This is an ONE off chapter. It looks at the start, and original plot, of this story, REUNION, and the events that led up to Ted confronting his dad at the age of 17. It is based on the time period from when Ted is five until he is seventeen, where Christian didn't see Ted or Ana. Christian and Ted only communicated via phone calls, and he and Ana only communicated via email (with one or two exceptions), as per the story plot. I will indicate which time period we are in at the time to make it easier to follow
The Run-up to Reunion
Time period – Ted is 5 and has just moved to New York with Ana
Christian's POV:
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Contact Details.
To Christian,
Whilst I suspect that your stalking prowess is still infinite; however, this is my email. You may contact me via my new work email. As previously discussed, when you wish to talk to Ted you are to ring our apartment. Our home phone is now connected. Our number is (212) 638 7689.
Ted is keen to talk to you. Keep in mind the time difference and that he goes to bed at 7:30.
Anastasia Steele
Chief Editor HarperCollins.
New York
Ana is right. My ability to collect information, or stalking as she calls it, is still vast. I already have her email, and home number, though I chose to wait for her to contact me first, as per our agreement before she left Seattle. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't. I am so angry that Ana left. We should never have agreed to keep Ted as some sort of secret. I never understand our logic behind that decision. We should have been a family.
I re-read Ana's email to me and run my fingers through my hair. There was a time where Ana's emails would excite me to no end and break up the tediousness of the world of acquisition and mergers. Her playful and naughty emails where all the motivation I ever needed to close deals; efficiently and quickly. Efficiently, so I could spend as much time with Ana rather than the office, and profitably; so I could always make sure I could provide Ana with everything. Even though, she wanted very little. The one thing Ana and Ted wanted and deserved, I have been unable to provide. I sigh loudly and type out a reply.
To: Anastasia Steele
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Re: Contact Details.
To Ana,
I have taken note of your email and phone number. I will call Ted, soon. Has he settled in well at school?
Christian Grey
CEO Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: School
Ask him yourself.
Anastasia Steele
Chief Editor HarperCollins.
New York
I end up waiting for the weekend to ring Ted. Five days have passed since Ana emailed. I wanted to ring Ted that evening, but I kept making excuses. The time difference that Ted was probably at school or in bed. I was constantly haunted by the dark thoughts that maybe they were just better off without me.
Mixed emotions fill me as I call their home number. Oh, Ana what a mess we have already made and how much worse is it going to get now that we are so far away? The phone starts ringing and I am forced to do something I rarely ever have to do. Wait. I know they are home. When Ana told me she was moving to New York with Ted, I instructed Taylor and Welch, to make the appropriate plans to ensure that security would protect them. Mark, their newly and secretly appointed CPO has strict instructions to be discreet, but thorough. When someone finally pick up the phone, I find that I have been holding my breath.
Ana: Hello
I close my eyes, and take in the softness of Ana's voice. It has been a long time since I have heard her voice so smooth. What I would give to hear her giggle once more. Ana doesn't know it is me on the other line. My number is blocked.
Christian: Ana. Hello.
Ana: Oh, it's you. Finally!
The tone in Ana's voice speaks volumes. I bet she is even rolling her eyes.
Christian: I didn't know when to ring. I thought the weekend would be the best, considering….
Ana: Christian, I don't want nor need excuses. I am not the one who wants to talk to you.
Christian: Is Teddy there?
Ana: Yes. Wait!
I hold on as I hear Ana call out to Ted. I can't help but smile and my young son's call out 'Yippee' when he learns that I am on the phone.
Ted: Daddy! I have missed you!
I start to choke up. I have missed my son from the minute he was born.
Christian: Miss you too buddy. How do you like New York?
Ted: It's Okay. There are lots of buildings, and even more people here than in Seattle. Our apartment here is bigger than the one in Seattle, so it's okay.
I take solace that at least this is something. Ana refused to move out of Kate's old apartment. Regardless of the fact that she had the money to do so and my countless offer of our home on the sound or another apartment.
Ted: Also, thank you for my racing car bed. It is the one I wanted. It is just like your car.
Christian: I am glad you like it. Did you find your name on it?
Ted: Yeah, that was funny. I saw my name on the… what is it called?
Christian: License plate.
Ted: Yeah that!
Christian: What about school? Do you like your new school?
Ted: It's good but different. My school is in a big building and my teacher is a little old.
Christian: It is a very good school. Have you made any new friends?
Ted: A couple, but my favorite friend is a boy in my class called Joshua Harris. He is really funny! He is coming over tomorrow to play with me. Dad is your apartment close to my school?
Christian: Teddy, Seattle, is very far from your school now.
I tell him sorrowfully.
Ted: Daddy, I know that Seattle is far away. Don't you still have the map I made for you of you in Seattle and me in New York?
Christian: Yes I have your map.
The drawing that Ted made for me is one of my most treasured items. I had it professionally framed to maintain it.
Ted: I mean your apartment here. In New York.
Christian: Yes my apartment is close to your school.
Ted: Closer than mommy and my apartment?
Christian: I believe so.
Ted: Yes! Then when you come and visit me, you can take me to school. When are you coming over? My friends and teacher can then see you.
Ted's teachers, or at least his school, know that he is my son but that is all. Under privacy laws, they are not privy to disclose this information. No one knows yet beside a small handful of people that Ana and I ever had a child.
Christian: I don't know. I have a lot of work to do.
Ted: I understand.
Christian:You do?
I am a little stunned by my son's forgiving nature. I don't forgive myself.
Ted: Yes. It's like Uncle Elliot told me. You are very busy because you have lots of work to do. You have a really big company and lots of people work for you. If you don't do lots of work than the people who work for you might not have a job. So you don't see me a lot but it's not because you don't love me, it's because you have to work a lot.
Christian:Your Uncle Elliot told you that?
Ted: yep!
I am speechless. Elliot seems to have my back, even when I don't deserve it.
Ted: I just sometimes wish that it could be someone else's dad that was so busy, even if it were for a little while.
Christian:Well, since you are living in New York now, I will need to make some arrangements. Do you still want to take piano lessons and do judo classes?
Ted: Yes. Though don't tell mom, but I would prefer to do judo than piano. Instead of doing piano once a week, could I just do it once every two weeks?
Christian:I thought you really enjoyed playing piano.
Ted: It's okay. Do you like that I play the piano?
Christian:To be honest yes.
Ted: Okay, then I will keep taking lessons each week.
Christian: I will talk to your mom about arranging your lessons.
Ted: Okay I will get her.
I should have said that I would email his mom, but I wasn't thinking. 'Mom, dad needs to talk to you' I hear Ted call out. I can't make out what Ana is saying, but it is obviously that they are talking.
Ted: Dad, mom doesn't want to come to the phone. She said that you should just email her.
Christian:Okay I will.
Ted: I love you daddy.
Christian:Love you too Teddy.
Time period – Ted's 6th Birthday
Christians POV:
My alarm goes off at 6am, and I reach over to turn it off. There was no point setting it. I am yet to fall asleep. I shouldn't even be here at Escala. I should be landing in New York by now. I told Ted, that I would try really hard to make it to his birthday. I have lied to my now six year old son. There were no pressing matters the kept me here, except my regret and anger over losing my son and wife, to New York. Who am I kidding? I lost them earlier, but at least then I didn't stop myself from seeing them.
Instead of finally seeing my son, the first time in months and helping him open his birthday gift from me, I have organised for a courier to go to Yankee stadium and pick up my rather large order of merchandise and baseball equipment. My gift to my son on his birthday. I couldn't have the CPO I allocated to Ted and Ana, to deliver the gift. I can't let Ana work out who is watching her. I am pretty sure she suspects I have someone on her.
I head downstairs to the gym and start to work out. I need to regain control again and rid myself of these feelings. I start running on the treadmill and then start to lift weights. Though it isn't until I move on to the punching bag that I really let out my frustration. Frustration that I am the cause of.
"Grey," Taylor calls out, but I pay no attention. I keep up my now rhythmic assault on the punching bag. "Grey!" He calls out again. I completely ignore him.
"CHRISTIAN, STOP" Taylor yells, and takes hold of the punching bag, pushing it away from me.
"You have been down here for over three hours. You are going to pass out! How much water have you even drunk? You are drenched!" I narrow my eyes at Taylor. I never answer to my staff. Usually.
"Enough" I reply heartlessly. I commence my well-rehearsed glare at Taylor, though he has never been intimidated by me. He looks at the one bottle of water I bought down with me that is still half full.
"Beating yourself up out of penitence isn't going to do anyone any good. You need to go back upstairs, and get rehydrated and eat something. Then you have a phone call to make, to wish your son happy birthday." Taylor looks hardened at me, but also looks emphatic. He is aware that today is Ted's birthday. He was supposed to travel with me to New York.
"I was finished anyway" I bark. I grab my water bottle, towel and head off towards the elevator.
Sitting in my study after breakfast and a shower, I stare at my phone. Its midday now here in Seattle, so it is now three in the afternoon in New York. I email Mark, their CPO, who confirms that they are home. Ana mentioned briefly mention that she was having a party for Ted in an email, which led to a series of emails of us arguing after I demanded to pay for the event. Another argument that we are yet to solve.
I start to call their home number and the phone rings several times before someone finally answers it.
"Hello," a male voice greets. A voice I unwelcomingly recognize. There is a lot of background noise and it's obvious that Ted's party is in full force. There are kids laughing and running around. It sounds joyful. Exactly what my young son deserves.
Christian: Jose.
Jose: Yeah. Who is this?
Christian: Christian Grey.
I ensure my voice is harsh and confident. Maybe I could intimidate him over the phone. I don't want him around Ted and Ana, especially when I am not.
Jose: Oh its you.
Christian: Yes. I would like to talk to my wife and son.
Jose: Excuse me?
There is a strong tone of disbelief in his voice. He is aware that Ted is my son though Ana had made him promise that he wouldn't divulge this information to any other Grey family members or the media.
Christian: You heard me. I want to talk to my wife and son.
Jose: That is a little presumptuous of you to refer to them as such.
Christian: I don't believe so. It is a matter of fact. Ana and I are still married. We are not divorced; therefore, she is still my wife. I am Ted's father, so that makes him my son. I would like to talk to them.
Jose: I will see if either of them are willing.
Christian: About bloody time!
Jose: You know you should be here. You would have made Ted really happy. But I guess that has never been on your agenda. Has it?
Before I am able to reply or make some attempt to defend my indefensible choices. I am waiting for over several minutes before anyone picks up the phone again. I start to spectacle if Jose has actually told Ana or Ted that I am on the phone, or if Ana or Ted have just decided that they don't want to talk to me. I hear the singing of happy birthday and a loud applause. I smile as I hear the happy sounds of my son's birthday, and tears commence to spring to my eyes, but I refuse to allow myself to cry. I consider hanging up, but I continue to listen. This is my punishment.
Ted: Hi dad! Are you still there?
Christian: yeah Teddy I still am.
Ted: Good. I had to cut my cake. I was worried that you would hang up.
Christian: Are you having a good party?
Ted: It's brilliant! I love my baseball cake and thank you for the baseball gear! It's my favorite gift, but if you talk or email mom, don't tell her. I told her that the books she gave me is my favorite birthday gift.
Christian: I am glad you like the gift, and I promise I won't tell you mom.
Ted: Dad you sound funny. Do you have a cold?
No. I don't have a cold. I am upset. My heart is breaking.
Christian: yeah. I have a cold.
Ted: I knew it! I knew there was a reason why you weren't here.
Christian: I am sorry.
Ted: It's okay daddy. You are sick. You can't go out when you are sick. I understand that!
Christian: You do know that I love you, don't you.
Ted: Yes. Daddy I have to go. We are going to play some games.
Christian: Go and have a good time Teddy.
Ted: I will. Hey daddy, do you think one day you could come to New York and take me to a Yankee game?
Christian: I will try.
Ted: Bye Daddy. Love you.
Christian: Bye Teddy. Love you too.
I throw my phone down and fight back tears again. I try to focus of work, by throwing all my attention into projects that I am most passionate about, but it is futile. I walk over to the inbuilt bar, and pour myself a long shot of bourbon. I drink it quickly and refill the glass, returning to my desk and looking through the pictures of Ted that I had recently received via email from Ana. He is looking more and more like me each day. He looks happy. Ana was right, they needed to start over.
Time period – a month before Ted's 7th Birthday
Ted's POV:
"Ted! Are you listening to me?" Mom calls out.
"Yes Mom" I reply.
"Then hurry up. You are going to be late for school and you need to eat breakfast!" I head off into the kitchen, where my mum passes me a plate of scrambled eggs and toast. She smiles at me, as she always does, but I sometimes wonder if she really is happy. I start to eat as I watch her eat her granola and yogurt.
"Mom, you know that project I did last week on healthy eating at school, and we had to write down some of the foods we eat?"
"How could I forget? You followed me around and wrote down everything I ate. Josh's mom rang me and told me that, Josh reported to your teacher that she drank too much wine!"
"That was the funniest thing ever! Did you know that you're the only mom in my class that eats granola and yogurt? Even my teacher wondered where you had come up with the idea"
"Really?" Mom responds.
"Yes. When did you start eating granola and yogurt?" My mom stops eating and looks at me. She isn't smiling and is biting her lip.
"A long time ago"
"How long ago?"
"Just a long time ago!" Mum replies again but a little harsh.
"When you and dad were together?" I question slowing and watch my mother. She doesn't talk much about dad, but she always answers my questions.
"Yes. You know something, you eat much more like your father than I!" Mom grins while she gets up and puts the dishes in the washing machine. The purpose of her comment about my eating habits was to throw me off.
"So Teddy, I will be home after five. Ms Schultz will pick you up from school and you need to start your homework when you get home. I can check over it with you after dinner." Mom advises me.
"Mom I know! You don't have to tell me every day."
"I just want to make sure," Mum replies. I take a deep breath and finally gather the courage to ask my mom, what has been on my mind recently.
"Mom, you know how it's my birthday in a month?" Mom looks at me and nods.
"I was actually going to ask you about that. Did you want to have a party, or go to the movies with some friends?" Mom questions.
"Actually I was hoping to go to the baseball. The Yankees are plaything the week of my birthday. I could take a friend" I tell her.
"Good idea. Am I right in guessing that particular friend is Josh?"
"Yep!" I nod. Josh and I love the New York Yankees. Our other friends like them, but most of them are into football and basketball.
"I will buy three tickets. Might be fun. I never have been to a baseball game before" My mouth drops open at my mom's statement.
"Mom, I. well… I was..." I don't know how to tell my mom that I had other plans. I don't want to upset her.
"Ted spit it out!"
"No, it's nothing. We better go or we will both be late." I tell my mom in an attempt to end the conversation.
"Theodore Raymond Steele! Tell me whatever you were going to say." Mom orders.
"No. I don't want to. You will just get upset." I tell her. My mom walks around the counter and sits next to me.
"Teddy you know that you can tell me anything. I promise I won't get upset"
"I was hoping that maybe dad could take me and Josh. He told me that he would take me to a Yankees game, one day." I don't want to tell my mom, but I also have some questions for my dad about girls and such. I talk to Dad about once a month on the phone, but it's hard enough to ask the questions I have on my mind. Face to face will be easier.
"Oh Ted. I don't know if your dad will be able to" Mom looks sad. I think maybe I have upset her as I didn't tell her that I wanted her to come to the baseball with me.
"But I can ask him, can't I?"
"Yes, you can. Ask him when he rings you next time, it is very early in Seattle right now. Also, we have to get to school and work!"
"Okay."
# # # #
"Ms Schultz, I am going to go into my room to get out of my uniform and start my homework" I call out to our part-time housekeeper and my babysitter. I strategically move quickly so she doesn't see that I have taken one of the cordless phones into my room. I wrote down my dad's number from my mom's cell phone without her knowing. Once I tried to look up his number online, but there was too many Grey's. I know mom told me to wait till Dad rang me, but I need to talk to him now. Excitedly I ring the number. Dad answers quickly but the background noise is awful.
Christian's POV:
I am about to board a helicopter that will take me back to the airport. I have been in Taiwan for the past week, attending meetings and overseeing the extension to the shipping yards here. My head is throbbing from all the noise. I feel my cell phone in my hand vibrate and check the ID. It is Ana and Ted's home number. I answer immediately concerned that something might have happened, regardless of the noise around me. I realise too late, that the noise of the yard and helicopter make the person on the other side of the phone. Impossible to make out!
Christian: Hello
Ted: Dad, it…Teddy!
Christian: Teddy is that you?
Ted: Yes. Where ….you? … I can hardly hear you!
Christian: I am at a shipping yard, and next to the helicopter. It very noisy so you will have to talk up! I can't hear you very well either.
I try to move away, but no matter where I move it, it seems as if it is getting louder.
Ted: It's about …..birthday. I want…..the Yankees game. I want to take…friend Josh.
The background noise is getting worst and I am missing words.
Christian: Ted, I can't hear you. Did you say that you want to go to the Yankees game?
Ted: Yes! I want ….Josh… we...three tickets.
Christian: Three tickets?
Ted: Yes!
Christian: Are you sure you don't want more?
Ted: Dad speak up! I can't hear… it's... noisy.
Christian: Are. You. Sure. You. Don't. Want. More tickets?
I say each word singularly and loudly so he will hear me. I pray he asks for more tickets.
Ted: No. Three is enough. Will you….. There?
Christian: Okay. I will organize them. They will be there.
When I didn't go over for his birthday last year, it ripped me apart that I swore I would be there this year! But if he only wants three tickets and wants to take a friend. I guess he doesn't want me. One for Ana, one for Josh and one for him.
Ted: You Promise?
Christian: Yes I promise.
Ted: really?
Christian: Yes!
Ted: Thanks….. Dad! We are going to have a great time!
Christian: Ted I can't hear you!
The line then dies, ending my call with my son. My lips form a hard line and my emotions start to take over me. My sons doesn't want me, and it is all my fault!
Back in Seattle, I arranged for the baseball tickets that Ted wanted and organize for his gift. I have NIL to send him a MacBook for some time now. Ana via email, of course, kept telling me that he was too young and that he had an iPad so it wasn't warranted. Since it is his seventh birthday and he has been using these at school, I have taken the opportunity. Welch and Taylor have added parental controls so I can ensure that he will be safe while using it. I didn't know which password to use, so I used the one that I often chose. The date of my son's birth.
It is 8pm in New York, and Ted should be home from the baseball by now. Today is his birthday and the day of the Yankees game. I haven't spoken to him since he rang me, when I was in Taiwan. As scheduled, I ring the home phone and it is quickly answered.
Ana: Good evening.
I am memorized the instant I hear Ana's voice. It has been so long since I heard it. It has been at least eighteen months. My phone calls to Ted are so scheduled that he knows when it's me on the phone and he answers. I love talking to my son, thought once and I while I would like to hear Ana; ice. She only ever communicated with me through email. I refuse to ever communicate through email with my son.
Ana: Hello? Who is there?
Christian: It's me Christian!
I reply quickly, so she doesn't hang up. I didn't realize I was holding my breath before.
Ana: You have a lot of nerve ringing. But you always were the master of your own universe weren't you!
Ana scolds and slams the phone down. I groan in anger, and try to ring again. The next two time, the phone rings out but the third call doesn't even connect. The phone has been taken off the hook. I ring Ana's cell phone, but she doesn't answer. With no other option, I revert to her preferred means of communication with me for too long. Email.
To: Anastasia Steele
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Rudeness
I believe that you haven't forgotten your manners since you have been living in New York and would understand that it is rude to hang up on someone. I want to talk to my son.
Christian Grey
CEO Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Rudeness… look in the mirror
Your son is in no mood to talk to you. I can't believe you would even try and ring him after your actions today.
Christian this is the worse fifty shades I have ever seen from you!
Anastasia Steele
Chief Editor Harper Collins.
New York
To: Anastasia Steele
From: Christian Grey
Subject: What on earth!
Anastasia, explain yourself right now! Didn't ted receive the Yankee tickets and the MacBook I sent him?
Christian Grey
CEO Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Where on earth where you?
Yes, he did. It's what else didn't turn up that is the issue!
Anastasia Steele
Chief Editor Harper Collins.
New York
To: Anastasia Steele
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Infuriating riddles.
I don't understand what you are talking about?
Christian Grey
CEO Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: You're a smart guy!
Figure it out! You. Your son. A promise you made him three weeks. Your son came close to being in tears all day. Thank god for Joshua's father!
Anastasia Steele
Chief Editor HarperCollins.
New York
To: Anastasia Steele
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Promises.
Anastasia I assure you that I made good on my sons promises this year. What about Joshua father? What did he do?
Christian Grey
CEO Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Over it.
Christian, I refuse to talk to you further about this. I am SO ANGRY AT YOU! YES, I AM USING SHOUTY CAPITALS BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO ANGRY AT YOU!
Anastasia Steele
Chief Editor HarperCollins.
New York
To: Anastasia Steele
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Over it? I know where I want to put you over!
Anastasia start making sense now!
Christian Grey
CEO Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: AAGGGHHHH!
I want a divorce!
Anastasia Steele
Chief Editor Harper Collins.
New York
To: Anastasia Steele
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Over my dead boys.
NEVER!
Christian Grey
CEO Grey Enterprise
To: Christian Grey
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: If only!
Then I have nothing else to say to you tonight. Goodnight.
Anastasia Steele
Chief Editor Harper Collins.
New York
Time period –Ted's 8th Birthday
Christians POV:
After the miscommunication that surrounded Ted's birthday last year, I have decided to finally man up and go to see my son on his birthday. It took a long time to work out what happened, and I know that Ana doesn't really believe me. She has no reason to. Ted, well I think he wants to believe me, but he too doesn't truly believe me. I rang him and told him that I was coming over and that we could do whatever he wants. I asked to speak to Ana, but she refused to talk to me. She made up an excuse for Ted.
I walk inside the building and personally inspect it as I go. I had detailed reports prepared on the apartment building, when Ana purchased a place here. Extensive background checks were completed on the doorman and those living close to Ana. Mark, the CPO I have on Ana and Ted, also lives inside this building. I considered myself displaying constraint by not having the entire buildings occupants checked out. Last year when the doorman retired, Welch and Taylor organized for one of our guys, Phil to be appointed to the position. I walk past the doorman and he nods knowingly at me.
I arrive in front of Ana and Ted's apartment, and strangely hesitate knocking. I have no idea of the reaction and reception I am going to get from the two people I love the most, though have not showed them. I feel vulnerable and as means of protecting myself I enter CEO mode. In my hands is a large birthday present for my now LEGO obsessed son, according to Phil. For the first time ever, I researched toys for boys and I ended up choosing the largest LEGO aeroplane I could find. Ted won't be able to build it alone, and; therefore, I will be able to help him. Maybe, just maybe, it can be a bonding experience.
I knock on the door and wait; however, everything is quiet. No one answers the door. I try three more times with no success. I attempt to ring the home line, but no one answers, then I contact Ana through her cell phone, but it is switched off and all I get is her voice mail. I try again, in vain. I attempt to contact her CPO, Mark, but his phone too is switched off. Why isn't anyone answering their phone today? I ring Phil, the doorman, and he tells me that he hasn't seen either Ana or Ted since he was on duty at 8am. In an act of futility, I knock loudly on the apartment door and call out Ana's name. Where are you and Ted?
"She isn't home" A voice declares behind me. I turn around and find a middle aged woman standing by her door.
"I am looking for Anastasia Steele and her son, Theodore Steele" I state, making it sound that I have a mandate to be here, and enter CEO mode.
"And as I said, she isn't here, neither is her son." She repeats.
"When do you expect them to return?" I bellow authoritarian.
"Next week sometime. They left early this morning, and are probably landing soon in Florida as we speak." She updates me. WHAT? Ana and Ted have gone to Florida? I told Ted that I was coming for his birthday!
"I didn't know" I mutter.
"Well of ours you couldn't have." She looks at me as if I am out of my mind. She has no idea who I am. "Ana only told me about her plans last night and asked for me to keep an eye out for you."
"For me?" I probe. Did Ana do this on purpose? Ensured ted wouldn't be here, when I was. A mean of punishing me for my absence over the past couple of years. The thing is I don't blame her if she did.
"Yeah, Ana told me a courier would be coming. Today, on Ted's birthday a large package is always sent for him" I decide to use her misidentification and willingness to divulge information to my advantage.
"Well then, lucky kid."
"Lucky? Ha. That package you have there is from the kid's father over on the west coast. The dead beat father never comes over for the boy's birthday but sends large and extravagant gifts."
"Who is the father?" I question.
"They never say really. Just some guy with a bit of money. Either way they are better off without him I reckon. Ted was divested when his father didn't turn up last year for his birthday. They kid didn't smile for weeks. To make it worse the father said that he would come this year and to protect from having his heart broken again, Ana took him to Disneyland." A multitude of emotions boils up in me, anger, fury, sadness, regret and pain. You just fucked up too many times Grey!
"Ana, asked me to keep an eye out for the courier and to tell him to leave it with the doorman, as per building regulations. Though I got to tell you, you are one of the best looking couriers I have seen." She grins at me, and though I give her a small, polite smile, to maintain the preteens of a courier, I resume trying to get information from her.
"I will take the package downstairs."
"The doorman is Phil. Nice guy"
"Just as a matter of concern, since it is the kid's birthday and seems distant from his dad. Is he happy? Does he seems to do all right without his father around?" I go to great lengths to make it seems that her answer isn't going to affect me. I don't want her to get suspicious now.
"Yeah. Teddy is super kid. Bright, polite and curious about everything. Biggest smile you have ever seen. Lots of friends! Ana is a brilliant mom and they have a part-time housekeeper who adores ted." I nod, glad that at least Ted is thriving. More proof that Ana was right she and ted needed to move on. Ted needed to live in a place that Ted wasn't to be a secret.
"I better get going. Lots of packages to deliver. I will leave this with the doorman"
"Not a problem, cutie. You can drop off a package to my place any day" I don't respond and head off to the elevator. I drop the parcel off but have the doorman write a fake name. Outside the apartment building is Taylor.
"To your apartment?" He asks
"No. straight to the airport. Inform Stephen I want to return to Seattle immediately"
Time period – a month before Ted's 15th Birthday
Ted's POV
"I can't believe that our science teacher gave us a pop quiz today and we have to hand in a paper tomorrow on cells tomorrow. I wonder if I explain to her that I intend to be a high powered lawyer and science isn't going to matter to my everyday life, that she would excuse me from handing it in" Josh proposes. My best friend for the past ten years is loyal, humorous and fun, but dislikes science more than any other kid I have ever met.
"Why didn't you just start your paper earlier? Plus, consider how much you fancy our current science teacher, I am surprised you aren't Acing the subject" I grin, mocking him lightly.
"Mrs Wesley is pretty hot. Should be a crime to be that hot and a teacher! Maybe I should call my dad and ask him to ring her for an extension. I could plead that I was temporarily insane due to how hot she is"
"Temporary?" I say seriously, causing us to burst into laughter. "Let me help you. Ring your mom and tell her that you are coming over to my place. I have finished my paper and we can write yours. If they say its okay, ask to stay over the night. It may take a while to finish the paper, and we can stick your uniform in the wash when we get to my place. You can borrow some of my clothes." I offer.
"Don't have to ask me twice" Josh then gets on his phone and checks with his parents. They both agree, but Josh's mother said she would have some clothes bought over for him, as long as my mother agrees to him staying over. I know Mom will say yes. She adores Josh and thinks we are a good team.
"So now that you are saving my ass with your science skills, let me help you with my god given skills with girls. The new girl, Abigail, has been checking you out. You should talk to her tomorrow, invite her to have lunch with us tomorrow"
"I don't know…mum..." I run my hands through my hair, nervous. I don't understand how to talk to girls. It's hard to ask my mom about girls and I can't exactly ring my father. He only calls me a couple of time a year now and it's difficult to know what to say to him. "I don't think having lunch with her would be a great idea"
"Come on Ted, you aren't that bad looking."
"Abigail is pretty stunning. She won't be interested in me for long. Lots of guys at school are going to be interested in her once they take another look at her" I reasons.
"So be first! She will have a great time at lunch with us!"
"What? Laughing at your jokes?" I tell him rolling my eyes.
"Yeah, actually your right. Do not invite her to have lunch with us tomorrow. It's the worst thing you can ever do. You would never have a chance with Abigail then" Josh advises me uncharacteristically seriously.
"Why?" I inquire.
"Because best buddy, when she gets a look of my handsome face, charm and wit, she is going to fall head over heels in love with me. It's a gift, but a curse all at the same time" Josh then laughs, and I can't help but join him. If this is an indication of what he is going to be like when he is older, then he will never settle down.
We continue to laugh and joke as we make our way to the subway, I only stop when we pass a newsstand. That is when I see it, Forbes magazine, with a picture of my father. The whole world seems to dissipate as I get my first look at my father in about eight years. I haven't even dared google him after I turned seven and he didn't turn up to take me to this baseball match. The only thing I had was the mental image of him. I didn't even look at any of the pictures of him at home that mom kept for me.
"Ted? Earth to Ted, come in Theodore" Josh calls out, and brakes the daze I was in.
"Sorry, umm… did you say something?" I ask.
"Yeah, but that doesn't matter. What's wrong with you? You look like you seen a ghost"
"I don't believe in ghosts" I reply. I quickly pay for a copy of the magazine and put it into my backpack.
"You read Forbes?" Josh asks, already suspicious of my unusual behavior.
"I might start. Unlike you, I am not 100% of doing Law at college. Business and economics interests me also!" I reply. I act nonchalantly when I realize that the image of my father, Christian Grey, has caught his eye. Of course, he is unaware of my paternal parentage.
"Hey did you ever realize that you have the same copper hair that Christian Grey has?" Josh observes.
"Nah. He probably dyes his hair, in the hope he can be as deviously handsome as I" I try hard to joke, and divert Josh's focus.
"So now know is Mr cocky?"
# # # #
"Theodore Steele, I worship the day you moved to New York, were enrolled in the same school as I and we become best friends" Josh over dramatically declares as we print off his science paper.
"At least you won't be stuck in summer school. I have already accepted your parents offer to spend a week with you in the Hamptons and I would hate for you to be doing school work instead"
"I am going to have a shower. Do I use your shower or the guest shower?" Josh asks.
"Use mine. Ms Schultz put extra fresh towels in the three for us both to use" I inform him.
I pack up my school stuff and once Josh is out of the way, I grab the magazine that I stashed in my school bag. I look again at the front cover. My father is looking straight ahead, it is as if he can actually see me. I look in the mirror on my sideboard and compare the differences and similarities. I know I don't look like my mother, but I don't know to what extent I look like my father. His grey eyes exert authority. My eyes are the same color, but I don't have the same confidence. Our hair is still identical colors, a fact that I loved as a young child. I look for differences and with the exception of a few minor details, I am what I feared. I am basically a younger version of my father. I grab my MacBook and google 'Christian grey teenager.' I know that he didn't become a public figure until his early twenties when his company took off, but when anyone becomes well now photos from their past spring up everywhere. I find numerous photos, and eventually I find an old school photo of him.
"Do you think there is any of your mom's chocolate cake left over? I can never get enough of it!" Josh asks, having gotten out of the shower, earlier than I expected. I try to close the lid of my MacBook down but stumble and it falls on the ground.
"Shit!" I call out. Josh bends down and grabs it.
"Don't stress buddy! It doesn't look broken" Josh says and then sees the screen that features an enlarged of a cooper head boy as a senior in school. "What the hell? Is that you?"
"No, It's not me" I mutter.
"Who is it then?" Josh ask
"Swear not to tell anyone"
"Yeah, you know I always do," Josh replies.
"Josh, I mean it. You really cannot tell anyone! This is serious." I tell him, frowning a little.
"Of course. What is going on?"
I click back on the webpage and pull out the Forbes magazine. "That image wasn't me. It was my father, when he was just a couple of years older than we are now. On the Forbes magazine that I bought, is a picture of my father. Christian Grey is my father" I inform him.
"What? Are you having me on?" Josh questions.
"No."
"You serious?"
"Very much so"
"Christian Grey is you father?" I nod again confirming my parentage. "Your father is one of the richest men in America. Probably one of the richest men in the world!" Josh states.
"The very one"
"How long have you known for?" Josh probes.
"My whole life"
"Ted, I have known you for ten years. You've never told me, or even mentioned your father. Does he know about you?"
"Yes. I use to see him while I lived in Washington State, but I haven't seen him since I moved here to New York. I hardly even talk to him anymore. He used to ring me once a month, but now it's a couple times a year. My father sends me gifts for my birthday, Christmas, Easter, etc. He pays for my education, music lessons and anything else I want and my mother will agree to. " I update Josh.
"So you've never gone back to Seattle to see you him." Josh inquires.
"No, and my father hasn't even come over to New York. I believe he has an apartment here, but still he doesn't come to New York. Or at least not that I am aware of" I wonder idly how often dad might have actually come to New York without me knowing. Did we ever come close to running into each other?
"Bro that's heavy" Josh accurately, though crudely evaluates.
"Yeah I know, but it's just how things are" I shrug.
"So you have never been to Grey House?" Josh asks now pointing to a picture in the feature article on my father.
"Nope," I reply shaking my head.
"You should ask your mother. She will probably tell you about it"
"I might just do that"
"There is a picture here of your dad with an older couple" Josh points out, and click on it. I read the information below the picture. 'Carrick Grey, Grace Grey and Christian Grey at the Coping together ball'
"I think they are my grandparents"
# # # #
"Ted, it's the phone for you" My mother tells me. Quietly I groan and wish I didn't have to answer the call. I am having too good a time. The guys are here and we have been lounging around the main room, eating pizza, and crisps, whilst we watch the sport on TV. After birthday cake, and blowing out my candle, which I consider to be the lamest thing ever, but one of my mom's conditions on me having an all-night party with guys, we are going to have our first poker night.
"Okay, I just hope it doesn't take too long," I tell Mom quietly. She passes me the mouth and mouths 'talk to your father.' I take the handset and walk to another room.
"Hello… Dad" I stall on calling him dad. If it weren't for the photos I have found of him online and that Forbes magazine, I wouldn't even know what he looked like these days.
"Teddy, Happy Birthday."
"Thank you"
There is then a long pause, while neither of us knows what to say. We haven't spoken in months. I can't blame Dad completely, it's partially my fault also. I haven't helped.
"Are you having a good birthday?" Dad inquires.
"Yes, I have my friends over, which is why I can't talk. They are waiting for me." I inform him. Before I realize it, I have rejected him.
"I understand. Did you get your present?"
"Yes I did. Thank you"
"Happy birthday Teddy."
"Bye" I hang up. I insert the handset into the unit to charge. Next to the phone is the gift that my father sent me, unopened. I sigh and unwrap it to find a black box. I open and discover an omega watch. I inspect the watch and find it is engraved on the back.
'Time passes, but my love for you never will.'
How can someone who hasn't even attempted to come and see me for the past ten years, be so capable of such loving words to me? Maybe it was his assistant who organized the inscription. I place the watch down, intending on ignoring the gift, but I haven't even take three steps before I reclaim it and then join my friends.
Time period – Ted is 17: the Trust fund letter
"Ted, would you like a snack?" Ms Schultz offers as soon as I arrive home from school.
"Please! I think being a senior and trying to work out which college to attend is making me hungry" I declare.
"Probably since you don't have to stress now. You know your option and now you just have to decide where you want to go!" Ms Schultz evaluates. I nod. The thing is now deciding which college I want to go, is providing difficult. I have been thinking about going to Yale. Josh has already accepted a spot there, but I have never considered it seriously. Then there is Harvard, which appeals to me, but I guess since my distant father attended there is holding me back from accepting the offer this very second.
"Make sure you still have an appetite for dinner. You know how much your mom values family dinners." Mrs Schultz warns me as passes me a continental roll, my current favorite. She is right about my mom and dinners lately. I think Mom is realizing that soon I will be off at college and then we won't be able to have dinners together, talking about everything!
"Don't worry I am always hungry these days"
"Good. Also, this letter came for you today. I had to sign for it, so it is probably important" She states and passes me the A5 envelope, before going to the laundry. I take two large bites, before I open the envelope. I pull out the papers and start to read.
"What on earth?" I call out to myself. When? How? Why? Questions that I cannot answer myself floodgate my mind. I know that there is only one person in the world that can answer them and he lives on the other side of the country. I pick up my cell phone and ring my mother. She answers my call with her usual warmth.
"Mom, I got a letter in relation to a trust fund in my name and I want to talk to my father. I want to go to Seattle and see him"
I hope you enjoyed this Bonus... review if you wish..