AN: Thank-you thank-you thank-you. I am blown away with the support for my little story, highly appreciate EVERY SINGLE review, favourite, follows and the PMs.

Only one chapter to go, I will post just before I go to sleep tonight, as Santa arrives.

BETA: Halo140 and pusher Stargazer93

CHAPTER EIGHT

"HI, CHRI—" I almost blurted out his name after desiring to hear his voice. It's been common practice now, I work and end my day before bed speaking to him.

"Annie?" an exhausted voice said.

Oh my, it's Momma.

Shit, shit, shit.

"Why haven't you called? We've barely spoken since you've returned from your author adventure to Australia."

"Mom," I drawled her name trying to hide the disappointment in her voice. "Forgive me, I've been meaning to call but with it being so close to the holidays, work has been exhausting." which wasn't a lie. I had been feeling a little lack of luster these last few days.

"You're still coming for Christmas? I need my baby girl home." she pleaded. "Now, I'm writing my grocery list and I know how you love my cranberry stuffing so should I be making it for three?"

It was feeble of me to hesitate, I needed a breather. For goodness sakes she was bribing me with turkey stuffing. The memories of my childhood filled my nose, and the thought of stuffing sounds delicious. I have already skipped Thanksgiving, my conscience hasn't been the same. So how could I leave my parents high and dry for a second holiday, it would be nonsensical.

"Yes of course Momma." my shoulders sagged, as my heart ached to be somewhere else. The irony was my bank balance refused to agree with the scheme.

"Now tell me, this isn't like you not calling, answering your cell and calls going direct voicemail? " she scolds.

How do you explain to your own mother, the very woman who was in labor for over 24 hours, that you want to be with someone who lives on the other side of the globe?

"Well, for starters I've been away from my desk, the events have been piling up, I'm swamped Mom." She didn't need to know that I'm wrapping up my stories, and nestled under my desk packing boxes are waiting for my departure from Seattle Daily.

"Anastasia! Do not be dishonest with me, tell your Momma what's happening." she hammered me, calling out my lies. "You know your father and I are dying to hear the details about this mysterious author. I don't want the cliff notes for the hundredth time, I want the story, you are a reporter dear." Not for much longer.

My stomach twisted into a huge knot, "Mom, you haven't shared our conversations about Christian's identity?"

"Oh for goodness sake, how could this possibly be a secret?"

"Mom," I scold, irritated not following the strict anonymity I requested, "This is very important. He's very important, Christian has trusted me, so do not repeat this to anyone... that includes old Mrs Neige who you always gossip with."

"But yesterday we were only—"

"I'm serious Mom."

"If that's what you want sweetie, but once the article is—"

"There is no article Mom. Period!" I blared to her into the speaker.

If I want to be successful, I need to follow my passion of underlying love, not a weekly pay-check. It's obvious my devotion to words has developed into the very being of a mysterious author.

It can work. I will ensure it does, no matter the sacrifice.

"But, I thought, when you said—"

"I know but I've come to know Christian and want to respect his privacy." my voice softened as my mind traveled back to the moment when he made love to me under the stars.

"Ana?" Momma said. "You better tell me what happened, between you and this storyteller. And don't think you can hide a thing from me, the ending of your sentences are jumping an octave. Clearly, there's something going on here."

"What!" it was no use, my voice leaped further than what she suggested.

I swear my mother had a sixth sense. Since childhood, I was unable to hide anything from her. Now as an adult it seems like a curse. Does she want to hear her only daughter express all her mushy feelings for a man she only spent two days with?

Fuck it.

"I'm in love with him," I revealed.

"Who dear?"

Oh God does she always need to be this obtuse!

"Christian. Christian Grey. The God damn author!" I asserted. Caring was minimal if she was going to ridicule me, so repeated his name again. "Christian Trevelyan-Grey." It was exceptional to express it out loud.

"Ana you were only in Australia for a few days, two at most."

"I realize it sounds outrageous, but I'm not stupid Mom, this is real."

"Now honey. Don't work yourself up, remember what happened in college?"

Oh, how could I forget, the curve of Kate's ass is engraved in my memory.

"Sweetie, love does strange things. It's usually the best things in your life which happen unexpectedly and these adventures of love are free from expectations."

Hearing her revelation, I fell onto my sofa, a hand resting on my thumping chest. All I can do is wonder if this was the same for Christian. Love.

"Momma, you've taken the words straight from my heart. I thought he was an ass." chuckling at my label I've used many times for him. "but deep down he was wanting acceptance, friendship and most importantly, love. Ever since leaving Australia I've ached for him, this strange emotion of love has grown stronger for him. He's forever on my mind in a constant loop, it's like I'm only half a person waiting to become whole again."

"Oh dear," she paused, "The love bug has bitten you."

"Yeah, a huge chunk out of my heart."

"How will I ever tell your father, oh my sweet Annie." her voice was calm with a hint of sympathy.

I rolled onto my stomach laughing, I didn't need to tell her the obvious.

"Ana, I'm sure there is someway to approach the article and maintain the relationship, balance is always crucial in any relationship."

"No, the article is redundant." I bluntly replied.

Of course so is my job at Seattle Daily, but my mother didn't need to know that. I didn't want to breach his trust, he had given me a test and I didn't want to push it further.

"Sweetheart. Your career? Where do you think this relationship is headed?" my mother asked, clearly concerned for me.

"I don't know," shrugging my shoulders, knowing very well she can't see my action, "I don't think Christian does either. For right now, we're taking each day as it comes. Oh, Momma, you will never guess what he sent me. His next manuscript and a crystal snowflake."

I looked over to my window, where it hanged so the sunlight could cast rays of the spectrum throughout my apartment.

"It's always a challenge to win the trust of someone's heart, and he has handed you part of him, I'm speechless, a manuscript. Now I'm sure there's some crazy significance behind the snowflake."

"Yes." I laughed into the phone.

I thought back to Christian's ceiling covered with paper snowflakes and rainbows of light from a single crystal snowflake.

Mom chuckled along with me, "Now Ana. I don't want to burst your bubble, but this relationship is new. You're both in the honeymoon phase, it happens with all relationships, and soon enough reality will hit. I don't want you to set yourself up for heartache. Be smart and safe. I remember the months you struggled after Jose."

Oh, it wasn't just him, it was the hurt I received from my best friend too. I knew this scenario was completely different.

"I will Momma." I agreed, but I couldn't help thinking that love would see us both through whatever the obstacle or issue. I'm absolutely crazy for the man, snowflakes and all.

…..

I WAS DROWNING in my head barely above water as the articles piled up which needed completing. They were monotonous mind-numbing tasks, but none which couldn't be ignored. It was the sound of my cell chirping, which threw that out the window.

CHRISTIAN: Please tell me you're wearing a t-shirt & boxers because that's all I'm picturing now.

ANA: Not sure if SD would approve the casual work dress. I'm rugged up, it's cold. Sleeves and long necklines. This girl needs to stay warm.

CHRISTIAN: Now if you only had stayed, this wouldn't have been an issue.

ANA: Don't remind me. What are you doing?

CHRISTIAN: I do not want to disclose. What about you?

ANA: Really? FBI antics? Well, I'm wrapping up a few loose ends, and singing along to some cheesy Christmas tunes. It's the only thing keeping me sane.

CHRISTIAN: Christmas is still a week out and you're singing?

ANA: Of course! My apartment has the perfect balance of Christmas cheer, my office, well it needed a soundtrack to balance the craziness. Besides, how are my snowflakes holding up?

CHRISTIAN: They traveled well, my apartment in Darwin looks like it's snowing.

ANA: You took them with you?

CHRISTIAN: Of course. They remind me of you.

ANA: Oh such a sweet talker.

CHRISTIAN: I look at them and think of the beautiful night we had together.

ANA: Again, such a sweet talker.

CHRISTIAN: It was an incredible night, every time I look up to the skies, I miss you more.

ANA: Me too.

My cell pinged again as I looked at an image of Christian's apartment, and he was correct it does look like it's snowing.

…..

PLACING MY CELL on my desk, I knew I needed to work but my mind was locked in my outback adventurer. When it started to vibrate something chronic my cheeks burned seeing Christian's name flashing on the screen.

"Hello," I almost giggled like a school girl while hearing his heavy breathing on the other end.

"Hey, it seemed ridiculous texting when I could be listening to your voice," he replies.

"I agree." I run my hand down my skirt wiping away my nerves which had beaded on my palms. "Why are you in Darwin, I thought you liked living out in the desert?"

"Generally I do, but I'm going to be traveling soon and needed to prepare."

Baffled by his statement. Why in the world is he traveling, does he need to go beyond Darwin? Is it an obligation for work or... Pleasure? I'm hoping the latter, with everything crossed implying the possibility of Seattle. But with Christian, he can be cryptic at the best of times, so I brushed it off, commenting no further.

Knowing Lincoln was sharpening her pitchfork for me, I needed to tackle my never-ending pile of assignment no matter how tedious. Trying my best to end the conversation Christian told me he would be out of reach for a couple of days. Unfortunately, this vague message didn't go unnoticed.

"You're quite arcane." frustrated with how secretive he's being, I patiently waited for an answer.

"It's the mystery you love about me."

"And I know, somehow I'll survive," I assured him but deep down I'm already dreading not hearing from him.

"Survival maybe possible for you, but I'm going to suffer." his voice slowed and lowered in pitch.

"Christian," I laughed, heart warmed by his words. "In a way that was sweet."

He snickered softly, "I'm probably trying too hard, but I can't hide my feelings."

"Before you go, I wanted to ask are you heading towards the Northern Hemisphere for Christmas?" I mentioned with the hope he would take the hint and fly for a visit. "I'll be with my parents in Montesano…" biting my lip, I wanted to say more but Christian broke my silence.

"Have you spoken with my mother?"

"Actually no, I only met her the once... anyway Christian what I was trying to ask before, would you-"

Obstructing me again, he asked about his mother, "When you spoke with her did she need anything?"

Her son, but I couldn't say that to him.

"Why the twenty questions... you can tell me anything, is there something bothering you?" I asked.

"I've been reading her message…" his voice was low, concerned, and different from the teasing banter earlier. "Maybe it's time." he went quiet, his muted silence.

"Christian from what I observed she's physically fine, but clearly there was one thing she was missing."

"Ana, please." he voice almost cracked.

Telling lies to protect someone you love, is a darkened path and often it only destroys in the end. José and Kate did this to me years ago as they tried to preserve our lives on how I wanted to see it and it hurt. I couldn't do the same. Christian needs a clear light to hear the truth.

"She needs her son," I said.

There was a significant pause, he breathed into the speaker, but I waited, I wasn't going anywhere.

"That's exactly what I thought." his words were barely audible, "I'm sorry I need to leave, I'll be in touch in a few days."

"One, two, a week?" I began to panic, "Christian, Christmas is next week."

"Exactly." And the line went dead.

He hung up. Not a simple goodbye, nothing. We were back to square one like the first night we met, mute communication.

…..

"AND WHAT'S UP YOUR ASS?" Luke blared for the whole office to hear. He rolled his way to my desk, chewing on a God awful tuna sandwich which wasn't helping my rolling stomach.

"Jesus Luke!" I cursed, slapping my keyboard, "Use your fucking legs!" punching individual keys, while snorting at his bad habit.

"O-kay… let me rephrase that. Taken your meds lately?"

"Luke," I growled at him. I couldn't help myself.

I continued seething, trying my best to finalize this story, knowing my end at Seattle Daily was near. Aggravation was at a bursting limit, Christian hadn't bothered to call in four days and it's Christmas in three. He didn't give me a chance to ask him properly to visit my parents for the festive holiday. Jesus Christ, what's happening in my life?

"Ana," an arm wrapped around my back. "It's ok, breathe."

"Huh?" I sniffed trying to hold back the tears.

Luke's weight was bearable, it was comforting but that tuna sandwich was causing acid burn in the back of my throat.

"Get off me!" trying to push him away, but I had little luck.

"You're not ok. Your fucking crying. I've noticed over the last few days the Ana I know has left the building, where is my bubbly Ana?" Luke pouted, "For starters, have you seen what are on your feet?"

My feet? What has my feet got to do with this? I pulled my chair out and looked down to see my usual three inch-pump or Louboutin. I thought I was going to vomit, it was knee-high Uggs. Since when did I own Uggs? Looking closer I hadn't even realize that I wasn't dressed appropriately either. Grey sweatpants and an oversized knitted sweater. And I'm being told at 3 pm!

"He hasn't called me." The words were out of my mouth, and there's no taking them back, "this is too much, what happens if he's decided he doesn't want to try what we were doing."

"Woah, woah, woah… back up there a second. Don't jump to conclusions, burning him at the stake. Are you even together, it's what been, two, three weeks since you first met?"

"22 days." My head rested on my desk, no need to beat myself, I've been doing it already. It was my calendar which caught my attention thinking of a particular date, trying not to make a larger scene.

"See Ana, it's very early days." he stroked my hair and continued to eat that awful sandwich, "Come out tonight. Suzie is hormonal, just like you but multiplied by a thousand. I need a break, a quick drink…"

"Umm…" I wasn't sure if I should, sleep may be the best option.

A familiar sound ping through my cell.

CHRISTIAN: I'm back.

"It's him isn't it?" Luke asked, attempting to look over my shoulder.

All I did was smile, and I prayed to God thanking him for giving him back to me. I quickly replied.

ANA: I've been worry. Ok losing my mind not knowing. I don't like it when you go mute.

CHRISTIAN: It's good to hear you miss me. ;-)

I punched out a witty replied, and held my thumb over the send button, but deleted it, throwing my cell back on my desk. I needed to get back to work. Even though I was dying to know if he felt the same, while he left me hanging for the last few days, because I've missed him.

"So Ana about tonight?" Luke said.

"Sorry I'll need to pass."

"Fine," he huffed, "I'll ask Reynolds." and he rolled away leaving me alone.

Straightaway, my mind went back to my calendar. If my dates are correct tonight I need to bypass CVS to collect a very important package.

…..

PACKING UP FOR the evening I tucked my phone into my purse, and lifted my coat, as my desk phone rang. I thought for a second to leave it, if it was urgent they would call my cell. When it rang for the fifth time, I couldn't avoid it.

"Anastasia Steele."

"Ana?" The voice was vaguely familiar, she spoke with a soft tone. Without a doubt it was Grace.

"Oh good," she sighed, "It's Grace Trevelyan-Grey, Christian's mother. I understand it's late, but I hadn't heard from you… and so many developments have happened here… and…"

"Grace, slow down you're talking too fast."

And that very moment, I felt horrible that I hadn't gotten in touch with Grace sooner.

"Grace, I'm so sorry I've been meaning to call." I started the conversation with a convenient excuse, lies which came too easy these days, even for my own family.

"You spoke with Christian." Grace said.

"Yes." I couldn't exactly find the correct words to tell this woman that Christian was a confused lost soul, but I stopped myself.

"And you gave him the book."

"Yes." I didn't know how to extend the conversation. "He has a beautiful dog called GT."

"GT." she sounded happy, as her voice chirped.

"Yes, he named her after you Grace. Your initials. Grace Trevelyan. He does love you, in an odd kind of way. At first, when I saw her, I thought GT was a wolf or a beast of sorts but she's buttered up to me quickly." Oh God, I hadn't thought about GT in weeks. I hadn't even asked Christian. Oh, I missed her, and I couldn't help but let my tears fall.

"Grace he's happy and… he gave me a crystal snowflake."

"He did?" her words flooded out quickly, "That gives me hope."

"Hope?"

The line went silent for a moment, "Ana… you both love each other."

"I hope so," I mumbled. I don't know why I hesitated, but after a few slow breaths, I said, "Yes, of course, I do. He stole my heart in that Australian desert and I can only hope he wants mine."

"I'm sure of it." her answer was confident and short.

"Grace, I know this is a strange question to ask, but what are you doing for Christmas?"

…..

AFTER SPEAKING WITH GRACE for close to forty-five minutes she agreed to attend the Steele's traditional Christmas Lunch. I waited for hours but my cell remained silent. During that time I pondered with what was resting in the bag from CVS. It was inevitable and couldn't deny the elephant in the room.

I had amazing sex, every mind-blowing time unprotected. The calendar didn't lie either. My period was a week late.

At twenty-seven this was my first time, what do you do in a situation like this, well other than panic. I didn't want to worry him. The plastic crunched in my shaky hands as I peeled it back, popping off the blue cap, I counted to ten aiming my stream on the stick. Placing it on my bathroom counter I waited for the result to show.