APOV

I'm spending my first Christmas with my wonderful boyfriend, Christian Grey, and the entire Grey Family. I'm not sure why, but I'm nervous. I know I shouldn't be; the Greys have always made me feel welcome and like a member of their family.

What could it be that has me so...on edge? Could it be the conversation I had with Noah earlier today? I told Christian that I needed to see Noah, that I wanted to spend some time with him, alone. It didn't go over very well but he finally relented. Only on the condition that he would drop me off and pick me up.

When we got there, they greeted one another briefly.

"Stroke," Noah said, offering his hand.

"Shepherd," Christian replied, shaking his hand.

"Come in, you two," Noah says as he leads the way.

It's odd in that I grew up here and now I feel like a visitor in my own home; it hurts feeling like I don't belong here anymore.

"Ana! Darling Ana, it's so lovely to see you!" Laurel cries out.

"Laurel! Oh Laurel!" I shout as I run into her arms. I feel better now, more at home. I don't feel comfortable around Noah with Christian around; I feel as though I need to guard my feelings for Noah even though the feelings I now have for him are more family-like than anything else.

Laurel and I break from our embrace and I quickly ask, "Where's Uncle Mason?"

"He's out and about, running some last-minute errands," Laurel answers as she looks and smiles at Christian.

"Laurel," I say as I take her hand and lead her to my man. "I'd like you to meet Christian, my boyfriend."

Christian smiles and takes her hand. "It's lovely to meet you, Laurel," Christian says as he gives Laurel that knockout smile of his.

I cannot believe that Laurel is actually blushing! Oh good God, this man and his smile! It's a lethal weapon.

"You too, Christian. That is uh...it's nice to meet you as well."

"Well, I must get going," Christian says reluctantly.

Noah practically knocks me over with his words as he says, "Won't you stay for lunch, Christian? It would be great to catch up on things."

Christian's eyes widen in shock. "I uh...thank you but no. It's not that I don't appreciate the invite but I uh...have some last-minute shopping to do," he says as he beams at me.

I wonder what he's up to?

Christian takes his leave and kisses me possessively, letting Noah know in no uncertain terms, that I am his. He's so silly.

"I'll pick you up later, baby," he whispers in my ear.

"I'll be waiting," I say, and with those words he's gone.

Once I hear the door shut I run into Noah's arms. "Noah! Oh Noah! I've missed you!" I exclaim. "How the heck are you and how's Yale treating you?"

Noah hugs me back. "Oh Ana, I've missed you too. I'm doing good...really good actually," he says with a gleam in his eye. That can only mean one thing. He's got a girl!

"Tell me her name, Noah! I want to know!" I demand as we head towards the family room and plop ourselves on the sofa.

"Ice-cream?" he asks.

"Yes, please," I say and it seems like old times, eating ice cream and watching mindless tv while we have a nice long chat, though he still won't confirm or deny having a girl in his life.

"Look, Ana, I'm glad you're here. Really glad, I've been wanting to talk to you for a while," Noah says as he takes my hand in his.

"What is it, Noah? Are you ok? Oh God, you're not sick are you?" I feel knots in my stomach. I cannot lose Noah. I've lost enough people in my life.

"No, Ana, it's nothing like that. It's you," he says as he squeezes my hand.

"Me? What about me? I'm not sick. I'm fine. Noah, what gives?"

"Ana...Stay...I'm worried about you."

"Worried? Why?" I'm completely shocked. What have I done or said that's caused Noah to worry about me? My grades have slipped a little, but that's only because I've been basking in the sunshine of Christian's love...it's fried my brain.

"Ana, this thing you have with Christian..."

"What thing? What do you mean?" I ask, sounding and feeling very upset. "It's not a thing, he's my boyfriend!"

"I know he's your boyfriend Ana but..."

"But what?! What is it?!"

"Ana, you're so young. We're still kids, you're only seventeen years old for goodness sakes!"

"I know how old I am, Noah, and for the record, you didn't say anything about our ages when you and I were fucking and we were younger!" I regret the words as soon as I say them.

I expect Noah to flinch but he squares his shoulders, stands up, and fires back, "Look Ana, you're right about that, but let's not forget who came on to whom! I'm the one that tried to push you away. I tried to listen to the voice of reason in my head!"

"Well, apparently your little head won that battle, didn't it?!"

"Fuck, Ana! I really didn't want this happen. Can we stop for a moment? I don't want us to speak to each other like this," he says as he sits back down.

"I'm sorry, Noah, I don't know why I'm being so mean. Actually, I do. Why are you saying this? I love Christian and he loves me."

"I know that you love him Ana and I know that he loves you too. I see it. Please believe me when I say that I know you two love each other, it's so fucking intense. Anyone within a mile radius can feel what you two have. The chemistry between you two, the electricity, it's un-fucking-believable...I never stood a chance with Stroke," he says rather dejectedly.

Oh God, I hope he's not still in love with me.

"Noah..." I say as I touch his shoulder.

"Don't, Ana...just don't, I'm trying to think straight here and your touch doesn't help things. I don't want you to think that I'm trying to break you up because of the feelings I have...I mean had for you."

Shit. He is still in love with me...at least I think he is. Oh Noah, my sweet loving Noah.

"Go on."

"Ana, I...just don't want to see you get hurt, that's all. You have your entire life ahead of you. Are you sure he's what you want? How can you be sure when you haven't dated other people?"

I try to remain calm, no need to get worked up once again, "I just know, Noah. I can feel it. He's it for me. He's my..." Shit, I almost said, 'He's my true love' to Noah. I don't want to go on as I see a pained look on his face.

"Just trust me, Noah, I'm fine."

He smiles a sad smile, "Ok Ana, I'll trust you. Just promise me..."

"What, Noah, promise you what?"

"Don't get hurt, Ok? I couldn't stand to see you hurt. My heart couldn't take it."

"I won't get hurt, Noah, I promise."

"Make him promise, too, Ana, make him promise not to hurt you!" Noah demands.

"Hello? Ana, where are you baby? Come back to me,." Christian says as he kisses the back of my neck.

Shit! How long have I been away and lost in my thoughts? I take in the scene before me. I'm sitting on Christian's lap, Mia is ready to open gifts, and I see Elliot making googly eyes with Andrea.

Apparently Andrea's family is in Seattle and she's staying with them over the holidays. How nice for Elliot.

"Sorry, Christian, I was just thinking about today."

"What about today? How did things go with Noah? You've been quiet ever since I picked you up."

"Things are good, Noah's good. There's not much else to say."

How do I tell him that I want him to promise not to hurt me? That Noah insisted on it. Gah! This is so frustrating. I know he won't hurt me, he loves me!

"Fine, I'll let it be...for now," he replies in a curt manner.

Geez, can he read my mind or something?

"Christian, will you excuse me a moment?" I say as I stand.

"What's up, baby?"

"Hey little brother, give Ana some breathing room," Elliot jokes.

"Shut up, Elliot, and mind your own business," Christian shoots back in a playful manner.

"I'm just going to powder my nose, Christian, be right back," I say as I make my leave.

I hear Elliot whispering something to Andrea, something about going to the boathouse. I try to stifle my giggle because I definitely know what they're going to be doing in a bit. Perhaps I can sneak away and check out the show. They're so hot together!

"It's not right, Gracie. What kind of message are we sending to our children by allowing such behavior?"

I hear Carrick in his office and apparently he's speaking to Grace. I know I shouldn't listen but...

"I know, Cary, I know but...have you seen Christian? I mean really seen the way he's been behaving recently? He hugs me, Cary. My baby boy hugs me! He's never done that and I know it has everything to do with Ana and I will not have you ruin this moment!"

"It's wrong, Gracie. It's disrespectful, they can do what they want elsewhere, but in this house, there are certain rules that should be followed. The girl is seventeen for fuck sakes!"

"Cary, please don't do this. I just got my baby boy back and I won't allow you to take him away. If their sleeping in the same room bothers you so much, well then...let me speak to Christian. You need to calm down."

"That's the thing, Grace, they're not being blatant about it, Ana has her own room and Christian has his room but there was one night this week when I saw Christian sneaking out of Ana's room. He was surprised to see me but he didn't even have the decency to look ashamed. It's as though he thinks I should be 'ok' with it. I'm not, Gracie, it's wrong and we shouldn't allow this to go on in our home."

"Cary, I know this is a rather unorthodox approach to things and believe me, if this were Mia, I wouldn't be ok with it but Christian is...different."

I can't listen anymore, I'm too ashamed. I walk back quickly and notice that Mia is gone. Christian is waiting for me; he looks deep in thought but once I enter, he quickly smiles and stands to hug me.

"Hey, my Firecracker."

"Hey yourself," I say as I kiss him.

"I love you, baby, so much," Christian says as he holds me tight. Very tight.

"I love you, too, Christian, but you're hurting me."

"Sorry, I just love you so much and don't want to let you go. Ever."

"Christian, you were lost in your thoughts a moment ago. What were you thinking?"

Christian smiles at me, a huge 'I'm a kid on Christmas and I've been very good' type of smile.

"I was remembering how and when we first met. You were such a firecracker, so full of...pop."

"And you were a pompous ass."

"I still am," he says matter-of-factly.

"Are not."

"Am too."

"Are not."

"Oh yes he is!" Mia says as she glares at him.

"Mia, don't start."

"Why not? You're being such a hypocrite Christian!"

"What?! What are you talking about Mia? What has you so upset?"

"You! Do you think we don't know what's going on between you two, in this house?!" Mia quickly covers her mouth. Immediately regretting her words, but there's no taking back what she said.

"Ana. Oh God, Ana, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this conversation to involve you."

"That's enough from both of you!" Carrick says as I see Grace standing by his side. Judging by the looks on their faces, they must have heard every word.

I want the ground to swallow me up now. I don't know what to say so I do what I do best, run.

"Erm, will you excuse me please?" Not waiting for an answer I leave quickly and head out towards the patio. How humiliating!

I take in the view and wrap my arms around myself. Is this how I'll spend Christmas Eve?

"Mom. Dad? Can you hear me? I sure miss you guys. I wish you were here, I wish I could go home. I think I've done a bad thing. Who am I kidding? I know I've done a bad thing. I've disrespected the Grey home. It was wrong, I know it was, and I feel awful and very ashamed. If I could take it back, I would. I don't know what to do. Maybe this is a sign, maybe Noah was right. Maybe we are too young. Should I end it with Christian?"

I'm talking crazy and I know it. I could never break up with Christian, I love him more than I ever thought possible.

I hear a gasp, I quickly turn to see Grace. She looks sad, terrified actually. Oh no, what have I done?

"Grace. Mrs. Grey, I am so sorry for what I have done. I hope you can forgive me."

"Ana, enough. Nothing has changed, I'm still Grace and please don't apologize."

"But Grace, what I did, Christian and I, it was wrong," I say as I feel the tears falling down my face.

Grace takes a deep breath and she appears to be contemplating something. She takes a deep breath and I hear her whisper to herself, I think, 'Ok, here goes.'

"Ana, please tell me you're not serious about what you just said. Please."

"I don't understand. What are you talking about?" I ask.

"You know, about my son. About...leaving him." Now it's Grace who has tears falling down her face.

"Did you hear me? Did you hear what I said?" I ask in shock.

"I'm sorry, Ana, I didn't mean to eavesdrop...I just...I need to know. Are you going to break up with my son?"

Is this why she looks so sad; is this why she looked terrified a moment ago?

"No. I'm not breaking up with Christian. I love him."

"Oh, thank God!" Grace shouts as I feel her arms wrapped around me, squeezing me hard. So this is where Christian gets his vise grip hug from - it's his mom! How did she reach me so fast? I guess I should feel relieved that she's hugging me and not lecturing me on how I was disrespectful to her and Carrick.

"Grace?" She's still hugging me.

"Yes. dear?"

"Are you ok? I mean, why are you so relieved? I don't understand."

Grace takes another deep breath.

"Ana, Christian has had a difficult start in life. I'm sure he's told you."

"He has," I say.

"Well, under normal circumstances, yes, I would take issue with the fact that you two are...together, in my home, but...since you've come into Christian's life, he's different. Happy. I've never known that side of him. He hugs me, Ana! Do you have any idea how much that means to me?!"

She starts to cry and I feel odd, I don't know what to say, so I just continue to hug her. I'm at a complete loss for words...

"Oh dear. Ana, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put this burden on you."

"It's ok, Grace, please don't apologize and I uh...I'll make sure that I respect your home."

"Nonsense, dear, don't worry about that. I'm just happy that you've made my son so happy."

She continues to hold me tight and then finally breaks our embrace.

"Come, Ana, let's go back inside."

I hesitate - there was so much tension because of Christian's and my behavior in their home. I'm not sure I want to go back inside and face everyone.

Grace must know how I'm feeling because she says, "Don't worry, dear. We've sorted everything out. It's Christmas Eve and we must forget about this little hiccup and celebrate. I will not have you worrying about it. Are we clear?"

What can I do but say, "Yes, we're clear."

"Good, let's go inside and have some fun."

I don't know what happened between the time I left and the time I returned but all seems well and I no longer feel any tension in the room. What could have happened in that short amount of time?

Mia is smiling and Elliot is joking with Carrick. Christian extends his hand, I quickly to go him and whisper in his ear, "What happened?"

"I spoke to my dad and I apologized to Mia; we've worked things out."

I furrow my brow and look at him with doubt.

"It's true, really. Besides, it's Christmas Eve, we shouldn't be having arguments this evening. This is a time for family and presents and being thankful for all that we have right?"

"Um...sure it is. May I ask one thing?"

"Of course, baby."

"Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend Christian?"

Christian belly laughs and his entire family stares at him. What is it?

"Yes," Christian says as he addresses his family, "Aside from smiling, Ana can make me laugh too."

"Well, that's nice to know, big brother, but can we open one gift now? Please?" Mia begs as she jumps up and down.

"Yes, Mia, of course," Carrick says as he walks over to the huge Christmas tree that is elegantly decorated. He takes a gift from under the tree and hands it to Mia. Mia in turn squeals with delight.

Grace, Carrick, and Elliot each open one gift. I'm not sure how comfortable I am giving Christian his gift in the presence of his family so I sit quietly next to him and wait.

Grace looks to us and smiles; that's when Christian stands and grabs a small box from under the Christmas tree. He walks back towards me and gets on his knees...OH! SHIT!

I hear everyone, myself included, gasp. Christian laughs and says, "Relax, everyone, it's not what you think."

I hear Elliot say, "Well thank fuck for that!"

Andrea playfully elbows Elliot on his side.

"Ana, I'm doing this, giving you this gift because I want my family to know how much you mean to me."

Mia and Andrea both squeal, "Oh my gosh! Oh Christian!"

He turns and gives them a pointed look, "May I finish?"

"Sorry, big brother, go ahead," Mia says as she motions for Christian to go on.

"As I was saying, Ana, you mean everything to me and you make me happy. I never in my life thought that I could be happy, then you came into my life and you showed me that all things are possible. I love you, Ana. I hope you like it."

I stare at Christian, he did it again. He made me love him that much more. He constantly takes me to another level of love.

"Ana, here baby. Open it," he says as he hands me the little velvet box. I look around and see everyone smiling at me. I can feel myself blushing. I hate all this attention; what if I don't react the right way? What if I panic? What if...

"Come on, Ana! Open it!" Mia squeals.

Well shit! Here goes nothing!

I flip open the box and I see it. It's beautiful! I take it gingerly in my hands. It's a tiny crystal rosebud. It's gorgeous. I look to Christian, smile, and say, "Christian, it's beautiful! Thank you!" I throw my arms around him.

He pulls back and says, "Open it."

"Open it?" I ask.

"Yeah, open it."

Then I realize that it's a locket. I carefully open the rosebud and see a small picture of Christian and me. He took a picture of us with his cell phone. I'm looking at the camera, smiling, and he's looking at me with love in his eyes, smiling. There's a tiny inscription with a heart; it says, "Always, C"

I don't know why it happens now but again, I think of my mom and dad and start to cry. Really cry, covering my face and sobbing cry.

"Ana, what's wrong. Don't you like it?"

Oh, Christian, my poor Christian. I feel awful because I can't stop the tears but I want him to know that he's not the reason for my sorrow. I try to catch my breath; I want to apologize to everyone.

"Christian, I'm sorry. It's not you," I say as I look around. I feel Grace's hands on my shoulders, she leans into me and whispers in my ear, "Would you like some privacy with Christian, dear?"

"No, please. I need to say something and I'd very much like for you to hear what I have to say and I'd like for you all to see the gift that I got for Christian as well."

"If that's what you want, we'll stay, darling," Grace says.

"I do and I just want to say how happy you all make me. Since I lost my parents I really don't have a solid family foundation with the exception of Noah and trying to navigate my familial relationship with Noah while attempting to maintain my boyfriend relationship with Christian can be a...challenge."

"I bet!" says Mia.

Everyone laughs.

"Having said that, you all have been like family to me and I know that my parents can be at peace knowing that I have you all as my surrogate family. I really do love you all and I want to thank you for opening your hearts and your home to me."

"Ana," Carrick says, "We thank you for coming into our lives and more so for making my son so happy. Merry Christmas."

Whoa, I was not expecting that. Carrick is wonderful and he's been nothing but kind to me but it's usually Grace that speaks for them.

"Erm, thank you, Carrick, and thank you, everyone."

I go to the tree and find my tiny box. I hand it to Christian; he's all smiles, practically bouncing on the sofa. "Christian, this is for you. Merry Christmas."

I feel warm and I swear I can hear my heartbeat. He opens the box and smiles.

"Ana, it's beautiful! Thank you!" Christian says as he kisses me...rather passionately. I break away, embarrassed that we lost ourselves in our kiss. He does that to me, every time.

"What is it little brother? Don't leave us hanging," Elliot exclaims.

Andrea elbows him once again, "Quiet Ell, maybe he doesn't want to share. Not everyone is an exhibitionist like you."

"Yeah, you like me like that, don'tcha baby?" Ell says as he kisses her cheek.

Andrea blushes. I'm so glad I don't corner the market on blushing.

"It's a crystal key," Christian says as he caresses the key.

"A crystal key? I don't get it? What's it for? What does it open?"

"Oh! Is it outside?" Mia squeals as she stands to go outside.

I'm about to speak when Christian puts his index finger to my mouth, instinctively I pucker and I kiss it. Christian smiles and says, "Let me, Ana."

"It's not like that Mia, what Ana has given me is the key...the key to her beautiful and delicate heart." Christian says as his voice cracks and I see it, the love in his eyes mixed with the tears that he's trying his best to control.

"Oh!" Mia squeals, "How cute is that?! You two are so sweet!"

I hear a few drowned out voices but I can only see eyes, the eyes of the man I love. He can speak to me with his eyes. I can only hope that he can read what my eyes are saying to him. I hope he knows how much I love him, how I much I need him, how much I want to be with him...forever.

"What was that you said, baby?" Christian asks as he breaks me from my thoughts.

"Huh? What?" I ask. I realize only then, that I must have said that last word aloud.

"I uh...said...'forever' Christian."

I hear a collective gasp and again Mia breaks the tension. "Oh you two...there's so much sweetness in the room, I'm getting a severe case of tooth decay."

Everyone laughs once more and we enjoy the rest of the evening sipping hot cocoa and apple cider. I guess they Greys aren't fans of egg nog which is fine with me.

I wake up in the middle of the night needing a drink of water. I quietly pad my way downstairs to the kitchen in order to quench my thirst. I hear someone rustling about in the kitchen and then I hear his voice; it's Elliot. He's singing something about a super freak, as he dances around the kitchen.

"Elliot?" I call out as I try to refrain from giggling. He's dancing and gyrating his hips and then I lose it as I see that he's wearing only boxers. Elliot has out done himself once more!

I laugh out loud and I realize that he has ear buds and he can't hear my laughter.

She's a very kinky girl

The kind you don't take home to mother
She will never let your spirits down
Once you get her off the street, ow girl

She likes the boys in the band

She says that I'm her all-time favorite
When I make my move to her room it's the right time
She's never hard to please

He continues to sing and dance while I take in his performance. He spins around and that's when he sees me and takes out his earbuds.

"Hey, Ana, what'd you think? Have I got that 'star quality' that the judges are looking for?" he asks as he gyrates his hips once more, having no shame being seen in his tighty white boxers embellished with "Hello Kitty" on them.

I have no words so I continue to laugh.

"Wow, that bad, huh, Ana? I thought I had a pretty decent voice."

Him faking sorrow only makes me laugh harder as I point to his boxers and I'm doubled over in laughter.

"What?" Elliot asks as he looks down to his boxers. "Don't you like them? Andie gave them to me. She knows I'm a man whore and she thought I'd like to have another kitty, so she bought me these for me. Pretty cool don'tcha think?"

"Uh...yeah Elliot. They're erm...adorable," I say as I catch my breath.

"What the fuck is going on in here!?" Christian shouts as he enters the kitchen.

Shit, last time Elliot and I were together things went from bad to worse in less than a second. Elliot and I both freeze and hope for the best.

Christian looks to me and then to Elliot, he looks at his state of dress or undress, rather, and then it happens...

Christian is laughing, howling to be exact. Thank goodness for that.

"What?!" Elliot asks once more.

"Elliot, what the fuck are you wearing?" he says in between his laughter.

"They're called boxers for fucks sakes. What's the big deal?"

"What's up with the cat wearing the red bow?" Christian asks.

"Andrea said that this is the only other pussy that's allowed near my junk, I think it was a lovely gesture," Elliot says and this time we all break out in laughter.

***One Week Later***

CPOV

My life couldn't be any better than it is at this moment. I'm ringing in the new year with my girl and I am fucking happy. We are in love and everything that I want and need is here.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one...

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" my family shouts as we all ring in the new year together. I'm oblivious to all that surround us, it's just me and my Firecracker.

Ana and I kiss one another as we celebrate a new year with new beginnings for us.

"Happy New Year, Christian," Ana says as we embrace one another and take in the fireworks display from my parents' patio deck.

"Happy New Year, Ana, I love you...always," I say as we kiss once more, renewing our love.

A new year gives you a chance to start over, to make things right, to wipe the slate clean. That's what I intend to do with my Firecracker. I want to start a new life with her, to make her mine in every way. We're young, we still have so much ahead of us, and I know for a fact that she will always be in my heart and in my soul.

A/N

I had intended for this to be the final chapter of BOOK II but this is NOT where I wanted my story to end soooooooo...I have one more chapter left before BOOK II is complete. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Rosie :D