Goodbye isn't Always Forever
New Year's Eve...
Ted's POV:
Lily and I enter my parents' house. We have finally packed everything we need to fly out tomorrow, and whilst we are both excited, we have mixed feelings. Saying goodbye is always difficult. I wrap my arm around Lily wanting to keep her close and seeking comfort. The house is full of life, family and friends are scattered around, and the atmosphere is warm. We take off our coats and are welcomed by my mother, who was close by to the door.
"Hi Mom, you look stunning," I tell her and kiss her cheek. Whilst she smiles, it doesn't reach her eyes. "Please don't be emotional, not yet." I beg of her. If my mother gets upset because of us, then I will be too. It's way too early in the evening for that.
"Good evening Ted and Lily. You both look sensational" My mother is now looking up toward the stairs and seems extremely distracted rather than emotional at the present moment.
"Mom I know you and dad, are still worried about this trip and please don't worry, we are going to be fine. I will ring you both the moment we land" I try to reassure her.
"I know, it is just that your father and I have been struggling with Phoebe since yesterday. She won't come downstairs. Your father has been a wits end with her all day. Phoebe hasn't eaten more than three mouthfuls of food and has been disrespectful. We understand she is upset over you two going away, but still her current behaviour is horrible." My mother sighs.
"Do you want me to go upstairs and get her to come down?" I offer.
"Please, even I am over this behaviour, and it is out of character for her" My mother tells me. I nod and as I go up the stairs, I feel a stab of guilt with each step I take. Phoebe is upset because of me.
I knock on Phoebe's door, which is partially open, but I don't want to enter until she acknowledges me. I knock a second and then a third time, but she still doesn't respond even though, she can hear me. "Fifi?" I call out but still no response. Rather she is lying face down on her bed, facing away from the door. I can't see her face, but I know she is upset.
"Hey Fifi, everyone is downstairs, aren't you going to come down?" I ask softly. Phoebe doesn't say anything but shakes her head saying no.
"Come on, I know you want to go downstairs. You love parties, and you even get to stay up until mid-night if you can." I wait for a response, but again nothing. "Grandma and grandpa are here, as are Uncle Elliot and Aunt Kate. Even Ava is here, did you know that? Also, Lily is downstairs too, and she really wants to see you. Even Lily's parents are here!" I try to coax her. Phoebe still doesn't look at me and continues to shake her head.
"Some of mine and Lily's friends are here also. Come I will introduce you to them. There is a dance floor, and you love to dance." My efforts to convince Lily to go downstairs seem to be in vain.
I run my hands through my hair, wondering how I am going to get her to come downstairs. I know she doesn't want to stay in her room. I walk around the bed, and pull up one of her little chairs that goes with her tea set and sit in front of her. At least I can see part of her face that isn't buried in her arms.
"Don't you want to go and show everyone your new dress? Mom and Dad told me that they took you out to buy one. It's very pretty, almost as pretty as you. Let's go downstairs for dinner and show it off." My parents anticipated Phoebe's unfavourable mood tonight, took her shopping for a new dress to wear hoping it would lighten her disposition for this evening. This endeavour has also failed. Phoebe continues to be non-verbal.
"Fifi, aren't you hungry? You haven't had any dinner. You need to come downstairs and have something to eat" I start to scold`.
"I am not hungry" Phoebe replies. At least she is finally talking. Finally, some progress is being made.
"You can't lie to me, little sis. I know that you didn't eat much breakfast, and you probably got told off at lunch because you wouldn't then also. You know I bet you don't even know what is for dinner. I bet you don't even know that Mrs. Jones has made a buffet of different foods." I tell her. Mrs. Jones asked me what Lily and I would want for this joint goodbye dinner, and New Year eve party. We asked her to make one or two of our favourite foods, but instead made them all in the form of a buffet.
"There are roast vegetables, corn, roast beef, roast chicken, salmon, Yorkshire puddings, mashed potatoes, spaghetti Bolognese, curry and rice, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, pastries and all sorts of yummy foods. Then there are lots of cakes, puddings, biscuits and even ice-cream for desert. Surely you don't want to miss out on that, especially as I am pretty sure our parents will let you eat as much dessert as you want, and I hear that you are even allowed the drink lemonade tonight" I tell her. I don't even look at Phoebe as I am pretty sure I just got her. She is allowed Lemonade maybe once or twice a year as my father thinks there is way too much sugar in it for a young child. My parents tend to limit her to milk and water, with the occasional apple juice.
"No, thanks," Phoebe says still down. Okay I get that she is upset because of me, but it's not like I haven't gone away before.
"Oh Come on Fifi, you cannot stay and mope up here forever. Dad and Mom want you to come downstairs, the whole family does. Lily and I want you to come down and sit in between us during dinner. How does that sound?" I offer.
"No, thank you." I groan quietly. Phoebe is as stubborn as every other Grey family member.
"Fine, have it your way. I will go, and tell our father that you are refusing to eat, poorly behaved and uncooperative. I will also tell him that you are choosing to starve yourself." I threaten. I am keeping a straight face and pray this is working on her. Hopefully she doesn't realise that it is a bit of an empty threat.
"You wouldn't dare Theodore Raymond Grey" She scolds me using my full name and gets up into a kneeling potion with her arms crossed. Oh how I desperately want to laugh! Physically looks like my mini version of our mother, but personality wise she is so like our dad, at the moment anyway.
"Yes, I would dare, and I bet he will even more, unhappy with you, Regardless of the fact that you are upset. When he comes upstairs, and you refuse to go downstairs and behave, he is likely to whack your backside, or worse" I hate that I have threatened Phoebe like this, but I have no idea what else to say now.
"I don't care, even if I get a spanking." Lily says. Damn it, this is the last thing I want. I sit back down and look at my little sister.
"Okay Fifi, what will it take for you to come downstairs?" I have no choice right now but to wave the white flag.
"I will go downstairs, only if you change your mind. Don't go, please Ted. Don't." Phoebe offers.
"Fifi, you know I can't. The arrangements have been made, and it's not as if I haven't gone away before. Remember when I was going to college, and would come home and then leave. We would talk on Skype and see each other. This is the same thing." I explain. Phoebe has just turned five, six weeks ago, and I know six months to her is much longer than to myself, Lily and our parents.
"But you are going away for a long time and, Daddy said that you probably won't be coming home for visits and that he doesn't know if we can go and visit you and Lily, because of where you are staying." Sometimes I wish she didn't understand and remember as much as she does, makes it hard to talk around issues.
"It is only six months. I will be back before you know, and it will be summer then. We can go swimming together, and I can finally teach you how to hit a baseball. Maybe even camp outside in the meadow." I tell her to smooth out the anguish that I am also feeling now.
"Teddy, I just don't understand why you have to go away for so long." Phoebe says with a few tears in her eyes. I pick her up off the bed and hug her, not wanting her to cry. With my sister holding on tight to me, I carry her downstairs, so she can finally join the party downstairs. As I walk downstairs and see friends and family, I reflect on the past six weeks, that has got us to this point. Damn it has been a long six weeks, and it will culminate with Lily and me leaving Seattle tomorrow.
Six weeks till New Year's Eve
Ted's POV
"Good evening, Marie. Has Lily arrived home yet?" I ask our housekeeper. We employed her five months ago, and she had been invaluable, especially as our workloads have increased. It is mid- November and the months seem to have been rushing past. Phoebe even turns five in a week.
"Evening Ted, and yes Lily has already arrived. She is on cloud nine and in the study. When would you like dinner?" She enquires. I smile, loving the notion that my hot fiancé is in a good mood. She has been working so hard on a water sustainability project.
"I will check with Lily, but how does thirty minutes sound?"
"Perfect, though just let me know if you want dinner at a different time." Whilst Marie heads off into the kitchen, I make my way into the study to see Lily.
I stand at the doorway and watch Lily. She isn't just on cloud nine, she is literally walking on water. I walk into the study, and Lily can't hide her excitement, nor does she want to right now. Lily looks at me, and her demeanour changes. She indicates with her index finger, for me to move closer to her and once I am only a couple of feet away from her, she grabs my tie to pull me closer. Lily starts to kiss me forcefully and excited. I reciprocate, allowing her to possess me, and she lets me possess her. I grip her backside and pick her up, causing Lily to wrap her legs around my waist. Her work skirt rides up, to her hips, leaving nothing to the imagination. God she is gorgeous.
"Take me" Lily whispers.
"With pleasure" I reply. I move towards the wall so Lily can lean against it. Lowering her slightly so she can undo my belt, suit button and zip.
"Fuck your huge already" Lily comments.
"Only because of you. You are so hot!" I reply nibbling on her ear.
"Damn right because of only me Grey." I can't help but smirk. Lily knows there is no else for me.
"Well I hope you are not attached to these panties." I reply and forcefully rip into them. I am glad I bought more of these delicate and fine laced panties. They have come in extremely handy. I run my fingers around her and feel her wetness. I am desperate for her. In one hard thrust, I fill her deeply. She scream out my name and tightens around me. It is absolute ecstasy.
"Oh Lily, you feel so fucking good."
"Harder Ted" She begs, and I deliver.
"Fuck Ted." She calls out and starts to come and tightens around me, tipping me off the edge and I fill her. I keep myself buried inside of her as we both come down from our climaxes.
"Now this is a fabulous way to be welcomed home. I think we should make it a ritual" Lily giggles in response. "Have a good day at work, Future Mrs Grey?" I ask, kissing the finger which holds the engagement ring.
"Brilliant." Excitement fills her voice. "But we need to talk now" Lily has suddenly become seriously.
"Oh, then we should go and have dinner, so we can talk?" I suggest a little apprehensively at her change of tone.
"Yes, but first I need to go and put on a new pair of panties on. I will meet you in the dining room" She says, starting to walk off.
"No," I call out grabbing her hand. "Come to dinner as you are. I rather like the idea of you eating next to me with ripped panties to be honest. I may even take you again in the dining room."
"That's kind of kinky" Lily points out, making me grin.
"Come" I take hold her hand and kiss the finger that her engagement ring is on.
Lily and I are seated next to each other at the dining room table, and after pouring us both a glass of wine, we commence to eat the chicken roast and vegetables that Marie has prepared.
"I am curious Lily, what happened at work? It must have been marvellous if it was the catalyst for my welcome home. Also, what do we need to talk about?" I probe. I want to know what on earth happened so I can take actions to make it happen again. I rather like coming home to
"Remember when you told me that one of the benefits of working at, Seattle Engineering Inc, a company that had been recently purchased by Grey Enterprise, was that I would be able to gain access to projects that aren't available at most other companies." Lily inquires.
"Of course I do. Seattle Engineering gets to work on projects that are enviable. You get to work and take on roles in Environmental projects rather than being forced into another aspect of your profession by another employer. " I state proudly of Lily and Grey Enterprise.
"Well it's happened. I get to take a role on a role Environmental project that I genuinely want to." Lily announces but there is a slight weariness to her voice than concerns me.
"Brilliant which one? Tell me about it."
"Well it is the water sustainability project that Grey Enterprise is working on in Northern Africa" she informs me
"Isn't that the job you have been doing?" I ask a little confused.
"The very one. I am working with the team that has been developing sustainable and healthy water usage. We're working on ensuring that Darfur and neighbouring countries have a continuous source of clean water, and it is crucial to the development of profitable industries by Grey Enterprise. It's a project I have been working on at the office." Lily says.
"Okay, but you haven't told me how this different to what you are doing now?" I requestion. Lily has immersed herself in this job for months now, and I often sat down with her as she talked about it. I love her passion over her work.
"Because my role is going to change, and in six weeks, I have to go to Africa, Darfur to be specific, for six months." Lily says softly. All the air is sucked out of my lungs, and I can't talk. I can't breathe and feel lost. For the first time in years, I feel lost.
"What? Six months away? To a part of the world that has a horrible history of genocide, racial, and civil wars? No! Something could happen to you. I wouldn't be able to cope if it did." I state horrified.
"It isn't that unsafe where we are located, and it has been peaceful there for years. We have political and military support from the country due to the work we are doing is humanitarian and investment based. Our work in combination with Grey Enterprise is necessary to generate new jobs and peace in the future there. We have international support and aid and even your father has some of his people located there, coordinating the development of industry." Lily tries to convince me.
"I don't care. No, Lily. No! You cannot go. I won't allow it" I call out, taking her, and even myself, by surprise. This is the first time I have told her she can't do something.
"Excuse me?" Lily says, horrified.
"I don't won't you going away for six months. What about us? We have just started to plan our wedding." I ask defensively.
"Ted, I don't want us to change. This ring is still permanently stuck on my finger, and we have set a date, but that is eighteen months in the future. I will be back in more than enough time to plan this wedding with you. You are mine, and I am yours. I want to marry you, and I want to do this project, and I can do both. This is what I have been working so hard for." There is so much desire in her voice, but it fails to sway my displeasure. She shuffles off her chair, to sit on my lap and nuzzles her head in my neck. She knows I love this position, and is being strategic.
"You know you have gone away for work before, and I haven't liked it. However, I understand it is the nature of your job, and this is the nature of my job" Lily accurately points out, and then commences to kiss me in an attempt distract me.
"Nonetheless, the longest I have been away for is a week. Big difference between one week and six months" I point out.
"I know. I don't like the idea of being away so long either. However, if I don't do this now, I don't know when I will get the chance again. In eighteen months, we will be married, and then we will probably have kids a few years after that." Lily comments.
"Six months away is too much. I don't know if my I will be able to cope" I confess. I can already feel my heart start to crush.
"Don't you recall the welcome we have given each other, after your work trips? They have been mind blowing, imagine how astronomic it would be after six months, and I would expect you to come and visit me. You could come and have a look at the projects Grey Enterprise has commented there. It's pretty impressive. The corporation is developing new industries there, providing jobs and sustainable living there. I am going to be helping make that happen. I can improve so many people's lives" It then hits me, the solution I have been looking for. A large smile forms on my face.
"Your right and that gives me an idea." I tell her finally finding some hope. Lily looks at me curiously, due to my sudden change in mood.
"What has got in head? What is your idea?" She inquires.
"I can go with you." I tell Lily. She looks at me mystified.
"You would do that. Just follow me? Leave your family, job and everything?" She says.
"I would follow you to the moon and back. You know that. I can work at the Grey offices there. As you said, Grey Enterprise is expanding and setting up new industries in that very region." I tell her. Lily wraps her arms around me and kisses me gratefully.
"Oh Ted, I love you." She says.
"I love you too, Lily." I tell her. Lily puts her hands on my face, and commences to kiss me appreciatively.
"Let's go to our bedroom. I need you again" Lily declares.
"Don't need to ask me twice, but before we do, there is one significant obstacle to me going to Africa that we haven't discussed." I tell her.
"What's that?" She asks confused.
"I need to convince the CEO of Grey Enterprise to transfer me. My father has to say yes" Lily's upbeat and sensual disposition then ends.
"Shit." She replies.
"Yep."
"What if he says no" She hypotheses.
I don't know how to answer her as I don't know what to say. What if my father refuses to send me there on official Grey Business? Do I give up my position at Grey Enterprise if my father says no? It would be like choosing between my family and Lily. I love my family, but I also love Lily.
"I will ask him next weekend after Phoebe's fifth birthday party. He will be in good spirits" I tell Lily.
"Good idea" She smiles, but we both are so unsure over know how this is going to work out.
Five weeks till the New Year's Eve
Phoebe's POV:
I lie in bed and stare at my bedside clock. I am not supposed to get out of bed until it reads seven zero zero, unless I need to go to the bathroom, but then I am to get back into bed or play quietly. Mommy and Daddy's rule. I watch the numbers move, six five eight, six five nine, and then finally seven zero zero.
"Yes!" I call out. I jump out of bed, run down the hallway, then downstairs, and to the large French doors, all the time holding Mary, my American girl doll.
"Look Mary that is where my party is going to be today. All our family is coming and my friends from school. There is going to be a large jumping castle over there, face painting, arts and craft and everyone are going to be dressed as princess and pirates, but it is more of a princess party. We had to add pirates because boys can't be princesses." I tell Mary and wait. Oh I wish she could talk back.
"Morning Phoebe, Happy birthday" I turn around and there is Mrs Jones and Taylor, and she gives me an enormous hug, as does Taylor.
"Thank you"
"What do you want for breakfast? You can have anything since you are five today" She offers.
"Can I have fruit loops?" I ask excited
"I don't think you parents will be too happy with that, besides I don't have any. How about pancakes with syrup?" Oh well, I figure I might at least try.
"Okay. I haven't seen my parents yet" I say looking around.
"Your dad isn't in the gym or in his study, and I haven't seen your mother, so they are probably still upstairs in their bedroom," Taylor tells me
"Okay" I run towards the stairs. I vaguely hear Mrs Jones, call something out to me in the distance, and though I know I am supposed to listen to her and Taylor, I don't stop. It's my birthday, and I want it to start. I am only a few feet from my parents' bedroom door when Taylor puts his hands on my shoulders, stopping me.
"Phoebe, stop, you know the rules. Birthday or no birthday. You are not allowed to run into your parent's room" He tells cautions me.
"But I am allowed to knock, and wait for one of them to come to the door or until they tell me to enter." I explain.
"Yes, but I think your mind was more focused on your birthday than household rules just then." Taylor comments.
"I don't understand why I am not allowed to go into my parents' bedroom. They do it to me all the time" I argue. Taylor grins at me. He looks like he wants to laugh.
"One day, when you are older you will realise why you can't just enter an adult's bedroom." Taylor tells me.
"And Phoebe, hopefully that won't be until you are thirty, at least" I hear my dad say. He is still in his pajamas. I run up and picks me up.
"What can't I do until I am thirty?" I ask.
"Nothing. Happy birthday princess"
"Thanks daddy. I am a whole hand now" I tell him, but he frowns. "Why are you sad?"
"Because if you are one whole hand now, then next year you are going to be even more than one hand and Daddy like's you being little and his little princess. Soon you are going to be all grown up and off to college."
"Your silly daddy. I don't even know how to do my shoes laces up yet." My dad and Taylor both laugh, but I am being serious. I don't know.
"Phoebe, your mom is in our bedroom, and she wants to see you. Go on inside." My dad then puts me down, and before I enter, I hear him talk to Taylor. I don't know what they are talking about, but I do hear Ted's names and something about the wedding.
Christian's POV: (still five weeks to the New Year's)
Ana and I enter the study as per Ted's request. When he arrived, he asked to see us at the end of Phoebe's party, but this impromptu meeting had been delayed until after dinner as the whole grey family decided to hang around. They have all just left, with the exception of my parents. My father is talking to Lily, in the main room, whilst my mother has gone upstairs with Phoebe, who was due for a bath.
Ana and I are sitting next to each other on the couch, whilst Ted is opposite us. We both know what this is about. We have heard, through security that they have been discussing a wedding date and plans. We both suspect that Ted is going to ask to have the wedding here on the sound or inform us of his decision to have it at Bellevue.
"Wow, dad that was one hell of a five year old birthday party. I do have one question. Did you make everyone sign a non-disclosure agreement because there were lots of children and parents here from Phoebe school?" Ted asks
"Yes," I say casually, much to Ana's disinclination. "However, many of the students in Phoebes' class consists of children from some of the most highly profile people in Seattle, so they happily obliged, and I signed many for them also. I am going to have my lawyers write up an umbrella agreement for all the parents in Phoebe's class. This way we won't have to do paper work each time one of them has a birthday party."
"Seriously Christian these are four and five year olds," Ana says, causing me narrow my eyes.
"Yes, and we don't want their photos splashed all over the media at one of their birthday parties" I rebuke.
Before Ana is able to rebut, a terribly tired Phoebe enters, followed by my mother. I am so glad she is dressed for bed. Phoebe has yawned twice just walking to Ana to sit on her lap. I can't believe she is five already. Seems like yesterday we found out Ana was pregnant, and I was holding her for the first time in my arms. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it.
"Are you ready for bed, princess?" Ana tells her.
"I'm not tired," Phoebe says yawning again. I can't help but grin, she doesn't know her limits yet.
"Did you have a good day and party?" I ask, kissing my little girls forehead. Oh how I wish I could prevent her from getting bigger. I love having my little girl.
"Yes, it was fun. I love princesses. I wish I was one" Phoebe says, making me frown.
"You are our princess," I tell her and tickle her making her laugh.
"I think it's time for Princess Phoebe to go to bed" Ana states, making Phoebe pout.
"But it's my birthday today, and Dad just said I was a Princess, so I shouldn't have to go to bed!" She says a little sassy. Hhhhmm... I don't think I like the idea of my sweet daughter turning all sassy like this. Might have to cut some of this princess talk out.
"But even five year old girls, who occasionally get to dress up as princesses on their birthdays have to go to bed, especially when they have school the next day." I give her a stern look which makes her back down immediately.
"Come on Phoebe. Grandpa and I will put you to bed and read you a couple of the new books you got for your birthday" My mother offers. Phoebe reluctantly gets up and proceeds to say good night to Ana and me. She then goes over to Ted and exchange a rather large hug. The both laugh sharing some secret joke that Ana and I are not privy to. All three of us wait till Phoebe is no longer in the study to recommence our conversation.
"Ted you said that you wanted to talk to us about something." I point out.
"Mom and Dad, I need you both keep an open mind about this. Please don't say comment until I have explained the whole situation, and you have heard my proposition." I immediately stiffen at my son's request. What do I need to keep an open mind about a wedding? Maybe he and Lily have decided that he wants to elope or do something alternative. Either way, it's their wedding. I intend to support them and pay for the entire cost of the wedding and honeymoon.
"Go ahead Ted. We are all ears." I state.
"Dad, I want you to reassign me at Grey Enterprise" Ted states. Reassign him? What does he mean by that?
"Assign you? Like in transfer you?" I comment.
"Yes" He states. I narrow my eyes and thin my lips. Transfer? Why would I do something like that? Ana and I look at each other shocked. "You both look disturbed"
"Ted, we thought you wanted to talk to us about your wedding plans. We heard that you had started talking about a date" Ana says.
"Well we have set a date, but my need for a transfer has to take precedence right now. Lily has been working on a water sustainability project at work, in conjunction with Grey Enterprise, for the projects we have underway in Darfur. She has been promoted to the field team, and it means in five weeks, Lily going to Africa for six months, and I don't want to be away from her that long. Dad, I want to be relocated to the Grey Enterprise office in Darfur, for as long as Lily is there. I know I can make a difference in that office, and I can learn a lot about Grey Enterprise there."
I dumbfounded at my sons request. Six months in Africa, in an area that I can't guarantee 100% security? Away from Seattle and Grey House? Fuck! No. No Way! I didn't have Ted in my life for twelve years, and then when he was back, he spent the next four years on the other side of the country in college. He has only been home for eight months. I can't have him going away for another six months. And worst of all, to an area where anything can happen. What if something happened to him? Our lives would be destroyed. Ana has gripped my hand, and it is her touch that is keeping me from going thermonuclear right now. I refuse to say anything right now, which causes Ted to continue to convince us.
"Grey Enterprise is very active in the area and is setting new divisions there, and you both have always told me to take an interest in all aspect of the company, and its charitable sector. This opportunity will give me that experience," I run my hands through my hair. I don't need to hear anymore, I know what my answer is.
"Ted, I am sorry, but you are not ready for that sort of project. My answer is no." I inform him.
"Dad, I'm not asking to take over the whole Darfur division. I'm asking to be allocated to work there. It is mutually beneficial. I can be near Lily, and I can report back on how things are progressing there. I know it's a project that you have always taken a personal interest in" Ted is presenting a convincing case, but it isn't changing my mind.
"Ted, I think it is best that you stay at Grey House. You are learning so much here, and you are undoubtedly making a name for yourself. Also, there is nothing stopping you from going over and visiting Lily occasionally. We know how much you and Lily love each other, and you don't want to be apart from her, we understand that, but my answer has to be no." I reconfirm.
"I am not going away forever, its six months. Mom please says something" Ted stresses.
"Ted, I am sorry, but I agree with your father." Ana says, much to Teds despair. "Why don't we all just think about this for a while?" Ana adds trying to end the tension that has started to mount up.
"Why? It's not going to change anything is it?" Ted is annoyed and is now standing. I stand up in response, and I clench my fists by my sides. I can feel the adrenaline running through my body as it usually does when I am about take on an opponent in a business deal. I am fighting between being a father and a CEO, right now, but both personas are saying 'no'.
"Ted, I am talking as your boss, not as your father. As your boss, I am saying no. Your skills and professional development will be maximised here, and that is in the best interests for Grey Enterprise. You wanted to be treated as any other employee and had any other employee in your position had come to me and made the same request, my answer would be no."
"I cannot go six months living away from Lily. I'm not you. I can't keep going on about my everyday life without the person I love, like you did when you were away from Mom" Ted argues. I hate that he has made assumptions about me. I have never told his how much I anguished being away from Ana. Either way, I don't back down. Instead, I get opt for a more drastic option.
"Then I will have Lily's participation in the field team cancelled. I will contact the Lily's CEO tomorrow and tell him to make the change and that it was his idea"
"Christian you can't" I scoff at Ana remark.
"I can and I will. I have done it once and will do it again." I remind Ana of the time I had her New York trip cancelled when she started at SIP.
"Dad, I beg of you, do not do that. You can't. Lily has her heart set on this field work and her mothers are 100% behind her. Lily will work out what has happened if she is suddenly pulled of the team. I don't want her to be unhappy." Ted pleads me. There is so much fear in my son's eyes that it unnerves me.
"Promise me dad, here and now. That you will NOT interfere with Lily's job. That you will not have her taken off this field work, its means so much to her, and I want her to be happy. Promise me." Ted reiterates. He staring at me and his voice is so serious. Damn, it even worries me a little. I have never seen him so intense or so desperate for something. The tension in the room has increased dramatically, and it encompasses us.
"I promise. You have my word. I won't interfere" I tell him, sincerely.
"No matter what happens" Ted asks to seek clarification.
"Yes, no matter what. You have my words as your boss and father" I tell him again. Why do we need to repeat this? Ted visibly relaxes, and I feel the tension level drops. Thank God! I hold my hand out to help Ana up, thinking that is finally over.
"Dad, as my CEO, are you 100% sure you will not let me go to Africa? Is that anything that will change your mind? I'm begging you here as my boss and father now". Ted asks for one last time.
"As your boss and father, my answer is undeniably and absolutely no. You will stay here at Seattle office. I will make the GEH jet available to you whenever possible to visit Lily with security, and I am going to up security in Darfur for her. I want her to be safe also. Lily is important to you, and that makes her equally valuable to your mother and me, and our family. I am sorry that I can't offer you anymore." I say handing out my final compromise, and decision. Ana stands next to me, and I wrap my arm around her for support. I am so thankful that she was here with me. Ana kept me from my 'fifty shades'
"I am truly sorry also dad" Ted stiffens. He glares at the most recent of our family photo to the side, and then to his mom and me.
"Mr Grey, I formally tender my resignation to Grey Enterprise. I will have it in writing for you tomorrow on your desk. I happy to give you notice as states in my contract of four weeks..." My heart stops beating as Ted is talking. Resigning? Notice? Four weeks as in his contract. That was only there as a formality. He isn't ever supposed to leave Grey Enterprise. It is supposed to be his when I retire. NO! "... and in five weeks, I am going to Africa. Dad I will remind you that you promised not to intervene in Lily field position, and I believe that you are a person of your professional word." Ted turns on his heel and doesn't give either Ana or I any chance to reply.
Ana and I look at each other, shocked and horrified. "What just happened?" Ana says as dumfounded as me.
I can't lose him again. I won't. I race after Ted refusing to allow this to end this way, but I am too late. He and Lily have made a quick getaway.
All night I try to ring Ted on his cell and home phone. I have sent text messages and emails, but he isn't answering. I even try to ring Lily's but still no answer. The only people close to them. That I am able to reach are their security detail, and though they tell me that they are well, are also unable to convince Ted or Lily to talk to me. They are so eager to avoid me that they have gone to a hotel, rather than Escala. My son knows me too well. He knew that I would go there after him. Escala is one place Ted couldn't prevent me entering.
I arrive at Grey house early the next day. It's not even 7:30. I was awake most of the night unable to sleep. I tried to fall asleep, when I went to bed with Ana last night. But at 11pm, I gave up and found comfort playing my piano. I rediscovered old tunes that I use to play. My sadness is filtered to my fingers, and my fears come out. I only went back to bed at 2am, after Ana asked me to go back to sleep with her. An offer, I have never been able to say no to. Whilst I was able to find some sleep, I was awake at 5am. I stayed home long enough to kiss Phoebe good morning and to wish her a fantastic day at school and to make sure Ana was okay.
As I approach my office, with Taylor behind me, I notice my office door open. I know I left it closed when went left on Friday, and Andrea and Ros had left before me. No one else has access to it. I stop, pain fills me. Has Ted already been here and placed his letter of resignation on my desk? Please God no! Not before I get another chance to talk to him. I walk into my office slowly. There is no Ted, and no letter, rather sitting on the couch is Lily.
"Lily" I call her name. She stands up and looks at me. Sadness etched on her face.
"Christian, I hope it is okay that I was in here. I seriously need to talk to you and wanted to do so before Ted came in this morning" She explains.
"So Ted is coming into work today?" I ask to have her clarify.
"Yes, but he was only getting out of bed when I left this morning. I needed to be here before he came in. I hope this isn't too much trouble or an annoyance" She says.
"Oh no, it's not at all. Please can I get you something? A coffee, breakfast, anything?" I offer.
"No, Thank you I haven't felt much like eating, since last night." She confesses.
"Me either" I also admit.
"Look I don't have long. Last night Ted was devastated. He has been forced to choose between me and his family" Lily's words shock me. I didn't mean for that.
"I haven't disowned Ted or anything. He is still my son. Last night was about business" I have lie. I don't want me son away from me. I don't want him in danger.
"But to him he felt like he has, and I can't cope with being the reason this has happened. So today, I want you to refuse to accept his resignation letter, should you see him, before I can talk to him. I am going to see my boss and ask him to cancel field position. I will ring Ted and then tell him I didn't meet the visa time requirements and that the Seattle Engineers Inc have chosen someone else due to the importance of the initiative." Lily offers.
"Lily you have wanted this field position for so long. Won't you regret it in the future?" I query.
"I will regret the fact that Ted had to choose, between his family, and me, way more. I will regret it more when I see him upset every day in Africa and hurt because he won't feel like he is able to talk to you. I don't want him to one day, wake up and hate me because he wants to be with me more than anything in the world. He may think he is doing what he wants, but he isn't seeing the big picture. I love Ted too much, I want him to be happy, and I will do whatever it takes even if it means I have to give this opportunity up." Lily tells me.
"You would do that? Give it up all, for Ted and my family?" I ask her again.
"In a heartbeat. So please do not accept Ted letter. Okay? I will ring him early and stop him from resigning on paper, but Ted is so stubborn, he may still try and go through with it. You have to stop him, please." Lily pleads.
"I will do whatever I can" I promise Lily. She starts to leave, not wanting to run into Ted, but before she walks out I stop her. "Lily wait, I have another option"
Ted's POV Five weeks to New Years
Before going into Grey House, I had to return to Escala. I had a lot of documents that I had been working on this weekend in the study'. As I check each document, I reflect that they don't just represent hours of work and but also hours of bonding time with my father. There has always been love in our relationship, but never the mutual respect that has been generated by us working together. Never did I expect when I woke up yesterday and wrapped my sister's birthday present that I would be resigning from Grey enterprise by the end of the day.
I sit down at the desk and focus my attention to the piece of plain paper in front of me. I examine my fountain pen, I wonder on earth what to write. I have never written a resignation letter before.
Dear Mr Grey. Dear? Really? No. To Mr Grey, CEO of Grey Enterprise. Yes, that is better. What next? I resign, I terminate? I apologise that I need to end my employment, I regret to end my employment? Fuck, my college application essays, weren't even this hard. 'Ted, just keep it simple.' I tell myself
To Mr Grey CEO of Grey Enterprise
I officially terminate my employment at Grey Enterprise.
Notice will be given from today as per my contract.
Regards,
Theodore Grey.
There that will do. I slip the brief letter into an envelope then place it in front of me on the desk. I rest my chin on my hands I analyse the envelope. The letter inside doesn't say what I am feeling inside. Regret, sadness and disappointment. But it I only need to look at Lily's photo to know why I have to do this. I don't want to miss out on time with her. My parents wasted time, and I refuse to do the same.
Grey house at 8:30am is already starting to become a hive of activity. I seek the sanctuary of my office, before going to see my father, who will also soon be my ex-boss. I open my door to find my office is already occupied.
"Lily? What are you doing here? Is everything alright?" I say dropping my suitcase and going over to hold her. She left so early this morning that I barely even got to talk to her. I close my eyes as my arms are wrapped around her. She feels and smells so good.
"Yeah I am good. I just needed to see you. Actually we needed to see you" Lily tells me. We? I look around and there is my father, sitting there. How did I not notice he was there? He looks deep in thought as his taps his fingertips together.
"I don't know if there is much more that we can talk about." I tell my father. I refocus attention then to Lily. "I have made up my mind, I told you that last evening. You are more valuable than this job" I reassure her.
"Ted, please just listen to me" My dad requests. I shake my head, I don't want to listen especially after last night.
"Please Ted, do it for me" Lily pleads. She is my one and only weakness, next to Phoebe, and I relent. As I move behind my desk, I also pull out the envelope which consists of my resignation letter and place it on my desk. Suddenly we are in a stalemate. My father visually examines the letter. His eyes narrow, lips thins and is angry, but a part of me thinks that this is guard against his emotions.
"Ted, you need to understand that business is often harsh. We don't always get what we want. We do not get to determine the rules of the game. " My father states.
"Unless you are Christian Grey" I comment. My father cocks his head to the side as me. "You do it every day Dad. You determine the rules of the game, and you decide when the pieces will move. You are doing it with me, and the fact that Lily is here right now, shows that you will move more than one piece."
"Ted. I came here. Your dad didn't ask me to come." Lily informs me. I look at her shocked, unsure of what is happening.
"Son, I have a counter offer for you. That will be agreeable to you, Lily, your mother and me, as your boss and father." My father states. "Ted I will transfer for you for the six months to Darfur, and you will work in the office there. I am going to set down a set of objectives that I want achieved there. The area is in need of investment and we have the means of doing that, and then making a profit in the future. You are going to face some challenges there" My father says. I can't believe what I am hearing. Why did he change his mind? Was it my resignation?
"I understand and accept." I comment as soon as I can.
"Wait, there is more. You need to keep in regular communication with Grey House, and I am going to assign some rather intense security on you and Lily. But most importantly, if the political environment was to take a turn for the worst or if there is unrest, you both are to leave immediately. I will make all the necessary arrangements to get you both out, and you both need be on the jet the second you are told to. No questions, no buts"
"That is fine Christian" Lily says, and I nod.
"Fine, so I guess you are both leaving after New Year's Eve then?" Lily and I nod. "Then in that case, I would like you both to come to a goodbye dinner on New Year's Eve. Lily I will invite your mothers. If you both give me an invitation list, I will have the arrangements made." My father offers.
"Thanks Dad." I say. He isn't moving and is looking bothered. I know he isn't happy with this even though he has made the compromise.
"Thank you Christian, I better leave and get to work. Ted I will see you tonight" Lily kisses me goodbye, and I offer to walk her out, but she suggests I stay with my dad. Once more we are alone.
"Do you want a glass of water or something dad?" I offer.
"No," he says simply.
"Can I ask what convinced you to change your mind?" I inquire curiously.
"Unconditional love." I look at my dad even more curiously, and before I can even say or ask anything else, my father leaves my office.
New Year's Eve
Ted's POV
I finally convince Phoebe to come downstairs, or more the fact that I carry her. She has a death grip on me. I could let go of her, and she wouldn't fall.
"Are you hungry? There are some cracker biscuits and cheese, olives and nuts on the table that you can have? Or I am sure I can sneak you a candy bar from the kitchen if you promise not to tell our parents." I offer.
"No," she says angrily. Well at least she isn't crying or sad. I walk over to my parents, with Phoebe still on my hip and shrug my shoulders. My father's lips form a hard line, and my mother has here hands on her hips.
"Okay Phoebe, we understand that you are upset, we all are, but if you are going to continue your poor behaviour from yesterday and today, then your mother and I have decided that you will go into the kitchen right now, eat all your dinner, and then we are going to put you to bed. No party and no new years! Do you understand?" My father informs her. He isn't scolding or yelling, but it is obvious that he means business.
"Yes," She says meekly and asks to be put down. She has finally decided to comply.
"Now that is better." Our father tells her and kisses her.
"Can I go and see grandma and grandpa now?"
"Of course you can" our mother tells her. Phoebe makes a quick getaway, as would I. The three of us watch her as she runs into the arm of our grandfather. He picks her up and starts to console her, but holding her and even making her laugh. Phoebe is upset that I am leaving, however she will be okay. She has so many people around that love her. They will care for her.
I refocus on my parents, but I can't find the words that I need to say. I am not ready to say goodbye yet, and something tells me they aren't ready either. "I am going to go and find Lily," I say excusing myself.
The evening goes wonderfully, and it's exactly what Lily and I wanted for our last night in Seattle. Family and friends. The countdown to midnight starts and Lily and I are holding each other closely. I steal of glance at my parents, knowing this will be on the last times I see them together for a long time. They have their arms wrapped around each other and Phoebe. I am amazed my sister has lasted all night.
Someone finally starts the count down 10...9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1 HAPPY NEW YEAR" Lily and I both clink glasses and drink our champagne before we kiss, for the first time this year. I grip her close to me and it feels incredible. By 2am, everyone has left, Pheobe is fast asleep, and it is just Lily and I and my parents. We both have had a little too much to drink and are exhausted.
"Why don't you both stay the night and have breakfast here? You are not due to fly out on the jet until midday, and I can arrange security to collect your bags and paperwork." My father offers.
"Sure that sounds good actually, I really need some sleep." Lily says looking up to me. I agree.
# # # #
The next morning at 8am, we both wake up feeling better than we deserve. Staying at my parent's house, meant that we got to sleep earlier, but it has also meant that we have extended our goodbye.
"So today is the day." I run my knuckles down her beautifully shaped jaw. "We ought to go and have a hot shower. I hear that hot water is a rather limited in our soon to be new home for the next six months plus it is only large enough for one person. This might be the last time I get to have you in the shower for a long time." I tell Lily kissing her and holding her close. We both shower and get dressed.
When we reach the bottom of the stairs downstairs, our luggage and documentation is already here as per my father's promise last night. This makes it feel even more real. When we reach the kitchen, my father, mother and Phoebe are already here, but so are Ros and Gwen. Lily goes over and greets them.
"I didn't know you two were coming for breakfast" Lily comment, with a large smile on her face.
"Our only daughter is about to go to the other side of the planet for six months, and you don't think we would try and spend every minute we can with her?" Ros says shaking her head.
"I am glad you are both here." Lily says.
"Should we all sit and eat?" My mother asks. The mood during breakfast is pleasant and light-hearted as we try to avoid the white elephant in the room. With each second that pasts, our departure time inches closer.
We are had relocated to the main room, where Phoebe is playing with some of her dolls on the floor whilst Lily, and I talk to our parents. Just before 10am Taylor walks in with our CPO's for the next six months. Dad wasn't joking when he would allocate an increased amount of security. Do we seriously need six CPO's? Taylor coughs and we know what he means. It's time to leave. Lily and I are not allowing our families to escort is to the hangar where the GEH jet is located. Saying goodbye is already too hard. Lily says goodbye to my family first while I say goodbye to hers first. Gwen and Ros make me promise to look after her and keep her happy. I wonder if they are aware that this is one of my main goals in life.
I turn first to my mother. She is looking up, trying not to cry. "Mom, please don't cry, you will make me cry, and I will be home before you even know it. I will be fine and will ring you when we land okay?"
"Oh Ted, I am going to miss you so much. I love you" Tears are running down my mother's eyes as I fight to keep mine at bay.
"I love you too mom. Thank you for everything." I tell her. I don't know if I will ever be able to verbalise how much I am thankful to her. I then move to my father.
"Thank you dad, I know it has been hard for you to accept me leaving, even if it is temporary. I genuinely appreciate it, but I guess things are going to be a little quieter at Grey house now without me. You might get more work done now" I joke.
"I am going to hate going into the office for the next six months. Hurry home son." My father says sincerely.
"Bye Dad. I love you" I look at my father and hug him tightly.
"Bye Ted. I love you too. I am so proud of you" He says. My father then wraps his arm around my mother. I look next to my father, and see my little sister.
"Hey Fifi" I say kneeling down to be on the same level as her. "So now that you are five, are you going to be my big brave sister, and not be upset?" I ask her. I seriously don't want her to be saddened because of me. Phoebe doesn't answer rather shrugs her shoulders. If I didn't have a lump in my throat saying goodbye to my parents, then I certainly do now. I move to hug her, but she moves away, behind our father. Fuck my heart is breaking here.
"I am going to miss you and I need you to do a massive favour for me. Can you look after mom and dad for me while I am away?" Phoebe shrugs again. My heart breaks even more.
"Goodbye Fifi, I will talk to you soon okay? Remember you can Skype me, so we can see and talk to each other." I reassure her.
"I am not going to say goodbye," Phoebe says angrily. Our parents try to placate her, but with no success.
"It's okay Fifi you don't need to, and even though this is a goodbye, it's not forever. I am coming back, and the first person I am going to want to see and hug is you. So if you don't mind, don't get any taller or lose any teeth or anything. This way, I won't miss anything okay?" I say struggling not to cry.
"Okay Teddy" Phoebe starts to cry a little as she moves towards me and wraps her arms around my neck.
"I love you Fifi, and I am going to miss you every minute that I am away."
"Love you too Teddy. Good bye" She says. I pick Phoebe up and hold her tightly before passing her to our father, who tries to comfort her. I look towards Lily, who is also crying with her mothers.
"I guess we should be going. We have a flight schedule to meet" I tell her, and she agrees. Hand in hand we walk out, followed by our families. Security has already put our luggage and other belongings in the car. We both get into the Audi SUV, and before we drive off we look to our family, who are at the doorway and waving goodbye. We wave goodbye, and once we are gone, we hold each other filled with mixed feelings. Sad to leave our families, but knowing that we have an adventure ahead of us.
Authors Note: Thanks for the messages about my health. I am doing rather well. Hope you enjoyed the long chapter, again. Review please.