?" Lily asks. My mother's look at each other confused, whilst my father's expression is yet to change
"You knew we were here?" My father asks me.
"Yes, we found your jackets here on the couch. So after I got Lily comfortable, I went to seek you both out to let you know we were home, and then I was successful in finding you both." Actually I was successful in finding a lot more of you both than I ever wanted.
My parents then notice that Lily has her leg up, and it is bandaged. "Lily what happened? Do you need us to get you to doctor?" My mother asks concerned.
"No, thank you Ana. We have spent most of today at the emergency department. I slipped on some rocks on the island and then poor Ted had to carry me back on board of the yacht and took me to the hospital. I have had X-rays, and I haven't broken it or anything. But it is likely to swell up, and I need to walk on crutches when I go into work on Monday. But I will be fine." Lily tells us.
"I don't think you should be going to work on Monday." I tell her frowning.
"Ted, I will stay off it tomorrow. Don't forget the doctor said, that I will be alright before I know it. But if you don't mind, I just want to go to sleep now. Ted will you help me?" Lily asks.
"Absolutely" I tell her then redirect my attention to my parents. "Mom and Dad will you wait for me, so we can... talk?"
"Yes, we need to talk" My father tells me, now walking to the kitchen.
I lean over and pick up Lily, much to her dislike in front of my parents, and carry her into our bedroom, and I sit her on our bed.
"Let me help you out of your clothes" I offer.
"You have been rather skilled at that for years now, Ted. However, this may be the first time you are doing this with no chance to progress to the next pass." Lily teases. I choose not to reply. My mind is preoccupied with making sure Lily is okay and wondering exactly what I will be talking about with my parents. I put a shirt on Lily as per her request and extra carefully put a pillow under her sore foot and then cover her with the bed covers.
"Are you sure you are going to be alright while I talk to my parents?" I inquire. I am happy to send my parents away and delay our discussion.
"Ted, stop stressing about me and let me sleep," Lily says. I kiss her softly and commence to walk out the room, though look back to check that she genuinely is okay.
In the kitchen, my father is having a strong drink, whilst my mother is limiting herself to wine.
"Dad I will have what you are drinking" He does hesitate and pours me a drink, though a much smaller one that he has in his hands. I drink it down and look at both my parents. "So where do we start?" My parents both look horribly uncomfortable.
"Where do you want to start?" My father asks me. If I am going to get any answers, then I know I am going to have to take the lead.
"Fine I will start" I throw my arms up into the arm. "Should we start by why you are both here?" I ask simply
"You gave me permission to in your email, and if you recall you were the one who stated that it was my name on the deed" My father accurately reminds.
"Yes, but in your email you stated that you wanted to look over some personal items that you had here at the penthouse and that you weren't going to interfere with any of our personal items." I clarify. My father raises his eyebrows at my impassively.
"I haven't done anything outside what I said I would do" My father answers cryptically but at the same time seems downright honest.
"Mom and dad, I am not coping well with these riddles. I have had an exceedingly long day with little sleep. My perfect romantic weekend, which started off perfectly last evening, went pear shaped, and I have spent the last ten hours at the hospital, so let's increase the rate of our clarity and directness." I tell both my parents who both are a little more rigid.
"So for the love of god, what were you both doing?" I ask impassioned and exhausted.
"Your mother and I were having sex. It is how you and your sister were conceived." My father tells. I am instantly annoyed, feeling patronised.
"No, fucking shit!" I reply letting my annoyance out. "Sorry mom, but it's been too long a day. So do you both like store rooms? Is that what gets you both off?" I ask, but then want to die. I want the earth to swallow me up. I just asked my parents about how they get off. I wonder if I could leave the kitchen, go to sleep with Lily, and when I wake up, this will all be a lousy dream.
I bury my face in my hands, and when I finally look up, I notice that my parents have been talking, and my mother is getting up.
"Good night Ted. I will see you in the morning. Can I cook you breakfast?" My mother offers.
"Sure Mom that should be fine. Are you really going to bed?" I ask confused.
"Yes. Your father and I just discussed this. We think this is a more of a father and son discussion." My mother informs.
"Mom, does this mean that when Phoebe sees you both coming out of a closet half dressed, you are going to sit down and talk to her? Because if she has to, then she is going to be on the phone to me a hell of a lot as she gets older. More than I am currently bargaining for. She is going to want to move in with me." Both my parents scoff, but I am not sure if it is in horror of Phoebe seeing them as such or my proposition
"On the point of my sister, where is Phoebe? She isn't here is she, where she could have seen... you know?" I ask my mother as my brotherly instincts quick in.
"Of course not and your father and I are way more vigilant, even at home. Your sister is at your grandparent's house having a sleepover" My mom tells me put off a little.
"Yes I know. I shouldn't have said that to you and about her wanting to move in etc. I am sorry. Stupid comment." I apologise... My mother comes over and kisses me, and I tell her good night.
My father now pulls a chair up, so we are facing each other and pours us both a rather large glass of bourbon. "Okay Ted I am going to be perfectly honest with you now, and it is going to either make sense to you or freak you out. So before I start, let's have a drink. I know I need it, and you may too."
This is such a strange side to my father, who is characteristically so in control, focused and able to control so many situations. I have never seen him like this. As a young child before we moved, I always viewed him as master of everything. Now working side by side with him, I have realised that he is more than that. He is able to tackle the world and always come up on top. But now as he drinks his amber liquid, I know that this isn't always the case. I pick up my glass and drink the liquid back. The liquid burns slightly as it does down my throat.
"Whoa, don't think I will be doing that again," I say shaking my head. My father passes me a glass of water, which I happy takes. It refreshes me and helps clear my head.
"So Ted, the room upstairs isn't a storeroom or a closet." My father states. I refrain from telling him that this was obvious and allow him to continue. "It is more of a playroom"
"I don't get it? Playroom" I start to analysis this new piece of information. "You were having sex in a playroom?" I am confused.
"Yes. A specially designed playroom, for sex". My dad confirms. I feel a sudden shock go through my spine. Well these are words that you don't hear every day, especially not from your father.
"A sex playroom?" I ask to seek clarification.
"Yes, a BDSM playroom" Dad admits but confuses me.
"I don't know what that means." I confess feeling ignorant.
"BDSM is an acronym. It fundamentally means that one person is dominant over their sexual partner. The other sexual partner is submissive." My dad educates me. Fuck, they didn't teach this in the sex education lessons at my high priced and elite prep school in New York.
My world does a one hundred and eighty tilt. My parents, actually do that. My mother who has cared for me constantly and my over serious father. At least his insane need for control is easier to understand now. I actually start to feel infuriated more than anything else right now.
"Dad that seems careless of you. What if Lily had gone into that room, or someone else? You are one of the most powerful CEO's in the world and Mom is the CEO of grey Publishing. Hundreds of thousands of people rely on you. Don't you realise what would happen if this came out?" I accuse him. My father cocks his head to one side and narrows his eyes at me. I know he doesn't do 'careless'
"Theodore…." Great it's like I am a child and am in trouble. "… There is nothing in that room that would clearly give away what the room was. I had it practically dismantled before you moved in with Lily. Taylor reassembled some aspects, but that is all. It was going to be put back in order before you and Lily were to return tomorrow. I was careful that should you and Lily ever venture into the room, you two wouldn't be aware of its original use" My father's voice is strong and adamant and in CEO mode. I nod.
"I do accept that dad… but…" I run my hands through my hair and pull so tightly that a few strands come out. Even though I know I am going to regret it tomorrow morning, I take another drink of the bourbon to gain strength and confidence to ask my next question. "Since the playroom is usually locked up and you hold the key, can I see it? Can you take it me up there?" My father is about to protest. "Remember you said you were going to be absolutely honest with me" I remind him.
"Fine, but let's take our glasses of bourbon and this bottle. We may need it." I follow my father, and enter the room that I hadn't even given a second thought to before this evening. My father gestures for me to enter the room. I walk into the middle of the room and look around to get a complete three hundred and sixty degree view of the room. Questions pop into my head that I don't have the answer for, and my father looks at me with an unreadable expression.
"Can we sit dad?" I ask. I move towards the bed, but notice that it is unmade and looks used. I change my mind immediately. I don't want to sit where my parents have just been intimate. There is only place we can sit. I sit on the floor and lean against the wall, where my father follows.
"So now that you have seen the room, what do you want to ask? I promise to answer any question you want. But I pray that you realise that whatever your mother and I did, and do is consensual. I wouldn't ever hurt your mother. Every female I had in this room, I have done with their permission." My father emphasises.
"Every female? How many did you have?" I asked shocked. I knew my mother hasn't been with any other man besides my dad, but why did I think that same applied for my father? I guess I just hoped.
"In this room?" My father asks, and I nod. "Fifteen then I had your mother"
"Fifteen. Fuck!" I say.
"Yep... Fuck. Literally fuck" My dad jokes a little.
"I guess I can't ever entertain the concept, that I was the immaculate conception, like other kids assume when discussing their parents" I remark. "So what did you do in this room? Explain this BDSM thing to me." I wonder if I even want to know the answer.
"Everything, but are you sure you want to know. I know that I told you, I was going to be honest with you, but I am worried of you hearing too information, and you not being able to handle it. I can't lose you again. I can't tell you how much I enjoy having you work at Grey enterprise, and I don't want to do anything to jeopardise what we have achieved." My father tells me sincerely. Me either.
"You won't dad. If it helps, you know those handcuffs you gave me as a kind of an offhand comment, and a joke at my expense." My dad nod. "Well I used them." My father has raised his eyebrows at me and is looking bemused a little. He pours me another glass of bourbon, and we both take another drink.
"So as I have already stated I engage in contract based submissive and dominant relationships. I was the dominant, and the female was the submissive. They would come and spend the weekend with me, and I would do what I wanted, within a set of mutually agreed terms." My father gives me a static explanation, and I look around at the room. I wonder exactly what was in this room during its prime.
"Go on" I request.
"Ted, do you really want me to go into specifics?" My father's lips thin into a hard line, and he tilts his head back. He looks as if he is counting"
"No… yes… no… I don't know. Just answer some simple questions that only need a yes or no answer." My father tilts his body to the side, so he is facing me.
"Did you ever hurt mom in here?" I ask. Dad takes a deep breath.
"Once I did, but she didn't use her safe words." My father explains. I hate that my mother was hurt.
"Safe words?" I inquire.
"They are words that a submissive uses to inform her dominant, that she is reaching her limit or that she can't take anymore." I try to process this new information, but it seems hard to conceptualise.
"Well it seems as you and Mom got over that incident." My father tries to hide his smirks but fails.
"So were you always safe? You know condoms and shit?"
"Always, I am and have been too much of a control freak, not to take precautions. I never even let my guard down, until I met your mother. She changed everything for me, or at least the stuff that truly mattered." My father explains. I feel just how valuable my mother actually is to my father. No wonder he suffered so much during their separation.
"So Mom liked and likes doing this sort of stuff? Fuck I can't believe I just asked that. God kill me now." I beg. Shit, shit, and more shit! Another question that I don't know if I want the answer to.
"Your mother didn't have any knowledge, when I met her, about this sort of lifestyle and she was never truly my submissive. We have played, that is for sure. Still do" My dad stops and grins, remembering something. I take a long swig of my bourbon to be able to handle my newly acquired information. My throat burns as it all pours down my throat.
"Your mother and I never signed any paperwork which solidified that type of relationship. So it has only ever about our sexual pleasure." My dad is now looking at me with interest.
"So the hooks on the wall aren't for pictures, are they?" I reason.
"No, I had certain, implements hanging there. On that wall I had..."
"Stop Dad. I don't need that much information. Really I am clear with what I have been told. I wonder if I am even going to be able to look at you and mom, when all this has sunk in the morning." I confess, knowing it won't be what my dad is going to want to hear.
"Well to be honest, you are taking this rather well, comparatively anyway" My dad is now looking at me with interest. He is analysing me actually.
"Well dearest father, there are a couple of factors that are ensuring that I can sit here and not run for the hills. One of which is that I have had a lot of bourbon; next is the fact that my mother isn't here right now, and lastly, I know you wouldn't intentionally hurt my mother physically." I have to give him that.
"Thank You, Ted" We both for some reason clink glasses and take another drink.
"Dad I don't want to know anything else in regards to what you have done in this room. I can kind of guess that for myself. What I do want to know is how did this all start? Did you one day just discover this was what you were into?" I probe.
"I was introduced to it at a young age" My father narrows her lips and eyes as he runs his hands through his hair. This is not a happy memory. "I was introduced to it by an older woman, a former family friend. She isn't in my life anymore. Hasn't been for a long time."
"Are you talking about that Elena woman?" I investigate. My dad cocks his head to the side at me, obviously shocked that I know about her.
"How do you know about her?" My father has returned to his CEO persona.
"You and mom previously mentioned her, after I confronted you when I was seventeen. You didn't say much about her except that you had seen her the night, Mom told you she was pregnant to me and that you cut off all contact with her. When I asked who she was, you and mom just replied 'no one'. I put one and one together." I remind my father and seem to reassure him at the same time.
"Elena introduced me to this lifestyle, and we had a long term relationship. For about seven years" My father admits.
"That's a long time. How old were you when it started?" I ask, doing my maths. He was with my mom when she was 21 and dad was 27, and there were fifteen other women in between…
"I was young. I was fifteen" I spit out the bourbon that I had just taken a drink from. That's not even legal.
"Fuck dad" I reply.
"Fuck. Literally. Again." My dad remarks.
"So now this is all just for testing limits and fun times?" I ask perplexed
"Yes. But your mother and I these days…"
"STOP! Dad I think I get it all now and I don't think I can handle any more information. I understand. I have to be at work meeting with you and others on Monday, and I need to be able to look at you, without my mind wondering. At the moment, I just want to drink another generous glass of Bourbon and then join my fiancé in bed." I inform my father.
"Understood. I also want to go to bed and join your mother" I am sure you do. I then literally pour the large glass of bourbon down my throat.
"Also, let's lock this room up and keep the facade that this room is for storage." I request, and my father agrees, and we both take one last drink. We are both a little worse for wear when we get to our feet due to the amount of hard liquor we have consumed, but it was necessary.
"Damn, your mom is going to kill me, when she realises how much alcohol I have had and how much I have let you drink." My father tells me.
"Good thing she loves you." I say to complement him, and a crazy question then hits me as my father locks the room again.
"Dad, was I conceived in this room?"
My father stops and considers my questions and turns to me. "Ted, your mother and I were and still are remarkably active. I wouldn't be able to tell you on the exact time we conceived you." My dad smirks.
"So essentially, if you and mom hadn't separated when you both did, you both probably would have had an entire baseball team, instead of two children with an eighteen year difference" I comment lightening the mood.
"Maybe. Your mother and I consider ourselves to be exceedingly lucky to have you and your sister. Though in retrospect, more kids would have been sensational." My dad evaluates.
"Well this has been an extraordinarily informative day, but I need to go to sleep and check on Lily. Good night dad and I hope you are not offended, but I never want to talk about your sex life with my mother ever again." I tell my father with a little grin.
"Good, as I prefer not to share, ever again"
I give my father a hug; just mainly so he knows I am okay. That we are okay. He may be the Great Christian Grey, but I know there is insecurity about him that I don't want to make worse.
Back in my bedroom, I strip off my clothes so I am only in my boxers and slip into bed, careful not to wake Lily. I kiss her softly and wrap my arms around her and close my eyes. I pray that I can keep her happy and satisfied for ever.
Christians POV
I take two Advil and pass two to Ted, who gratefully accepts it. Both of us are feeling the effect of our heavy drinking from the night before. Lily is sitting next to him, talking on her cell phone and looking a lot better than last night. She is even moving easily on her crutches.
"Here this will make you both feel better, though you probably deserve everything you two are suffering through." Ana says passing us a large breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns, mushrooms and pancakes.
"Ted that was my mothers. They are on their way over." Lily tells Ted. "My mothers are coming over to watch girly movies since I can't do much today."
"Girlie movies? Great" Ted says, shuttering.
"Roz watches girly movies?" I inquire humoured.
"Not really, but she would with my other mother, when I was sick as a child. Since I am housebound and I haven't seen them for a few weeks, they are taking advantage of my incapacity to move. Sorry Ted, you don't have to watch them with us. Why don't you go to the gym or catch up with one of your friends or something?" Lily states giving Ted an out.
"I shouldn't leave you." Ted says holding her hand.
"Yes you can. Christian and Ana can you take you stubborn eldest child away from at least till this afternoon" Lily requests.
"Sure, you can come with us to your grandparent's house to pick up your sister. Phoebe and your grandparents will love to see you" Ana says sealing the deal. Ted has a major soft for these three people.
# # # #
Ted, Ana and I arrive at Bellevue and are greeted by my mother. "Ted, I didn't expect you. I thought you were away this weekend" My mother comments.
"Yeah, but Lily hurt her foot, so we came home early. She is currently at home with her mother's watching movies" Ted informs her.
A few moments later we hear Phoebe come through the hallway, holding a piece of paper. "Mommy, daddy, I did a painting for you both." She calls out excited.
"Inside voice Phoebe" Ana reminds her, as she is passed the painting by our daughter.
"Teddy!" Phoebe calls out and jumps up so he will pick her up.
"Hey little sis." He says hugging her tight.
"That is a beautiful picture" I comment, examining the painting in Ana's hand.
"It is our family." Phoebe mentions and points to the picture. "There is mommy, daddy and me and Teddy. Next to Teddy is Lily, and she has her ring on. Then there is grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Elliot, Aunt Kate, Aunt Mia and Ava."
"Who are those people up there?" I inquire.
"Taylor and Ms Jones, because they live at our house and are special too." Phoebe says.
"They will like that." I tell her proudly.
"Daddy, where did you and Mom go last night? Did you both go somewhere special? Did you go in the helicopter?" Phoebe looks so excited. She loves Charlie Tango more than me.
"No, we just stayed in here," I tell her and her face drops.
"Mommy and daddy you two can be so boring," Phoebe says, and Ted laughs out loud.
"Yeah your right Phoebe, our parents are very, very boring aren't they," Ted tells his sister seriously and then raises his eyebrows at me.
Now that is something I have never been accused of.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this very long chapter. I don't know when I will write the next one. As some of you know, I suffer from occasional depression and it has come back. So I need to treat it first, before I continue to write anything else… thank you. reviews are welcomes.