I'm really sorry that it took me over a week to get this chapter done... the last couple of days have been crazy and I didn't get the chance to complete this chapter earlier... And for the guest who goes by the beautiful name of Pissed Off, calling me a 'fucking bitch' is not going to make me write any faster or even get me in the mood to write. I know that my updates are usually quicker, but I don't think that 11 days are that long that you have to call me out like that. Actually, and I know that might sound childish, but getting a message like that makes me want to complete the chapter and not post just so you have to wait even longer to read it... but that would be highly unfair to all my other readers who are waiting patiently for me to post again... so this chapter is not for you, but for all my other readers which are absolutely amazing :-)
Ana
I have spent the last couple of days at Christian's penthouse and even with everyone trying to distract me from the fact that Elena is out there, probably trying to plot a way to kill me, I am about to go insane. After talking with Christian, Carrick and my Dad, we decided to let the police know that I suspect it was Elena who tried to run me over with the car.
Carrick had only told them he heard rumors and started to investigate, but now they know it was me who told him that Elena might be a pedophile and Christian's security is working with the police to make sure Elena can't come anywhere near me, my family or the Grey's. When I was asked why I didn't go to the police right away I just told them that I didn't want to ruin the reputation of a family friend if it had turned out that Elena was innocent. They understood that and now all we can do is hope that Elena is found soon.
One of the witnesses who saw Sawyer and I nearly getting run over by the car told the police he saw a blonde woman driving the car, so we are convinced it was Elena. My dad was pretty pissed that I didn't tell him immediately and at first he wanted me to move back home, but Christian and Elliot convinced him that I am much safer at Escala. My parents home is huge and the property surrounding it even bigger, plus the fact that it is at the waterfront it would have been a nightmare for Christian's security to keep me safe there.
My parents thought about cancelling the party for their anniversary, but I convinced them not to do that. We will have the police and Christian's security watching the property, so there is no way Elena can get there. Or at least I hope she doesn't find a way. I just want her behind bars and out of our life. And I know this is a terrible thing to think, but I wouldn't even mind if she would manage to get herself killed on the run. This woman is pure evil and I don't think that there is one single person who would lose sleep if she would die.
Because I can't leave the penthouse, mostly due to the fact that I don't want to put the security or myself at any unnecessary risk, I am really glad that Elliot is here too. He always finds ways to make the evenings entertaining for all of us. Christian was a little annoyed, but I guess just to spend time with me he even sat down with us and played some games like Clue or Monopoly. In the time they are at work I try to help Gail around the apartment and because she is walking my dogs every day I convinced her to let me cook dinner. This way I can try new recipes and I have something to do before Elliot and Christian arrive back from work.
Christian and I are ... well I really don't know. We are talking, but it's like we reached a silent agreement, that we are not going to discuss us or anything that could cause us to fight as long as I am staying at his place. Otherwise his apartment might end up as a battlefield with two hotheads like us.
"Miss Steele, if you are ready we can leave now" I look up at Ryan who just entered the great room and nod.
"I'm ready." today is my parents anniversary and I am going to my parent's home earlier to meet up with the party planner and check if everything is going well. Elliot and Christian will arrive shortly before the party starts, while most of the security is already there security the property with the police officers who will also be there all night.
I follow Ryan into the vestibule, but Christian stops us. "Five minutes, Ryan. Can we talk in my study, Ana?" he asks and so I follow him into his study.
"Look, before I give you what I have bought for you, I want you to know that this is not me trying to buy your forgiveness, it's just something I thought you might like. I overheard that because of the situation you couldn't go shopping to find the right jewelry to match your dress... so here" he hands me a small box and when I open it I see a beautiful white gold necklace and matching earrings with purple diamonds that are shaped like small heart. I love it and it matches my dress.
"I was told that purple goes well with gray, Mia told me the color of your dress. If you don't like it I can get something else."
"No, it's perfect. I love it. It's just you know I don't like expensive gifts."
"Well, in that case we could say it is on loan, indefinetely."he smirks and I have to laugh.
"Okay, agreed. Thank you."
"You are very welcome, Ana. So, I'll see you at your parent's home. Are you ready for the big surprise?" he asks and I sigh.
"Not sure, the only other time I was supposed to do something in front of others I ended up projectile vomiting on my principal... so I guess it can't get worse. If I don't feel like doing it I still have the painting I bought in Europe as a back up plan."
"Have you ever played in front of anyone besides your teachers?"
"No, I never felt I was good enough. Crap, what if I'm going to embarrass myself and my parents?" Great now I'm getting nervous.
"Come" he holds his hand out for me and when I take it he leads me into the great room to his piano. "Play for me, I will give you my honest opinion. If you are not good enough I will tell you." I look at him and he seems to be really sincere. I can do this, it's like a rehearsal, I tell myself and sit down at the piano.
I take a deep breath and start to play Your Song by Elton John, which is the song my parents had their first dance to at their wedding and once I have played it I change to Still The One by Shania Twain which is one of their favorites songs. When I'm done I look up at Christian and he is staring at me as if he is seeing me for the first time.
"So, what do you think?" I ask and he blinks at me.
"You have a beautiful voice and I can't believe how well you are playing, especially for someone who has only taken lessons for a couple of months. Your parents are going to be delighted." he says and I am just about to answer when Taylor enters the great room.
"Sir, we need to change the plans. A person who looked very much like Mrs. Lincoln was seen near the Steele's home. I would recommend that Miss Steele stays here until we leave for the event later tonight."
"Yes, good and add more security for tonight, I want the place as safe as possible for tonight. If there is any fuck up tonight heads will be rolling." Christian hisses.
"Christian, my dress and everything I need to change is already at my parents home." I tell him and he frowns and takes his phone out.
"Mia, hi it's me. Look Elena was seen in Bellevue, I won't let Ana go over there until the party starts, but her dress and stuff is already at her parent's home. How would you feel to come over here with Kate and Anya, I get some beauty technicians over here and the four of you get all glammed up for tonight." he says and laugh when he has to hold the phone away from his ear because Mia is squealing so loud.
"I take that as a yes, be ready in an hour, I will send Ryan over to get you, call Kate and tell her she can stop by when ever she wants and call Anya, too. I am going to call Ray now." he hangs up and I listen while he is talking to my dad.
"He wants to talk to you, Ana" he says after a while and hands me the phone.
"Hi daddy. I'm sorry I am making this such a disaster."
"Annie, it's not you, it's that criminal who does that. Listen to me sweetheart, you don't have to come if you would feel safer staying at Christian's."
"No, I want to come. I have a big surprise planned, you know. I can't just stay here. And I don't think that Elena is stupid enough to try anything tonight and if she does Christian's security or the police will catch her, so all will be fine." I tell him, though actually I am a little scared now, but I don't want to show it.
"Good, your sister will be with you shortly, I am looking forward to seeing you tonight baby girl, safe a dance for me."
"You know I always safe the first dance for you" I say.
"Good, hand the phone back to Christian, darling."
"Sure, bye dad, see you later." I hand the phone back to Christian and he walks into his study while I stare out of the window.
"Ana?"
I turn around when I hear Christian and smile at him. "You don't have anything to worry about Ana. We have my team which will monitor the front gate and the street. There are cops who will be watching inside the house and the water front and some of my security guys from Grey House will come dressed up as guests, so nothing can happen. I just don't want you at your parent's house before the security is in place."
"Thank you ... you know what I am constantly thinking about?"
"No, what?"
"Why is she so hell bound on getting her revenge. If the police would be after me I would find a way to get the hell out of the country and not try to get back at the person who went to the cops."
"Elena is all about money and what others think of her. What she doesn't understand is that it was herself and all of her wrong doings that led her to this. She is quick to blame someone else, that is why she wants revenge. I am so sorry, Ana. This is my fault." he says and that makes me mad.
"How is this your fault, Christian? You were 15 when she lured you into a relationship, you weren't even old enough to fully understand what was going on and by the time you were, she had her claws so deep into you that you believed everything she told you. It's not your fault or would you tell a rape victim it's their one fault because the person was in the wrong place at the wrong time?"
"It's not the same, Ana. I wanted it."
"Christian, you were 15 and even though most kids think they are adults and know what they are doing, that is just not the case. I know you don't want to hear this, but you are one of her victims, just like those other kids the police rescued from Elena's house. You were just lucky that you came from a well-known family or else things could have turned out much worse for you."
He looks deep in thoughts for a couple of seconds and then I can see him shutting down. "I have to make some phone calls. Let's not talk about this now." he mutters and leaves. I watch him leave the great room and shake my head sadly. I know that deep down he knows I am right, but he doesn't want to say it out loud, so instead he is going to hole himself up in his study until it is time to leave. For a moment I think about just letting him sulk in his study, but then I decide this is not the right way.
So, I make my way to his study knock and get in, finding him staring out of the window.
"Christian?"
"Not now, Ana." he says his voice icy cold and I giggle. He turns around and looks at me puzzled.
"You think this is funny?" he snaps and I bite my lip to stop my giggling.
"Not what we were talking about, but the fact that you think you could scare me by using your CEO tone with me. I know you are used to make even feared business men shake in their boots when you use that tone of voice or glare at them, but honestly it doesn't work with me and you should know that."
He smirks as he comes closer and leans against his desk. "So, you are not even slightly intimidated by me?"
"No, I've known you for all my life, there is nothing intimidating about you, you are like a big, sometimes a little grumpy looking, teddy bear." I say and burst out laughing when his mouth pops open.
"A teddy bear?"
"Yup" I giggle and suddenly he grabs me and pins me with my back against the wall while he grabs my wrists and holds them above my head with one hand.
"Still not intimidated?" he smirks, but this is no longer funny I can feel my palms getting sweaty and it is getting difficult to breathe. Oh no, not now!
"Jesus Ana. What is wrong, hey ... hey look at me. I was just joking. Come on, breath Ana." Christian begs but he is still holding me against the wall and I feel my lunch coming up. I manage to shove aside and reach the wastebasket just in time to throw up.
When there is nothing left in my stomach I rest my head on my forearm
"Do you want me to call my mom? What happened Ana, are you sick?" Christian sounds so worried that I look up and in this moment I just don't want to lie anymore. I don't want anymore lies and secrets in my life, I'm just tired of it.
"Can you help me upstairs, I need to brush my teeth and I need to tell you something."
Christian carries me upstairs into the guest room I am staying in, I quickly brush my teeth in the en suite bathroom and when I return to the guest room I sit indian style in the bed and lean against the headboard, while Christian sits down on the edge of the bed.
"I guess I don't have to ask you if you remember when you ran into me at John's office?"
"What has John to do with you being sick, Ana?"
"I wasn't sick Christian, what you just witnessed was me having a panic attack, that is why I am seeing John." I watch Christian as he comprehends what I have just told him and he looks really worried.
"You mean you have those often?"
"I have them since I started high school, I was just better in hiding it from my family and friends. The only persons other than John and now you who knows about it is Elliot, he witnessed one a couple of weeks ago."
Christian gets up and runs both hands through his hair. "Wait, are you telling me that you suffer from panic attacks for almost 7 years and no one noticed it?"
"Yes. It doesn't really happen around my family, it's ... complicated. John thinks the trigger is me feeling cornered, to me it seems more random and sometimes when I feel like a situation should be a trigger it doesn't happen."
"How did it start?"
"Middle school graduation, when I was supposed to give a speech and couldn't do it. Well... you were there and saw it, so no need to explain what happened. Though, I guess it really started in my freshman year in high school. Some kids filmed me when I threw up on the principal, by now it's a classic on YouTube. Anyway, I went to a different school than Mia and Kate and I knew no one there, but they all knew me. Let's just say high school wasn't exactly a pleasant experience for me. I spent most of the time hiding in the restroom or trying to avoid being noticed by anyone. One day some assholes cornered me and pushed me around and I had a panic attack. It kind of went from there."
"Fuck, why didn't you tell me or Cooper or Elliot or your parents, fuck I would have killed those assholes!"
"Christian when all of that happened you had just dropped out of Harvard and you were in enough trouble with your parents, I didn't want to bother you with my shit and I ... I don't know, I thought with time things would get better... now I know that was a poor decision. Anyway, I thought maybe things would become better for me in college, but by that time my panic attacks were already to intense to just go away. In the last year it got so bad not a day went by where I wouldn't throw up at least once or twice. My dentist thought I had bulimia because my teeth and gums were irritated from all the vomiting. I... I went to get my blood work done and my doctor told me that the results were so bad I wouldn't make it another year if nothing would change. That really scared me and so I started to see John. Going to Europe was his idea. Just leave everything behind and live in the moment for a while. It saved my life. I had only one panic attack in six months and I started to challenge myself, did things I never thought I could do and I took the piano and singing lessons, because I feel that now I am strong enough to face my fears, that maybe by doing the things I fear the most I can overcome those panic attacks once and for all."
"But they came back when you came home, right?"
"Yes, I had a couple of panic attacks since I am back."
I look at Christian and I know what he is thinking even before he says it. "It started with me, right? The way I've treated you brought them back?"
"Yes, but it's not your fault. I've talked to John about it and the thing is that going to Europe was what I needed to recover physically. It didn't help with the reason for my panic attacks."
"But you didn't have them while you were away."
"Yes, because in Europe I was a nobody. No one really noticed me, I had no obligations and most of the time I was alone. I just avoided situations where I could have a panic attack, if your behavior would not have triggered them it would have been something else. Don't blame yourself for Christian."
"How? How can I not blame myself, Ana? I behaved so terribly towards you and you didn't do anything wrong."
"You are not the only who triggered a panic attack, Elliot did too. You have to understand that this is not about you Christian. It's about me. I need to find a way to overcome this and I am the one who made things worse by keeping it to myself for so long. Actually, that is most likely one of the reason why it even got so bad. Had I talked to my parents right away I could have transferred to another school and seen a therapist back then. But I kept it to myself, because I thought I was old enough to deal with things myself, when in reality I was just a scared child and I only now fully understand that I have made the wrong choices back then and that's why I still have to deal with those panic attacks now. And I am sure that if you had known that I'm suffering from panic attacks you would have behaved differently. I guess John is right when he says that I have to start communicating, because I really feel better after telling Elliot and now you."
"Is John really helping you? I could find another psychiatrist to help you... what ever you need just tell me."
"I need you to not freak out over this, because it is making me anxious and I need to nap a little, so I am fit for tonight. Can you do this for me?"
He takes a deep breath and sighs. "Fine, I can try to do that."
"Thank you, and please don't tell anyone else. You can talk with Elliot or John about it, but I would like to tell my family myself. I just wanted to wait until after the anniversary."
"Sure, do you need anything now?"
"No, just a nap and maybe something to eat later."
He nods and then frowns. "Wait, are your panic attacks the reason why you were so thin before you left for Europe?"
usually when I have a panic attack I end up vomiting, so I lost a weight and couldn't gain it back... that was one of the reason my doctor was so concerned, I was highly malnourished."
"Would you mind if I would call John and ask him for ways to support you?"
"No, actually tell him he can talk openly with you. If I have to stay here much longer it might come in handy if you know what to do when I have a panic attack."
"Good, thank you."
I smile at Christian and he leaves the room while I curl up in bed to rest a little.
Christian
Fuck, if I have felt like an asshole before, now I feel even worse. Ana might think that it's not my fault that her panic attacks started again, but I sure as hell feel that way. And how could she hide this from all of us for 7 fucking years? Well, I guess I shouldn't ask that question, after all I managed to hide what happened between Elena and I as well as my lifestyle for 13 years. But still, this has to stop now, she needs help and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that she will get better. Downstairs I find Gail cleaning the kitchen.
"Gail, Ana was sick, would you mind preparing a snack for her so she has something to eat once she has taken a nap."
"Of course, Sir. Do you want me to make a tea for her?"
"Yes, that would be good. Just place it on her nightstand."
I walk into my study and call Andrea to contact some beauty technicians to come here this afternoon and after that I decide to call John, but I only get his mailbox. Damn it, I need to talk to him, now, but I guess now I'll have to wait until tonight, when I see him at the party. One thing is for sure though, I won't leave Ana out of my sight. If Elena wants to hurt her, she will have to deal with me first.
"Hey bro, still working?" Elliot has popped his head into my study and I shake my head.
"No, do you have a minute?"
"Sure, is everything alright... fuck did you throw up in here?" he asks and scrunches his nose as he enters my study.
"No, Ana did. She had a panic attack."
"Fuck, not again... wait you know? And what the hell have you done to her now?" he hisses and I roll my eyes at him.
"Yes, I know and I have done nothing, well not intentionally. We were talking and she said I couldn't intimidate her so I pinned her against the wall and she panicked. Christ, I had no idea what was going on and then she told me. I am such an asshole, she was better when she came back from Europe and I made things worse again."
Elliot gets himself a whisky and opens the balcony doors. "Look, you fucked up, big time. But if you beat yourself up over it you are going to give Ana anxiety. I only witnessed this three times, but in my opinion the best way to help her is to stay calm and tell her to breathe and that there is nothing she has to panic about. She is doing therapy, which also helps her, but you have to understand that she let this go on for almost 7 years before she decided to seek help. So, it will take time for her to get over it, maybe even medication, but she is not at a point where she wants to consider medication. I know you like to be in control of everything, but you can't control this. All you can do is take care of her when it happens."
"I get that, but I want to do something so she doesn't have them anymore." I start to pace just thinking about it. If she has those panic attacks on a regular basis and with all the throwing up, how much nutrition can she get? Damn it, I knew something about her being so skinny wasn't right, but I just thought it's this fucking trend for girls to have size zero.
"Bro, there is not much you can do about it except for making sure not to trigger one. I looked it up online and from what I could find Ana suffers from what is called panic or anxiety disorder. It's a mental disease and Ana is on a good way, she realised that she is in need of help and she is seeing John, now she is starting to open up about it which is also helping. All we can do is to give her our full support. Like it or not, there is not much we can do otherwise."
"Fuck, I hate this Elliot, I absolutely fucking hate it. How could we not notice that Ana is wasting away right in front of us? You know what I want to do? I want to find those assholes from her highschool and beat the shit out of them." I hiss and Elliot smirks.
"Why the fuck are smirking?"
"Because I have already taken care of them. To put it in terms you are familiar with I fucked them over." he says and I frown.
"How?"
"When Ana stayed at my place after your monumental fuck up, I talked to Ana and she told me the names of those guys who bullied her all through highschool. Turns out the two who were the worst studied to become an architect. So, I made sure that the one who already got a job got his ass fired and the other asshole won't even find a job anywhere in this state." he says and I smirk, sometimes we really think the same way.
"Good, but I still want their names." I say and Elliot writes them down for me.
"So, is Ana on her way to Bellevue?"
"No, Elena was seen at Bellevue, Taylor and I agreed that we wouldn't let her go there until later. Mia, Kate and Anya are coming over and I have some beauty technicians coming here to get them ready for tonight. Ana is upstairs taking a nap."
4 hours later Elliot and I are ready to leave, but the girls are still upstairs even though we have to leave and they beauty technicians have left over 30 minutes ago. What the hell is taking them so long, I hate being late.
"Jesus Christ, how long can it take to get ready, if they are not down here in five minutes I will drag them out of here by their hair if I have to" Elliot mutters. Yep, my brother hates waiting as much as I do. But thank fuck, finally we hear their chatter and giggles coming closer and as they are coming down the stairs and I see Ana my mouth pops open. Hell, if she is not the most beautiful woman in this world. In her dress it almost looks like she is floating down the stairs and with her make up and her hair artfully put in a updo she looks like a fairy. A mythical creature to beautiful for a simple human being to be worthy of.
"Christ bro, close your mouth, you are drooling" Elliot mumbles and I snap my mouth shut.
"How do we look?" Mia asks with a big smile.
"Ladies, you all look mighty fine tonight, so let's get this show on the road or we are going to be late." Elliot says and because we won't fit into one car, I ride with Ana and Anya, while Elliot is in the car with Mia and Kate.
"Sir, Taylor informed me that security is in place, the property is safe" Ryan who is driving tells me and I nod.
"I don't know why everyone is freaking out about Elena, I would kick that old witch to her ass if I would see her, urgh I never liked her." Anya says and I smirk, that girl sure has some balls, though I suppose it's her age that makes her say what ever is on her mind.
"You will do no such thing. Do you hear me Anya Theresa Steele? If you happen to see Elena you will call the cops or let security handle this" Ana scolds her and fuck me, she sounds like a mom, though I have to admit something about her using that tone is hot.
"Why not? Oh whatever. Do you think Justin is going to like me in this dress. He is so cute Ana, we have french and biology together and every girl wants to date him... I still can't believe I had the nerve to ask him to be my date for tonight and he said yes"
"Anya you look so pretty he is going to love the way you look tonight, but just a tip, never tell a guy you think he is cute, if anything tell him he is looking handsome."
"Why? A couple of years ago I heard you talk with Mia and Kate and you told them that you think Christian is really cute... ouch, stop pinching me!" Anya exclaims while Ana turns beet red and sinks deeper into her seat looking anywhere but at me.
"She really said that Christian and..."
"For the love of god, Anya shut up. Christ you have no filter, you got that from mom!" Ana pouts and I can't help but chuckle.
"Well Anya, I happen to think that your sister is really cute, too. Especially when she blushes like she does now" I chuckle.
"I know, you look at her like a love-sick puppy. Man, being a grown up must suck. Really you two; just start to date already, what's the big deal? If not I will decorate a room full of mistletoes on Christmas and lock you two inside so you have no choice but to kiss" Anya bubbles and I frown. Am I really that obvious? Fuck yes, you are Grey and you know it!
The rest of the ride goes by in silence and when we arrive Ana rushes to the party planner to talk to her while the rest of us meets up with our family and friends. After thirty minutes we are all in the tent and Ray and Carla greet everyone. After that Cooper holds a speech for his parents and Carla's father gives a speech as well. Because Ana and I both came without a date I am seated at her table as her date, which I appreciate as I can make sure that I will never leave Ana out of sight.
Dinner is served and Carla praises Ana for her choice and I have to agree every course is delicious, but I can see that Ana is getting really nervous as the dessert is served so I lean over to her to whisper in her ear.
"You will do amazing. Don't worry, you can do this, just have a little faith in yourself. If you get nervous on stage just look at me and imagine we are alone here like this morning at Escala" I whisper and the smile she gives me in answer is breath-taking. After the dessert Ana excuses herself and makes her way to the stage. She takes the microphone and everyone looks at her expectantly.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. As most of you know I am Ray's and Carla's daughter, Anastasia. I want to thank all of you for coming here tonight to celebrate my parent's 30th wedding anniversary. I could bore all of you with a very long speech, but the fact is I could speak all evening and it still wouldn't be enough time to tell just how wonderful my parents are and how inspiring and amazing it was for me as well as for my siblings to grow up with such wonderful parents who still after being together since their early teenage years are hopelessly in love. So, instead of talking about their life and love, I have decided to show you all how wonderful they truly are, but before I do I have to share a little story.
My parents share a great love for music. My mom has a very beautiful singing voice and growing up I loved to listen to her sing while my dad would play the guitar. They both hoped that at least one of their children would inherited their musicality, but sadly my siblings and I love to listen to music, but never had any interest in learning how to play an instrument or learn how to sing. So, tonight instead of giving them a gift, I decided to show them that they did pass their musicality on. Mom Dad, this is for you."
Ana takes a deep breath and goes to the piano. I hear Carla gasp and see her grasp Ray's hand as Ana nods to the party planner. Suddenly the drapery on the walls of the tent is let down and we all see that there are video walls all around the tent and as Ana plays the first chords of Your Song the video walls start to show picture and short sequences of family videos, showing Carla and Ray as teenagers, getting married, on their honey moon, with their kids and so on. It's amazing and as I look back to Ana and our eyes meet and I nod letting her silently know that she is doing great.
The moment the video stops and Ana finishes Carla rushes on the stage sobbing and hugs Ana tightly while everyone in the tent starts to applaud and is giving Ana a standing ovation. After she is back at the table her dad hugs her too and if I am not mistaken even Ray is a little choked up. Carla and Ray dance the first dance, then he dances with Ana and when it's Anya's turn to dance with him I seize my opportunity and ask Ana for the next dance. It's a slow love song, one that I have heard before but can't place.
"Forever tonight" Ana says and I frown.
"The name of the song, you looked like you were thinking about the name of the song."
"You know me so well, Miss Steele and you were amazing on stage."
"Thank you, I am so glad I did it. My mom loved it, though I guess now I have to learn some more songs, as she will probably force me to sing a lot more." Ana says and looks uncomfortable.
"You don't have to do anything you don't want to do and once you told your parents about... you know, I don't think they are going to pressure you into anything."
"I hope so, let's not talk about this tonight. I want to enjoy this evening and not think about anything unpleasant."
"As you wish, have I told you that you are looking very beautiful tonight?"
"You did now, thank you and you are looking quite handsome tonight."
I can't resist."Not cute?" I smirk and she blushes.
"Maybe" she says then with a shy smile and I can't stop looking at her at beautiful face. In this moment there is nothing I want more than to kiss her. I can't help it I lean in closer making my intentions perfectly clear. Ana nods slowly and as our lips almost touch someone taps on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry son, but I want to dance with Ana, too." My dad smirks and I glare at him. Fuck, really Dad? Since this is not the time to argue I step aside and hear Ana giggle as my Dad swirls her around while I dance with my mom.
I try to keep my eyes on Ana, but when Mia pulls me away to introduce me to a friend of hers I lose sight of Ana. When I finally manage to excuse myself I look around, but Ana is nowhere to be seen so I look for Elliot and find him talking to Kate. I make my way to them and pull Elliot with me.
"Where is she?" I hiss.
"Who?"
"Ana god damn it, I can't find her!"
"Chill, Cooper asked her to take a walk with him. He finally came to his senses and feels really shitty, so they are talking it out now."
Hearing Elliot say that I relax a little. Cooper might be a stubborn ass most of the time, but he would protect his sisters with his life.
"Sir?" I turn around when I hear Taylor's voice and one look at him tells me that something is wrong.
"What is it, Taylor?"
"We have a problem, the three cops that were watching the waterfront, they are gone."
"What do you mean gone?"
"We can't find them, I have the guys that were inside the house looking for them, but I would recommend to get Miss Steele and leave. For all that we know Mrs. Lincoln could be here."
"Fuck! Elliot, come on we need to find Ana, Elena is here" I snap and we run out of the tent and look around but Ana is nowhere to be seen and then I hear it. First a gun shot and then Ana screaming. Taylor, Elliot, I and three of the other security guys run as fast as we can in the direction where the scream came frown and then I see it, my worst nightmare right in front of me. Ana is on the ground crying and holding Cooper in her arms and Elena is aiming her gun at Ana's head.
I am running so fast I feel like my heart is trying to escape my chest and my lungs are burning, but I can't let this happen. I'd give everything I own away in a heartbeat, but I can't live in a world without Ana. Suddenly there is another gunshot and for one awful second I think it was Elena who has shot Ana, but then I see Elena stumbling towards the sound and before Taylor has the chance to aim at her again that fucking bitch jumps into the sound.
I reach Ana and drop to my knees next to her. She is completely hysterical trying to stop the gushing of blood that is coming Cooper's shoulder.
"Elliot get mom, now. He is losing too much blood, someone get an ambulance" I yell and pull Ana away, so my security can help Cooper until my mom arrives, but Ana is so hysterical she tries to break free of my hold to get back to her brother screaming and kicking.
"Ana! Ana, look at me" I cup her face between my palms so she has to look at me. "Let Taylor and the others help Cooper, they are trained for situations like this, my mom is coming and an ambulance is on the way. Please, try to calm down, please."
"I ... she shot him... he was trying to protect me and she shot him" Ana cries and I pull her into a tight hug.
"I know, but Cooper is strong. He will pull through this." I whisper into her ear and Ana goes limp in my arms. I look at her, sit down on the ground making sure she just passed out and is still breathing. When I find her pulse almost normal, I sigh in relief and watch almost in a daze as my mom arrives and the ambulance a couple of minutes after her with the police, but I continue to hold Ana in my arms. As long as I hold her in my arms she is safe and I silently vow to myself that I will never leave her out of sight ever again...
A little trivia about this chapter, I actually had three versions of the last scene. In one Elliot was shot, one where Christian was shot and the one I posted where Cooper was shot... maybe I post the others as outtakes once the story is complete...