***Two Months Later***

APOV

Christian squeezes my hand and says, "Relax baby. It's going to be fine."

The butterflies in stomach have morphed into bats and that uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach is no longer uneasy, it's an ocean of storms and it's definitely stirring up things inside of me. I hope and pray that I don't get sick all over myself or God forbid any of the Greys.

"Easy for you to say. I'm the one that's going to be under the microscope, not you." I whisper quietly as we wait for the driver to load our luggage.

I don't know what I was thinking. Why did I agree to celebrating Thanksgiving dinner with Grey family? I must have been out of my mind!

I suppose a lot of it had to do with Noah. He really wanted to see me and catch up but he also stated that he had made plans for Thanksgiving and that we could celebrate together on Wednesday, the day before the actual holiday.

I think Noah also wanted to make peace with the fact that Christian and I are together and perhaps smooth things over since their falling out at the Harvard-Yale Regatta. We just lost our race against Yale and Christian thought it would be a good idea to congratulate Noah and his team on their victory. It was an ugly sight, seeing the two most important people in my life shouting at each other and coming to blows.

I close my eyes and flashback to that moment...

"Save it Grey! I don't want your congratulations or your fucking pity." Noah snarls.

"It's not pity and I am being sincere when I offer you my congratulations. It's not something I'm accustomed to...losing and then to have congratulate the winner? Not my style, I don't like to lose Shepherd."

"Yes, I know that Grey!" Noah shouts as he glares at me, knowing full well that he's making that cutting remark in reference to 'winning' me.

My heart is breaking for Noah but at the same time I do love Christian. Why does life have to be so complicated?

"Noah, I'm sorry please don't make this any worse." I plead.

"Me?! Make it worse? Are you fucking kidding me Ana?" Noah shouts. "Look, I backed away and tried to be the better man, but then he comes and rubs in my face. That's fucking bullshit!"

"Please don't swear at Ana." Christian says as he tries to keep his voice level but he is most definitely gritting his teeth.

"Oh yes, you're the only one that can swear at her right? Do you swear when you two are getting hot and bothered? Do you swear when she..."

Next thing you know I see Noah on the ground but not for long because he gets back up and punches Christian. They both have fat lips and next thing know the Harvard and Yale team come to their respective team mates side.

"Enough!" I shout and for whatever reason, everyone stops.

"Christian, Noah, please! Please don't do this!" I plead and I'm surprised and proud that I haven't been reduced to tears.

"Ana, I'm sorry." Noah says quietly.

"I'm sorry too Ana."

I look to both teams and say, "They're fine, will you please excuse us. We have some things to work out."

Most of Yale's team knows the story about this uncomfortable situation and why they were lucky enough to get Noah and thankfully both teams leave us alone to get some much-needed privacy.

"Now, where were we?" I ask.

"I was saying that I'm sorry Ana." Noah says again.

"Me too baby...Ana, I'm sorry too." Christian says quietly.

"You know what? Screw both of you and your dumb apologies! I don't want them! You should be apologizing to each other! Not to me dammit!" I shout.

They stare at each other for a moment and I wait.

"I'm sorry Noah. I should not have punched you. It was wrong and I hope you can forgive me. The last thing I wanted to do was cause a scene and upset Ana. Are we cool?" Christian asks as he extends his hand.

My jaw is on the floor. Number one, I'm surprised Christian apologized and number 2, his apology is sincere! Please accept Noah, please, please, please.

I think Noah is also in shock. He stares for a moment and looks at Christian's hand, contemplating his next move. Take it Noah! Please! I hate this, I love both of you and I cannot live like this, torn between my past and my future!

Noah takes his hand and says, "I wouldn't say that we're cool Grey, but I will say that I do accept your apology. Are you good with that?"

Christian says, "That's all I want man, I just don't want to see Ana upset."

They release their grip and I hug Noah.

"Thanks Noah, thanks so much!" I say with relief.

"We're still on for Thanksgiving right Stay?" Noah says as he glares at Christian.

Noah called me Stay, I've not heard that in a while.

"Yes Noah, we're still on." I say as Christian and I prepare to leave.

Christian holds my hand as we walk away and Noah says, "Grey, I need to know something."

I tense up, oh shit. Please, keep calm, let them both keep calm.

"What is it Shepherd?"

"Did you leave everything out on the water? Did you really give it your all?" He asks quietly.

I so know how Noah feels. He needs to know that this victory was his and his alone. He wants to be sure Christian gave it his all, that way he could revel in his victory.

"Noah, there's something you should know about me. I don't do things half way, it's all or nothing with me."

Christian looks around to make sure no one else is within hearing distance, he frowns and says, "I will only say this once Shepherd. You kicked my ass but there will be other races so you can be sure that losing this race will only motivate me to kick your ass."

I look to Noah and he has a huge shit-eating grin on his face.

And with those words, we went our separate ways. I felt as though I jumped over a giant hurdle, that everything that preceded that moment would be a cake walk.

Yeah right!

The car stops and brings me back to the here and now. This is the moment of truth I think to myself as we slowly approach Christian's home. This is where he grew up and in a few moments I will be meeting his entire family. Oh dear God please help get through this.

"Ana, you've been quiet the entire time and I've allowed you to get lost in your thoughts but please baby, relax. They are going to love you."

I would feel much better if Christian said, "They're going to love you as much as I do."

So far he's been silent regarding the "L" word but, he is taking me to meet his family so I know he cares for me deeply.

I'm starting to hate those words, "I care for you deeply." Just say you love me dammit! I'm such a hypocrite. I know I love Christian and I haven't said it either!

Gah! Now's not the time to think about these sorts of things. Focus Steele, we're here! Oh shit!

Christian opens the door for me and we head up towards the walkway. I see a very beautiful woman who I assume is Dr Grey and standing next to her must be her husband. They make a stunning couple. I can't help but think about my parents and God parents. I would be with them during the Thanksgiving Holiday celebrating with them and with Noah.

I'm lost in my thoughts and before you know it, I'm standing right in front of them. Please God, help me.

"Mother, father." Christian says as he kisses his mother's cheek and shakes his father's hand. Geez, he's so formal. I would like for you to meet my girlfriend Anastasia Steele. Anastasia, these are my parents, Dr. Grey and Carrick Grey."

I extend my hand and say, "Dr. Grey, Mr. Grey. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Mr. Grey smiles at me while Dr. Grey is beaming.

"Oh it's so nice you meet you Anastasia." Dr Grey says as she smiles at Christian.

"Yes Anastasia, it really is." Mr. Grey chimes in.

"Please call me Ana." I say as I smile and they lead me in. I notice Dr. Grey smiling at me as she sees that Christian is holding my hand, he gives me a reassuring squeeze as we enter the family room.

The house is very warm and you can smell the turkey cooking. I'm very hungry and I cannot wait to dig in. I hope I don't spill or make a fool of myself.

"Ana, please call me Grace and this is Carrick. No formalities dear."

I look to Christian, he smiles and whispers in my ear, "I told you they would love you."

I see two people who I assume are Elliot and Mia. Mia jumps up and barrels towards us, full throttle.

"Oh dear God, I better brace myself. Here comes Hurricane Mia." Christian mutters under his breath.

"Christian! Oh my God, Christian! You're here and you've really brought a girl with you! Oh my God!"

Poor Christian, I can see him tensing up as she prepares to attack him with hugs and then...

BAM!

I feel Mia's arms around me, she's squeezing me so hard.

"Mia, take it easy. She just walked in the door for fuck's sake! You're going to scare her off dammit!"

"Christian! Language!" Dr. Grey exclaims.

"Oh chill out big brother. If you haven't scared her off, there's no chance that I will Mr. Grumpy!"

Oh, she may come on strong but I like her already.

"Mia, you can let her go now." Christian grumbles.

"Ok, fine. Hi, I'm Mia and I suppose you are Anastasia right? We've heard very little about you. Getting information from Christian is nearly impossible so please be patient with me. I want to know everything about you. How you met, what your first date was like? You know, all the details that my brother refuses to share."

I turn a bright shade of red. I cannot share any details of our first date. We made love and fucked on our first date! Oh dear Lord, this is going to be an interesting Thanksgiving.

I see a good-looking blonde guy and I can only guess that this is Elliot.

"Hi Anastasia, I'm Elliot. Christian's older and much better looking big brother." He says with a bright beautiful smile, his eyes are alight with humor. I like Elliot.

"It's very nice to meet both of you but please call me Ana." I say just above a whisper.

Good God Steele, speak up!

"Cool!" Elliot says and takes my hand. "Come sit next to me Ana and tell me, do you have any friends that look as hot as you?"

"Elliot, take your paws off of my girlfriend and calm down." Christian growls.

"Easy bro, I'm just trying to be friendly." He says as he laughs and raises his hands in defeat.

"Whatever." Christian says as he takes my hand and has me sit next to him on the long "L" shaped sofa.

Christian wraps his arms around my waist and I feel all their eyes upon us. I feel so uncomfortable and I try to think of something to say but nothing comes out.

"Ya know Ana, some people thought Christian was gay." Mia says as she giggles.

"Mia!" Grace shouts.

"Oh dear God." Christian mumbles.

"Dude! I always knew you had it in you. You just needed the right person to get you worked up!"

"Elliot!" Carrick exclaims in frustration.

I turn red again, Christian lowers his head and smiles at me. He whispers in my ear, "Yup, this is my family."

A few hours later we are sitting in the family room stuff to the gills from the wonderful turkey dinner that Grace and Mia prepared. They have hired help but Grace enjoys cooking when she has the time and Mia enjoys whipping up and making creative desserts.

I find that I am very relaxed with Christian's family and I really enjoy their company. As the it gets later into the evening, everyone prepares to retire.

Christian and I had discussed the fact that I did not think it was appropriate for us to share a room. They have plenty of guest bed rooms but Mia insisted that I sleep in her room.

Christian walks me upstairs and guides me inside his room. It's very simple, blue walls, a huge bed, lots of posters, a desk with a lap top and something else...a very huge closet. I try to take a peek but he stops me. Nothing in there but clothes and a mess.

He takes my hand and shows me where I will be sleeping. Mia's bedroom is more like a mini-palace! It's huge with an extra bed, she has a vanity table and mirror, a huge walk in closet with more clothes and shoes that I have ever seen in a life time.

"Mia is into fashion." Christian mumbles.

"So I see." I say overwhelmed at the glitz.

"Christian!" Mia sashays in her bedroom. "Go on now, Ana belongs to me now. We're going to bond so hit the road big brother."

"Fine!" Christian groans. He approaches me, cups my chin and gives me a chaste kiss on my nose. "Sleep well baby. I'll see you in the morning."

"Thanks Christian, I will. You sleep well too."

Christian walks out but before he closes the door he says, "Hey Mia, don't talk her ear off and Ana, don't believe anything she tells you."

"Hit the road Christian!" Mia shouts as she throws a "Hello Kitty" pillow at him.

Mia is my age so we bonded immediately. She fills me in on her life and her many adventures, she's looking forward to graduating from high school, she has no idea what she wants to do but she thinks she might want to dabble in making pastries. She sort of all over the place but I can tell that she is sincere and she has a big heart. She's very loyal and I can tell that she is very protective of her family.

"Ana, please forgive me for my boldness but I have to ask you something." She says as she plops herself on my bed.

Oh shit. Here we go.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Has Christian said it yet? You know? That he loves you?"

Shit!

"I'm sorry to pry it's just...look, I know I'm the little sister but I really don't want to see Christian hurt. He's never brought a girl home before and he's never dated. He's done...other things."

"Other things?" I say curiously.

"He's had some challenges in his life, surely you know that." Mia whispers.

"Yes, he's told me about his...birthmother and I've seen the scars."

"Ok, well. I'm glad he's being open with you. I just don't want him hurt Ana." She says as tears well up in her eyes.

"Mia, I'm not going to hurt him, I love him." I say quietly as I grasp her hand.

Mia sits up and hugs me hard!

"I knew it! I knew you that you loved him from the moment I saw you with him! I'm so happy!"

I manage a small smile.

"Ana? What's wrong? Don't tell me he hasn't told you yet? He has hasn't he?"

Now it's my turn to try to hold in the tears.

"Ana, listen to me." Mia says as she squeezes my hand. "My brother loves you. It's written all over his face, he loves you so much."

"Do you really think so?" I ask hoping that she is right. I need for him to love me because I do love him so.

"Ana, I have never seen my brother like this before...ever! He loves you Ana! He's just..." Mia stops short with a pained look on her face.

"Just what Mia? Please tell me."

"Well, you know. He's been hurt and if he opens himself up to you and you hurt him..."

"Oh Mia, I love him so much, I see the pain in his eyes. The pain is so deep, I can see it's buried in his soul. I want to help Mia, I really do." I say meaning every single word.

"I know you do Ana, I can see it in your eyes and I can see the way you look at him and when you are together, I can see that you're both in love. Let's get some sleep, you have an early day tomorrow and I don't want to keep you up."

Mia turns off her lamp and much to my surprise, she stays in my bed and we fall asleep together.

"No, no, please...stop shouting."

"Ana, wake up. It's ok, it's Christian. He's having one his..."

"Nightmares?" I ask.

"More like night terrors." Mia says quietly. "It's ok, it will pass."

I'm in shock, his screams are horrifying and Mia just sits here on the bed with me.

"Mia, aren't you going to do anything?" I ask as I grab my robe.

"No and neither are you Ana, you need to listen to me." She says as she grabs my wrist.

"I can't hear this Mia, it's awful. We need to help..."

I hear crashing sounds and then it's over.

"There, see. It's over now. Let's go back to sleep." She says as she lies down.

I lay down in the dark thinking about those horrible screams and crashing noises. Oh dear God, what have I gotten myself into?

A/N

So there it is, Noah and Christian have made their peace, more or less. Ana has met The Grey Family and now Ana hears Christian's night terrors and they have freaked her out big time.

Thanks for reading and reviewing,

Rosie :D