Perspective, Challenges and Questions
Phoebe's POV:
My father is holding up my bracelet that I lost last night. I knew I shouldn't have worn it as I hadn't been able to take it back to the jewellery, yet to have it re-sized again.
"I lost that last night. Where did you find it?" I inquire, walking towards my father to reclaim it. I am so mad at my parents right now, especially at my father right now, but I want it back immediately. Ironically I wore it last night as it was the first real piece of jewellery I ever received by my parents, and last night was the first time I got to go to the ball with them. I never thought that eighteen hours later, the last place that I would want to be is next to them.
"I found it at your grandparent's boat house, and do not tell me that you were both innocently in there last night. I am too smart for that" My father scolds me like a disobedient child. I wonder what he means for a second, and then realize that this is the 'business that happens every year' that my grandfather elusively spoke about last night. I shake my head and then can't help but laugh. I want to yell out that I haven't done anything, but instead I become irritated.
"Dad, I am a virgin," I hiss. Deep down I am embarrassed admitting this, but my parents need to know that Josh has been entirely respectful of me. I must be the only twenty-one year old virgin in America. My father looks pleased at my admission and at the back of my mind, I can only imagine my father wanting to high five Ted or Taylor right now.
I retrieve the bracelet from my father's hands, without actually asking for it, and walk out of the house with Josh. At the front of my parents' house, I stand and feel all the emotion of that horrible scene. I look behind me at the picture perfect house. I love this house and have only truly had happy memories of it, until now.
"Are you sure you want to go out? I don't want to hurt your family!" Josh states, pulling me into his arms, as I am about to get emotional.
"Yes. I genuinely want to go somewhere else" I tell Josh. His rental car is a parked to the side of the house, and he chivalrously opens the door for me. As we drive down the long private driveway, I notice that my CPO is following us. I could tell him to remain here, but I don't see the use in antagonizing anyone else right now.
"Where do you want to go?" Josh asks.
"Seattle, I need to get a different perspective"
# # # #
"That is where you want to go?" Josh looks up almost fretful.
"Yes, I seriously want to take you up. It is safe, thousands of people go up there, if not millions every year." I tell him. I actually do not know how many people go up the Seattle Space needle, but I was ready to say anything to get Josh to agree.
"I love the elevator ride." I tell him as the doors close, trapping us both.
"Is this elevator is made of glass?" Josh is naturally worried. I had never seen him like this, even when we just spoke to my parents. He has always maintained his composure.
"I am not sure, but it is safe. It is clear as we go up we will be able to see the view, at different parts." I inform him.
"Oh." He says cautiously.
"Here give me your arms" I wrap his arms around me and hold them in place with my arms. "If we crash to our death, then at least we will do it close together" I tease.
"You are decidedly naughty at times, aren't you Miss Phoebe" Josh murmurs.
"Oh I hope so" I reply.
I walk with Josh and point out the main landmarks of Seattle. He listens intently, though I get the feeling he knows them all. As soon as he seems to be getting comfortable, I suggest we go to the deck area.
"I don't think I can. My fear of heights is being challenged enough, right now." Josh says,
"Oh come on. What about when we first go to Melbourne, Australia together? Are you going to tell me you aren't going to go on the viewing box in the Eureka tower glass cube?" I ask with my hands on my hips.
"What is the glass cube?"
"Oh it's astounding. I did it in Australia before I went to China, and catching up with you in India. You stand in this glass cube, which projects nine feet out from the building suspended almost one thousand feet above the ground! It is thrilling." I can feel the adrenaline again, from the time I stood out there, not that long ago.
"I may have to hold on you this tight to be able to cope" he comments.
"Your conditions are accepted." We smile at each other. This is the first time we have ever spoken about something we will do in the distant future. We have only ever really spoken about the future at a month at a time. We have agreed that he will move to Seattle, but we haven't even talked about if I will live with him or not even.
Slowly we move out to the open deck area and stand by the edge. I feel Joshua's arms around me and together we stand in silence looking over the city. I don't know how long we remain there, and it doesn't matter. We are contented just being together, up here, where it is peaceful I
We head back downstairs and look to the side, and there is a giant outdoor fountain. I remember Ted bringing me here when I was young and letting me frolic in it.
"I want to try this," Josh says pointing to the fountain.
"Really?" I look around, and there are only children around.
"Yeah, it will be fun" Josh takes off his shoes and jacket and rolls up his pants.
"Okay" I am unsure of this, but since he did just go up the Seattle needle for me, I can't actually tell him I don't want to get wet or look silly. I remove my shoes and jumper. I am so glad that I wore a skirt today.
"Ready to get wet?" Josh asks me. His voice is salacious and draws me in. I follow Josh into the fountain, and we are at first just get a little wet, but the further we go in, we get more and more wet. I find that I am enjoying myself, we are so carefree that I forget about the horrific time we just had with my parents. Josh picks me up and spins me as the fountain spurts water all around us, and then slides me down his body.
"I want to spend my life with you" I admit to him.
"Me too," he says.
After drying off in the sun, so we are able to walk around in public, we head off to the Pike Market district, as per my instructions.
My phone beeps and I find a text message from my mother.
*Will you be home for dinner? We can wait till late if you wish. Please, we need to talk*
I put my phone away immediately. Josh is looking at me inquisitively.
"It was just my mom. Nothing intense" I say simply.
"Aren't you going to reply? Josh asks
"Yes, but later. First there is somewhere I want to go" We end up at the Pike Market district. We do a quick grocery shop, which confounds Josh, and then head to an apartment building. I walk to the door man. "Afternoon. I would like the keys to apartment 5, code is KASOLHBTGBTUI2011A4EAET"
"Here you go ma'am," he says politely. We are silent until we enter to the apartment.
"Okay, answer a few questions for me. What on earth was the weird code and whose apartment is this? "Josh asks.
"This apartment belongs to my aunt Kate. Her late father bought it for her when she graduated from college and moved to Seattle after college to work on the Seattle times. My mother lived here also, for a short time then, and then with my brother before she moved to New York I believe."
"And you have easy access to it?" Josh asks as he helps me unload the groceries.
"Well not officially, but my cousin Ava. You remember her don't you?" I ask.
"Yeah, I do," he says a little uncomfortably.
"Ava used to bring boyfriends up here. She told me about the code should I ever want to bring boyfriends up here" I blush a little.
"And you are never concerned of getting caught up here?" Josh asks,
"I have never bought a boyfriend up here, before" I admit
"Good," Josh says proudly.
"Good thing you remember that crazy code" he comments.
"Oh it isn't crazy. KASOLHBTGBTUI2011A4EAET actually stands for something. Kavanagh And Steele Once Lived Here Before The Grey Boys Turned Up In 2011 And 4 Ever And Ever Together. It is a little of a mouth full, but my Aunt and Mom thought it was funny." I say smiling.
"I agree, but I like it. Also talking about your mother, you haven't replied to your her text message." Josh reminds me.
"I don't want to," I say sadly.
"Come on Phoebe. She is your mother. At least reply. She deserves that much in the least. "Josh tells me.
"Fine." I take out my cell phone and type a quick reply. "Happy Mr Harris?" I say playfully.
"Very!" Josh says.
"I want to cook dinner. Gail taught me this pasta recipe before I left for college. It's rather quick"
"Can I help" he offers.
"Josh you are an exceptionally competent lawyer, and wonderful to be around, but when it comes to the kitchen your skills are appalling" I states.
"I object," he says in his lawyer tone.
"Objection withdrawn counsel. Based on prior experience. I don't have to remind you of the time you tried to cook me a roast." I tease.
"Fifi, a roast is really hard to cook" Josh states, and then playful rubs his lips. I drop the knife that I have been using to cut the garlic, chillies and parsley. And move towards him. I wrap my arms around his neck,
"Josh, honey; it was a prevaricated roast, in a roasting container. All you needed to do was put it on the oven at 350 degrees for about a 60-90 minutes." I tell him. He pouts a little, and I lean in to kiss his perfectly formed lips. I feel his arms over my back, and even this small touch sends currents down my body. Josh then places his hand on my backside and lift me on to the counter. We rest our foreheads and noses together, both longing to be together.
"I wish we would just have sex sometimes" I finally say.
"Me too. But I don't think it would be fair on you right now. You are a virgin, and if this doesn't work out, I would hate for you to regret giving it up to me. I think we need to be sure. Let's just wait till I move here to Seattle." Josh reminds me. Sometime his proper upbringing and innocence rely bug me.
I am started when I hear a noise behind me, and turn to see the water boiling over. "Oh my pasta" I jump down and turn the heat down, and refocus on making the simple sauce of white wine, olive oil, parsley, garlic and chilli.
I can't help but smile shyly as Josh watches me as I cook, and then he gets up top start to clean up... Actually, it feels rather intimate. Us both here, doing everyday things.
"Smells delicious." Josh says honestly as I pass him a bowl. "Wine?" He asks.
"Yes please" The wine is crisp and complements the dish rather well. "This wine is fantastic. What is it?" I inquire.
"It is just a simple Chardonnay. I am constantly surprised that you don't know more about wine, but can cook brilliantly." Josh is reflective in his analysis.
"Why?" I ask curiously, causing Josh raises his eyebrows at me. "Because of my family?"
"Well yeah. I would have thought you wouldn't be able to boil water, but the last few months have shown me just how skilled you are at cooking."
"When my mom went back to work after having me, I was looked after, by my grandmother, or our housekeeper, Gail, and would also go to work with my parents, once I was about the age of four. Gail and I would often cook with me, and I learnt a lot from her. Also, my mother is a brilliant cook. She and I would spend a lot of time cooking together and talking in the kitchen. She got me through puberty, my SAT's, boyfriends and disagreements with my father while she taught me to cook. Gosh we must have talked about everything." I state. Josh stops eating and disturbed.
"What? Is it your pasta?" I inquire.
"No, it's just that, you and your mom are so close, and now I have come along and you didn't even want to answer her text message. I am worried that I will cause a drift in your family" Josh comments.
"You won't. I know things seem bad right now, but my family is extraordinarily strong. It will be uncomfortable for a little while, but it will all go well. Do not worry." I try to reassure him, but I don't how long that little while is going to be.
"Why don't you know more about wine? Your brother is very knowledgeable about it" Josh asks.
"Well I haven't been able to drink wine for that long. I am only twenty-one, I don't even turn twenty-two until November" I comment.
"I forget sometimes how young you truly are. You always seem so much older," Josh is focused on me and studies me.
"Don't dwell on the age issue. My family is doing that enough right now. We both agreed, it doesn't matter" I restate.
"It doesn't bother me, but I am worried about your family. They mean too much to you" Josh points out.
"Yes they do, and so do you"
"I love you Phoebe"
"Love you too "Josh and I finish dinner and finish cleaning up.
"I should drive you home." Josh says looking at the clock.
"But it's only 8pm" I tell him.
"Yes but you have your first day at work tomorrow, and you don't hope well with little sleep. Plus you are likely to want to drive yourself, and I would hate for you to fall asleep at the wheel" Josh tells me.
"Fine, but you need to meet me for lunch tomorrow."
"Wild horses wouldn't keep me away"
Christian's POV:
"Shit bro! Whoever would have thought it" Elliot crudely but accurately analyses. He and Kate came over after Ana rang them after Phoebe and Joshua left the house. I managed to get both girls into a day spa, where I knew Ana would be able to relax and get out of the house. I for one am beyond infuriated, and had been in the gym for about an hour with Elliot, before I was even able to start recounting everything that happened with Josh and my daughter.
"If I knew I could get away with it I would have Josh killed. If I knew I could avoid a jail term; therefore, not having to leave Ana or the kids, I would hurt him." I honestly state.
"But they haven't actually done anything, come one Phoebe is still a virgin. The only other twenty-one year old virgin I have ever heard of was your wife, and you took care of that circumstance. I damn well wish Ava had been a Virgin at that age, would have saved me an issue or two." Elliot cringes.
"Hey you do realize that Josh is a more virtuous person than you? .If that was you when you were younger, and you wanted her…." Elliot smirk and stops talking, having made his point.
"And you dear big brother. I do believe you slept with half of Seattle. Are you sure you only have one child?" I say to agitate him.
"Very sure!" He says adamantly. I don't doubt this. Elliot was one hell of a womanizer when he was younger, but he was no idiot.
"No matter what, you are one lucky bastard! Trust you Christian to have a daughter who would be perfect as a teenager and not have sex early"
"Except she may be out right now having sex, to spite me" This is one of my biggest fears, actually it y second biggest fear. I may have already put in motion to my biggest fear coming true.
"If you think that little of Phoebe, then I know your daughter better than you do. However, think all about your daughter having sex, this way you will lose your hair quicker than me. I would be happier if you lost your hair before me," Elliot jokes but is serious.
"Humorous. Do you remember when Ava got a…"
"Stop Christian. I know where you are going with this. Ava was a standard teenager, and she was challenging in college, but she leveled out. She is happily married and rather focused on her career." Elliot appraises.
"As opposed to my daughter who has always been leveled headed, but now after thinks she is in love with a man who is old enough to be her father. Josh knew Phoebe when she was a little girl, the thought repulses me" I say angrily, and start to lift weights.
"Because of Elena?" Elliot says now spotting me on the weights.
"Huh?"
"I think you need to address the issue that you see their relationship as symbolic of yours with Elena, without all the kinky sex." Elliot says seriously.
"No, that was different. I never once thought I loved her" I tell him.
"Okay little bro, I am going to do the biggest favor for you ever. I am going to talk to Phoebe" Elliot plans but send minor warning bells down my spine.
"I don't think that is a brilliant idea. Elliot you are an old softy when it comes to phoebe." I argue.
"No more than you were with Ava" he argues. I shake my head still.
"Okay I will make a deal with you. Remember when you tricked me years ago to lift all those weights so you could beat me in that swimming race?"
"Oh yeah! I suckered you in big time" I smirk.
"So let's do this for real. In the pool, freestyle, first one to stop loses." Elliot's offer.
"Deal." I accept.
"Great let me just do one thing. Does this phone contact Taylor's private residence here?" Elliot's inquire.
"Yes." I state, unsure of what he is doing. Elliot picks up the phone and asks if Taylor wouldn't mind coming into the gym. Promptly Taylor walks in.
"Is there an issue?" Taylor asks.
"Oh yes there is. Taylor are you still fully trained to deliver first aid and a strong swimmer right?" Elliot asks
"Yes, I do laps every day." Taylor looks as dumbfounded as I am.
"Great because your long term employer here, is going to need you soon." Elliot is still as arrogant as he was in his twenties.
"In the pool now. No, lagging." Elliot pulls off his top as do me. I guess we are going to be swimming in our shorts.
Elliot and I stand at the end of the pool, and start to play a psychological warfare with each other. "I should get an indoor pool in my place. It is too cold outside when I do my laps, every single day" Elliot tries to unnerve me. He has always been a faster swimmer than me.
"And I am so glad that I work out practically every day, and still have a personal trainer. This game is about endurance, not speed in the pool." I state, smirking.
"Okay gentlemen, you now the game, just play it safe. Know your limits" Taylor warns. I laugh as I have known my limits for many years. "On your marks, get set, go" Taylor yells. Elliot and I hit the water at the same time. Our competitive brotherly nature, means that we are also wanting to go faster than each other, even if this is beside the point of the competition. I start to feel the adrenaline run through my body, and it gets greater when I start to beat him. I have completed about ten laps, when I seriously start to struggle. My muscles start to ache, and I slow down dramatically. I glance at Elliot, and he too has slowed down.
'Must keep going… Must keep going… Must keep going… Must keep going…' I repeat over and over. I complete another two laps when I feel cramps coming on. I need a change of plan. I scream out loudly and dive a little in the water though keep swimming, when I am close to Elliot.
"Oh shit. Christian needs helps. Taylor!" I hear Elliot's muffled screams under the water. When I have seen that Elliot has stopped and is coming foe me, I swim upwards and finish the lap of the pool. My brother looks offensively at me.
"You played dirty! You cheated me!" Elliot calls out, slamming his hand in the water, before getting out of the pool.
"Here, drink some water and this Powerade. You will be dehydrated too and take a seat, your older than me, remember." I tell him. I genuinely do care about his health, even though I am mocking him.
"I can't believe you did that to me. What happened to Christian Grey, respectable CEO?" Elliot asks.
"Come on Elliot, we have always been fair game, when it comes to us both. Plus don't think I didn't realise that you added extra weights, when you were spotting to me."
"True," Elliot says and starts to laugh. I can't help but laugh too. "Mission accomplished" he murmurs.
"What do you mean? Mission accomplished" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him.
"Hey stay chilled bro, or you're going to ruin my hard work, and I don't think I could hope with another physical challenge. "Elliot takes a long drink and then continues to explain. "Look bro, you I needed to do something or else you were going kill something or fuck Ana into tomorrow just so you can regroup." Elliot says stretching his muscles.
"I may still fuck Ana into tomorrow that is if I can still move. Shit, I think every muscle in my body is sore." I say aching now.
"Mine too" Elliot and I must look like geriatrics right now.
"Taylor, how many laps did we do?" I question.
"Over twenty each" he informs us. Shit! This is an Olympic size pool!
"Let's move into the living room. Mrs Jones, can get us another drink and some pain killers." I tell Elliot help him get up. "Also Elliot, thank you. I actually forgot about Phoebe and Josh for a while then. Thought I may not be thanking you, and you may regret it when our wife's come home, and we can't move."
"What are elder and wiser brother's for" Elliot offers me his usual smirk. "Plus I am still going to catch up with Phoebe. She is your daughter, but she is also my niece I love her too"
Ana's POV:
Kate and I arrive back on the sound, after having rather relaxing massages and good long chat. I have surmised that my annoyance is based more on the fact that Phoebe never came to me first. I worked so hard to ensure that we had an open relationship, so unlike the one I Thad with my mother.
"Feeling better Steele?" Kate asks before we enter the house.
"Yes, but I don't think I can accept Phoebe with a much older guy. I have been trying to tell myself to do so, but I can't. I feel like a horrible mother" I reflect.
"No, you're not." Kate says wrapping her arms around me.
"Welcome home Ana, Kate," Gail greets us politely. "Mr Grey and Elliot are in the living room, though a little worse for wear, I am afraid." Gail uncharacteristically shakes her head, making Kate and I look at each other curiously. Though we work out what we she means when we see our husbands lying on the couch, and the smell of a strong cream.
"What did you boys do?" Kate asks.
"We had a work out, a very stenos one, but it was for a good cause." Elliot replies.
"Whose idea was this? No, don't tell me that, I bet it was yours Elliot" the Kate Kavanagh inquisition has begun. I stand back and enjoy the show. "What I want to know is who is responsible?"
Both Elliot and Christian point to each other at the same time and say in unison. "HE IS"
"Oh my gosh! You two, do realize that you are not in your twenties anymore. Steele let's have another glass of wine. It is going to take thirty minutes for my husband to get his ass off the couch for us to go home." Kate grabs my hand frustrated, and leads me into my own kitchen.
"At least it is still a cute ass" we hear Elliot call out, and Kate giggles a little.
"He is right actually" she smiles.
After Elliot manages to get himself off the couch, he and Kate get ready to leave. Elliot insists that we don't walk them out. Personally because I don't think he wants to admit how sore he still is.
I take some of the cream that is still on the little table in the living room and start to massage it into my Christians muscles. He visibly relaxes, and but never takes his eyes off me. It feels incredibly erotic.
"Christian" I say his name, and though he is still in pain, he grabs me under my arms and pulls my over him.
"You look exceptionally tantalizing, as usual" his voice gives away how much he wants me. I start to kiss him and allow him to possess me with his lounge. We only stop when my cell phone falls out of my pocket, and it beeps at the same time.
"Don't check it," Christian tells me.
"It will only take a second. It could be important" I open the text message and my pleasant mood dies.
"Ana what is it?" Christian asks, but my heart is in my throat. I can't talk. "Anastasia, tell me now" he orders.
"It's nothing major." I reply.
"Show me the message" Christian has gone all CEO on me and snatches the phone out of my hand and reads it.
"I texted Phoebe, and asked her if she would be home for dinner and that we could wait till late for her. I also asked if we could just sit down and talk to her. She just replied saying 'no, and she has nothing to add, unless we have changed our point of view.' I explain the context of the message.
"Christian, I haven't changed my opinion" I tell him.
"Me either" Christian confirms. I feel Christians strong and tender fingers on my cheek, wiping a stray tear.
# # # #
Ana and I are sitting in the main room together. She is reading out loud from a manuscript that one of her editors has boasted about it, but she is unsure. I am trying to listen, but I can't seem to grasp the story line, my mind is filled with other matters. I don't think Ana is listening either to the story.
We both look at each other when we hear the door open. We get up and walk to the door, and there we see Phoebe.
"Evening Mother and Father," she says with an unusual tone and terribly formal. She has never called us mother or father directly.
"Have you eaten? Gail has put some dinner aside for you just in case" I ask. I am hoping she hasn't and wants to sit down and talk. Maybe I can still convince her that this relationship shouldn't be.
"I have eaten, thank you" She replies, not changing her earlier demeanor.
"Do you want to have a glass of wine with us?" Ana offers.
"No mother, I don't. I have had a trying day, though also wonderful, ironically, and I need to get some sleep. I am to start work tomorrow" I know she means this as an attempt to get to me, but it doesn't work. It is keeping her and Josh away from each other for eight hours.
"Phoebe, you told us today that Ted found out earlier about you and Josh. How did he do that?" I inquire.
"I am not entirely sure. Ask Ted if you really want to know." Phoebe says annoyed. She glares at us for a few seconds and then walks up the stairs.
I walk into my study and call Ted.
Ted: Hi dad. How are things at home?
Christian: tense. Ted how did you find out about Phoebe and Josh? You knew before all of us...
Ted's POV:
Dad has just asked the one question I didn't want to answer.
Authors Note: Merry Christmas everyone. I do not think I will be able to post before Christmas. Christmas Eve, Christmas day and Boxing Day are really busy for me. I hope you all have a wonder and safe holiday. Thank you for reading, I really do love s
Stay safe, Maria Amore…