Ana
"Ana, baby, wake up," Christian whispers in my ear.
I groan and start to shiver when I open my eyes immediately. It's still dark out, but I see a hint of dawn in the distance. It has stopped snowing, and all I see is a thin layer of snow on the ground with puddles of water throughout the alley.
We are still leaning on the hard brick wall. I frown when I see a thick green blanket covering my body. I see that Christian has one as well. He frowns and places the blanket on the ground and sits up and stretches his arms above his head.
I turn my head and see the kids huddled under the same colored blanket still fast asleep.
"Christian?"
"Yeah?" he groans as he stretches.
"Where did we get these?" I frown down at the blanket.
He shakes his head. "I have no idea. Just woke up and saw them. We need to get going," His voice is still heavy with sleep.
I nod and yawn. I take off the blanket and remember my phone call last night. I peek up at Christian, and he is distracted by a few people walking past the alley.
I take this time to pick up my phone and see if Grace has called me yet. I curse under my breath when I see the phone is dead. I remember giving Grace a message to tell her that we need help and to give me a callback. I had just enough time to text Priscilla to also give me a call back before my phone's battery went dead.
"Lola, Liam. Wake up," I gently shake the kids.
They both open their eyes and shiver when I take off the blanket and gently pick up a groggy Lola. Liam stands up and rubs his eyes with his glove-covered hand.
"Ana, don't pick her up. I don't want you to hurt yourself," Christian scolds me.
I roll my eyes and place her head on my shoulder. "Christian, she is cold, and she just woke up. Plus, she is not that heavy."
He sighs and nods his head. He picks up our bags off the ground. I walk over to him and immediately yelp when I see a figure sneak up on Christian's back.
Christian jumps back and the bags go flying to the ground when he blocks us with his arms.
"Who's there?" he hisses.
"Boo," A familiar deep voice says.
My eyes widen, and I place Lola on the ground, and she automatically snuggles next to her brother. I move around Christian and see Jason standing there with a small smirk.
"Jason?"
I squeal and launch myself at him. I hug him hard, and he awkwardly pats my back.
"What are you doing here?" I say after I release him.
He clears his throat before saying, "I sometimes stay around here."
I nod and smile. Christian comes up and puts his arm around my shoulder. "Good to see you, man," Christian says while shaking his hand.
Jason nods and turns around and starts picking up the blankets.
I frown. "Are those yours?"
"Yes," he nods and folds them up neatly and places them in the grocery cart beside him.
"I didn't want you guys to get cold. What were you doing here anyways? I thought you guys had an apartment now?" he asks while folding the last blanket.
Christian sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "It's a long story."
Jason cocks his eyebrow at him before nodding his head. "Let's get out of here," he says.
He pushes the cart full of cans and walks forwards without a backward glance.
Christian ushers us forward, and I tell the kids to follow us.
"Let's go sit down somewhere for a while and try to charge our phones," Christian says as he takes his phone out of his pocket and sighs when he sees the black screen.
"I'm fine. I need to get going. See you guys around," Jason says while he pushes the cart in the opposite direction.
"Wait! You don't want to come with us?" I frown.
He shakes his head, "I have stuff to do," he says without looking at us.
"Please, Jason. Come with us," I beg.
We haven't seen Jason since we moved into our apartment. I would really like to catch up with him and talk. Plus, I want to tell him that we are having a boy.
"Like what? Collect more cans?" Christian chuckles.
He glares at Christian. Christian raises his hands and chuckles. I smile, and Jason shakes his head.
Jason clears his throat and fixes the scarf that he has around his neck.
"There is a McDonalds not far from here," Jason grumbles and turns the cart around and breezes past us.
Christian continues to chuckle, and I jab him in the side with my elbow. He smirks down at me, and we follow behind him.
We get to the nearest McDonalds ten minutes later. It's getting lighter outside, so the streets are starting to fill up with people.
Jason leaves the cart beside the door, and we all walk inside. The kid's eyes light up when they see the food. I feel like crap because I know we won't be able to get them anything to eat right now because Christian's wallet was stolen yesterday.
We all sit down at a booth at the back. They have some cartoons on one of the TV's, so the kids get settled on the booth as the TV distracts them.
Christian takes out his phone charger and plugs it into the wall next to the booth. I do the same to mine, and it takes a few minutes for the phone to power on.
I look up at Christian nervously when I see a few text messages from Grace, and a voice message. I also have fifteen missed calls from Grace and Carrick.
"Elliot got my message. He left a voicemail to give him a callback," Christian sighs and calls him back.
Jason pays us no attention. He keeps his eyes forward and scans the room.
I hear Elliot's raised voice coming from Christian's phone making him cringe.
"It's a long story, man. Can you come get us?" Christian sighs and rubs his eye.
"Yes…We're at the McDonalds' that were close to your old apartment…Yes…Okay," he continues to talk to Elliot.
I take the opportunity to call Grace back. I turn my back to Christian and hurriedly dial her number. I turn my head and see that Christian is still talking to Elliot.
She answers on the first ring. "Ana! Oh, thank God! We have been going out of our minds with worry. What happened? Are you guys alright?" She says in a panic.
"We're okay. We are sitting at the McDonald's on Jefferson Ave. Can you guys come pick us up?" I whisper into the phone.
"Yes, of course, we will. Carrick and I will be there soon," She says in relief and hangs up.
I put my phone down on the table just in time for Christian to finish his conversation with Elliot.
"He will be here in fifteen minutes," he sighs.
I nod my head. Christian kisses my temple and lays his head down on the table.
Christian is going to be pissed off that I called the Grey's, but right now we don't have any other choice. We need help, and I do not want to stay another night on the streets.
I turn my attention to Jason, and we start a conversation while we wait for the Grey's to get here.
Fifteen minutes later, I see a concerned Elliot running into the McDonalds. He hurriedly looks around the room and spots us in the back. He sighs relieved when I wave him over.
He is wearing blue skinny jeans, with a blue button up shirt, a brown jacket and a scarf, a brown beanie and brown boots. My eyes widen when I see Addison running into the front door after him.
She is wearing blue skinny jeans, an oversized white knit sweater, and black ankle boots.
"Oh, you're okay," she gasps and throws her arms around me.
I smile and hug her back. It's so good to see her. We haven't seen any of them since the whole thing went down at Grace and Carrick's house.
"How are you really?" She gazes into my eyes. A worried expression clouds her flawless face.
"Not good," I answer truthfully.
"Don't worry. We are going to get you out of here," she smiles and hugs me again.
I nod against her shoulder.
Addison turns towards the kids and gives me a confused look.
"Don't ask. I will tell you about it later," I put my hand up to stop her from asking.
I don't want to talk about Mia and Ethan right now. All I want to do is get us something to eat and get out of here.
Elliot is having a hushed conversation with Christian. He looks annoyed at what Elliot is telling him.
"Stop being an ass," I hear Elliot say.
Christian rolls his eyes and huffs in irritation.
"Oh," We suddenly hear a loud gasp.
Jason shoots up and is stands stock still at the loud gasp. I walk over to him, and rub his shoulder soothingly. He immediately relaxes.
After that, I see Grace, Carrick, Grayson and Priscilla running over to us. Grace is still dressed impeccable for a weekend. She is wearing blue flared jeans, a white blouse, and a brown cardigan under a thick white coat. Carrick is dressed in a simple white button up shirt, with blue jeans, and brown boots. Priscilla is wearing white jeans, a gray turtleneck sweater, gray suede boots, and a long gray coat. Grayson is dressed in a hunter green turtleneck, blue jeans, black boots and a long black wool coat.
They all look worried.
Christian's eyes widen is shock when he sees them. He grits his teeth and turns to glare at Elliot.
"I told you not to call them," Christian hisses.
"I didn't," Elliot huffs.
"I did," I say to Christian as Grace reaches me.
She throws her arms around me just as tightly as Addison did earlier. "Are you alright?" she whispers into my ear.
"I'm alright now," I chuckle and hug her back tightly.
I am so glad they are here. I know Christian is shooting daggers at me right now, but I don't care. I love him. Lord knows I love that man deeply, but right now, he is making poor choices with our safety, and we need help.
Carrick hugs me as well when Grace finally releases me.
"Hi, sweetie. I am so sorry I missed your call. I'm glad you are okay," Priscilla whispered into my ear.
"It's okay. I'm glad you guys came. I missed you," I try not to cry.
Priscilla has been such a good friend; I am happy they both came. I've sure missed her.
Grayson comes up to me and kisses me on the forehead. I smile and blush slightly when he squeezes my hand. Priscilla winks at me as she hugs his arm.
"Why are you here?" Christian glares at Carrick.
Carrick sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "Ana called and asked for our help. Of, course we would come. Son, I know you are mad at me right now, but we need to sit down and have a conversation finally. You obviously need help, and we want to help. For God sake! Your pregnant girlfriend and two children were sleeping in the alleyway last night! Please, let's talk this out," he begs.
Christian closes his eyes and turns around. He lowers his head and doesn't say anything. I look around and see people questionably looking over at our large group. I turn back and see that he still hasn't moved.
I sigh and walk up to him. I walk in front of him and try to get him to look at me. He finally raises his eyes to mine. He looks desolate.
"Christian, it's time to hear him out. I'm not sorry for calling them. We needed help, and you know it. I'm tired of you running from this. You need to get some closure finally. For our baby, please, just hear him out," I beg as I take his head into my hands.
He groans and nods his head. I smile and kiss him on the lips. "Thank you," I murmur and place my forehead on his.
"I'm sorry. I've been an ass. I don't want you to suffer. I love you, Ana. I'm sorry," he murmurs regretfully against my forehead.
"I love you too, Christian. Let's get out of here," I kiss his nose, and he hesitantly nods.
We both turn around and see our family staring at us in dismay.
Christian sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "Your right. We need to talk."
Carrick and Grace sag in relief. Elliot and Addison beam at us. Grayson gives us a small smile, and Priscilla's smile matches Elliot's.
Lola and Liam are not paying us any attention. They are still watching the TV. I go over to them and get their stuff ready. Grace comes over and helps me get the kids ready.
She leans over and whispers in my ear. "Where are Ethan and Mia?"
I sigh and put Lola's hat on her head. "Gone. I need your help in finding them," I whisper back to her.
Grace sighs and nods her head. She gives me a sympathetic smile and picks up her purse while holding onto Liam's hand.
"Are you ready, Liam?" I say down to him.
"Hunwy," he whines.
"I know baby boy. We are going somewhere to eat, okay?" I say down to him.
He nods his head and takes my other hand.
"Let's go get some breakfast," Grace smiles at all of us.
After a big breakfast, courtesy of Grace and Carrick, we all move towards separate cars. Christian, the kids and I load into Carrick's range rover.
Jason decided to head back to the shelter. I gave him a big hug, and Christian shook his hand before he left. I gave him Grace and Carrick's address so he can come visit us when the baby is born. I have a feeling that we are going to stay with them for now.
After our finally goodbyes to everyone, Carrick drives towards their house. Grace looks around her seat and smiles warmly at us. I smile back at her as Christian holds my hand. I look over at him, and he is staring out at the window impassively. The kids are sitting peacefully in the backseat. Lola is sitting in a car seat that Carrick had installed while we were at breakfast, and Liam is watching the passing scenery from his window.
We arrive at the house, and we all head inside. The house looks the same the last time we were here. Grace and Carrick take our bags and tells their house manager to take them up to the guest rooms.
"Liam, Lola, let's go check out your new bedrooms," Grace kneels at their level and smiles at them sweetly.
They both excitedly nod their heads and Grace laughs. She takes their hands and leads them to the stairs.
"Let's get comfortable, shall we?" Carrick gestures to the sofa.
We all sit down, and Carrick rubs his hands down his jeans nervously.
I squeeze Christian's hand, and he gives me a small smile.
Carrick starts by saying, "I'm sorry, Christian."
Christian sighs and squeezes my hand again before he lets go. "Maybe I overreacted slightly," he grumbles. I smile and rub his back.
"No, you didn't overreact. I can see why you thought that, Son. Grace and I didn't want to treat you like a charity case. All we wanted to do is get to know you and take care of you. We are now aware we went about it the wrong way. I'm sorry. Can you forgive me? Forgive us?" Carrick's voice shakes while he runs his hand down his pants once more.
Christian closes his eyes and looks out of the large window. We sit in silence for a while. I start to fidget when he doesn't say anything for a long while. I glance nervously at Carrick, and he is staring at Christian in dismay.
Christian gets up and starts to pace the floor. I sit up straight and rub my bump in apprehension. Carrick hangs his head when he still doesn't say anything.
I bite my lip and keep my eyes to Christian.
Christian stops pacing and looks over at Carrick impassively. Carrick is still looking down at his lap. What Christian says next shocks me.
"Dad," Christian blurts out.
Carrick's head shoots up and he stares at Christian is disbelief. "Yes?" He says hopefully.
Christian's mouth lifts into a small smile after a beat. Carrick beams at him and gets up off the sofa. He walks over to Christian and pats him on the shoulder. Christian finally smiles a genuine smile at him and does the same to him.
My eyes fill with tears at that moment. I spot Grace looking at her son and her husband with tears in her eyes, and her hand clutched to her mouth.
Grace walks over to them, and Carrick beams at her. I laugh with tears streaming down my face as they pull each other in a three-way hug.
Carrick laughs and tears fall from his eyes. He kisses Christians head and then Graces before closing his eyes in contentment.
I put both my hands on my bump and smile at how everything is falling into place.
Right now, I know that everything will be okay.
AN: Sorry for the delay in updating. Last week my computer's hard drive failed, due to my computer being thrown on the ground (got to love children and their tantrums), I lost everything, including this chapter. So after buying another computer, I had to catch up on homework so I didn't have time to update. I finally had time to finish this chapter today.
This chapter is shorter than my previous ones. Unfortunately new updates on both of my stories are going to be delayed. I had received some news a few weeks back(nothing bad) that is more than likely going to effect my updating. I will try to update as much as I can, but please bare with me since our RL is going to become more hectic as time goes on.
Rest assured, I will finish these two stories hopefully by the summer. If you read my husband's story, more than likely his will be delayed as well.
I know this one was short, and I will miss writing longer chapters, but right now, smaller chapters is all I can manage.
Thank again for the reviews and PM's. Next chapter will probably have a small time jump.
Excited about seeing Darker this week. I hope everyone has the chance to go see and enjoy our lovely Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. :)
Till next time.