Work has been crazy, but that's expected when you work in retail. Anyway, I should be asleep right now since I work a nine hour shift later today, but I thought I'd give you a chapter.
I'll update again tomorrow or later today.
Enjoy!
Christian
"Elliot dear, you've never mentioned you knew Ana?" My mom asks Elliot the unspoken question we've all been meaning to ask.
"I don't, I mean I didn't before today." he turns to smile at Ana who laughs.
"But teddy recognized you?" my mother asks once again, but this time he answers.
"I did Mark a favor for his son's school show and tell." he shrugs it off likes its no big deal, but we all know Elliot. Mark is one of the Team Leaders in Elliot's construction crew, and he's been having some issues with his ex-wife. So knowing how big of a softy my brother is especially when it comes to Marks son, he'd do mostly anything for him. "It was nothing really." he shrugs it off like its no big deal.
"Oh come on Elliot it was a BIG deal." Ana says causing Elliot to blush in embarrassment. "So, Teddy had a show and tell at school," Ana smiles kindly at Elliott who shakes his head with a small smile on his face. "Some odd months ago and he came home one day asking for a race car bed just like the one, 'Lelliot' had. I was kind of shocked someone would actually name their child that but I slightly pushed it aside. Anyway, I was searching on line to see if I could purchase a twin size bed, but to my surprise I was only able to find one in a queen size."
I can't help but laugh. "You took a picture of your bed to his show and tell?"
"Bro, you have to admit my bed is awesome." he sates proudly while taking a bite of his burger just as everyone around us laughs along.
"Anyway," he speaks trying to desperately change the topic. "So how did you two meet?" Elliot asks as we are all seated and eating.
After Ana and Ray had their usual banter, according to Ethan, Ana had gone upstairs to awaken Teddy so he could come and join us, with Jose behind her. I wanted to follow but mom asked for assistance on setting the picnic tables, so I had to stay behind and help. Although it didn't take long after Elliot, Mia, and I were done setting the table, for Ana and Jose to return with Teddy behind them.
"Well we met," Ana looks adoringly at Jose. Mom set up the three picnic tables together so it resembles a long table. First it's Jose Sr. then Ray and Teddy is to his left, Ana, Phoebe, Jose, Kate, Elliot, Mia, and then Ethan. Sitting across from Ray is dad; to his right are mom, and then I, followed by Luke, Taylor, Gail, Gwen, and finally Ros.
"In middle school actually." Jose adds, while Kate giggles a bit while preparing herself a hamburger.
"Really," Elliot utters while stuffing his face with his double cheese burger.
"Yeah, we were in the library one day and I accidently dropped my book."
"Which fell on my feet," Jose adds and everyone laughs. I see the way they feel comfortable with one another, especially Ana towards Jose and Ethan. You would think it would only be Kate who Ana feels comfortable with but no, Ana seems just as comfortable with them too. Why?
"We introduced ourselves and shared a little of our past with one another. Three days later when I invited him over for dinner, we found out our fathers were in the military together, and we've been great friends ever since." Jose finishes and Ana smiles while fixing Phoebe and Teddy a hotdog.
"Wow, it's a small world isn't." Elliot says as everyone nods their heads in agreement.
"Yeah it really is." Jose says, as he once again, kisses Ana's temple. Why does everyone kiss her temple?
"So what's the story behind 'The Three Musketeers' thing?" Asks Mia who's been listening to Ana speak.
"Oh god," Kate, Jose and Ana groan. While Jose Sr. and Ray laugh and Ethan just shakes his head.
"Babe, you just opened a big can of worms. Are you sure you want to hear the stories?" Ethan turns to Mia with raised brows in question. My interests have risen.
"Stories?" I ask with a wide smile on my face. Ana scowls at me and I smile my panty combusting smile towards her, while Kate rolls her eyes, and Jose just shakes his head in amusement.
"Oh yes stories son, plenty of stories." Ray says as he and Jose Sr. clink beer bottles and laugh.
"You know dad I don't know why you're laughing," Jose says as he has a smile on his face. "Those stories do have you in them as well as Uncle Ray." Jose says, while clinking, his beer bottle with Ana, Kate, and Ethan.
"Why do you do that? The clinking with the bottle, I mean." Gwen asks with humor in her voice.
"Well dad actually started it." Ana says looking lovingly towards Ray. "Uncle Jose was visiting us and I remember playing outside with Kate, Jose and Ethan. What we were playing? I don't remember, but I did something that caught their attention. Dad made a joke about it, and they both started to laugh while, clinking their bottles. So we, of course picked it up. And now we usually do it when someone makes gentle fun of someone else." Ana says and her family nods agreeing with her tale.
"So Ana where is your mother?" Mom asks and she regrets saying it, when Ana's face falls along with everyone else's. "Oh God Ana, I didn't mean…" mom says while chastising herself for saying what she said, but Ana interrupts her, "No need Grace." She smiles kindly at mom who smiles back ashamed.
"My mother actually left when I was about three and I haven't heard from her. Dad was the one who raised me and taught me mostly everything," she blushes and shakes her head while Ray laughs a little. I turn my gaze to Ray who smirks and shakes his head. I look at him confused.
"What so funny?" I ask Ray who laughs even more. "Think about a thirteen year old girl and adolescence. You'll get the picture." Ray says and laughs once more when Ana cringes and shakes her head rapidly.
"Oh sweetheart I'm sorry." Mom says looking at Ana with a sad smile.
"Oh god was it embarrassing." Ana says in a near whisper to herself, but we heard it.
"That was embarrassing? Ana have you forgotten about our senior prom?" Kate asks surprised that Ana has forgotten. Ana turns her head quickly towards Kate with wide eyes, and shakes her slowly, while Kate covers her mouth not believing what she just said.
"I can still do it." Ray says and Ana closes her eyes tight while everyone is looking at Ray who's doing some silly type dance. Oddly it reminds me of the robot and the chicken. We all laugh as we see him do his dance routine, except for Kate, who's still covering her mouth with her hands, and Ana who has her eyes shut as if in pain. Elliot stands abruptly and joins Ray, copying his dance moves, with Teddy beside him. I laugh as I see my brother with his arms folded at the elbow with his hands tucked under his under arm, moving them in a slow motion.
"Oh god, Ana I'm sorry. Teddy has learned the dance!" Kate says.
"No!" Ana says shaking her head, but still refusing to open her eyes.
"Come on Ana, it's not that bad. It's actually pretty fun." Elliot says with laughter in his voice as he sits down. Ana opens her eyes when she feels her father sit beside her and sighs.
"You don't understand Elliot, it was bad." Ana says looking at Ethan and Jose who are nodding their heads, while Kate glares at my brother. Why is she glaring?
"It wasn't just bad enough we were known for being, 'The Three Musketeers' throughout high school…and at WSU. We were also known by dad, who created, 'The Robot Chicken'." She says and Ethan, Jose, and Kate nod with a smirk of their faces.
"Come on really?" Elliot asks with disbelieve evident in his voice. Ana turns and looks at him with amusement to his doubt.
"Yeah really, some guy actually did the Robot Chicken on stage when he received his diploma, during our graduation ceremony, at WSU." Jose laughs as Elliot's mouth has dropped open. Just to think, the guy who received a diploma and dance like a chicken on stage must've been one smart guy. I think to myself as everyone else looks at them with amusement.
"Just to think, the guy who did the Robot Chicken on stage received his diploma." Ana shakes her head and I smile. She read my mind.
"Hey I have my diploma," Elliot chirps in with insincere hurt from Ana's comment.
"Elliot you were born silly, he was just a complete idiot." She says matter of fact, while lifting her eyebrows. Elliot laughs as well as my family.
"Ms. Steele," Sawyer speaks and Ana smiles at him.
"Yes... I'm sorry I didn't get your name." she smiles but looks ashamed. I didn't introduce them? "Fuck."
"Mommy, he said a naughty word." Teddy looks up to Ana, before he scowls at me and shakes his head in displeasure. Fuck!
"Shit, I'm sorry. Fuck. Damn it!" I shake my head closing my eyes.
"Christian!" mom reprimands me from beside me.
"Mommy…" Teddy says while pointing at me.
"Yes Teddy I know," she shakes her head but I can see humor in her eyes. "We will most definitely be washing his mouth out with soap later." She says and smiles at me when Teddy turns to look at me, with a mischievous smirk on his face. I smirk back and see Ana furrow her brow. What is she thinking?
"I apologies everyone it must've been an error on my part." I say shaking my head a bit. How could I forget?
"He's Sawyer, Taylor, and Mrs. Jones. They are members of my staff, but feel more like part of the family." I say with a smile. Wow, family!
"Hi Sawyer, what was your question?" Ana looks kindly at Sawyer and I feel jealous, she staring at him that way. Sawyer smiles back, and begins to ask, "I saw your truck out front. Who's the mechanic?" he smiles at her and Taylor smirks. Why would they care?
"Well it's usually Jose who does it, but since he was away. His dad, Uncle Jose, does for me." she smiles a secret smile and lifts her eyebrows in amusement. "How did you notice it?" she asks with curiosity in her voice. I spy everyone else, except for her family, is wearing a confused look on their face, and I'm sure mine mirrors theirs. What the fuck are they talking about?
"We didn't right away, but it looked familiar. And since your father and Uncle are military we sort of put two and two together." Taylor says with a shrug of his shoulders.
"It's not noticeable and it's not illegal since it's my truck. It's more for safety." Ana defends and I can tell my father's interest has peeked.
"What's on your truck Ana?" dad asks with amusement in his voice.
"It's a small tracking devise," she says as she blushes a bit. "I use it mainly when I don't know where I'm going or where exactly I am. I usually call dad or Uncle Jose who advise me over the phone and then I'm able to find my way." She keeps her gaze down. I inwardly laugh, she's me! I wonder if she also likes control.
"I'm glad we had that installed. She was lost for almost three hours in some god awful place." Ray's voice is laced with disapproval when he looks to Ana.
"So how did you meet Kate?" I ask Ana as I take a bite of my burger. I lick my lips to remove any remaining sauce I may have and I see Ana blush. I smile and she shakes her head, probably thinking the same thing I am. Yes baby I did kiss you!
"We met in our first year of High School. It was our first day and Jose and I were wondering the halls trying to find our class when we accidentally bumped into Kate, who was not as friendly as she is now." Ana says and both Jose and Ethan laugh. "Oh god, I think she swore more than a sailor." Jose says and we look towards a very embarrassed Kate.
"That's not fair," Kate whines and points with the fork towards Jose and Ana who are laughing, "I was what, fourteen?" She says stabbing a piece of lettuce to place on her burger.
"Yes my dear sister, and you did have a mouth of a sailor." Ethan adds in while laughing.
"Mommy did Aunt Kate have to wash her mouth out with soap?" asks Teddy with exhilaration in his voice.
"Yeah, bud. But she had to use the whole bar!" Ethan says and we all fall into laughter.
"Auntie Kate," Teddy turns to see Kate who's eating her hamburger while keeping her gaze down. "What does soap taste like?" He asks with interest. I turn to Ana who smiles and shakes her head, while we're all laughing. Kate turns around after she's done chewing her food and swallows.
"It's disgusting Teddy. You remember in science class when the teacher brought spoiled milk for a class assignment and you had to describe it?" Teddy nods his head and Kate continues, "Well it tastes like how the spoiled milk smells like." Kate scrunches up her nose and Ana is silently laughing, all the while Teddy looks lost in thought.
"But Auntie Kate we didn't taste it," he says and confusion is evident in his voice. Mom looks at me while she has a small smile on her face. I look at her with confusion as well and she beams at me. What?
"But did you smell it?" Kate asks again and he nods. "Then it's just like that." She shrugs and continues to eat.
"But Auntie Kate, smell and taste are different." Teddy says annoyed with Kate. Kate stops and thinks for a second and then answers. "Teddy moral of the story, "Don't say naughty words, because mommy, Uncle Jose, Uncle Ethan, Myself, as well as Grandpa Ray and Grandpa Jose will scrub your mouth with soap." She says with finality in her voice. Teddy turns to look at Ana with wide eyes, "Mommy is that true?" he asks with fright in his voice.
"Yes Theodore, it's true. I'll probably even ask The Grey's to help me." Ana says with seriousness in her voice. Teddy turns to us who shakes his head, "No mommy no naughty words." He says with wide eyes while everyone is trying to contain their laughter.
"So Ana, if I'm not mistaken your married?" mom asks with a smile on her face, but unlike me, oblivious to how everyone has now gone tense. I look intently at Ana who has a sad smile on her face. What's that about? I raise my eyebrows in surprise, since she still hasn't told me about being married. She puts down her half eaten burger and pushes her plate aside. I see Ray looking at her, while everyone else has gone silent. For a minute, you would think they're praying.
"Yes. Yes I am." She says looking at me with tears in her eyes and I feel a chill run up my spine. What is she hiding? Mom looks at her intently and then looks to dad who has an 'I told you' sad smile. And I'm automatically lost.
"How long have you been married Ana?" Elliot asks and I wish I could smack him across his head. Can't he see she's hurting?
"A little over five years now," she says looking up at me. I know she's trying to tell me something but I can't for the life of me read her. Why?
"Oh, so where's your husband now. I mean why didn't he come along?" Elliot asks with innocence in his voice. Ethan stands abruptly and walks towards the cooler holding the beer and brings back a round for everyone, leaving two bottles of beer in front of Ana, and I am automatically alarmed. This is bad!
"Hey Kiddos how about we go and pick up the duffle bags from mommy's truck and when we finish eating we can all play something?" Jose asks as he excuses himself with the kids, whispers something to Ana, who nods, kisses her temple and begins to walk around the house. Elliot sits straighter and turns to look at dad, mom, and myself, knowing he brought a sore subject up and we're about to get insight.
"I've been married to Josh for almost six years. If you do the math you will find out I was two months pregnant with Teddy already." She stops and looks at Ray who looks ashamed. So she lost her virginity at the age of twenty-two and married two months later? Why would she marry?
"It was a shot-gun wedding." She says and I can hear gasps coming from around me. That makes sense. Mom looks towards Ray with a sad smile, probably thinking he was making a good decision for his daughter.
"Literally," Kate says with her eyes wide while Ana giggles, causing us to have a small laugh.
"Literally," Ana repeats. "When we were married it was fine, not great but fine," she says picking up a beer and begins to fiddle with the label.
"But before Teddy was born, he went missing, I've never asked and to be honest, I don't want to know." She says shaking her head. I notice everyone has gone quite once again and are listening intently to Ana speak. He hurt her! I know he hurt her, not physically, but mentally. I shake my head and I feel mom grip my hand.
"When Teddy was born everyone was there, Jose, dad, Uncle Jose, Ethan, Kate, even his side of the family, but not him." She shakes her head softly and I want nothing more than to hold her. "Kate was the one who was in the delivery room with me, she cut the umbilical cord, and she was the first to hold him." She says as she finishes taking of the label from the bottle and passes it to her dad who opens it and drinks from it.
"Phoebe was as a surprise." She says looking at Kate, "We were celebrating my promotion of becoming VP of SIP and I drank too many cocktails and well… you get the picture." she sighs. "The same thing happened. Phoebe was born and he wasn't there, once again he went missing. And Kate was there with me once again." She says with a smile on her face as she turns back to Kate who now has tears in her eyes.
"As for why he's not here," she looks at Elliot and then continues. "He left me a note on my pillow on Wednesday morning saying he was leaving and he was contacting a lawyer." She says and looks at dad, "So I packed his things, and his brother came over to pick up his belongings, just like Josh mentioned in his note." She says looking up at all of us.
"I contacted a lawyer myself," she smiles at dad who smiles back. So that's how they know each other.
"After I saw him with her, I…" she cringes.
"What?" Ethan, Jose Sr. and Ray all roar in unison.
"I'm not naive, guys. I know what he's been up to," she says eyeing them. "It's been obvious. He's careful around me, but careless around everyone else."
I feel nothing but anger. Hot anger rushing through my veins at the thought of this asshole hurting this wonderful woman. How the fuck could he be so careless, reckless even to cheat on such an amazing woman who's done such a great job raising her kids, finishing school, and becoming VP? What the fuck was he thinking?
Ana sighs and shakes he head, "He brought her over to Erik's, his brothers, home unannounced that morning when I drove over to Erik's house. And I saw he was with her, not that it bothers me because we don't have a marriage." Ana stops and looks at mom and dad, who look at each other lovingly. "Or that respect," she turns and looks to Ros and Gwen who are holding hands. "We don't have that strength," she turns to Gail and Taylor. "Or that connection." She smiles at me and I smile back, knowing exactly, what connection she's talking about.
"I don't care what he does." She shrugs looking around the table. "All I care about is the way he treats the children. That's all that matters, I don't want my kids to feel abandoned, or feel left behind, or even lost." When she says this, I notice Ethan and Kate have turned to Ana, who smile sadly at her.
"Because no child should ever feel that way." Ana says with so much emotion behind her statement. Kate stands and kisses Ana's head and whispers something in her ear, and then leaves after she's excused herself as well. I look down knowing full well what it's like to be abandoned and left behind. And she's right no child should ever feel that way.
"So Ana you've been doing this all by yourself this whole time, with no one's help?" Mom asks with pain clear in her voice. "How did you do it, I mean how did you become a VP, while all this was occurring?"
"I have a wonderful safety net," Ana smiles and turns lovingly at Jose Sr., Ray, and Ethan. "When Kate, Jose, and I were attending WSU together we would arrange our schedule so we could spend as much time together. So it just became our usual routine when Teddy arrived. We coordinated our busy work schedules so one of us would watch him." She says while her gaze is on the beer bottle in hand.
"After graduation I worked hard day and nights, whenever I had time. Sometimes running on four hours of sleep a day," she says sadly and I see Ray shake his head. "It was tiring work, but I managed. Shortly after working as an assistant, I was promoted VP. As for my maternity, I began to work right away after I had the okay from my doctor to return to work." She smiles and you can hear pride her voice. I see Jose Sr. and Ray stand tall, while Ethan wraps his arm across her shoulder and kisses her temple as well.
"We're proud of you." He whispers before he stands and makes his way to the cooler for another round of beer for the table, Ana opens another beer. As they clink bottles we hear commotion up front. Ana turns her head as we spy everyone coming back from around the house carrying their duffle bags.
"You know Annie, you should've still told us. We're family, we don't keep secrets." Ray turns to Ana and throws his arm around her. She smiles and kisses his cheek and he turns to kiss her temple.
"I still have that shotgun with his name on it." Ray says in a near whisper but loud enough for the table to hear.
"You know, Mr. Grey could probably bail you out, dad." She says as she smiles and winks at my dad who laughs as well as the rest of the table, and just like that the eerie feeling is no longer present.