Chapter 9

Christian POV

I pulled back again before pushing forward. The muscles in my arms were fatigued, sore and about to drop off. Pull, release and push. Pull, release and push. I repeated my mantra as I powered through my trial session. I was pouring all my energy into this. I need to join the team. I needed something that would boost my previous, rubbish attitude to school. I am intelligent, I know that, but I need something that would give me some extra credit, something to help me get into a good college. Harvard if listened to my father. I saw the end of our track and worked with the others on my team to properly to the finish line.

As soon as it had finished I felt immensely proud of myself. I set my mind to do this and I had accomplished it. I got out of our boat and made my way with the rest of our team of initiates, minus those who were already on the team who were helping us, to our water bottles. I saw Ana with the other looker ins and shot her a beaming smile whirl she waved in reply, smiling too.

"Guys, we have made our decision," The captain of tithe team, James, said as he walked over to us with the others on the team. "It was really hard, you all were really good but, for now, there is only one spot on the team we need to fill. The spot goes to someone who was outstanding in their efforts today, they really stood out. Please welcome our newest member, Christian Grey." He finished ceremoniously.

I was in shock, I actually did it. I was broken out of my stupor by the congratulations, the others were giving me.

"As for the rest of you, you all did really well and hopefully there may be a place for you next time." The Vice captain, Nathan said. The others all gave shrugs, and smiled before walking off. I was about to walk in the direction I saw Ana coming to me at but was stopped by a hand. Someone had a hold on my shoulder slash back and, I immediately tensed up. It burns, it hurts so damn bad that all I could do was stand there trying to restrain from lashing out at anyone. Ana must have seen the predicament I was in, for she was suddenly by my side and cupping my face in her hands.

"It'll all be okay." She told me and turned to go up to the person behind me, however I had a death grip I her arm restricting her from moving to much. "I'm right here, don't worry."

She walked around me, my grip on het hand unrelenting, and moved the hand from my back but the tension was still running strong throughout my body. "Don't touch him anywhere on his back or chest, he doesn't like it." She said in a sharp, matter of fact voice. "Ever!"

She pulled me into her arms and rubbed my back. Her touch was so thing me as I tightened my arms around her petite little body. Gradually, the tension left my body and I looked up to see everyone staring at us. I released Ana from my arms but my grip on her hand hadn't changed in the slightest. All the team either held expressions of surprise, shock and James was the one with sorry and chastisement in his eyes, painted all over his face.

"I'm sorry! I really didn't know anything or think anything about it." He blurted out in apology.

I didn't know what to say, the remorse for his actions was plain as day on his face. Ana gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, encouraging me to reply. "You couldn't have known, it's okay." I fidgeted, "Just please don't touch me anywhere on my back or chest. I can't bare it." I continued when I saw the curiosity on their faces, "I had a bad experience so please, just don't." I gave them a small smile to try and ease the guilt he felt.

Ana's hand was still in mine when everyone acknowledged what I said and agreed to not touch me. Anywhere. It was a little awkward then, no one knew what to say, but, I had Ana by my side and she never lets me feel anything other than happy.

"So, Christian how are we gonna celebrate. I mean, you kicked some serious but!" She was buzzing with excitement. "I knew you could do it!"

"Whatever you want Ana." The team were looking at us funny, which made me realise that I hadn't introduced them to Ana yet.

"Guys this is Ana, she is my neighbour." Ana looked up at me with a scowl as I finished my sentence. What did I do wrong now?

"I'm actually his best friend too." I smiled when she staked her claim like that, I wish we could be more than that thou- NO! Stop thinking like that. You'll only go and ruin your friendship with her, the only good thing in your life right now.

As I was having my internal debate Ana and the captain were talking, and Ana founds out the names of some of the team. Realising that I should be paying attention too, I tuned in for the final 3 names. I was going to have to badger Ana for the names, so I don't look bad.

When everyone had dispersed Ana spoke up, "We should go home and tell everyone. We'll probably go and eat out in order to celebrate." She clapped her hands in excitement. "You should know that I actually am really, really proud and happy for you."

"I know Ana, you always think about me." And with a final smile Ana pulled me by my arm to my car. I had passed my driver's test last Friday, and on Saturday got my own car from Grandpa Trevelyan. It was an Audi a7 in black. I wanted the r8 but grandpa said that as a first car I need something simpler. One day I will have that car. I will have a load of money so I can easily provide for me and my family. So I can get anything my family needs. Everyone knows that money talks so I will make sure that I have enough to ensure those that are close to me, those that I love never have to wait for anything.

I was pulled from my thoughts by Ana. "So, you know how you are amazingly, fantastically, creepily go odd at math, well I was wondering if you would help me out with it."

"Are you, Miss Ana Steele asking me to tutor you? For me to help you?"

"YES! Please Christian, I really need the help."

"Well, it'd be my honour, my fair lady." I got her hand and pressed my lips to it, with some flair.

The giggle that escaped from her lips made it perfect. "Thank you, I really appreciate it." And with a last look at her smile I returned my gaze back to the road in front as I drove. Casually, I would repeatedly turn to look at her and each time I saw her on her phone, texting.

Once we had returned home and our the car, I turned to Ana. "Okay, keep it quiet, I want to play a trick on them. So keep big closed Ana, and remember, sad faces!"

"Oops," I think I heard her mutter but thought no more of it.

I put my hands into my pockets and began to walk to the front door. Before I could knock on the door, Mia opened the door and shot out in front of me. She grabbed my hand, squeezed it and squealed. "I'm so proud of you, we all knew they'd pick you!" She began to jump up and down.

"I didn't get the spot Mia." My voice was deflated and I walked past her into the house. I looked back at Ana and saw Mia talking to her, Ana shrugged and followed me into the house. I walked into the main room and everyone was there.

"Well done!" Was shouted out at me by everyone I literally knew. Mom, Dad, Elliott, Grandpa and Grandma Trevelyan, Grandpa and Grandma Grey, Ray and even Linc and Elena. I didn't know why Elena was here, it wasn't like I actually liked her, none of us but Mom actually did.

"I didn't get in, Mom." I made sure that my voice was suppressed and morose, my facial expression blank.

"Don't lie to us, Ana already messaged us a while ago." My Dad looked at me with a pointed look.

I looked back at Ana to find her with an embarrassed smile. She was a little further back, by the door, the perfect position to run. "Ana." I said, "Ana it was supposed to be a secret."

"I'm sorry but I told them beforehand."

"Ana!" I inched my way closer to her

"I am so sorry!" She ran out the door and I chased her. She dodged her way through tithe hall way and up the stairs. I leaped up behind her and searched the rooms one by one. As I was looking in my parents room I heard steps on the stairs. I rushed out to catch her turning the corner after the stairs. I, once again bounded after her, through the main room we were just in.

"Which way did she go?" I questioned them all, but they were all tight-lipped. Elliott gestured to the garden.

"Thanks Lells!" I ran out the back door and hunted out for her.

"Ana! I know you're here." I raked my gaze through the garden. I saw her shoes over near the back, by the grill so I made my way over to it. I moved behind the grill, and when I thought I had caught her, I found out that iit was only her shoes. I stood up again and was about to turn in the direction of the clattering sound I just heard when, I got soaked. Water was gushing all over me.

Ana was holding the water hose, Mia not far behind near the tap and together, they sprayed me, not stopping. In the corner of my eye, I saw that everyone had also conjugated outside and were looking on.

"Say you won't do anything to me and I'll stop!" Ana called out.

"Never! I will get my revenge." I replied.

This only caused Ana to nod at Mia. I was wondering what Mia would do. All of a sudden the force Behind the water increased. They had increased the pressure. Damn. I tried to withstand it for as long as I could but it was no use, it was pain full.

"Okay, OKAY! I SUBMIT, I WONT TAKE ANY FORM OF REVENGE. NOW PLEASE, STOP!" I shouted over the gushing of the water and the laughter of my family.

"Promise?"

"YES, YES! NOW STOP IT."

Finally the water's pressure slowly decreased till it was only a dribble and then totally off. I was drenched but I was smiling when an idea came to mind. The others were still laughing when I inched towards Ana. When I was close enough I opened up my arms.

"Do you want to hug it out?" I was still inching closer. When Ana finally realised what I was trying to do, she began taking small steps backwards.

"No, NO! Christian, we had a bloody DEAL!" She squealed as I entrapped her into my arms.

"Yes, but this isn't revenge. It's my respect and love." I replied sweetly.

All this caused the others to start choking on their laughter. After a while I finally let her go and walked towards the rest of my family. "You all sold me out, especially you Lelliot." I said calmly, as I pulled of my sweater. "I will have to do something about that."

By now my sweater was totally off, "I swear I didn't know she'd do this! I was trying to help you out." He tried to reason.

But it wasn't as thought I was listening, instead I threw my drenched sweater at him before walking inside to find a towel to dry myself off.

I turned back before l was too far away and saw my mother and father high-fiving Ana and Mia. Hmmm

So they were the ones in on it. I'm goo g to have to do something back. With that thought I set off into the house to find a towel.

I had a warm shower and had gotten changed into some warmer clothes so that I could go and celebrate with the others. When I walked past my father's office, I found the door agar and could hear some voices. I neared and realise that my Dad and Ray were the ones talking.

"How can I not tell her? They're getting more and more graphic and the pictures more recent. He's fucking found her!" Ray screamed before flipping a chair. "She came here so that I could protect her but, I can't even do something that trivial."

"Ray, calm down, you are an amazing father. Ana is lucky to have you. And you can't tell her. Do you want her to spend her high school years, looking over her shoulder? For her to be constantly scared?" I knew who they were talking about. Ana. "Besides, we are doing all that we can and we will find her. But, you are not going to be reading those letters anymore. It's not doing you any good." I can't believe this. What letters?

They were going to continue but I was distracted by Ana calling my name. I didn't need her to hear this so I turned and walked towards her. I held on to her arm, pulled her into the room where everyone was waiting in and wrapped my arms around her I kissed her head and made a promise to myself. I won't let anything happen to her. I will protector her at all costs – no matter what. With a final squeeze to mark my vow I release her and turned to my family. To the party. And she will never feel scared. I won't let her.

I hope you all are still enjoying this story but some quick answers to some of your reviews.

No Ana has not been raped.

Yes this is a HEA.

I can't bare Ana or Christian with anyone else either.

Please keep on reviewing and I'll try to get another chapter up before the weekend. I am so sorry that they are taking a litlle long.; ) Xxx