Real World Lessons in Life

Christians POV:

If you two girls are ready, then we should be heading off. We have a tight flight schedule to meet." I inform them.

"Flight schedule? Grandma and Grandpa are you both going away? Are we staying here alone with security?" Macie inquires.

"Definitely not. You two girls are coming with us. In fact, the purpose of this trip is because of your escapes earlier this week" grandpa tells us.

"So where we going?" Carrie asks.

"I think you will find that it is the why we are going, not where we are going, to be the significant fact" I respond. Ana places her hand in mine, as a show of solidarity. Even though she thinks that Carrie might be a little too young for what she may see, we both agree that both girls are old and smart enough for this lesson?

"Basically you are not going to tell us, are you?" I narrow my eyes at the tone of Macie's response. She has so much of her grandmother's, Ros and Ana in her.

"No, I am not going to tell you, and mind your tone Missy!" I scold. "Carrie and Macie, it is imperative that we take you both away this weekend for you both to learn a vital lesson. However, you are both also grounded and are being punished, this means you both should be extra cautious of your conduct. My patience wears terribly thin when I think about what could have happened to you both when you were both so reckless." Both of the girls demean our changes, and they become mildly timid in response, and fail to respond. Nonetheless, it is the reaction that Ana just tried to hide that got my attention.

"Girls?" Both girls look down a little, but I expect a polite and well-mannered response.

"Yes, Grandpa. We understand" Both Macie and Carrie recite.

"Excellent. Now you are to both follow security and wait in the car for us" I instruct.

"Yes, Grandpa" Both girls reply politely and willingly follow my instructions. I grip Ana's hand tighter, and once the girls are out of sight, I tug at it, so she ends up facing me. I close the small gap between us and we are pressed together.

"You rolled your eyes." I state raising my eyebrows.

"You deserved it. You are being a too harsh. The girls have admitted they were wrong, and even you acknowledge that their actions has resulted in Phoebe's happiness." I am about to rebut Ana until she puts one of her fingers on my mouth. A simple movement telling me not to say anything further. "I agree with you that their actions were reckless, but still you don't need to go all thermonuclear on them. Macie is just barely a teenager and Carrie is only eleven!"

"Anastasia, you know one thing I won't ever be lenient on is safety. " My lips form a hard line, and I narrow my eyes. Once upon a time, I was able to intimate her with this expression; however, those days are long gone. Strategically, Ana reaches up and kisses me. I willingly commence to possess her mouth.

"You are still a temptress" I whisper into her ear. "If our granddaughters weren't outside waiting…."

"Save it for tonight"

"Oh I will Mrs Grey. You can bet on it"

# # # # #

I look at my watch, and it is just past midday in the afternoon. We have been in the air for over three hours and won't be descending for another two hours. Carrie and Macie are seated on the adjoining chairs and are hard at work on their school work. Both of them were instructed to bring any homework or assignments they had this weekend. Since we will be busy once we land, and the girls likely to be too tired when we fly back tomorrow, this may be the only opportunity they will get. Macie finished about ten minutes ago, and was given the book 'Emma' by Ana, to read until we land. Carrie is now doing some maths problems from her workbook.

Ana grimaces at me as I close her laptop lid without warning. She had been working helping our eldest granddaughter, Ruby, with a manuscript.

"Hey! I was working on that" Ana says too loudly, getting the attention of our young granddaughters.

"Girls, back to you school work and reading" I instruct. Both comply immediately.

"Keep your voice down. I can't wait till tonight." I whisper into Ana ear.

"Our granddaughters are here!"

"Which is why we are going to go into the back cabin area. The girls will be perfectly well out here. We have Sawyer, Annabel and a whole team of security around." Ana looks conflicted. I know she too wants to join me but feels obligated to supervise Carrie and Macie.

"Christian..."

"No. I need to address your eye rolling and temptress behavior from before."

"Fine." She responds, then focuses on the girls.

"Macie and Carrie, your grandfather and I are going to go to the back cabin. If you need anything, please ask Anabel. We expect you both to remain on your best behavior" Ana informs the girls.

"Yes Grandma"

"We will" the girls reply. Neither of them are their usual happy self's, but then again they are currently being punished. I just hope that their moods will change during this trip.

I lock the private cabin doors behind us and look at the only woman for me. I approach her and run my hands through her hair. It isn't as long as it used to be, but I can still grip it with my hand and tilt her head up, to kiss her. I go hard and fast, possessing her mouth and start to unzip her jeans with my free hand, slide it into her panties.

"You are always so ready"

# # # #

After landing in Mexico, and ensuring everyone has eaten enough lunch, we head out to some of the projects that Grey Enterprise is working on here. Just like we have been working on for decades in Darfur, we are trying to improve the opportunities in this area. Of course, it is a mutually beneficial; however, most of the money made here goes back into the community. We have more than enough already and make more with our other companies. I want the girls to realize the importance of hard work and the difference it can make.

The next day, Ana and I take the girls to the place that I genuinely wanted them to go to. To realize that they should never take anything for granted. We travel by car until we reach a modest, white painted building. Both girls get out and look at the signage. Carrie has been studying French at school, but Macie chose to learn Spanish.

"Orfanato. We are going into an orphanage?" Macie asks, looking at Ana and me.

"Yes. In fact, we are going to spend a few hours here. You see girls, in conjunction with the business projects that Grey Enterprise is involved in this area of Mexico, and we also donate money to local organizations, such as this one. We are one of their biggest patrons. You two girls are to go to school with the kids and spend some time with them while your grandmother and I meet with the governing board. Anabel and Ryan will watch over you both." I update the girls.

Inside we are greeted by a Maria Lopez and several of the teachers and board. "Mr Grey and Ana, it is wonderful to see you again."

"It is wonderful to see you again too, Maria" Ana greets her first. This orphanage has long since fallen under Ana's charity portfolio, driven by her love of children. I wish we had, had more children, but those seventeen lost years meant that even having Phoebe was a miracle in its self.

"Mrs Lopez. These are our two granddaughters that we told you about."

"Oh yes. Our teacher, Miss Silva, will be taking the girls to attend class with the children. They will both be in good hands." Macie and Carrie, with security close by, thank them and follow Miss Silva into the orphanage. Part of me wants to join them to help guide them, but this is a lesson they should learn on their own.

Our meeting lasts for over two hours, as the board and Mrs Lopez briefs us. My interests here are focused on the future of these children and assisting them after they are too old to be protected here. Many of them, if they wish, are offered jobs at one of our projects here. Ana mainly focuses on their current well being and education.

Afterwards, we seek the out our granddaughters and find them in the playground. Macie is trying to teaching the kids to play baseball, with some luck while Carrie is sitting down with a few girls drawing pictures.

"This is the happiest I have seen the girls all weekend." Ana observes.

"I know." I smile. I nod at Ryan and Anabel who collect the girls.

"Grandma and grandpa, can't we stay a little longer?" Macie requests.

"Yes! I don't want to leave either" Carrie replies. Neither of our granddaughters are ready to leave.

"No, I am sorry girls. There is one more place that we need to go. Also, you both need to promise me that you will stay close to security there." I have had second thoughts about our next destination; however, Ana was an adamant that we go, in order to expose our granddaughters to a world they wouldn't ever see normally.

"We promise"

It is a short drive to one of the neighboring towns where an alarming percentage of its residents live below the poverty line. The roads become practically non-existent and are lined with shacks made out of tin and scrap metals.

"That girl is about my age" Macie states sadly. The girl is carrying a large bottle of water. "She doesn't even have water in her house does she?"

"No, she doesn't. A lot of the people who live around here don't." Ana informs her and wraps an arm around her.

We arrive at our location and are met by a council official, and shown to the kitchen where we are to help out.

"Okay girls, we are going to help these people today to make soup." Ana updates them.

"Soup?"

"Yes. We have organized for all the ingredients to be delivers and are going to cook for the children in this area. Carrie and Macie you two are to help cut up the vegetables with the ladies here and your grandfather. I am going to work of the stock and meat." Ana directs us. I wonder if she knows how arousing she is when she is in CEO mode.

"Okay girls, you two are going to have to be extraordinarily patient with me, I am not proficient at cutting up food" I warn them.

"Grandpa these children that are going to come here, they don't have very much do they?" Carrie asks

"No sweetheart. Most of them have nothing" I decide to be as honest as possible with them but to watch them closely.

"The kids at the orphanage don't have much. One of the girls I was teaching to play baseball said she was lucky there as she got to have a warm meal." Macie informs us.

"I was surprised by how happy they were. The simple things, like sitting down to color made them happy. A lot of the kids at my school, who have everything, complain and argue over things that don't truly matter." Carrie comments, way beyond her years.

"I know. Which is why we wanted to bring you both here. The kids here would love to have all the opportunities that you both have. Skipping school wouldn't be a choice these children would make. I want you two girls to remember this, never take anything for granted."

"I won't." Macie reply.

"Me either" Carrie states.

# # # #

Ana and the girls, exhausted from the weekend have all fallen asleep in the cabin. I quickly check on them and then walk out into main sitting area to read the paper. We have only been in the air for an hour and still have a good three to four hours before we land in Sea-tac. I have read the business section and headlines, when I notice that Carrie is standing next to me.

"Carrie, how long have you been standing there for?" I inquire.

"I don't know. Not long" She shrugs.

"You should be asleep. You had a busy weekend" I remind her.

"So did you but you are not asleep" Carrie points out, though her tone is soft and innocent.

"Yes, but I don't have school tomorrow"

"I know. I can't sleep. Can we talk for a little while? I was going to talk to grandma, but she is fast asleep" Carrie states.

"So I am your second choice?" I actually feel a little hurt.

"No. You and grandma are both good to talk to. I was going to talk to grandma as she was in the cabin area with me." Carrie explains.

"Okay angel, come and sit next to me." I discard my newspaper and turn to face Carrie. This week she found out her life is going to change in a matter of months. "Talk to me. You have my full attention"

Carrie shrugs, but I know that she wants to talk, but doesn't know where to start.

"Are you looking forward to the wedding? I hear you are going to part of the bridal party"

"Yes, But Mom and Craig don't want a large bridal party. I am just going to be a junior bridesmaid, and that's it. Uncle Ted and Aunt Lily are going be the witnesses or something like that. Has Craig come and asked you for your permission to marry mom yet?"

"Yes he did. He was rather nervous." I smile, and then we both laugh a little together.

"Grandpa, you were nice weren't you?" Carrie asks but actually is reprimanding me. Sometimes she genuinely reminds me of my now dearly deceased mother, Grace.

"Nice?" I question

"Well, you weren't mean and scary were you?"

"No. I gave him my blessing to marry your mother. I wasn't mean and scary. Happy?" I ask her playfully.

"Yes, but what about before the wedding? Carrie inquires. I cock my head to the side, not following what she means. It is so hard to know what Carrie is aware of and not sometimes. She listens to everything.

"What do you mean?"

"Once my dad, you know before he died, told me that Uncle Ted and Marcus took him to this bar, where you and Uncle Elliot, talked to him, and made sure that he was going to look after mom. Dad said that was super scary. Did Taylor and Sawyer actually sit in between him? Are you going to do the same thing with Craig?"

I smirk as I recall that night. Phoebe was furious with me, but she had gone through so much at that time that it was warranted. My daughter, now, might be in her mid-thirties and successful in her own right, but she is still my little girl. Besides, I don't intend to take every male grey family member. Actually I would like to talk to him myself, but I don't think Ted would ever forgive me if I didn't let him participate. Phoebe is his only sibling, after all.

"Are you hungry?" I inquire.

"No, and you aren't going to answer my question aren't you? Typical"

"Typical?" I smirk. "And where did you hear that from?"

"My cousin Ruby. She was talking about how she and Eli went out and ended up taking a new girl home. She said it was typical" I thin my lips at Carrie's repeated dialogue. I think it is time I have a little chat with my oldest grandchild and only grandson.

"Do you want to talk about what we saw in Mexico?" I ask to change the topic. Eli's antics are not something I want my eleven year old granddaughter to think and talk about.

"I feel bad now." I cock my head to the side and listen as she explains how she is feeling. "Grandpa, don't you think that we just have too much?" Carrie shrugs

"Carrie it is true that we are extremely fortunate, and many other people are not, which is why we can never take anything for granted. We still need to work extremely hard and take advantage of every opportunity."

"Otherwise, never skip school. Never take anything for granted. Also do my best," Carrie says.

"Exactly. Grey Enterprise has always worked to help other people around the world who don't have enough to eat and live in terrible conditions. Your Uncle Ted has worked a lot to help people in Durfar, have a better life. Your Mom works extremely hard with lots of charities also. Your grandmother and I donate a lot of money to help other people and have worked, with lots of governments and charities to make other peoples life better. One day when you grow up, I hope you will do the same."

"Okay, I will try" Carrie comments. I lean down and kiss her forehead. I have no doubt that she will make a difference. "Still makes me feel bad"

"Carrie, do you know why I built up my company? Why I worked tremendously hard for an awful long time?" I ask her.

"Because you wanted to make a lot of money?" She say cautiously and a little unsure. I can't help but laugh at her honest answer.

"Yes, that was the reason in the beginning, but as I got older that all changed. I worked exceptionally hard to make sure my whole family had everything they needed and wanted. I never want you or anyone in our family to go without. I want you all to have everything but to appreciate it all!"

"Thank you." Carrie sits up a little and hugs me tightly. I know I need to get back to discussing all the changes that are about to happen in her life. I still have a few concerns there.

"What else has your mom and Craig told you about the wedding?"

"That they aren't going to wait terribly long and they want to get married at your house, next to the meadow. Also, mom said it isn't going to be a huge wedding, like she had when she married my dad."

"Yes they have told your grandma and me that also. A small wedding hey?"

"Yep" When Phoebe got married to Josh, the wedding list came close to rival a royal affair. I wonder exactly what my daughter considers being a small affair. "Also I am not allowed to go on the honeymoon, but I am allowed to choose where I go for those two weeks."

"You can stay with me and your grandmother. You will still have school and your afterschool activities." I hold my breath hopeful she will accept my offer.

"Can you take me to New York on the weekend? I wouldn't mind seeing my aunt and grandparents there?"

"Yes. I will talk to your mother." I smile. "How do you feel about having a brother and sister soon?" This is the question I have most been wanting to ask Carrie. I remember how upset Ted was at first when he was told about Ana being pregnant with Phoebe. Even though these circumstances are different, I know that there could be cause for concern.

"I am happy that mom is going to have another baby, but it's…. Well… "Carrie then stops unsure of what to say next.

"Tell me Carrie. I promise I won't repeat anything you tell me."

"The baby is going to be Moms and Craig's" Carrie states. "So when it grows up it is going to call our mom, mom, and then it will call Craig Dad. I am going to call Craig, by his first name. It is going to feel strange"

"Maybe, but I think it will be just feel normal to everyone. However, you did say that you didn't want to call Craig dad didn't you?"

"Yes" hhhmm...

"Carrie, once you told me that your dad asked you to make six promises to him when he passed away. I know one was to make sure you would accept another man whom your mom married and loved as a father figure, and the other one was to help make your mom happy. Was one of the other promises, not to call anyone else dad?" I query. Carrie looks at me confused and shakes her head.

"No, of course not grandpa" She replies as if I am off my rocker.

"Carrie I know you extremely well. I doubt that the new baby calling Craig, 'Dad' and you calling him by his first name is what is bothering you. What is really your concern?"

"What if the baby is loved more than me?" She finally admits looking down. I wrap my arms around her tightly and kiss her several times on her head.

"Carrie that could never happen. Your grandmother and I love you to the moon and back and more. Your mom and Craig love you more than anything. Your Uncle Ted, Aunt Lily, Great Uncle Elliot, and Great Aunt Kate, cousins, everyone loves you. Then there is your Grandparents and Aunt in New York. Everyone loves you more than anything!" I emphasize.

"I know that, but at home. Surely mom and Craig together are going to love the baby more, than mom and Craig for me. The baby is going to be Craig's, he will have to love it more" Carrie shrugs.

"I doubt that is possible. Craig loves you too much. I would let him marry your mom and become your stepfather if he didn't" I confirm. I actually would intervene if I thought even for a second that Carrie wasn't going to be shown the same amount of love as this new baby. I couldn't bear my granddaughter going through that. "You do believe me don't you?"

"Yes. I guess" Carrie responds.

"Don't guess, be sure" Carrie nods, and I am not confident of how much she believes me. I am going to have to mention this to Phoebe and Craig. Right on cue, Carrie yawn and it seems as if exhaustion has finally caught up with her.

"Now Missy, time for you to go get some sleep" I lean down and kiss her one more time.

"Alright!" Carrie gets up, and before she heads back to the cabin, she turns to face me. "Thank you grandpa. For everything, and I do mean that."

"I know. Now go and get some sleep. I promised your mother and Craig that you wouldn't be too worn out, when we drop you off"

# # # #

Phoebe's POV:

"Thank gosh my dress fits me" I tell my mother, Lily and Carrie. "I had nightmares that I would wake up this morning and my ever growing stomach was too big to fit into my wedding dress today. Boy, I can't believe how huge I am getting. I am six months pregnant, but I swear I wasn't this huge with Carrie, full term."

"Mom, actually asked her doctor to check that she wasn't having twins last time" Carrie blurts out and then starts to laugh.

"Carrie Grace, stop it" My mother, and her grandmother tells her off.

"Sorry. Mom, you look stunning. Craig is going to be blown away" Carrie complements me.

"I agree" I hear my father's voice. I turn, and there is my father and brother ted.

"Princess you look perfect"

"Thanks dad. Is Craig here yet?" I ask.

"Yes. He turned up, even after our dad almost scared him yesterday. You know the pre-marriage Christian grey- don't hurt my daughter conversation" ted confesses, much to the distain of our mother and Lily.

"Christina you didn't!" My mother scoffs

"Anastasia you know that I needed to!" My dad states.

"Do I even want to know what happened and what was said?" I ask. My mother looks at her watch and starts to take long breaths.

"We will be back in a few minutes. Christian can you help me in the other room"

Christians POV:

I happily agree to help Ana in the room next door. She looks tense and I know a few ways to intense her quickly.

"Okay Christian, what did you say and do last night?" Ana requests sternly. I know what she is alluding to, but I decide to take a different route.

"Anastasia, are you telling me that you don't remember what we did last night? I could give you a quick taste. Sadly our daughter is getting married, and we do not have time to repeat our entire activities from last night." I grin.

"Don't play games with me. Tell me what you said to Craig. And most importantly how did he respond"

"Okay I will tell you everything."

Authors note: Thank you everyone for your support and kindness. Yes I know I make some error in my writing etc., but I am only human. Next is Christians and Ted talk to Craig before the wedding and the actual wedding.

Thank you. Maria Amore.