Authors Note: Sorry that it has taken me so long to get another chapter out. This one isn't as long as the previous ones, but it does lead on to the next few chapters. Hope you enjoy. Regards, Maria.

Irritabilities

Ted's POV

"You are perfect in any continent Mrs Future Grey.'" This is my favourite pet name for Lily. I had started to use it in Seattle, but it has become more prominent these past four months in Africa. I now know more than ever that I want to spend every day, hour and minute of the rest of my life with Lily. She is lying flat on her back, completely naked as I plant kisses on her chest and stomach after our rather vigorous love making session, whilst Lily is running her hands over my torso, abdomen and pelvis as if she is exploring a new area.

'You are so toned and even more muscular now." Lily remarks devouring me with her eyes and hands.

"That's because I have more time to work out here, work and be with you. No charity balls and interruptions. Life is simpler here in many way, regardless of our commitments." I tell her. We are housed close to both our offices, so I take advantage of running to and from the Grey Enterprise office, most days expect when I am meeting with a government or international official. Only then do I revert to wearing my once every work day wear of expensive suits.

"You do more than that. You have spent practically every Saturday at the children's home." Lily points out.

"Well I need to fill my Saturdays somehow since your water project just got heated." I laugh at my unintended pun. "Besides those kids keep me fit, they can play soccer for hours."

On my second week here, a co-worker originally from the United Kingdom, mentioned that he and his wife would occasionally go to a children's home on their days off and how poorly resourced it was. As a means to increase community support our projects, I went to this children's home, to make a charitable donation in the name of Grey Enterprise Holdings. I was shocked at first. So many children, orphaned or abandoned, but I couldn't get past by their joy and optimism. This set off my new schedule. I spend Monday to Friday at the office and evenings with Lily, then devote my Saturdays to the children home, helping out, playing sports, even tutoring a couple of the kids, and then spend Sundays with Lily and our friends that we have made here.

"You know I miss my family horribly, especially my parents and sister. Gosh Phoebe broke my heart last time when I spoke to her on Skype, telling me how much she missed me and how she had grown a couple of inches." Lily reaches up and wipe the tear that threaten to run down my face. I kiss her fingers in response.

"Nonetheless, this trip has been worth everything. We can become so commonplace back home. We have it all, and we still want more. We don't realise just how good life is to us. Here, these people have struggled through every catastrophic situation that one could imagine. I love being with those children. They are breathtaking. They have so little but have so much hope. What we are doing here is crucial. This water project and these new industries we are working on are essential. It will make a difference to those children's life". I take a deep breath and gaze upon Lily's perfectly framed face. I run my finger over her lips and jaw.

"Lily, we are due back in Seattle in a couple of months, and whilst we have to go and we both want to return, I am going to ask my father to include the Darfur projects as part of my work portfolio. I don't want to lose touch with what is going on here."

"You've grown up a lot" Lily tells me. I know she is complementing me, but I am taken back a bit.

"Have I now? I wasn't grown up before?" I say in mock horror.

"Yes, it's just that. Oh it's hard to explain. I didn't think it was possible, but I love you more." Lily confesses. I commence to tease her nipples appreciatively with my tongue.

"Oh while we are talking about Seattle and families, do you know exactly when your father is arriving? My mother wasn't sure when I spoke to her a couple of days ago. I thought he would be here by now" Lily inquiries.

"Well there have been a few issues at home over my father coming over" I tell her.

"Issues? Your dad is like the master of the Universe. He makes anything happen. What issues?" She asks flabbergasted.

"Phoebe" I tell her flopping over on my side of the bed.

"Oh..."

Christian's POV

"So you are serious about this plan? You are just going to take off and not explain to our daughter where you are going?" Ana admonishes. I am sick of this argument. We have been arguing over this for the past two days.

"Anastasia, what would you have me do; storm up to our daughter's room, tell her that in a couple of days, I am travelling to Africa to where her only brother is at the moment? A brother she misses more and more each day." I pace around Ana, trying to keep my anger in check but I am failing.

"I don't know!" Ana throws her hand up. "But she is going to know something is up when you leave and do not offer to take her. She is too bright not to notice."

Even though Lily and Ted have lived in Darfur safely for months, the surrounding countries and areas aren't one hundred percent safe so I won't take Phoebe. This is the thing that Ana and I both agree on. Originally I thought about Ana and I going over, and leaving Phoebe here with my parents and Gail, but our work schedules keep conflicting, and Ana has several new books being released from some new authors and leading authors, during the time we would be gone. In addition, there are some visa issues.

"I will tell her I am going to Thailand to check on our shipping yards there." I tell Ana, thinking this is going to be a viable solution.

"Fine, I just hope she doesn't find out." Ana hisses back.

"Either way she is only five years old and she doesn't get to make these types of decisions" I argue back. Ana and I stop arguing when we hear a knock. "It is most likely Taylor." I tell Ana.

"Enter" I call out abruptly and fall back on the couch. Secretly, I am glad for the interruption. This on and off argument about whether I should tell Phoebe or not has gotten tiresome.

"Are you both still arguing?" Rather than it being Taylor who was knocking on the door and entering, there is Phoebe standing there, hands on hips and looking at us disapprovingly. I raise my eyebrows at my daughter as she scolds us both.

"No, Daddy and I were just discussing an issue. We weren't arguing." Ana responds. "Come and sit next to your father and me." Ana comes to sit next to me on the couch, and Phoebe promptly jumps on to Ana's lap.

"You two were yelling, and you mentioned my name. Am I in trouble?" Phoebe asks worried.

"No, you aren't in trouble. Princess, often adults will get a little emotional over things and raise their voices that is all." Ana explains.

"So you were both arguing. Jessica from my school said that her parents argued then got a divorce. Are you two getting a divorce? Will mommy and I have to live somewhere else, like she use to with Ted?" Phoebe seems rather fretful. It worries and saddens me that she would even imagine her and Ana living away from me.

"Of course, not Phoebe" I try to hide my emotions in my voice.

"Phoebe no one is divorcing, moving or anything. I am just going away for about four days on a work trip. I am leaving in a couple of days" Phoebe's face light up immediately.

"Where to? Mommy are you going to come?" Phoebe asks.

"No, I am not going. I am extremely busy at work, and the company has several books coming out next week. So I need to be to be here in Seattle." Ana explains.

"Is Grandma or Sawyer coming then?" Phoebe inquires. I cock my head to the side, but then it hits me. She has instantly assumed that she would be coming with me.

"Princess, I am sorry, but you can't come on this trip. You have school, and you don't like missing your classes." The smile from Phoebes face instantly drops. Shit, I hate it when her whole demeanour changes, and she becomes desperately sad.

"But I have missed a few days before to go on a trip with you." She disproves my statement.

"I know, and we don't want you to miss any more school" I know that this is a lame excuse, but thankfully she is too young to realise it. Phoebe isn't even in compulsory school yet.

"Okay," She says sighing a little.

I lightly tickle her, and a smile finally reforms on her face. "There she is. There's my little girl" I tell her.

"How about you go upstairs and get your bathers. We can go for a swim if you like. The pool is warm" I offer.

"Yes!" Phoebe calls out and starts to run out. She is almost at the door when she turns around and looks deep in though. "Daddy, you didn't tell me where you are going on your work trip?" Shit, and there I was thinking I was going to get away with this easily. Ana and I exchange a glance. If I tell her she will, just get upset, but if I lie, then it will make it worse.

"I am going to Africa," I tell her.

"Africa?" She asks confused.

"Yes princess." I confirm.

"Where in Africa?" She asks. I take a deep breath and decide to come clean.

"I am going to Durfar" Phoebes face immediately falls.

"But that is where Ted and Lily are. I want to go too. Can you take me? I miss Ted" She asks a little desperately.

"I know you miss your brother. We all miss him, but I am sorry Phoebe, but you cannot come with me. It isn't completely safe, and I don't want to risk you getting hurt" I tell her.

"No, Daddy. I want to go, I will be careful. I won't do anything naughty and I will listen all the time. I will stay really close all the time. Please daddy let me go!" Phoebe is practically begging and emotionally it is gut wrenching.

"Come back, and sit on the couch Phoebe" I tell her and as soon as she is close enough to me I pick her up and sit her on my lap. I rub her back, trying to comfort her as she is getting upset.

"Please Dad. Let me go with you." Phoebe says again and ever so softly. There is a couple of tears running down her little face, and Phoebe's eyes illustrate just how upset she actually is. Regardless of how over-bearing and controlling I am, I am more than aware that my five year old daughter has me wrapped around her little finger. However I am not willing to negotiate or concede on this matter.

"I wish I could, but I am sorry, my answer is no. Your mother and I have spoken about this, and we are not going to change our minds." I tell her softly, but I am sure to look into her eyes so that she knows that I am not going to budge. Phoebe's sadness switches and becomes angry as she jumps off my lap. It is an unfamiliar look as she rarely ever is angry.

"NO! I WANT TO GO! IT'S NOT FAIR. I WANT TO GO TO SEE TED" Phoebe emphasises each word and is actually yelling. She has even started to stomp her feet. I narrow my eyes at Phoebe. Regardless of how upset she is, I am not going to tolerating any poor behaviour. Especially not a tantrum.

"Phoebe, stop that right now. I understand that you are upset and why, but we have made up our mind." I reiterate, though I have changed the tone in my voice. She needs to understand her place.

"NO," She responds loudly. Instinctively, I lean away from her for a second. "Mommy, please tell daddy that I can go!" Phoebe asks Ana, pleadingly.

"Sweetheart, you get to talk and see your brother all the time on Skype and on the iPad. He and Lily are coming home in a couple of months, and you wouldn't like it in Darfur. It is very hot, and there are no playgrounds. You would be bored." Ana tries to convince her.

"I won't be bored, I promise! Just let me go, please!" Phoebe looks at us both. Neither of us are changing our minds. I don't respond, and Ana shakes her head.

"THIS ISNT FAIR! I WANT TO GO. I WANT TO SEE TED…." Ana and I look at each other as our daughter has her first ever tantrum. She never had them as a toddler, she had been so placid and sweet. We had somehow skipped the terrible twos. I get up wanting to end this. I put my hands on her shoulders to get her attention.

"This behaviour is not acceptable. Stop this now or you will sent to your room" I warn her. Usually if she had engaged in any type of poor or unsafe behaviour she would have been punished already, but considering the circumstances, I am willing to be flexible, but only to an extent.

"No, I won't. I want to go with you." Phoebe states angrily.

"Phoebe, I have told you. You can't come because it isn't the best place for you to visit. I am just going to go to Darfur to examine the work there that Ted is doing, and then I will be coming back home." I try to reasons with her.

"I don't care." Phoebe hisses back. That's it, I have had enough.

"Go to your bedroom, and you are to stay there until your mother or I let you come out." I tell her forcefully. Phoebe gives me a look of anger before she storms out and slams the study door. Ana shoots me a look of shock. I start to walk out to when Ana grabs my arm.

"Christian, you can't spank her. She is upset because she misses Ted and feels as if she is missing out on seeing him. We are the ones that have always wanted our children to be close, regardless of their large age difference, and we succeed. Too well in fact, as it seems. Just give yourself, and Phoebe, some time to cool down" Ana tells me, but I can only scowl at her right now.

""Anastasia I am not going to spank her. I understand why she is upset and I am fully aware of what my role in this has been. However, she needs to understand that I will not tolerate tantrums, and I defiantly do not tolerate her slamming doors."

"Yes I agree, but you have to calm down first. You are both too emotional right now." I reluctantly agree and sit down. Ana and I talk about what to do with Phoebe while I am away. Thirty minutes have past when I finally get up to go and see our daughter. Ana was right, I needed time to cool off.

I head off to Phoebes room as Ana walks off into our bedroom. Phoebe's door is closed, and when I open it, I don't find her on her bed or at her little table as expected. I walk in and scan the room, then enter the bathroom and check the wardrobe. She is nowhere in sight. Anger and worry hit me immediately. Where is she? She was so upset. She wouldn't try something would she? There is so much security and gate around here. Surely she must be in one of these rooms. I run out of her room and call Taylor.

Taylor: Mr Grey, what can I help you with?

Christian: Phoebe was sent to her room, thirty minutes ago, and isn't in there. I want her located. Check household's cameras and have security out. I am going to and start searching. Ring me when you have located her.

I disconnect the phone call and run into Phoebe's old room, then Ted's room. I check every inch of these rooms, but I can't find her. As I race into our bedrooms and Ana jumps up, shocked at my quick movements.

"What is wrong?" She asks.

"Phoebe isn't in her room, nor her old room or in Teds. I have security out looking for her and checking the cameras" I inform her as I check our large wardrobe and bathroom. "Have you seen her?" I asked now getting panicked.

"NO," Ana says sharing my worry. We both start to race around the second level of the house and then go to the bottom floor when we find Sawyer and Ryan looking around, my phone rings. I look at the ID, and it is Taylor.

Christian: Have you located her?

I cut out all pleasantries. They are not needed.

Taylor: The security cameras, have caught her running towards the ocean, about 15 minutes ago. I am sending Sawyer and all security there immediately.

Shit. Fifteen minutes? I disconnect the call and share the new information with Ana. As we run to the coastline, I feel adrenaline taking over me. Fear that Phoebe might be hurt or worse and anger that she has disobeyed rules and guilt. Ana is right behind me, and when we reach the water, security is already here, and there is no sight of her. Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoebe… where are you?

Taylor meets up with me and Ana. We instruct security to check along the beach line.

"Where would Phoebe go if she was upset?" Taylor asks.

"There are two places. She might go the lighthouse or the wharf." Ana declares. Taylor and Ana head off to those two places, whilst I check out the surrounding area. I climb on some of the rocks that border of the beach and where our house ends. I look around desperately and from the corner of my eye I see her. Thank god, Phoebe! Hidden in the long grass of the meadow and in the same place that we had a picnic not long before Ted left. Her last picnic with her beloved brother.

I send a text to Ana and Taylor letting them know I found Phoebe, and slowly approach her. Phoebe has her head between her knees and is curled up, crying and upset. She is crying so much that I don't know if she has noticed me or not. I sit next to Phoebe and wait for her to acknowledge me but she doesn't. I see Ana and Taylor, come back up and I wave to them to let them know it is okay and to give me some time. I take a few deep breathes in, trying to calm myself down before I start to talk.

"You have had a lot of people worried. Everyone has been looking for you" I state. I try to make sure my voice is not cold or angry, but I am finding this hard. My natural instinct tells me to do otherwise. Phoebe looks away from me and starts to fidget with the long grass.

"Phoebe you are going to have to start to talk to me or I am really going to get mad. If you don't start to talk to me, then I am going to take you to your room, and spank you. Now I would rather not do that, but it is your actions now that will decide my next step." I inform her, putting this back on her.

"I just don't think it is fair. You get to go and see Ted, and I don't. He is my brother." Phoebe restates.

"I know princess. Whilst it may not be fair, it is what it is. I am going to check on the work my company is doing and seeing what else they need. This is the same work that Ted is working on. Now this place isn't very safe, and as a result, I don't want you going there. You night get hurt, so it is best that you stay here with Mommy, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Elliot and Aunt Kate. Okay?" Phoebe looks at me and smiles. I cock my head to the side, surprised by her current manner.

"So if Ted wasn't at a place that was so dangerous then it would be alright? I could go, right?" Phoebe asks.

"Yes." I respond. Phoebe has a wide smile, and her eyes are glowing. I know she has dreaming up something, however, we still need to discuss punishment.

Ana's POV:

I go into the kitchen and pour myself a large glass of wine. I broke out in a sweat when we realised that Phoebe wasn't in the house, then we learnt she went toward the water, I could have almost died. I can't even begin to explain how relieved I am, but now I am worried about Christian. He finds it so hard to control his mixed emotions. My poor fifty! And my little girl, my Phoebe. What did she think she was doing running off like that?

I have drunk half my glass of wine, when I see both Christian and Phoebe walking towards the house. Both look rather calm actually. As Christian holds the door, Phoebe walks in and comes towards me.

"I am sorry that I was naughty before and that I ran off. I won't do it again." Phoebe says rather apologetically. I get down to her level and hold her tight.

"Thank you princess for your apology. I was so scared when we couldn't find you" I tell her trying to keep my tears of relief, at bay.

"I know, daddy told me." She says looking down.

"Well, Punishment starts now. Go and bring your iPad down and then you are to stay in your room for the rest of the weekend." Christian says rather authoritarian, and give a nod to Taylor. As soon as Phoebe returns downstairs with her iPad, Ryan and Taylor have both joined us.

"Thank you, Ryan," Christian says and as soon as he has sent Phoebe is sent back upstairs, Ryan follows her. Rather closely actually.

"Christian, why is Ryan so close to Phoebe?" I ask.

"Because that is part of her punishment. She is not allowed to go anywhere, even in the house without a CPO, right behind her. She needs to earn our trust again." I would roll my eyes, except I have to agree with him here. My heart is only started to stop its rapid beating.

"Phoebe has also lost her IPad for the next month and has to spend the whole weekend up in her room. No concessions what so ever!" I take a step back and analyse my husband.

"What are you thinking?" He asks.

"I thought you would have taken Phoebe upstairs and spanked her for running off" I admit

"Well I damn well thought about it, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Not over the fact that she is upset because of a decision I made. Though our Phoebe has made a rather intriguing suggestion.

"And what would that be?" I ask curiously. Christian kisses me softly and smiles.

"Well it is more of a compromise and a preference." Christian can't hide his laughter as he thinks about what Phoebe just suggested.

thanks for reading. please review.

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